International Cat Care and the International Society of Feline Medicine launch CatCareforLife #WorldVeterinaryDay

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: Today is World Veterinary Day, today, "the global veterinary community will come together to celebrate. Created by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA), World Veterinary Day is meant to raise public awareness about the important roles veterinarians undertake."

We love our Vet, ("Dr.Smiley") and are grateful for him and the entire staff at DePorre Veterinary Hospital. (Cody is particularly happy that they are designated as a "Cat Friendly Practice" and they are AAHA accredited. A MUST for us!)

"Don't tell "Dr.Smiley" that I am secretly LOVING THIS!!!"

Today, in honor of this special day, we are sharing a post from our friends at International Cat Care, which introduces their new program: CatCareforLife.

International Cat Care and its veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), were delighted to launch a new program at BSAVA Congress. Entitled CatCareforLife, it is a blueprint for how a clinic and owner can work together to keep cats healthy and encourage veterinary visits. The program is provided in partnership with IDEXX and Royal Canin, global leaders in veterinary diagnostics and cat nutrition.

Regular life-long preventive healthcare should be the goal for every veterinary patient. A combination of primary prevention (eg, vaccination), secondary prevention (early detection of disease) and tertiary prevention (reducing impact of disease) measures are important in a comprehensive healthcare program, although secondary and tertiary measures become more critical as the cat ages and as diseases become more prevalent. 

The program is aimed at both veterinary clinics and cat owners and will be promoted to both, encouraging owners to understand the life stages of their cat and its equivalent human age, and offers best practice guides for recommended health checks. The information is set out simply for owners and it is explained that it is based on independent published studies and data and developed by expert feline veterinarians and others working with International Cat Care/ISFM. It allows the practice to refer to reliable, trustworthy and independent information.

Clearly with a substantially lower number of veterinary visits than dogs, cats represent a considerable opportunity to a veterinary practice, as well as presenting a significant unmet health need. Experience with the Cat Friendly Clinic program has demonstrated that increased knowledge and understanding of cats pays real dividends in the clinic.  

International Cat Care and ISFM provide veterinary clinics with a freely available practical guide to the CatCareforLife program, including posters, charts, clinical sheets, owner resources and checklists and veterinary protocols, all on the dedicated website www.catcare4life.org.

International Cat Care, in partnership with Ceva, has developed a set of handling videos for both vets and nurses, and for owners. The videos, (there are 29 in all and a couple are seen above and below in this blog post).  detail best practice handling techniques and approaches, and are designed to reduce stress for cats and improve safety in vet clinics, and also to help build a bond between owners and cats at home. 

For owners, there are 13 videos covering two different areas, interacting with cats and handling cats. Particular attention is paid to getting cats used to going in the cat carrier and travelling – cats can be helped to understand that entering and spending time in their cat carrier is a positive experience. A number of the videos cover helping owners to get their cats accustomed to having ears, eyes, mouth, paws/claws and coat checked to improve handing at home, but also in the veterinary clinic. Of course, these are not just for owners, as the information is useful for the veterinary team to know in order to help owners prepare for veterinary visits as well as care at home. 

  For the veterinary team, there are 16 videos covering many aspects of handling cats in the clinic, from assessing the cat while in the carrier to handling for blood sampling, intravenous catheter placement and administering oral, aural and ocular products. Tips on towel wrapping to assist handling in a comfortable way for the cat are also covered.

How will you be celebrating World Veterinary Day?

Custom Canvas Pet Portraits By Petsy are "Painted Love" (Give-Away!)

Heads up my pet friends! Mother's Day is right around the corner! Can't think of the PERFECT GIFT for the pet-loving mother in your life? I have you covered!! (Oh and you can gift a pet lover this for ANY holiday, not just Mother's Day!) I was thrilled when I was contacted by Kassy, one of the founders of Petsy, the creators of custom canvas portraits of pets that are ANYTHING but ordinary. These custom canvas portraits are vibrant, fun and EXTRAORDINARY!!

If you are anything like me, there is nothing worse than purchasing art that depicts a generic cat or dog. A cat  or dog that is NOT YOUR cat or dog. Sure, it may be cute, but it doesn't convey the heart and soul of your pet. BECAUSE IT ISN'T YOUR PET. Your artwork, while nice to look at, won't strike a chord, it won't resonate, it won't touch your soul. The personalized pet portraits from Petsy WILL RESONATE WITH YOU, they will make you smile, they will touch your soul. Why?  Because they are unique, one-of-a-kind  portraits of YOUR PETS!

Why Was Petsy Created?

"It all started with a penguin."
"Or should we say, a cat called Penguino."
Alex and Kassy  are a brother / sister duo from New York who realized pretty quickly that their cat Penguino was something special. They  started an Instagram account to showcase his extreme cuteness, and the account exploded in popularity. Before they knew it he had fans all over the globe eager to check in to see Penguino’s daily antics.

"Penguino" Courtesy of Petsy

Inspired by his impact, they began searching for a way to showcase his beauty. The options were limited: generic Tuxedo Cat decor, or artists who’d commission a piece for an exuberant amount of money and long lead times.

So they started making their own.

"Penguino" Courtesy of Petsy

Using Alex’s background as a software engineer with Kassy’s background in graphic design, they set out to create a platform that would transform photos of furry friends into a brand new, sentimental concept:

"Painted Love."

"And that’s how Petsy was born. "

PETSY'S MISSION STATEMENT

"Our mission is to showcase our beloved pets in a new light. Using a mix of machine learning, sentiment mapping, and human-guided design, we are able to capture the very essence of your pet and his personality.  The result?  An experience of Painted Love, unlike you’ve ever felt before."

Petsy Personalization Of YOUR Pet!

One of MANY things I love about Petsy is that their artwork is FUN!! It captures the personality and essence of your pet with bold and fun colors!  All of the canvasses are printed with vibrant, fade-resistant ink!

Ready for this? Your canvas will arrive stretched and mounted on a wooden frame, ready to be hung!! No Assembly Required!! An ENORMOUS PLUS for someone like me and I bet...a number of you are the same!

How Does The Ordering Process Work?

Choose Your Canvas Size

There are 4 different  sizes available:

 8×12″, 16×24″, 24×36″, 40×40″

Choose Your Pet Profile

(You can have up to 8 pets on one canvas but they all must appear in one photo)

Pick A Canvas Style

For inspiration visit their photo gallery.
You can choose from landscape, portrait, or a square-shaped canvas

Choose Your Photo

For me, that was rough. For the purpose of my reviews I submitted a few photos of Cody and a few of  Dakota.

A HUGE PLUS  for me was that I could use  photos from my phone OR my social media!! I didn't have to worry about having fancy, perfect photos, and you won't have to worry about that either! For me that was an ENORMOUS RELIEF and made everything extra easy-peasy!!  You don’t have to stress about finding the perfect photo; the Petsy designers will contact you if they need additional pictures. (Take a look at their  photo guidelines here. )

I didn't select ANYTHING. I wanted to leave the ENTIRE creative process in the talented hands of Kassy and the team at Petsy.  After all, THEY are the artists and I wanted to completely respect their talent, and I was excited to see how my pets would be portrayed. I didn't want the stress of choosing for myself.

In the photo below, the photo that I sent of Cody is on the left and his canvas portrait is on the right.

The photo of the canvas portrait that I took does NOT do it justice. In person it is simply exquisite and it makes me smile. 

After placing an order, your design will be ready for review in less than 72 hours. Below is the proof that I received of Cody's canvas.  The proof DOES show the vibrancy and is true to what I received, unlike the photos that I took.

Cody's canvas size is an 8x8 

You can also have them make revisions on the canvas after you view your proof. I didn't make any changes on Dakota's, but I did on Cody's. On the first proof that I received Cody's eye color was a little off, and we actually changed it maybe 2 or 3 times. Cody has clear green eyes and Petsy did capture the color purrfectly.  The background color I let them use their imaginations and create a piece based on their talent. I am so happy because I LOVE the colors they chose to accent my handsome boy(s)!  

The handling of my changes couldn't have been easier!  I received communication from Petsy EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, more importantly, in a FRIENDLY, PATIENT, PROFESSIONAL AND CARING MANNER!

Once you confirm the artwork, your Petsy will ship directly to your doorstep via UPS.
When I say the ENTIRE process was stress-free, professional, friendly and fast, I am NOT exaggerating!

Whether you have a concrete idea, or, like me, you want the Petsy artists to inspire you with their own ideas, they will bring the spirit of your pet to life on a GORGEOUS, one-of-a-kind canvas.
When my canvasses arrived, I shrieked with joy and...I had tears in my eyes. From the photos I submitted, Kassy chose (without my influencing her decision), my two favorites photos of my boys. The only sadness I feel is that the photos on this blog do NOT do these canvasses justice. They are EXQUISITE.

The photo below shows where my portraits are hanging in our kitchen, (the ugly painting on the right is one that I did at one of those painting parties).  The color of our kitchen walls are actually more green than these photos convey. I hung them in our kitchen so I can see them first thing in the morning, at every meal, EVERY SINGLE DAY. They are the most BEAUTIFUL pieces of artwork of my boys that I own. Their personalities shine through these portraits. I will cherish them always.

When you order your canvas you will be as thrilled and as emotional as I was. I am CERTAIN you will be. Using your guidance, the Petsy artists will digitally paint each order to create a stunning, personal work of art. Just like your pet, your Petsy is unique! REMEMBER:Petsy never uses templates or filters. Their team has years of experience in graphic design and computer vision, allowing their art to evolve and innovate. Whether you want a timeless classic, something trendy, or a modern conversation piece, they will bring your vision to life!

Get Social With Petsy!

Petsy on Facebook 
Petsy on Instagram

GIVE-AWAY!!!

Kassy is kind enough to offer our readers WHO RESIDE IN THE U.S. AND ARE 18 AND OVER the chance to win a 8x12 canvas! (ONE WINNER an approximate $100+ VALUE!!)

I normally would use Rafflecopter for the give-away but today I will make it easier (for those who don't like Rafflecopter ).

JUST  LEAVE A COMMENT THAT CLEARLY STATES THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED!!! (IF YOU DO NOT CLEARLY STATE THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED INTO THE GIVE-AWAY YOU WILL NOT BE ENTERED). 

EARN BONUS ENTRIES FOR LIKING PETSY ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOWING THEM ON INSTAGRAM (I linked to their accounts above),  AND STATE IN YOUR COMMENT THAT YOU DID SO (INCLUDE YOUR INSTAGRAM NAME AS WELL).

 Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on or around May 9th, 2018. (The Give-away is open now and will end May 7th, 2018 at 5pm EST) Good luck!

 

 This  review and give-away is sponsored by Petsy. I received an 8x8 canvas of Cody and a 8x10 of Dakota. I also received monetary compensation for writing my reviews and administering my give-aways on both of my blogs. 

Cat Play Boxes from "Cat in the Box" Give-Away Winner!

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

  We know it has taken some time,but today we are FINALLY announcing our lucky winner! We could NOT be happier with who random.org has chosen.......the winning comment number was 41 (including those who received extra entries there were a total of 47 comments)....that lucky number belongs to:

CLICK TO VISIT THEIR BLOG

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

AND SO WELL-DESERVED!!!

The comment was posted by "meowmeowmans"..........and we could NOT be happier! The comment stated that the milk carton was the preferred choice, so this will be heading your way soon!

Oh and of course Cody is NOT included! Your kitties are going to have so much fun!!!

Earth Day

Kittenhood: capture a kitten on camera for International Cat Care (iCatCare) photo competition

If there’s one thing the internet loves, it is kittens and this year feline charity International Cat Care (iCatCare) is searching for photos of kittens for its annual photography competition.

With the brand-new theme of ‘Kittenhood’ the charity is inviting both amateur and professional photographers from across the globe to enter images of adorable newborns and curious kittens (up to six months of age) – whether they’re snoozing, playing, or just looking irresistibly cute.

©iCatCare_Shaun Foster-Henson (1)

Now in its sixth year, the competition has collectively attracted over 12,000 entries from all over the world. Eve Davies, who has run the competition for the last three years, said: ‘Over 2000 images were sent into last year’s Street Cats competition and the resulting calendar sold out! We’re hoping that this year’s competition will be more popular and successful than ever to help us celebrate our 60^th anniversary and to raise vital funds for our work.’

Twelve winning images will be selected by the iCatCare judges to feature in the charity’s 2019 calendar (and other materials) which will be sold to raise funds for the charity’s welfare work, with one of these being crowned the overall winner and gracing the front cover. All twelve winners will each receive a certificate, copies of the calendar and a selection of iCatCare merchandise. The overall winner will also receive £500 in prize money.

Cody as a kitten!!!

another "oldie" of Cody as a Kitten

To find out more and to enter, visit: www.icatcare.org/photography-competition. The competition is currently open and has attracted 1,500 entries already. The competition will close on 1 May 2018, and winners will be announced on iCatCare’s social media accounts shortly after.

About International Cat Care (iCatCare)
International Cat Care is a charity dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats worldwide.

The International Cat Care vision: all cats, owned and unowned, are treated with care, compassion and understanding.

The International Cat Care mission: to engage, educate and empower people throughout the world to improve the health and welfare of cats by sharing advice, training and passion.

For more information, please visit http://www.icatcare.org or https://www.facebook.com/icatcare

"Creativity is Contagious....." World Art Day

Today is World Art Day!! On April 5-6, 2011, the General Assembly of AIAP/IAA World held its 17th annual meeting in Guadalajara, where they voted to make the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, April 15, “World Art Day.” Galleries and museums are encouraged to have extended hours, hold conferences and panel discussions during the day, and host celebratory events in the evening. Due to Leonardo da Vinci’s multifaceted talents – he was a renowned painter, sculptor, writer, innovator, philosopher, and thinker – his birthday was an ideal selection for a day celebrating all things creative.

Art has always been an important part of my life.  I am the daughter of a renowned Editorial Cartoonist (Ray Osrin). Most of my childhood memories involve either watching my father draw, or I would be drawing or coloring as well. I drew voraciously until college, now I barely draw anything! It is something I must get back to.

Today in honor of this special day, I would like to share a quote by Albert Einstein, " 

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” 

That's what I am doing today! I am sharing a sneak peek of a sponsored give-away  that we will be having on FRIDAY, APRIL 27TH.  It is being sponsored by our new and dear friends at Petsy, You will NOT want to miss the give-away and our complete review of this fabulous company!!!

"Petsy is PAINTED LOVE............."

Honoring our Cats On National Pet Day (A Guest Post by 2 Chaos Cats)

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: Today is National Pet Day, which was founded by Colleen Paige – an Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert – in 2006 to celebrate pets and the joy they bring into our homes. She also created the day to shine a spotlight on the plight of the many types of animals which are in shelters all over the planet. Today we are celebrating it by sharing with you a wonderful guest post written by our friend Annie, from 2 chaos cats.

Click to follow them on Instagram!

In light of National Pet Day, I’d like to raise awareness of all the wonderful, abandoned animals that desperately need a loving home.

I wanted a cat since I could think, but it was never the right time. Shortly after I moved in with my boyfriend, we heard of an abandoned 3-week old kitten. We didn’t have any prior experience with cats and I used to dream of a British Shorthair, but it seemed to be fate, so we adopted him.

Mr. Mau was way too young when he became part of our family. There’s a critical period in kitten development — between four and 14 weeks of age— when a kitten’s personality is shaped by his or her experiences. During the time with their mother and litter mates, kittens learn important lessons such as bite and scratch inhibition — how to use their teeth and claws cautiously — as well as other perceptual, motor, and social skills.

Mr. Mau did not get this opportunity. He learned most of what he knew from us. So, slowly, he started to act like a little human. He slept on his back, went to cafés with us and had breakfast with us at the table. He literally sat on a chair with his paws on the table! Spending time with him was such a blessing!

1,5 years later, he got hit by a car. Coming home to an empty apartment was too much to bear, so we went to the shelter for the first time.

Momo was found emaciated, roaming the streets with a gift ribbon around her neck. She was battling the flu but seemed very interested and curious. We instantly fell in love with her, took her home and nursed her back to health. She’s a little diva, strongly voicing her opinion. Once she trusts you, she’s the cutest little snuggle bug though. She eats things like plastic, ribbons and human hair so we couldn’t let her go outside by herself. We couldn’t leave her alone all day while we were gone either - so we went back to the shelter to get her a sister.

Cleo was found on a parking lot. She was only 10 weeks old and had crushed hind legs, so she had to wear an external fixture for about two months until her bones grew back together. The vets really did one hell of a job! Her hip is a little underdeveloped and she can’t sit properly - other than that, she’s healthy and good-spirited. She constantly asks for cuddles, meowing until you drop everything to give her the attention she wants. Sometimes I even feel her curling up on top of my head at night to sleep on the upper part of my pillow, right next to me.

Seeing how good both cats seem to do with us warms our heart every single day. Who knows where they might have ended up if we hadn’t adopted them? On the other hand, it saddens me to think about all these animals still sitting behind bars, waiting to be loved. Shelters are overcrowded. But they are full of healthy, sweet and smart animals who were surrendered not because of their behavior but generally due to the issues of their guardians. Visit your local shelter before buying a cat. You might find the perfect cats – like we did!

You can follow Momo’s and Cleo’s adventures on Instagram or read their full story on their website www.2chaoscats.de!

Not all "Siblings" Are of the Same Species!

Happy National Siblings Day All!

I know Dakota and I aren't "brothers" in the traditional sense, but we all know that sometimes those who aren't your blood (or species) oftentimes make the BEST siblings of all!

Cat Lovers! "Curl Up With A Cat Tale Series", Short Stories by Gwen Cooper (NY Times bestselling author of Homer's Odyssey)

It is with great pleasure that today I am honored to present to you a first-of-its-kind venture in traditional book publishing, Curl Up With a Cat Tale Series. This series is a monthly electronic short-story series, that are true-life cat tales written by Gwen Cooper (NY Times Bestselling author of "Homer's Odyssey"), about her world-famous fur family.

I have had the honor of reviewing Gwen's books, (in fact, my review of Homer's Odyssey was the FIRST book review I had ever done on this blog. All the way back in August of 2010.) I remember being terrified when Gwen contacted me asking if I would be interested in reviewing her book, but I did, I, like millions of others fell in love with Gwen and her writing,  and countless more reviews followed.

When Gwen contacted me approximately a week ago asking if I would help with getting the word out about her NEW Curl Up With A Cat Tale Series, I had to break one of my own rules! (I previously would never, ever review an ebook or anything that I had to read online)....until now.......well, rules "ARE meant to be BROKEN", right? And....when Gwen Cooper asks, (because I am STILL a major "fan girl" of hers), I will pretty much do ANYTHING that she asks. (Well, ALMOST anything!). I am glad that I broke my own rule. The story I read is the featured short story for the month of April:

Cover Courtesy of Gwen Cooper

I Choo-Choo-Choose You! is a short story written by Gwen, that shares the touching and humorous story of how Gwen's cat, Scarlett came into her life. 

I didn't realize how much I had missed reading Gwen's writing until I was immersed in this precious story. 

Gwen's writing style makes you feel as if you are listening to a friend share a story. Always touching, always striking a chord that cat lovers can relate to.

FROM GWENCOOPER.COM:

"Before there was Homer the Blind Wonder Cat, there was Scarlett—the adorable, maddeningly aloof, gray rescue tabby…

Every cat lover remembers the very first feline they fell in love with. For celebrated cat writer Gwen Cooper, that first love is Scarlett—a pint-sized rescue kitten with a king-sized personality. A natural-born troublemaker, and wary at first after life on the streets, Scarlett is quick to win hearts with her kittenish mischief, but slow to open her own heart to the woman who saved her. Yet as the months go by, and bonds of trust are painstakingly forged link by link, Gwen begins to realize that the love you have to earn just may be the love that means the most."

The Curl Up With A Cat Tale Series, is one new short story (8,000 to 12,000 words/ 25 to 40 pages) each month.

You may purchase each story individually for $3.99 on Kindle, Nook, iBooks, Kobo, and wherever ebooks are sold OR subscribe for an entire year for a 1-time payment of $14.99 (62% off list price!)

Subscriptions available at

 www.gwencooper.com/cat-tales

Subscribers will automatically receive their new story the first week of each month; stories delivered in PDF, ePub, and Mobi formats--may be read on any desktop or laptop computer, ereader, mobile phone, tablet, and/or printed out on paper for a hard copy.

Each story filled with all the humor and heart Gwen's readers have come to know, love, and crave more of!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

THE NEXT CAT STORY

IN THE SERIES IS AVAILABLE MAY 1, 2018

It features:

"Clayton “the Tripod”  who is a special-needs

rescue who quickly established himself

 as king of the house—

a “loveable doofus” and

natural clown with a heart big enough

 for ten cats." 

Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for posting this review. As I mentioned I have reviewed all of Gwen's books, I ADORE Gwen and her writing. We are both professional members of the Cat Writer's Association (although SHE is an enormously successful member, and I am a peon who writes pretty darned good book reviews...but I digress). 

Winner! "I"M NOT SORRY: Poems By Cats" by Rosa Silva

Thanks to all who entered our give-away!!

It is time to announce the lucky winner!!!

(winner was chosen by a draw at random.org)

Huge Concatulations to:

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR BLOG

Please send me your mailing address to:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

Also, if you haven't entered our Cat in the Box Give-Away there is still time to enter!!! Click HERE!

Cat Approved! Creative, Attractive and Fun! Cat Play Boxes from "Cat in the Box" (It's a "Mega", "Monster" Birthday Give-Away!!)

As many of you know who have cats, there are cat products that are "meh" cute, and cat products that are "mega" cute. Today, in honor of Cody's 11th birthday (which was April 1st), I am ecstatic to share with you two products that are seriously "mega" cute that were aptly described by Designboom.com as being a "“stroke of Warhol-esque genius.”  As hard as I tried I couldn't come up with a description more fitting!

The products I am referring to are the Mega Milk Carton and the Monster Cheese Wedge that were created by Dawn LaFontaine from Cat in the Box.

While it seems to be a universal truth in the cat world that cats are attracted to boxes, some cats, such as Cody, take a little bit longer to acclimate to them. Cody isn't the norm. MOST cats are drawn to boxes. I am sure most of you, if you are honest, will admit to having some old, beat-up, nasty looking boxes around your home that you wouldn't dare part with because your cat LOVES them. Guests enter your home, if they live with cats they "get it", if they don't, they probably think you are in the midst of moving. Dawn, an animal lover from childhood,  got the idea for these darling boxes  after visiting her mother’s cat sitter and finding her otherwise lovely living room cluttered with old Amazon boxes. “They’re for the cats,” she’d sheepishly explained to her at the time.

Lightbulb Moment!

Dawn wondered,  why do cat owners put up with dirty, ugly boxes in their home? Why not fill your home with clever, fun, cardboard boxes  that can also be disassembled and put away when you have company? Cat In the Box was born!!

The darling boxes are made in the USA from recycled cardboard and are imprinted with human-grade soy inks. Did I mention that they are HIGHLY "Instagram-able!!"

When Dawn contacted me to see if I would be interested in having Cody try out the box of his choice, after visiting her website I JUMPED at the chance! Some of you are thinking, "wait, I thought Cody doesn't like boxes?" Yes, that is true MOST of the time. Frankly I didn't care. I view these boxes as being pieces of modern cat art!  When I saw the Mega-Milk Carton it was love at first sight!

Could this be ANY cuter?

The Mega Milk Carton is approximately 26 inches tall and 12 1/2 inches wide and deep. Holes are approximately 6 1/2 inches in diameter. The box has hook-and-loop dots which enable it to be disassembled for flat storage, and then reassembled again. Attractively priced at $29.99, includes FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S!!

When Cody's Mega Milk Carton arrived what I IMMEDIATELY LOVED was THERE WAS NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!! NONE! I took it out of the box and didn't have to tax my feeble mind with trying to put it together. It was ready to go! 

At first, Cody wasn't impressed. I emailed Dawn terrified that he wouldn't use it. One of MANY things I LOVE about Cat in the Box is that Dawn "gets" cats. She wasn't ruffled one bit. She explained to me that each cat is different (intellectually I knew that, but I wanted Cody to instantly use it because I love it so much!), Dawn suggested that I turn the milk carton on its side.....she said many cats are more attracted to it that way. Voila!!! It worked! 

Why Are Cats Drawn to Boxes?

While perusing the Cat in the Box website I learned there is a science that explains why cats are attracted to boxes!  A few things I learned are that cats like warmer areas,  and corrugated boxes function as wonderful "insulators" for cats! They also offer "stress relief" by giving them an area to hide. There is another reason and you can visit the Cat in the Box website to find that out! 

Cat in the Box Truly Cares 

Remember I mentioned to Dawn that I was concerned that Cody wouldn't use the Mega Milk Carton I had chosen? Well, without batting a paw, Dawn immediately offered to send me the adorable Monster Cheese Wedge   to see if that might appeal to him more. She even enclosed a darling note that said "Ok Cody, let's see what you think of this one!!!"

He loved it!

Assembled, the Monster Cheese Wedge Box is approximately 22 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Holes are approximately 6 1/2 inches in diameter. The box has hook-and-loop dots which enable it to be disassembled for flat storage, and then reassembled again.

Photo Courtesy of Cat in the Box

Photo Courtesy of Cat in the Box

RECEIVE  $5 OFF OF YOUR BOX PURCHASE!!

Cody and I give these boxes a resounding 4 PAWS UP!!  Kitties by now you have to be pawing at the computer ready to get your very own boxes from Cat in the Box, right? OF COURSE I am right! Along with a give-away (see details below), Dawn is offering my readers a $5 off code which will be active for 30 days after this post is live. There are TWO ways you can use this code:

1). Enter the code CodyandCaren at checkout

2) Simply click this link:
  https://thecatisinthebox.com/discount/CodyandCaren

 GIVE-AWAY!!
Now, there is another reason I decided to have the give-away today, today happens to be World Party Day !! "It is based on the idea that peace is not the opposite of war, merely its absence. The real opposite of war is party, and World Party Day aims to synchronise a massive, world-wide party to celebrate everything that’s good and optimistic."

So, birthdays are "GOOD AND OPTIMISTIC" right?  Why of course! 

"Pass the food and turn up the music” is a common slogan on World Party Day, but today I say "Pass the Mega Milk Carton and the Monster Cheese Wedge and turn up the music!!" We're celebrating my birthday!!  The premise of World Party Day is that everyone in the world is joined in party, so you can really do anything you like as long as it involves celebrating the joy of existence.  Well we are celebrating the joy of Cody's existence with a give-away!!

HOW TO ENTER:

The give-away is open to those who are 18 and over and reside in the U.S.   ONE PERSON WILL WIN THEIR CHOICE OF EITHER THE MEGA MILK CARTON OR THE MONSTER CHEESE WEDGE.  (We chose NOT to use rafflecopter for this give-away to make it easier to enter!)

READ CAREFULLY: IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED: YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT STATING WHICH BOX YOU WANT.

BONUS ENTRY: FOLLOW Cat in the Box on Instagram and leave your INSTAGRAM HANDLE ALONG WITH YOUR CHOICE OF BOX IN THE COMMENT AREA.

The comments will be counted and assigned a number. The  lucky winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on or around Friday, April 13th. Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Cat in the Box.  I am being compensated with product and payment for featuring this content but  Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares  information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Cat in the Box is not responsible for the content in this review/give-away.