This is a picture of "our" Turkey Vulture that comes back every Spring, along with its mate, to have its chicks in the old barn on the front of our property. Turkey vultures could never be called handsome, but as Ohio's second largest species of bird (the bald eagle is our largest) they do have a striking appearance. Their dark feathered bodies are offset by red, nearly-featherless heads, a feature that helps defeat the growth of bacteria picked up while dining on decomposing animal carcasses. Other identifying features include a white, slightly hooked bill and pale, fleshy-white legs. Little known tidbits about turkey vultures:

• Turkey vultures are not buzzards.
• If necessary, turkey vultures will eat vegetables and even pumpkins.
• One of the only bird species to have a well-developed sense of smell.
• They are 25 to 32-inches in length, weigh around 6 pounds and average a 6-foot wingspan.
• Mostly a silent bird, they will occasionally make hissing or grunting sounds.
• They are known to roost communally at night in large groups.

Cats Behaving Badly
By: Dr. Jane Bicks

As a holistic vet, I'm frequently asked, "How can I deal with my cat's bad attitude?" The problem area dubbed "feline aggression" can be complicated, upsetting and potentially hazardous for pet parents. Not only can cat bites and scratches really hurt, they can transmit diseases, too, such as cat scratch fever (yes, it is real). While most cat moms and dads prefer a purring lap-warmer, especially on cold winter nights, some felines need extra help learning how to sheathe their claws.

Unfortunately, feline aggression is not well understood or handled appropriately. An important first step in dealing with this frustrating issue is to understand the behavior. Learning why a cat lashes out can help pet parents deal with the issue patiently and properly.

In this post I'll be covering the five basic types of aggression in cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Sometimes when my cat is laying on my lap, he will bump me in my face with his head. Does this behavior mean anything?

Answer: Great question, a couple of my cats, do this also. When a cat "head bumps" you, it is showing you a sign of affection and acceptance. So for those of you that have a cat that head-bumps you - you are one lucky individual as your cat is totally in love with you and is not afraid to show its affection for you.

Did You Know?

Persians are the most popular breed of cat in North America.

Fifty-six percent of owners own more than one cat. (Humane Society -survey 2009-2010).

Calicos are almost always females. It IS possible to have a male calico, but it is extremely rare. If a male cat is born a calico it is always born sterile. In order for the male cat to be born a calico or tortoiseshell, the male cat must have all or part of both female "X" chromosomes. This unusual sex chromosome combination which is why the male cat would be sterile.

The record for the most kittens born in a litter was 19 (15 live and 4 still born).

A cat has five more vertebrae in its spinal column than a human does, 30 and 25 (respectively).

"Of all God's creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat." ~ Mark Twain

Litter Box

For more information, please visit our website . Review the pages under the Placement tab and if you would like to be considered for one of our Persian kittens, please fill out and submit the on-line Application.

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