 Covered in Cat Hair by Robin OlsonRobin is author of author of Covered in Cat Hair and the Founder of Kitten Associates, the New Breed of Cat Rescue. Robin is also a graphic designer and member of the Cat Writers’ Association. She lives in Connecticut with an unknown number of cats, but judging from her pet food bill, it’s a lot. Covered in Cat Hair is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cause Related Blog. |
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| 1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you? |
| Spencer: He’s the mascot of Covered in Cat Hair-the cat with the crazy look in his eyes! He’s one of my first rescued cats and the one who keeps me on my toes. He taught me how to love a cat with a bratty personality!
Bob Dole: I took Bob in to my home after my mother passed away. He’s my senior citizen-a big, red maine coon. Bob also has FIV+ and he’s taught me how it’s not a problem allowing an immune compromised cat to live with cats who do not have FIV+. Bob’s also had many other health issues which inspired me to learn about feeding a raw diet to my cats. Nick & Nora: 44 pounds of love between the two of them, this brother and sister are big love bugs! I’ve learned how to sit on the loveseat and let them have the sofa. There’s no moving them once they decide to take over a place to hang out. Gracie & Petunia: Mother & daughter I rescued from a high risk situation. High strung, neurotic, but also very lovey dovey kitties. Gracie’s been sick with miliary dermatitis for almost 2 years. I’ve spent a lot of time and money on finding a cure for her. Through her disease, I’ve learned about being patient, about homeopathy for cats, how to treat skin issues and about how diet effect cat’s skin. Hopefully, one day I will learn what will finally help Gracie be better (without using steroids!) Cricket: Our former feral boy. I got him, along with his brother and sister when they were about 6 months old and crazy-feral. It took some time, but the cats turned around. I got a home for his brother and sister and I decided to keep him here. I learned lots of tricks to socialize cats and after that experience, I’ve been able to socialize other cats and offer assistance to other folks faced with the same challenges. Blitzen: My baby! I rescued Blitzen, along with his mama; Cupid and his sisters; Donner, Prancer & Dancer, as well as some other cats; Rudy, Comet, Dasher and Vixen, from a kill shelter in Georgia. They were all very sick for many months, but eventually they all found homes. I’d had them for too long and was so attached that when it came time for Blitzen to find his home, I realized it was with me all along. He is the dearest, sweetest cat you’ll ever meet. Buddy & Bronte: The two feral kitties who live outside. They get good food, fresh water, a warm cat house in winter, and the world to explore. They taught me how to let go of wanting to socialize and find homes for every cat I rescue. |
| 2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start? |
| I started Covered in Cat Hair in 2006. I was trying to design a Holiday card for a rescue group I was with at the time. My cats were bugging me to no end, so instead of killing them, I wrote about my frustrations. It ended up being the first humorous story, of my book project entitled: “Covered in Cat Hair: Mostly True Stories of a Life Spent with Cats.” To support the book and to (in my dreams), find a publisher, I started writing about my life with cats. In time, my blog morphed into writing about fostering kittens for a rescue group. Once I found out about the cats and dogs in dire need of help in the Southern USA, I began to write about plight of those “at risk” cats and kittens, who were all facing certain death. I was able to rescue cats from the south and encouraged others to do the same. I’ve been using my networking skills to drum up support for overcrowded shelters and rescue groups all over the USA and Canada. What started as a short story, has turned into a labor of love and as of last month—the birth of a Non-Profit Organization I’ve named: Kitten Associates. |
| 3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success? |
| It’s pretty simple. Have something interesting to write about that involves the reader. People want to learn something from you, be inspired, be motivated! They really don’t care what you listen to on the radio or want to have the same thing said to them over and over. In some cases, bloggers ask their readers to supply content—send in the funniest photo of your pet or photos of pets wearing outfits, etc. This has been done so well by so many others, that I would suggest that it’s overkill at this point. People love a good story. If you can give that to them, and be “transparent” about what you write-in other words, never ever lie to your readers or manipulate them into believing something untrue—you’ll do well. The only time this it’s okay to lie is if you’re writing humor and it’s obvious you’re pulling their leg. Lastly, write every day and remember to promote your writing via other social networks! |
| 4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why? |
| When I found out that 98% of cats entering one shelter in Georgia were euthanized every month, a fire was lit under me to find a way to make that stop. Most of those animals were perfectly sweet, healthy, good natured cats and dogs. Their death was completely unnecessary. For me, helping encourage spay/neuter laws in the South, is key, along with helping get the word out on cats on death row and getting them rescued before it’s too late. Helping shelters have better tools (great web sites) for communicating their needs, their available animals and for accepting donations will be another way I make this happen. This is part of the Mission Statement for Kitten Associates! |
| 5. What advice do you have for new pet owners? |
| Your cat (or dog) is not a human. When your pet does something that you find “wrong,” please don’t label that animal “bad” or “crazy.” Take the time to understand what that animal just communicated to you in their language. If the cat pees on the carpet, it’s not a bad cat. It could be sick. It could be upset by something happening in the house. It could not like the litter you just bought.
There are lots of resources online to help you with any behavior issue and there are animal behaviorists who will consult with you and help you solve the problem if you’re stuck. I think people expect too much perfection from their pets and aren’t willing to make an effort to help their animals. Instead, many families give up their pets to shelters or rescue groups and let them figure out how to fix the problem. Sadly, those animals, who could have been helped, are euthanized because there is so much overcrowding at shelters, no one animal can be given enough attention and time to help sort out some issues. So, for their sake and for the sake of all the other animals in shelters, enjoy your new pet, but when the day comes that they do something that you don’t care for, make an effort to help get to the bottom of the problem, instead of assume they are out to cause you trouble. |
