Hi all! It's Cody and yep I have yet another day to tell you about today! Today is Social Media Day! It is a day to celebrate (or curse) about all of your social media channels and the friendships you have made (or lost, MOL!) as a result of having them.
Social Media Day was launched back in 2010 by Mashable. I am choosing to celebrate the day by honoring a super special mancat who just happens to be one heck of a handsome tabby cat like me, AND he makes my Mom and I laugh all of the time with the sarcastic (yet often loving), banter he shares with his "Momma"! Who is it? It's Bear from the hilarious and witty blog, Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat. I especially love Bear because he shares a special affinity with me for "Tasty Whole Chickens!" Bear is always on a quest to find them, JUST LIKE ME!!! Today, Bear, I am eating some in YOUR HONOR!!
Mom made me a "tasty whole chicken" yesterday and Bear I thought of you with every bite! Wish you could come over and join me!!
Since it is Social Media Day I also would like to thank everyone who takes the time to visit my blog and my other social channels which are all listed below. THANK YOU!! YOU ALL MAKE ME SMILE!!! Love, Cody
According to Days of the Year today is Camera Day. I thought it was a great chance to show you how my Dad cheated on Dakota and I this past Saturday. You see, Mom and Dad went to Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, June 24th (their wedding anniversary!), to attend the wedding of their cousin. They rode with my Uncle Bill and my Aunt Judy. Well, as evidenced by the photo below, it appears that SOME WOOFIE who just happens to be our cousin Punky, began celebrating early.
Hey Punky!! Why don't you just steal my Dad while you are at it! Thank goodness Punky isn't a CAT!!!
(From the Mom: Punky is actually a sweetheart. She stayed on my husband's lap during the entire trip 2 hour trip! She slept most of the way there, and was as content as could be!! We love her to pieces!!)
HOW TO CELEBRATE CAMERA DAY FROM DAYS OF THE YEAR:There is no better day than Camera Day to
snap some photos during your lunch hour, on your commute to work, or whenever a
moment of inspiration strikes. Cameras and photography have developed
substantially over the years, from its early roots with the French inventor
Joseph Niépce right up to modern-day digital photography.
Joseph Niépce was a French inventor; he is most noted as
one of the inventors of photography and was a pioneer in the field.
He developed the heliograph; a technique used to produce the world’s first
known photograph in 1825, the view from the window at Le Gras the family's estate. To learn more about Camera Day click here.
Hi all it's Cody!! Today is a two-fer!! First, I am happy to be pawticipating in Summer's annual Cat World Domination Day Summer is having a special give-away too so be sure to hurry over and enter!
I also would like to wish my pawrents a most HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!! Little did they know when they got married on June 24, 2006 that they would end up sharing their day with CAT WORLD DOMINATION DAY! I say it's as it SHOULD be, don't you agree?
Ok we have now seen everything! Did you know that today is National Selfie Day? There is a day for everything it seems! Today I want to share one of my favorite "selfies" of Cody. It's just too cute for words!
History of Selfie Day Selfies have probably existed as long as hand-held cameras
have been a thing. Human vanity is so utterly profound that if we’re given the
opportunity to do something self-aggrandizing, we do. This habit, in our
defense, doesn’t seem to be strictly human in nature. Given access to a camera
and a little time to figure it out, monkeys will start snapping selfies like no
one’s business. In 2014, BBC officially declared a Selfie Day, which
amusingly heralded a sudden decline in selfies. Interestingly, there was a
similar drop after the Oxford English Dictionary added ‘selfie’ to its pages.
Apparently making something official is a damned fine way of making sure no one
wants to do them anymore.
Well, we all know that there is no decline in selfies when it comes to cats and dogs, now is there? Go ahead pals, snap away!!!
Hi my furiends! The Summer Solstice officially arrived in the Eastern Time Zone at 12:24am !! Mom and I went through our archives and found a post that last appeared in 2014 that celebrates this momentous occasion! Enjoy! Love, Cody
It wouldn't be the first day of Summer without me repeating the song that I first posted on Cat Chat on June 21st 2010, it has now become our little tradition...Enjoy!
Hi all! It's Cody and as many of you know, I was adopted. I did not live in a shelter, I had a foster Mom, but I was adopted just the same!
Mom and I love helping to spread the word about June being Adopt A Shelter Cat Month and when our dear friends at the ASPCA contacted us asking if we would help spread the word about their latest contest, we said OF COURSE!!
The ASPCA as teamed up with Fifth Harmony star Ally Brooke, to help spread the word that in the month of June the shelters are usually bursting with kitties and we all want to see them be adopted!
Cats
have always been a huge part of my life. My cats love me in the most beautiful
and unconditional way, and now I want to return the favor by encouraging
everyone I know to take part in Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. My cat, Bobbi, was
my very best friend. Please consider opening up your heart and home to a
shelter cat in need. Your new BFF could be waiting for you right----Ally Brooke
You can help them out! Snap a photo of your
favorite rescued cat (they would love to see you in the pic, too!) and share it on
Twitter or Instagram tagging the @ASPCA and using the hashtag #AdoptYourBFF. They want to get as many people as possible sharing how great their kitty BFF is with
the world to encourage others to adopt. As a bonus, they will choose their most
favorite photo post to win a special prize pack, including a gift card
from francesca’s and an ASPCA T-shirt autographed by Ally
Brooke! P.S. if you live in L.A., the ASPCA is urgently looking for
kitten fosters – please visit ASPCA.org/FosterLAto sign up. Good luck!!
From Cat Chat With Caren and Cody: Portions of this post are from June 19, 2015. We figured since we always have some readers who might not have seen something, we would share some of it again. (Cody is now 10, he was 8 yrs old when this post first appeared).
Hi every furry it's Cody!
Today marks only the SECOND time in my almost six years of blogging, that I am pawticipating in the festivities surrounding a holiday that was created by the pet blogging community, International Box Day. This day was created because to most kitties (and even some woofies), cats and boxes just kind of go together, kinda like catnip and toys, or me and food, capisce? Take note, I said "MOST" kitties...not EVERY kitty loves boxes....I am one of those kitties.
You see, I am a rather unique kitty in many ways, what most kitties DON'T like, I LOVE, and what most kitties LOVE, I don't like. Just a few of the things that make me different are :
I am not afraid of the vacuum I love my vet I don't mind the car I willingly take my medicine I greet strangers in our home, BEFORE my woofie brother, Dakota does I love to be cuddled I love to lie on my back I do NOT lay on laundry AFTER it has been dried. I do NOT lay on the bed I could care less about water running from the sink
Normally, I prefer to "think OUTSIDE of the box!" Yes, that's true! I am a kitty that doesn't relish being confined by ANYTHING!
I am eight years young, and this past year was probably the FIRST year that I showed more interest in boxes than any year thus far!
Mom was super excited because that meant that I could now pawticipate in International Box Day,
From Cat Chat With Caren and Cody: This post first appeared on June 18th, 2016. Along with today being Father's Day, it is also Veterinarian Appreciation Day! Please enjoy our post from last year!
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!!!
Hi all!!! Today is a most special day! It's Father's Day!!!
First, I would like to share a photo with you that portrays an event that takes place EVERY night at "Casa de Cody." At approximately 5pm (or a little earlier, depending on how long, how loudly and how much I whine), my Dad performs a ritual.
Dad calls Dakota and I into the living room like this: "Gentleman! Come in for the announcement!" As you can see by the photo below we are on high alert! My tail is even raised with glee!
Then, once Dad has our full attention, he will say "Dakota, do YOU want dinner? Cody join us in the dining room!!" Ok, yeah, I know he asks Dakota, but that is the routine and it DOES mean that I get fed too! The video below is OLD (I apologize for the awful quality!) It was taken in 2012 or 2013 (Mom is too lazy to go back to YouTube to check) The video skips the "gentlemen" part, but you will get the idea!!
I love my Dad for many reasons but mostly because even when I jump on his head and face beginning at approximately 3am, he NEVER gets upset. My Dad feeds me every morning, he makes the announcement at night and he also pets me and cuddles me. My Dad is the BEST ever and I am grateful to have him!
The photo I am sharing below is one of my all time faves. I was a tiny little kitten, so young that my eyes were amber and hadn't changed to the glorious green that they are today. I just love this photo though because it shows how my love affair with Dad started right from the time I was first adopted!
Happy Father's Day to the BEST DAD EVER!!!! Now, gimme some food!! Love, Cody
I think I found the above
on Pinterest some time ago
We also would like to wish all Kitty Dads, Doggy Dads, Uncles, Brothers, Grandfathers, anyone who has taken on the role of "Dad" (even WOMEN who have to take on the role of "Dad" !) a Happy Happy Father's Day!!!
There are conflicting dates for World Pet Memorial Day, but the American Veterinary Medical Association says it is always the second Sunday in June, which would make it fall today, June 11th. 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. I deeply apologize about the awful photo quality, but all of my photos of Bobo were taken in the days before I blogged. It's the thought that counts, right?
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.
This post appeared on Thursday, June 6th 2013. Can't believe it was four years ago. For those who haven't seen it, Cody and I hope you enjoy!
Pet Appreciation Week: "I wanna kiss your PAWS!"
with my deepest apologies to the Beatles
My Mom has officially LOST IT!
We were just sitting around, I was curled up on the couch getting ready to make some biscuits and Mom was watching TV, when it hit her!
It's Pet Appreciation Week!To be candid, one calendar says it is this week, one says it is next week so whenever it is, we're ready!
Yeah, yeah, once again ALL 52 weeks are Pet Appreciation Week but I guess there truly IS a bona fide week devoted to showing your appreciation for your pet.
Mom was trying to think of even MORE ways to show her undying devotion to me, when it hit her, the acronym for "Pet Appreciation Week" is "P.A.W.!" What popped into Mom's warped mind? Here is the song she decided to dedicate to me in honor of "Pet Appreciation Week"Frankly I would have preferred more snacks but what can you do, ya gotta humor them ya know? This song is to be sung to the tune of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles, and to the Beatles, I offer my most humble apologies. My Mom isn't playing with a full deck you know.
Love, Cody
"I Wanna Kiss Your Paws"
Oh yeah, I'll tell you something I think you'll understand When I say that something I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws!!!
Oh please, say to me You'll let me be your Mom And please, say to me You'll let me kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws
I wanna kiss your paws!!!
And when I touch you I feel happy Inside It's such a feeling that my love I can't hide I can't hide I can't hide!!!
Yeah, you've got that something I think you'll understand When I say that something I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws!!!
And when I touch you I feel happy Inside It's such a feeling that my love I can't hide I can't hide I can't hide
Yeah, you've got that something I think you'll understand When I feel that something I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws I wanna kiss your paws!!!
Today is National Best Friends DayIt is a day to celebrate your best friend(s) and let them know what they mean to you.
I think the last time I used the term "best friend" was when I was in college. Now, I am blessed to have people in my life that I refer to as "close" friends instead of "best friends." My "best" friends are my "close" friends.
Whether I have known them for decades or days, they all add something to my life that if they were not here, they would be sorely missed. My "close" friends are small in number, in my opinion, that is as it should be. I don't try to amass close friendships the way people are seeking "likes" on Facebook. True friendships take more time to evolve and grow than Facebook would like us to believe. I have many "acquaintances", but few who I would consider to be "close friends."
My close friends don't pick my brain and then turn a knife in my back for their own benefit. They don't feign liking me one day, and then have nothing to do with me the next. My close friends aren't "yes" people to me or to anyone else. They care enough to not just tell me what I WANT to hear, but often will tell me what I need to hear, even if it is sometimes painful, as I do for them.
My close friends are friends where I never question their motives, I never question my trust for them. My close friendships just ARE. My communication with them is easy, natural, genuine, Those close friendships are sometimes painfully REAL. I am grateful for those friendships.
If I were to be asked to pinpoint when those close friendships evolved, in many instances I wouldn't be able to. Many of my closest friendships were unexpected, oftentimes on the surface they would appear to be "unlikely". To me those are some of my favorite and most cherished friendships.
"Unexpected friendships are the BEST ones."
I am grateful for my close friends, and I deeply love each and every one of them.
Hi all it's Cody! Mom and I heard that today is National Attitude Day. Well, we could NOT be happier about that! In our house EVERY DAY is "National Attitude Day and since I am a CAT, I much prefer that they name it "National CATTITUDE DAY!"
To those who think that National Attitude Day means you should celebrate the day by having a GOOD attitude, let me tell ya this............YOU interpret and celebrate YOUR way, Mom and I will celebrate OUR WAY. I AM A CAT, A CAT WITH CATTITUDE. Mom and I are kindred spirits, we see things the same...................there's no Pollyanna stuff goin' on around here. Good or bad we are ALWAYS gonna "keep it real."
Disclosure:We were compensated to share info about Catio Spaces with our readers, as you know, we ONLY share information about products that we currently use, have used, that we would LOVE to use, and that would be of interest and value to YOU, our valued readers.
There is nothing I would love more for Cody than for him to have his own catio. I lust after catios that I see on various blogs that I read and on websites such as Catio Spaces. Sadly, I live in a condo that is a part of an apartment/condo complex and we have "association rules" that prevent us from changing the outside of the building. So, for now, unless our life situation changes, I will have to lust over the catios by Catio Spaces that you can also lust over (and, if you are luckier than I am, you just might be able to have one built or build one yourself! Read on!!)
Cats, whether living mostly indoors or outside, enjoy the stimulation
of being outdoors, but responsible owners know danger lurks. Seattle cat-lover Cynthia
Chomos has built a business to help cat guardians balance their pet’s natural curiosity
and craving for outdoor stimulation with concerns for animal safety.
“Indoor-only cats like fresh air and the stimulation of nature, just
like their outdoor counterparts,” Chomos said citing early rising, sun
worshipping, and nocturnal scampering around the house as some of the telltale
signs of this desire. “Once outside, cats pursue squirrels, birds or a mate and
there are many hazards outdoor cats can encounter, including vehicles,
predators, parasites and poisons,” she explained. In a quest to protect Serena,
her own beloved tabby, she built a catio (cat patio).
Courtesy of Catio Spaces
Soon thereafter, Chomos realized she could combine her passion and skills as a designer, feng shui professional and general contractor to
launch Catio Spaces. Her company designs spaces for safe, healthy and happy
cats, offering both custom catios and several downloadable “DIY” plans for
those who want to build their own catio (or hire a carpenter to build the plan).
“I
understand the importance of creating environments for well-being, so it seemed
like a natural extension of my design services to create visually appealing
catio havens for both feline and human enjoyment,” she said, adding, “It’s a joy to be involved every day with cat safety and enrichment
while also protecting birds and wildlife.”(She
donates a portion of each catio plan purchase to support animal
and wildlife organizations.)
Chomos cites many benefits of
catios and it turns out some of the biggest fans of them are
bird-watchers who want to keep their feathered friends safe from their natural
predators. (Housecats that venture outdoors and feral
cats are blamed for killing between 1.3 billion and 4 billion birds annually,
according to a recent analysis by Peter Marra of the Smithsonian Conservation
Biology Institute.)
Initially focused on designing and building custom catios in the
Seattle metro area, Catio Spaces® also offers Do It Yourself(DIY)
catio plans in a variety of designs and sizes for patios, decks, gardens or
yards.
Courtesy of Catio Spaces
Current DIY plans include the compactWindow Box™ or Haven™ and two
larger options, the Sanctuary™ and Oasis™ that Chomos describes as “purrfect
choices” for guardians who want space for human seating and enjoyment. Prices for the DIY catio plans range from $39.95 to $69.95; gift certificates are also available.
Cat Enclosure Interior Black Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces
Along with easy-to-follow instructions and
illustrations to eliminate guesswork, each set of DIY plans is designed for
ease of assembly (or removal if relocating) and to complement a home’s design
and aesthetics.
Bonus information includes guidelines for acclimating a cat
to a cat door and the new space, plus tips for cat-safe plants, décor, and
accessories to promote cavorting, exercise and enrichment.
Straightforward assembly was an early goal of Chomos’ DIY
concepts. “You don’t need to be an expert carpenter,” she emphasized. “Even
novices will find the plans easy to follow and rewarding to build.”
Since launching Catio Spaces, Chomos has built and installed
numerous custom catios around Western Washington, including ones with clever
themes and décor, and even catwalks and tunnels!
Projects have included:
a Seahawks-themed catio for a fan of Seattle’s NFL team and
his game day lap cats;
a haven for an highly active and “determined door dasher;”
a window box veranda for a sun-loving “wildlife window
watcher;”
a spacious patio makeover for a pair of felines who love
scaling fences to watch wildlife.
10 BENEFITS OF CATIOS:
Protection from vehicles, predators, poisons, diseases or
getting lost or stuck in a tree
Reduce vet bills from cat fights or injuries.
Protect birds and wildlife
Help reduce the roaming cat populations in local communities.
Provide a healthy outdoor lifestyle with fresh air,
exercise, bird watching and sunbathing.
Reduce indoor multi-cat issues by adding more territory.
Enjoy feline and human interaction surrounded by nature and
fresh air.
Help reduce indoor odors with an additional outdoor litter
box.
Good neighbor relations (keep your cat out of their gardens
and yards).
Peace of mind knowing your cat is in a safe and protected
place.
Cat Enclosure Exterior Black Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces
"CATIMONIALS" FROM SATISFIED KITTIES AND THEIR HUMANS!
DIY CATIO PLANS:
“Your DIY Catio Plans were a perfect solution for us and the
directions are great! Every detail was considered and the plans were easy to
follow. The catio is so beautifully professional and secure. I feel safe giving
my cats permanent access, even at night. People just can’t believe we built it
ourselves!”
-Emily S., OR
“I’m a 55 year old nurse, and if I can do it, anyone can! I
priced out several pre-built options from other companies, and just couldn’t
afford it. I investigated your website and with my home improvement skills I
realized I could do this. I had my husband help with holding panels for the
joining panels step, but I essentially built it myself. I think it’s a
fantastic option for people who really love their cat companions!”
Jacki H., WI
Catio Ledge Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces
“I just finished building the window box catio and within 10
minutes my cat Dagny was out there enjoying some fresh air! I used the wire
mesh roof option and added a plant and a small covered shelter inside for her.
Thanks so much for the great do-it-yourself plans!”
Chris D., AZ
“Thank you for creating your detailed DIY Catio Plans and
offering them at an affordable price! My cat Sissy wants to enjoy the sun and
watch birds so I’ve built the catio with her happiness in my mind. Cats
everywhere are thanking you!”
Zoey C., CA
“Cynthia and her carpentry crew took a dream I had for my
cat and brought it into reality. Not only does the enclosure enhance my home,
my cat Monty has a whole new world to explore and I have peace of mind which is
priceless. Cynthia knows her craft, understands cats and I can’t praise her
enough!”
Scarlett - Custom Catio
Catio Haven Exterior white Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces
Cynthia Chomos Photo Courtesy of Catio Spaces
Chomos has also become a go-to “CATalyst” and resource for
feline owners. (Website visitors can request her free tips
for considering and planning a catio.) “On a daily basis, I work with cat
guardians, locally and globally on a variety of issues,” she stated. Recent
calls and email queries have ranged from questions on protecting cats who were
attacked by coyotes to creating a retreat for cats that were living in an
upstairs bedroom fearful of a newly adopted dog. Additionally, bird organizations and wildlife
rehabilitators seek her advice on educating their communities on the benefits
of catios.
