Premier Pet Products, Funkitty® Doorway Dangli™. & "Squeaky Mice!"

Hi everyone it's Cody!! I am  happy (and a bit embarrassed...read on...you will soon see why) to be here today to tell you about some  toys that Premier Pet Products  was kind enough to send to my Mom to have me try out.

I was sooo excited the day the toys arrived that I could barely control myself!! I meowed and meowed to my Mom to tell her to hurry up and open the box!

I have good news and bad news....I will give you the good news first!

You all know that I am obsessed with mousies right? How could you NOT know, I have  told you  about it enough!

Well...when my Mom opened the box and I saw 2 furry "Squeaky Mice" I about lost my mind!

They are the purrfect size for swatting all over the place!!  They are furry and I think they are catnip scented (my Mom forgot to check that out) because the second I had them in the death trap of my iron paws some serious bunny kicking took place!

Cody bunny kicking the "Squeaky Mouse!" See the little glimpse of brown?

OMC! Do I ever love these! I was carrying them around the house, left them in the hallway...brought them into the kitchen. I am sooo proud of my "Squeaky Mice!" They are catabulous! One really cool thing is when you leave them in strategic places you get to hear nasty words that your Mom and Dad say when they accidentally step on them! They SQUEAK!! (not your Mom and Dad, but the mousies squeak!!! yep, hence the name "Squeaky Mice!") They are mucho cool!!!

Then we went on to the next toy, the Funkitty® Doorway Dangli™. I was a little concerned.

 Ohhh don't get me wrong, I LOVED it in the package. I had some serious reservations about my clutzy Mom being able to use this properly. You see, this is the same woman that took a macrame class in college and the professor said my Mom was the ONLY student she couldn't teach macrame to in her 25 year teaching career.

So I studied....

And studied....

And studied!

I felt my quality control measures were fine and that even my "any toy involving strings or cord" challenged Mom could figure this one out!

Well...my friends,  when my Mom removed the packaging I had a good old time playing with the Funkitty® Doorway Dangli™ as a  toy that was being held by my Mom,  (not the way it was intended to be used, but I still loved it), the mouse-like tail attached to a blue plastic  clam shell that dispenses treats or kibble,  tickled my nose and piqued my interest. I stood on my hind legs and swatted and boxed, having a regular feline fun fest...until....my Mom went to hang it on our door...and....ready for this????

SHE BROKE IT!!

Yep you read correctly. The maven of the cat toy world (NOT!!) BROKE MY NEW TOY!! I sat there looking at her with complete and total disgust! She frantically pieced together the directions she had so carelessly ripped while she was unpackaging the Funkitty® Doorway Dangli™ (uh...might have been smart to read the directions FIRST brainiac!!) and set about to tie the ends back together. She WAS able to attach it to our door frame but neither of us think the toy was functioning the way it was supposed to and it was all HER fault. Nobody's fault but hers!!

Soooo....Mom was a nervous wreck cause she didn't want to ruin my review (way to go Mom, you are destroying my rep here)...so she searched for a video of how the toy WILL work when someone who knows what they are doing attaches it correctly, and here you go!



It looks like at least SOMEBODY knew how to properly put this together! As you can see it is a FUN toy (but I wouldn't know that, thanks to my Mom)...

I wanted to give you an honest review of this, so I can only speak from the standpoint of my Mom totally messing it up! My Mom and I weren't compensated in any way for this review (thank goodness or we would be in HUGE trouble!!), but the kind lady at Premier Pet Products did send us these great toys to try and we are most appreciative!! At least my Mom didn't decimate my "Squeaky Mice" (yet)...they TOTALLY ROCK!!

Please go to www.premier.com and check out the great items they have for cats and dogs...., please check out the Funkitty® Doorway Dangli™ , but remember...if your Mom acts as if she hasn't a brain in her head and  no opposable thumbs  to properly attach this to your door frame....you may want to put this one together yourself!!!

Happiness Is A Comfy Chair -Wordless Wednesday

I cross my paws soooo politely!

Book Revew: "Housecat CONFIDENTIAL" A humorous look into the life of a suburban housecat by Fin & Meg S. Hart

Delightful!! Completely delightful are the first thoughts that come to mind after reading "Housecat CONFIDENTIAL".


Have You Ever Thought About:

• What is it like being a housecat?
• What are the "secrets of life?"
• Do you ever wonder what your cat is thinking?
•  Do you wonder what your cat was thinking before it entered your life?
•  What about your cats' Mom or its' litter mates?
• What  the wide range of  your cats' "meows" and other sounds mean? If you thought (like I did) that "Mah" means "Mom", think again...you're wrong!

The answers to these "impawtant" questions are  conveyed by the beautiful and talented cat-author "Fin" and were typed by her "Ghost Writer"/co-author, Meg S. Hart. Meg also shot the darling photographs that are peppered liberally throughout it's pages.

In Fin's words:"I'm a grannycat, a senior kitizen, but I don't mind getting older. I can't jump like a kitten anymore but I haven't just grown older,  I've also grown wiser. I have so much wisdom I want to share with humans and kitties alike. I've discovered the secret of life and I want to share it with all of you. Why don't we curl up on the couch together and I'll tell you everything I've learned."

Gorgeous "Fin!"

Such as:

•  how "family is about a lot more than blood."
• that "a paw gently petting your face means, "I love you very much and would like the gesture repeated on me. Thank you for understanding" (My Cody does this nearly every night when he is laying on my chest before we nod off to sleep and now I know what it means!

I loved so much about this book but there were a few parts that had me in fits of giggles:

•   "Mousey And Me-A Tale of Forbidden Love" I know that many of you kitties out there (including my Cody) are OBSESSED with your mice, some of you overtly, some discreetly....I laughed til I nearly cried thinking of my Cody and is obsession with his one mangy red mousey...no other mousey will do. It must be RED mousey. If you have a mousey obsessed kitty this chapter will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone!

• Is there a "Blanket Monster" in your house? I bet there is....there is one in my house and I shouldn't admit that it is ME! What is a "Blanket Monster?" You will have to read this gem to find out! I won't tell!

• As Fin says "I don't want you to think it's all fun and games, being a housecat is a great responsibility" One of Fin's many "jobs" is that of waking "Mom"..."Mom getting out of bed is the official start of the day" (as it is in so many of our homes!). This segment also had me rolling with laughter because Cody will resort to his old tricks of jumping on the printer, turning it ON, hitting the paper tray, a sure-fire way to get either me or "Dad" out of bed to feed him. It is silly of us to think that our cats are unique in their attempts to waken us, I now learned that it is universal trait in "Catdom"... as Fin says when unable to waken her "Mom" "I'll knock over anything on her nightstand that'll make a crash, and if something spills (like a water glass), it's a bonus"...."I'll crackle paper on the floor, or pull some papers from the trash if necessary; whatever it takes to make it impossible for her to sleep any longer."

• "A Moon Landing"...you will have to read it to find out what THIS is! Genius, pure genius!

"Housecat CONFIDENTIAL" is witty, funny, touching, charming, thought provoking  and sure to strike a chord with anyone who owns or has been owned by a cat. Fin's insight and first-paw experience on being a housecat will resonate with you as it did with me.  In Fin's words once again:

Fabulous floofy "Fin!"

"In the end, I imagine cats want what everyone really wants---a warm place to sleep where you can feel completely safe, a gentle loving hand to stroke away your sadness, someone to curl up next to when you're lonely, and someone to make you laugh and to laugh with you."

Curl up with "Housecat CONFIDENTIAL" and allow Fin to share her "Secrets Of Life"...you will be thrilled that you did!


SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE AUTHOR: "The idea for the book began as an assignment in a short story writing class. I wanted something light and humorous to offset the darker side of my writing"..."I used to look outside myself to find joy and happiness, acquiring THINGS in order to feel satisfaction. I've realized, through Fin's eyes, you don't have to look outside to find joy. Even a simple life can bring great joy if you appreciate the things you already have within reach."

TO PURCHASE "HOUSECAT CONFIDENTIAL" visit www.amazon.com or visit Fin and Meg S. Hart at www.housecatconfidential.com

ISBN:1452802254
EAN-13:9781452802251





ANOTHER NOTE: Thanks to our dear friend Brian from BRIAN'S HOME for having all of us bloggers spread the word about Shelter Awareness Day, January 24th....whenever possible....support your local shelters!! They can always use donations, blankets, all sorts of supplies from pens, newspapers, food, treats, toys...you name it, they need it! Whenever possible ADOPT-A-PET!!

Last Day To Catch The Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Show In Allen Park, Michigan!

The Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers, a local Michigan CFA cat club is the proud sponsor of their 46th Cat Fanciers'Association Championship All Breed and Household Pet Cat Show held at the:

 ALLEN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

                    15800 WHITE STREET

                    ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

 TODAY!!!!

TIME: 9 AM – 4 PM

FREE PARKING!

Tin Man-Classic Silver Tabby American Shorthair

225 cats and kittens from throughout the U.S. and Canada will be on exhibit and judged. Internationally qualified CFA judges will evaluate the cats.  Meet all the breeds including: Persians, Maine Coons, Sphinx, Birmans, Ragdolls, Tonkinese, Orientals, Siamese, Russian Blues, Cornish & Devon Rex, American Shorthairs, Bombays and many more!  We are devoted to the promotion and protection of all cats!

ADMISSION: ADULTS $5, SENIORS $4,

 CHILDREN $3, UNDER AGE 5 – NO CHARGE

Limerick (Ricky)-Red Tabby Persian

Tony-Classic Brown Tabby Maine Coon

Founded in 1906, The Cat Fanciers’ Association has been devoted to the promotion and protection of all cats.  CFA as a whole, as well as individual member clubs and individuals associated with CFA, have together made outstanding contributions in feline health, feline health research, animal welfare and disaster relief over the years.

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT:CATHY HAWLEY

EMAIL: cihawley@comcast.net

WEBSITE: www.cfa.org

While you are at the Cat Show be sure to check out the innovative new pet feeding toy "Bat-A-Rat" which was featured on yesterdays blog...(click here to read all about it!!)

                      

Cat Fanciers' Association All Breed Cat Show In Allen Park, Michigan

The Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers, a local Michigan CFA cat club is the proud sponsor of their 46th Cat Fanciers'Association Championship All Breed and Household Pet Cat Show held at the:

 ALLEN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

                    15800 WHITE STREET

                    ALLEN PARK, MI 48101

 TODAY!!!!

TIME: 9 AM – 4 PM

FREE PARKING!

Tin Man-Classic Silver Tabby American Shorthair

225 cats and kittens from throughout the U.S. and Canada will be on exhibit and judged. Internationally qualified CFA judges will evaluate the cats.  Meet all the breeds including: Persians, Maine Coons, Sphinx, Birmans, Ragdolls, Tonkinese, Orientals, Siamese, Russian Blues, Cornish & Devon Rex, American Shorthairs, Bombays and many more!  We are devoted to the promotion and protection of all cats!

ADMISSION: ADULTS $5, SENIORS $4,

 CHILDREN $3, UNDER AGE 5 – NO CHARGE

Limerick (Ricky)-Red Tabby Persian

Tony-Classic Brown Tabby Maine Coon

Founded in 1906, The Cat Fanciers’ Association has been devoted to the promotion and protection of all cats.  CFA as a whole, as well as individual member clubs and individuals associated with CFA, have together made outstanding contributions in feline health, feline health research, animal welfare and disaster relief over the years.

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT:CATHY HAWLEY

EMAIL: cihawley@comcast.net

WEBSITE: www.cfa.org

While you are at the Cat Show be sure to check out the innovative new pet feeding toy "Bat-A-Rat" which was featured on yesterdays blog...(click here to read all about it!!)

                      

Cody LOVES His "Bat-A-Rat!!"

Hi Everybody!! I was so happy that my Mom was lucky enough to meet Brian Dotterer (the wizard behind this great new  toy called "Bat-A-Rat" that my Mom brought home!) and his pretty wife Michele.

OMC how I LOVE this toy! It is the coolest thing EVER!

What Is "Bat-A-Rat?"

It is a super clever pet feeding toy that is great for kitties and small doggies! You see Brian created it cause his 13 year old Tonkinese cat "Elvis" kind of "inhales" his food like I do (we LOVE our noms!) and Brian was worried about his digestion and stuff so he wanted to create something to have him slow down when he eats and to make him move his kitty body more to get the food! I am kinda lazy myself (well, that is what my Mom says!) and that is one of many things she likes about it too!


Why "Bat-A-Rat?"

Other than the obvious, that in my expert treat nomming opinion and my Mom's opinion, "Bat-A-Rat" is  the BEST pet feeding toy that my Mom has ever found, (my Mom wasn't paid to say this, she loves this toy, has tried two others, and she is so happy that I love it too!), there are other features that my Mom really likes about it because she worries about my safety and health.

• "Bat-A-Rat" is 100% made in the USA (Michigan!)
• It is Non-Toxic-it doesn't contain any of that lead stuff that can really hurt all of us kitties and doggies
• It is made out of food grade plastic (not some weird junky stuff)
• It is Recyclable!
• "Bat-A-Rat" is super easy to fill and clean, the 2 halves come apart.

Aren't those kitties in the video cute? Those are Brian and Michele's cats, "Elvis" (the food obsessed guy like me!) He is a 13 yr old platinum point Tonkinese and more important than that fancy cat breed stuff, he is a  really cool dude  with a rockin' name! Also featured in the video is "Layla" who is 9 years old and she is a champagne solid Tonkinese  (more fancy cat breed stuff lol).

Now...check "yours truly" out in my video below! My Mom couldn't stop laughing cause I loved my "Bat-A-Rat" so much (we have used it EVERY DAY since!) and I don't usually like anything other than my red mousie! A few reasons I like it are the noms are super fun for me to get out. "Bat-A-Rat" wobbles and I can swat it, grab it and everything and it won't fall!! Also the holes are adjustable to fit any size noms my Mom may have in the house! Another great thing? It can hold up to a 1/3 cup of noms!!! YAY! No one or two bites for me! I can have a nice portion at one time!



Do you believe my Mom actually sat down and figured out her video camera just to film "MOI" lovin' on my "Bat-A-Rat!?" (her video skills are still pretty lame but I give her an "A" for effort!)

Ready for this all of my kitty and doggie pals? "Bat-A-Rat" normally retails for $14.95 but Brian is sooo nice that he said all of the readers of CAT CHAT can get one for $9.95 if they fill out the form on the "Contact Us" tab on his website  AND mention that they heard about "Bat-A-Rat" from me, Cody, at CAT CHAT!

All of you who live in Michigan are SUPER LUCKY cause Brian will be at the Cat Fancier's Association's All Breed Cat Show this Saturday, January 22 and Sunday, January 23, in Allen Park, MI and he will have some "Bat-A-Rat's" with him! How cool is that??? Zoom on over and check him out and tell him that Cody from CAT CHAT sent ya!!

"Oliver" The Ice Skating Cat (Video)-Semi-Wordless Wednesday

The ice warnings we had Tuesday morning here in Michigan got me to thinking...what if there were ice skating cats?

Well...I found one!!

Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you!!

Wow am I ever flattered!! Thanks so much! I was presented with the "Stylish Blogger Award" by FOUR different blogs and I am just blown away! The four blogs I would like to thank are:


Living On Less


Feeling Beachie


Two Little Monkeys


The Acre Of Misfits


Please take a moment to check them out (if you haven't already)...they are all wonderful people with fabulous and unique blogs!!


Thanks guys!!!


There are 4 duties to perform to receive this award:


1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award 
2. Share 7 things about yourself 
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

OK, 7 things about me that you don't know:

1)   I  collect cookbooks and am obsessed with  The Food Network and The Cooking Channel and have a "girl crush" on Rachael Ray.

Rachael Ray from The Rachael Ray Show Facebook Page

2)  In college I actually was an ART major! I actually USED to be able to draw. My favorite medium to work with was pen and ink or graphite. I can only work in black and white or gray....I can't and never could, PAINT!

3)   I have always wanted to write and illustrate children's books....who knows?

Me Circa 70s lifeguard days with my Richard Simmons and Ronald Mcdonald hair!

4)   I was on a swim team in High School (summer team) and I was a lifeguard. I used to shoot water between the gap in my front teeth and could do a mean impersonation of the sound that dolphins make!! My friends nicknamed me "Flipper!"

5)   I drive a stick shift....and.....READY FOR THIS??? I CANNOT drive an AUTOMATIC!!! Yes you read correctly...I CANNOT DRIVE AN AUTOMATIC...only stick!!!

6)  I am also obsessed with "House Hunters" on HGTV.

7)  My fantasy is to live in a log cabin in the forest...by a wonderful running stream.....I would like to sleep in a hayloft like Heidi did! lol

 I would like to pass this award on to the following:



Guess what? There is no way that I could ever pick 15 blogs from the 100s that I follow and give an award. If each and every one of them weren't worthy of the award I wouldn't be following them!


Soooo...this is for all of you who come by and support us by showin' us  the love and by having blogs that we soooo enjoy following!


Grab the badge, post it on  your OWN BLOGS!! You deserve it!!

"Mahalo" Monday-Barry Manilow's "I Can't Smile Without You" Featuring Mostly Cats!

Hi everyone and Happy (or not) Monday!  I had a guest blog planned for today but unfortunately the individual that was going to guest blog is M.I.A. and I was left with NOTHING planned for today...you know "the best laid plans"....so, a little improvising is in order.

I was not feeling well at all on Saturday, I have a chronic kidney stone condition called "medullary sponge kidneys" ...anyway what this translates to, is I was born with kidneys whose "job" it is to MAKE STONES!

Some people are full of "you-know-what"...I am full of stones...all stones...ALL the time! Hundreds of 'em...(yep..you read that right...HUNDREDS!)...the key is staying hydrated to keep them small enough that I can pass them myself.

Saturday one was stuck...if you are a woman use your imagination...if not...you get the picture.

I wanted to comment to each and every one of you (the way I try to do on every one of the blogs that I post) who left fabulous comments on Saturday's guest post for "Blog The Change" but I just wasn't up to it...I am sorry.

Also....this is going to be a crazy, crazy week with home repairs....I will do my best to visit all of you and comment on your blogs but I may not be around as much as I usually am. I hope you will all understand.

Soooo....I just want to say "Mahalo" which in Hawaiian means "thank you!"....(ever since I was in Kauai I am obsessed with all things Hawaiian!).

"Mahalo" for reading Cat Chat

"Mahalo" for your support...

"Mahalo" to those who have featured us...

"Mahalo" to those who have "awarded" us!

"Mahalo" for your friendship!

"Mahalo" for being YOU!

If you aren't here...we wouldn't be here....we just "Can't Smile Without YOU!"

Love, Caren and Cody

Blog The Change For Animals! Guest Post By Cheryl Lang From No Paws Left Behind

National Non-Profit Committed to Helping the Silent Victims of America’s Foreclosure Crisis Hits Major Milestone

Organization started by REO property management president and CEO,

rescues 1000^th animal and urges Americans to “Leave No Paws Behind”

At the close of 2010, No Paws Left Behind, Inc. (NPLB) announced its1000^th foreclosure animal rescue. To date 1000 abandoned animals from dogs, cats, llamas to pot-bellied pigs have been successfully rescued and placed in “No Kill” shelters where foster care is provided until adoptive families can give them a good home.

In light of the increasing foreclosure epidemic, many homeowners have been faced with the hardship of having to leave their homes due to the current depressed economy that has rocked the housing market. In addition to losing their homes, many owners lack the financial means to continue taking care of their companion pets and end up leaving them behind. Subsequently, many pets are found locked in basements, garages, or simply left in backyards without adequate sustenance.

Headquartered in Houston, No Paws Left Behind was formed by a nationally recognized business woman and community leader. Cheryl Lang, President and CEO of Integrated Mortgage Solutions, (“IMS”), a leading provider of REO property inspections and rehabilitation was moved to create NPLP, after coming face-to-face with countless abandoned animals at inspection sites and vacant properties.  NPLB maintains a not for profit status and is a 501c3 organization.

Cheryl Lang

“Sadly, the current housing crisis has severely affected countless homeowners creating a trickle down negative effect on helpless animals,” said Cheryl Lang. “During routine housing inspections, we frequently discover animals left behind in deplorable conditions with no food or water and at times inadequate shelter,” added Lang.

Across the nation, NPLB has located homes and shelters and/or well-being support for 1000 abandoned animals found on foreclosed properties. With community support from local shelters, rescue groups and tireless volunteers, NPLB provides food, shelter, and vaccinations to abandoned animals 365 days of the year. In addition, the organization provides immediate support to owners faced with the terrible decision of having to part with their animals - from locating a new home for the pet to providing monetary assistance for pet deposits.

According to statistics from the Humane Society of the United States, 63 percent of all American households have pets, including 74.8 million own dogs and 88.3 million own cats. Six million Americans are projected to lose their homes before the financial crisis ends, meaning more than 3.7 million companion pets are at risk of abandonment.

“We receive over 20 calls a week regarding an abandoned pet being left behind,” said Lang. “It’s just heartbreaking.” Our goal is to be the voice of these silent victims and bring greater awareness and solutions to the growing phenomena of foreclosure pets.”

  

As part of their Pet Awareness campaign, No Paws Left Behind has recently launched a hardship pet deposit assistance program that provides foreclosure homeowners with financial assistance, if they are unable to pay a pet deposit for a new home.

“We are thrilled and proud to have reached this momentous 1000^th pet rescue milestone,” said Lang. “We will continue to strive to help homeowners and their pets through this foreclosure epidemic, so that no one is left behind without a home or shelter.  We could not have done it without the generous donations we receive from the general public.”

 No Paws Left Behind Mission Statement

No Paws Left Behind, Inc. is a focus driven not for profit organization, designed to bring awareness to all communities’ silent victims of foreclosure who have no voice or rights to implement change. As a united front, we will restore moral obligation toward all pets that have potential to be, or have been left behind to suffer needlessly. We further pledge to act as a support group for those who find foreclosure imminent and need help finding shelter for their beloved pets; be a resource for those who find or know of abandoned pets, and last but not least, we must unite to end the needless suffering by creating a national movement targeting lawmakers to change the laws categorizing pets as personal property. For more information, visit www.nopawsleftbehind.org.