Valentine's Day 2023

 From all of us to ALL of you...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

WE LOVE YOU ALL!!

Happy Valentine's Day 2022

 

My Valentine's Day Question for You...

I hope the answer is YES!!!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

LOVE YOU!!!

It's a Love Connection on Valentine's Day!

Hi every furry!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

It's Cody and I am extra light on my paws today!! Yesterday I found out the most PAWESOME NEWS!!! WAIT TIL YOU HEAR!

First, allow me to set the scene. A little over a year ago I wrote a blog that stated that I was tired of being alone. That is no way for a handsome mancat like myself to exist. So, I put out a request for a ladycat to while away the hours with me, or even one for a quick prance around town.

The responses were OVERWHELMING!!!!! I was approached by a chickin' lovin' ORANGE MANCAT,  (sorry pal, you aren't my type), I even had a response from a WOOFIE!!! (That woofie needs counseling, and FAST, but I digress...)

What was a mancat to do? 
Well, not wanting to hurt any kitty's feelings, I picked ALL of the special ladycats who were kind enough to respond. (Sadly, the beautiful Harley unexpectedly went to the Rainbow Bridge last year, and it broke my heart). 

There were a couple of  kitties however, that stood out from the rest. One, was the adorable Lucy pictured above. The problem was, she was (and is), still considered to be in kittenhood and her overprotective Jewish father was afraid that I would corrupt her. Moi? NEVER!!

Then, late in 2014 Truffles , (also in the photo above),  and I started purring to each other, around the time that she was my Secret Paws pal. But Truffles lives soo far away!!

There was one response however that I just couldn't shake off of my tail. It was from the exquisite (and oh-so mischievous) Crepes from Cat In The Fridge (even her blog name piqued my interest! Any cat who ties in a "Fridge" and "Food" already earns bonus points with me!). Here is the comment that she left.

CatInTheFridgeJanuary 15, 2014 at 11:36 AM

I've been waiting for this moment...- Crepes.

The game of cat and mouse began!!

Throughout the year, when I would least expect it, she would leave me the most "lascivious messages" (by her own admission!) on my blog.  We all know that sometimes certain mancats aren't that quick on the uptake and I would just let them slide. Until...I saw this week that Crepes was seeking a date for Valentine's Day!!

Photo Courtesy of Cat In The Fridge

Being the master of translating the meaning of non-verbal cat poses that I am, I knew that I had to take a chance and pounce on this incredible oppurrtunity!. So, I put together some photos (well, Mom helped me with them but I did all of the writing), and set out to impress that saucy little wench!!

Then, I received the surprise of my LIFE!!!! Crepes chose ME to be her MAIN DATE!!! Why am I saying "main date?" Well, it appears that she has two other mancats who are hot on her tail, (Boomer and Tuna from Da Tabbies O Trout Towne.   But I guess they chose to be mystery dates cause they never sent in photos!! MOL!!!)  Being the polite ladycat that Crepes is, she is going to be entertaining THEM during the day, but is SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST!!! WHO?? ME!!

That's fine, let her have her fun, I have her in the night, (and we all know the "night time is the RIGHT TIME!!"),  where we can do some hot prowling around, and you know what they say about the number THREE?  "The THIRD one is the CHARM!!"

This is my HAPPIEST Valentine's Day EVER!!!

Love, Cody

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

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

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

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

Candy

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

Flowers

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

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

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

Candles

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

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

Gift wrap

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

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

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

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

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

About Tabitha Owens, Licensed Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Nurse

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

About The Cat Practice

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

Book Revew: I'd Rather Be A Cat, The Official "Better Than Dogs" Cat Book By Allia Zobel Nolan

Pssst....it's Cody!! Do I have your attention? Is your Mom or Dad reading this with you? If they are, please ask them to leave the room, I'll wait.

Are they gone? They are? GOOD!

You know my kitty friends, there is a holiday coming up on February 14th and it's called Valentine's Day! I know most of you know what this holiday is all about, but for the one or two of you who don't, you can read about it here.

Valentine's Day is a day when the humans like to show their love for each other. You know what that means? That means that for one day there is a chance albeit a SMALL CHANCE that their attention might be diverted from bestowing affection, treats and presents on us and instead, they will give them to the HUMAN object of their affection!

Kitties! We will have NONE of that!

To make matters even worse, those of you like myself who live with a doggy, are always in a constant battle for supremacy.  Mind you this competition is not of our own making, but those jumping, barking, drooling attention hogs known as dogs, force us into proving just who is a better companion for our humans. I know, I know, don't get your furballs all in a bunch! I KNOW as well as YOU DO that it is CATS! Sometimes our humans need a reminder though.

Well, HERE IT IS! The purrfect little present for Valentine's Day that kitties YOU can present to your HUMAN! like a DOG would EVER think of giving their human a present on Valentine's Day that wasn't covered in poop or drool! It's a  bible book for your humans, I'd Rather Be A Cat,  The Official "Better Than Dogs" Cat Book,  by Allia Zobel Nolan, written with the help of her three cats and cats from all over the world! This book will end the controversy once and for all as to WHO is better, and it will cease the time-wasting activity of the humans focusing on each other for Valentine's Day and put their focus  right back where it belongs, ON YOU! Sometimes ya just gotta mix a little dose of reality in with their hearts and flowers ya know? 

Here are a few kibble-sized pieces of the gems you will find in this pocket-sized book:

• A cat's breath doesn't smell like a mixture of a dumpster and an old locker
• Cats would never cling to a guest's leg, nor slobber all over them
• Cats wouldn't dream of rolling in the mud. Ewwww.
• Cats don't have self-esteem issues. They don't live for human's approval.
• Cats don't beg. It's not their style.

photo from alliawrites.com

Kitties, you and I have known these points all along, but sometimes those less gifted in the cerebral department which translates to humans, need a reminder.  As Allia Zobel Nolan says, "I hate to put the kibosh on dogs, they do have some fine points. But, taken as a whole, cats just have more of them."

 "So, sorry Fido, there's just no contest-o. Cats have dogs licked, paws down."





ISBN:978-0-7369-3934-8
From Harvest House Publishers
64 pages
for all ages

Order from Amazon
Order from Harvest House
Order from Barnes & Noble


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Allia Zobel Nolan is an internationally-published, award-winning author of seven cat books and over 150 children's and adult trade titles with 2 1/2 million books in print. She lives in Norwalk, Connecticut with her husband and their three better-than-dogs cats.

For more information about Allia Zobel Nolan, visit her at:

www.AlliaWrites.com
www.kittyliterate.blogspot.com
www.theworrywartsprayerbook.wordpress.com

We "Heart" Angie Bailey Of "Catladyland" Fame!

Cody dreaming of Angie

Hi my little Valentines! It's Cody in the house!!   I am here to wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Ahhhh...Valentine's Day... just the thought of it makes me think of catnip, noms, comfy places to snooze, a little beverage of your choice, pretty ladies and of course kitties! Oh, did I say I love the ladies? Ohhhhh yes I do. 4-leggers and 2-leggers, doesn't matter to me. My only requirements are that they be easy on my eyes, smart, loving and funny!! Ohhh soooo funny!!!

There are a number of 2-legged females in the blog-o-sphere who meet my criteria but today I want to focus on "ma petite" (don't you just love French speaking mancats?) Angie Bailey from Catladyland-Cats Are Funny and Katt Food, because she was one of the very first 2-leggers (other than my Mom)  to steal this mancat's heart.

I like to really, really know the 2-legged females that I bestow my love on, so I asked Angie if I could sit down with her and find out more about her, and (be still my heart), she agreed!

Angie and Phoebe

It is my pleasure to share our most exclusive, never-seen-before interview with my beautiful "bon ami" (French again, control yourselves ladies!)  Angie Bailey!!

CODY: When did your love of cats begin?
ANGIE:  I've always loved cats.  When I was in middle school I was obsessed with Garfield comic books and collected cat figurines.  Not much has changed...
CODY: My Mom was obsessed with Garfield too! He always reminded her of Angel Bobo!

CODY: You are quite artsy and eclectic...do you come from an artistic family?
ANGIE: Hmmm...not especially. I know my mom used to write poetry when she was younger, but that's about it.  I love anything creative and will try any type of project.  My trouble is I'm a great starter, but my interest wanes after a short time.  I'm kind of surprised I've stuck with blogging/writing for as long as I have! I do have to give a shout-out to my daughter Katie, who is an amazing visual artist and quite a writer herself!
CODY: Ohhhh we have seen some of Katie's work and it is fantastic! She is quite the talented young lady (like her Mom!)
CODY: When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
ANGIE:  I wanted to be an ice skater, a lawyer, or an actress.  The funny part is I live in Minnesota and have still never ice skated!  I'm terribly accident prone and bruise if someone looks at me the wrong way.  I'll skip the ice skating!  I think at the time I was smitten with Dorothy Hamill's haircut.

"Catladyland-Cats Are Funny"

CODY: I just asked my Mom about that hairstyle and she said "ohhhh yes everyone wanted that "do" back in the day!
CODY: What made you start blogging? Was Catladyland your first blog?
ANGIE:  I have always been a writer, mostly for my own pleasure.  For three years I wrote a column in a local paper.  A couple of years ago I found myself writing lots of "Notes" on Facebook because I had so much more to say than could fit in a status line.  It occurred to me that I should consider blogging -- that was in January of 2009.  My blog was first called Eclectic Catladyland  and started out being a blog about lots of things, including cats. I definitely wrote more essays in the beginning, and to be honest, I wish I wrote more of those now.  I wrote a lot of parody-type posts that included some self-deprecating humor.  I found I really enjoyed the silly posts about cats the most and noticed those posts seemed to generate the most interest.  Slowly, most of my posts began gravitating to cat humor themes.  Last year I changed the blog to just plain Catladyland because it was easier to remember and "eclectic" seemed to be a tough word for people (including me) to type quickly.  Last month I added the tagline, "Cats are Funny."  Because they are, right?
CODY: Well, that depends on your frame of reference! Humans think we are "funny" but actually in the cat world we all feel that we are rather deep and profound. Don't let our "silly" antics fool ya!!
 
CODY: How did Phoebe, Saffy and Cosmo come into your life?

Saffy aka "Admin Assistant"

ANGIE:  Saffy was a rescue cat -- we adopted her when she was a year old.  Cosmo and Phoebe were both barn cats that found their way to our home.
 
CODY: Did your husband always love cats? (Drat!! We must get rid of the husband!!)
ANGIE: Oh yes -- his family always had cats.  He works from home and he calls Saffy his "administrative assistant."  She sleeps on the bed while he works.  One day she decided to sleep in a different room and he told me she was taking a personal day.  They adore each other and I love that!

CODY:What do you like to do in your spare time? 
ANGIE: "Spare time" is such a funny phrase!  I don't remember the last time I was bored.  When I'm home I like to work on my blog, write essays, play word games on Facebook (I'm a serious addict), hang with the family, play with/take pictures of the cats, watch movies, listen to music, and participate in any activity involving food!
CODY:Did you say "FOOD???" I always knew we were kindred spirits, now I am certain of it!
CODY: Were you born and raised in Minnesota?
ANGIE:  I was born in Atlanta, GA and lived there until I was 16.  My family then moved to St. Augustine, Florida, where I graduated from high school.  I went to college at Florida School of the Arts and then moved to Minnesota in 1990.  People always ask me why in the world I'd move from Florida to Minnesota.  The answer?  A boy.  It's always about a boy, isn't it??  Either a boy or a CAT!
CODY:Yep that is true. As far as I am concerned it should be about a "boy" (ahem...ME!) who just happens to BE a CAT!! "Florida School of the Arts?" waaaay cool...but now I can't get the theme song from "Fame" out of my mind...thanks Ang! 


CODY: What is your favorite part of writing your blog (s)?
ANGIE:I love being able to express my silly side and it's even better when the readers enjoy it too!  I've met the nicest people in the blogosphere  Silly cat people?  What could be better?  I also love having an outlet to help animals in need.  In fact, this month Catladyland is raising funds and supplies for Feline Rescue Inc.  in St. Paul.
CODY: My Mom and I read that post and think that everyone should too!! We think what you are doing is wonderful and it is just one small thing in a huge litany of things about you that we love!  
 
CODY: What is your most unfavorite part?
ANGIE: I love taking photos of my cats for my blog and sometimes they just won't cooperate!  Can you imagine??
CODY: Nope, never (paws crossed behind my back)  

CODY: If you could be one of your 3 cats which one would you choose to be?
ANGIE:  Phoebe -- she is so self-confident and couldn't care less what anyone else thinks.  I wish I were like that more often than I am!  Plus she eats and eats and eats and never gains a pound!

"Neurotic" Cosmo

CODY: Hmmm...maybe I should hang with Phoebe instead...sounds like just my type!

CODY: Which of your kitties is the most like you?
ANGIE:  Probably Cosmo.  He's pretty neurotic.

Love Your Pet By Keeping Fluffy And Fido Safe This Valentine's Day, Guest Post By "The Cat Practice"

Safeguard chocolate, flowers and other gifts

   Each year around February 14, veterinary emergency hospitals  see an increase in business due to pets getting into Valentine’s Day treats and gifts.  A trip to the veterinary emergency can be stressful and costly,  but is also avoidable if you take the right precautions, says Birmingham, Michigan veterinarian Dr. Cindy Houlihan, DVM, of The Cat Practice.  

Dr. Houlihan says that Valentine's gifts – like chocolate and some flowers -- can be fatal to pets, in some cases, within a matter of a few hours.   For example, a feline patient of The Cat Practice that ate lilies out of a Valentine’s flower arrangement ended up needing three days of intravenous fluid therapy, but was lucky to survive.  Lilies are toxic to cats and consuming them quickly leads to kidney failure if left untreated.   

“The Cat Practice is open seven days a week and evenings so each year we see our share of Valentine's Day emergencies,” says Dr. Houlihan.  “Pets can get into things very quickly when owners are not looking. So the best advice is to prevent the emergency in the first place.”

Dr. Houlihan says that you can still share the love with your Valentine, but keep pets safe by taking  precautions with each of these popular Valentine's Day indulgences.

Flowers

Avoid lilies, which can be fatal to cats.  Tulips and carnations can also be toxic  along with more than 100 other flowers.    When you receive a flower bouquet, discard the silica packet since this can be toxic.  Also discard rubber bands which  pets can easily swallow.  If you get roses, while they are one of the safest flowers, trim the thorns since they cause serious infection if your pet gets punctured.  

Sweets

Hide all chocolate.  Dark chocolate contains methylxanthines, a caffeine-like stimulant that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and elevated heart rate.  The high fat content in milk chocolate can lead to life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.  Don’t let pets near candy, gum and other treats sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol.  If ingested, it can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar that can cause depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

Alcohol

Don’t leave half empty glasses of Champagne, wine or other alcoholic beverages left sitting out for a curious pet to lap up. Quickly clean up any spills.  A little bit of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances,  coma and respiratory failure.

Candles
Avoid leaving candles unattended.  Curious cats and playful pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over lit candles.

Gift wrap

Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper and cellophane.  If swallowed, any of these can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract.

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

Dr. Houlihan says that it is always good advice to observe pets closely and take any behavior changes seriously.  If your pet is “not acting quite right,” not eating or appears lethargic, it’s time to get to the veterinarian.  “Pets often mask their illness,”  she says.  “By the time they start showing symptoms, they are really sick.”

Cindy Houlihan, DVM
Veterinarian/Owner
Photo Courtesy of
www.thecatpracticepc.com

About Dr. Houlihan

Dr. Houlihan has been a veterinarian since 1986.  She is co-owner of  The Cat Practice, Michigan’s first "cats-only" veterinary hospital which is celebrating its 30^th year.  The Cat Practice provides advanced preventative and medical care with an emphasis on early detection to help cats live longer, better and healthier lives.  Located at  875 South Worth in Birmingham, Michigan, The Cat Practice cares for feline purebred and mixed breeds from around southeastern Michigan.   For information  call 248-540-3390.