CAPS: The spy cats reply to Watson

Lily is a three-year-old female border collie/Lab mix who would love a home with no cats but she does love other dogs.

Lily is a three-year-old female border collie/Lab mix who would love a home with no cats but she does love other dogs.

Watson here. Last week I wrote about the gang of spy cats who have been bothering me. I even wrote a guide to what my barking means. Just when I thought things were under control I found a note slipped under the door that said, “Cats are naturally curious. Are you?”

Well, that piqued my curiosity, so I decided to learn more about cats. I always thought cats were nocturnal, but house cats are actually crepuscular, which means they are active at dawn and dusk. If there’s a full moon, look out because the cats will be out doing a moon dance.

Cats are a lot like dogs because they adjust to the daily life of their humans. I think that’s a smart move because you get a nice bed, food and love. I guess we’ve both figured out how to work our way into humans’ hearts and homes.

Another thing we have in common is sleep. Most cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, and older cats will sleep as much as 20. Most of a cat’s sleeping takes place during the daytime. Dogs usually sleep about 14 hours a day, and a large portion of that time is during the night.

Outdoor cats display more nocturnal behaviors because of their natural hunting instincts and nighttime is when their prey is most active. Younger cats tend to stay up at night because they instinctively know this is prime hunting time, but as they get older they adapt to the sleeping patterns of their home.

Cats have superior night time vision but they can’t see in total darkness. Cat’s only need one-sixth of the light that humans do in order to decipher shapes. Their eyes are so cool because the muscles surrounding the iris allow the eye to narrow to a slit in bright light and open fully in dim light for maximum illumination. I wish mine did that.

Well, cats are actually pretty amazing creatures after all! So, spy cats, I just want to let you know I’m curious too. That’s one more thing we have in common.

XOXO Watson

IN NEED OF

Aluminum cans, which we recycle to augment our shelter funds. We are now able to pick up cans from you! If you have cans to pick up, call 775-423-7500.

SHOUT OUT TO

Rema White for collecting cans. A Tail Wag to you!

All of our wonderful volunteers who walk dogs, play with cats, answer phones and keep CAPS vibrant. A Four Paws Salute to you!

Lahontan Valley News for giving us a voice in the community. You’re awesome!

COME SEE US

CAPS will be at Walmart on Aug. 18 with the Kissin’ Booth and a puckered-up pooch. Come by to get your pooch smooch. We have colorful caps and shirts, so be sure to check out the merchandise after you have loved on our pup.

DON’T FORGET

August Pet Holiday: Work Like a Dog Day.

CAPS annual garage sale that will be held Sept. 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside at Oasis Community Church, 1520 S. Maine Street.

You can pre-order your CAPS calendar call 775-423-7500 for details.

Flower Tree Nursery will again be raffling a 20-gallon tree on Sept. 15, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets.

CONTACT CAPS

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likeable.

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me, jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer.

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