World's Best Cat Litter™ GiveLitter™ Charitable Initiative

A few months ago Cody and I had the opportunity to test and review "World's Best Cat Litter" and I have to say from that moment on Cody and I NEVER looked back.

It is the only litter we have used since and we have no intentions of EVER going back!

It's nice to see a product that lives up to it's name. World's Best does that and so much more. Aside from being literally the "World's Best" cat litter, another thing that Cody and I love about World's Best is their involvement in helping rescues around the country.

Please read what they sent in an email recently:

Help us spread the word about our GiveLitter™ charitable initiative - we'll donate 15 lbs. of litter on your behalf!

After donating more than 40,000 pounds of cat litter between deserved animal rescue groups in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Texas we are now focusing on supporting cats at three new shelters spread across the country!

Here’s the scoop on GiveLitter™;

• From 8/1-9/16, people can vote daily to donate litter, for free, to one of these deserving animal rescue organizations:

·        Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (Wainscott, NY)

·        Homeward Pet (Woodinville, WA)

·        A.D.O.P.T Pet Shelter (Naperville, IL)

Each one of these participating shelters is part of the No More Homeless Pets® Network – a program of the Best Friends Animal Society.

·        It’s free to vote and you can do it daily. Vote via Facebook http://www.givelitter.com/fb and on the program’s website at http://www.givelitter.com.

• The first time you vote and/or “Like” us on Facebook a pound of litter is donated. Each of your additional votes adds one-tenth of a pound. Voting is free and so is your litter donation! It does not cost anything and every vote counts! At the end of the voting period, the litter will be distributed proportionally according to the total vote count for each shelter.

FOR BLOGGERS:

Bloggers can visit givelitter.com/downloads to get a badge to share on your blog or website!

Winner! "I Am Tama Lucky Cat" And Martha Stewart Pets At PetSmart!!

The Winner of
the "I Am Tama Lucky Cat" book give-away is:
Old Kitty and of course CHARLIE!!
from the wonderful blog
Ten Lives And Second Chances
Concatulations!!
Please email me your complete address to:
cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Don't I look totally handsome
in my new shirt?
Mom brought it home for me from BlogPaws!

I AM "The Leader Of The Pack!"
The nice people from PetSmart
gave Mom this shirt and a few others.
Now I have a rockin' wardrobe!
This shirt is part of the
Martha Stewart Pets line at:

A Must Have For The Next BlogPaws (Or Any Conference) A Magnet (Or Other Goodies) By Signazon

Approximately a month ago I was contacted by the super helpful people at Signazon asking if I would be interested in featuring them on Cat Chat.

Signazon.com is "the top online custom business signs design and manufacturing company."  Some of their products include  yard signs, political signs, real estate signs,
 car window decals, promotion signs, vinyl banners and magnetic business cards,  just to name a few.

Their timing couldn't have been better! I had recently ordered business cards for BlogPaws 2011 and after poking around their website I decided that I thought ordering some magnetic business cards to bring with me would be a great idea as well.

The green part is the actual magnet
The black is just the background I shot the photo on

A few things that I love about handing magnets out at conferences are that they are unique, useful, fun don't rip and are great conversation starters.

The people at Signazon couldn't have been easier to work with. I sent them my photo and they virtually did the rest. I was also impressed that I ordered my magnets rather close to when I would have to leave for BlogPaws and they arrived just in time for me to take them with me. I did and I passed out quite a few!

The next time you need to order some promotional materials, consider ordering magnetic business cards from Signazon. You will be glad that you did!



I was not compensated for this post. I received approx. 250 magnets in exchange for blogging about Signazon's products.

BlogPaws 2011-Part I

Neither an earthquake nor the imminent and unwelcome arrival of Hurricane Irene could deter 400+ bloggers, an assortment of dogs, a convoy of cats, ferrets and even a guinea pig from descending upon  the Sheraton Premier Hotel At Tysons Corner, Virginia.

United Airlines must have sensed my excitement because they had me seated in the first seat of their 50 seat "express" plane. I was seated directly behind the pilots! It was perfect for telling them to step on the gas and get me to BlogPaws! STAT!

My seat was directly in front of this door.
I am a nervous flyer and there was
quite a bit of turbulence on my way to Virginia.
The small plane didn't thrill me,
but Kelly (the flight attendant)
was located across the aisle from me.
We had a  few great conversations
and she put my mind at ease
letting me know that the plane we were on
could do all of the things
that the "big" planes do!!!

This was the FIRST thing I saw
as I made my way into the hotel lobby

"Follow the yellow brick and blogpaws road"

Yes they most certainly were there!

Ohhhhh did they EVER have "TREATS!"
Better known as "swag"

No bloodhounds were necessary
to help us track
the scent to where we needed to be

I'm back and it was bliss! BlogPaws 2011 met and surpassed my wildest expectations. There is so much to tell that I can't possibly do it all in one blog post. Please come back and read further blog posts about BlogPaws 2011

"We Are Family"

Can't wait to see my blogging "sisters" (and "brothers!") at BlogPaws!

There are no people like the Pet blogging community!

It will be amazing to FINALLY meet those who in may ways have become like family to me.  I have laughed with, cried with, learned from and loved all of you, entirely through what you share on your blogs multiple times a week. I am proud and honored to be a part of such a warm, caring, fun and brilliant pet blogging "family!"

Safe travels to you all!

To those who can't be there, you are in our hearts and our thoughts and we hope to see you next time!

In the meantime, "CAT CHAT >>>>>>>>>>OUT!!!!!!!"

Catch ya all on the rebound!

Going To Be At BlogPaws? You Can Enter To Win A Reading From Animal/Pet Communicator, Sonya Fitzpatrick

Sonya Fitzpatrick

STOP BY THE TEMPTATIONS BOOTH 

ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26TH TO ENTER!

Take Your Cat To The Vet Week-Cody & The Vet Part II

Hi everyone it's Cody!  Did you know that this week (August 22 through August 28th) is  Take Your Cat To The Vet Week ? Petfinder wants to help spread the word!!

According to Jane Harrell, Petfinder.com Associate Producer: " (The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends cats go to the vet twice a year for checkups.)

Why is there a need for Take Your Cat to the Vet Week? Even though pet cats outnumber dogs in the U.S. by 15 million, CATalyst Council and the American Humane Association estimate that cats go to the vet only half as often as dogs.

In fact, Feline Pine, which founded the event, surveyed cat parents in 2009 and found that fewer than half took their cats to the vet unless the cat was sick. "
 Mom is  a huge advocate (actually that should be "advoCAT")  of preventive care for cats as well as all pets. Mom knows that often if a pet sees the vet on a regular basis a possible problem can be averted.

As much as I don't love going to the vet I know it is important for me so I do my very best to try and be a good kitty when I am there! My Mom says I do a great job and so does "Dr.Smiley"

So kitties, if you haven't seen your vet recently tell your Mom to make an appointment. Also, check out what Petfinder.com has to say about Take Your Cat To The Vet Week right here.

When you are done with that sit back, put your paws up and enjoy some photos from one of my most recent vet visits!

"This is the fireplace at the vet.
I like it cause they always
have cans of food there."

"This is "Ajax". I met him at the vet
on July 13, 2011"

"Ajax has some reservations about being here"

"Ajax thought he could make a run for it.
 He thought wrong"

"Mom is getting a little too much
enjoyment out of this!!"

"I see they left the door open
maybe when no one is looking...."

"Instead of running
do you think "playing dead" will help?
If I crouch down real low
maybe "Dr.Smiley" won't see me"

"Oh c'mon! Just get it over with!"

"Yeah I like you,
but let's not get overly friendly now,
got it Dr.Smiley?"

"See this guy right here?
Doesn't he bear an amazing resemblance
to "Dr.Smiley" above?

"I just love when
art cat toys
imitate life,
don't you?"

TEMPTATIONS® Treats For Cats And Sonya Fitzpatrick, Animal/Pet Communicator, Join Forces at BlogPaws 2011

GOING TO BE AT BLOGPAWS 2011?
YOU CAN WIN A READING

 FROM ANIMAL/PET COMMUNICATOR

SONYA FITZPATRICK

AT BLOGPAWS SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH

STOP BY THE TEMPTATIONS BOOTH 

ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26TH TO ENTER!

Sonya Fitzpatrick  and "friend"

It is hard to believe that BlogPaws 2011 is just a mere 3 days away!  Along with a program that is chock-full of interesting/fun events, TEMPTATIONS® TREATS FOR CATS and famed animal communicator Sonya Fitzpatrick have teamed up to help you find out what your cat is REALLY thinking!

Sonya Fitzpatrick is widely regarded as the most experienced and trusted animal communicator in the world.  Her extensive work helping animals handle adversity has distinguished her as an expert in the field of animal communication.  Sonya’s passion for animals and her understanding of the critical role they play in our lives provides a unique perspective on the way we need to interact with all of the animals in our world.  

Sonya is the author of two books on animal communication and behavior,

The Pet Psychic: What the Animals Tell Me and Cat Talk: The Secrets of Communicating with Your Cat.  Sonya is currently working on her third book on animals passing over.  The Pet Psychic, a television series hosted by Sonya, aired on Animal Planet and a new pilot, Pet Psychic Encounters, aired on the same network last year.  Sonya also hosts Animal Intuition, a radio show on XM-Sirius, on Tuesdays from 6pm-8pm ET, where listeners can call in and discuss their animal issues.  In addition to the various lectures and seminars Sonya conducts throughout the year, she also does private readings for clients who want to have a better relationship with their animals.

Over the past ten years, Sonya has worked with thousands of animals and their human friends to work through issues and overcome obstacles.  Her clients include everyday people and celebrities alike, including Tori Spelling and Ellen DeGeneres. 

About the TEMPTATIONS® Brand

TEMPTATIONS® are America’s favorite cat treat^*, with 20 flavor varieties, many that offer health benefits specific to cats’ needs. TEMPTATIONS® have a one of a kind, patented treat that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. In addition, TEMPTATIONS® MixUps were awarded Product of the Year in the 2011 Consumer Survey of Product Innovation. Look for TEMPTATIONS® cat treats at your favorite pet food retailer. For more information, please visit www.TemptationsTreats.com and www.Facebook.com/Temptations.

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world’s largest petcare company at the privately-held, family-owned Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world’s most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs, CESAR® Canine Cuisine, WHISKAS® Brand Food for Cats, and THE GOODLIFE RECIPE® Brand. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 2,700 Mars Petcare US associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 16 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

"Walking On Sunshine" Sunday! And Happy 6th Birthday Adorable Rosie!

Mom and I were deeply touched to receive the "Sunshine Award" a few weeks ago from our catabulous friends Au and Target from Katz and Other Tales, it really was a surprise and made us smile!

We have to answer these questions and pass this award on to 9 people. We didn't want to just pick 9 so we wanted everyone to have this award who visits and comments on our blog and fills OUR lives with SUNSHINE! 

01. Our favorite color:Mom-green (look at the background of our blog, can't ya tell? MOL!) ,
 Me-anything that even resembles stinky goodness!

02. Our favorite animal: are you kidding us? What do YOU think?

03. Our favorite number: Mom 10 or 20,
Me-4 cause that is how old I am!

04. Our favorite non-alcoholic drink: Mom-COFFEE!!
 Me-water but it must be served from my brother's dog bowl
 
05. Social media? Of course!! Facebook, Twitter, BlogPaws Community, blogs, just to name a few! Mom and I work as a team on many of these!

06. Our passion: Mom-writing, reading, cats,  swimming, walking, art, Shelties, cooking, music, Weight Watcher's.
 Me-Eating, Sleeping  and playing with my mousies or Neko fly.


07. Getting or giving presents? Mom & I  both agree we love BOTH!

08. Our favorite pattern? Huh???

09. Our favorite day of the week? Any day we are both on the right side of the grass!

10. Our favorite flower? Mom-Mums or White Roses.
 Me-the flowers on my catnip plant!

We're passing this award on to:

YOU!!

Also...today is a special day!

 Happy, Happy
6th Birthday

 to our adorable kitty friend:

ROSIE!!!!

Rosie has "Easy Sunday" down to an art!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Rosie!!!!

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) All Breed And Household Pet Cat Show

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 Allen Park Community Center

15800 White Street  Allen Park, MI 48101 

Red Tabby Persian  "Ch McDuff Code' Red

The show will feature one day of judged competition, as well as exhibitors and breeders providing information and offering close-up views of their cats.  Breeds represented will cover a wide variety, including Persians, Maine Coons, Orientals, Birmans, Tonkinese, Ragdolls, Siamese, Bombays and more.

The show is sponsored by the Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers, a local non-profit cat club. Internationally qualified CFA judges will evaluate the cats.

The show offers a variety of interests for all people, from cat enthusiasts to families with small children.  Judging will take place throughout the  day, so you can be in a ring watching the judging, or walking the exhibit hall looking at the beautiful cats.  You can ask questions of breeders and exhibiters.  It really is great fun for everyone!  

Black Persian  "GRP/CH McDuff Shadow Love"

Admission to the show is:

 $5 - adults

 $4 - seniors

 $3 - children

 ( no charge to children under age 5)  

Parking is free

Cream Point Himalayan "Carmen"

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.

Black Cat Appreciation Day: Le Chat Noir: Breaking the Myths About Black Cats (A Video) And Cascades Boutique Teepee And Chalet Give-Away Winner(s), Yes, I Said "WINNERS!"

Today is Black Cat Appreciation Day On Facebook and in honor of this event I wanted to repeat a video that I had previously shown in October of 2010. I don't think many of you were readers of Cat Chat then, so enjoy!



For more information and to adopt black cats that are in dire need of adoption, contact Christine Michaels at Riverfront Cats or The Cat Network thank you Christine for sharing your superb video with CAT CHAT!

Now....on to some extremely IMPAWTANT NEWS!!

THE WINNERS(s) Yes! I said WINNERS!

 I had asked all of you to choose whether

 you would like to win a Teepee or a Chalet
In my Cascades Boutique Give-Away

There was a total of 38 entries

26 people entered to win the Teepee.

12 people entered to win the Chalet.

Cascades Boutique said I could have one winner.

I am a Libra. One of the things Libras strive for is balance, equality and all things being fair. Because I featured TWO products on my blog (the Teepee and the Chalet) I wanted there to be TWO WINNERS...sooooo....Cascades Boutique is going to ship a Teepee to:

Cody will NOT
be included with the Teepee
when it is shipped :)

CAT WISDOM 101

AND

I am going to pawchase a Chalet and have it shipped to the second lucky winner who is:

DAWN!!!

CONCATULATIONS

TO BOTH WINNERS!!

I  need both of you to please email me

 your complete name and mailing address to:

  cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Thanks so much to all who entered!!!

Book Review: "i am maru" by mugumogu

Who doesn't know about Maru?

Whether you blog about cats, love reading about cats, enjoy watching videos about cats, or just plain LOVE CATS, well then, you KNOW about Maru!

If you know about Maru then it goes without saying that you are already in LOVE with Maru!

Imagine my delight when a stack of books for review were mailed to me, one of the books in the package was i am maru by mugumogu.


This will be one of the EASIEST book reviews I have ever done.

i am maru is a stellar companion to mugumogu's blog and videos on YouTube. It is hardcover, nearly 100 pages, chock full of photographs which are printed on high quality paper that you will find in the best of the "coffee table books".  There are scads of tidbits about Maru's life, his habits and his quirks which will keep any Maru addict content and purring for hours.

 Here are just a few to tease you:

• Maru's name means "round in shape" in Japanese (which by the way, the book is written in English AND Japanese!)
• Maru was born May 24, 2007
• He is a Scottish Fold cat
• He weighs 12 pounds
• His special skill: sliding into any open box
• He prefers boxes to paper bags
• He does not like to be held

FROM THE PUBLISHER: "Maru has been mentioned in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times and on The Colbert Report. Maru's videos have also been featured on a Fresh Step kitty litter commercial. His videos received the YouTube VIDEO AWARD JAPAN2008!"

If you love Maru and can't seem to get enough of him, then you must get i am maru by mugumogu! I never lost the smile from my face as I turned every page, I assure you, you will be doing the same.

Where to purchase? Click here
ISBN: 9780062088413; ISBN10: 0062088416; Imprint: William Morrow ; On Sale: 8/23/2011; Format: Hardcover; Trimsize: 8 X 7 1/8; Pages: 96; $15.99; Ages: 18 and Up; BISAC1:PET003000; BISAC2:HUM009000




I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of this book  to read and review.

Book Review And Give-Away: "I Am Tama, Lucky Cat" Written By Wendy Henrichs, Illustrations By Yoshiko Jaeggi

I have long been intrigued by the culture and customs of Japan. I was thrilled to receive a copy of I Am Tama, Lucky Cat to read and review.

This delightful and visually appealing (the illustrations have a wonderful watercolor-like quality about them) children's book is based on the Japanese "beckoning-cat legend", I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.

In Japanese legend when a cat raises it's paw it means "Come to me!" The cat is beckoning you closer which is considered to be good luck.

Tama is a stray cat who beckons a monk who shows pity on Tama and takes him in, in spite of the fact he has little food to eat himself.

The monk "had learned through Buddha's teachings to be happy in easing the suffering of others."


"He never considered his own hunger, but looked with compassion upon the hollow cheeks of his people and the protruding bones beneath my coat."


"It was for me and the temple worshippers that he wanted more food...more warmth...more comfort."

Tama is grateful and promises the monk he will bring good fortune to him and to the worshippers who come to his temple to pray.

"In Japan, it is also believed that when a cat washes its face, a guest will arrive."

Does Tama succeed? How did he earn the name of "Lucky Cat?" You will have to read this wonderful book to find out.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat "is a timeless story of friendship, generosity and kindness", something we all can never have enough of in our daily life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  "WENDY HENRICHS was lucky enough to grow up in a house full of dogs and cats. The inspiration for I Am Tama, Lucky Cat came to her shortly after adopting two cats. One had a habit of raising her paw while sitting,  just like a Japanese Lucky Cat figurine. Curiosity about the legends behind Lucky Cat led Wendy to the story of Tama."

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: "YOSHIKO JAEGGI was trained in her native Japan at the Osaka Municipal Institute of Fine Art. She is the illustrator of My Dadima Wears A Sari and Monsoon Afternoon." Visit her at www.yoshikojaeggi.com

• I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
• A Japanese Legend
• Written by Wendy Henrichs
• Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi
• Age 5-9

• 
  

• Hardcover: $16.95
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-589-8

To thank all of YOU for your "friendship, generosity and kindness" I am going to give-away one copy of I Am Tama, Lucky Cat.

How can YOU be the "lucky cat" to win this charming story? Just leave a comment below by Monday, August 29th, 2011 at midnight EST. One winner will be chosen at random. (CONTEST IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!) The "lucky cat" who wins this special book will be announced Wednesday, August 31st, 2011