BAT-CAT!

BAT-CAT

Alright.  I can't do anymore than tell you to click on the BAT-CAT link and hit play.

- M

Techno Puke

 Enjoy this video compilation of the infamous pre-puke dance cats do.  Maybe next time instead of yelling at my cats to stop puking I'll break out into dance with them.

- M

Rolling on the River

Check out this adorable kitty canoeing on what appears to be a lake.

Not all cats are afraid of the water.  But, FYI, cats do get seasick just like us humans.

- M

No No No No No NO

This cat is reacting to the sight of a young girl.  Nuff said.

- M

Cute cat pic of the week

I have no idea the history or purpose of this picture but I love it anyhow.

Thank you dear coworker of mine for sharing it in your work report earlier this week.

-H

MythBusters Cat

The resemblance is rather creepy.

-H

Big Mama Cat Saves Cub

Check out this heartwarming story about a baby cub who fell down a cliff and his mom coming to his rescue.

Three lions attempt a rescue, but the cliff is too steep.

But mom risks the drop and comes to the rescue!

Aww!  The baby cub receives a nice calming bath after the terrifying ordeal.  We are all lucky that wildlife photographer Jean-Francois Largot was there to capture this adorable event.

- M

The Cat Your Cat Could Be Like

Check out Puss and Boots's awesome spoof of the Old Spice "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like."  Sure it is pretty late, but still cute.

The Original



- M

A Degree in LOLcats

For her dissertation at the London School of Economics, a woman has chosen to study why cat and other internet memes are so compelling.

Why didn't I think of that when completing my MBA? I had set out a goal to complete some project related to cats (which I never fulfilled). This would have been a perfect project. I could have studied internet cat memes as a marketing strategy. Maybe for my PhD?

- M

Cat Signature Moves

Washoo's signature moves are the "Oh, were you working" and "The Loaf," where Laci's signature moves are "Biscuits" and "Kisses."

What is your cat's signature move?

- M

Tofu

This is Tofu. This ridiculous-looking cat belongs to a friend of a friend.

In this picture he's showing off his "summertime" haircut.

- H

Cat Calendar

It is little early to start thinking about Christmas and the new year when it is still summer (First day of fall tomorrow). However, I found this calendar that would make a great gift for the cat lover in your life.

6 Pack 9 Lives Calendar

Twelve months of rock hard abs and kittens.

- M

Every Night

Add another cat in there and it is me. I'm not so accommodating. I am happy to relocate cats to get into bed. However, the problem is that they very quickly reposition themselves before I get comfortable. Laci will be on my legs and Washoo petting my head before laying down above me or next to me.

- M

Sophie Update

Sophie spent last night at the vet's office so she could be hooked up to an IV. She is still not eating and her blood work just came back... worse than Tuesday's. She is now being tested for FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis) but the results may not come back until Monday.

We'll know more later.

-H

Sick Sophie

Hello dear readers,

My mom's cat Sophie is very ill. She hadn't been eating much lately and didn't want to leave the bedroom. My mom thought Sophie was depressed. This past weekend, she stopped eating altogether and my mom decided to take her to the emergency vet (during a tropical storm nonetheless).

The vet thinks something is wrong with Sophie's liver or kidneys. He isn't sure what is causing this but thinks Sophie most likely ate something poisonous or was bit. Sophie is a house cat, and never goes outside, but the house is in rural Mississippi with lots of bugs constantly making their way into the house.

My mom is currently administrating drugs and feeding Sophie warm milk because this is the only thing she will eat. She is worried about Fatty Liver Syndrome, which I admit not to know much about. Improvement has been minimal. Sophie is otherwise a young, healthy cat.

Please keep Sophie in your thoughts.

-H

French Kitty Commercial

Bouygues Telecom : Les chatons font le buzz

I really wish I could speak French to understand what is going on in this commercial, but I think kitten is a universal language. I love all the little sets and the props. The vending machine is especially adorable.

- M

Meows in Bosnian

Since meows are essentially how cats talk to humans and not each other, I've always wondered if cats speak another "cat language" in other countries. My question has been answered.

- M

Hurricane Proof Your Cats

For all of you on the east coast, don't forget your cats as you prepare for the hurricane.

This owner provided their cat with a handy floatation device.

Source

- M

Felinefluenza Meow Mix

So, for your listening pleasure I have created a cat song playlist on Spotify called

Felinefluenza Meow Mix.

Click here to subscribe.

Highlights include:

"The Lovecats" by The Cure

"Cat People (Putting out the Fire)" by David Bowie

"Stray Cat Strut" by The Stray Cats

"Honky Cat" by Elton John

(Note: my Spotify account is under willimemo)

- M

Free Kitten

This cute kitty (they call him Gizmo) is living under my mom's husband's office. They are trying to find him a home; his mom died and all his siblings have been adopted out already.

Is there anyone in the Jackson, Mississippi area who can give this little guy a home?

- H

Silly Cat Walk

This kitty's reaction to the laughing off-camera is hilarious!



- H

Regal Kitty

Singing Cats (Sort of)

Boys choir singing like cats.

- M

Kittywood Studios

Wonder where all those cat videos are produced? Here is the source, Kittywood Studios.

- M

I'm a Stupid Cat (NSFW)

Oh my f#cking god! This stupid f@cking video is f%cking hilarious! This guy's singing commentary is amazing.

If you didn't guess, the language in the video is NSFW.

- M

Shark Cat

In honor of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, here is a terrifying, yet somehow adorable, picture of a Shark Cat!

Are you afraid to go back into the water?

Via Buzzfeed

-M

Shell Game

Careful, this cat will hustle you.

- M

Cats in Hell

Someone came up with this great map of hell. If you look closely you will see that next to the room of crying babies is a "Room where you have to give a cat a bath." I would not be surprised if this room actually existed.

Now, I have given baths to Washoo, Laci and Amos. And while some cats are better than others, there are some that would cause the type of physical damage that would require a face transplant. Washoo is the worst. While she is happy to jumping in the tub and explore or bat at the curtain while I am in the shower, she freaks out at the very gesture of turning the water on.

Washoo was meant for the "Room where you have to give a cat a bath."

- M

What's Better than Nine Cats?

TEN Cats!

This Thursday, July 28th, Ten Cat Tavern is hosting a fundraiser happy hour for animal rescue organization Virtually Home Chicago.

Ten Cat Tavern, aptly named for the owner's ten felines, is located in Lakeview at 3931 N. Ashland Ave., between Irving Park Rd. and Byron St. The neighborhood joint offers 13 bars on tap, a sizable scotch selection, beer garden, and two vintage pool tables. The fundraiser is taking place from 7 to 9 p.m.

The happy hour is being hosted to raise funds for Virtually Home, the rescue group behind Sexy Black Night. The group is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Chicago through rescue, adoption and education of their human companions, and is unique in the fact that all of the animals available for adoption are currently living in foster homes.

A $20 donation at the door includes drink specials and veg-friendly appetizers. So go have some bevs and help the kitties.





-H

Tattoos are like Cats

Have you guys seen this comic from Robbie and Bobby? Hilarious. And like with removing tattoos, I imagine removing cats will leave scars, too. Not that I would ever consider that, but I do already have a few "household" scars. Mostly my bedding, couch, some clothes, and curtains.

- M

Amos Goes to the Beauty Parlor

A new groomer has opened shop in my neighborhood - Logan Pets. I will be doing a full review of the joint soon, but I took Amos there this past weekend to get him a much needed makeover and I wanted to share the news now.

Though he was quite unhappy with me for the rest of the weekend, he sure is looking pretty (and smells great too!). They bathed and brushed him, trimmed his nails, cleaned his ears and -- my favorite part -- brushed his teeth. I have been quite unsuccessful in this department so I was extremely excited to learn this was part of their Beauty Bath Package.

The groomer said he did quite well, and only made a fuss when they turned on the blow dryer. When I went to pick him up, he was just calmly laying in his carrier and stayed that way during the entire walk home. The groomer said -- and I quote -- "I wish all the cats who come here were that easy!"

That's my boy.












- H

Cat on a Leash

Yes, this cat is on a leash.

I saw my neighbor, Matt, walking his skittish feline, Caroline, in my building's courtyard a couple of times. I had to ask him what was up with that.

Apparently, Caroline loves her little "walks" and does not mind the leash one bit. According to Matt, she goes to the door and cries, begging for her walk.

Matt seems to be a very nice owner -- "walking" Caroline multiple times a day (these "walks" usually consist of her sniffing and rolling around in the grass. When I saw her, she was particularly interested in one small area of the courtyard).

Matt's advice: if you're considering getting a leash for your cat, get a small dog harness instead of a cat harness. I had no idea they even made harnesses for cats!

-H

Harry Potter by Cats

SPOILER ALERT: If you have been in a coma for the last decade or so you should not watch this clip.

That about sums it up.

- M

CA$HCATS.biz

Who would have thought that blogging about cats would become so prevalent that ceases to be a niche blog? I present to you CA$HCATS.biz, a blog that profiles pictures of cats rolling in dough-as in cash. That is the sole purpose of the blog.

I don't normally have a lot of cash around, but the next time I do I will capture some images to submit to the blog.

- M

Hardcore Combat Kitty

Give this cat the Medal of Honor.

- M

One of the Most Beautiful Words in the English Language

Word of the Day: Ailurophile.

Definition via Merriam-Webster

The website Deshoda has a list of the 100 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language. And wouldn't you know, ailurophile was first on the list. Sure, it is at the beginning of the alphabet, but still, to be an ailurophile is a very beautiful thing.

- M

The Noisy Drinking Cat

This cat is really, really enjoying this glass of milk. It's kind of adorable but aren't cats not supposed to drink milk?

- H

My Favorite Neighbor

Nene is an adorable and sweet brindle kitty who lives in a house on my street.

She often sits on the front steps of her home and then runs down to greet the neighbors as they walk by, softly brushing up against our legs.

One night, Nene followed me into my apartment building's courtyard, unbeknown to me, and I shut the gate. I could not coax her out and was worried she would get stuck in the courtyard (the gate is very low to the ground and it did not seem possible for her to slide underneath).

I tried to pick Nene up but this startled her and she ran into the bushes to watch me at a distance, now suspicious of me. I quickly went upstairs to my apartment to get some treats to help coax her out of the bushes, but by the time I had returned she was nowhere to be found.

After searching the courtyard, I walked down the street to Nene's house and there she was, sitting on the stoop. I'm sure this was not the first time she had followed one of her neighbor friends into the courtyard.

- H

Every Time

Source

Remember that post with the pictures of Washoo reaching under the bathroom door like the alien from Signs? Well, this guy got video of his cat doing the same thing! So jealous. I do have to admit that Washoo does a better job at freaking the hell out of me.

- M

Kitten Rescue - Pipe Edition

Check out this rescue of a kitten by a group of firefighters in California. Poor thing got stuck in a two inch pipe.

The kitten was adopted by a producer of the local television station. The little one was named "Piper"! How fitting!

- M

Plants and Cats: It's One or the Other

I do not think it's possible to be a cat-owner AND a plant-owner. Unfortunately, I love both.

Amos recently broke a SECOND potted plant on my one east-facing windowsill. This time it was the yellow pot that the Christmas Cactus has been living in. I had to transport the cactus to the yellow pot after he broke the first one the cactus was living in - with was my favorite, a gift. He loves to sit in that window more than any others in the apartment and it doesn't seem to matter that there are 4 or 5 potted plants on the sill at any given time. He just swings and tail and they go crashing onto the radiator or floor below. Sometimes he prefers to just play in the soil and then track his dirty paws all over the apartment.

When he's not carelessly smashing them or digging them up, he's eating them. And finding the green puke piles on the rugs is super disgusting. A friend of mine brought me a nice potted plant a few months ago. Unfortunately, Amos thinks this particular plant is quite tasty. The plant (we're still not sure what kind it is since the tag simply reads "foliage") is now all know all gnarled and hanging on for dear life.

I refuse to give up my plants. I mean, they are living creatures too! I have already had to give up a couple because so many plants are poisonous to cats, including my favorite (lily). I even had to take my aloe plant to my office in case Amos decided to see what it tastes like. The plants are staying damnit! So I guess it's Amos who must go.

Just kidding.

- H

Hanging Around

Via.

Found this photo while trolling around Reddit. Cats are why most of us can never own nice things. Or if we do, we can't keep cat hair off of them.

- M

Hot Dudes with Kittens

Hot Dudes with Kittens from Sam Trammell

OMG. I don't know why someone didn't make this sooner. I love the disclaimer that the video is for women or women sympathisers only! Enjoy this almost two minute clip of hot dudes holding and dancing with kittens.

I hope none of them had allergies.

- M

Barking Cat

Check out this awesome video of a cat barking. It sounds just like a dog until it realizes it is caught and then starts meowing.

I am still trying to get a good clip of Washoo chirping. That and Laci carrying around her stuffed monkey like it is a teddy bear. One day. One day.

Cat Straw Thief

What is it with straws? This cat seems to have a thing with straws. You can't tell if it likes them or hates them. I think that the argument would be settled with two cups next to each other. One with a straw and one without and see how the cat reacts.

- M

Postcards for Pet Food

About a week ago the amazing cat blog Catsparella did a post about The Pet Postcard Project. For every postcard mailed in, pet food companies will donate one pound of food to rescue organizations.

Postcards must include a picture of dog or cat you know making wish or confession, or giving advice. H and I took a couple minutes to put together a couple cards. While they might not be the most stylish, each card is a pound of food. That's FOUR pounds of food for rescue animals. I don't think that our cats will mind if any number of those pounds of food go to dogs, but I am sure they would prefer cat food.

Check out Catsparella's postcard and details of The Pet Postcard Project and how to participate.

Thanks to Catsparella for sharing this project.

- M

DJ Cat

DJ Cat is catching on faster than I think I would. However, I don't imagine that a cat could last a whole DJ set. There would need to be lots of down time for random licking and maybe a nap or two.

- M

eHarmony Video Bio

This video has been going around lately but in case you missed it:



My favorite part is when she says she wants them on rainbows!

I think Debbie may love cats even more than M and I.

- H

Cat Adopts Baby Squirrels

This story is a bit odd but very adorable. A litter of newborn squirrels fell out of their nest during a storm in Paarl, South Africa. A woman found them and took them to her neighbor who had a nursing cat. The cat, Kit-Kat, now has some unusual foster children.

The cats and squirrel babies seem to be living getting along quite nicely.



- H

Come Here Help

Clever name for a cat.

- M

Amos the Bug Catcher

One thing cats are definitely good at is catching those creepy critters that sneak into your home.

Last night, Amos had quite a good time playing (torturing) this bug who was crawling around the dining room floor.

Then he ate it. Gross.

-H

Are You Dating a Cat?

via The Frisky

Check out this awesome flow chart. You can, in as little as a couple steps, determine if you are dating a cat or a man. This should go in the next issue of Cosmo.

- M

Kitty's Gettin Sauced Tonight

My good friend D sent me a picture featuring her cat Zissou with the caption: "Kitty's gettin sauced tonight!"

So cute... thought I'd share.

- H

Spider Cats

Let's just say that even if Laci had her front claws she would never be able to make it six inches off the ground. I'm sure her super cat powers will develop one day. I am sure it has something to do with her need to eat my bedding.

Speaking of bedding . . . I had to put a top sheet to rest. I had the forethought to cover my couch with a sheet before a recent vacation. However, I didn't foresee her chewing a hole so big that she could fit through it. The hole had to be 12 inches in diameter.

- M

Cats and MBAs

I finally graduated. The end of the semester was the reason for my prolonged absence from Felinefluenza. The above picture was included in my graduation announcement. As I am known for sending out cats cards I knew that I could not pass up an opportunity to put a cat on a graduation announcement, especially when I found this stock photo. Isn't it perfect?

While I succeed in completing my MBA, I did fail at completing a goal for myself. I was going to try and do one presentation on cats at some point during my coursework. There were only a few opportunities where I had the liberty to incorporate cats, but for the better of my education I decided there were other companies and product categories that better suited for those projects. Incorporating cats would have been a stretch and would not have demonstrated properly the skills I had learned.

I would, however, like to thank my cats, Laci and Washoo, for their contribution to my education. They were great companions as I worked late into the night. They did not disturb me if I had the opportunity to sleep in. Laci would keep me productive by sitting on my lap forcing me to continue working. Washoo would help out by sitting on important papers and articles making sure they didn't disappear. And they were great distractions when I needed them. Thank you.

I would also like to thank my friends who threw me an awesome cat themed graduation party. Check out the cake!

- M

FYI: The Pope Loves Cats

This morning I found myself watching the Today show during my cool down from my extremely early morning run with a friend of mine. The focus of the show was about the Pope and the Catholic Church. Matt Lauer had an audience with the Pope and gave him a gift, a crystal cat (shown above). Apparently the Pope is a huge fan of cats!

While I am neither Catholic nor religious, I do have to say that the Pope is a pretty high profile cat fan. We'll leave the discussions about controversies in the Catholic Church about pedophile coverups and the speculation about Pope Benedict's past to other blogs. This blog is just about cats. And as a cat fan, I think that it gives the Pope a couple of bonus points.

Check out the footage. At about 3:23 Matt mentions the gift and the Pope's affinity for cats.

- M

Why I am a Sprint Customer

Sprint knows what is important to me . . . Cats!

- M

Window Seat

Now that it is Spring and the windows are open, the windowsill in the dining room is Amos' new place to lounge.

I hope you enjoy the photos, dear readers.

-H

How many beds does one cat need?

Amos has many cat beds in the apartment. This one is a nice big brown pillow that he claimed as his own awhile ago. It is now constantly covered in his white hair. He has pretty much outgrown his actual cat bed, that I bought specifically for him, so can I really blame him for wanting to lay on this huge, plush pillow?

However, I try to explain to him that my bed does not need to be his bed because he has his own... multiple. Yet, any chance he gets, he sneaks into my room and buries himself under the covers.

It's a constant battle in the H/Amos household.


-H

Belly Rubs

Amos loves to have his belly rubbed. I did not realize that not all cats enjoy this, until I attempted to rub the belly of mom's cats and they about bit my hand off.

Amos takes this pose no less than 5 times a day.

It usually works.

-H

Cat Diary

A friend forwarded me the following:

The Dog's Diary:

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

------------------------------------------

The Cat's Diary:

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Jerks!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

- M

Superchuck Cat Cam Video

Check out the newly released video for Superchunk's song "Crossed Wires."

It features a day in the life of an average house cat.

- M

Cat on Underwater Treadmill

It's been a while since we've posted anything. Its been busy over here. But here is a video of a cat trying to lose weight on an underwater treadmill.

What is up with the music?

-M

Cats at Sea

Apparently, cats have a long history in the U.S. navy, dating back thousands of years.

According to this the U.S. Naval Institute, it's likely that the ancient Egyptians were the first to realize the benefits of cats as shipmates. The furry helpers would rid the ships of rodents; otherwise they could easily be overrun with rats and mice (bad news).

Some sailors even believed their feline friends brought good luck. Others just liked to have something to cuddle. I don't quite agree with the good luck belief -- but I can definitely understand the need to cuddle with a kitty while away at sea (I'm sure our Navy veteran, M, can definitely empathize with this!).

Check out the site for some more adorable pictures.

- H

PHOTOBOMB

Buzzfeed has complied 25 pictures of dogs and cats photobombing each other. Here are a few of my favorites.

All images via Buzzfeed.

- M