Cats in Sweaters

Holy Crap! We have hit the mother load. Check out this awesome collection of cats in sweaters.

109 cats in sweaters.

I would never be able to get one of my cats in one of these.

- M

Cat vs. Gator

Whoa! Check out this cat taking on an alligator.




- M

Cute Animals in Boots

How adorable are these kittens?

Check out these other cute animals in boots. (Especially number six)

- M

These Things Just Come to Me

I swear that I wasn't surfing the internet looking for something about cats. This article just came to me as I was doing research for school.

Some people just think that I spend hours every week looking for anything to do with cats. I don't. I just come across these things in my everyday normal web browsing.

However, I do admit that a lot of the websites I frequent have a special appreciation for cats. Take for instance The Huffington Post. I visit Huffington Post daily to keep up with local, U.S., world, politics, entertainment and whatever other news. But I bet you that on any given day you can find at least one post about cats in the comedy section.

But here is a short little article about the benefits of cats.

- M

I'm voting Democat

Don't forget to vote tomorrow. Whether it be democrat, republican, green, independent or democat; just vote.

- M

Patty Cake

It's been a while since H or I have had the time to post anything, but had to share this cute video.




- M

Cat Poop - Advanced formula

Well, the product field test is complete. The cat poop has proven effective in keeping squirrels away.

But, only away at what you put the cat poop by. It seems as though the coworker who needed it for her tree problem now has an issue with the porch. The squirrels have migrated away from the tree and now are a menace on the porch.

I delivered a fresh sample yesterday. The specimen was so strong that I have to put it in four bags and she put it in a fifth when I gave it to her.

Where will the squirrels create trouble now?

-M

Cat Entrepreneur

I have a great idea for a business. The market might not be very large, but imagine my production costs will be very low.

The business idea you ask . . . Selling cat poop.

Of course I am not serious, but a coworker was when she asked if I could bring in some cat poop for her.

See she has some troublesome squirrel making a mess in her yard. It climbs up her tree and knocks the berries off. A friend of hers recommended putting cat poop at the base of the tree to keep away the squirrel. Apparently squirrels hate cat poop. As I am the only cat owner she knows she asked me.

Why there is a problem with the squirrel knocking off the berries when they are going to fall anyway, I don't know.

- M

While I normally like to include photos, I didn't think a picture of cat poop was appropriate. Instead, here is a picture of another cat.

The FURminator

A few years ago when I had a dog, I came across a small booth at a local art fair where someone was selling an unknown product that was recently patented. They claimed that this tool would replace any brush as the best deshedding tool for long haired dogs. I, the excited owner of a incredibly long haired pooch, was quickly seduced by their claims. The prospect of a solution to the annoying dog hair problem was too exciting to pass up. I quickly forked over the cash and went home to try it out on my unsuspecting dog. (Note: the FURminator deShedding Tool is much more expensive than the average brush, some models run as much as $75.)

The tool worked great, at least, whenever I was able to use it on him (he didn't much care for being brushed). He had a very think coat and the tool was able to grab a lot of the undercoat and pull it out in huge clumps.

I am no longer a dog owner but I still have a furniture-covering hair problem. Amos sheds a ridiculous amount, and not just in the so-called "shedding season." I was excited to hear that the once small company has ballooned into a huge company, FURminator, Inc., with its products being sold at large retailers such as PETCO and PetSmart. They have a number of different tools now, including one for cats.

I recently purchased the cat model FURminator and am anxious to see how it stands up to the one for dogs. I'm not sure if he likes it or hates it (he'll purr a lot but also runs away or flips on his back). I did get a good ball of fur out of him yesterday though (pictured).

I'll keep ya'll updated.

- H

DJ Kitty

I can't help but love this video. Not so much for the fact that there is a cat spinning, but the look on the cat's face as its owner trys its own take on the keyboard cat.

I guess this cat also gets the crowd worked up at Tampa Bay Rays games.

- M

Cat Capades

Now I know that this is a bit old news, but if you don't know about it . . . you still should.

Meow Mix cat food sponsored a line of computer games called Cat Capades!

Play King of the Kitchen jumping over obstacles to get to your food. Catch the laser pointer. There is even a Meow Mix guitar hero type of game.

Prepare to be occupied for hours.

But, don't forget to play with your cat.

- M

I'm Only Sleeping

Cats can be great caregivers to their sick owners. Amos, at least, always seems to know when I'm not feeling well. He doesn't sleep with me nightly, and he's far from a lap cat, but he always comes and cuddles up when I'm laying on the couch or bed feeling ill. I get migraines often, which leaves me sleeping long periods of time, such as I did this past Monday. Sure enough, Amos was cuddles up next to me for my 5 hour "cat nap" in the middle of the afternoon. I don't think he minded one bit that I stayed home to nap with him.

-H

Dog-Eared Cat Book

At the airport I decided to pick up a book to read while visiting my mother in Nashville. I didn't want something heavy as my graduate classes provide me enough of that. I wanted something light that I could maybe finish in a weekend.

Walking around the store I saw the book cover with a cat on it about 20 feet away. It was Homer's Odyssey. A story about a cat with no eyes.

I picked it up and put it down right away. I didn't want to go farther down the path of being a crazy cat lady. But, I picked it up and read the back cover and immediately started to feel a little teary-eyed. It is a book about a pet and we all know how those books end.

Now, I am not saying that I have given away the ending. I am only three chapters in, but I am bracing myself for the possibility.

I'll give a review when I am finished with the book, but so far this seems like a pretty amazing cat. Homer taught himself how to use the toilet!

- M

I See You

I just had this picture sent to me by another afflicted with Felinefluenza.

We living with this disease understand how important it is to support each other with this chronic illness. Unless you are living with the disease you really don't understand. You can humor us and send us a photo or a video, but it isn't the same. You have to suffer from Felinefluenza to be able to truly appreciate a quality cat joke, photo, video or reference.

And this is a photo that is definitely from a person living with the disease.

- M

Cats at IKEA

I have no idea why they did this, but one IKEA store let loose 100 cats to explore.

- M

My Cat, My Rules

A disadvantage to apartment living is that you can hear your neighbors very easily. A benefit to apartment living is that you can easily hear your neighbors. Especially when it is a conversation about cats.

Overheard tonight was an argument between the couple that lives below me about who makes the decisions about the cat.

The female member of this couple was yelling at her man that, as she is the owner of the cat, she gets to make all the decision regarding the cat. "My cat. My rules."

I wanted to yell out, "You go, girl!" But, then I started thinking about situations in which the non-owner cohabitant should have some say in decisions cat related.

For instance, what if the cat made the other partner's underwear drawer its sleeping nest? Shouldn't the other party be able to limit the cat's access to certain things?

Or, what if the cat suddenly started spraying all over the home? Shouldn't the other partner be able to punish the cat (as if that would actually mean anything to the cat) or remedy the situation in some fashion?

Sure, there are situations in which the other party should have a say. But for the most part I would have to agree. "My cat. My rules."

- M

The Golden Chalice

When my cats eat they leave behind a huge mess of crumbs all over the floor around their bowls. It isn't just crumbs, it is whole kernels of food. Sometimes there is a lot on the floor. So much so that it is like almost a whole cup of food! And the food is expensive. I can't afford to throw away perfectly good food. I just scoop the food off the floor and put it back in the bowl. Those brats will eat what I give them.

They had bowls like these.

I thought that an up grade would help. So, I bought these flat like bowls. It didn't.

Cat food everywhere!

Now, when I left on my trip I set out one of my bowls as an extra bowl for food if H couldn't make it one day to check on them. And surprisingly, there didn't seem to be as much food left over on the floor. This is a picture after several days of not cleaning up the food on the floor.

So that got me thinking. It isn't the shape of the bowl that mattered. It was the fact that the bowl is meant for humans. My cats are too good for anything that was created for cats. They like the water out of my glass than out of their bowl. The sleep in my bed, not their beds. They wouldn't hang out in their "cat condo," instead my couch.

Cats are snobs.

- M

Sneaky Cat

This video comes from I think Russia.


- M

Catmark and Catmerican Greetings

It has sort of become a thing for me to give cards with cats on them. Christmas cards, birthday cards, Thanksgiving cards. I think that the only category are cards of condolences (it would just be inappropriate).

I do this for two reasons. (1) I love cats. People know I love cats and I just have given into the obsession (see felinefluenza.blogspot.com. Oh, wait you are already here). (2) It also just makes it a lot easier to decide on a card. I usually am buying them at the last minute and looking for cat cards makes the decision process a lot faster. I have to admit that the cards are sometimes really funny.

I love this card I received from a friend for my birthday. She understands my tastes.

- M

Take a Cat Nap to fight Breast Cancer

Purina Cat Chow is donating $2 (up to $150,000) to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for every owner/cat pair who take a cat nap on September 17. The campaign is called Cat Nap for the Cause.

Purina will donate $1 on behalf of you and $1 on behalf of your cat(s). RSVP to the Facebook event to receive and event reminder.

This should be pretty easy for my cats to do as it is 80% of their daily activity. I am not as good at taking naps (like to just sleep when it is time to sleep), but I think that I can fit in about 15 minutes or so. It is for a good cause and all.

Will you be cat napping for the cause?

- M

P.S. There are even chances for those who RSVP on Facebook to win prizes.

Cats on Bikes

How cool is this? A BMX cat shirt. I so want this.

Found on emptees.

- M

Kittens in Space

Check out this adorable video of kittens in space.




- M

Trash or Treasure

Is this trash or is it treasure? To me, trash. To Laci, treasure. For hours this morning my cat batted these items around the living room. I try to get her to play with a designated cat toy and she will have nothing to do with it. She wants the trash. I give in a let her play with it for a while. However, I have to keep an eye on the items otherwise they will end up in some dark corner until I get the urge to do a major overhaul of my apartment.

Cats, like children, are sometimes more interested in the packaging than the actual item it contains. Washoo likes boxes and suitcases. I can step away from a suitcase for one minute and Washoo will be in it.

- M

You Scratch My Cat, I'll Scratch Your Cat

When you own cats, you have to have at least one other friend who also owns cats who will check on your monsters when you are away.

I am thankful H was able to check on Washoo and Laci for the six days I was gone. I was able to partially return the favor. As I soon as I got back, H took off for a long weekend.

Pet sitting a cat is a lot different than watching a dog. Sure with both you feed and take care of poop, but paying attention to the pet is different.

A dog is always ready for your attention and willing to play. Just the word "walk" will cause a dog to get excited. You take them out, you throw a ball, and you are done. They are ready at any given moment for some human affection.

However, with cats just because you are there doesn't mean they are ready for the same affection. They'll let you know when they want some attention and it isn't always when you stop by.

When cat sitting, I usually try and just sit and be available to the cat for about 15 minutes, longer if I have the time. Sometimes the cat will wonder over for some pets and sometimes they just go about their business. Dropping in on Amos, he only acknowledged my presence enough to tell me that it was porch time.

- M

Cardboard Makes a Nice Bed

The apartment is accumulating quite the collection of boxes.

I've bought beer, shoes and wedding gifts recently, all which have come in boxes.

Quickly after discarding the box to the floor, Amos finds a new sleeping spot. His actual cat bed, bought specifically for him, has been abandoned.

-H

Porch Time

We got in the habit of letting Amos out on the porch (while we are out there). Amos has been an indoor cat his whole 2 years of existence but he absolutely loves being outdoors.

Everyday when we come home from work we sit outside with him. We usually read or water the plants and he tries to sneak up/down the stairs when he thinks we aren't looking. He enjoys rolling around in the dirt, chirping at his squirrel friends and chomping on my potted herbs. When this daily routine doesn't happen, he gets quite upset and cries all evening.

It's enjoyable for both owner and cat right now but I don't know what we're going to do in the winter.

- H

No more spilled water

Recently, Amos decided he couldn't drink out of his water bowl anymore without spilling it all over the floor. After about two weeks of sopping up the mess every day, we came up with a solution: fasten a bowl to a table leg with a C-clamp.

Though he still tries with all his might, Amos just can't seem to tip the bowl over anymore.

One caveat to this ingenious solution: toes have been stubbed more than once on the clamp. Ow!

- H

While the Human's Away, the Cat will . . . Sleep

And play, but mostly sleep.

As I am getting ready to go out of town for five days I have to consider what arrangements I need to make for my cats. If I am gone for just a weekend I will just make sure there is enough food and water. But any length after that I have to do a little more.

H and another friend have graciously agreed to check in on Laci and Washoo while I am gone. So that takes care of making sure they have enough food and water and that their litter box is freshly cleaned. Washoo will get some attention when their caretakers drop in, but Laci will not be seen.

However, there are so many things that can happen in between the caretaker visits. Here are a few tips to avoiding cleaning up dried puke on your furniture when you get home or discovering that your favorite shirt has a huge hole in it.

1. Put away all clothing that is left out. Whether it goes in a drawer, on a hanger, or in a hamper, put it away.

2. Close all drawers fully. Multiple times I have found my cats have crawled into slightly opened drawers.

3. Make your bed. Sure your home looks better with a made bed, but if your comforter or sheets are in a ball on your bed that just encourages a cat to curl up into them and chew them like a pacifier because they are depressed that you are gone.

4. Close off as many rooms as you can. It will contain damage and cat hair.

5. Cover fabric furniture. If your cats are prone to puking like mine it can be a huge disappointment when you find that they have puked on your new couch. I plan to throw an old sheet over mine.

6. Stow any dangling strings. Put away things with cords that may hang off an edge. One jump or swat can pull down that item and a bunch of things with it.

I am sure I am forgetting something. So, I guess I will add tip seven to the list when I get back from this trip.

-M

Cats like books. You like books. You should read books with cats.

I came across this article in the San Francisco Chronicle about cats in bookstores. They profiled six local bookstores that have cats in residence.

I have mixed feelings about cats in bookstores. On one hand, I love cats. On the other hand, I love cats and a cat in a bookstore would distract me from my finding a book.

Recently, a cat at a local bookstore took early retirement. They will be hiring a replacement soon.

- M

Lost Kittehs

I have noticed several "Lost Cat" signs around my neighborhood this past week. I hope they find their way home soon.

Let's have a moment of silence for lost cats.

- M

Sh!t my cat ate

I wish I had kept a photo journal or at least a running list of all the things Laci has eaten. The most recent item to enter this category is my green flat sheet.

The thing that gets me is that she did it while I was sleeping with the sheet covering me. I might as well have been wearing it.

- M

Kitten Jump Fail

Where was it trying to go?

-M

Haute Cature

This is a bit disturbing. Takako Iwasa is a well-known cat costume designer in Tokyo. She recently came out with a book: Fashion Cats.

Apparently, she dresses up her cats Prin and Koutaro in the costumes, and as you can tell from this picture, they love it. Best yet, it doesn't appear that Iwasa give's a cat's ass that her furry friends are miserable.

"First, dress her up," instructs Iwasa-san, as she is known in Japan, to her website visitors. "Cheer or yell. Do whatever you like to enjoy the moment with your family.
 Second, after you are enough with your joy, take a photo!
 And third, remove her clothes and give her a hug, say 'Thank you!'

Her rationale behind this hobby is that people have been doing it for dogs for years. This doesn't make it right lady.

Creepy cat parents can purchase some of these costumes from her site: petoffice.co.jp.

-H

Kittens!

If you don't already know, there is a great resource for getting your daily fix of kittens. When you're own cat has grown our of this adorable, way-too-short period, this site offers a daily dose! Every day, a new kitten is featured, with photo and bio.

A new kitten every day... at 3.07 pm

-H

Would you spend $35 on a box for your Cat?

Literally, it is a box.

This Cat Hammock in Box claims it will provide your cat with hours of happiness.

I think my cats would enjoy more an empty box from the alley.

I've purchase various cat lounging furniture for Washoo and Laci in the past. And one thing is clear. They will not use it for its intended purpose.

I bought a cat "condo" a couple years ago. And for a while Laci would sit on top and Washoo would sometimes crawl inside. But the two combined hours they have used it over the past three years doesn't make up for the space it takes up on my floor collecting cat hair. In fact. I am throwing out that sucker tonight.

The girls also have cat beds. I think that they only lay in them every once in a while to increase their cute factor for an impending puke attack. Let's face it. A cat bed is wherever they choose to sleep.

- M

AHHHHH Cat in a Bicycle Basket!!!!

What an amazing sight to see! This shot comes via Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

I would love to take one of my cats for a ride in my basket. However, the act of doing so would either put me or a cat in the hospital.

- M

Sale on NOMS

Petco is having a huge sale on cat food. This 17.5 lb bag of Nutro Adult Cat Food is normally like $35, on sale for $29.99.

Many other brands on sale.

You can use the savings to buy more cat toys.

- M

Cat Cover

Want a sure fire way to increase album sales? Put a cat on the cover.

Instant success!

Klaxons

Best Coast

We are Scientists

Grandaddy

Blink 182

This post is not an endorsement of any of these albums, but the fact that they have cats on them makes them a whole lot cooler.

-M

HealFast Therapy PetPatches

Kitty got a boo boo? HealFast Therapy PetPatches offer drug-free relief to kitties in pain. According to the website, these patches can help alleviate pain and swelling caused by a number of ailments by working at the cellular level to boost the ability of the cells to heal themselves. They can also aid in relieving joint and muscle pain (which helps improve mobility in older cats suffering from joint pain). Only owners who truly love their kitties would buy this product, however. The PetPatch Cat Recovery kit is selling for $99.95!

-H

Two Cats Enter, One Cat Leave

Actually, I wish they both would leave. Since I have rearranged the layout of my bedroom my cats have been using the floor space as a fighting arena. The Thunderdome.

The snarl and hiss as they wrestle on the floor. It wouldn't be so bad if they didn't use me as a launching pad for their diving shoulder block. They dig their back paws and nails into my legs as they leap off the bed.

Fighting ceases as soon as I make a sudden movement. I'll have to keep my camera near my bed and try and capture it one night.

-M

Retro Kitty

I should be doing dishes, but there is only so much space on the drying rack. So while I wait for my glasses to dry, I decided to pick up my camera. I have been playing with some different settings on my camera. And as there are so many self portrait pictures you can take, I had to move on to my cats.

Washoo was a willing subject.

-M

Food for Sick Kitties Recalled because it Makes Kitties Sick

Iams is recalling two lots of prescription cat food due to fear of salmonella contamination. The affected lots include Iams Veterinary Formula Feline Renal in 5.5-pound bags.

Hope your kitties are okay.

Check out the story in the NYTimes.

-M

Looking forward to Caturday

Via I Can Has Cheezburger

Cats Cookies (for People)

I love Trader Joe's Cats Cookies for People. They are delicious. They come in a few flavors. They are low fat. But more importantly, they are shaped like cats!

Oh, and cats like them, too!

-M

Ryan Adams Cat Update

The kitty is okay and recovering at home!

The musician, Ryan Adams's kitty is sick. He posted on Facebook that his cat, Theo was taken to an animal hospital and he reminded everyone to cherish the time they have with their loved ones and animals. I'll give Washoo and Laci a special treat today.

Get better soon Theo.

I've always been a Ryan Adams fan, even with the violent messages and critics' answering machines or the heavy metal album. I appreciate his honesty. One of my favorite lyrics is from his song "Easy Plateau" of of Cold Roses. "My head ain't filled with nothing but cats and rocking chairs"

-M

Cat Haikus

A couple Cat Haikus

In deep sleep hear sound
cat vomit hairball somewhere
will find in morning.

You're always typing.
Well, let's see you ignore my
sitting on your hands.

I want to be close
to you. Can I fit my head
inside your armpit?

Wanna go outside.
Oh, poop! Help! I got outside!
Let me back inside!

Here are some more

-M

Rehab Cat

I give my cats baths when the misbehave or piss me off. I never thought that it could be therapeutic for them.

This little girl hurt her paw and suffered partial paralysis. But hydrotherapy is working wonders for her ability to once again sleep for 18 hours a day and walk all over her owners belongings as they are using them.

Check out the full story at MSNBC. - M

Cats: The Stylish Home Accessory

Design Sponge has a post of cats in the home. Just like that throw blanket on your couch or the flowers on windowsill, a cat can add a touch of beauty into your home.

However, beware, the cat may shred your fancy throw and eat your flowers and then throw up on your favorite rug.