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MAY 2024
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
THE CASE FOR CATS So Many Benefits of Feline Best Friends
Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I love animals of all kinds. As for companion animals, I’m a fan of dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, or whatever kind of creature passes through and needs a temporary or permanent home. While there are many studies and stories that extol the virtues of the dog as “man’s best friend,” there is less literature — and less commonly known — about the benefits of keeping a feline friend around the house. My love of cats began at a very early age, as there was an abundance of kitties in the barn where I spent time with my horse. My family’s German shepherd was very anti-cat, but as soon as she was no longer with us, I made fervent wishes (on stars, fountains, dandelions, etc.) for a cat to come along. My wish was granted when a skinny stray tabby showed up at my door. She became my best friend for many years. I can’t imagine what my tumultuous teen years would have been like without her.
may be therapeutic in other ways as well, such as helping with healing and recovery. It’s no surprise, then, that having a cat may help you live a longer life. Kitties are low maintenance. If you tend to work long hours, it may be difficult to have a pup. But a cat is self-feeding, uses that handy-dandy litterbox, and tends to do a lot of snoozing when you’re tied up
One of the friendly farm kitties
on the job. Even taking two or three days away visiting friends or family is manageable; you just put out extra food and maybe an extra litterbox, and they get by just fine. For longer trips, cats usually adjust well to house sitters or neighbors who stop in to help. Cats groom themselves and even entertain themselves. There’s no need for fancy, expensive toys, either. That little plastic ring on the top of a milk jug is a perennial favorite, as is an empty cardboard box of any sort. I once had a cat who entertained herself for hours batting ice cubes around on the kitchen floor! Cats keep pests away. Living in an old farmhouse in the country, I find this quality to be a huge plus. Mice like old farmhouses. So do spiders (yikes!). Poison and pesticides are terrible for the planet and for other creatures farther up the food chain, but cats are natural predators. Feline scent is also a good deterrent. Win, win. If any of these listed benefits of cat-companionship sound appealing to you, please consider letting one of these creatures into your house and your heart. I promise you won’t regret it. There are so, so many cats needing homes. Many organizations work tirelessly to rescue cats and get them adopted. In my town of Mansfield, there are two wonderful nonprofits that have adoptable cats: The Humane Society of Richland County on Park Avenue West and S.T.O.P. (Stop the Overpopulation of Pets) on Lexington Avenue. Either one would be glad to have you stop by to look for your next best friend! – Melanie Fahey
In case there are some of you out there who may not know the benefits of choosing a cat as a companion, let me mention just a few.
Cats are usually pretty “chill.” While your pup might run up to you after work like a preschooler and twirl around demanding attention (“Mom! Mom! You’re home! Let’s go outside and play! Let’s take a walk! Here’s my ball!”), your kitty is more likely to come over and greet you then wait for you to settle in (“Hey, girl. Want to relax on the couch and watch ‘Forensic Files’?”). If your days are hectic enough already and you prefer a laid-back vibe when you get home, a cat may be just the ticket.
Felines are fantastic at relieving stress. They’re fuzzy, soft, and able to be picked up like a stuffed animal. They listen without judgment, they warm your lap better than any heating pad, and they know when to give you space without holding a grudge. Studies have shown that a cat purrs at a frequency that is not only psychologically pleasing to humans but
My best childhood friend
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THE CATS OF RINEHARDT LAW
Biscuit and Waffles
“The Choir”
Lucky Penny
George and his many, many boxes
Biscuit and Waffles
Inigo watching ice skating on TV
Fezzik and Pippin
Jellybean
Attorney Melanie Fahey: Pumpkin, Ginger, Buttercup, and Penny My former stray kitties Pumpkin, Ginger, and Buttercup are very chatty. When they go to their vet appointments, the staff call them “The Choir.” Penny showed up as a very sick and starving kitten. She lucked upon the right house just in time, so we named her (Lucky) Penny. Litigation Assistant Barb Chaffins: Inigo, Fezzik, and Pippin Inigo and Fezzik took over the kitchen cabinet as a cat perch. Pippin is 20 years old and very snuggly. Inigo likes to watch TV and play with springy toys. Fezzik likes to play with fuzzy mice. Case Manager Stephanie Hunt: Biscuit and Waffles We took Biscuit in as a stray we found in our backyard. We adopted Waffles from someone who had to rehome their cats. Biscuit’s and Waffles’ personalities are night and day. Biscuit is not very social, is well-behaved, is calm and lazy, and only likes a couple of people (my husband and me), but is very cuddly with us. Waffles
is crazy. He loves everyone, he jumps places he shouldn’t, he doesn’t listen to a thing, and he keeps us up all night wanting petting.
Their favorite treat is Squeeze Up lickable treats. It’s a tube of wet cat treats. Each morning as I leave for work, they follow me into the kitchen because they know it’s time for their morning treat. I cut the packet in half and give them each a side of the treat at the same time. Biscuit is calm and licks his like a normal cat until it’s gone. Waffles tries to devour the entire thing, plastic wrapping and all, and I have to chase him to the dining room to get it back. Medical Records Specialist Faith Carlisle: George This is George. George loves boxes.
Big boxes. Little boxes. Full boxes. Empty boxes. George doesn’t care. George loves ALL the boxes.
Litigation Assistant Hannah Belmares: Jellybean I adopted Jellybean after he was abandoned in a cardboard box. Jellybean loves lickable treats, filet mignon, and surprise attacking me any chance he gets!
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DIY Cat Toys and Accessories ASIAN CHICKEN RICE BOWL
Creating toys and accessories for your cat can be a fun and fulfilling project. It saves you money and allows you to customize items to your cat’s preferences, ensuring they are safe and enjoyable. Here are some simple DIY ideas that can keep your cat happy and active. Yarn Pom-Pom This classic toy is easy to make and provides hours of fun. Simply wrap yarn around your fingers about 50 times, tie it off in the middle, cut the loops, and fluff it into a ball. The yarn pom-pom is ideal for cats who love to chase and pounce. Cardboard Mouse Utilize old cardboard boxes by cutting out mouse shapes and decorating them. These can be enhanced by adding catnip or crinkly material inside for extra entertainment. Window Perch Cats love watching the world from a comfortable spot. A DIY window perch can be made using a sturdy shelf and some soft fabric. Secure the shelf at a suitable window, cover it with fabric, and fix it in place. Your cat will enjoy basking in the sun and observing outdoor activities.
This recipe is a staple for John and Hillary. It’s quick and easy to make, and it is delicious and colorful. Hillary usually doubles the recipe, so there are plenty of leftovers for lunch or a second dinner. If you double the recipe, cook the meat and vegetables separately and then combine when you add the sauce. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy, give this a try!
INGREDIENTS
Teriyaki Sauce •
Ground Chicken Bowl • 1–2 tbsp olive oil • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 lb ground chicken breast (ground turkey works too!) • 1 cup chopped broccoli • 1 cup shredded carrots • 1 red pepper, diced
1/3 cup soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos 2 tbsp honey (optional; Hillary leaves it out)
•
• • •
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp fresh minced ginger or 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger powder 1 tbsp corn starch or tapioca starch dissolved in 1 tbsp of water
Shelf Ladder If your cat enjoys climbing, create a ladder using
•
wall-mounted shelves at varying heights. Ensure they are securely attached and have
a non-slip surface. This setup encourages exercise and provides a fun space for your cat to explore.
DIRECTIONS
1. Whisk together all of the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water then mix it with the rest of the teriyaki sauce ingredients and set aside. 2. Over medium heat, drizzle the olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. 3. Add ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up into small pieces until halfway cooked, 3–4 minutes. Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrot, and diced red pepper and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft and the meat is cooked through, with no pink remaining. 4. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high until the mixture is bubbling, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer to thicken the sauce. Remove it from the heat to assemble the bowls. 5. Serve over steamed rice.
Interactive Cat Feeder Promote mental stimulation by making an interactive feeder. Cut holes in a small, lidded plastic container and fill it with dry food or treats. Cats will enjoy the challenge of retrieving the treats, which can also help slow down fast eaters. T-shirt Tent Make a cozy hideout using a couple of wire hangers and an old T-shirt. Shape the hangers into a dome, secure them to a base, and pull the T-shirt over as a tent. This simple project provides a perfect retreat for any cat. Safety Tips While creating these toys and accessories, ensure that all materials are safe and non-toxic. Avoid using small parts that could be swallowed, and regularly check the toys for wear and tear to prevent any risks. DIY cat toys and accessories can enhance your cat’s life, providing stimulation and comfort. They also offer a wonderful opportunity to bond with your pet through the creation of unique, personalized items.
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2404 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 Friends With So Many Benefits: Cats Are Great
2 The Cats of Rinehardt Law
3 DIY Cat Toys and Accessories
Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
4 It’s Kitten Season!
It’s Kitten Season!
May is commonly referred to as “kitten season” because it marks the peak of the breeding cycle for cats. During this time, the warmer weather and longer daylight hours trigger the reproductive hormones in female cats, leading to a surge in breeding. This results in a significant increase in the number of kittens born during spring and early summer, and thus, more kittens available for adoption! Cats are seasonal breeders, which means their reproductive cycles are influenced by the seasons. The natural cycle is such that cats are more likely to come into heat as the days start to get longer in the spring. The gestation period for cats is about two months, so the kittens are born when the weather is milder, which historically would have increased their chances of survival. Because of this natural breeding pattern, animal shelters and rescue organizations often see a substantial increase in the number of kittens they need to care for during this time. This influx can strain resources, making spring and early summer a crucial time for fostering and adopting campaigns to help manage the population and ensure that as many kittens as possible find homes. If you would like to consider adopting a furry friend, there are plenty of cats and kittens to choose from at the Richland County Humane Society (AdoptOurStrays.com/adoptables) and at the Columbus Humane Society (ColumbusHumane.org/cats)
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