Tonks Tuesday: Non-Blanket Naps

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico has a couple of flashback photos to share. These are from right around a year ago, when I snapped photos of her resting on my laptop case. Though Tonks loves blankets, she also really enjoys plenty of non-blanket naps in things like boxes or, of course, on laptop cases.

Last spring and summer, Tonks got to spend lots of naps on that laptop case. After all, the laptop was rarely at home since it was constantly at a local computer shop for repairs. It wasn't even that the laptop wasn't working right, as all the programs and everything worked fine. It's just that it kept literally coming apart at the seams.

Turns out, though, that the shop I kept taking my laptop to was actually doing more damage than good. It wasn't until my laptop started coming apart for something like the half dozenth time, each time worse than the previous, that I found another computer shop to take it to. This new shop immediately knew what repair really needed done, and since they worked on it I've had no issues whatsoever with my laptop.

Don't worry, though, because Tonks still gets to nap on the case whenever my laptop isn't in it. I sometimes have to find somewhere else safe to keep my laptop, as I refuse to take Tonks off of the case if she's on it. The kitties are the bosses, of course.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Here's yet another spooky summertime doodle from a couple years ago, this one starring Tonks and a friendly feline ghost.

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Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip for strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies revolves around water. Water is, as you certainly know, incredibly important for all life. It's especially important for staying hydrated and cool in the summer heat. That being said, today we have some quite logical albeit important tips for helping strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies stay hydrated this summer.

Not only is it important to keep water in a shaded area or shaded shelter, as we mentioned yesterday, but it's also important to keep fresh water available in abundance. Especially in the summer heat, it is not possible to offer too much water. Strays and ferals may very well drink, and need to drink, far more water in the heat. Not to mention, water can evaporate very quickly in the heat. For these reasons, try to offer extra bowls of water.

Furthermore, try to keep those bowls of water as fresh and clean as possible. Refill them as often as you can, and clean them as needed. Bugs, leaves, and all sorts of other outdoor debris can find their way into water bowls. Sometimes cats and other animals may be unable to or unwilling to drink from a bowl that has debris floating in it or that is in another way dirty. In some cases, it's also unhealthy and dangerous to drink water that has been contaminated by certain debris. So, do try to keep those bowls and the water inside them fresh and clean.

For extra chill in that water, and perhaps even to give it a bit tad bit more ability to combat evaporation in the heat, you can also try putting ice cubes in the water bowls that are available to strays and ferals. Of course, do keep in mind the furbabies' preferences when doing this. Some animals will not drink from water that has something floating in it, so if this is the case, then refrain from putting ice cubes in at least some water bowls.

All in all, never forgot that fresh, clean water can of course be crucial to comfort and survival in the summer heat. So, offer lots and lots of water for those strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies. What's more, keep an eye on those water bowls, and try to ensure that they remain full and free of debris.

Mancat Monday: A Rare Sunny Day

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan wants to show off some of the sun he got to enjoy in between storms over the weekend.

Saturday was our only day of full sun in roughly the past week or so, and Evan enjoyed it immensely.

Evan and all of us here wish you all lots of sunshine!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're continuing to share spooky summertime doodles I've scribbled up in the past. This one was from a couple years ago and of course stars my boy Evan.

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Tip of the Day

We are working through a series of tips on how to keep strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies safe and sound in the summer heat. We began this series of tips by discussing the importance of offering shaded areas, where outdoor cats or even dogs can stay cool. In this same line of thought, today we want to remind you to put necessities for outdoor furbabies in said shade. Whether you have shaded areas beneath trees or bushes, a table that offers shade, a summer shelter that offers shade, or something else similar, be sure that you place food and water in those shaded areas. This will ensure that animals outdoors can have food and water that is as cool and fresh as possible, and that they can eat and drink out of the sun.

In addition, try to offer somewhere comfortable for strays, ferals, and outdoor furbabies to rest in their shaded area. For example, you can place bedding or even a chair in the shade, so that strays and ferals can get comfortable while also remaining as cool as possible. Then again, keep in mind that many furbabies will not want to sleep on blankets or other potentially insulating material in the heat. So, also take this into consideration, and make sure that shaded shelter truly allows for cool and cozy safety and relaxation. All in all, in the hot summer months, don't just offer shade to strays and ferals, but also food, water, and other necessities in that shade.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Glamour Shot

Hello, friends! I'm sorry for yet another terribly late post. I've been helping my parents with one of their sick kitties. She's seemingly having a pancreatitis flare, which isn't too surprising given that she's one of their diabetic cats. She's also a bit difficult to medicate and so I've been helping them dose her up. But, here we are now!

It is indeed Friday, and it is indeed time for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. Let's bring back _________.

2. _________ is the new _________.

3. I appreciate that my local area _________.

4. _________ is my least favorite part about where I live.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Let's bring back the '90s.
(I grew up in the '90s. I existed in the '80s for all of 8 months, but I feel like a '90s kid because that's when most of my true childhood took place. And I'm so glad that's when I got to be a kid. No cell phones. Clunky computers with dial-up internet. Toys like Polly Pockets and Furbies. Playing in the sprinkler in the summer, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and catching fireflies at dusk. Though I know there are kids living in my neighborhood these days, I almost never see or hear them playing outside. I miss the '90s, just like I know a lot of people out there miss the '80s and other decades of the past.)

2. Staying home is the new going out.
(I saw someone around my age say this recently, referring to how they used to like going out but now prefer to spend their evenings and weekends at home. I can't really relate to this that much, as I've always been a homebody. But, during my high school years I did sometimes go hang out with friends and the like, and now when someone invites me somewhere I find a way to gently turn them down. Because I truly just love being home.)

3. I appreciate that my local area has dedicated meteorologists.
(This wasn't originally going to be my answer, but given this week's scary storms I'm going to give these guys a shoutout. They're the guys on the Central Illinois channel WCIA. I mentioned in yesterday's post how our state had a number of devastating tornadoes on Thursday, and our meteorologists streamed live for hours, and one of them did his usual storm chasing and providing warnings of oncoming tornadoes to affected areas as he went. They made national news and have been commended for their dedication to keeping our local area as safe and prepared as possible during tornadoes and other storms.)

4. Tornado season is my least favorite part about where I live.
(It's been a really rough tornado season in lots of areas this year. Living in Illinois means I'm used to tornado watches and warnings and funnel clouds and rotation and actual tornado sightings. A tornado hit the edge of my actual town last week, and while we only got peripheral wind we were out of power for nearly 48 hours. And this week areas just a bit south of us were hit with damaging tornadoes. I know we're not the only ones affected by this, and I again send my thoughts and prayers to anyone affected by inclement weather.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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Are you ready for your Eddy fix? It's a bright and shiny glamour shot. Here you go!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're sharing yet another spooky summertime doodle from last year. This one of course stars Eddy, whose favorite chair I Halloweenified in this drawing.

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Tip of the Day

Not too long ago, we gave some tips all about summer safety for our furbabies. Given that we're experiencing some real summer weather, we feel compelled to give even more summer tips. These tips, however, will be more focused on how to help stray, feral, or other outdoor furbabies remain safe and healthy in the heat of summer.

Let's begin with a simple yet crucial way to help strays and ferals stay cool in the summer. And that is, please try to ensure they always have access to shade. Staying out of the sun is crucial for preventing overheating, heat stroke, sunburn, and all other such dangers. For this reason, try to make sure that strays and ferals in your area have somewhere shaded to stay in the heat of the day. This can be as simple as natural shade in a safe area, such as beneath trees or bushes that are away from the street and other dangers. Access to the area beneath a deck can also allow for shade, as well as areas beneath outdoor tables and other similar objects. You can even place a giant umbrella outside, under which strays and ferals can keep cool on hot and sunny days.

If you're feeling crafty or handy, you can even build a summer shelter. Then again, you can also purchase one, as there are many options available on the market. The important thing about any summer shelter for strays and ferals is that it should remain shaded but also cool, such as by being open and airy. Do not use an enclosed shelter that will insulate heat, like those better suited for winter weather, as a stray or feral would of course not be able to use such a shelter in order to stay cool on a hot summer day. So, to help those furbabies outdoors stay cool this summer, please ensure they have somewhere shaded to chill out.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Tornado Season

Hello, friends! I'm glad it's time for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blop Hop.

Today, I am immensely grateful that we ended up safe and secure from the storms and tornadoes that devastated parts of the Midwest last night. We live in Central Illinois. For many days they forecasted that our county would be right in the bullseye of the storms that blew through yesterday. However, the morning storms that were projected to bring us wind gusts up to 100 mph ended up weakening. We did get thunder, lightning, and torrential downpours, but we're used to that and got nothing of real concern. I'm not an expert and so can't explain it, but the change in our morning storms caused the forecasted evening storms to shift south of us.

That all said, it's hard to be too thankful when those south of us, who were not expecting the worst of the storms, ended up with some pretty major damage and destruction from multiple tornadoes. Most of my extended family live south of us, and multiple of them experienced side effects from terrifying tornadoes. While none of their homes were majorly damaged, some of them are now without power, and other parts of their towns are devastated and filled with debris. Late last night, one of the towns that was hit worst, and where one of my uncles and cousins live, has declared a state of emergency.

I am sending thoughts and prayers to anyone who was affected by yesterday's storms.

We thought we would be doing lots of hiding last night.

But turns out no hiding was needed on our part.

As for yesterday's storms, our local meteorologists always stream live during the entirety of major storms in order to keep us informed. One of them even drives around, for hours on end if needed, to follow the storms and show what's happening outside. Because of that, I was watching live footage of the tornadoes last night. It was terrifying just seeing it on my phone, so I cannot image what all those affected by them were feeling, thinking, or overall going through during those storms.

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. At least a couple injuries have been reported, but so far I do not believe there have been any deaths reported. I truly hope it remains that way, and I pray that all those injured or otherwise impacted can properly recover.

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We now have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. Let's bring back _________.

2. _________ is the new _________.

3. I appreciate that my local area _________.

4. _________ is my least favorite part about where I live.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Because I'm nothing if not a broken record, I'll again say that I'm in a spooky mood. This happens pretty much every summer, as I await my favorite season of autumn and my beloved holiday that is Halloween. So, most summers I end up scribbling up spooky doodles. I have not yet created the ones I want to for this summer (which I guess is fine, since it's not even technically summer yet and so I still have plenty of time), so we're sharing old summertime spooky doodles. Like this one from last year, starring my girl Thimble.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip regarding bringing home a new furbaby is about microchips. If you adopt a furbaby from a shelter or rescue, they sometimes will have already implanted a microchip in your new kitty or pup. If this is the case, ensure that you know how to register the microchip with your information, and that you of course actually do so. If a cat or dog adopted from a shelter or rescue does not have a microchip placed, then do consider having one placed by your veterinarian, and, again, properly registering it.

In the case that you directly rescue a furbaby without a third party, such as if the cat or dog is found as a stray, then first have it microchip scanned at a local shelter, rescue group, or veterinary office that has a microchip scanner. This can help ensure that the furbaby does not belong to someone who is looking for them. In the event that no owner is found and you choose to adopt the furbaby, then, again, certainly consider having a microchip implanted, and register it with your contact information.

Also be sure that you understand the renewal process of your furbaby's microchip. Many microchips require yearly renewal, but again, be sure to you do your research on the exact microchip that is implanted in your cat or dog. Also make sure that your information, as well as that of your furbaby, is updated as needed in the microchip company's records. If you move, update the address attached to your furbaby's microchip. The same goes for if you have a change of phone number, of any other detail that corresponds with the microchip.

Implanting and keeping a microchip updated can help ensure that, should your furbaby get lost, a microchip scan would still lead back them to you. Today's tip was technically part of our series about adopting a new furbaby, but microchips are relevant and important for any and all furbabies. No one wants to think about what could happen should their furbaby escape and get lost. Should that ever happen, though, a microchip would give them a far better chance of returning to you.

Adventures with Angel Astrid: A Beloved Bridge

Over the years here on our blog, sweet angel pup Astrid showed off lots of the bridges that she loved so much. A creek runs through our neighborhood, and so just about all the walking paths in the area have bridges for crossing the creek. Astrid honestly loved the bridges, not only because they collected the urine of other local dogs, but also because they offered a great view.

Seeing that last photo reminded me of how excited Astrid would get when I'd say, "Do you see the water?" Every time I'd say that when we were on a bridge over the creek, she'd peer into the water, and she was always so happy if there were any ducks or other animals to see. I'm so glad I have these memories with her.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've been sharing flashback doodles from old spooky summertime series. Currently we've been going through the ones I scribbled up just last year, and today we of course have Astrid's.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we gave some tips on how to introduce a new cat to a resident cat. Today, we'll give a bit of an idea on what you can do to get a new cat used to a resident dog, or vice versa. Getting a cat and a dog acquainted with each other can, in some ways, mimic the methods used to introduce two cats to each other. For example, just as with two cats, you can start introducing a cat and dog to each other by getting them used to each other's scent. This can include blocking their view of and access to each other, while allowing them to smell each other through a door. You can also swap pieces of their bedding, so that they become used to each other's scent this way.

Once the new cat is used to their surroundings and to the scent of the resident dog, or vice versa, you can begin introducing the cat and dog to the sight of each other. This can be done through a baby gate, through a screen, or safely from across the room. As needed, you can keep the dog on a leash to ensure a safe introduction. Also try to ensure that the cat is able to be safely restrained, should signs of aggression arise. These first meet-and-greets are likely best done from a distance, with each furbaby being distracted and rewarded for good behavior with treats or toys. This exercise can be repeated for however many days it takes for the cat and dog to act non-aggressive or calm in each other's presence. As progress is made, you can slowly start to decrease the distance between the cat and dog.

Over time, a cat and dog can learn to become friends, to tolerate each other, or simply to ignore each other. Allow for the proper patience and time to get the furbabies safely acquainted. Until they are used to and safe around each other, ensure that their time together is supervised. Even if the cat and dog grow well acquainted and tolerant of each, though, still ensure that each furbaby has their own space to be alone as needed. For example, have cat trees or other similar areas to which the cat can retreat, and a bed or crate for the dog to go should they wish.

Cute Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico is here to bless you with her cute little face. You're welcome.

Her tongue is slightly sticking out in that there photo. That happens more often since Tonks lost both of her bottom canine teeth during a dental a couple years ago. It just adds to her cuteness.

Happy Tuesday to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're still sharing flashback doodles from past spooky summertime series. Because why not. Here's the kooky doodle I scribbled up for Tonks last summer.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is going to be a bit of a long one, because it's all about how to introduce cats to each other, such as when bringing a new cat home. Truth be told, the circumstances and methods of cat introductions can vary, especially depending on the cats involved. Some cats love other cats, some are not fond of other cats, and some are anywhere in between. Just like humans, every cat is different, and every cat has its preferences for who and what is around them. That being said, below we will indeed discuss some of the steps that can be taken to help properly introduce cats to each other.

Let's begin by saying that, though it is certainly not a cure-all for cat introductions, you can give Feliway a try. For long-term use (such as approximately 30 or so days), you can invest in a Feliway diffuser (refills can be purchased for these diffusers). There is also Feliway spray on the market, though a spray's effects do not last nearly as long as a diffuser's. If you are using a Feliway diffuser, it is often recommended that you plug it in roughly 2 weeks prior to an event such as bringing home a new cat, so that the pheromones are already in the home prior to the change.

Moving on, as we already mentioned in a previous tip, of course have somewhere safe for the new kitty to stay once they arrive at their new home. For example, a spare bedroom or a bathroom can make a safe area for a new cat. At this point, it is often best to have a sturdy barrier between the cats, something through which they cannot see each other, such as a door. This way, the cats can smell each other without having to take in the sight of a strange cat. Getting used to the scent of a new cat can be a crucial step before visual contact is made. If safe and feasible, you can even swap the cats' bedding, so that they learn the other's scent this way.

During the aforementioned non-visual olfactory meet-and-greet, there may indeed be hissing or growling. When this hissing and growling is only mild or nonexistent, at that point you try to start allowing the cats to see each other. Of course, using some sort of barrier is still advised, to ensure that no fights occur at the sight of each other. You can use a safe and sturdy baby gate, for example, or even a screen door. If there is hissing, growling, or other signs of aggression, stop the session and give both cats a break from seeing each other. You can repeat this exercise for short spurts, perhaps even multiple times a day, until the aggression diminishes.

The next phase of the introduction is of course best begun only when previous signs of aggression have significantly decreased or disappeared. When the sight of each other no longer spurs hissing, growling, or other aggression, then you can start considering allowing a more direct meet-and-greet. Of course, only do this with heavy supervision. In other words, as you allow the cats to enter the same proximity, without any barrier between them, be very, very watchful. Look for any and all cues that aggression might occur, and if that is the case, stop the session and separate the cats as needed, and then try again when both cats are calm. As a side note, in the potential case of a cat fight, have on hand something safe, such as a towel, that could help you break up the fight.

It may very well take time and lots of patience to get cats used to each other. No matter what phase of introduction you're at, continue safe meet-and-greet sessions as often as is possible and plausible, even if these are best kept brief at first. Getting new cats used to each may indeed take a lot of repetitive exercises such as those listed above. The main yet simple thing to keep in mind is that this will likely take time and patience. Forcing cats to meet in a hasty manner can lead to any number of issues, including aggression or even litter box aversion. While I wish I could say there is a textbook method that guarantees easy, successful cat introductions, that's simply not the case. Just remember to be patient, do not force it, help the cats get to know each other on their own terms and timeline, and closely monitor them until they are well acquainted and have learned to safely like, tolerate, or ignore each other.

Mancat Monday: Evan and the Never-Ending Antibiotics

Sorry for the extra late post, friends! We were out of power for a good chunk of the weekend, just under 48 hours, thanks to a storm and some nasty wind. But here we are now. Finally.

Now, it's Mancat Monday, and today Evan is feeling pretty darn good. He didn't seem to notice or mind the power outage at all.

Though Evan really has been feeling good and hasn't been displaying any of the pain or discomfort that came with his recent UTI, he did start urinating blood again recently. I therefore contacted Evan's vet, and he eased my mind by telling me that he did an ultrasound while collecting Evan's urine recently and saw nothing on the imaging that would point to anything more malignant than cystitis and infection. He did, however, say that with Evan's chronic UTIs, we might have officially reached the point where Evan simply has to take antibiotics every day. Evan's hind limb paralysis and a variety of his other conditions predispose him to UTIs, and they've truly become a very chronic issue for him. So, he's going to get one more full round of twice daily antibiotics for 10 days, after which I'll start giving Evan one dose of antibiotics every single night.

Our vet and I did discuss the concerns with daily antibiotics, such as antibiotic resistance, but we came to the mutual decision that we're in a good spot to go ahead and start Evan on the daily antibiotics anyway. Evan just had a culture done a few weeks ago, at which point his infection was considered still susceptible to the usual antibiotic he takes. That makes sense, as within a few days of starting it last time, he was completely back to his usual happy, active self. He still is, actually, minus the whole urinating blood thing. What's more, should Evan's infections become resistant to this particular antibiotic, we still have a number of antibiotics that would work for Evan.

So, overall, Evan is doing great. He's not a fan of having to take antibiotics daily, as he thinks they tasty pretty darn gross, but both he and I are glad that they make him feel so much better. So, antibiotics it'll be.

Happy Monday to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm still in a spooky mood this spring and summer. That said, I still haven't gotten to any of the new spooky doodles I really want to scribble up. So, it's more flashback ones. Today's is one you've seen somewhat recently, as I used this image to create my cover for Pet Sematary in my bookish April A to Z Challenge this year. It's from when I drew Evan as a cute little zombie last summer.

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Tip of the Day

We are still discussing the ins and outs of bringing home a new cat or dog. Today's tip in this series offers some ideas on how to get a new furbaby acclimated to their new family and home. Especially when it comes to shy kitties or pups, be sure to be patient in helping them get to know you. In order to allow a shy or nervous cat or dog to learn to trust you or other family members, frequently visit with them or sit with them, and perhaps even give them an item or two of your clothing. Offer them food and sit with them while they eat, or offer them treats or toys if that does not stress them. Talk to them soothingly, or even read them a book. Make sure visits with them are calm, and always watch for cues that a furbaby is feeling nervous or stressed. Over time, if you remain patient and calm, a new furbaby who is nervous or shy can indeed learn to trust you.

It is not just you or other family members that a new furbaby will have to grow accustomed to, though. Every home and family has its own set of sights and sounds to which a new cat or dog will have to become acclimated. Think of the typical goings-on of your household, and, as needed, help your new furbaby become used to the new sights and sounds by slowly and calmly introducing them to new stimuli. Just as a couple of examples, some furbabies may have to get used to the sound of garbage bags or the sight of an open umbrella. Of course, don't bombard a new cat or dog with new sights and sounds all at once, but, as always, have patience and help them to acclimate to these things slowly over time.

That all being said, introducing a new cat or dog to other animals takes especial care and patience. Slow and proper introductions are of course best for both new and resident cats and dogs. We will further discuss these topics in the very near future.