Frivolous Friday –Very Unique Shelters for Cats

The weather, in some parts of the US is starting to change with the season and our nights are becoming cooler. It’s that time of year when those who work with feral cats scramble to make sure they have shelter from the elements and danger. I stumbled upon this site showing some of the most creative and unique and fun shelters ever.

You might want to buy (or replicate) one of these for your cats. I know our cats would surely love it. In fact, I’ve been wanting to change out the old cat tree we have. I keep looking at them at the various pet stores I visit and I can’t find one that’s as sturdy as our old worn-out one. Maybe it’s time to get creative.

https://www.thepurringtonpost.com/architects-for-animals/

 

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Thoughts for Thursday – Kittens Becoming Cats

 

Everyone loves a baby anything—horned toad, bird, rabbit, lion, buffalo, crocodile—it doesn’t matter. Babies are adorable. But kittens are the cutest thing going. I think it’s kind of fun to see how a kitten matures. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what a kitten will become—whether she will grow into a lanky adult, have luxurious fur and a cobby body, grow into her feet, develop a fluffy tail, have a pretty face, be fat… While some kittens grow up to look exactly the same as their mini-me self, others change a little or a lot over the first year.

Winfield started out white with blue eyes and a black smudge on his head. He grew into a beautiful pure white cat with one bright green and one sparkling blue eye. Lily never lost her cute kitten face as she aged, but her little pointy tail grew to be long and rather luxurious. A calico I had once—Mandy—

Lily

didn’t change her spots as she matured, but her fur grew longer than I expected. And another kitten I knew years ago appeared as if she’d have nice fur, but grew up to have kind of coarse and short fur.

Sometimes you can predict the outcome for a kitten and other times you might be surprised. And this can go for the cat’s disposition and demeanor as well.

I chose Katy, a gorgeous Himalayan, for her relaxed manner. She was four months old when I found her at a pet store and what a friendly little girl she was. However, Katy grew up to be shy. She hid from visitors and was terrified of loud noises. I’ve also had cats who started out to be scaredy cat kittens, but who grew into confident, friendly cats.

I guess it’s a good thing that kittens are so endearing. They worm their way into your heart pretty quickly and when you find out an ugly truth about them, it’s too late. Has that happened to you?

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Wild (and Sometimes Crazy) Wednesday – Ask Your Cat a Question

Have you ever gazed at your cat from across the room or as she sits at your feet and wondered what she’s thinking? If only your precious cat—the one you’re so close to—could communicate so that you can understand what she’s feeling at the moment, what she’s thinking when she stares at you or out the window—why she does some of the things she does…

While National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day isn’t until January 22, I couldn’t find a special day for asking your cat a question. Of course, I can always imagine what Lily and Sophie are saying—“I want to eat;” “Pet me, now;” “Let’s play;” “Move over, I want that chair;” “Nooooooo, I don’t want to take my medicine. No no no;” “Treat, treat. I want a treat;” “Make that big truck out there go away it’s scaring me. I’m scared!”

People put words in a cat’s mouth all the time on the internet. It’s because cats have such interesting expressions and do such interesting things, captions are fun to imagine with cats. They make me laugh.

But seriously, if you had one question you’d ask your cat if you were assured you’d get a true answer, what would it be?

 

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Newsday Tuesday – Less Adoptable Pet Week

Have you ever found yourself caring for a less adoptable pet—one with a deformed leg, an eye missing, blindness or deafness, for example? What about a cat with a nasty disposition or a bad habit. I think most of us, who’ve had cats for any length of time, can raise our hand. I’ve certainly had some kitty cat challenges.

Once the local animal shelter director (a friend of mine) called to tell me about an adult Persian who needed a home. I took her in and she immediately peed on my favorite chair. I called my friend and asked if she knew this cat’s background. Was this a fluke or??? Sadly, after reading why the cat was relinquished, she realized this was the reason. I took her back before I could fall in love with her.

Another time, I rescued a trio of adorable kittens which had found their way into our

woodpile. I eventually found homes for two of them and I’d bonded so closely with the third one that I kept him. By the time I realized his destructive quirk, it was too late to shift gears in my heart. I loved this bad boy cat for all of his 17 years. The day he left this earth we replaced all of the carpeting in our house and brought in a few throw rugs where we were unable to have them before.

And then there’s Lily. She couldn’t help it if she was born with kidney disease. And I wasn’t about to let her down in her time of serious need. Without the care of her veterinarians and their guidance in her home care, that sweet being would have died by now.

Look at Grumpy Cat (rest her soul). She wasn’t the prettiest kitty in the litter. And she wasn’t actually grumpy. According to a recent article, she was born to normal cat parents with what is considered dwarfism. And she was a sweet cat. Her brother, however, with a normal expression on his face, was the grumpy one. Here’s a picture of Pokey, Grumpy Cat’s brother: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/grumpy-cats-brother-revealed-pokey-only-slightly-less-grumpy_n_2065783

So this week being Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet week, consider at the very least supporting one of the shelters and homes where handicapped cats and maybe dogs are accepted and loved. Most of these amazing organizations run on donations.

https://www.milossanctuary.org/

http://www.goldenheartsas.org/

https://www.lovemeow.com/a-dream-place-for-special-needs-rescue-cats-rustic-hollow-cage-free-sa-1608247448.html

https://www.safehavenpet.org/

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Mindful Monday — Should You Tattoo Your Cat?

Thirty years ago this concept would be scoffed at big time. Tattoos on people were even a bit shocking. Only service men and wild women had tattoos—and most of the women hid there’s from view. I was surprised nearly forty-five years ago when I happened to see a small tattoo showing at a pool party on a woman I’d known for a while. She was already fifty at the time. Now…well, now everyone and their sister and mother and grandmother wear less than discrete tattoos.

You see tattoos on your banker, waitress, nurse, minister, and real investment counselor.  Airline attendants, police officers, neighbors, old friends, even your adult grandchildren have tattoos. But did you know that it’s becoming commonplace to tattoo your cat?

Back in the day I knew horses with tattooed ears. This was done to protect a white horse or a horse with white ears from sun damage and possible amputation. I’ve known of white cats that are allowed outside having tattooed ears as well. But there’s a new type of tattoo and a new reason for tattooing cats and it’s a really good idea.

Think about it, have you ever seen a cat with a clipped ear? Veterinarians working with feral cats that are going to be returned to their colony will clip the tip of an ear indicating that the cat has been spayed or neutered. But what about our household pets? Have you ever adopted an adult cat and you have no idea whether she has been spayed? I have. Once, I took a cat in to have her spayed and thankfully her spay scar was fresh enough that it was noticeable and the veterinarian stopped the surgery before starting. For an older cat, however, the scar might have healed so completely that it wouldn’t be noticeable.

So veterinarians are now giving female cats a free tattoo after spaying. It’s okay, it’s below the bikini line—in fact, right along the incision line.

Sure, you know whether or not you had your kitty spayed. But what if you can no longer take care of her and she ends up in a shelter or she gets away from you, is picked up by someone else, wanders too far from home and gets lost? There are many scenarios that occur every day. So if, any of these things were to happen and you aren’t around to inform her new person that she has been spayed, a veterinarian can look into the fur or shave a small section of fur and see whether or not the incision area has been tattooed.

Good idea? I do not have a tattoo and I would not be inclined to get one for my cat. However, I’d appreciate the spay-line tattoo in order to protect her from going under the knife. Wouldn’t you?

 

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Frivolous Friday – The Cat’s Got Talent

What is your cat’s super power? Is he a great jumper or climber? Can she find the best and most unique hiding places? Do her claws grow extra long and thick? Does she have a gorgeous tail, a pretty ruff around her neck, amazing whiskers, or interesting markings?

I saw a picture of a couple of cats the other day with heart-shaped markings. We’ve all seen cats with Hitler or Groucho mustaches. And what about cats that sleep in crazy positions—almost like they’re passed out. That’s a super power I’d like to have—the ability to fall asleep easily.

Lily has pliable ears that sometimes bend backwards when she washes them. Cute. She also has beautiful large eyes. Eye color can be a unique aspect of a cat—like the odd-eye cat or a cat with striking turquoise eyes.

Some cats like to ride on their owner’s shoulders when they take a walk around the neighborhood. Others will walk on a leash or ride in a backpack. Does your cat skateboard? Don’t be so quick to say no. Have you ever offered him the opportunity?

Max (our snowshoe-type cat) used to bat a ball back to me. Yes, we actually played a game similar to ping pong and he was very good at it.

Sophie’s super power is shredding. She could get a job in a corporate office shredding their sensitive materials. Only someone would have to supervise as she doesn’t know the difference between trash, a grocery list, a legal document, or money, for example.

What might be your cat’s claim to fame?

 

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Thoughts for Thursday – Update in the Klepto Cat Mystery Factory

Book 38 of the Klepto Cat Mystery series has completed the formal editing stage and is back in my hands. I’m in the process of digesting and applying the edits and this has been a slower process and a learning process as I used a different editor this time.

My usual editor was going to be unavailable all month, so I contacted a colleague I’ve known for some time and she jumped right on the project. Love her work—I think you will too.

This story takes place partly in the mountains when the Iveys (including Michael’s son, Adam) and their friends, Peter and Rochelle Whitcomb rent a cabin and set out to enjoy a little getaway together. Along on this adventure is Rags (of course) and the Whitcombs’ foster child, ten-year-old Simon. You’re probably already envisioning some of the trouble the two boys might find along the way. And Rags is as entertaining and endearing as ever.

I think you’ll love that I’ve turned this into a Christmas story as it takes place around the holidays and there are some touching (read heartwarming) moments that you’re bound to enjoy.

This is another one of those stories for which I should provide tissues. I call it A Meowy Christmas Blessing. Are you excited yet? I’m excited to bring this one to you. Watch for it sometime in October.

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Wild (and Sometimes Crazy) Wednesday – Cats and Kids

Is your cat a kid magnet? Does she like children? Is she curious when little ones visit? Or does she hide under the bed or under the covers when she hears the pitter patter of little feet?

When Lily was a kitten she loved children. We entertained a grandchild once a week for a couple of years and Lily grew up with her. Lily loved Wednesdays. She wanted to be involved with everything the child did—building block castles, playing under a makeshift tent, coloring, creating with crafts, eating lunch—it didn’t matter. Lily was a part of whatever the child was doing.

She loved children so much as a kitten that when she’d hear the neighborhood kids playing next door, she’d jump up on my desk and sit and watch them for hours. The neighborhood children actually joined us and the grandchild in celebrating Lily’s first birthday.

As Lily got older, however, and had more experiences with children, she became a bit more cautious around them. Most of the time kids move too fast and make too much noise to suit a cat. While the cat may prefer to watch the children at a distance—either from under a piece of furniture or from a high spot that’s out of reach—the children want to touch and examine and hug the cat tightly. So when a child first meets a cat, there should be constant supervision and instruction. Not only is the cat at risk of being hurt by a well-meaning, but rambunctious child, there’s always the chance the cat will use her claws to defend her life and space. While a warning pop or poke by a cat can be a good thing—a nice little scare tactic and teaching opportunity—a cat’s claws can do serious damage to a child’s eye or face. So in some instances, it’s best to allow the cat to hide out away from visiting children at least until the child can take instruction and gain an understanding of cats and how to behave around them.

There’s nothing more charming than a child with his or her beloved cat. Sometimes this relationship comes about quite naturally, but generally it takes time and patience. And it depends on the energy level and demeanor of both the kid and the cat.

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Newsday Tuesday – Record-Breaking Cats

Everyone with a cat believes he or she is the best or most unique in some way. Lily’s claim to fame is her klepto habit—she carries all sorts of things around in her mouth—money, socks, her toys, paper wads… The other day she tried to bring one of my t-shirts to me.

I found a fun and fascinating site showing some of the world’s most unusual cats—the tallest and the shortest for example. But here you’ll also see a two-headed cat, the cat with the longest jump, the oldest cat and others. The most fascinating and beautiful of these ten cats is the one with the dramatic tail. It’s exquisite. Check the cats out here;

https://www.meowingtons.com/blogs/lolcats/10-amazing-record-breaking-felines

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Mindful Monday – Cubbies for Cats

I wrote a recent post suggesting that when you leave your cat alone, consider providing a security blanket to keep her calm and comfortable. I often toss a recently worn, unwashed garment on the bed for Lily and Sophie. When I get home, I can tell it has been used—laid on, pawed, trampled, rolled on and probably very much appreciated.

Last week I read that a cardboard box is also helpful to quell any kitty-cat anxiety while you’re gone for any length of time. Cats do love boxes and cupboards, cabinets, drawers, baskets… Have you ever unintentionally closed your cat in a closet? It’s easy to do because cats enjoy exploring, especially in dark, cozy places behind doors that are usually closed.

This week delight your cats by bringing in a box. Our cats like large boxes, however, some cats will even squeeze into a tiny box just because it’s a box and cats like boxes. I’d love to see pictures of your cat enjoying her box or basket experience. Some cats will even climb into a shoe, baseball cap, helmet, dishwasher, refrigerator, you name it!!!

Be creative and share the results.

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