6 Things to consider for your Cat when leaving for the 4th of July weekend

This is a repeat post, but for those who missed it the first time around, here you go! Have a great weekend all!


The Fourth of July weekend is rapidly approaching!! It is the time for BBQ's featuring
"All-American" favorites such as chargrilled hamburgers and hotdogs, corn-on-the-cob oozing butter from every scrumptious kernel, camping, parades, fireworks and sparklers!! Most cats and dogs are terrified of the sound of fireworks, and sparklers can cause severe burns to cats, dogs and their humans should a renegade ember ignite clothing or fur. Plan to keep everyone far enough away and safe from the evening light show.

It is hard to imagine that once the Fourth Of July approaches summer is already half over, yep, half over (at least as far as the back-to-school ads are concerned).

Many people leave town for a few days to enjoy some fun and sun. Can't take your cat along for the fesitivities? Please don't forget to provide for him in your absence.

Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs and tend to do well on their own (for no more than 3 nights) providing his needs are taken into consideration.


1) Provide plenty of food and water: there are many wonderful automatic feeders on the market (most tend to be 48 hr feeders) that will dispense food automatically either when a timer is set or when the cat taps a pad or lever to dispense the food. There are also commercial "water coolers" that are great for cats that can be filled in advance with plenty of water so he doesn't have to crack open a cold one from the fridge.  I would test the dispensers thoroughly before you leave to be sure they are functioning properly. To give you double peace of mind I would still put out small bowls of kibble and water around the house in the event the dispensers don't function properly while you are gone. To give your cat some entertainment you can even hide treats around the house for him to find in your absence (under pillows, in his bed, on windowsills, etc.) This will provide some fun and put his hunting skills to good use.

2) Call home and let your cat hear your voice

Still have an answering machine? Experts say that calling home and leaving a message for your cat can offer him comfort, the sound of your voice will reassure him. I used to do this with my Angel Bobo,  and have to admit it upset me more because I thought Bobo would be more distressed hearing me and not being able to find me. What do you think? I think another good idea which I have implemented is to leave a radio playing soothing music on or leave your TV on. The voices in the background will offer companionship and comfort for a lonely kitty.


3) Clean the litter box before you leave- Providing a second or third (depending on the number of cats you have) might be a good idea if you have a cat that is fastidious about using a clean litter box. Your cat may be angry with you for leaving and you do not want a dirty litter box to be an excuse for him marking his territory all over your home.

4) Leave windows closed or open just a tiny bit

Never leave your windows wide open in your absence. If you do not have air conditioning leave the windows just slightly open. The sight of a scurrying squirrel or other animal can excite your cat and he can possibly push the screen out while you are gone. Screen falls out, your cat is gone.


5) Think about the temperature in your home- Not using air conditioning when it is warm may be great for you when you are there with the windows open, for your cat, not so much. If you have air turn it on (your cat's comfort is more important than pinching pennies) or leave a fan running in a place that your cat cannot be harmed by the rotating blades.

6) Leave some toys out-But, put away any toys (such as toys that dangle by a string) that require supervision. You don't want your kitty accidentally in danger caused by a toy while you are away.

Your cat should do fine if the above tips are implemented. I have instituted all of them when I had a household that just had a cat and no dog,  and frankly I am much more comfortable with having a trusted friend or family member stop in at least once a day to check on my beloved baby. Be sure they are a bona fide cat lover, someone that truly cares about cats and will actually play with your cat, talk to him, soothe him and care about his well being while you are away, not just someone looking to earn a few extra bucks.

If you are having someone check on your cat be sure to:

Provide the phone number of where you will be along with your cell phone number.

Provide the name, address and phone number of your vet and the clinic you prefer your cat being taken to in (gasp) the event of an unexpected emergency. If you don't have one already, purchase The Petter Planner, this is a great resource to leave out for your pet sitter!

Call your caretaker at least once a day (not 4 and 5 times a day like I tend to do because I am a neurotic kitty mama) to see how things are going and to answer any questions they may have.

Have a list of your cat's favorite hiding spots- spare your caretaker the stress of having to search in a frenzied state for a kitty who they think is missing but is in fact snoozing serenely on the towels in your linen closet.

Now that all of the important things have been done to provide safety and comfort for your cat while you are gone, if you haven't already, GET PACKING and pussyfoot on out of here and have a HAPPY AND SAFE FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!!!!

The CAT with Kaleidoscope Eyes

Happy #NationalSunglassesDay !!

PROTECT YOUR BABY BLUES, EMERALD GREENS

 AND CHOCOLATE BROWNS!!

Hi All It's Cody!! My Mom and I are sunglass freaks as evidenced by my photo above and Mom's classic that has been on our header above for YEARS , but every day millions of humans  make the decision to not wear sunglasses or other ultraviolet (UV)-protective eyewear. This is SUPER risky behavior!

FROM NATIONAL SUNGLASSES DAY:

UV radiation is often recognized as the culprit for sunburns and skin cancer but most people are oblivious to the damaging impact the wavelengths inflict on our vision. The problem originates with the sun’s unfiltered ultraviolet (UV) rays. Just as these rays can burn skin cells, they can also harm unprotected eyes. A full day outside without protection can cause immediate, temporary issues such as swollen or red eyes and hypersensitivity to light. Years of cumulative exposure can cause cancer of the eye or eyelid, accelerate conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

National Sunglasses Day is held annually on June 27. It is not only an observance but a reminder that our shades are a health necessity and it is important to wear sunglasses or other UV-protective eyewear every day to protect long-term eye health.

NOW GO AND PUT ON
 YOUR SUNGLASSES!!!
(even "CHEAP" Sunglasses!)

and enjoy one of Mom's

FAVORITE TUNES!!

A Momentous Occasion.......

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

A CRAZY COUPLE IS CELEBRATING

A MOST MOMENTOUS OCCASION!!!!!

I can't figure out

which one of them

deserves a medal.....

It's a TIE!!!

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY

MOM AND DAD!!!!

LOVE, CODY

Mom wanted me to share
 the song that was sung
at their wedding,
that is special in their relationship

4 Paws Pottery, "Pottery Inspired by Our Love of Pets" Unique Hand-Crafted Ceramics

4 Paws Pottery makes  

 lead free, and microwave/dishwasher safe ceramic items for pets and pet lovers. They can also personalize their products with the names of your pets!!  You can find their full collection of pet ornaments, and their stamp gallery, at their website: www.4pawspottery.com!

TRUE CONFESSION !! I have a major "thing" for hand-crafted ceramics. Looking back, I think it started as a child. Growing up in an artistic household, my parents had a love of hand-crafted items. From paintings, to drawings, to hand-crafted furniture, warm, cozy items filled our home. Our family had a deep appreciation for the time that is invested in any item that is handmade. In my mind, items that are hand-crafted are unique items that are to be cherished.

As I grew older attending art fairs throughout the year became one of my favorite hobbies. When I lived in Cleveland, a "must-attend" fair was the Boston Mills Art Fair that took place every July 4th weekend. I would grab a friend and head out, often returning with hand-crafted ceramic pie plates, casserole dishes and more, that to me, were much too pretty to use for how they were intended to be used.

As a blogger, when looking for items for Cody and Dakota, I also gravitate to hand-crafted. Truth be told, I am not a fan of cat or dog bowls that are stainless steel, or that have sleek modern lines. I am drawn to WARMTH. I am drawn to ceramics that are  hand-crafted with love, that can be personalized and  that make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Those are just some of the reasons that I LOVE the hand-crafted items made by 4 Paws Pottery.

My Angel Bobo had his own bowl, and Cody did too, until a few months ago when Cody's accidentally broke. I was beside myself. Then I remembered having lusted after the bowls I had seen on a number of blogs that were made by 4 Paws Pottery I jumped online, popped into their Etsy shop, introduced myself and asked if there was any way that I could review their bowls. I am honored that Candice, the owner/creator of 4 Paws Pottery, granted my wish! The bowl that is pictured above and below is Cody's ADORABLE new bowl! (Keep an eye on  Dakota's blog to see HIS special bowl soon!!)

You will notice that the bowl is wide enough to not cause any whisker stress. There are a number of colors and styles to choose from. You can have the bowl personalized. It is a nice, sturdy, weight. I keep mine in a safe place because I don't want any accidents to happen!

If you look at the color of the bowl and the pattern, the way the color is set is something that is unique and special (to me). That is how hand-crafted pottery SHOULD look. It's one-of-a-kind and special.

CREATING THESE PIECES IS A  LONG PROCESS!!!

The process begins with freshly pugged stoneware clay that is thrown into shape on a flat disk called a batt. Using water, Candice uses her  hands, and kicking  wheel where she can bend the clay into a bowl, a jar, or even flatten it into a plate or jar lid. Freshly formed pottery is very wet and takes about 2 to 3 days to dry out for trimming. 

When ready for trimming she uses a cheese wire to cut the piece from the batt, and then it goes back on her wheel. She trims all the excess clay away from the piece to make sure everything looks clean and smooth. She waits about an hour after each piece is trimmed to let it dry out a bit and then it heads for painting! 

After painting it dries for a few more days, and when dry it goes to the kiln! The first firing is the bisque which is a 3 day process. Then she does the final glass glaze which takes several hours, followed by loading the kiln for the final firing. This firing also takes 3 days.

Visit 4 Paws Pottery on Facebook!!! 

Hand-crafted items are special, pride in craftsmanship isn't always present in our modern world, with the items at 4 Paws Pottery you can be certain that love, care, time, talent and great thought are put into each and every item!

4 Paws Pottery can be found on Etsy and their main website. There you be able to find:

Bowls, plates, slow feeder bowls, treat jars, and more! You can get items for cats, dogs and small animals!

$10 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE

 FROM NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST 2016

 BY VISITING 4 PAWS POTTERY ON ETSY 

AND  USING  COUPON CODE:  CODY2016 

I could not be happier with my bowls and I am certain you will be too! 

In full disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. I received a custom made bowl for Cody and one for Dakota in exchange for my always honest review!

 

Father's Day, Garfield The Cat Day, International Box Day?...YOU Decide!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY 

TO THE BEST 

"CAT DADDY" EVER!!!

LOVE FROM CODY!!!!

PS: Happy Garfield The Cat Day too!!!!

PSS:Thank you to Lexy
from Lola The Rescued Cat
and CK (Stunning Keisha)
for posting on their blog
that indeed, the day DOES exist,
but it is a Blogosphere created holiday,
which explains why it isn't listed online
other than last year when the CATalyst Council created it,
and it was assigned the date of JUNE 19TH.
Mom is such a stickler about details/facts...
comes from her newspaper background
of having to verify EVERYTHING!
SHEESH!!!
Love, Cody

We LOVE Our Vet! #ThankAVeterinarian Veterinarian Appreciation Day™

Hi all it's Cody! Today is a special day!! Today is the day I get to say "Thank You" to my Veterinarian, better known as "Dr.Smiley!"

Yeah, yeah, I know what you are thinking, "How in the world is this guy actually THANKING the Vet for the torture that they put us through?"

A Veterinarian's work is super hard, especially for MY Vet. Above all else, he has to put up with my babbling Mom. I know "Dr.Smiley" is thrilled when my Dad takes Dakota to the Vet and Mom doesn't come, because when I go to the Vet, Mom is there EVERY TIME and NEVER stops talking!

Don't get me wrong my furiends, I don't like being poked and jabbed either, but when I am home and stop to think about it, I know it is all for my own good. Dakota seems to LOVE going to the Vet as evidenced by the photo below (it's an old one, I don't use that carrier anymore, I have a nice new one!).

 I guess what Dakota loves about Dr.Smiley is the fact that he is kind, compassionate and caring, I have to admit, I love that about him too. Even if I don't look like I do!

He always gives my Mom good and honest advice.  There are MANY, MANY times that he has gone above and beyond, returning Mom's frantic calls,  even when he was on vacation.

I don't adore going to the Vet the way Dakota does, but I know it is for my own good, so, I want to take a moment and say THANK YOU "Dr.Smiley" WE LOVE YOU!!!

If you aren't as lucky to have a fabulous Veterinarian as we are, check out the  Four Tips To Find The Perfect Veterinarian . 

Love, Cody

Black Cats Tell All:"The First Anthology of Myth-Busting, TRUE Stories by 22 Amazing, Black Cats" #catwisdom101 #blackcatbook

Photo Courtesy of Kickstarter Black Cats Tell All

It is our pleasure today to present to you, an incredibly special Kickstarter Campaign that was created by our friend Layla Morgan Wilde of Cat Wisdom 101.

Courtesy of the Black Cats Tell All Kickstarter Campaign

 From the Black Cats Tell All campaign:

Our goal is to change perceptions about black cats, one story at a time. 

By pledging to this campaign, you will make a difference in the lives of black cats.

What do you think of when you think black cats?

Myths and superstitions about black cats date back to the Dark Ages and being discriminated against for simply being black. Black cats are the least likely to be adopted and Layla is  inviting you to help her change that by supporting Black Cats Tell All :True Tales By 22 Amazing Cats, a deluxe, limited first edition book and non-profit project.

This is the first anthology of positive stories about black cats and narrated by the fearless felines to debunk the superstitions. They feel it’s time to tell the world the truth. These 22 real, black cats share nothing in common except the color of their fur and a yen to pen their stories. 

They reveal how wildly entertaining and fabulous black cats are to live with. Some reveal a secret life from the fanciful and mind-boggling, to every day hilarious and heart-warming antics. Their not so secret goal is to raise black cat awareness and increase their dismal rates of adoption.

An anthology of true black cat stories narrated by real cats

Good stories, inspiring stories, stories to restore wonder and re-brand black cats as adorable adoptables.

 It's time to shed positive light on black cats and change cultural history.

That’s where you come in.

 By pledging to this campaign, you will make a difference in the lives of black cats.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT THE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN HERE

Photo Courtesy of the Black Cats Tell All Kickstarter Campaign

"You're A Grand Old Flag": Flag Day 2016

TO CELEBRATE FLAG DAY!!

I found this video on YouTube, the little girl can't carry much of a tune, but I got the BIGGEST kick out of watching her. I think she is just too adorable, BE SURE TO WATCH IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH...she is just too precious!!! She says "cut" a number of times, but the video isn't finished when she says that. If I had a little girl, I would want her to be just like this cutie!!! Oh and check out her KITTY shirt!!

Petfinder Founder Launches NEW Animal Rescue Site: 911fosterpets.com

New website will help the most urgent pets

in animal shelters find temporary homes

Throughout our years of blogging it has been our pleasure to share news/information from Petfinder.com and we are grateful for all of the animals they have helped find  forever homes. We have family members who have adopted pets from Petfinder! Now we are proud to share some news that we received from the founder of Petfinder.com, Betsy Saul,   announcing the launch of her newest mission-driven website, 911fosterpets.com.

               The mission of 911fosterpets.com is simple:

create a foster revolution

to give these pets the extra time

they need so they can live  

                “While we have found over 25 million forever homes for adoptable pets at petfinder.com,” Saul says, “pets’ lives are still being lost daily purely due to lack of space or unrealistic time limits on length of stay at a shelter.  I am still haunted by some of the special souls I met along the way that just needed extra time to find homes.  Our new website, 911fosterpets.com, will be dedicated to finding short-term foster families for these urgent animals.” 

darla and kittens fort worth 

        Eric Theis, who, with his wife, Traci, is a co-founder of the site, says, “People don’t realize that many pets about to be destroyed only need a temporary place to crash--sometimes less than a week.  Then these pets will be moved to a rescue group or to their new forever homes. I have to believe if people knew they could save a puppy or kitten’s life by letting it stay with them for a few days, they would act now to save them. We are providing that platform.”

anabla pregnant kitty at Wilson County Animal Shelter,  NC

             The site is easy to use. Animal shelters post pets that are urgent (typically meaning they will be destroyed in 72 hours or less) and potential foster families view them.  Foster families can search the urgent pets in their community with various search criteria, including length of time they can foster a pet–starting with less than one week.  Once a foster family sees a pet they would like to help, they simply click the foster button to be connected with the shelter where the pet is currently housed. Individuals can also sign up at 911fosterpets.com to be notified when new urgent pets in their community are posted.

              “This will only work,” Traci Theis adds, “if caring people step up and provide short-term shelter for these urgent pets. We’re confident that there are thousands of people who want to make a tangible difference in pets’ lives but cannot make a long-term commitment. Now they will have an opportunity. 911fosterpets.com will introduce them to the pets who so urgently need them.”

   To learn more visit

 www.911fosterpets.com

World Pet Memorial Day 2016

I have noticed conflicting dates for World Pet Memorial Day, some say it was June 9th, but the American Veterinary Medical Association says  it is always the second Sunday in June, which would make it fall today, June 12th. Today I am honoring my Bobo. I have honored Angel Bobo EVERY day since he passed in 2007, in my thoughts and heart, and through collages I have made and that are hanging in our home, but today I will formally recognize him.

Please take a moment and acknowledge and say a prayer for all of the cats and kittens who are in shelters and pray that they find furever homes.

I also send healing prayers to the kitties that are ill, or are facing challenges, and to all of you who have loved and lost your beloved furbabies. I also am sending prayers  to the countless nameless cats that are "lost" every day. Sadly, many will never know the love that our furbabies were blessed to know.

Michigan Summer Adopt-A-Thon to Feature 50 or More Adoptable Pets

 Potential new pet family members

 will be waiting on Saturday, June 18th.

In honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month and Adopt-A-Cat-Month we are happy to present to you the first of two large offsite tented Adopt-a-Thons this summer takes place on Saturday, June 18^th  from 10a-4pm in the parking lot in front of Home Depot in Allen Park in the Fairlane Green II shopping mall.  Described locally as “On the Hill”, Home Depot is near the Oakwood boulevard entrance to the mall, just off Southfield freeway.  The Dearborn Animal Shelter plans to have 50 animals or more available for adoption that day including playful kittens, adult cats and all shapes and sizes of dogs.

"Cat dreaming of forever home"

Attendees will enjoy adoption specials and be able to shop Shelter merchandise.  Adoption counselors will be on hand to help visitors find their new best friend, including a meet and greet area to get to know new dog family members in a separate section. 

Elaine Greene, Executive Director, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, commented “This Adopt-A-Thon kicks off the summer season for us and is similar to bringing a one day “pop-up” Shelter to a highly visible location for one day.  Each year, we find that prospective adopters really appreciate the opportunity to see so many animals showcased under the tent, in an easily accessible place on a Saturday.  It’s a completely different feel they tell us, than seeing the adoptable animals while in the Shelter”.

This is the fourth year that the event is being hosted in the parking lot of Home Depot in Allen Park.  It will also be the location for this year’s second offsite tented Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday, August 13^th.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is located at 2661 Greenfield Road, Dearborn, and is operated by the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, a 501C3 nonprofit organization. Main phone (313) 943-2697 and on the web www.MetroDetroitAnimals.org, you can follow the Shelter on Facebook or Twitter.  Currently, the organization is engaged in a Capital Campaign to raise funds for a much needed new sheltering facility that includes animal education and an adoption center.  More information and donations welcome to support this new facility, www.RaisetheWoofNow.org

Reflection:Wordless Wednesday

The Ultimate "Tiny House"

There has been some MAJOR construction going on at Casa de Cody.....there has been all sorts of materials tediously being hauled!!

The work began a few weeks ago, then there was a lull in activity, then, last week the construction began again!!!

It has proven to be quite interesting for Cody, look at the photos and you will see why!

See what is behind the wood panel? It's a BIRD'S NEST!!!!! These birdies are BEYOND clever! We have our ladder hanging on the wall of our balcony. Some intellectually gifted birds decided that it would make the perfect place to build a nest. The wood panel protects the nest from the elements (as does the fact that it is sheltered by our balcony), and the hungry eyes of hawks!

Taking a well deserved construction break!!!

The nest has greatly expanded over the past few days! This week the mother bird AND the father bird were both hard at work!!! I love the "homey" touch they added by adding all of the "greenery"....they say "curb appeal" is everything and these birds sure know that!

It has been fun for Cody because we are on the second floor and he rarely gets to see birds up close.  The other day when he was watching them "building" he was not only surprised, he was totally captivated! (Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of him.)

Will keep you posted on when the new tenants move into their "Tiny House" and hopefully there will be babies soon!

Hug Your Cat Day 2016

Yes, yes, yes, I KNOW that EVERY DAY should be "Hug Your Cat Day" but June 4th has been designated as "Hug Your Cat Day", I believe by "Days Of The Year.com"

Don't have a cat?
This would be the purrfect time to consider adopting one. There is nothing better than the unconditional love, joy and health benefits that cats bring to us (dogs and other animals do too, but this post isn't about them!), and they ask for so little in return. All they ask for is for us to love them, to provide safety, security, good food, toys, playtime, and regular veterinary checks.

If only others in our lives needed so little to give us SO MUCH!!

The photo below is of my Angel Bobo (sorry Cody, but you are featured here ALL of the time!). It is Angel Bobo who this blog was originally dedicated to back when it began in 2009. Bobo and I shared 18 beautiful years together. He passed in 2007 and I still miss him and think of him EVERY DAY. This photo is from the 1990s.

Now...go and hug YOUR cat!

Winner of #NutrishPets Zero Grain Chicken & Potato Recipe Cat Food!

Thanks to all who entered our give-away!!!! 

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO THE LUCKY WINNER

LISTED BELOW!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE LUCKY WINNER

HAS  FOUR CATS:

OZZIE, LEBOWSKI, COCOA & SERENA

WHO ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS!!

Photo Courtesy of 2 Punk Dogs

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!

THEY ALSO BLOG!!

VISIT THEIR BLOG HERE