shelter

Advice

To the Rescue: Choosing a Shelter Cat

Getting a new pet is an exciting time.

Getting a new pet is an exciting time. . . but choosing one can be very overwhelming! It's hard not to get caught up in the "awwwwww" factor before considering the reality a new pet will bring to your family. The first thing to consider will be the amount of time you have to dedicate to your new pet. It should never be an impulse buy, so here are some quick tips to making educated choices:

  • Adult cat or kitten? While kittens are adorable, adult cats are often calmer and already trained. Check with the staff to see if the kitty is litter trained and spayed or neutered. If you're choosing an adult, it helps to ask about the cat's background as well.
  • How does she look? It's not just about beauty – make sure the cat appears healthy. Look for bright, clear eyes, clean noses and ears, and nice, unmatted fur. Listen to the cat's breathing as well.
  • How is she behaving? I'd recommend selecting a few to look at close up. Consider each cat's behavior towards you (e.g., clawing or relaxed), and towards the other cats (e.g., listless or playful). It is important to see how this kitty's attitude will fit into your lifestyle, especially related to other pets and small children.

More tips of your own? Share them in comments!

Source: Flickr User Christie D. Mallon

Movies

Which February Movie Release Are You Most Excited to See?

It's February now, which means that Valentine's Day is around the corner, and love is in the air.

It's February now, which means that Valentine's Day is around the corner, and love is in the air. Romantic movies aren't the only offerings at the theater this month, though — in addition to Gnomeo & Juliet, Waiting For Forever, and Just Go With It, there are also a few action flicks and some horror. Check out the list and weigh in on the release you're most excited to see!

Movies

Movie Preview: Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in Shelter

Since the success of Shutter Island, I'm definitely in the mood for more chilling mysteries, and Shelter, starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, could possibly be the next quality thriller.

Since the success of Shutter Island, I'm definitely in the mood for more chilling mysteries, and Shelter, starring Julianne Moore and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, could possibly be the next quality thriller.

Moore plays Dr. Clare Jessup, a forensic psychiatrist who denies the existence of Multiple Personality Disorder until she meets Adam, a mysteriously afflicted patient played by Rhys-Meyers. Adam's condition causes Clare to question both her scientific and religious beliefs when his other personalities turn out to all be murder victims. Naturally, the good doctor is running for her life — and then, protecting her daughter's.

I love a good story, even if I'm terrified in the theater, and Shelter looks even more spine-tingly than Shutter Island. Brace yourself for some gruesome images in the trailer, and don't say I didn't warn you.

To see the preview, just read more

Cats

The Scoop: Shocking Reasons Cats Were Dumped in Shelters

I could never ever imagine giving up my four-legged baby and I know that all of you feel the same about your precious pets, which makes this news even more infuriating.

I could never ever imagine giving up my four-legged baby and I know that all of you feel the same about your precious pets, which makes this news even more infuriating. I caught a recent UK Daily Mail story about some shocking reasons cats are being dumped into the local animal shelters.

The RSPCA in West London bares all when trying to find forever homes for the unwanted felines, including listing why the now homeless kitties were brought to them. Reasons for giving up some of these beautiful cats range from having too long of a coat, not matching the owner's new carpet, and not wanting to pay a $10 a day cat sitter fee while they hit the beach for a vacay. I can't imagine how anyone could give up an animal because of these reasons, but apparently some people just don't have a heart. What's more, the number of animals left abandoned in the RSPCA's care rose 23 percent last year to leave 7,347 pets without homes which makes it even more important to extend your love to a shelter animal, but to first make absolutely sure you are ready for the responsibilities of a pet!

Source

Jay Leno

Buzz News Roundup, 2/27

USA Today has a gallery of images from the psychological thriller The Box, starring Cameron Diaz and James Marsden.