The CFA Foundation was established on June 22, 1990 by the CFA Board of Directors as a forum to educate the general public about the existence and history of the cat.

THE COLLECTION

* 1918 photo used in newspaper article. * Photo shows cat with a radio, the prize won at the Empire Cat Show, New York * Cat is identified as Red Shadows II of Rose Cottage Red Tabby Persian Male born October 16, 1917. Donated by Karen Lawrence, 2001

NEEDS

The Foundation, like it's counterpart The Dog Museum of America, has as it's mandate "the collection, preservation and exhibition of works of art and literature related to the cat."  Each passing year sees more material destroyed because breeders and their heirs do not consider it as having value or interest.  We welcome the opportunity to make that determination.

What are we looking for? Many of us have collected cat memorabilia over the years. Some valuable, very valuable only to us. Works of art, paintings, sculptures and other cat collectibles (ceramic cats, cats as toys, cats at Christmas and other festivals, wooden, metal, glass cats, and cats in advertising are a few examples) are all needed to build a comprehensive collection of cat artifacts.

In each future issue of Fanc-e-Mews, we will showcase a particular piece from the foundation's collection. If you are interested in contributing to the history of the cat fancy maintained by the CFA Foundation, please email CFA at cfa@cfa.org

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Despite the availability of highly accurate diagnostic tests and preventive vaccines, millions of cats still become infected with FeLV and FIV.

"There has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of how these viruses attack and evade the immune system but less success in preventing new infections."

These persistent viral infections can slowly degrade the immune system, lead to bone marrow failure, and even cause cancer. Prevention can be as simple as identification and segregation of infected cats, yet most cats are never tested even once in their lives. Alarmed by this trend, the American Association of Feline Practitioners is releasing guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and preventing these infections.

The guidelines call for the universal testing of all cats - regardless of their previous testing history - when they are:

• first acquired
• following a high-risk event
• and, whenever cats become sick

"Retroviral infection rates have remained stubbornly elevated for the past two decades," said Dr. Julie Levy, who chaired the international committee of experts that reviewed research findings from around the globe for the latest clues about the viruses. "There has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of how these viruses attack and evade the immune system but less success in preventing new infections."

Each virus affects approximately 1-3% of all cats in the United States, making them among the most common life-threatening diseases in cats. The risk of infection with at least one of the viruses rises steeply in cats with certain maladies, such as 19% of cats with abscesses or bite wounds and 14% of cats with oral inflammation. Interestingly, infection rates among pet cats that roam outdoors are similar to those of free-roaming feral cats.

"Scientists have given us an entire menu of new tests to choose from and novel vaccines have been coming to the market," Levy said. "We are even starting to see medications that are specifically licensed for treatment of infected cats. Still, the best tool we have to fight these infections is to prevent exposure to them in the first place. As our feline patients* primary advocate, we veterinarians must assure that every pet is tested."

Simple inexpensive patient-side tests can be performed in veterinary offices in just a few minutes. These tests allow owners to identify infected cats and to prevent the spread of infection by restricting infected cats from roaming where they may encounter other cats. The AAFP does not recommend euthanasia of cats that prove to be infected. Instead, management guidelines are provided to keep them as healthy as possible.

The AAFP has also provided guidelines for preventing spread of infections in cash-strapped animal shelters.

"This is a transitional time for the animal welfare field as demand grows for life-saving solutions for homeless cats," Levy explained. "The desire to save more homeless cats and to provide a better quality of life for cats in shelters and feral cat neutering programs means program directors have to designate limited resources for the best cost:benefit ratio. We*ve given shelters strategies for stretching their budgets for testing and vaccination for the best impact."

Although much progress has been made refining diagnostic tests and vaccinations, the development of treatments for infected cats has lagged behind. The AAFP is calling on scientists and animal health funding agencies to make a top priority of developing and evaluating antiretroviral treatments for the millions of cats that are already infected.

The AAFP is composed of veterinarians devoted to improving the health and well-being of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and scientific investigation. The 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' Feline Retrovirus Management Guidelines will receive international exposure when they are published in the June issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. They can also be viewed CatVets.com under Practice Guidelines - 2008 Feline Retrovirus Management.

Panel members included:

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVIM, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhD, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
Katrin Hartmann, Dr. med. vet., Dr. habil., Dipl ECVIM-CA, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, Dr. med. vet., Dr. habil., FVH, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Susan Little, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Feline Practice), Winn Feline Foundation, 1805 Atlantic Ave., P.O. Box 1005, Manasquan, NJ 08736-0805
Eliza Sundahl, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Feline Practice), KC Cat Clinic, 7107 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64114
Vicki Thayer, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Feline Practice), Purrfect Practice PC, P.O. Box 550, Lebanon, OR 97355

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The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and Petmate® have teamed up for a record sixth consecutive year to support everyone's favorite pet charity. Petmate supplies free raffle prizes to CFA member clubs and the resulting donations help fund activities year round.

This year, Petmate is providing CFA clubs with generous prize packages including the new Kennel Cab™, Stainless Steel Fresh Flow™ Purifying Pet Fountain, a Pampered Pink Suede Bed and other innovative products that will have pet parents pouncing on raffle tickets.

"This program just keeps getting better and better," said Carol Krzanowski, Managing Editor of the Cat Fanciers' Almanac. "The fact that we're in our sixth year just shows how much the clubs appreciate it."

Petmate's reputation for supplying ingenious and high-quality pet products that make pet parenting more enjoyable is well established among cat parents. Its unique litter maintenance systems, automatic feeders and waterers, portable kennels, shelters, beds and accessories are found in most cat fanciers' homes.

"Our products make the experience of being a pet parent the very best it can be," says Shannon McWilliams, vice president of marketing for Petmate's parent, Doskocil Pet Products. "In addition to solving problems, Petmate products are designed with trend-right styles and colors that complement today's home décor." -More- Petmate Has Pet Parents Pouncing on Raffle Tickets/Page 2 Look for Petmate items on the raffle table at the next CFA show you attend and be sure to buy your raffle tickets. You could be a winner! Petmate® is a company that encourages responsible pet ownership through the marketing of quality pet products that make pet parenting more enjoyable. Call 1-877-PETMATE or visit www.petmate.com for more information.

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The Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. Out of 36 proposals for 2008, our team of outstanding veterinary consultants helped the Foundation select the best projects for funding. We look forward to seeing the results of these projects and being able to share them with the veterinary community as well as cat owners and pedigreed cat breeders.

BREED-FUNDED PROJECTS

#08-015: Molecular evaluation of the feline myosin binding protein C gene in Siberian cats with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Washington State University; $12,988

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart disease in the adult cat. Affected cats are at risk of sudden death, breathing difficulties or development of a blood clot. Increasingly, feline HCM is noted to be inherited, with examples reported in the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, and Siberian cat, among others. Dr. Meurs has previously demonstrated that HCM is associated with a mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll cat. The Siberian cat also has an inherited form of the disease. Given the importance of the myosin binding protein C gene in both Ragdolls and Maine Coon cats with HCM, it is possible that a mutation in this gene, but perhaps in a different region, is associated with the development of HCM in the Siberian. The objective of this study is to evaluate the DNA of this gene in Siberian cats for a causative mutation. [This project is approved with funding from the Ricky Fund and pending funding from Siberian cat breeders.]

#08-014: Molecular evaluation of the feline alpha tropomyosin gene in Norwegian Forest, Sphynx, Siberian, Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Washington State University; $14,242

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart disease in the adult cat. Dr. Meurs has demonstrated that HCM is associated with a mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat. However, in both breeds, a small number of affected cats that develop HCM do not have the known causative mutation for their breed. In human beings, the disease is commonly associated with a mutation in one of several genes that encode for sarcomeric proteins. It is possible that a mutation in the alpha tropomyosin gene is associated with the development of HCM in one or all of these breeds. The objective of this study is to evaluate this gene in both affected and unaffected cats of these breeds for a causative mutation. [This project is approved pending funding from Norwegian Forest Cat, Sphynx, Siberian, Ragdoll, and Maine Coon breeders. This project is also supported by the Ricky Fund.]

BRIA FUND PROJECTS

#08-004: Molecular basis of feline coronavirus pathogenesis and development of FIP in cats
Gary R. Whittaker, PhD; Cornell University; $15,000

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly disease of cats, caused by a virus infection. The virus normally resides in the gut of the cat, but can mutate and so infect the immune system of certain cats. Based on an analysis of the genome sequence of different viruses, it is proposed that key changes in the surface protein of the virus make it more efficient at infecting the cells of the immune system. Dr. Whittaker proposes to perform laboratory-based experiments using gut and immune system cells, to define the differences between the different viruses. Our work will characterize the changes that occur in the virus surface protein and will allow a more detailed understanding of the devastating disease of cats known as FIP, for which there remains no effective treatment.

#08-006: Identification of the cellular receptor for feline coronaviruses
H.F. Egberink, DVM, PhD and P.J.M. Rottier, PhD; Utrecht University; $15,000

Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) are well-known among veterinarians and owners for the devastating and lethal disease they cause: feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). There is presently neither adequate vaccine to prevent nor any therapy to treat this dramatic infection. A tremendous bottleneck that has precluded study of feline coronaviruses has been the lack of a suitable laboratory cell culture system for propagating the viruses and investigating their infection characteristics. Remarkably, all we presently know about FCoV comes from work with some rare hybrid viruses that occasionally arise when feline and canine coronaviruses simultaneously infect a cat or dog. The sole reason for this is that available feline culture cells cannot be infected by the ‘real’ FCoV, because they do not carry on their surface the molecule (‘receptor’) that the virus needs for its entry. The investigators aim to develop the necessary susceptible cells. They will artificially synthesize the viral protein that normally binds to the receptor. Using this protein, they will fish the receptor out from a homogenate of natural target cells, i.e. feline intestinal epithelial cells. The identity of the receptor will then be determined based on its molecular mass properties. This will allow them to obtain the gene encoding the receptor, which they can clone from the target cells. Finally, this gene will be introduced into culture cells in the laboratory, which will thereby become capable of infection by FCoVs. This will open the field for studying these viruses.

#08-036: Blood parameters potentially associated with susceptibility to feline coronavirus in Birman cats
Saverio Paltrinieri, DVM, PhD, DECVCP; University of Milan; $14,780

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoVs are common in feline populations. Many cats are infected but do not develop FIP. Occasionally, the virus acquires the ability to cause a generalized and lethal infection. The immune system of susceptible cats participates in the development of FIP. By contrast, “resistant” cats (those that are infected without showing clinical signs of the disease) mount a protective immune response. Resistant cats shed large amount of FCoVs in their feces that can re-infect susceptible cats, thus predisposing those cats to FIP. The ability to identify resistant or susceptible cats by blood tests would allow the design of breeding strategies to select resistant cats, or to avoid mixing cats with different susceptibilities to the infection, thus preventing mortality due to FIP. This would be particularly important for Birman cats, one of the breeds in which FIP occurs with a high frequency. Several studies suggested that resistant cats have certain changes in their immune response, such as increased lymphocyte subsets, transient increases of proinflammatory molecules (cytokines), or increases of or changes in the inflammatory protein á1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). The opposite changes are detected in cats with FIP. This study will evaluate these parameters in Birman cats, to assess whether they can be used to explain the susceptibility of this breed and/or to identify families or individuals at high risk to develop FIP.

NEW PROJECTS

#08-020: Mirtazapine as an Appetite Stimulant and Anti-nausea Therapy for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Katharine F. Lunn, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM; Colorado State University; $14,992

Chronic kidney disease is common in geriatric cats. Clinical signs include increased drinking and urination, decreased appetite, weight loss and vomiting. Decreased appetite can lead to weight loss, muscle weakness, and poor quality of life. Several studies have documented the value of specially formulated diets in the management of kidney disease. Therefore it is important for these patients to maintain their appetite and food intake. Mirtazapine (Remeron®) was introduced to human medicine as an antidepressant; however it has attracted interest in veterinary medicine because of several desirable side-effects, namely its significant anti-nausea, antivomiting, and appetite stimulating properties. Mirtazapine doses for cats have been adapted from human medicine; however no studies on how the drug is processed in the body of cats have been performed to verify this information. In order to provide accurate dosing recommendations for best effect and to avoid side-effects, it is necessary to investigate how the drug is processed in cats. The expected outcome of this study will be an understanding of the best dose and frequency of administration of mirtazapine to young and old cats, and cats with kidney disease. The study will also document how well the drug works as an appetite stimulant and anti-emetic in cats with kidney disease. The results of these studies will allow veterinarians to improve the quality of life of cats with chronic kidney disease.

#08-027: Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Effects of 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition and Prevalence of Upregulation
Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD; Cornell University; $14,150

Squamous cell carcinoma is often a terminal cancer in cats, with few successful treatment strategies. Recent evidence in humans suggests that some of the new generation anti-inflammatory drugs have the potential to drastically slow growth of tumors. Preliminary evidence shows that blocking a traditional pathway of inflammation, known as the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway, can diminish cancer cell growth. Additionally, this class of drugs may help with pain relief in cats with oral tumors. Unfortunately, it is unknown if this enzyme is over-expressed in all feline squamous cell carcinomas. This study is designed to examine the prevalence of LOX in feline squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, cell culture studies will be used to determine how LOX is involved in tumor survival and progression. These molecular based studies will be done using inhibitors of the LOX pathway and genetic “knock-out” techniques in an established feline oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Further, studying an archive of feline squamous cell carcinoma tumors with special staining that shows LOX expression will be used to determine the prevalence of over-expression of this enzyme. This will determine how effective treatment with inhibitors of this enzyme might potentially be for feline squamous cell carcinoma. Overall, this study will determine whether inhibition of LOX is a viable option for further clinical examination in cats with squamous cell carcinoma.

#08-028: Prostaglandin E2 Biosynthesis in Feline Mammary Cancers
Sakhila K. Banu, MSc, MPhil, PhD; Texas A&M University; $15,000

In cats, mammary cancer accounts for up to 17% of all non-lymphoid tumors with an average age of occurrence at 10 years. Between 80 and 96% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant, and spread to other tissues. Thus, mammary cancer is a devastating disease in cats. Moreover, treatment strategies are very limited because most of the cancer growth pathways in cats are unknown. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a hormone secreted by cancer tissues promotes tumor cell migration, invasion, spread, and blood vessel growth. PGE2 is synthesized through two major enzymes called COX-2 and PGES-1. An increased level of tumor-derived PGE2 and expression of COX-2 and PGES-1 are hall-marks of mammary cancer. Inhibition of COX-2 by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs decreases the incidence of various cancers. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated pathways regulate PGE2 production in metastatic cancers. Therefore, targeting COX-2 and/or PGES-1 to inhibit synthesis of tumor-promoting PGE2 could be a potential target for future cancer therapies. In the present study, specific roles of COX-2/PGES-1 pathways and interactions between EGFR and COX-2/PGES-1 pathways in feline mammary cancers will be determined. This study will determine the role of PGE2 in feline mammary tumors. The critical pathways identified in this research project may lead to new strategies for the treatment and/or prevention of mammary cancers in cats.

#08-030: The in vitro effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
William C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD; The Ohio State University; $15,000

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the third most common tumor in the cat (10% of all tumors) and represents 61% of the tumors in the mouth. Generally, this devastating disease is recognized late in its course and quickly becomes debilitating with survival times of only about 3 months. The location of the tumor combined with the pain it causes prevents the cat from eating, swallowing or grooming. Often feeding tubes are placed and aggressive pain management is required to help maintain basic quality of life and prolong survival. To date, there is no reliable or durable therapy available to treat this disease and, despite efforts, there has been no improvement in quality of life or survival times for these cats. Novel targeted therapies, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, have been shown to inhibit growth and kill human OSCC and various canine cancer cells. As a result, the researcher will investigate the response of feline OSCC cell lines to novel targeted therapies in order to determine whether they could be considered for treatment of OSCC in cats to improve survival.

#08-021: Safety and Bioavailability of Oral L-Arginine Supplementation in Cats with Naturally Occurring Chronic Renal Failure
Macon Miles, DVM; Animal Emergency Referral Center; Torrance, CA; $4,708

The amino acid L-arginine is an essential amino acid for cats. It is converted to the amino acid citrulline in the intestines. Citrulline is then re-converted back to Larginine by the kidneys, the main location of arginine synthesis in cats. L-arginine is a precursor for nitrous oxide (NO) synthesis in the cat kidney. NO is believed to play a crucial role in regulating blood flow through the kidney. Studies have shown that cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure have decreased levels of L-arginine. It is hypothesized that increasing blood levels of arginine will increase NO production in the kidney and have a beneficial effect on feline kidney disease. No studies have been conducted to determine the safety of oral supplementation of L-arginine in cats with chronic renal failure or if oral supplementation can increase arginine blood levels. In this pilot study, 12 cats with kidney disease will be supplemented orally with either Larginine or a placebo over a one month period to determine the safety of supplementation and whether increased blood levels of arginine can be achieved. If safe and effective at increasing blood arginine levels, then larger studies would be warranted to determine if survival and quality of life would be improved in cats with chronic renal failure. [This study has been approved pending further funding. For information on how to donate to this study, please contact us.]

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My shorthair cats are often caught napping curled up in a cat bed -- any cat bed will do -- so they appreciated the opportunity to try out the Oval Deluxe Pet Bed with Microban® by Petmate®.

Once the bed was unpacked and placed on the floor, it didn't take long for them to gather round to inspect it and try it out. The Singapura took an instant liking to the bed and claimed it immediately.

Interestingly, when he left the bed to eat, the longhaired American Curl moved right in and curled up in it! I thought she might perhaps get too warm in the bed and leave quickly, but she napped for several hours.

The bed has a reasonably solid shape to it, which I prefer because it doesn't collapse and end up as flat as a pancake. The cover is washable. It also zips on and off easily, didn't shrink when washed, and still looks like new after multiple washings. The colors have not faded at all.

The claim that the Microban® antimicrobial product protection "prevents the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria" seems to be substantiated. At no time did I notice an odor to the bed, even if there had been several weeks between washings.

CFA's Executive Director, Allene Tartaglia, also tried out a bed with her cats. Allene says, "I like the bed. The material is very soft and the overall look quite attractive. I also like the molded sides versus beds of a pillow variety. My Devon Rex really love their new bed."

Our cats are all giving the new PetMate® bed a resounding recommendation!

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ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Stephanie Piro is an award winning cartoonist, designer and illustrator. She is one of King Features' "Six Chix" team of women cartoonists, and author of "My Cat Loves Me Naked". Her cartoons appear in newspapers, magazines, books and on greeting cards. Her popular cat designs are available on t-shirts and other gift items through her Strip T's Design Company website . E-mail Stephanie for info about using her cartoons or illustrations. See Stephanie's ad in the Fanc-e-Classifieds!

ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Steve Langille, a resident of California, is the creator of a hilarious, single panel cartoon called "STRANGE BREED". Steve's cartoons are published regularly in the Sierra Star and Santa Cruz Mountain Times newspapers and he is doing the cartoons for a new book by Thomas Peacock. To see more of Steve's cartoons, visit his web site at www.strangebreedcartoons.com

ABOUT THE CARTOONIST: Award-winning cartoonist Jerry King is one of the most published, prolific and versatile cartoonists in the world today. His work has appeared in thousands of greeting cards, magazines, Web sites, books, newspapers, newsletters and children's books. His client list includes Disney, American Greetings, The United States Golf Assoc., and many others. Visit Jerry's web site at www.jerryking.com.

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Egyptian Treasures by Betsy Stowe
For almost 2,000 years You were worshipped as a goddess. You were bejeweled and revered, And they erected statues To show their adoration of you. Your lives were celebrated; Your deaths were mourned. You were fertility and maternity, You were their sun and their moon, And you were cherished beyond words.
	They called you Bast. And they, You tell me, Treated you With the respect You deserve.

Betsy Stowe is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer. Betsy is a member of the Cat Writers' Association and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is the author of CALICO TALES AND OTHERS, a collection of her poems and photos of her beloved adopted stray cats, who have lived with her on farm and in town.

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Petmate's New Five-Pound LeBistro Feeder Helps Trim Tubby Tabbies

ARLINGTON, Texas - Petmate's® new five-pound Electronic Portion Control LeBistro® feeder makes mealtime easy for pet parents. The programmable system automatically dispenses pre-set portions of pet food so pet parents can monitor their pet's meals for weight control.

Together, the product's bowl and hopper hold five pounds of dry food, making it ideal for homes with multiple cats. The generous size also means less frequent refills, giving pet parents more quality time with their furry friends.

The five-pound Electronic Portion Control LeBistro dispenses anywhere from one-fourth to two cups of food up to three times each day. It provides pet parents the perfect solution to the daily chore of scooping and measuring food at every feeding.

Dry food of just about any shape and up to three-fourths inch in diameter can be stored in the Electronic Portion Control LeBistro. Its translucent container lets pet parents conveniently monitor the food level at-a-glance.

A special twist-and-lock feature on the lid and bottle help prevent accidental spillage by anxious pets. The bottle opens with a twist of the wrist for trouble-free filling and both the bottle and bowl remove for easy cleaning. Unique finger cut-outs on the bowl and base assist lifting.

Programming the Electronic LeBistro is as simple as setting an alarm clock. A large, easy-to-read display shows the current time, meals programmed, meal size and meals served. The three, large program keys audibly "click" when pushed to aid in setting meal times.

The battery-operated Electronic Portion Control LeBistro is ultra-energy efficient so alkaline batteries last up to six months. A handy low-voltage light indicates when it's time to change them. Pet parents love the fact that meal programming remains even when the batteries drain. What's more, the attractive unit's classic Bleached Linen color coordinates with just about any home décor.

The five-pound Electronic Portion Control LeBistro® is a product of Petmate®, a company that encourages responsible pet ownership through the marketing of quality pet products that make pet parenting more enjoyable.

Call 1-877-PETMATE or visit www.petmate.com for more information.

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Petmate Refreshes Its Fresh Flow Line with Hot New Colors

Pet parents will love the new colors in Petmate's® line of Fresh Flow™ Pet Fountains. The veterinarian-recommended waterers are available in Bleached Linen, Bubblegum and Pomegranate to coordinate with today's trends in home décor.

Both the Deluxe and Stainless Fresh Flow product lines offer new modern colors. Deluxe Fresh Flow has been updated with a classic Bleached Linen motif, while Petmate's Stainless Fresh Flow boasts fresh shades of Bubblegum and Pomegranate.

Regardless of their color preference, pet parents will find a Fresh Flow to fit their home décor.

Petmate's Deluxe Fresh Flow in classic Bleached Linen complements today's kitchens. Offered in medium, large and jumbo, the Bleached Linen Fresh Flow is sized for just about any pet household. Its traditional color appeals to more conventional pet parents.

Fashion-forward pet parents will be drawn to the Stainless Fresh Flow in the radically "retro" Bubblegum and red hot Pomegranate colors. Both new styles feature Petmate's famous stainless steel accents on the front rim and flow ramp to make a bold fashion statement. The trend-right colors are available in a deluxe medium size with a 50-ounce capacity perfect for single-pet households with small dogs and cats.

These new color choices complete the Fresh Flow line so now there's a fountain for every pet parent's style.

As always, these easy-to-refill waterers promote health by encouraging pets to drink more water. These innovative watering devices provide a quiet, continuous flow of purified drinking water, which cascades gently into a dish. An ultra-quiet pump re-circulates the water through Fresh Flow's purifying filter providing a continuous flow of healthy, oxygenated drinking water.

Fresh Flow uses pets' natural, instinctive preference for flowing water to entice them to drink more. Water circulates through a purifying filter that removes any impurities so the device provides a cleaner water source than a conventional bowl - just like running water in nature.

The Fresh Flow products feature a removable water reservoir, replaceable charcoal filter and a flow-control lever to regulate water movement and purifying action. Made from durable ABS plastic with a small, sleek design suited to most kitchens, the unit is easy to clean and refill.

Deluxe Fresh Flow™ and Stainless Fresh Flow™ are products of Petmate®, a company that encourages responsible pet ownership through the marketing of quality pet products that make pet parenting more enjoyable. Call 1-877-PETMATE or visit www.petmate.com for more information.

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ABKA Is Now Pet Care Services Association

ABKA, the premier trade association for the pet services industry, has for more than thirty years been a strong and persistent voice in the advancement of operational standards of excellence and service offerings among professional pet care providers. This tradition will now continue under the Pet Care Services Association name.

Since its start in 1977, ABKA, once known as the American Boarding Kennel Association, has been the voice for boarding kennels throughout the United States and 14 other countries. During the past ten years, however, there has seen a shift in the focus of its membership from facilities that offer an almost exclusive emphasis on boarding kennel services to include those that also feature grooming shops, pet training, and dog daycare services. Recognizing the importance of these additional services to the pet care industry and to pet owners in particular, ABKA’s Board of Directors voted to change the organization’s name to the Pet Care Services Association.

Joseph Lyman, CEO of the Pet Care Services Association noted that "this move was made with thoughtful, careful consideration of both the organization’s member needs, as well as the needs of the pet owning public." Although the majority (95%) of the organization’s members provide boarding services, approximately 77% of member facilities also offer grooming services, 72% offer dog daycare services, and 58% offer retail services. Lyman continued by stating that, "the wide range of services offered by the Pet Care Services Association member facilities is helping shape the future of the association in its need to fully represent all types of pet care facilities and the types of member services it offers."

Although the Pet Care Services Association has a long and well-recognized history, the organization and its members are planning for an even brighter future as they collectively continue to reach out to the pet owning public.

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