The local paper, the Orange County Register, has an annual contest where the humans submit pictures of their Cats, and then they, and any human who wants to, vote on their favorites. ;-D
The contest just began today, and runs a month.
Daddy entered me!
Neither of us know what the prize is for the top 10 vote getters, but it's bound to be something cool. ;-D
Here is my picture, but I think only locals who have submitted a picture can vote. ;-D
Ladies and Gentlecats, and the Humans that love them...
It is with a humble sense of pride that I have the very special honor, and responsibility, to bring to you, today, the 211th edition of The Carnival of the Cats!
Such a special occasion requires something special to celebrate it, soooo...
I brought out the Feline Home Original 2006 White Zinfannip Tea!
These fine folks and their Cats, in California, have been making the finest Nip Tea since 1890! ;-D
I sooo love the smell, and taste of fine, quality, Nip Tea!
For those of you who do not imbibe, Daddy and I have provided plenty of lactose free milk, and plain water. ;-D
What is the Carnival, and how do you join the fun?
When I wrote my announcement post the other day, answering that very question, as I understand it, I had no idea that the King of the CatBloggers would take notice (See #15 below), or that one of those who have participated the longest would praise what I wrote so highly (See #25 below).
I wasn't THAT nervous about doing this until reading those words. ;-D
I've been Daddy's Co-Blogger for over 5 years, thru 2 blogs, I like to express my opinions on Cat News of all types, I've written about how I came into Daddy's life, and I can write poetry, too!
I've written some poems and 2 months ago I issued a challenge to the CatBlogoshere to do the same! ;-D
Nikita's Place is not a blog in the traditional sense since it is actually just the name of a Category of Posts where all my contributions can be read at your leisure, and my name is listed as the author of each entry.
I call it a Blog within the Blog ;-D
For the last few days I've been writing about, and sharing pictures of, birds, dogs, and squirrels Daddy encountered while visiting relatives in Virginia., and spending time in DC earlier this month.
To help me bring you the Carnival I'm going to share with you pictures of the Feline Companions of Daddy's Uncle and Aunt, so let's get this show on the road!
Uncle Paul and Aunt Eileen, are in their mid to late 70's, and since the mid 1970's, when they got married, have cared for Cats they have rescued over the years, and some of those rescue stories are quite harrowing.
They have had as many as 20 Cats in their home, at any given time, some came as kittens, many lived into their teens, and some into their 20's, but only 4 Cats are left now.
1. Chase, of Wantabetravelin, writes about how 2 cats came to be 4, and says "I swear, the next person that brings home a stray, is going to the vets with the cat, and staying there with the cat", in a tale called One too many, again!
2. Dawn, of At Thy Word, writes an interesting piece about teaching an old Cat (Well, ok, ANY Cat!) new tricks, using a Clicker, a growing movement that even has a Yahoo Group.
Psst...don't tell the humans, but we Cats can do a lot of things, including fooling the humans into thinking that they are teaching us to do things by using a clicker. ;-D
3. Susan Daffron, of Logical Expressions, recently did an interview "on why people should consider adopting cats from animal shelters and humane societies." She talked about "concerns people may have", among other things.
4. Jamie McIntosh, over at Suite 101's Organic Gardens Blog, writes about how the humans can "Teach your cats which parts of the garden are off-limits, and enjoy their companionship outdoors."
5. Sue, of This is Cyprus, has a Cat many of us can relate to.
This is a story of how a Cat "trains" its humans. ;-D
6. Dr. Deb writes a blog with a focus on "Psychological Perspectives".
In a recent entry she shares 2 YouTube Cat Videos that will have you, and your humans, laughing, but for entirely different reasons. ;-D
7. Beverly Robertsom, of Murmuring Trees, tells the touching story of her Cat named Winkie.
8. Elisson, of Blog d'Elisson, provides a touching update on how one family Cat is adjusting to the loss of her sister.
9. Ana, of Chica and Pumuckl - Living with funny Cats, writes about Inner peace through cats.
10. Russ, of TacJammer, shares a cute video of the family hedonist. ;-D
Ok, everybody, watch this video and then repeat after me...
I'm a hedonist, and that's Okay!
I love to get my tummy rubbed all the live long daaayyy!!
Pia is a female White Angora, age 7.
Jettie is a 16 year old black domestic medium hari, rescued as a kitten on the grounds of Lanterman State Hospital, in Pomona, CA., where she was initially fed by some of the mentally disabled residents.
11. Ferdinand T. Cat, of The Conservative Cat, shares the thought of one Cat on the subject of screwdrivers.
12. Parker, of Perfectly Parker, shares a perfectly beautiful photo of herself!
13. Abby, of Manx Mnews, writes about how "Momma has been feeding a group of feral cats", and of an encounter with some kittens.
14. Blueberry, of Texas Oasis, shares a cute picture of Henry.
15. Laurence Simon, of This Blog is Full of Crap, shares a cute photo of Nardo and his yellow Mousie
Hello, This is the Mad Macedonian, with a message to all the Felines, and thier Humans eagerly awaiting The Carnival of the Cats.
Nikita is sleeping.;-D
One may wonder why I've not been blogging much since my return from vacation, and the answer is simple.
This month belongs to Nikita, he earned the right to rule the roost, start to finish.
Coming off surviving my 11 day vacation, blogging on 2 blogs while being utterly alone, he faced the challenge of preparing for The Carnival like a trooper!
He kept me awake until 4am, this morning, putting finishing touches on his presentation, before I finally put an end to it, and ordered him to bed!
I told him more submissions would be coming, and that since he was told it was okay to post Monday morning, not to stress over it, and that was that.
When I left for work, 3 hours ago (I'm posting from the break room, before starting my shift!), he was still sound asleep, in his tower, and I don't expect him to awaken until maybe around 11pm PST.
I've left him word of submissions coming in and he will no doubt be working on them when I get home. ;-D
He is very proud of himself for all that he has survived, and accomplished, especially because so many people, and Cats, have been visiting us, and spreading the word about The Carnival, and hopes he will do it proud.
***UPDATE - 920PM PST***
Nikita here!
I'm awake and ready to rumble!
Daddy will be so proud if I get done quicker that we thought, so think happy thoughts, everyone! ;-D
***END UPDATE***
In the first and 2nd posts in this series you saw some of the native birds of Virginia, and met some of the pets of Daddy's Uncle and Aunt.
After visiting his relatives Daddy next spent a few days in the capitol of the United States, Washington DC.
He walked the streets of the "National Zoo", and visted the National Zoo, seeing interesting critters, of both the 2 and 4 legged variety every where he turned.
In this post I'll share with you scenes of some of those animals that have the freedom to roam anywhere they please in the Nation's Capitol, hobknobbing and lobbying government officials, and ordinary citizens alike, from the humbelist resident to the President himself.
One morning Daddy was walking along the shore of the Potomac, in Georgetown, near the Francis Scott Key Bridge, when he saw the first of 2 amazing sights...
Along the walkway, and on the walls on either side of it, were a few dozen birds of several species, loitering about, chewing the fat, and enjoying the view.
A few minutes later this tranquil scene was interrupted by the arrival of a young Asian man bearing three large plastic bags.
Suddenly a scene familiar to those who prowl the halls of power in this town, or watch Press Conferences on TV, ensues.
The birds gather around the man, like lobbyists looking for Government largess, and he starts tossing crumbs of bread, and handfuls of seed among the assembled mob, like the holder of a Press Conference dolling out scraps of information to the hungry media horde.
Daddy said the man told him that he has been doing this every morning for two years., and that the birds sometimes will eat out of his hands.
A few days later Daddy went to the White House to take a tour, but the day before, he just walked around outside its gates.
While there he had a close encounter with, possibly, the First Squirrel and his aides!
This little guy came through the gate, where Daddy was kneeling, right up to his camera, as he was fiddling with something on it, and by the the time he was ready to take more pictures, had taken some steps on the sidewalk, then dashed back onto the grass.
Continue reading "Animals Living the Good Life in Va. and DC 3" »
The weather in the part of Virginia that Daddy's Uncle and Aunt live in is snow country, and when it does not snow, the weather gets windy, and the temperature gets down into the 20's, especially at night.
In the first post in this series you saw some of the native birds in the area, and met three of the family pets.
Uncle Paul and Aunt Eileen have four dogs, and four cats, who live in their mobile home with them, and here I'll introduce you to the dogs.
Here they are, dressed to the 9's!
They wear such outfits almost all the time, due to their ages and the weather.
Poco, is the 8 year old Chihuahua, gray of face, but very playful.
Amber is the perky, and ticklish, 5 year old Poodle.
Rusty is the frisky 10 year old Terrier/Basengi mix.
Going out for walkies, and poopies, during the day, is a great adventure!
Going at night, while still fun, is more a neccessity, though, especially when your butt is freezing in 29 degree temperatures. ;-D
Continue reading "Animals Living the Good Life in Va. and DC 2" »
When Daddy went on vacation to visit his relatives in Virginia, earlier this month, it was not just a reunion with an Uncle, Aunts, and Cousins, but with the Animal Companions of his Uncle Paul and Aunt Eileen, with whom he stayed while on his visit.
While there he encountered some of the critters who live in the wild on their 5 acres of land, as well.
Later, in Washington DC, he encountered other Animals in the wild as well.
In this series I''ll introduce you to all but the Cats.
The Cats will share the spotlight when I post the Carnival of the Cats on Monday morning.
The property you willl glimpse has a man-made lake, made by diverting a stream, into, and out of a section of it, and in the lake can be found big and small-mouth bass, catfish, perch, stripers, crappies, carp, some of which are 3 ft. long!
As the Uncle told Daddy, "Lots of good fishing whenever I want!"
Looking out the living room window one sees a bird feeder.
Among the many critters that stop by throughout the day are a few that may have "issues" of identity. ;-D
On his first morning Daddy saw a male Red Cardinal on the pole, and in the bath a tan Red-beaked female Cardinal, and a Red-headed Woodpecker.
The Sunday Go to Meeting Crowd, the next day, was a varied lot, Daddy said, and this picture has three birds in it.
Love is in the air, come spring time, they say, and besides the Cardinal Couple Daddy saw this pair.
Continue reading "Animals Living the Good Life in Va. and DC" »
7 days had passed since Daddy had went on vacation.
I had settled into a routine: Eating, sleeping, looking out the window, watching TV, listening to the radio, blogging, being a less than friendly host to Daddy's sister when she came by...
Then came Thursday...
The Sister came, I hissed and hid, she did her thing, and left.
Later in the day there was a power outage, and the radio went dead, and I couldn't watch TV, or even blog!
Pacing about the apartment I suddenly noticed a cool draft coming from where it usually doesn't: The area of the front door!
Upon further investigation I discover the door was a jar!
No, no, not literally, that's impossible!
I mean it was slightly open!
She must have forgot to close it tightly when she left!
I so love to stand in the open door, or on the sidewalk outside it, when Daddy is there with me, but this was different, and unsettling.
Should I open it and take just a short stroll on the walkway...you know, just for a minute?
Or should I try to pull the door closed so no-one could come in that shouldn't?
For the rest of the day I was very nervous, even after the power came back on, and I could go online and watch TV again.
I didn't sleep well that night.
The next 2 days were horrible!
That door was driving me nuts!
I spent an awful lot of time in my tower brooding, and warily watching the door.
By Sunday morning I think I had almost, but not quite, lost it completely.
When Daddy's sister finally returned for her last visit, I must have been a fright!
My food bowl area was a mess!
Clumps of hair, were on the floor!
Clumps so big even I had a hard time explaining them!
I sat in my tower, and not just hissed at her, and, and, um, this is embarrassing, GROWLED, and bared my teeth.
Growled? Bared my teeth? Me? I don't know what came over me!
She noticed the door, and nervously checked the apartment, thinking, as she later told Daddy, that someone might have come inside, thus frightening me something fierce, and thus explaining my behavior in her eyes.
She didn't see anything wrong so after cleaning the litter box, and straightening the food bowl out, she left.
I was alone again, and missing Daddy something terrible!
Daddy, Daddy, I want my Daddy!
So there I was, all alone.
Daddy had left on his vacation earlier in the morning of March 7th, and after initially pacing around the appartment for an hour I settled, gingerly, down for the duration.
After all, what could go wrong, right?
There's nothing to be afraid of, right?
Breakfast was the first order of the day, and the new food bowl Daddy got was no sweat to use.
I had been preparing for posting on Daddy's BikeBlog, and that was on my agenda as well (Boy, would his readers be surprised, hee, hee!).
In between blogging, eating, and using the litterbox, I spent a lot of my time, every day, sleeping in my Tower, or on the bed, looking out the window, listening to talk shows on KFI 640 am radio and...
watching lots, and lots of TV!
Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Channel are absolutely MUST SEE TV! ;-D
All was nice, and easy...except when Daddy's sister came by.
When Daddy sat me down and told me he was going to be gone for a while and asked me if I could handle it, and also help him by running the blogs for him...I was confident in my reply.
Afterall, I'd done two 4 days stints, in my youth, so how bad could it get?
When Daddy brought out his suitcases I gave them the once over.
It had been over 6 years since I'd last seen them, afterall. ;-D
Damn, but those things are huge, and roomy!
I love the smell, though!
After helping Daddy do his preliminary packing (All the clothes for the trip, and some other stuff, too.), I got my treat reward for all that hard work!
I like this picture because it shows off my unique coloring in such a cool way!
Continue reading "11 Days in March: A Tale of Courage and Survival" »
I am just soooo excited! Yes, I am! Honest! Just look, can't you see it in my f...
Oh, um, hi, um, Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat! ;-D
I AM truly VERY EXCITED about my return to regular blogging this weekend, but, as regular readers know I've had an eventful month already, and the above photo pretty much expresses the contentment I've felt for the past week in a nutshell. ;-D
Now, though, it's time to get back into the CatBlogging mix, and I'm gonna do it big time!
I will write about my 11 days alone, and share some pictures, and share some pics from Daddy's vacation, too (His Uncle and Aunt have a variety of Animal Companions, and Animal Visitors to their property, plus he hobknobbed with some of the Power Critters who live in the Capitol of this great nation, Washington DC!), and the weekend will culminate in something very special...
The greatest weekly event in the Cat Blogosphere comes to Musing of a Mad Macedonian and my Blog within the Blog, Nikita's Place, on March 30th (March 31st if I get lots of submissions!)!!
What is this event?
Well, a long time ago, in a year far away, the immortal Laurence Simon became known as "King of the Cat Bloggers" for starting the Carnival of the Cats.
His idea was for a weekly confab of the best of the week’s cat blogging posts about cats from bloggers all around the world.
People who normally blog about anything and everything, as well as the emerging Community of Cat Bloggers, enter their week’s best cat related blog posts into the carnival.
For those who rarely share stories about their cats, it’s a vacation from blogging about such things as politics, war...and knitting.
I like how Laurence explains it: This is a way of "demonstrating that even the mightiest and meekest of pundits have a love of cats in common."
For us Cat Bloggers the Carnival is a chance to discover blogs we might never have heard of, on subjects of all kinds.
When Time Magazine takes notice of you, and of the growing Community you are a part of, as they did Laurence and his Carnival, then you know your effort, and the world you are helping spread the word about, are making an important impact in the lives of people, and Cats, everywhere.
In 2007 the King relinquished his responsibilities for running this show to The Cat Blogoshere, where it continues on its merry way.
The Cat Blogosphere is not just any website, but an entry point into a Worldwide Movement, Community, and State of Mind:
We are cats who blog. And some humans who blog about cats. Some humans will tell you it’s really all humans who pretend to blog as cats. Now, humans are notoriously unreliable and kill each ofur silly stuff like munny and lie about who they slept with and whatnot. So who are you gonna believe, huh? Believe who you wants. We cats don’t care.
The origins of cat blogging are lost in time and cyberspace. Many, many of us were inspired by Psychokitty Max and Timothy Dickens, the first cat bloggers most of us met. Many more were inspired by Laurence Simon, King of the Cat Bloggers and his Carnival of the Cats. And a huge hattip goes out to Jay Dyke’s The Mows cat comic, where many, many of us saw the link to Psychokitty and got introduced to the whole idea of being able to blog even tho we’re cats.
That explanation barely scratches the surface of what this phenomenon is all about.
From the traditional blogs such as those listed in my sidebar, to the Diaries found on such websites as Catster, we Cats are well on our way to taking over the Blogosphere. ;-D
You know you are part of something truly special, and potentially world changing, when even Dogs decide to do it (There once was a Carnival of the Dogs, and a Blogroll of DogBloggers, plus Dogster indicates that Canines do more that chase their tails, mailmen, and cars!)
While I was busy running two Blogs, while Daddy was on vacation, three Carnivals have come and gone.
If you are interested in participating, and have never done so, the posts shared in these editions will give you some ideas:
#208 - Artsy Cats.
#209 - This, That, and the Other Thing.
#210 - Chevy's Place.
Here are the particulars for submitting to MY EDITION:
EVENT: Carnival of the Cats #211 (Dedicated to Daddy's Uncle Paul and Aunt Eileen, longtime Cat Lovers, not to mention Dogs, and Birds, too!)
DATE: To appear by Noon of March 31st.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 6pm Central Time, on March 30th.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
1. submissions (at) carnivalofthecats.com
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy's home!
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy's home!
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy's home!
Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy's home!
I feel like dancing like Snoopy at Suppertime!
I was alone for 11 days!!
Well, except for when his sister came by 4 times.
The truth can finally be told, and Daddy will explain once he recuperates from his travels. ;-D
Daddy gave me a great responsibility when he asked me to help with his blogs, but THAT was the easy part!
Boy, do I have a story to tell...and new pictures to share, too. ;-D
I so love relaxing on top of my tower! ;-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Here's what I've been reading today!
1. Photo Essay - Cat Parts: A cool work in Progress.
2. A two-mouthed, two-nosed and four-eyed kitten?
This is a very sad story:
AMARILLO, Texas, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- A two-faced kitten in Amarillo, Texas, died just one day after it was born, the kitten's owner said.
Renee Cook was caring for the two-mouthed, two-nosed and four-eyed kitten at the Clements Prison Unit, where she works as a nurse, when he died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, the Amarillo Globe-News reported.
"It was like he wanted people to see him. It was like he was saying, 'Here I am, world. Come see me.' He just didn't last very long," Cook said.
Cook said the cat was feisty all night and didn't seem to want to be covered up.
"He was meowing and eating, and all of a sudden, it was like something popped," she said.
Cook's children -- Monica, 9, and Alex, 7 -- named the kitten "Harry Potter" so each of his faces could have a name, the Globe-News said.
A Tip of the Hat to Jockstrip!
3. Figuring out what a cat wants is hard.
No it's not. ;-D
Deborah Wood, of The Oregonian newspaper, says it is, though.
She says that "Cats behaving badly can feel like a bad dream", so gives 3 steps for understanding us.
A very interesting and, yes, I must admit, useful article. ;-D
On that note I'm calling a day! ;-D
***UPDATE - 3/20/08***
Daddy's Back! 11 Days of Loneliness Are Over!!
***END UPDATE***
Naps and Cats go together like Ice Cream and, well, more Ice Cream do where Humans are concerned. ;-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Here's what I've been reading today!
1. a dog, cat and rat living in harmony?
Observe:
There is something just soooo wrong about this, yet also something very cool. ;-D
After watching this more than a few times I forgot about any other story for the day and so am going in search of a drink.
Water, folks, just water! ;-D
Hello everyone!
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Here's what I've been reading today!
1. In honor of the Oscars the Cat Lady of the Seattle PI newspaper has some really cool feline related awards to pass out!
2. In South Carolina a brave feline save its owner from a fire!
In Newberry County one woman is thankful her cat would not let her go to bed on Monday night.
"He kept nudging me, so finally I got up and went to go check," said Amanda Moss.
Amanda Moss says at her cat Cash's urging, she went and checked the kitchen and her laundry room.
3. In Brighton, England, Virgin Airways is sued because it lost Fuzzy-Bear, a rare breed of Cat (There's a cute picture, too!).
4. "Cats have feelings. Cats live a life composed of emotions that are deeply felt and quickly stirred."
Well, Duh! ;-D
This is an excellent post on The Way of Cats blog.
Well, that's it for today!
The mention of the food bowl in that last article made me hungry!
Daddy loves Cats! Cats love Daddy!
The above photo was taken at a judging event at a local Pet Expo last year.
This award-winning Feline just couldn't get enough of Daddy. ;-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Let's see what I've been reading today.
1. I found this thread on a Forum at the Digital Photography School Website: Kitten Photography 101.
2. Dog Lady learns to become Cat Woman in Massachusetts!
I had been volunteering at the North Attleboro Shelter for about a year when Sue Stocks, the assistant dog officer, asked me if I wanted to help out in the cat room. I responded with "You want me to what?"
Let me put it bluntly. My fondness for cats was virtually non-existent. I had grown up with dogs and that's all I knew. No one in my family ever had a cat.At the shelter, I would always just walk right past the cat room. My thing was dogs. Who was I kidding? My peripheral vision was clearly intact. I could see those cats looking at me through the screen door. All they wanted was someone to acknowledge their presence.
I told Sue I hated cats but would accept my new position - with hesitance, of course. Believe me, there were no screams at the bingo table when I accepted this position.
Read the whole, wonderful story. ;-D
3. Some Cat Lovers can be rude, and some Cats in heat just can't restrain themselves. ;-D
This is a story about a man, in Marysville, CA., stuck with trying to find homes for the resulting litter of his horny Persian, and how another Cat Person made a judgement without facts.
4. From Raleigh, NC., come the answer to this burning question: How do I get a 10 year old dog to accept our cat?
Well, that's all for today!
Night everyone! ;-D
Hi there! Above is me hanging out in one of my favorite places to sleep at night! ;-D
Right up against Daddy's legs as he sleeps under the covers. ;-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
This edition is dedicated to Skittles, The Huntress, of the great Whole Kitten Kaboodle Blog!
Since December Skittles has been posting a series, called Moroccan Monday, about life, and cats, in Morocco, and it has lots and lots of cool photos.
Well, that's all for today!
Night everyone! ;-D
Did you know that Boogie Mats make the most excellent blankies?
They are absolutely fabulous! So soft, so warm, so full of catn... oh, um, sorry, where was I>
Let me put my Boogie Mat away...
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Let's see what I've been reading today. ;-D
1. For the love of Cats, in New York City last month.
As part of I Love NYC Pets Month the Cat rescue organization KittyKind held the city's first ever adoption event for cats with neurological and physical disabilities.
They also educated pet lovers about what it takes to care for these furry friends.
I particularly love the page, on the KittyKind Website, that is called "What Do I Do If I find A Cat?"
2. Did you know that October 17th is National Feral Cat Day in the United States?
Here's a great Wikipedia Article on Feral Cats.
3. Did you know that Feb. 17 is World Cat Day and that Feb. 22 is the Day of the Cat/Cat Day in Japan?
The website What Japan Thinks has a great post, including results of a survey, in celebration of the day. ;-D
I learned about World Cat Day from a story about the President of Poland being nominated for Cat Person of the Year in his country, but can't find much in the way more more info, or even an "Official" Website. ;-D
Well, that's all for today!
Night everyone! ;-D
Hi there!
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Let me just put the Boogie Mat away! ;-D
Okay, here's what I've been reading lately:
1. In New Zealand a Cat finds a new home, but has some concerns;
It's not fair. I am the most misunderstood cat in the entire world. I try to be cute. I come into the house doing my little bbbrrrttt thing, meow meow, and the boss thinks I'm cute. Even the girl who adopted me thought I was beautiful. But once I was in the house, things turned out differently.
First off, I was lost. I can't remember who my first owner was, even if I ever had one. Somehow my beautiful long fur stayed clean and knot-free. But I found a nice house, so I thought, where they loved cats.
I made myself at home, even defending my new territory from other outsiders. But each time I came home with a few battle scars, they would grab me and drag me off to the vets. I even had my manhood taken away from me, but I still defend my territory. It's in me, you know. After eight years or so fighting for myself it doesn't go away easily. Even if they have turned me into a coward.
Read "Why are all the humans so mean?" at Mobygeek.
2. In Nova Scotia an interesting trap, neuter and release (TNR) program for feral cats, relying "heavily on the Alley Cat Allies website" for tips on developing the program, is working well in Annapolis County.
With limited funding and a volunteer core of only four people, TeamTNR has accomplished a great deal. Since its beginning in February 2006, 407 cats have been through the program: 211 females were spayed and 182 males were neutered. Only 14 cats had to be euthanized due to illness or injury, dispelling the myth that stray and feral cats are unhealthy. The cats will continue to live in their colonies in barns and outbuildings across the county with dedicated caretakers providing food and shelter.
3. In Laconia, NH. "All's well that ends well" after a Dumpster Diving Rescue of 2 Kittens.
Read: Community at Work in The Citizen of Laconia.
4. In Durham, Ontario, Canada there is a story by Kristen Calis, on durhamregion.com that plugs the efforts of animal, and cat, lover Joyce Smith, and her Second Chance Wildlife Sanctuary. It also issues a plea on her behalf because the writer believes she is being taken advantage of my irresponsible humans in the area:
Although she adores animals (most of her pension goes toward their care) she doesn’t intend to run an animal house. Her ideal situation is to care for the animals, but eventually put them into the arms of a loving family.
She doesn’t appreciate when people leave cat families at the end of her driveway on a cold, wet and stormy winter day and simply assume she’ll find them. It pains her when she has to nurse kittens, thrown from moving cars toward her driveway, back to health. She definitely doesn’t like it when people drop off sick and elderly cats they say they can no longer care for.
She takes them anyway.
She wants people to take responsibility for animals they bring into their homes. If you have a cat, get it spayed or neutered. This will keep it healthier longer, and will also reduce the amount of stray or abandoned cats.
Read the full piece: Stop abandoning cats and start taking responsibility.
Well, that's all for today!
Night everyone! ;-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Let's begin with a News Report!
In an effort to be funny FOX NEWS late night host, and online comentator, Red Eye's Greg Gutfeld, of The Daily Gut, has felt the need to claim that "Cats Can't be Trusted"!
They will take the fish-flavored Kibble from your very fingers and then rat you out.
Where do you think gossip rags get their information? People doesn't get it from people, people.
Face it, cat lovers, if your kitty was big enough, it would kill and eat you — but not before toying with you first.
Excuuse me?
Greg-alogue! Smeg-alogue!
Cats have been loving, trustworthy, and loyal companions to humans for thousands of years.
It is part of our very nature to rat out bad persons of all sorts, fron thieves and murderers, to terrorists and even Dognappers.
We are very Patriotic, concerned members of the Community!
Outraged Kitties can even e-mail him a piece of their mind!
Tell him Nikita, of Nikita's Place, sent you. ;-D
Now let's move on to a round-up of Weekly Carnivals:
1. Carnival of the Cats #206 is over at House of the (Mostly) Black Cats, and #207 is over at Momma Grace and Co. , and you can learn all about the Carnival itself, over at The Cat Blogosphere.
2. Bad Kitties Festival of Chaos #33 with an optional theme of CatNip Or Treats, is hosted by Mind of Mog, and #34, with an optional theme of Favorite Game, is hosted by the New Tuxedo Gang Hideout, and you can learn all about the Festival itself, over at Bad Kitty Cats.
3. Weekend CatBlogging #142 is up at Bad Kitty Kats, and #143 is up at Mind of Mog.
4. The Modulator has Friday Ark #179 and #180, where all the Animal Kingdom comes together to strut its stuff, and you can find links to Carnivals celebrating creatures of all sorts.
5. The Pet Prayer and Praise Blog is for any pet prayer requests, praises or remembrances.
Each Sunday a new list is started. If you need a special request added to the list, please leave it in the comments anytime.
The most recent lists are here and here.
Well, that's all for today!
Night everyone! ;-D
For the next 12 days Daddy is going to be very busy!
So busy that he will not be able to blog!
So he took me aside, today, on the occasion of my 10th birthday (Yes, I'm a year older! Whoo Hoo!), and his 48th, and ask me if I thought I could handle the responsibility all on my own?
I looked into his trusting eyes, smiled, and said..."YES"!
Daddy will explain everything, when he returns to blogging, I promise. ;-D
Oh, and um...No, that's absolutely NOT my Booggie Mat I'm laying under, honest! You are seeing things! Yes, yes, you are! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! ;-D
I thought I'd share the REAL story of the move to our current home in 2005, and give you the tour of the place, and info on my view out the windows.
It's for times like these, when our Human Companions decide to discombobulate us by picking up, and moving lock, stock, and Litter Box to new surroundings that I think we, of the feline persuasion, are blessed with 9 lives.
It was the 2nd time in 2 years I've gone through this, and well...
I'd begun to worry as the weeks went by and no new place had been found.
I was having dreams of having no litter box, and living off the land as less fortunate cats than I have to do, and trust me, those are dreams YOU don't want to have.
When Daddy announced a new place had been found I was relieved, but when he started hauling in boxes by the dozen, and started packing I remembered the stress of the last time I went through this, and tried to just stay out of his way as much as possible.
The Costa Mesa place, being so much smaller than our previous home, became an obstacle course of 30 boxes of various sizes that I had to navigate to get from my window observation post to the kitchen, and bathroom, where my food, and Litter Box were located.
Daddy may have been amused by my predicament, but let's see HIM navigate a maze centered around objects 3 times his size!
I walked around the place peeking in the boxes and let loose with a few choice words about the trouble it was to move around because of all the packing going on.
On the day he packed away his computer I happened to be walking past (Ok, I was underfoot, looking for a belly rub, but that's neither here nor there.) when he lost his grip and the monitor, and desk, tilted in my direction.
It was a close call, but I survived without a scratch.
On the last day, I knew we were ready to leave because Daddy set the Carrier on the bed when he got up in the morning.
I HATE that thing!
Well, maybe hate is too strong a word.
I really DO enjoy the sights on trips taken in the thing, but couldn't he splurge for a doublewide?
It's too damned cramped in there, and it's for that reason that I am always grumbling, and complaining, not because I don't like the adventure.
When we got to the new place I had to stay in my cramped quarters for the whole morning since Daddy's sister was there with her child, and the door was open while boxes were being moved in.
I wouldn't have hurt the little human, honest, just tried to see if HE'D give me a belly rub since everyone else was busy.
Afer a while, though, it dawned on me that he was a helpless little human kitten, much like I had been when Daddy took me in, and I understood her protectiveness.
From what little I could see the new place was huge, with several places to explore, and 2, count'em, 2 windows (with ledges!).
Finally, around noon the sister, and her husband left, and it was up to Daddy to bring the remaining 20 boxes in throughout the afternoon.
He finally took pity on me, and let me out to explore, closing the door when out of the apartment so I wouldn't be an idiot, step outside, and get myself lost.
I found myself surrounded by an obstacle course, again, so eventually did the smart thing and, finding the closet where my Litter Box was situated, hunkered down in a corner for a couple of hours.
When I finally ventured out for another look it was to find the kitchen, and see where my food and water had been put.
Did I say this place was huge?
Instead of returning to the closet I took a stroll around and then went over to the bookshelves, and hid behind some boxes to watch Daddy work up a sweat for a while.
As I said this place is HUGE.
The Bathroom has 2 sections, for cryin' out loud!
The sink, or vanity, I think they call it, is between the walk-in closet where my Litter Box is, and the bathroom proper where the shower, and Daddy's Litter Box is.
The kitchen is huge, and roomy, and there is another large walk-in closet in the living area.
The front window, in the kitchen, not to mention the front door when Daddy opens it, allows me to look out on the walkways past, and below, our apartment, and at the balconys of the apartments across from us, and the back window allows me to look out on the back "street" that winds its way around the apartment complex past peoples garages.
An added bonus is being able to look into the complex next door from that perch.
Finally, around 530pm Daddy was done, and came inside to rest.
I came over to him, and we hugged, and I got my first belly rub in 2 days.
All the stress of recent weeks melted away, for both of us, as we sprawled on the floor, looking around our new, bigger, better home.
That night we both slept on the floor, he under his quilt, me on top, and slept the Sleep of the Just, and the very, very pooped. :-D
Welcome to Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat!
Let's begin with a News Report!
1. Fire and Cats don't Mix:
A very scared cat fled a house fire in Albuquerque, N.M., recently, and scampered 240 miles to escape the flames.
Miko, a black and white cat, was last seen in December, on the night of the fire.
A couple of weeks ago, Miko's owner got a call from an animal shelter in Pueblo, Colo:
Shelter: Dear forlorn cat lover, there's someone here, on the phone, that wants to speak to you.
Miko: Meow, meow, MEOW!!
Owner: Miko, darling, your're alive!!!
Upon further questioning the cat revealed to Officials at the shelter that, trying to keep warm, she hopped a tractor-trailer and rode it all the way to Colorado.
She had lost her collar so when she was found she informed the shelter officials that she had a microchip in her neck that would confirm her story about not being a feral.
STORY AND VIDEO -- Cat flees fire, ends up 240 miles away: After December blaze in New Mexico, pet shows up in Colorado.
2. Love is blind: Companionship devine.
Born completely blind and shunned by his owners, Chance had a tough start to life.
But thanks to the generosity of two Daily Mail readers, the ten-week-old alsatian puppy has finally been given the loving home he deserves.
And he's already made a best friend - a ten-year-old blind cat called Louis.
What an amazing and touching story out of Britain, and a very cute photo, too! ;-D
Love is blind for Alsatian puppy Chance and Louis the cat - the sightless new best friends.
3. For the Cat whose Human is a Doll Collector.
Did you know that there are about 90 million household cats in the United States?
Damn, but that's a hell of a lot of Pussycats! ;-D
I'm sure many readers, human and feline, out there are in multi-cat households, and may even know the so-called "Crazy Cat Lady" of the neighborhood. ;-D
Well, get a load of this beauty!
A 5 1/4-inch vinyl doll comeplete with six moveable cats and two permanently attached ones!
Get a load of the wild-eyed look on the Cat Lady's face!
I can't begin to guess what the cause of that is so ain't gonna try!
Anyway, the Lansing State Journal swears you can buy this thing online in several places. ;-D
4. Cats vs. Birds: The Fur and Feathers fly...among their Human supporters.
Bird lovers and researchers claim that cats prey on and eat many birds and disturb their reproductive ability. The supporters of the cats claim these accusations are vastly exaggerated and say they oppose such ideas as thinning out the number of street cats or imposing restrictions, including forbidding cats to leave their homes.
The argument has recently made the headlines of the major newspapers in the United States. A few weeks ago, The New York Times devoted a lengthy article to the subject, focusing on the story of Texas ornithologist Jim Stevenson. A year and a half ago, Stevenson shot to death a cat that was about to pounce on a bird of the plover species, which is protected by law.
A traffic supervisor who used to feed that very same cat then initiated legal proceedings against Stevenson. Stevenson told the court that he had acted within the law and had defended a species facing extinction. The jury was stalemated and the case was dismissed.
It seems that urban, feral felines, and cats that have reverted once again to the wild are, not to mention cats with homes who are allowed to hang out outside, are stirring up a storm by doing what comes naturally.
Read this interesting article at Haaretz.com.
And finally...
5. An excellent, and informative, article by a Cat Doctor, that answers the question...Does Your Cat Feel Pain?
This article, discussing common painful conditions in us Cats, has a few pictures that some, humans, and felines, might find a little disturbling, but I agree with the blogger, and cat lover, Auntie P, where I first learned of the piece, it should be safe for most readers.
A Tip of the Hat to Aunti P, of Foster Cat's Blog!
Have you ever noticed that when one human yawns...every human within sight, or hearing, of the person yawns, too?
Very weird.
This strange behavior happens even when a human sees a human yawn on TV!
Well, I think I've discovered something very similar, but I have no data, other than my own experience, to confirm my theory:
And just what is that?
Glad I asked! ;-D
Have you ever noticed...
That when any of your humans has to use their Litter Box, you are drawn to observe the process (For some reason I find watching Daddy so fascinating that I will drop whatever I'm doing, even if it's sleeping, and haul Ass, to rub against his legs, lay on the floor, and even beg shamelessly for a tummy rub and...this is embarrassing, try to sit in his lap when the opportunity presents itself.).
Immediately afterward...I have this uncontrolable urge to go use MY Litter Box.
Am I crazy?
Come on, fellow Kitties!
I can't be the ONLY one who does this can I? ;-D
Oh, and about the door? Daddy quit trying to lock me out years ago!
I didn't scratch and paw the door, like most Cats would, I suppose...
Nooo...you see the first few times he tried to lock me out I thought it was like with the bedroom (We lived in a 1 br. apt.), and so would shove pieces of paper under the door.
When I realized that wasn't getting me anywhere I would stick my paw under the door.
Daddy apparently thought this last was funny so would tickle my paw.
I, being ticklish, would remove my paw, but immediately put it back figuring if I did it enough times he'd get tired of the "game" and let me in.
After a few weeks of this he surrendered.
I was a year old.
Am I a genius or what? ;-D
Diary of the Day is one thing.
After a bit more than a month on Catster I am still learning my way around the Community, and trying to live up to THAT!
Now what?
Daddy and I awoke, this morning, to begin a typical day:
He went to check his e-mail.
I went to the top of my Cat Tree, and prepared to resume my interrupted nap. ;-D
Suddenly Daddy was jumping up and down and had a tear on his face as he smiled at me.
When your human is struck speechless, and can't tell you what the heck the fuss is about, the only thing a Cat can do is try to figure it out for himself.
I went and looked at the e-mail.
Make that 2 of us in shock!
I'm too excited to nap, now! :..-D
I don't know the criteria used for choosing me, but I am honored that I was, and hope that I can live up to this very special Honor, and the great Responsibility that having earned such recognition entails.
Thank You, Thank you, Catster!
A couple of weeks ago Daddy got me a leash!
So now this Cheshire Cat can venture out into the world with Daddy. ;-D
Here I am trying on my new leash at home.
Very cool, don't you think? ;-D
Daddy and I then went out for a Stroll near where we live, after the rain stopped. ;-D
It rained during the afternoon, but when it finally stopped Daddy and I headed out.
I knew the outdoors was a vast, amazing place, full of noise, big machines, and lots of other humans, but taking a journey, though short, outside the confines of my carrier, was...different.
The sidewalk was cold to the touch of my paws, and when we crossed the street Daddy carried me.
The humans looked at us kind of funny.
I guess they have never heard of Cheshire Cats (We ARE extremely rare, afterall.) or thought we only existed in books or movies (Trivia: The one in the old movies was NOT an actor playing a role with the help of special effects.) ;-D
When Daddy told me that there was a golf course where all that water was rushing toward, I had to laugh at the strangeness of it, but Daddy says the place is popular when dry, so who am I to judge. ;-D
The wind ruffled my fur, and was cool on my face, but felt very good all the same.
All in all, a very pleasant experience.