Semi-Wordless Wednesday-Leap Year

Did you know that on Leap Year females  are permitted to propose to males?

Well?

Did Ya Know?

don't make me beg

PetSmart Charities’® EMERGENCY RELIEF waggin’® vehicle ASSISTS hundreds of CATS in Madison County, Florida

FROM CAT CHAT: I cannot begin to tell you how devastatingly upsetting this hot-off-the-press news is that was just emailed to me on behalf of PetSmart Charities.

I know a number of bloggers have featured Caboodle Ranch on their blogs,  there were many times that I attempted to connect with Caboodle Ranch  in an attempt to  feature them on Cat Chat, and ironically they never responded. Now I am happy that they didn't.

When I first learned about Caboodle Ranch and how it seemed to be a kitty utopia for unwanted/neglected cats and viewed their charming cabins, I NEVER expected to learn what was sent to me below.

I am sick to my stomach and my heart is breaking for these poor defenseless babies.

HERE IS WHAT I WAS SENT TO SHARE WITH YOU:

PetSmart Charities has dispatched three of its Emergency Relief Waggin’® vehicles, each stocked with $80,000 worth of crucial supplies, to the scene of an alleged animal hoarding situation in Lee, Fla. Hundreds of cats and two dogs are in need of emergency assistance and medical care after being discovered in an overcrowded and unsanitary cat sanctuary known as Caboodle Ranch. The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®)is the lead agency in this rescue.

As a result of an investigation spanning more than a year, a search warrant was executed Monday morning for the removal of the animals. The ASPCA is collecting additional evidence on the property for the investigation. The founder of Caboodle Ranch has been arrested and multiple animal cruelty charges are pending.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the cats were living outside in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with various medical issues that were left untreated. Many of the cats exhibited various signs of neglect and appear to be suffering from upper respiratory conditions and eye infections, among other medical issues. Several cats were in critical condition and responders discovered numerous deceased cats on the property.

The 53-foot PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief Waggin’ trailers and their 48-tons of cargo departed the PetSmart® Distribution Centers in Newnan, Ga. and Ottawa, Il., bound for the scene, where animal-rescue teams will operate an emergency animal shelter. The vehicles are stocked with crucial supplies, including pet food, wire crates, plastic carriers, litter, litter boxes, bowls, fans, a generator, a battery charger and lights to aid the animal rescuers on scene.

"PetSmart Charities also dispatches a team of specially trained volunteers to the scene,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “The volunteers are able to unload supplies and set up the temporary shelter very quickly, enabling on-the-ground rescuers to immediately attend to the animal victims. We are happy to be able to assist in this way to help give these cats a second chance at finding a lifelong, loving home.”

“This is a tragic situation,” said Tim Rickey, senior director of the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “Caboodle Ranch was clearly overwhelmed with hundreds of cats in dire need of medical treatment, and the sanctuary had no adoption program or any spay/neuter efforts to effectively manage its current population.”

The PetSmart Charities’ Emergency Relief program is funded by donations. Members of the public can support the program by making a donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or via phone at 623-587-2826, to help more pets like these find the loving homes they deserve.

About PetSmart Charities

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).

Happy Birthday Dakota!!

Stop on over to Dakota's blog

to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

He has a HUGE give-away

going on too!

If you have a doggy, 

or know of a doggy,

go on and enter!

You can visit Dakota here

Book Review: "Cats Vanish Slowly" Poems by Ruth Tiller, Paintings By Laura Seeley

When I was a child of about 4 or 5 I remember one of my favorite bedtime books was a book of poems written by Robert Louis Stevenson called "A Child's Garden Of Verses."

I loved it so much that I had the entire book memorized and would delight in "reading" it to anyone who wanted to listen.

The illustrations were exquisite, so exquisite that I am able to vividly envision them in my mind today.

Cats Vanish Slowly is sure to become one of a child's favorite poem books in childhood and beyond. It is a book of poems about cats that live at "Grandmother's Farm." Children will delight as they follow these cats throughout the twelve poems in this book.

Some of the cats that they will meet are "B.P." a "bad penny" but he is completely loyal, Mama Gray (who bears a striking resemblance to Cody!) and her kittens and Buddha "the cat who might be a mystic, or might just be a cat."

From the publisher: "Poet Ruth Tiller captures the personalities and moods of each of her cats in clear, concise language easy enough for young readers, but with evocative imagery and varied rhythms that will engage the interest of older readers as well."


"If you've ever loved a cat, you will understand why Ruth Tiller echoes a famous Cheshire Cat passage from ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND for the title of her book. The cats of CATS VANISH SLOWLY will remain in your heart and mind long after you finish this magical book."


There are a number of full page illustrations (paintings) which were done by Laura Seeley that  will make you want to snip them from this book and put them in frames to display. (No! Don't really do that! You don't want to cut a book, but they ARE superb and you WILL want to frame them!)

Suggested Ages 6-10

• ISBN: 978-1-56145-106-7
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 8 x 12

To purchase click here

or visit Amazon.com here


I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of Cats Vanish Slowly to read/review.

Sentimental Saturday-For the "Cat People!"

Tell me, when did YOU become  "Cat People?"

I received no compensation for this post. It was sent to me to share by the kind folks at Purina.

Book Review: Rainbow Forest Fables By Pamela June Kimmell, AND You Can MEET Pamela!

Today I am taking literary license and veering from my rule of only featuring books on Cat Chat that are about cats. I have chosen to feature Rainbow Forest Fables, which isn't about cats, but it is about animals, lessons, enchantment, wonder, magic and is written by an author with a personal connection to...you got it! CATS!

Rainbow Forest Fables is a book "dedicated to the young and the young at  heart" whose message is "if we keep our hearts open, we can learn so much from each other and our surroundings." This delightful book was written and illustrated by Pamela June Kimmel who is the "co-author" of the popular and adorable blog One Spoiled Cat featuring her adorable orange kitty (and writing partner), Sammy. (Sammy and Pamela were featured on Cat Chat, January 19, 2012, if you missed that post, you may read it here)

"At the end of every rainbow is a magical forest where creatures of all kinds live in harmony with nature."

I am featuring this book for a number of reasons, one of them being that Pamela is an incredibly talented woman who just happens to have a heart of gold. She hasn't lost her child-like ability to wonder, imagine, pretend and she shares this with us by using  lusciously descriptive language and whimsical illustrations (that I wish there had been MORE of!) which are featured on the first page of each new chapter of Rainbow Forest Fables.

Another reason I am featuring this delightful book is because true to the usage of the word "fable" "a fable is a succinct fictional story, in prose or verse, that features animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects or forces of nature which are given human qualities and that illustrates a moral lesson" (from Wikipedia)

"Felicia" the "Guardian"
of the Rainbow Forest

 Each character in Rainbow Forest Fables has it's own brief chapter making it well-suited for use as a bedtime read, (a parent could devote one night to each character) and the chapters are short enough to hold a child's attention. It would also lend itself well to story hour at a public library or in the classroom for the lessons that are conveyed through each character offer numerous possibilities to engage in a lively discussion.


All of the characters in Pamela's book possess admirable  traits that should exist or be instilled in all of us, in childhood and well beyond. Rainbow Forest Fables not only provides a world of wonder and imagination for children, it releases our inner child through characters such as Gordon Grasshopper, Seymour Squirrel, Fairy Felicia and more. "The stories and illustrations provide simple lessons about getting along with one another in our wide, wonderful, magic world."


When I was a child of 4 or 5, I remember throwing a blanket over the picnic table in the backyard, sitting under it and imagining that every blade of grass was a jungle in the eyes of the assorted insects that lived among them. I envisioned bird's nests as being delightful, lush beds, holes in trees functioned as  entryways to the cozy cottages of squirrels; replete with acorn bowls and chairs made of tree branches. I remember making tiny boats out of rocks or wood and releasing them into the unknown enticing eddies of a backyard stream. I delighted in those moments then as I do today. I have never lost my child-like wonder and am thankful for the serendipitous way of life that has put like-minded people in my path. Pamela is one of those people and Rainbow Forest Fables is an extension of the lessons and wonder of childhood that should never be lost.




You may get a "taste" of Rainbow Forest Fables by visiting Pamela's other blog: The Magic Forest Chronicle which was designed around this precious book.

WANT TO MEET PAMELA?

Pamela will be attending Book 'Em TOMORROW in Lumberton, North Carolina.

" Book 'Em North Carolina Writers Conference and Book Fair brings together more than 75 authors,including two New York Times bestselling authors, Carla Neggers and Michael Palmer, more than 24 award-winning authors, and authors of almost every genre for all ages under one roof to sell and sign their books, participate in panel discussions and talks, network and interact with fans one-on-one."


You can read more about Book 'Em here


Pamela will be bringing these books with her to sell at Book 'Em ; her mystery novel "The Mystery Of  David's Bridge", "Pink Jasper" (which was written in conjunction with 5 other ladies) and her current children's book "Rainbow Forest Fables".


CAN'T MAKE IT TO NORTH CAROLINA FOR BOOK 'EM?


HOW TO PURCHASE PAMELA'S RAINBOW FOREST FABLES:


ISBN:978-1-257-77749-5


Visit Amazon (just click on it and it will take you there!)







I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are mine.

Wordless Wednesday 2-22-12

Me or Not ME? THAT Is The Question

Is this me?

Is THIS Me?



Want to know?
See below.....

THIS is ME!!
The first photo is my Florida cousin Oscar
the second photo is my Florida cousin Jennifer!

It's enough to make you lose your mind,
when COUSINS are "THREE"
 (not TWO)
OF A KIND!!!

Meet Morris Animal Inn! (A Guest Blog)

Morris Animal Inn provides the safest, most comfortable and welcoming pet care facility for dogs and cats of all sizes and personalities.

For cats, we offer Condos, Deluxe Condos and Luxury Suites for your feline friend. Each

accommodation includes fresh water daily, a large litter box and a comfy cat lodging

area with sleeping beds which are laundered daily. Morris Animal Inn offers a wide selection of cat activities that can suit any feline personality!

We even offer our outdoor Kitty Strolls in our specially designed Kitty SUV for cats who enjoy outdoor views. Everyone here spoils our guests, so if you are looking for a home away from home for little fluffy, we are here for you!

Our kitty playroom has a cat tree in addition to a variety of climbing, perching and scratching posts. These items encourage our feline guests to jump, reach, stretch or lounge around in this beautifully designed playroom.

While here, your fabulous feline will have all the amenities he or she could ever want. Morris Animal Inn has a full service grooming salon if your cat needs brushing, a trim or to have their nails clipped. We can arrange that too!

About Morris Animal Inn

Morris Animal Inn is a luxury pet resort located in Morristown, NJ. Your pet gets individualized attention and lots of care from experienced, dedicated staff. Family owned since 1960, Morris Animal Inn has been passed down through three generations of pet owners who have shared a passion for enhancing dogs' and cats' quality of life. Walter and Marianne Morris invite you to visit Morris Animal Inn to see for yourself why it has been a favorite among pet lovers for over 50 years. It is a home away from home for your dogs and cats.

 FROM CAT CHAT-we were not compensated for this guest post. Cody and I had been going around the web and we saw the Morris Animal Inn and completely fell in love! We wish they would open an Inn in Michigan!

Soooo Frustrating!-Semi-Wordless Wednesday

From Daily Chillout On Facebook

Dinner At 8, Don't Be Late!

The Need to Knead

This post originally appeared on April 2nd 2010 and didn't get many views. Thought I would repeat it since I am incommunicado until Tuesday! Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Photobucket 

Nope your cat is not readying bread or pizza dough for baking, practicing for a position as a kitty masseuse or applying CPR when he or she alternately pushes out and pulls in with their front paws with a glazed expression on their face, your cat is performing the act of "kneading" and there are a few theories as to why this behavior exists.

According to Wikipedia one theory is that kneading may have an origin that goes waaaay back to the cats' wild ancestors when they used to have to smash down grass or foliage to make a nest to rest in.

Another more commonly known theory is the cat is returning to a "happier place", kitten-hood, where it used to knead it's Mama's teats in order to extract milk. If you study the cats face while it is kneading you may sense a degree of urgency as he kneads as in "feed me now"! Some cats are more subtle and have an expression of sheer kitty nirvana on their faces as they knead. Some feel that cats knead from being weaned too early from their Mama's and some feel it is a result of being weaned too late!

Other cats (unfortunately in the case of Cody) according to Wikipedia "have been observed to exhibit sexual movements, not unlike a dog "humping" a human leg" which can be accompanied by kneading and suckling. Not so much fun when they choose YOU as the object of their affection.





No matter what the reason please don't disturb your cat's trance-like state when it is kneading. Your cat is kneading because it is content, because it views you or the blanket, pillow, stuffed animal or whatever object it chooses to knead, as a maternal figure and just like us,  cats enjoy the security and comfort of a little motherly love.

Avoid a pet emergency this Valentine’s Day; Veterinary hospital suggests PET-SAFE alternatives to traditional gifts and treats

Every Valentine’s Day veterinary emergency hospitals are busy treating pets that have eaten their owner’s Valentine chocolate or bouquet of flowers, both of which can be fatal to pets.  Caring for a seriously ill and beloved pet is not only scary, but costly, and can be avoided with some simple precautions, says veterinary nurse Tabitha Owens of The Cat Practice veterinary hospital in Birmingham, Michigan.

Owens says that many common Valentine's traditions – like chocolate and most flowers -- can be fatal to cats, dogs and other pets.  Pets that have eaten chocolate – and that have come into contact with some flowers -- can show signs of poisoning within a few hours.  If left untreated, they can die.  

The best way to avoid a Valentine tragedy involving your pet is to look for safe alternatives to some popular Valentine treats and gifts, Owens says.  So if you have pets – or if you are looking for the perfect Valentine gift for a pet owner -- Owens offers these suggestions:

Candy

• ·         Both dark and milk chocolate can be fatal to pets, especially baker’s chocolate.  Instead of dark or milk chocolate consider white chocolate, which is much less likely to cause a problem.
• ·         If you MUST have chocolate in the house make sure it’s kept out of reach. And don’t assume plastic wrap is enough to keep a curious kitty or pup from taking a nibble!
• ·         Sugar-free candies contain xylitol, which is dangerous if ingested.  If your Valentine cannot have candy for health reasons, consider lovely  baskets of dried fruits fresh fruits or nuts.                                         

Flowers

·         Lilies, tulips, carnations and baby’s breath are all toxic for pets. For cats, even brushing up against a lily flower can be fatal.  Instead of fresh flowers, consider a silk bouquet (which also lasts longer!).

·         If fresh flowers are a must, ask the florist for a pet-friendly bouquet by substituting baby’s breath with greenery such as ferns, and using non-toxic blooms like roses, orchids, snapdragons, African violets, African daisies, or begonias.

Silk flowers, white chocolate, flameless candles and gift bags without ribbon are pet-safe choices for Valentine’s. Items pictured from Home Goods.  

Candles

·         Each year, pets get burned by hot wax or by catching their fur on fire in a candle flame.  Instead of traditional wax candles, choose battery operated ones that provide the same romantic glow without the flame.

·         If candles are a must, keep them way out of reach of curious paws or noses.  Choose candles in a glass jar that are less likely to leak hot wax or tip over.

Gift wrap

·         Synthetic ribbons often get chewed up and can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract.  Instead, consider a cute gift bag with light tissue paper, rather than decorative grass or ribbon.

·         Instead of traditional synthetic wrapping paper choose natural paper wrapping paper.

What to do if you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic

Despite the best precautions, pets – like children – often get into things.  Owens says that it’s always good advice to watch pets closely and take any behavior changes seriously. 

“If your pet is ‘not acting quite right,’ not eating or appears lethargic, it’s time to get to the veterinarian, Owens says.  “Pets often mask their illness.  So by the time they start showing symptoms, they are really sick or it may be too late.”

About Tabitha Owens, Licensed Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Nurse

As a veterinary nurse and licensed veterinary technician, Owens works closely alongside veterinarians to act as a physician’s assistant in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including outpatient care, hospitalization, treatment, diagnostics and surgery. She has a special interest in pet behavior, and has been with The Cat Practice for 9 years. 

About The Cat Practice

The Cat Practice, Michigan’s first cats-only veterinary hospital, opened in 1981.  Open seven days a week and evenings, The Cat Practice provides advanced preventative and medical care with an emphasis on early detection to help cats live longer, better and healthier lives.  Located at 875 South Worth in Birmingham, Michigan, The Cat Practice cares for feline purebred and mixed breeds from around southeastern Michigan.   For information go to www.thecatpracticepc.com or call 248-540-3390.

We've Been Deserted...

Contrary to what is being conveyed in the photo above...they are in GREAT HANDS!


Will be offline for a few days, please don't "desert us" we have scheduled posts in advance!

February Is Feline Dental Health Month

A Guest Post from VetDepot.com

Protect Your Cat's Teeth and Health with Regular Feline Dental Care

The overall health of your cat depends on the health of his teeth and gums. In fact, dental disease is the leading cause of health problems in cats- leading to heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions. Fortunately, routine examinations and proper dental care can prevent most dental problems in cats, especially when started early in life.

An estimated 70 percent of cats begin exhibiting signs associated with oral disease by their third birthday, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, and poor oral health increases the risk of lung and heart disease and decreases quality of life.

One potentially serious condition, periodontal disease, is very common in cats. Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the tissue that surrounds your cat's teeth. It begins as plaque and tartar accumulation but can quickly progress to gingivitis, a condition that involves inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease destroys the tissue around the teeth, leading to pain and tooth loss. Preventing periodontal disease and other threats requires routine veterinary dental care.

Professional Dental Care for Cats:

Ideally, you should introduce professional veterinary dental care during your cat's first year of life. Your veterinarian will monitor the development of your cat's teeth and perform routine examinations and cleanings to detect and treat dental problems early. After your cat's first birthday, the American Animal Hospital Association recommends visiting your veterinarian every year for a comprehensive dental examination.

Home Dental Care for Cats:

Between office visits, it is important to take care of your cat's teeth at home. Regular brushing and a proper diet are essential for promoting oral health and preventing tooth decay. Brush daily or as often as possible using finger gauze or a toothbrush for cats. Pay close attention to the gum line and the spaces between teeth, and only use toothpaste made specifically for cats. If your pet resists brushing, gradually introduce the process over a period of days or weeks.

Use foods and other products designed to combat tartar and plaque buildup, such as CET Dental Chews or drinking water additives. These will go a long way toward protecting your cat's dental health between brushings. Examine your cat's mouth and teeth regularly to look for signs of gum disease, loose or broken teeth, or other problems. Smell your cat's breath often; breath odor is a good indication of your pet's dental health. Call your veterinarian for a prompt appointment if you discover anything concerning or have questions.

Some symptoms require immediate veterinary attention, including unusual growths in the mouth or throat, broken teeth, pus or blood in the mouth, refusal to eat or drink, or a foreign body lodged in the teeth, mouth, or throat.

Routine dental care and cleanings, comprehensive examinations, and proper home care will protect your cat's teeth and health. Speak with your veterinarian about developing a dental care plan for your cat.

Wordless Wednesday

Find Unconditional Love with an Adopted Pet at PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Weekend, February 10-12

 Valentine’s Day, is next week and what better way to share your love than to fall head over heels for a four-legged companion during the PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend, February 10-12 at your neighborhood PetSmart® store. Save a pet’s life and enrich your own with the pure joy that only a contented purr can bring!

You're bound to find the perfect match among the thousands of pets up for adoption by more than 2,000 local animal welfare organizations in all of the 1,210 PetSmart® stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.


Your pet adoption will benefit these local shelters and rescue agencies; each will receive $35 in adoption-reward grants from PetSmart Charities for every pet they adopt in stores during this three-day event.“Adoption is one of the key ways to save pets and end pet homelessness, not to mention enrich our own lives with a loving companion,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “Thanks to  generous donations from our wonderful supporters, PetSmart Charities funds hundreds of adoption events and awareness programs each year that help find homes for thousands of lovable and healthy pets.”Every year, PetSmart Charities and its local shelter and rescue agency partners host four National Adoption Weekends. During the 2011 National Adoption Weekends, more than 66,000 pets’ lives were saved across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.


Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has led pet-adoption efforts across North America; helping nearly 5 million pets find homes through the PetSmart Charities adoption centers. PetSmart Charities is also the leading funder of companion animal welfare efforts and has provided $134 million in grants and funding.


National Adoption Weekends are proudly sponsored by Purina® Pro Plan®, Tidy Cats® and PetSmart® in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and Purina® Pro Plan®, MAXX Scoop® and PetSmart® in Canada.


How to AdoptVisit the PetSmart Charities’ adoption center inside any PetSmart® store in the U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12. To find the PetSmart® store nearest you and to learn about the adoption center’s fees and guidelines, visit
 www.PetSmartCharities.org/adoption or call 1-877-473-8762.


All of PetSmart Charities’ programs are made possible through donations. You can contribute to programs that save lives by making a tax-deductible donation online, by email at gifts@petsmartcharities.org or by calling 623-587-2826.Stay up-to-date on the many ways PetSmart Charities is saving the lives of homeless pets by visiting www.PetSmartCharities.org and by following on Facebook at www.facebook.com/savehomelesspets.


 About PetSmart Charities®Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of nearly 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working toward its Vision of a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit  petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS (7387).

FRISKIES® PLUS™ PLAYHOUSE: THE ULTIMATE CAT PAD

Friskies® Goes Live with Custom-Built Sensory Experience for Rescue Cats

Hi everyone!!  Happy Monday and boy do I ever have FUN in store for you!  I was so excited when the people at Friskies contacted Mom and I and asked if we wanted to tell you about this most SPECIAL  PLAYHOUSE!! Imagine a colorful, one-of-a-kind residence complete with a built-in pond, custom aquarium and touch screen floor. It’s an indoor playground – with a twist:  the residents are cats. How cool is that???

Starting today, Friskies^® hosts 10 cats for two weeks in the Friskies^® Plus™ Playhouse, the ultimate play space for cats, broadcast live daily on the Friskies Facebook page. The Playhouse offers the Friskies Facebook community unique interactive opportunities to tune in, interact with the cats, and help create the imaginative environment.

“Friskies is always looking for new ways to enhance play experiences for cats,” says Alison Coburn, assistant brand manager for Friskies. “We’re asking our Friskies Facebook community to join us in this one-of-a-kind engagement opportunity to help create a space as amazing as the cats that will live there for the next two weeks. They can tune in daily to see how the cats respond to their choices in real-time, and find new inspiration for play with their own cats. And we hope they’ll be inspired to help ensure these cats and many more find forever homes.”

The 10 cats living in the two-room Friskies Plus Playhouse are part of the MeoowzResQ network of foster cats available for adoption. MeoowzResQ is a non-profit cat rescue and adoption organization serving the Orange County region of Southern California. MeoowzResQ is part of the Adopt-a-Pet.com network of animal rescue and adoption organizations. MeoowzResQ helps find permanent homes for hundreds of cats each year.

The participating cats were selected based on a variety of factors, including personality and age.  I know all about personality cause I am loaded with it! The Playhouse features are based on maximizing opportunities for cat play.

Quote taken from http://meoowzresq.com

Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and cat behavior expert Pam Johnson-Bennett worked with Friskies to help recommend design themes and elements for the Playhouse cats. 

“Cats are high sensory animals,” says Johnson-Bennett. “Friskies has created a play space inspired by cats’ imaginations and natural curiosity and discovery. It’s designed to enhance their daily sensory experiences by incorporating texture, light, movements, heights and many details.”

The feline housemates will enjoy a large built-in aquarium, touch floor to play Friskies^® Games for Cats and many unique climbing spaces. Each day “extras,” or new engagement features, will be added to the Playhouse based on input from the Friskies Facebook community. Extras up for vote may include a large climbing tree, tunnel system and bubble machine. Final decisions will depend on Facebook community votes.

Friskies is working with television production company Zodiak USA to produce the Playhouse program. Anyone who visits the Friskies Facebook page may watch the cats in the Playhouse live from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST/noon to 3 p.m. PST, every day, February 6 through February 19. If consumers miss the live window or just want to see more, they may visit the Friskies YouTube channel to watch daily highlights and recap videos.

The Friskies Facebook community gets to play too: in addition to helping choose new extras to add to the Playhouse and watching the cats; consumers may interact with the cats. The Friskies Plus Play Live feature offers three mechanical toys for users to select to operate four fully movable and zoomable cameras. Friskies Plus Play Live gives fans the ability to “play” with real cats in real time. It’s a modified version of iPet Companion, created by AliceVISION™, which says its free app boosts adoptions, donations and sponsorships in pet rescue and adoption shelters worldwide. The Friskies Plus Play Live feature will be active on Friskies Facebook page during the Playhouse daily broadcast from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST/noon to 3 p.m. PST daily  February 6 through February 19.

To watch the Friskies Playhouse cats live, or interact with them using the Friskies Plus Play Live feature, please visit www.Facebook.com/Friskies. To view highlights and video clips from the Playhouse, please visit www.youtube.com/PurinaFriskies.

About Friskies^®

Friskies^® offers a complete line of great-tasting cat foods, including more than 60 wet, dry and treat varieties that help cats enjoy multiple sensory experiences. Friskies® Plus™ wet cat food is available nationwide in six varieties. Friskies Plus helps support clear, healthy vision; a healthy immune system; and a healthy skin and coat and provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all ages. It’s everything your cat loves about Friskies, plus a little more.

Friskies is manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a global leader in the pet care industry. Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Mo. Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A. – the world’s largest food company.

About MeoowzResQ

Since 2001 MeoowzResQ has been rescuing unwanted cats and kittens saved from shelters throughout California. In 2009 MeoowzResQ was designated as a 501(c )(3)non-profit rescue and has over 100 volunteers with over 300 foster kittens and cats in their fostering system.  In 2011 they placed over 1,500 cats and kittens into new homes. The rescue supplies all medical treatment, food, litter and miscellaneous supplies to their fosters. MeoowzResQ supports such a system by relying on donations from adoptions, fundraisers, private donations and partner vets.


So what are you waiting for? Head on over and check it out! I'm on my way!




In full disclosure: We were not compensated for this post. We are members of Friskie's Cat Blogger Panel and were asked if we would share this information. We were happy to do so!

Friday Find! For Love Of A DOG!

Hi everyone! It's Cody and YES you are at the right place! This IS Cat Chat and YES you read correctly, the title of this blog post is For Love Of A DOG!!

Before we get into that, I am writing today because Mom isn't feeling well. She thinks she is getting a cold and she  feels awful. She wanted me to tell you about something really cool that she bought and just didn't feel up to it, so me, being the helpful kitty that I am told her I would pick up her slack as I always do.

As everyone knows, Valentine's Day is right around the corner and Mom was reading the fabulous blog by Ingrid King,  The Conscious Cat, and noticed she had posted a blog about Valentine's Gifts For Cat Lovers.


Being the unoriginal person that she is, Mom decided to pilfer that idea (for those of you that may want to run over and tell Ingrid that Mom is stealing her ideas, HA!! She already told her!!! Gotta be up pretty early to stay a step ahead of US!! hehehe).

Mom found a fabulous website called For Love Of A Dog. Yes, DOG. Why are Mom and I featuring this website HERE? Good question, and OF COURSE, I HAVE THE ANSWER cause I know everything!

For Love Of A Dog has CAT ITEMS! Specifically CAT JEWELRY!!

From their website:

Our name may by For Love of a Dog, but we do offer cat jewelry.  In fact, we love cats and we're glad you do, too!   All of our handcrafted cat jewelry, including cat necklaces, cat bracelets, and cat earrings are listed here.  You'll find a wide variety of cat charms and cat pendants in our feline friendly jewelry.  We also offer hand stamped items like our "Cat Lady" bracelets that are sure to please any cat lover.  All of our cat lover jewelry is handmade by us and most is one of a kind. Purrfect feline gifts for cat lovers!

Check out what Mom ordered (yes, she BOUGHT these! and loved them soooo much that she wanted me to tell you about them!)

Mom and I aren't sure the photo is doing the earrings justice, but what Mom loved (among other things) was the "artsy" look of these earrings and that the kitty resembles a TABBY! Like me!!

When the earrings arrived, the first thing that blew Mom away was the painstaking care and attention to detail that was used for packing. Everything that Mom ordered the other items were all dog related so if you want to read about those you will have to read Dakota's blog on Monday cause I don't handle his PR, I'm too busy for that! came packaged in rich chocolate brown boxes accented with red and green and had bows on them. The presentation was just spectacular and the quality of the items were superb!!

our packages

Petey Snooze Cat from
the website www.forloveofadog.com

So my friends, if you are still looking for a gift for that special purrson in your life, Mom and I strongly urge you to check out the offerings for CAT LOVERS, at, of all places, FOR LOVE OF A DOG!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES! UPDATE! For Love Of A Dog "loved" this blog post and as a result, they are offering ALL OF YOU A 10% DISCOUNT (and their usual FREE SHIPPING!!) on your order! Just enter this CODE at CHECKOUT: FLDNEW

Oh! I nearly forgot! They also have a blog and you can check that out here

Mom and I were not compensated for this blog post. Mom purchased every item that she  received from For Love Of A Dog. Mom and I feel that when someone works as hard as they do in offering good, unique, quality products that are shipped with creativity and care, they deserve to be mentioned!