18 (Purrfectly) Amazing Facts About Me

Ok Cathy Keisha I'll bite!! Because you asked us to pawticipate, I decided how could I turn down one of my long-long-long time furiends!  I did take the liberty of changing the title of this game. Hoping CK doesn't mind!  Here ya go!

1. Favorite smell—CHICKEN, CHICKEN, CHICKEN!!
2. Last time I hissed— Ready for this? I have only hissed ONCE...ONCE in my almost 11 years of life. I can tell you the EXACT date too. It was October 19th, 2007 the day Dakota moved in. I walked around his crate and sniffed him......I only hissed ONCE.....that's all it took for me to make it clear who is boss around here!
3. Favorite pizza— I have never eaten pizza but Mom says that my Grandpa Bobo used to LOVE eating black olives off of pizza. 
4. Favorite Flower— Mom doesn't bring them in.

5. Favorite dog breed— Why SHELTIES of course!
6. Favorite ice cream—   I have never eaten ice cream and my pawrents rarely bring it in the house.
7. Pet peeve—   People who don't mind their own business. Oh wait!! That's Mom's pet peeve!!!
8. Shorts or jeans—   Are you kidding me? I don't wear either. I prefer being nude.
9. Color of your PTU— Silver gray like me!!
10. Color of your eyes— Same exact color as my Mom's ! Green!! Like CK my eyes were also amber when I was a kitten.
11. Favorite food—   Chicken!!!!
12. Least favorite food.—   Fish. Yep that's right kitties! The only fish I like is the kind the humans eat. None of that commercial fish for me!
13. Favorite Holiday—   Dakota's grooming day ...(what do you mean that isn't a holiday! Yes it is! It gets him out of the house for a few hours.)
14. Night owl or morning person—   BOTH. I stay up super late with Mom (til about 1:30 am) Then I catch a nap for maybe 2 hours, then I start waking Dad up to feed Dakota and I. 
15. Favorite day of the week—   Any day that has food is a favorite day of mine!
16. Do you have a nick name?—   My newest one is "Swedish Cody"   My Mom and Dad named me that cause when they ask me questions I answer by saying "Ya" and they say I sound Swedish.  (My apologies to any Swedish people who might read this!)  My other nicknames are Codester, Jelly Belly, Cuddle Bug, Codalicious, Code, oh and FAT GRAY BASTARD  (yes you read that right, please call the authorities)
17. Favorite music—    "What's New Pussycat" by Tom Jones
18. Tattoos—     what do YOU think?

So that's it!! Thanks CK for this fun game!!! Hey everyone, if you haven't read CK's answers head on over to her blog right meow to check them out and thanks to CK for creating this pawesome game!!! 

Cat Book Review and Give-Away:Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz

Books and cats. The "purrfect" combo. Like peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter and chocolate, coffee and cream, (you get the idea!), books and cats just go together "purrfectly". "Cats are cultured, stately, curious, and like to seem as though they know everything. Cats and books go paw-in-paw." Today it is my pleasure to present Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz.

From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,

published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

I have always loved when I have walked into a retail establishment and was surprised to find a cat who couldn't wait to greet me! I used to have a favorite store that sold bird seed that had a hefty, handsome tabby mancat who would greet me every time I visited. There is also a quaint boutique near my home that has a gorgeous kitty working long retail hours. It is a no-brainer that a shop that has resident cats is going to be one I will return to (and purchase from), again and again.

"Around the world, bookstores continue to prove that cats and books belong together...the bookstore is a place to enter quietly, search endlessly for inspiration, then dive into something unknown for no solid reason other than to satisfy an itch. In essence, it's where humans act like cats."

With e-readers taking over and forcing many bookstores large and small to close their doors, I have yet to find a bookstore near my home in Michigan that has a resident cat. But those stores DO exist!  You will read about many cats who reside in bookstores throughout the U.S. and Canada in Bookstore Cats by Brandon  Schultz. While reading I found myself daydreaming, wishing I could go and visit these cats in their establishments.  Roadtrip anyone?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:"Bookstore cats are an international phenomenon and this wonderful investigation has turned up the curious cats running bookshops worldwide. Now, for the first time, some of the world's most beloved bookstore cats are collected together in one adorable directory, making the perfect gift for cat lovers, book lovers, shoppers, and the generally curious worldwide. With personalities and histories as varied as the books they tend, each cat has a story worth telling."

Curl up, grab a kitty or two on your lap and a cozy beverage  and meet some of my favorites from the book!

"Gatsby" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Former shelter cat. Loves stealing pens. Loves treats and petting. He can be found at The Book Man, in Chilliwach, British Columbia.

"Scout" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Scout likes birds, warm computers and hot sauce. Scout does not like manicures, ceiling fans, or vacuums. Her favorite author is Maurice Sendak. She can be found at Books With A Past in Glenwood, Maryland.

"Hodge" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

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Hodge is "Chicago's most famous cat." Hodge is the subject of his own book! He can be found at Selected Works in Chicago, Illinois.

"Amelia" From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

I was first drawn to Amelia because my Grandmother whom I adored was named Amelia and my husband worked for many years at Amelia Earhart Middle School. The "Amelia" featured above has her own holiday!! It coincides with Independent Bookstore Day, and The Spiral Bookcase bookstore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania celebrates Amelia Cat Day annually. Amelia suffers from feline hyperthyroidism and requires quite a bit of medical care and testing. Customers at the bookstore often donate to her medical fund. She thanks them by giving them cuddles and comfort.

"Shiva"  From Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz, copyright © 2017,
published by Glitterati Incorporated www.GlitteratiIncorporated.com

Shiva is 7 years old and is the head of "what may be the largest feline bookselling workforce in the world!" There are often 15 cats in the store! She is located at Cat Tales in Portland, Indiana which is operated by Midwest Pet Refuge to help fund the rescue.

The cats featured above are just a small sampling of the MANY cats featured in this charming book!

"This playful collection, featuring whimsical color photographs of each cat, delivers unforgettable, swoon-worthy moments of the feline employees in their respective shops. Combined with timeless poetry and literary cat trivia, these tales paint an emotional, endearing, and adorable portrait of the lives of cats in their happiest of homes."

About the author:

Brandon Schultz loves cats, bookstores, and especially bookstores run by cats. Among other things he is a book publisher, travel writer, and ice cream enthusiast. This is his fourth book, and he lives in Brooklyn, New York, with a cat named Lucy who has previously authored her own book.

ISBN 13: 978-1-943876-52-5

160 pages, 6 x 7½", hardcover with ribbon marker

50 4/c photographs

Bookstore Cats is a book that should definitely be on your coffee table or in your home library.  There is even a ribbon attached to the book that serves as a handy, stay-put bookmark! It is the "purrfect" gift for cat lovers and book lovers! And...you are in luck! We have a:

GIVE-AWAY!! 
One lucky winner who is 18 and over and who resides in either the U.S or Canada will receive a SIGNED, PERSONALIZED copy of Bookstore Cats by Brandon Schultz. (An approximate $20 value).  THERE IS NO RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY!! ENTERING IS SUPER EASY! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST THAT CLEARLY STATES THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED!! THAT'S IT! The give-away is open NOW and will end on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2017 AT 5PM EST. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2017. GOOD LUCK!! 


In full disclosure: We were sent a copy of Bookstore Cats in exchange for our always honest review.

Cat Book Review: "the Inner Life of Cats" by Thomas McNamee (Give-Away!)

(The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions)

Cover Courtesy of Thomas McNamee

FROM THE INNER LIFE OF CATS WEBSITE:

Our feline companions are much-loved but often mysterious. In The Inner Life of Cats, Thomas McNamee blends scientific reportage with engaging, illustrative anecdotes about his own beloved cat, Augusta, to explore and illuminate the secrets and enigmas of her kind.

As it begins, The Inner Life of Cats follows the development of the young Augusta while simultaneously explaining the basics of a kitten's physiological and psychological development. As the narrative progresses, McNamee also charts cats' evolution, explores a feral cat colony in Rome, tells the story of Augusta's life and adventures, and consults with behavioral experts, animal activists, and researchers, who will help readers more fully understand cats. 

"Augusta" Courtesy of Thomas McNamee's Facebook Page

McNamee shows that with deeper knowledge of cats' developmental phases and individual idiosyncrasies, we can do a better job of guiding cats' maturation and improving the quality of their lives. Readers' relationships with their feline friends will be happier and more harmonious because of this book.

Courtesy of the Inner Life of Cats 

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY 

Beautifully written,  the Inner Life of Cats by Thomas McNamee begins when kitten Augusta was found wandering in the snow. It follows Augusta's life from kittenhood, to becoming a full-fledged cat, her death and how life and love continue on with the arrival of another kitty, "Isabel" whom this book is dedicated to. Experiences in Augusta's life, her development, quirks, feline characteristics and more are accompanied by extensively researched scientific studies, essays and more that are provided by Thomas McNamee. The book is heavy with facts/history and lighter on the actual story of Augusta's life.

"Isabel" as a kitten
Photo Courtesy of Thomas McNamee's Facebook page

I have to confess, while overall I enjoyed this book, my favorite parts were the parts where Thomas shares experiences and details about his beautiful black cat Augusta.  It was so heartfelt and beautiful, that I could have read an entire book that was focused entirely on Augusta. Now, that is MY opinion. Many of you will appreciate the ENORMOUS amount of research and documentation that went into the Inner Life of Cats in order to bring you detailed results of scientific studies, etc. I am NOT a scientific person and my mind tends to completely shut off when presented with many facts. Many of YOU who have more of a scientific/detailed mind than I do will greatly appreciate that. I wanted more Augusta. 

Now, don't get me wrong there was MUCH that I learned (and had confirmed) when I read this book. "The sensitive period of socialization for cats to people is from two to seven weeks of age." I had long thought that part of the reason for Cody's affable, flexible, friendly, confident, loving and trusting nature was that he received a ton of early socialization from his foster mom. I was right!

For those of you deeply immersed in the world of feral cats, you will LOVE the detailed information that is provided in this book. You will find the pros/cons of feral cats/colonies and more.

Being a long time fan of Jackson Galaxy, there are also numerous pages devoted to Jackson, his extensive experience in educating owners about how to correct unwanted cat behavior, and his esteemed title of being "The King of Cat Whisperers."

ON LOVING A NEW CAT AFTER LOSING AUGUSTA:

"All over the world, cats are coming into people's lives all day, kittens, middle-aged cats, old cats, damaged cats, grouchy cats, placid cats, cats sleek as otters, bony cats, fat cats, suspicious, trusting, restless, scaredy, fuzzy, fizzy, timid, foolish, crazy, cool. Wanted, unwanted, somewhere in between. Some will be abused, some ignored, many misunderstood. Some will be lonely, some will be sad, some will run away and be run over, some will sicken and die. Some will never know a day that isn't happy, full of birds and children's chatter or timeless and serene. Nearly all will love someone."

"Their lives are shorter than ours. We can witness their lives from beginning to end, not just witness but BE IN them, from naming to knowing, from wonder to love, an arc, and then-now-another. We can, we must mean to be kind. "Let us not be weary," wrote Paul to the Galatians, "in well doing." Every day of her life, the kitten and the cat she becomes will make the effort worth our while."

If you are on this blog, you more than likely LOVE CATS. I urge you to pick up a copy of this beautifully written and superbly researched book which will increase your understanding of the fabulous feline(s) who shares your life, and help to enhance the lives that you share together.

AVAILABLE ON:

AMAZON

INDIE BOOKSELLERS

BARNES & NOBLE

INDIGO (Canada)

Thomas McNamee
Courtesy of his Facebook Page

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: THOMAS MCNAMEE is the recipient of a 2016 John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation fellowship. He is the author of The Grizzly Bear, Nature First:Keeping our Wild Places and Wild Creatures Wild, and The Return of the Wolf to Yellowstone, among many other books. He lives in San Francisco.

GIVE-AWAY: Thomas has generously agreed to GIVE AWAY 5 COPIES OF The Inner Life of Cats to those who reside in the U.S.A AND WHO ARE 18 and OVER (an approx $20 value). Entering is easy! Just enter on the rafflecopter below, good luck! 

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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:CAT FACTS The Pet Parent's A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia by Amy Shojai

Thanks to all who entered our give-away  !!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO THE LUCKY WINNER

LISTED BELOW!!!

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9 Amazing Facts About Your Pet's Eyes (Guest Infographic)

Your cat's eyes are the window to their soul. While you no doubt have great difficulty saying ‘no’ to those adorable eyes, how much do you really know about them?

You may not know this, but dogs, cats and most other animals actually have a third eyelid. We humans are actually the odd ones out! Take a look at the infographic below to learn more facts about your pet’s eyes – including why they seem to glow in the dark, and how they see the world.

Lenstore designed this infographic as part of their #LoveYourPetsEyes campaign, supporting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s new vet hospital. This campaign raises awareness of common eye conditions in dogs and cats.

Infographic source: http://eyecare.lenstore.co.uk/pet-eye-facts-infographic

9 Amazing Facts About Your Pet's Eyes [Infographic] by the team at Lenstore