Want a better understanding of your Cat? Ohio State’s Buffington to talk ‘Cat Mastery,’ new book for iPad, with Redditors April 28

Ohio State feline behavior expert Tony Buffington will kick off the release of his new Multi-Touch book for iPad, "Cat Mastery,"with an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) session on the popular entertainment, social networking and news site, Reddit, at 1:30 p.m. on April 28.

Buffington, a D.V.M. and professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at The Ohio State University, has spent the past 30 years studying cats and how their environment effects their health. He is founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative website, which features strategies for keeping indoor-housed cats happy and healthy. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications, 30 book chapters, and three books, and has received numerous national and international awards for his efforts on behalf of understanding cats

“I am thrilled to be able to utilize this technology, making years of research available to help cats and their owners live happy, healthy lives together,” said Buffington. “Enriching your cat’s environment can help prevent many health and behavior problems. I’m looking forward to the AMA and to helping people better understand their feline friends.”

Cat Mastery provides a refreshing look at the Internet’s favorite companion animal, and contains dynamic multimedia activities that include how-to videos, moveable animations, and “Tony’s Tips,” audio clips of Buffington explaining cat behaviors. 

“I chose to create a digital book rather than a standard print book because I was able to make the information contained inside come alive,” Buffington said. “The book is completely interactive and engaging.”

Feline aficionados can also take advantage of a free companion course on iTunes U, developed by Buffington in partnership with Ohio State’s Office of Distance Education and eLearning. The iTunes U course, available via the free iTunes U app, is open to anyone who wants to further apply the information presented in the book to his or her unique situation. 

“I’m excited to help people learn about and understand their cats better,” Buffington said. Twenty participants in the feline-focused AMA will be randomly selected to receive a complementary download of "Cat Mastery," which is available at itunes.com/catmastery.

About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: While we normally do not feature ebooks, I am a former long-time Ohio resident (35 years), who is happy to share this important and interesting information with my readers! I was not compensated for sharing this info.

The Holiday Season is almost over, but there is Still Time to Give to Animals (and Cats) in Need!

I was notified about this charity initiative the other day, and I must say it sounds wonderful. It is also fresh in my mind because the Michigan Humane Society also did the “Twelve days of Catmas” which I found entertaining and emotional, as I hope those cats have now found a home.

Until the end of December, there is charity initiative going on to help the Michigan Humane Society. MOBIBO, a locally created mobile app that sends you deal and discounts (think mobile coupons) in the Southeast Michigan area, has partnered up with the MHS in order to create a donation initiative to their cause, which they are calling “Download to Donate”.

Until December 31^st at midnight, every free download of the MOBIBO mobile app will count as a .25 cent donation to the Michigan Humane Society. There is no limit to how much MOBIBO will donate and you get paid .25 cents to view each discount and deal from MOBIBO. That’s right cat lovers and followers, a free mobile app download will count as a donation to the MHS and you can get paid to use it. What a great idea!

The Michigan Humane Society needs your help in raising donation funds so they can continue to provide their services to animals in need, especially during this cold holiday season. Here are a couple quick facts about the Michigan Humane Society that were given to me:

·         The Michigan Humane Society is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in the state of Michigan.

·         They care for more than 100,000 animals each year through life-saving programs and services, so you know their plate is full this holiday season.

·         The MHS has reached their goal of 100% adoption rate the past two years, each year finding homes for 10,000 animals and reuniting 1,200 people with lost animals.

  

·         They receive no government funding, so it is up to charitable donations (such as this one) that keep them operating and providing their services.

So if you have an extra minute this holiday season, and we know we all do, take a moment and go to your local Android market or iTunes store to download the MOBIBO app. The money they will donate will help provide services such as educating children about respect for animals, staffing workers to operate an animal cruelty hotline, providing emergency rescue services 365 days a year, funding rehabilitation clinics for stray and abused animals, and so much more.

You can find out more information about this initiative by visiting the Michigan Humane Society website and viewing their article on this charity initiative here: http://www.michiganhumane.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=21828#.TvnuhjVDt2A