tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45683385733052236782024-03-18T19:17:01.363-05:00Four-Legged FurballsThe furry ones with four legs run this joint. And that's perfectly all right.The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.comBlogger3045125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-69049235904921201452024-03-18T10:25:00.002-05:002024-03-18T10:33:21.758-05:00Medical Mancat Monday<p>First and foremost, I wanted to share my prayers and condolences with Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> following the loss of her beautiful Lucy.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY7L2u-VVFiMNl1Q_2uD74u_pu5vqhAIj-MjklNVdeMVQW1vvtXtGcz0eGYd4TjTwszK1M39AqktsZ6_NRvDZ484WVY-_fYSPPUeauxXTa7AOBYeBhdM2pfjYgzdR3sYvioXtabuogT6iCAfwNAIs7JFTNJnqDEmixB_EBQioxKhL1gt4ZoPjoOEuOy7w/s600/Lucyforever.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY7L2u-VVFiMNl1Q_2uD74u_pu5vqhAIj-MjklNVdeMVQW1vvtXtGcz0eGYd4TjTwszK1M39AqktsZ6_NRvDZ484WVY-_fYSPPUeauxXTa7AOBYeBhdM2pfjYgzdR3sYvioXtabuogT6iCAfwNAIs7JFTNJnqDEmixB_EBQioxKhL1gt4ZoPjoOEuOy7w/w400-h400/Lucyforever.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Lucy was so blessed to know love, thanks to Ellen. What a beautiful angel Lucy was, is, and always will be.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div>I started typing out a whole long explanation for yet another weekend absence on our part, but let me see if I can make it short-ish, not-so-sweet, and almost to the point.<br /><br />Evan started straining to both defecate and urinate on Friday night. He also started passing blood in his urine. I was able to get his urinary issues to settle down on Friday night with additional doses of his medications, and then he was seen at the vet on Saturday morning. Thankfully he did not have a urethral obstruction, but we have increased multiple of his urinary medication dosages and frequencies. Evan also was officially diagnosed with megacolon this weekend. He received an enema to help with that in the moment, and he was able to get lots of stool out on Saturday and a bit out on Sunday as a result. He is still, however, straining to urinate and is passing blood and now blood clots as of last night and this morning.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz1W57jh5BfPZWBstCcXn4IoZNAhu46l3aRdBABedalxFomOCSFBiaHtugn1M3CjWYsSAq58SdoFDnhcvsMNEdb-LAWBXcIC7xFUwt6fKP5dD6OtDqsGKQWOnkKVHE6YinfoQyCZykwMSJAlI3weGZvUqgSWCul8nkewaM5EWon6Fe1dGov4_45kr2gXh/s4160/IMG_20240316_102213205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNz1W57jh5BfPZWBstCcXn4IoZNAhu46l3aRdBABedalxFomOCSFBiaHtugn1M3CjWYsSAq58SdoFDnhcvsMNEdb-LAWBXcIC7xFUwt6fKP5dD6OtDqsGKQWOnkKVHE6YinfoQyCZykwMSJAlI3weGZvUqgSWCul8nkewaM5EWon6Fe1dGov4_45kr2gXh/w640-h480/IMG_20240316_102213205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I know that photo looks dramatically sad, but that was Evan simply trying to make himself look invisible at the vet. He had just gotten out a large amount of urine when the vet tech expressed him, which was good, but he seemed pretty sure that if pretended to sleep he would be left alone. Sorry, buddy, but no such luck.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5vQhJ6nkA4MsStSRMK3Fm1z_k_EZbHW1VXfykS0Psm7OSOGGY3j16IZaneOI-KbT4-3FOtXfDP00-pA_nR_bM0q6jLf8AIeNrj_Y6nQ_7YshbYEZyHc-PhSaQfpgZt-7fJfQJ4PGquHh8m-dkKfIk-kaF_nU5xxPnwLtXNN03svc0SoKr3bT1JwSaG_/s2592/IMG_20240316_105120197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP5vQhJ6nkA4MsStSRMK3Fm1z_k_EZbHW1VXfykS0Psm7OSOGGY3j16IZaneOI-KbT4-3FOtXfDP00-pA_nR_bM0q6jLf8AIeNrj_Y6nQ_7YshbYEZyHc-PhSaQfpgZt-7fJfQJ4PGquHh8m-dkKfIk-kaF_nU5xxPnwLtXNN03svc0SoKr3bT1JwSaG_/w640-h480/IMG_20240316_105120197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Evan was already scheduled for his usual sanitary shave today, so I dropped him off at the vet's groomer this morning. After this weekend's enema and other events, the grooming was very much needed. When I dropped him off, I also had the receptionist leave a note for the vet, to let her know that he's still straining to urinate, still passing blood, and now also passing blood clots. He also might still be doing some straining to defecate, despite all of the stool passed this weekend, but sometimes Evan's hind limb paralysis seems to make his internal tracts all shades of confused.<br /><br />What's more, my dad ended up in the ER on Saturday. He was having back and abdominal pain and couldn't keep anything down, not even water. Despite all sorts of tests and imaging, nothing major was found, and the ER doctor believes he's either having a flare related to gallstones, or that he has some sort of intestinal virus that presented in this way. Thankfully, my dad was able to come home that afternoon and with some medications of his own has been slowly feeling better.<br /><br />While I'll try to keep some sort of schedule, if a miss a post over the next day or two, don't be alarmed. Evan is currently on so many medications at so many intervals as we're trying to settle his urethral issues, not to mention his urethral spasms and urine straining have been happening all hours of the day and night, that my sleep and schedule in general are completely off the rails. I'm trying to stay on top of things, but I just thought I'd mention this, in case I miss a post over the next day or two.<br /><br />Either way, have a wonderful Monday, friends!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGQTW1C-r94kYixmhulPCf1snet7DSjR4NZaRtjWNyDf-er-E2OGvr7xlWVC7facGN7wS5VmzKkj7pQtyKV-8h-uIfiqnyWbVo8gUdRxQ8F3AnWLd9DL_HsuxF9xtbnVTMrqCQ3CzkgSmLhka8ekd5uxsMgZwJ2PxK1I0f09BrmuCOUaXHIAAi-Mu5ryj/s2048/Spring%20Bedroom%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGQTW1C-r94kYixmhulPCf1snet7DSjR4NZaRtjWNyDf-er-E2OGvr7xlWVC7facGN7wS5VmzKkj7pQtyKV-8h-uIfiqnyWbVo8gUdRxQ8F3AnWLd9DL_HsuxF9xtbnVTMrqCQ3CzkgSmLhka8ekd5uxsMgZwJ2PxK1I0f09BrmuCOUaXHIAAi-Mu5ryj/w640-h414/Spring%20Bedroom%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>We've given past tips on the dangers of paint products, but we're going to repeat this for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. Unsurprisingly, paint, varnish, and other similar products can be toxic to our furbabies. Lead paints can of course cause lead poisoning, which can cause a variety of severe symptoms, including those of the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. Lead can also be detrimental to red blood cells, brain function, and other important processes in the body. Oil-based paints can also be dangerous, potentially causing diarrhea as well as having serious effects on the lungs. They may also contain heavy metals and thereby cause symptoms similar to those of lead paint toxicity. Products such as varnish can also have similar negative side effects as paint.<br /><br />Also keep in mind that paint and paint products can emit dangerous fumes. Especially without proper ventilation, inhalation of the fumes can cause irritation of the lungs or symptoms such as dizziness. To avoid emergencies related to the ingestion or inhalation of paint or other paint products, of course keep these items well out of reach of your furbabies. Try to keep your furbabies safely out of areas that are being painted. Should ingestion or inhalation of paint products occur, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-65570425379327405242024-03-15T09:55:00.000-05:002024-03-15T09:55:04.840-05:00Friendly Fill-Ins and Elusive Eddy<p>Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br /><br />1. I enjoy watching _________.</p><div>2. I _________ on St. Patrick's Day.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Others come to me when they need help with _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. _________ is my lucky charm.<br /><br /><br />My answers are below in <b>bold</b>.<br /><br /><div>1. I enjoy watching <b>my kitties and pup as they sleep</b>.<br />(Because they're downright adorable and I'm a creep like that. What more can I say?)</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I <b>feast on Dublin Coddle</b> on St. Patrick's Day.<br />(My mom always cooks up some Irish-inspired foods on St. Patrick's Day. Most of them are cabbage-based, but as someone who's really just not a fan of cabbage, I instead have myself a hearty serving of the Dublin Coddle my mom makes. It's an Irish sausage and potato stew, and it's delicious.)</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Others come to me when they need help with <b>cat claws</b>.<br />(By this I mean I'm the person who cuts most of the family cats' claws. I don't mind. I used to work as a veterinary assistant at a cat clinic, and one of my jobs there was trimming kitty claws, so I grew quite used to it.)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>My furry family</b> is my lucky charm.</div></div><div>(I'm not a very superstitious person and don't really have items I consider truly lucky. That said, my kitties and pup make me feel like the luckiest person on earth, so that's my answer.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click <a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313605&type=thumbnail" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You can also click on the badge below to add your link.</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313605&type=thumbnail" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1306" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__423StXpso/WwbVQ_FOBhI/AAAAAAAAO5I/aI2_Lnium8QZM7nBCmFaCiPfsZNw7kiBwCLcBGAs/s400/ellen_cat_badge_3%2Bcropped.png" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_1069540219"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069540220"></span><span id="goog_591423266"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_591423267"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">or in the comments on Ellen's blog, <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a>.</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />Who's ready for an Eddy fix? We're sure you all are. Today, you get a rather strange angle of ever elusive Eddy, since she was too busy looking out at the sunny day to say cheese to the camera.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtrnNau3FbrTfunT3ydI1ZhVcTinQc9N74UmQ1-H4EBBgirFNNnUueQoEtWRXiXK1wQO2eusCFAOITrVxbQWabjJnsxjEhZnT6rr0AFHwKfORzPI0SbF6ks-MuQbZb6TK5l_3sA1_DeXdLQ99H8ov8ANM4KZRZbS6VlFd8sdzacQ8f1ga33WqLb4jZYVD/s4160/IMG_20200229_092321980_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtrnNau3FbrTfunT3ydI1ZhVcTinQc9N74UmQ1-H4EBBgirFNNnUueQoEtWRXiXK1wQO2eusCFAOITrVxbQWabjJnsxjEhZnT6rr0AFHwKfORzPI0SbF6ks-MuQbZb6TK5l_3sA1_DeXdLQ99H8ov8ANM4KZRZbS6VlFd8sdzacQ8f1ga33WqLb4jZYVD/w640-h480/IMG_20200229_092321980_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eddy and all of us here wish you a happy, sunny Friday!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir53KmGNb94faBMhplPIegdAiSb2GHeQnyMbeRbIg8tTSW-0o0Hui-_KiriIsiAGm-Wq7dfak-lnu8h4sbeiTohDOpTNoGT5rDCfeJ7k3NheX-r9uuQsZDVBle4ijyr9dpibE-xE2OX6J2CrbXm8u9VMWWAGV8r0oPJxrbds3n6ZfJy_PPmlfztBhXArOQ/s2048/Springtime%20Parlor%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir53KmGNb94faBMhplPIegdAiSb2GHeQnyMbeRbIg8tTSW-0o0Hui-_KiriIsiAGm-Wq7dfak-lnu8h4sbeiTohDOpTNoGT5rDCfeJ7k3NheX-r9uuQsZDVBle4ijyr9dpibE-xE2OX6J2CrbXm8u9VMWWAGV8r0oPJxrbds3n6ZfJy_PPmlfztBhXArOQ/w640-h416/Springtime%20Parlor%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Our tips for National Pet Poison Awareness Month continue on, and we have yet another random household item to be aware of due to the potentially toxic effects that can result if ingested. What we're talking about today are coins</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Coins, such as pennies, contain zinc, which can lead to toxicity and serious side effects if ingested in large enough quantities. Zinc poisoning can result in vomiting as well as increased respiration rate and heart rate. Zinc can also damage blood cells. For these reasons, as well as for the choking and obstruction hazards that coins can pose, be sure to always keep coins out of your kitty or pup's reach. Some animals will put anything and everything into their mouth, which could of course lead to danger with items such as coins. So, keep those coins safely tucked away.</span></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-72175412671823289782024-03-14T10:17:00.000-05:002024-03-14T10:17:21.407-05:00Thankful Thimble Thursday: Too Cute for Words<p>Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is of course ready for <a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Ho</a>p.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4v9ZJpB387SrgETWUavjd3dRYyMGCm2z9WsR9LVa0adO0ukn7BY84VXotz2DNyqxbmM_PRWKlCpGKsIOkOXC00d7H7kGjvFHVT3-TnZ1FIZ7HmsT9DNmC_wVOowKDVRCatXihfQVwZrAs6Og6r_fVzy92qwz71LtbqO3p49QvAbGA2XBnh0k0T9iDxco/w400-h400/Thankful%20Thursday.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Today, Thimble is grateful for warm and cozy places to nap.</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWxlfK80hl4HPMjuX01J4dkFjKoVLv-7tGp6O9VJrSIFITRHJOoYYoeOva2iX1TmGGIvzuX2dZ4Letl8TZfpi5FT8D1sttQ8YGqbnWq5RY4nDXUgzDP4ZIRW1N0rhxKtQFLuPsYvQuf0yOywqmzQPCC6eMTJCwET0kmFJRbX_kt7gabZ6WZFSBifpDEqk/s4160/IMG_20220219_121145510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWxlfK80hl4HPMjuX01J4dkFjKoVLv-7tGp6O9VJrSIFITRHJOoYYoeOva2iX1TmGGIvzuX2dZ4Letl8TZfpi5FT8D1sttQ8YGqbnWq5RY4nDXUgzDP4ZIRW1N0rhxKtQFLuPsYvQuf0yOywqmzQPCC6eMTJCwET0kmFJRbX_kt7gabZ6WZFSBifpDEqk/w640-h480/IMG_20220219_121145510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And, of course, Thimble is also thankful for belly rubs, and for how adorable she is when she rolls around. Even when blurry, she's simply too cute for words.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbRT7uwcvYYZmQVilRmSmAHtUbId7ANA2Q2rt5eHnmoGxDJXxYy_bCm5zRKM77_mb8oyln9pYXqu5bPiBECsh8rAgSE5o069SoUp92CD5NM5NpaHAEFDn0f-C0knsNJt-ffWbHbLhtFO_8X2gwADP53x8H7Iuml5FVZfgCsavsKBXpJb6wK3nTjPemjr/s4160/IMG_20220219_121147847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbRT7uwcvYYZmQVilRmSmAHtUbId7ANA2Q2rt5eHnmoGxDJXxYy_bCm5zRKM77_mb8oyln9pYXqu5bPiBECsh8rAgSE5o069SoUp92CD5NM5NpaHAEFDn0f-C0knsNJt-ffWbHbLhtFO_8X2gwADP53x8H7Iuml5FVZfgCsavsKBXpJb6wK3nTjPemjr/w640-h480/IMG_20220219_121147847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LK-Sqm3oEthskaz5rDW4t5ixYsJdGhb7hpraHFD7LFXM0dc412jbJlokPjas0GWMwUqkvLCnPiM8vbzMk8kphcERNM_WBW3geZBBoCq_XsJQ-pGTq7sRh6LqTOXT9YL9Z43jjWDcMVPwmktrZQpkDycjtle0JERQT8TevgV8gXngoY3YFtQBeWg19eeC/s4160/IMG_20220219_121149309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LK-Sqm3oEthskaz5rDW4t5ixYsJdGhb7hpraHFD7LFXM0dc412jbJlokPjas0GWMwUqkvLCnPiM8vbzMk8kphcERNM_WBW3geZBBoCq_XsJQ-pGTq7sRh6LqTOXT9YL9Z43jjWDcMVPwmktrZQpkDycjtle0JERQT8TevgV8gXngoY3YFtQBeWg19eeC/w640-h480/IMG_20220219_121149309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv36vqPGcBRfJHZ9CNccSCVKB1lL2109qHpz6HbS735fvdgcQ_Z5j5scViCVt4Ms22xdqv6fFSkgHHgzNrqbKanfpE5Uroo87KgiQ3PcXa2Rm3yyUunOO8zewEkEyPIYJZNA6w3j0qQKS3wC0Rw99lOHzHh0jioYd1_AwQhjuRXaS_yumh86MEnjak28gC/s4160/IMG_20220219_121149909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv36vqPGcBRfJHZ9CNccSCVKB1lL2109qHpz6HbS735fvdgcQ_Z5j5scViCVt4Ms22xdqv6fFSkgHHgzNrqbKanfpE5Uroo87KgiQ3PcXa2Rm3yyUunOO8zewEkEyPIYJZNA6w3j0qQKS3wC0Rw99lOHzHh0jioYd1_AwQhjuRXaS_yumh86MEnjak28gC/w640-h480/IMG_20220219_121149909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>You are indeed free to rub that belly. Thimble loves to have that belly tickled and smooched and all that good stuff, for which I myself am very grateful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div></div><div>Now, let's share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. I enjoy watching _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. I _________ on St. Patrick's Day.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Others come to me when they need help with _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. _________ is my lucky charm.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCR8VdzVAE1K2md6ZyHpBIuiZ6VAW448D1BYIAHZAv7eJ8wdNRdM2X96L8iJwNUtC9WdOjUn97ipE7kb-9fZ9c5BrYBZVdBPv0_AcQNU8iau9G51hxy61f38IoM33suPjPkSADLKvnVOEUMnbT-QVz0A62AlrZo64Wa4U8tTl_6rKGAyDIZhdg7WtLtWd/s1306/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1306" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCR8VdzVAE1K2md6ZyHpBIuiZ6VAW448D1BYIAHZAv7eJ8wdNRdM2X96L8iJwNUtC9WdOjUn97ipE7kb-9fZ9c5BrYBZVdBPv0_AcQNU8iau9G51hxy61f38IoM33suPjPkSADLKvnVOEUMnbT-QVz0A62AlrZo64Wa4U8tTl_6rKGAyDIZhdg7WtLtWd/w400-h396/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We'll see you tomorrow, friends!<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />***<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before we go, though, we want to wish everyone a Happy Pi(e) Day! For anyone who might not know what on earth I'm talking about, the mathematical constant known as pi, that being 𝜋, equals 3.14. So, March 14 is Pi(e) Day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PdpIuRn_axuO5NwADTL80XEN8ztzoQoW8_15BxIqVcyJsrImslN8heMN-qaa2fufAEYLE9T50WIqWoOT9OUihAv5CsgFybCdTQ-S4msXUw3ehEFg7qBWYZA8A3HBI81yIVmUmyvRrmlolREjDlOkmacR5mVDkks0AneZMfvZ299-Y964Oi2QiFEEf41H/s4160/IMG_20220313_185555244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PdpIuRn_axuO5NwADTL80XEN8ztzoQoW8_15BxIqVcyJsrImslN8heMN-qaa2fufAEYLE9T50WIqWoOT9OUihAv5CsgFybCdTQ-S4msXUw3ehEFg7qBWYZA8A3HBI81yIVmUmyvRrmlolREjDlOkmacR5mVDkks0AneZMfvZ299-Y964Oi2QiFEEf41H/w640-h480/IMG_20220313_185555244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br />I failed to finish my new Pi(e) Day drawing this week. I'll complete it soon and share it then, along with a number of other doodles I have complete and need to scan and upload to share. But I digress. For today, here's an old doodle of Angel Rosie the Baker. She says you can pretend this pie is whatever you want, whether that be banana pie, lemon meringue pie, pineapple pie, or whatever else you're craving.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_LB5LQ-Ue8GA9UhOJAtAfNL9YfgQcydzx0HqMxqF8snFCKT5fnsJZIuIctgLb48Q00ZnzlLfjcbvAaW3MEaLZnMcvcspI1hMgRs00p7LSGNTRNgbYjkjbxUCftt_lajIwWUdeD9XDLDj4OKLOeVu2YOgXzU_aHvocPKcngrLRAVX95ZUrRH8_UZBGa0N/s2048/Rosie's%20Vanilla%20Cream%20Pie%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_LB5LQ-Ue8GA9UhOJAtAfNL9YfgQcydzx0HqMxqF8snFCKT5fnsJZIuIctgLb48Q00ZnzlLfjcbvAaW3MEaLZnMcvcspI1hMgRs00p7LSGNTRNgbYjkjbxUCftt_lajIwWUdeD9XDLDj4OKLOeVu2YOgXzU_aHvocPKcngrLRAVX95ZUrRH8_UZBGa0N/w640-h412/Rosie's%20Vanilla%20Cream%20Pie%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div>Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is about essential oils. There are a wide variety of essential oils on the market, and there are also a wide variety of reactions your furbaby might display if exposed to certain essential oils. Some essential oils can indeed be poisonous to our kitties or pups, kitties typically being especially sensitive to them. Depending on the type of oil and its concentration, exposure to and ingestion of an essential oil can lead to potentially serious side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty walking, just to name a couple.</div><div><br /></div><div>To prevent any accidental toxicity or emergencies, it might be best to simply prevent your furbaby from coming into contact with any essential oils, to ensure that your furbaby does not come into contact with one containing a toxic ingredient. This would mean refraining from putting essential oils on your kitty or pup, or placing essential oil diffusers anywhere near where your furbaby can reach. Also keep in mind that essential oils and their fragrances can also potentially cause respiratory irritation, with symptoms such as ocular discharge, nasal discharge, or signs related to asthma. When in doubt, keep essential oils, essential oil diffusers, and any other similar products well away from your furbaby, as their health and safety is not worth the risk.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-17941491949034208882024-03-13T10:00:00.001-05:002024-03-13T10:00:11.244-05:00Adventures with Astrid: Greener on the Other Side<p>For today's adventure with Astrid, the pup wants to first take you back to a walk we took a couple weeks ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_B5bWSquMBUv63zS_SCnHwoBFd5r5JnFebWAQ1PuV5b7NYB5xyDNY5lxSHvhJrAga58U84p9A8GdCTcYWo_D9BqGGK973UhvO-0VY2Ve_WzgltiHHQsWrn41zGh4U_VzAyeFGryo79AQi2EFCo1U2qAYDHg122VY0Jcnfo81hzyYW-CdAK3RQ3Lc1EPs/s4160/IMG_20240223_075927000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_B5bWSquMBUv63zS_SCnHwoBFd5r5JnFebWAQ1PuV5b7NYB5xyDNY5lxSHvhJrAga58U84p9A8GdCTcYWo_D9BqGGK973UhvO-0VY2Ve_WzgltiHHQsWrn41zGh4U_VzAyeFGryo79AQi2EFCo1U2qAYDHg122VY0Jcnfo81hzyYW-CdAK3RQ3Lc1EPs/w480-h640/IMG_20240223_075927000.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br />Do you see the not-so-green grass there? It was still pretty dead, as you can tell. That said, shall we fast forward to a walk from earlier this week? You'll see a bit more color in this one. See?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_iK9D1f9pJqR5Q6Wg7RAFkLjcFZpakr_654ozqRZP95KOySXbQIgVkl4BERreaPm5krRgoLzvD_Fj-HtlzPmyIzue9hoL0WHRXo2XwegLOczg-0XuDxgqsdCRyR61A-91eJdVim7Gq35A9Sw3eXFRP1pMUHUFMJn4VMIKW07yytOASpAqeEqx7lagt4e/s4160/IMG_20240311_082029282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_iK9D1f9pJqR5Q6Wg7RAFkLjcFZpakr_654ozqRZP95KOySXbQIgVkl4BERreaPm5krRgoLzvD_Fj-HtlzPmyIzue9hoL0WHRXo2XwegLOczg-0XuDxgqsdCRyR61A-91eJdVim7Gq35A9Sw3eXFRP1pMUHUFMJn4VMIKW07yytOASpAqeEqx7lagt4e/w480-h640/IMG_20240311_082029282.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The green grass is officially here, friends! And you better believe Astrid is marking it all as hers on her walks.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day<br /><br /></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6diBM_mC9GZNegSCWl4l9d77JvH-mdGpWJcFwP2UMMGpk8hpLNi5GS9vbbhv3IrKSSdqC0BeC5rLutvjXMgQIrN0C7MfcTl4MP47bXYs2RmRPsZD-BLnDCtSlyZA1VQYtiNd84U-YvfC80_sV9HnJClI_0dkv4RzyhRvkKPviK_rYj05IQq1IacSUoUv/s2048/Springtime%20Entryway%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6diBM_mC9GZNegSCWl4l9d77JvH-mdGpWJcFwP2UMMGpk8hpLNi5GS9vbbhv3IrKSSdqC0BeC5rLutvjXMgQIrN0C7MfcTl4MP47bXYs2RmRPsZD-BLnDCtSlyZA1VQYtiNd84U-YvfC80_sV9HnJClI_0dkv4RzyhRvkKPviK_rYj05IQq1IacSUoUv/w640-h422/Springtime%20Entryway%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br />***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We have yet more random safety tips for National Pet Poison Awareness Month. Today's tip is to keep that hand sanitizer out of the reach of your furbabies. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which means that, especially if ingested in large enough quantities, it can indeed lead to alcohol poisoning. More than likely, hand sanitizer will neither smell nor taste enticing to your kitty or pup. But, some furbabies may simply have strange or unprejudiced tastes, and so keeping any potentially toxic items out of their reach is of course crucial. Keep this in mind not only when it comes to hand sanitizer. Some items can contain toxic ingredients that you might not expect, and some furbabies might not be picky about what they put in their mouths. So, never leave anything questionable within their reach, because it is indeed always better to be safe than sorry.</div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-23997416953144983992024-03-12T09:55:00.000-05:002024-03-12T09:55:24.957-05:00Sleepy Tonks TuesdayIt's Tonks Tuesday, and it's a sleepy one today.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTm_jiYsl9EYH7TNR8XPDz4Ou0fjZrkbPmFGWyEfS541PeyzAe9nM54KTTte1aJDl1UgauOlThypogg0WILVnPcQawU9HCw_bq53XiKdwMu4v4DFfd4uqJwU2KQnG1FErjmNlRcfU1PpN5IrsMCYTOy65BScgF0jfGlc9H16oCBM_1U0yYMTTbjm_PiIc/s4160/IMG_20200216_152148830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTm_jiYsl9EYH7TNR8XPDz4Ou0fjZrkbPmFGWyEfS541PeyzAe9nM54KTTte1aJDl1UgauOlThypogg0WILVnPcQawU9HCw_bq53XiKdwMu4v4DFfd4uqJwU2KQnG1FErjmNlRcfU1PpN5IrsMCYTOy65BScgF0jfGlc9H16oCBM_1U0yYMTTbjm_PiIc/w640-h480/IMG_20200216_152148830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tonks isn't the most likely kitty to seek out a human lap, so when she does choose mine, I feel so honored. Not to mention I just love oohing and awwing over at that cute face of hers. Honestly, just look at it!<br /><br />Happy Tuesday, friends! Tonks is wishing you all lots of naps today!<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSI64QJ5HUYmMr32Wvv_scITvB4fJlhdDYv2bDpd_cIS90dM5Mz3JRyXJaPGZmNWZdIJH-MaawrG2f93lPlV2p3MIH68_tQqNnNTzCvdJXLk1bgj32-hOeh6rujIwS0YvbBpN9hAmlXrQUa-EfIaW7NRLkOm1LV1oyFp2LtW0sFiEky_X67BU0CM_HZyU/s2048/Springtime%20Tea%20Room%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSI64QJ5HUYmMr32Wvv_scITvB4fJlhdDYv2bDpd_cIS90dM5Mz3JRyXJaPGZmNWZdIJH-MaawrG2f93lPlV2p3MIH68_tQqNnNTzCvdJXLk1bgj32-hOeh6rujIwS0YvbBpN9hAmlXrQUa-EfIaW7NRLkOm1LV1oyFp2LtW0sFiEky_X67BU0CM_HZyU/w640-h414/Springtime%20Tea%20Room%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Still continuing on with our National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we are today reminding you to keep any questionable kitchen products well out of reach of your furbabies. Just as laundry detergents can be dangerous, so can those used in the kitchen. Dishwasher detergent or tablets, for example, can often have corrosive or other dangerous side effects. Other potentially toxic kitchen products include degreasers, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners. These products can also potentially have corrosive effects, among other adverse reactions. If your furbaby ingests any such products, they might display gastrointestinal distress, oral ulcers, lethargy, or other symptoms. As always, if you think your kitty or pup might have ingested a toxic kitchen product, seek veterinary assistance.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-9770976022719882282024-03-11T11:39:00.001-05:002024-03-11T11:39:52.878-05:00Mancat Monday: Co-Starring the EarHello, friends! I'm yet again sorry for disappearing for a couple days this weekend. I spent a good chunk of the weekend doing yard work. The weather was lovely, and there was a project I've been meaning to finish for quite some time now. It's not quite done yet, but it's very close. That said, working on that meant I didn't open my laptop even once this weekend. This is why it's still a goal of mine to soon get back to scheduling our posts days in advance. Anyway.<div><br /></div><div>It's Mancat Monday, so here's a dose of handsome mancat Evan for you, co-starring his aural (ear) hematoma.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRsS6aN5CmqoqtcSsHV3KBEMEuI7VtyK0F5es5xShFXS7li5SgC5ULGXyuFp0n_arhUJfhmnaGfEbWs4PTz98h7z8eHMhox_adzjAzeCzcn7o1joPPZi9xn1ORoq-Q57wzmYlDx34li_e_RpNlTo8LM2hd2oHSCw79PlEz9lomt_Dn0JMf2JiBK8XRP4k/s4160/IMG_20240305_085812696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRsS6aN5CmqoqtcSsHV3KBEMEuI7VtyK0F5es5xShFXS7li5SgC5ULGXyuFp0n_arhUJfhmnaGfEbWs4PTz98h7z8eHMhox_adzjAzeCzcn7o1joPPZi9xn1ORoq-Q57wzmYlDx34li_e_RpNlTo8LM2hd2oHSCw79PlEz9lomt_Dn0JMf2JiBK8XRP4k/w640-h480/IMG_20240305_085812696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO9RMgMLdTH5uHap7BUcgo8CVPUKvF2Jkr-GnN98tn8e62T3XVx9vf_4tqzNXh5HxTNaa7gQIMRfv6AIf34r9-HE41uOh1E0cQvVgmKgtZb5DP82E8Ma84tasUpj5u6ERTAZZLiYmM1BDJKfDeb_eioK1onHVo5kacoGR3JfkMtKB7uatd4TQm-b1xU6w/s4160/IMG_20240305_085818238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO9RMgMLdTH5uHap7BUcgo8CVPUKvF2Jkr-GnN98tn8e62T3XVx9vf_4tqzNXh5HxTNaa7gQIMRfv6AIf34r9-HE41uOh1E0cQvVgmKgtZb5DP82E8Ma84tasUpj5u6ERTAZZLiYmM1BDJKfDeb_eioK1onHVo5kacoGR3JfkMtKB7uatd4TQm-b1xU6w/w640-h480/IMG_20240305_085818238.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I know Evan looks rather sad in those photos, but I promise he was purring and enjoyed some treats both before and after these were snapped. Evan's floppy ear makes him look so dejected, but his ear in these photos is actually an improvement. It sort of plateaued at this stage over the past week, but I hope it continues to shrink again soon.<br /><br />Evan has had mostly good days lately. This whole ear hematoma really had him acting differently there for awhile. While he's still not fully past all of the annoyance with his ear, he's acting a lot more like himself again. He's still on all of his medications, which help with the ear as well as his urinary and intestinal issues. Not that he's a huge fan of having nearly half a dozen drugs shoved down his throat every day, but he's a good boy and let's me do it anyway.<br /><br />Evan hopes you all enjoyed seeing his handsome self today! And he promises he's not as sad as he looks in these photos. He's purring for you, actually. Can you hear it?<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Now, wonderful Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> brought to my attention that it's time to announce our themes for this year's <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">April A to Z Challenge</a>. I hadn't even noticed that fact myself, so I'm glad she's far more on top of things than I am.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzT85_QlfSyWAbC1ROC26a0hQYayDbrcdk-CgJtvHvWEkMXjkbe1CaUuy7TYZTINxuKw-cFUMI_Kr7KPvLqvcD_Abdazi4APXVFuyJSG6KQmr0_72Qn8iRmy1hsunVfkp2YrpqljWuONmETaZZCkK_pZSL5InSMC3CiNcDd0jGa6WUp0dIk8-RmLzorhq/w400-h225/theme%20reveal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8KJ7uC5JWT80ws00os_33sHwhhNEQEaIhbe7FBg9o3M3vNNHBd0ndHjL37zWTM2iOHCY9uJ2KoQxunBcCrvvEO-9gAvkE_3iBQed9VLkAOEiob-cuMol7FJtbtasF6qHyUAVGrJYe8aVHJtuoD4_C9pDaL3JwIn2fjA6RVqAZnDWJQVSQO1Ix6uCTpd6/w400-h400/avatar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I will indeed be participating this year, of course again in the form of doodles. And this year's doodles will be of the theme...All Things Cat. I won't say exactly what that means just yet, but this flashback doodle here sort of inspired this year's theme, and so it might point you in the direction of what you'll perhaps be seeing from me this April.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba91D7wlPgWk1sMBUUv2yZkvQd1gcJRIQH4LMHTEiNJj_aU8rvJR8OPm_pZpfGeLKs9eIT0s5MmMUglPOkH8WIM08lHU2mnN4hqDteARgLLCP0AE9zZ0Rci_CiWvMyLs55mgiJE6d2aPYcbA_gHulHiiZb0hmjxLj6DRAHvv9wZbdvkr51PZMx3BZgyrR/s2318/B%20is%20for%20Baked%20Goods%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1675" data-original-width="2318" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba91D7wlPgWk1sMBUUv2yZkvQd1gcJRIQH4LMHTEiNJj_aU8rvJR8OPm_pZpfGeLKs9eIT0s5MmMUglPOkH8WIM08lHU2mnN4hqDteARgLLCP0AE9zZ0Rci_CiWvMyLs55mgiJE6d2aPYcbA_gHulHiiZb0hmjxLj6DRAHvv9wZbdvkr51PZMx3BZgyrR/w640-h462/B%20is%20for%20Baked%20Goods%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />That old drawing there is actually not too terribly timed, since this Thursday is Pi(e) Day. I only just realized that, but now I hope to scribble up a new pie-ish doodle for the occasion. We'll see how that goes.<br /><br />That said, I've been working on this year's A to Z doodles for months now. They're a bit different than my usual drawings, but they're still of a feline nature, and hopefully you'll enjoy seeing them as much as I'm enjoying scribbling them up.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Our next set of tips for National Pet Poison Awareness Month will cover some of the random household items that could potentially be toxic to your kitty or pup. To begin, don't forget that some laundry products could lead to ill effects for your furbaby. For example, fabric softeners and dryer sheets often contain detergents that can be corrosive in nature. If your cat or dog gets into such products, the adverse reactions could include gastrointestinal distress, oral ulcers, and lethargy. For such reasons, do be sure to keep all laundry products well out of reach of your furbaby. If your kitty or pup does get into any such products, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-21718925681059674212024-03-08T00:00:00.004-06:002024-03-08T10:35:07.801-06:00Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Eyes<p>Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br /><br />1. If someone offered me a free _________, I would accept it.<br /><br />2. If someone offered me a free _________, I would refuse it.</p><div>3. I have _________ memorized.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. _________ has really changed since I was younger.<br /><br /><br />My answers are below in <b>bold</b>.</div><p>1. If someone offered me a free <b>goodie for my cats or dog</b>, I would accept it.<br />(Food, treats, toys, or anything that could benefit my kitties or pup, I'll happily accept. As long as it's something safe for them, that is.)<br /><br />2. If someone offered me a free <b>concert ticket</b>, I would refuse it.<br />(This especially goes for certain artists, including most modern artists. Everyone of course has their own tastes, but I'm one of the people you couldn't pay to go see someone like Taylor Swift, for example. I'm just not into that kind of music or the hype around it. In general, though, I'm just not a big fan of concerts. I love music, but from the calm, quiet comfort of my home, car, or earbuds.)</p><div>3. I have <b>our vet clinic's phone number</b> memorized.<br />(This is mostly thanks to my boy Evan and his constant trips to the vet, and my constant trips to go pick up his medication refills.)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>The world</b> has really changed since I was younger.<br />(I was debating what specific answer to put for this, but I couldn't settle on one, so this is what I've got to offer.)</div><p><br /></p><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click <a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313565&type=thumbnail" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You can also click on the badge below to add your link.</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313565&type=thumbnail" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1306" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__423StXpso/WwbVQ_FOBhI/AAAAAAAAO5I/aI2_Lnium8QZM7nBCmFaCiPfsZNw7kiBwCLcBGAs/s400/ellen_cat_badge_3%2Bcropped.png" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_1069540219"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069540220"></span><span id="goog_591423266"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_591423267"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">or in the comments on Ellen's blog, <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a>.</div></div><p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div>Who's ready for their Eddy fix? All of you? Well, lucky you, because we have for you a shot of Eddy cuddling in bed in the morning sun.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKhHnuw7fGh8AVLB3gW8Y0WGF5njZ4Nx9JJDlNdAbGxjFQvdA6ER2UUgjhe4nLCg0ilYIs4QtkNWMGpQZihasVMDNtPthDSGRqtAmIuSxbSxT4g-fkwnC9P-BPj0nI9TmgAr7ws1Cm4obzwmd2_RDcxBGXQgxVdANak3ZksQJQ6ESonQRnBgoPd-LXMDQ/s4160/IMG_20210320_094057816_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKhHnuw7fGh8AVLB3gW8Y0WGF5njZ4Nx9JJDlNdAbGxjFQvdA6ER2UUgjhe4nLCg0ilYIs4QtkNWMGpQZihasVMDNtPthDSGRqtAmIuSxbSxT4g-fkwnC9P-BPj0nI9TmgAr7ws1Cm4obzwmd2_RDcxBGXQgxVdANak3ZksQJQ6ESonQRnBgoPd-LXMDQ/w640-h480/IMG_20210320_094057816_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've said this before, but I love this girl's eyes. Obviously I love all of her, but her eyes are just gorgeous. And of course I'm not biased or anything like that.<br /><br />Happy Friday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i></div></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rzbShPulx38qyVhyodiUwCYr8rx7neNIx0ScqczMvfXwMl_7OkGvEihA4RixrRkS_lHIAsccBrVRjE64Run8tBU6hGushsJ0QJ2a-6rkxIfVMv7X7G3YN6eePFy-n1qqSpBI4SZJS4Yg210TAFZ-LG5peHz4QBMlgLJ53W9Cc3DFzWfHmUXD6cOD0F2d/s2048/Gnomies%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rzbShPulx38qyVhyodiUwCYr8rx7neNIx0ScqczMvfXwMl_7OkGvEihA4RixrRkS_lHIAsccBrVRjE64Run8tBU6hGushsJ0QJ2a-6rkxIfVMv7X7G3YN6eePFy-n1qqSpBI4SZJS4Yg210TAFZ-LG5peHz4QBMlgLJ53W9Cc3DFzWfHmUXD6cOD0F2d/w640-h410/Gnomies%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm sure I don't need to tell you all, but as part of our tips for National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're here to remind you that many human medications are indeed toxic to our furbabies. One of the most common pet poison emergency culprits is ibuprofen. It can be very dangerous and even fatal if ingested by your kitty or pup, and its side effects can include gastrointestinal distress or even kidney failure. Ibuprofen is of course not the only human medication that can have dire consequences for our cats and dogs, though. Decongestants such as excess pseudoephedrine can also be toxic, as well as medications for treating blood pressure and ADD/ADHD, just to name a couple. Needless to say, keep any and all human medications hidden away in a secure cabinet, drawer, or other such confines.</div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is also worth noting that certain topical creams and ointments that we humans use can also be dangerous for cats and dogs. These such medications can be sneaky as well, since you might apply a potentially toxic cream to your skin, then you might forget about it, and then your furbaby might lick your skin or even clothing that touched the topical medication. This, in turn, can possibly result in toxicity. As a couple of examples, creams for pain management or hormone treatment can easily contain ingredients that could lead to life-threatening side effects for your kitty or pup. So, not only should you safely store medications, but you must also be diligent about how you might be exposing your furbaby to toxic ingredients.</div></div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-61646961171764515422024-03-07T11:10:00.000-06:002024-03-07T11:10:25.875-06:00Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sunny Days<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello and happy Thursday, friends! You better believe Thimble is ready for <a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlVhn-QrICqfFrncd6w81wASdf4pAtZ8VmGOf379YWfjIOOTl29Ek0mbhe9AlQuTZpRFLtJ8m6eRFduLEtXEARQdycFDAsSeQuwBmJVZsm4wsYvuysrIZo5B9cPVOuRcQObcNNuohhospSV3ZgXkePDrGmRYyuYgBmp2ZMuEch0UxGKgo3WJUFo4ygtb1/w400-h400/Thankful%20Thursday.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today, Thimble is grateful for something that she's honestly very often grateful for. And that is that wonderfully bright and warm ball in the sky.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sTXJb_fnIQQxuJr2xg3IaOD64koe3KMgN0bkEv01wnE0tDNtCazYiZWPPxoC0VfMkAJ8l3ycMQRC_bTN2ko3-W9Uu7HAayKeIHREcrB0JzHqlMY225jJd9jdibd0JjLgeRfYpFHTnFBgvwZycq5VG_PVXaL4OIup9f6ABV0x7dDXmrl-VFzEn7WJuJup/s4160/IMG_20210313_112804373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sTXJb_fnIQQxuJr2xg3IaOD64koe3KMgN0bkEv01wnE0tDNtCazYiZWPPxoC0VfMkAJ8l3ycMQRC_bTN2ko3-W9Uu7HAayKeIHREcrB0JzHqlMY225jJd9jdibd0JjLgeRfYpFHTnFBgvwZycq5VG_PVXaL4OIup9f6ABV0x7dDXmrl-VFzEn7WJuJup/w640-h480/IMG_20210313_112804373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thimble, like pretty much every cat in existence, loves her a sunny day.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhuFxGFUGbGVfVzdfld7SI1H-luYZaF6kxZX2qUNdMukl8YFLa8X9AAx-9Hhjn3F9ZPShKAQo3Zk3HCHfTSqXdn0tLu_vpS7-HmmRPuI9ejm9nyUTuZ0xcrbrK5if87fAHYffYY8kOznae7ugSn20MVRJE3zwYTnl-V6TN46ZOMdj78JIvTdfUXR8H1uo/s4160/IMG_20210313_112716399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhuFxGFUGbGVfVzdfld7SI1H-luYZaF6kxZX2qUNdMukl8YFLa8X9AAx-9Hhjn3F9ZPShKAQo3Zk3HCHfTSqXdn0tLu_vpS7-HmmRPuI9ejm9nyUTuZ0xcrbrK5if87fAHYffYY8kOznae7ugSn20MVRJE3zwYTnl-V6TN46ZOMdj78JIvTdfUXR8H1uo/w640-h480/IMG_20210313_112716399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thimble hopes all of you are enjoying lots of sunshine and of course sun puddles today!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div>And now we have for you the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br />1. If someone offered me a free _________, I would accept it.<br /><br />2. If someone offered me a free _________, I would refuse it.<div><br /></div><div>3. I have _________ memorized.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. _________ has really changed since I was younger.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSnwSi58zXY8HNiRzHQ2euMRWedxD5DLVcKL3d4OJwQ5ZxC7RabFsw_ON37IaSvBp_yAUWZi_za9yexvCVej4nr6lVU1OaSeX6IOiJeoXQch_DTWEj6-2RypO-6KS9IeVFKbd40Tm7TKTb4izbud5oBsz85IzSEICZ5nMSgIA24_8OtWDq_DhE13aOtUX/s1306/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1306" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSnwSi58zXY8HNiRzHQ2euMRWedxD5DLVcKL3d4OJwQ5ZxC7RabFsw_ON37IaSvBp_yAUWZi_za9yexvCVej4nr6lVU1OaSeX6IOiJeoXQch_DTWEj6-2RypO-6KS9IeVFKbd40Tm7TKTb4izbud5oBsz85IzSEICZ5nMSgIA24_8OtWDq_DhE13aOtUX/w400-h396/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />We'll see you tomorrow, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br />I feel like the doodle below is relevant every year. Crocuses have been blooming in our yard, what with last week's 70°F days. And now it's cold again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkhdvOmBCcm3I0TaLHmsMOR4n-R1kAF1X0M6GZJpHCNRcncKLD2hLv8Ncx6Nhxc0qYMJhm2xYMdfLnuU6VCHBKUv-nAyqdLFJjDsgS8MX-mWK8gozWGB_5Dee4tK_Uo3jS05AOB3qqFMPVInSgWOaDRGswGR6NVK6IVuvQDFLWiW0NLiUNkoesVH7F5_q/s2048/Spring%20Tease%20straightened%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkhdvOmBCcm3I0TaLHmsMOR4n-R1kAF1X0M6GZJpHCNRcncKLD2hLv8Ncx6Nhxc0qYMJhm2xYMdfLnuU6VCHBKUv-nAyqdLFJjDsgS8MX-mWK8gozWGB_5Dee4tK_Uo3jS05AOB3qqFMPVInSgWOaDRGswGR6NVK6IVuvQDFLWiW0NLiUNkoesVH7F5_q/w640-h414/Spring%20Tease%20straightened%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i><div><div><i><br /></i></div></div><div><div>Today's National Pet Poison Awareness Month tip is one we've touched on time and time again, but it is a pretty important one. As you all certainly know, never forget that some human founds can indeed be toxic to our kitties and pups. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, and raisins are just some of the foods that could lead to extremely dangerous or even fatal consequences if ingested. Also don't forget about the sweetener known as xylitol. This can often be found in sugar-free gums and candies, but also in various other foods, drinks, and even medicines, supplements, and toothpaste. This sneaky ingredient is indeed toxic, especially to dogs.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Though symptoms of toxicity can vary based on what human food our furbaby ate, and how much, signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty walking, or any other number of concerning manifestations. If you know or think your furbaby might have eaten a toxic food, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance. Just as with any poison, removing the toxins from the body and treating the patient in a timely manner can be a matter of life or death. To prevent such emergencies, avoid feeding your furbaby any and all foods that you are not absolutely certain are safe.</div></div></div></div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-47436862245704525042024-03-06T10:12:00.003-06:002024-03-06T10:12:31.431-06:00Adventures with Astrid: Feathered Friends<p>Today, Astrid would like to show off some more feathered friends she met on a recent walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBAxi-gbkPM9ab-Kru6-z_Wb3J3QXENZG5RHd3xY169yUdk0SRo2anKsD7dJyjhB9Lz9VY1QWdjm2Dt8MpQs6joodVH7IfapwaFyghKMfcI53w_8oIPIxerSBLNTIqW1tU6DQKHKnzylTUXfCGxGCKfEApZtq2mfamQVss4ho5ScWnX-YWfa2TWl3sT0V/s4160/IMG_20240101_120841280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBAxi-gbkPM9ab-Kru6-z_Wb3J3QXENZG5RHd3xY169yUdk0SRo2anKsD7dJyjhB9Lz9VY1QWdjm2Dt8MpQs6joodVH7IfapwaFyghKMfcI53w_8oIPIxerSBLNTIqW1tU6DQKHKnzylTUXfCGxGCKfEApZtq2mfamQVss4ho5ScWnX-YWfa2TWl3sT0V/w640-h480/IMG_20240101_120841280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>If you squint your eyes toward where Astrid is looking in that photo, you'll see a heron back there. We have at least one heron who very often hangs out near the creek in our neighborhood. We see him on a regular basis, which very much so intrigues Astrid.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkiLTvdlZwndIEBQ4YAlYNXR8PIJe_9Q0uQbgbaoZwVZL9jG43O51NIXYozIEZskkU8xhVcs5AY0AvY-7IT7SWVsKE5ePYGznf1m2qrF7vS7ZQKucqwklmXMCxHVr4hyphenhyphenPX3LJvcMoQuBvPsmOUuS6jqt6pwUaOHzrqW1A9SAH7LjRqdBbiHRvjE7GJirz/s4160/IMG_20240101_120837932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkiLTvdlZwndIEBQ4YAlYNXR8PIJe_9Q0uQbgbaoZwVZL9jG43O51NIXYozIEZskkU8xhVcs5AY0AvY-7IT7SWVsKE5ePYGznf1m2qrF7vS7ZQKucqwklmXMCxHVr4hyphenhyphenPX3LJvcMoQuBvPsmOUuS6jqt6pwUaOHzrqW1A9SAH7LjRqdBbiHRvjE7GJirz/w640-h480/IMG_20240101_120837932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On that same walk, we saw some ducks in another part of the creek.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh016ovthp2dOVT61zCricUMcBhxkP8hfVf07yNq3birw2mi3vSo8w5KWrl9JuqSwO5GjDP6eJqRD74U0OJCcZLZyGcLarybJsQKUNN-RLQEb51VY6ar0doDRa5tRrG8dE9h3Q7qywTM6gwf9QW3AJ9ZABoJdRe8NqZwhvbgKITKN7fiTlhPJT3fU6e3z_o/s4160/IMG_20240101_121642364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh016ovthp2dOVT61zCricUMcBhxkP8hfVf07yNq3birw2mi3vSo8w5KWrl9JuqSwO5GjDP6eJqRD74U0OJCcZLZyGcLarybJsQKUNN-RLQEb51VY6ar0doDRa5tRrG8dE9h3Q7qywTM6gwf9QW3AJ9ZABoJdRe8NqZwhvbgKITKN7fiTlhPJT3fU6e3z_o/w640-h480/IMG_20240101_121642364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br />Can you see them down there? We also often see geese on our walks. Luckily, Astrid is very well-behaved and non-reactive to the birds, so we've never been flogged. We've been squawked at and hissed at plenty by the geese, but that's about it.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i><div><br />I believe today we're sharing our last wintry doodle for the season. I think. Either way, here's another snowy doodle despite it being warm outside today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQTmnVTdH9zE4MZk3oCiOB-HB_HzOc1UFDJQCkFVaoqRm2c54AB9khcvWLyZRaUiHufvREqjgFkdz1kLzyuFuwiVRQisTnMveedpg_NkAs9fP5vfgEjrD7445baEPrZ10vlMdJzG3dbnZYM_OVyQ0EkKKXdvqlQMeAdI4aZO_iqgUbKnK7XUenSWkbL-Q/s2200/Snowkitty%20Night%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="2200" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQTmnVTdH9zE4MZk3oCiOB-HB_HzOc1UFDJQCkFVaoqRm2c54AB9khcvWLyZRaUiHufvREqjgFkdz1kLzyuFuwiVRQisTnMveedpg_NkAs9fP5vfgEjrD7445baEPrZ10vlMdJzG3dbnZYM_OVyQ0EkKKXdvqlQMeAdI4aZO_iqgUbKnK7XUenSWkbL-Q/w640-h627/Snowkitty%20Night%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i><br /><i><br /></i></div>Next up in our National Pet Poison Awareness Month series of tips is a quick discussion on rodenticides. We rather recently mentioned these, but we'll mention them again for this month of poison prevention. These chemicals, meant to kill mice, rats, and other rodents, are dangerous all around. Depending on the type of poison, rodenticides can cause any number of potentially fatal side effects, such as internal bleeding or acute kidney failure. Ingesting the rodenticide itself is of course one way in which your furbaby can be poisoned. In addition to this, though, if a rodent ingests the rodenticide or walks through it, and then your furbaby gets a hold of that rodent, the poison can also pass into your furbaby's system this way.<br /><br />To be safe, simply try to avoid the use of rodenticides completely. If rodenticides are being stored or used in your home, garage, garden, or other areas, though, absolutely ensure that your cat or dog cannot reach them. Also monitor your furbabies if you think rodents are in your house and a rodenticide is being used, to ensure your cat or dog does not catch or eat a rodent that has been poisoned. Severe side effects can result from rodenticides, for the rodents, your furbabies, and even wildlife. So, please do all that you can to avoid their use.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-58252675287316939232024-03-05T09:47:00.003-06:002024-03-05T09:47:52.755-06:00Tonks Tuesday: A Selfie Attempt<p>Today, calico Tonks would like to ask you all how she did in her recent selfie attempt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZCW2CRtqFcAly2ffGlk-aG1DizqiJbgza4JtF1yD6DuxCZnLvIkVZA_P7k4dyExQ_0qrGlnJY81XB9M6dlIcMh0kz2ecLeCZV4tFoK7evmPVmQDvvy7A-LWUh5JPXVON2YJ63SvzTwY8_e-8uj4nQ8VBmW8KDk4AYLuiISCfbZ6cCZGywlmSMupgjDX/s4160/IMG_20210725_134250618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeZCW2CRtqFcAly2ffGlk-aG1DizqiJbgza4JtF1yD6DuxCZnLvIkVZA_P7k4dyExQ_0qrGlnJY81XB9M6dlIcMh0kz2ecLeCZV4tFoK7evmPVmQDvvy7A-LWUh5JPXVON2YJ63SvzTwY8_e-8uj4nQ8VBmW8KDk4AYLuiISCfbZ6cCZGywlmSMupgjDX/w640-h480/IMG_20210725_134250618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In case you're curious what all you're seeing there, Tonks was sitting on a wooden rocking chair. Her arm is going through the arm of the chair. She apparently thought that made for quite a nice selfie setup. What do you think? Of course, Tonks already knows she's adorable.<div><br /></div><div>Happy Tuesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br />We still have a couple of new winter doodles to share, so here you go.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SRcEtbnHjjDgbeLMsROzIAw0j_Ueo2iMr66itp7QqeS0BgXiae4tN028OLs6ch0sVdiG_tx1mBQ5w_83FmszZF4btMp4UOcuJYekZ2YXt37FLpY_LhVLHxzMz34bnjiMK2_QVYJPFKYzUo9dFqZWzW5i9tk9HGuPdeod7sAJNTy7WssZBesT97Q5D_m9/s2309/Feline%20Figure%20Skating%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2309" data-original-width="2191" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SRcEtbnHjjDgbeLMsROzIAw0j_Ueo2iMr66itp7QqeS0BgXiae4tN028OLs6ch0sVdiG_tx1mBQ5w_83FmszZF4btMp4UOcuJYekZ2YXt37FLpY_LhVLHxzMz34bnjiMK2_QVYJPFKYzUo9dFqZWzW5i9tk9HGuPdeod7sAJNTy7WssZBesT97Q5D_m9/w608-h640/Feline%20Figure%20Skating%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i><br /><br />Yesterday, we discussed being aware of your furbaby's safety around potentially hazardous plants. Today, as yet another tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month, we're giving a reminder to also be careful of other dangers that might come with those plants. When outside with your pup or kitty, always be cognizant of the fact that some areas may have been treated with fertilizers, weed killers, and pesticides. Depending on their ingredients, such garden substances can potentially affect the intestinal tract, respiratory system, the mucosal membranes of the eyes and nose, or the skin. So, try to avoid using such garden treatments in your yard and around your home, or ensure that any treated areas are kept off limits to your pups and kitties. Also be careful when you are away from home and in areas with which you are not familiar, including strangers' yards and public parks, as you do not know what types of plant or lawn treatments may have been used in such places.<br /><br />In addition, if you do use any form of fertilizer, weed killer, or pesticide, always be cautious where you store it. Make sure that it is in an areas that your furbaby cannot reach. And yet another consideration to make is the possibility of your furbaby or yourself unknowingly walking through a treated area while outside. Therefore, after a stroll outside, you might consider wiping off your furbaby's paws, as well as your shoes, to help ensure that nothing unknown is left lingering and entering the home. We can't say it enough times—it's better to be safe than sorry.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-17220344976551461482024-03-04T10:12:00.000-06:002024-03-04T10:12:00.189-06:00Mancat Monday: The War of the Ear Wages OnHello, friends! I'm sorry for going AWOL for yet another weekend. Truth be told, Evan has had me all shades of anxious since the end of last week. His aural (ear) hematoma is noticeably shrinking and resolving itself, and the ear infection he developed in the midst of that has now all cleared up after two rounds of antibiotics. That said, his ear is still enlarged and misshapen and just not really normal yet. I can tell the itching and floppy nature of the ear as it heals is irritating him more now than it was even just a week ago. The fact that his paralyzed back legs can't kick at it is probably a good thing, but I think his inability to thoroughly itch his ear is also quite obnoxious to him.<br /><br />Poor Evan spent a big chunk of this weekend under my bed after his ear seemingly started itching quite intensely. While he seemed to enjoy my attempts to help him itch it, that still didn't fully appease him or his ear. Thankfully, after this morning's dose of his daily meds, which include gabapentin that usually helps calm him, he started acting much more like himself again.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8RPJyVcLq67lMu9PP9YmQsV-tp77M8oAl6uIRpWH3N_oo1A5K4shch-QuhvVQZIYcu_9QrQH_ooHOdjbRF8BtcjB3G8QDsZveCTutgmqzcT-0hlfED565EUE2-7qmqHkzi_Hvc9l5DlxYCP65HVV1kXTMciTgesm2Mj-Jg3dWSrRj4ty3XXMpylPVYLn/s4160/IMG_20240304_073016088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8RPJyVcLq67lMu9PP9YmQsV-tp77M8oAl6uIRpWH3N_oo1A5K4shch-QuhvVQZIYcu_9QrQH_ooHOdjbRF8BtcjB3G8QDsZveCTutgmqzcT-0hlfED565EUE2-7qmqHkzi_Hvc9l5DlxYCP65HVV1kXTMciTgesm2Mj-Jg3dWSrRj4ty3XXMpylPVYLn/w480-h640/IMG_20240304_073016088.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I snapped that low quality photo a couple of hours ago. Evan only scratches his beloved scratcher when he's feeling happy and active, so it warmed my heart to see him do that this morning, especially after he hid under my bed nearly all of yesterday.<br /><br />Evan also gave me lots of cuddles this morning, and he did his favorite thing of rubbing all over my feet and legs. The only shot I got of that was a thoroughly blurry blooper, but even so, here you go.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjan7Rd6DhUx5udMEa8edz6T-FuBKXTjvXCHkXsTcAqhNGTcGVCRiv42nrjYSr0AaiCilXJDldhxdwIXP44TXHBoF2KttgBcgPIgzAeu4Gilv9hNhPmLr7BRJqKxthx29j-noO4On32DzAdlXFcqNV2cp4YP5RI5VaI08gjohjKxcppKPN0LcZYHgiHRNMv/s4160/IMG_20240304_073353129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjan7Rd6DhUx5udMEa8edz6T-FuBKXTjvXCHkXsTcAqhNGTcGVCRiv42nrjYSr0AaiCilXJDldhxdwIXP44TXHBoF2KttgBcgPIgzAeu4Gilv9hNhPmLr7BRJqKxthx29j-noO4On32DzAdlXFcqNV2cp4YP5RI5VaI08gjohjKxcppKPN0LcZYHgiHRNMv/w480-h640/IMG_20240304_073353129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Poor Evan was so happy, finally, and then I shoved him in a carrier for his grooming appointment today. Don't worry, though, he'll get lots of cuddles later today to make up for it. He also might get a second dose of gabapentin to help take the edge off of his ear problems. Either way, I can't wait to get home from work and spend the evening with my boy.<br /><br />Happy Monday, friends!<br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I still have a couple of new winter doodles to share. While it technically is still winter until later this month, it's going to be 75°F today and so sharing this doodle feels strange. Even so, here's a wacky winter doodle I recently scribbled up. It even stars my boy Evan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS4DujKK1LzqtgAimmL9lBVJ_w4K7kNg6D_GTcj_ppBogMiR3wNK3kI3OMH0euR7W4_dFkd7LU37Y01kGlcSOyBzFUD30OZnIZK6cae63sdKs1W57xzD0lrHxgNBj86dDE__54dgRf8PgZ5XePGy1l5U4Rjh0agVImAIT3ezTke8CPj4scqwnUtTHlst1/s2532/Spooky%20Sweater%20Weather%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="2424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS4DujKK1LzqtgAimmL9lBVJ_w4K7kNg6D_GTcj_ppBogMiR3wNK3kI3OMH0euR7W4_dFkd7LU37Y01kGlcSOyBzFUD30OZnIZK6cae63sdKs1W57xzD0lrHxgNBj86dDE__54dgRf8PgZ5XePGy1l5U4Rjh0agVImAIT3ezTke8CPj4scqwnUtTHlst1/w612-h640/Spooky%20Sweater%20Weather%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Spring is just around the corner, and that means blooms and blossoms will start to make appearances, and in some areas already have. As beautiful as it is, though, don't forget that this season can also come with dangers. That's why today's tip for National Pet Poison Awareness Month is to keep in mind that some of the plants blooming this time of year can indeed be poisonous to your pups and kitties. These include, but are not limited to, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, crocus, azaleas, and lilies. Of course, there are plants that bloom during other parts of the year that are also toxic, so be aware of this year round.</div><div><br /></div><div>Try to keep your furbaby from chomping on any questionable plants, keeping an especially close eye when out on walks or in unfamiliar areas. In your own yard, block off your furbaby's access to areas that contain plants, in order to avoid the ingestion of any potentially toxic ones. If you think your furbaby might have snacked on a dangerous plant or begins displaying signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, or lethargy, seek veterinary assistance immediately. The beauties of spring can indeed bring their fair share of dangers, so always be aware of your furbaby's safety around the plants that are blooming.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-30101692875974239282024-03-01T10:27:00.000-06:002024-03-01T10:27:25.741-06:00Seussical Friendly Fill-Ins and Adorable EddyIt's time for the Friendly Fill-Ins, and we'd love for you to join us. This week's is a special edition inspired by Dr. Seuss, since his birthday is March 2. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two of these bookish fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br /><br />1. My favorite place to read is _________.<br /><br />2. My favorite genre to read is _________.<br /><br />3. _________ is a book I could read over and over again.<br /><br />4. The book _________ inspired me to _________.<br /><br /><br />My answers are below in <b>bold</b>.<br /><br />1. My favorite place to read is <b>anywhere that Evan is by my side</b>.<br />(Obviously, I'll more than happily read with any of my kitties or my pup by my side. Wherever they are is where I'm happiest, which is why my home is my happy place. Evan is simply my biggest shadow who is most often attached to me, so he got to headline this fill-in. I do take my Kindle to work and read while on my lunch break, and I'll also read if I'm a passenger in a car. But, I will always prefer reading when snuggling Evan on the couch, when cuddling kitties before falling asleep in bed, and even when in the back yard with Astrid where Evan sometimes asks to be wrapped in a blanket on my lap on the porch.)<br /><br />2. My favorite genre to read is <b>fantasy</b>.<br />(I love when a book is an escape from reality, and I also love all things magical, which is probably why fantasy is indeed my favorite genre. I can also thank my dad for this, which I'll address in the next fill-in as well.)<br /><br />3. <b><i>The Hobbit</i> by J.R.R. Tolkien</b> is a book I could read over and over again.<br />(I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this story many times over the years on my blog, but here's a quick version again. When I was 4 or so years old, my dad read <i>The Hobbit</i> to my sister and myself as a bedtime story. I also grew up with a map of Tolkien's land Middle-earth in my playroom. All of that was like a gateway into fantasy for me, and I've loved it ever since. <i>The Hobbit</i> will always hold a very special place for me.)<br /><br />4. The book <b>I'm reading at any given moment</b> inspired me to <b>write and create</b>.<br />(I intended on picking a specific book for this answer, but when it came to it, I couldn't settle on one. If I'm reading a book from beginning to end, it's because I in some way enjoy it. The only time I've ever forced myself to finish a book I was not enjoying was when I was in school. And if I'm enjoying reading something, there's usually something about it that will inspire me to write stories myself, as that is a passion of mine. Also, the books I especially enjoy reading tend to inspire me to doodle up fan art or other certain imagery from the story.)<br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click <a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313509&type=thumbnail" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You can also click on the badge below to add your link.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313509&type=thumbnail" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="500" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKdObzJfOcRxGtd4Abn_lChgS7pV2Y74wFUG4gXH3VUW0t6tYJHWtcgZBTUvKoKU4rlJuZos-f2NAw_B93TvCqsQmjSZ2vhT2HuzNWVmBxygBy0zY9oLMU6ywDlbe1czlZzjmGzj_O0qKLMi6lI9k0aCARpGJL_0F9ntcHQrHZt0lRW5B-xsp04Zp7Aqt/w640-h314/FRIENDLY%20FILL%20INS%20for%202.29.2024%20one%20time%20use%20only.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">or in the comments on Ellen's blog, <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div>Are you ready for your Eddy fix? You are? Good, because Eddy's ready to show off her adorable self.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIc847MmR0kjFbW_0HBxhtSQ7PxH6f5xcxLDzLLbKi6vkFq8RhIJlYRjSCuuRzi7OH7mv4z0mTpKpinuDE15HualNqR8d42H50fU7UXgWd0GsXTwMttLPMixhEveoSSLI0E5DwFbI_TyIkOnUP5qP7YLgKwxuFBcfYOJ0TwEKcYeSVubulLqLlRw-egl9/s4160/IMG_20210220_102542615_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIc847MmR0kjFbW_0HBxhtSQ7PxH6f5xcxLDzLLbKi6vkFq8RhIJlYRjSCuuRzi7OH7mv4z0mTpKpinuDE15HualNqR8d42H50fU7UXgWd0GsXTwMttLPMixhEveoSSLI0E5DwFbI_TyIkOnUP5qP7YLgKwxuFBcfYOJ0TwEKcYeSVubulLqLlRw-egl9/w640-h480/IMG_20210220_102542615_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />You can try tickling that tummy if you'd like. There's a 50/50 chance it's a trap. Either way, Eddy hopes seeing her adorable face and tummy helped make your Friday fantastic!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: left;"><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTT14dTlqtI49AuGRGn_gphVw0IYoVZ0_n7djPbaZrrPrI2nvSlHo8tyVwKO9g7ZCDpWYpgKR3M_mj0jgO5gGnx5Rvk3BJWs7E094-_o11vsBc_IP_a644qe7UY6SmLTbDUmGFYFrV5Vpo9tjnLCPuLCYqbhYqEBhzYi-_5aUcGzUk-aW8TwvAYFe1Z3W/s2048/Dr.%20Seuss%20Day%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTT14dTlqtI49AuGRGn_gphVw0IYoVZ0_n7djPbaZrrPrI2nvSlHo8tyVwKO9g7ZCDpWYpgKR3M_mj0jgO5gGnx5Rvk3BJWs7E094-_o11vsBc_IP_a644qe7UY6SmLTbDUmGFYFrV5Vpo9tjnLCPuLCYqbhYqEBhzYi-_5aUcGzUk-aW8TwvAYFe1Z3W/w640-h416/Dr.%20Seuss%20Day%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">***</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">We're yet again going to be repeating a series of tips we've given in the past. This is because the topic at hand is an important one. After all, <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">March is Pet Poison Awareness Month, and so we'll be giving some tips relating to this over the next couple of weeks. We'll begin with a simple one. For today, we just want to remind you to always have a plan for an emergency, of course including the possibility of your furbaby ingesting some form of toxic material. This could be chocolate, a poisonous plant, human medication, or even an item such as a battery. Being prepared would include knowing where to take your furbaby, as quickly as possible, in the event that they consume anything poisonous. For example, if the trip to your regular veterinarian is not a quick drive, then perhaps have another backup clinic in mind, one that is closer, in the event that you need to get your furbaby help in a very timely manner.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Along this same line of thought, also make sure you know the nearest emergency veterinary clinic, especially for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Have the phone number and address of said clinic handy, such as in your phone or on your refrigerator. What's more, we may not always think of this, but also try to be knowledgeable of how to get to any clinic you might need, before you might need to get there in a pinch. If need be, bookmark or print out directions to nearby clinics and keep them somewhere accessible. This way, should your furbaby get into anything poisonous, you can hop in the car and get help without delay. As we always say, it's better to be safe than sorry.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-1422738553102434902024-02-29T06:07:00.000-06:002024-02-29T06:07:24.776-06:00Thoroughly Poetic Thankful Thimble Thursday: The Whole Package<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Hello and happy Thursday, friends! We have the whole package going on today, in more ways than one. First of all, since we're nearing the birthday of none other than Dr. Seuss, I wanted to make sure I participated in <a href="https://onespoiledcat.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday</a> challenge.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://onespoiledcat.wordpress.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="651" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kDtURaO2zatYr1dwAkA41Pj1gQuT4NQ2qYXE_6UII1A4QwBg4T8jUSXZs8WxmrTNLHA6-Wjy6R5D7E06ckiBebLALLf_52TwbMwNBZyfmKj7JVjH3t0ftEJhXudcKoU4-iccemCQlvj3FSrHzz7BbINfDut0Ipibw0m38_Mojj2rBXvCOAvHVxUNJYFo/w400-h300/sams-poetrycorner-logo2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As always, our poetic host shared a photo prompt to get us inspired. This week's prompt is this slightly frightening one here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSVeaOh5rUlOgBjR3qTqSkjXarb3gBHTuGX-QBphsRMOpXtSbGZWGcnfd26x79weaHtNReGEld-xI-sFPcpz0xIHvEhCO4iEqfvGhOoctIinOrx3GPNykW1yoENkDSlhhvBur4xssEUelrN14FtJnL29r_7JyhUAS9lR0WPqkBfLayVNWFpBADCeuuLTG/s652/photopoemfeb28-2024.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="652" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSVeaOh5rUlOgBjR3qTqSkjXarb3gBHTuGX-QBphsRMOpXtSbGZWGcnfd26x79weaHtNReGEld-xI-sFPcpz0xIHvEhCO4iEqfvGhOoctIinOrx3GPNykW1yoENkDSlhhvBur4xssEUelrN14FtJnL29r_7JyhUAS9lR0WPqkBfLayVNWFpBADCeuuLTG/w640-h426/photopoemfeb28-2024.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My poem is admittedly a short one this time around, but here it is nonetheless, followed by a little illustration to go along with it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You won't find me rafting on those white waves.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No you will not, nope, there is positively no way.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though there is one thing you'll find me doing today,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And that is dashing through the snow on a no-horse sleigh.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Actually, no, that's not the truth, nay.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I'll just watch someone else zip down a hill with a distant "Hooray!"</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F33E9XgCqLw67UaVUKRf42YumJKiV2mSo0sBXoQc9CWUgOziu3Clvv2LhatOiIJVDHCZapuIEJrvMeVPof7VzAmva_3smKAibRWDCf7QP6ZVpvbwwOka_v9t9pRPDtGVpSmWS-nnTHL6WZ8vw54sf5jrWe4nyUhJgn6dc_IZ24M_EN39cBSVpDEwWS_b/s2622/Snow%20Globe%20Friends%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1878" data-original-width="2622" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F33E9XgCqLw67UaVUKRf42YumJKiV2mSo0sBXoQc9CWUgOziu3Clvv2LhatOiIJVDHCZapuIEJrvMeVPof7VzAmva_3smKAibRWDCf7QP6ZVpvbwwOka_v9t9pRPDtGVpSmWS-nnTHL6WZ8vw54sf5jrWe4nyUhJgn6dc_IZ24M_EN39cBSVpDEwWS_b/w640-h458/Snow%20Globe%20Friends%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">***<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Now, of course, Thimble is ready for <a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop</a>.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxSaDsAXT-qv10PhXasqrAhcH7E6VSgxg5_klgy3QoJwdluza0V7aUvAEhKFybwSQC5_9l8YWsUj_IdIWVACqV9-t57dJAvCO5s8rzfL98yugXr_Rc2bSyjXqh_TXxjganAy2dUDqWiUQbBWpqkqIyLqHNVQRRFuXh2gli-aY1cZoPbqznlZtbczlCYru/w400-h400/Thankful%20Thursday.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Today, Thimble is grateful that she herself can enjoy the whole package. What does that mean? Well, it means that Thimble herself is of course the whole package, what with her adorable face and its gorgeous eyes and it's cute little nose and her great big adorable ears and her majestic whiskers, and you get the idea. Not to mention, on this particular day, Thimble also got to enjoy sunshine and a fleece blanket. Everything was just right, and Thimble is so very thankful for that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hLbRnBFfqLwHhAScx07WxpPH251u59gyy9UgghN7sxrWhhhkcNsDLO1y532BxTiJteW8jELzpZP-MsDzMrQoQoq7H5WgGaV1HAqtliCqz3yJzn5z83jLtb3HKoAOddq2jignnO4W0SBot5gUYfbYjal5zuw6st18pzsA5cXcEEOFOH7DVdcA-pj2e2sT/s4160/IMG_20240225_082317788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hLbRnBFfqLwHhAScx07WxpPH251u59gyy9UgghN7sxrWhhhkcNsDLO1y532BxTiJteW8jELzpZP-MsDzMrQoQoq7H5WgGaV1HAqtliCqz3yJzn5z83jLtb3HKoAOddq2jignnO4W0SBot5gUYfbYjal5zuw6st18pzsA5cXcEEOFOH7DVdcA-pj2e2sT/w640-h480/IMG_20240225_082317788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyQZjRhxxzWDba52IDMmcJ5LBGzB0ijtMC0vgtY4YzBMiQ2fBVGZPNQDHqmck48Gojxmljc_eX11cfqkThmRqPTt1X_-udEZGfHILnWClME1KvoLLNWGCvz_NvhCqpVjfWlrgZ2jOcyJ8zpxX0RLz6VfV4BTrJnnLbCbg-V6mlydtULsOyxMyU7iqp3Be/s4160/IMG_20240225_082321997.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyQZjRhxxzWDba52IDMmcJ5LBGzB0ijtMC0vgtY4YzBMiQ2fBVGZPNQDHqmck48Gojxmljc_eX11cfqkThmRqPTt1X_-udEZGfHILnWClME1KvoLLNWGCvz_NvhCqpVjfWlrgZ2jOcyJ8zpxX0RLz6VfV4BTrJnnLbCbg-V6mlydtULsOyxMyU7iqp3Be/w640-h480/IMG_20240225_082321997.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thimble hopes you all get to enjoy lots of wonderful things yourself today!</div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div>Now, we're also here to share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. This week is a bit different, though, because it's a special event in honor of Dr. Seuss, whose birthday is on March 2.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc8fZQhgFNLVkKgZTcvY16QyXJAWk3SGCCELPM-nwFX1dzc8GLiybmxQRxEqKJG54p56SqQOUrGAxzfjwO1SHUNhntSS9ygUwPmpV_az4zA0ui3S_DrEAYJGcs3VMC6snkMwBlp93R0EVUI9-CLYRfiqkZp8uETY6nlF0Zvnh-5X4xrivtBxocRDjUR90/s500/FRIENDLY%20FILL%20INS%20for%202.29.2024%20one%20time%20use%20only.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="500" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGc8fZQhgFNLVkKgZTcvY16QyXJAWk3SGCCELPM-nwFX1dzc8GLiybmxQRxEqKJG54p56SqQOUrGAxzfjwO1SHUNhntSS9ygUwPmpV_az4zA0ui3S_DrEAYJGcs3VMC6snkMwBlp93R0EVUI9-CLYRfiqkZp8uETY6nlF0Zvnh-5X4xrivtBxocRDjUR90/w640-h314/FRIENDLY%20FILL%20INS%20for%202.29.2024%20one%20time%20use%20only.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, are you ready for this week's bookish fill-ins? My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two..<div><br /><p></p><p>1. My favorite place to read is _________.<br /><br />2. My favorite genre to read is _________.<br /><br />3. _________ is a book I could read over and over again.<br /><br />4. The book _________ inspired me to _________.<br /><br /><br />We'll see you tomorrow, when we fill in these bookish fill-ins, friends!<br /><span style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Tip of the Day</i><p></p><p></p><p></p><div>Today is the last day of National Cat Health Month. For our final tip, we're closing out our discussion on medication administration with subcutaneous injections. This topic might sound scary, but with some practice, and perhaps a cooperative kitty, you can become a pro at it.</div><div><br /></div><div>First and foremost, ensure that you and your kitty are as comfortable and ready as possible for injection time. This may indeed take trial and error. It may also take time for your kitty to become accustomed to injections. One option is to have your cat sit on your lap. You can place a towel or blanket on your lap, as an added protection against claws. Placing your kitty on a table, counter, or even the back of a sturdy chair or couch are other potential options. If you have a helper, they can try to hold your kitty, with said kitty wrapped in a blanket or towel if needed, while you give the injection.</div><div><br /></div><div>That being said, before getting too far ahead of yourself, make sure that you properly prepare the syringe and needle. If you have any questions regarding the use of a syringe and needle, of course ask your veterinarian, or even request a demonstration. Once you get used to it, it's really not as scary as it seems. With the needle and syringe ready, depending on the medication being injected, be sure to shake, roll, and invert the bottle as needed. Then, of course, using the needle and syringe, draw up the prescribed dosage.</div><div><br /></div><div>Giving a cat a subcutaneous injection is often best done in the skin near their shoulders. Sometimes, if needed, it can also be given in the skin of the legs, near the hipbones. Before giving the injection, you will need to "tent" your kitty's skin. In other words, pick up the skin between your thumb and index finger. If you are right-handed, you can do this with your left hand, so that you can give the injection with your right hand. While preparing to inject, try to keep the needle more or less parallel to the cat's back, as going in at too much of an angle could lead to issues such as going through the skin on the side or hitting muscle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, with the needle parallel to the back, you will want to give the injection in the "tent" of skin that you've formed by pulling up the skin. Push the needle into the skin firmly enough to slide the needle through, but not so hard that the needle ends up going through the skin on other side, or that the syringe slams against your cat's tented skin. Again, this all might sound scary, but the more times you do this, the more you you will get the feel of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, obviously, you will inject the medication. Push the syringe's plunger, making sure that you don't wiggle the syringe and needle too much while you do this. Depending on how you feel most comfortable holding the syringe, you will typically be pressing the plunger with either your index finger or thumb. Once you have given the injection, slide the needle back out, place the safety cap on it, and safely dispose of it. Check to make sure that there is no moisture on your cat's back, which might indicate that the needle either went through to the other side, or that it did not go in at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Related to this, if you are giving subcutaneous fluids, such as for a kitty with kidney disease, the general procedure will be very much the same, but the fluids will take longer to complete. You will inject the needle in the same manner as mentioned above, but your kitty will need to remain in place for minutes at a time. So, be sure that both you and your kitty are comfortable before beginning subcutaneous fluids administration. Also be sure that you follow other instructions for giving fluids at home, including warming the fluids bag, ensuring the line has been tested, and so forth. Veterinarians will most often give a demonstration on fluid administration before having you do it on your own. Of course, never be afraid to ask your veterinarian any questions that you have regarding any form of medication administration.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-42291127010150407802024-02-28T10:15:00.000-06:002024-02-28T10:15:05.644-06:00Adventures with Astrid: Pawprints in the Snow<p>We're about to exit February, and though it's been 70°F most of this week so far, we wanted to make sure we shared with you one of pup Astrid's snowy walks from a couple weeks ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr38IeQJMWaP6UJQyrnMlmDkXoC13CRqb8NtvZ7F6J-mnMlt2u88Mq2eGMbyFtDvF5QAHBIt-gKi3NnWsrDeMqIqQazM_9FFtEbJxuXrZfUdqyVqHuGo7oetAHonMoIX-eyqmYSJD8r8ZTXlSqIt5DFBFYLpGuC4hFqqwqGZlGfeCe5rQigr53DHKpjetT/s4160/IMG_20240119_081254267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr38IeQJMWaP6UJQyrnMlmDkXoC13CRqb8NtvZ7F6J-mnMlt2u88Mq2eGMbyFtDvF5QAHBIt-gKi3NnWsrDeMqIqQazM_9FFtEbJxuXrZfUdqyVqHuGo7oetAHonMoIX-eyqmYSJD8r8ZTXlSqIt5DFBFYLpGuC4hFqqwqGZlGfeCe5rQigr53DHKpjetT/w480-h640/IMG_20240119_081254267.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>If you look at the creek in the distance of that photo above, you'll see a heron as well as some ducks in the water. Astrid was very intrigued by the feathered friends.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_eHZNBS7UbRbJ4M48p1cwbUDAF58icL9wgGyQlAknL32oJZeMxTTqaDk8G6PhbKRmRC3t_9eTfSoptfg_Mz0qlaQxoIhgSd4CosEh2emqbNaiz1yFO2ZFaHVcmIl3gY-6MApk8503sAk2uLcqFrY80FviKvA1z2pljQL0ctBhJZZZpgcqloWFGMlgiDK/s4160/IMG_20240119_081248723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_eHZNBS7UbRbJ4M48p1cwbUDAF58icL9wgGyQlAknL32oJZeMxTTqaDk8G6PhbKRmRC3t_9eTfSoptfg_Mz0qlaQxoIhgSd4CosEh2emqbNaiz1yFO2ZFaHVcmIl3gY-6MApk8503sAk2uLcqFrY80FviKvA1z2pljQL0ctBhJZZZpgcqloWFGMlgiDK/w480-h640/IMG_20240119_081248723.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>One of my favorite parts of this walk, though, was getting photos of Astrid's adorable pawprints in the snow.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc9zxCNgzUJG5XSZLre3VZmqf-XQFHlz1W30LVebvwBc5wz1C70xG8uY-h9lB66fxejQ_4FLn3PrwjDK0LWuEPxwPTQc89puQ7whyphenhyphenwafPsQ0JNa94DiOa1521joQKkJQe7nXld63dYp7HO2nzSpgDKIZ6CgqLLWSlkwmlUioN8i0Kc9_RXk7M2_V_2JBL/s4160/IMG_20240119_080411400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc9zxCNgzUJG5XSZLre3VZmqf-XQFHlz1W30LVebvwBc5wz1C70xG8uY-h9lB66fxejQ_4FLn3PrwjDK0LWuEPxwPTQc89puQ7whyphenhyphenwafPsQ0JNa94DiOa1521joQKkJQe7nXld63dYp7HO2nzSpgDKIZ6CgqLLWSlkwmlUioN8i0Kc9_RXk7M2_V_2JBL/w480-h640/IMG_20240119_080411400.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Do you see anything a bit odd about one of those pawprints?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq6GtOvwO2TlGRPdx64vdO-Vx3phAOKCfRnN9ed9lYj22kxMMw5OXKXPW04y9invv6B_vLX3ICmkBeurQX7PSbuVof-Hs5SxEsdqWIf5AuYryS0oQQ0P5lt78S5KF1mPfE61_vus32JgqrMrlFJuLjjYVnjNzeUKDFA2HKQiKnTsguzCuXAFA3hsKuceP/s4160/IMG_20240119_080425082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq6GtOvwO2TlGRPdx64vdO-Vx3phAOKCfRnN9ed9lYj22kxMMw5OXKXPW04y9invv6B_vLX3ICmkBeurQX7PSbuVof-Hs5SxEsdqWIf5AuYryS0oQQ0P5lt78S5KF1mPfE61_vus32JgqrMrlFJuLjjYVnjNzeUKDFA2HKQiKnTsguzCuXAFA3hsKuceP/w480-h640/IMG_20240119_080425082.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For anyone who might not know or remember, Astrid's back right foot only has three toes. She lost the outer right one to cancer back in 2017. She's been cancer-free since, and now she just has an extra special and extra cute pawprint.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I scribbled up a special doodle for Astrid on her birthday last week. It includes homages to her love of snow as well as her love of ice cream.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zDJ3wz6MpwLhzPGDVeGwiXrHOeK9u4hoMB3iBwve5cflR4NES41-8CJ5D5BKlJxBwwPcbwGlncZI0plB5-3M67KHBC8ywQSOPuP78A2lyQs5MlHPXalQnQV85xuIPo4YcjjcLQrRYmtxXdSImcmo2-fJ3Xaunlytcn57-IPj9a_PUWoA1nRnQafW9X-t/s2504/Astrid's%20Sweet%20Sweater%20Weather%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="2334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zDJ3wz6MpwLhzPGDVeGwiXrHOeK9u4hoMB3iBwve5cflR4NES41-8CJ5D5BKlJxBwwPcbwGlncZI0plB5-3M67KHBC8ywQSOPuP78A2lyQs5MlHPXalQnQV85xuIPo4YcjjcLQrRYmtxXdSImcmo2-fJ3Xaunlytcn57-IPj9a_PUWoA1nRnQafW9X-t/w596-h640/Astrid's%20Sweet%20Sweater%20Weather%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><p><i>Tip of the Day</i><br /><i><br /></i><span id="goog_360797448">Yesterday, we gave a lengthy tip on administering oral medications to your kitty. Today, we're here to give a lengthy tip on the ins and outs of transdermal medications. Transdermal medications are those applied to and absorbed through the skin. A number of medications can be given this way, such as methimazole (for the treatment of hyperthyroidism) and even famotidine (Pepcid), just to name a couple. If you will be administering transdermal medication for your kitty, of course read the directions as prescribed by your veterinarian, and discuss with your veterinarian any concerns that you have.</span><br /><br />So, transdermal medication has to be applied to, obviously, the skin. It is best applied to skin that is clean, free from as much as hair as possible, and where your kitty cannot easily lick or reach. This makes the pinna (the flap of the ear) an ideal place for applying transdermal medication.<br /><br />To actually apply the transdermal medication, ensure that you are wearing gloves. As its name suggests, this type of medication does indeed absorb through the skin, and that includes your own skin as well as that of your kitty. If your kitty is on transdermal thyroid medication, for example, using your bare hand to apply it could lead to unwanted effects on your own endocrine system. So, put on disposable gloves, which are sometimes even provided with the prescription. You can also buy latex finger cots, which are essentially gloves for just one finger. You can then use that one covered finger to apply the medication.<br /><br />When you and your kitty are ready and your hand is gloved, place the medication on your gloved finger. Transdermal medication is typically provided in pre-filled syringes, from which you can eject intended dosages. Sometimes it is suggested that you squirt the medication onto your index finger, but, ultimately, place it on whichever digit works best for you and for effective administration. I, personally, find it easiest to use my thumb.<br /><br />Now, when you have the medication on your gloved finger, apply it to the upper to middle part of the pinna of the ear and rub it in. Again, this medication is easily absorbed through the skin, and so excess being left behind is not ideal. So, rub it in as thoroughly as possible, which of course will also ensure that your kitty is receiving his or her full dosage.<br /><br />Once you have rubbed the medication in, you can dispose of your glove. For optimum safety, you can clean it off first, such as with soap and water, and/or you can remove it with the aid of a paper towel. When you dispose of the glove, of course be sure to do so in a receptacle where it cannot be easily removed by any curious paws or hands. Also be sure that you put the syringes of medication away somewhere safe.<br /><br />All of that being said, of course try to make the medication administration process as comfortable as possible for both your kitty and yourself. You can try to do apply transdermal medications when your kitty is relaxed, as long as you are prepared and are able to safely do so without getting any of the medication on yourself or anywhere else besides your kitty's ear. You can also, of course, use treats as a reward. Just as with oral medication administration, you can use a partner-in-crime if needed, or a blanket or towel to help keep your kitty still and safe. Sometimes it takes trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your kitty, and there's nothing wrong with that.</p>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-83606820632951028472024-02-27T10:22:00.006-06:002024-02-27T10:22:34.717-06:00Tonks Tuesday: The Art and the Artist<p>Today, Tonks would like to show you all a little masterpiece she created. Her canvas was none other than the window blinds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGAEcX1rPYKYR30EgiY4tlVSNTHp1QvRbgw92Z_OidlGwSwCzvsESys0qdivDzbjkCWDBcinF23BkbqNUrS6KZEAQ9NsZfbc9ENdBKtSAEbkaAoYR8hIl0Y000mRWBtKZ5l8BTWXBK_brlE-_qFmth5JLeCHwmIRowa5x8UoTtVZtr2NOzuDUDmqvZtLr/s4160/IMG_20240211_093634571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGAEcX1rPYKYR30EgiY4tlVSNTHp1QvRbgw92Z_OidlGwSwCzvsESys0qdivDzbjkCWDBcinF23BkbqNUrS6KZEAQ9NsZfbc9ENdBKtSAEbkaAoYR8hIl0Y000mRWBtKZ5l8BTWXBK_brlE-_qFmth5JLeCHwmIRowa5x8UoTtVZtr2NOzuDUDmqvZtLr/w480-h640/IMG_20240211_093634571.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Tonks always admires her works of art. They are, after all, things of beauty.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaofR-6KKrEBhY2lcgA6UDas-_KcozYs2PHqlov6tfkeQXvPnBAIqFCwZk1Nq5eejVa2IPABaFgtw0mfRamUlRvZC57LULHzpjcy7XK2rWG8DXy6681ntH5y4WRy2prEiTVE38wkuEhV8KLC_q7dvwXztKyg4V3fwNZ7te14zKliO9T6n6uKu41uUI4cx/s4160/IMG_20240211_093630252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaofR-6KKrEBhY2lcgA6UDas-_KcozYs2PHqlov6tfkeQXvPnBAIqFCwZk1Nq5eejVa2IPABaFgtw0mfRamUlRvZC57LULHzpjcy7XK2rWG8DXy6681ntH5y4WRy2prEiTVE38wkuEhV8KLC_q7dvwXztKyg4V3fwNZ7te14zKliO9T6n6uKu41uUI4cx/w480-h640/IMG_20240211_093630252.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Tonks hopes you all create some art today as well. Happy Tuesday!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Doodle of the Day</i></div></i><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today's doodle is one I completed around Valentine's Day, but I obviously didn't share it then. It's another weird one to share, given that it involves some snow and yet it's 70°F here in our corner of the world today. Even so, here you go.<br /><br /></div></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNvIGINsyNihozpuWk_QUTtzCZX-0W3Rdyz6oTwM9aLdD4EoyXGJeKGmmc5jpry4xgd2H9KCb6lGO4zqQFXsZv24MC_SXv9KVMKEg0J1uljTZbJouGb13wXHoVLJybrZqwguJ987uzgmVrg5xyS5eDoMsWsYW0IXeyqoHihfpELQnzET3kwf_sQ5lnIry/s2473/Love%20Non%20Birds%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="2473" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNvIGINsyNihozpuWk_QUTtzCZX-0W3Rdyz6oTwM9aLdD4EoyXGJeKGmmc5jpry4xgd2H9KCb6lGO4zqQFXsZv24MC_SXv9KVMKEg0J1uljTZbJouGb13wXHoVLJybrZqwguJ987uzgmVrg5xyS5eDoMsWsYW0IXeyqoHihfpELQnzET3kwf_sQ5lnIry/w640-h476/Love%20Non%20Birds%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We have three days left of National Cat Heath Month. For these last couple of days, we'll be discussing some methods for administering medication to that kitty of yours. We'll be starting today with oral medications. This is going to be a long one, so kudos to anyone who makes it to the end.</div><div><br /></div><div>To begin, if your kitty is prescribed a medication in the form of a pill, tablet, or capsule, there are a number of methods for attempting administration. If possible, and if your kitty is open to the idea, you can use pill pockets or another form of treat in which to hide the medication, and then your kitty might simply eat it up that way. Sometimes pills, tablets, or capsules can also be hidden in a bowl of moist food. If it is small enough, the entire pill can be left intact and hidden whole in the food. Or, some pills can be crushed and then stirred in and masked by the moist food. That being said, some pills, tablets, and capsules are not as effective or sometimes not truly safe to crush and expose in this way, so always ask your veterinarian first regarding this method. </div><div><br /></div><div>If a kitty will not voluntarily ingest a pill in the above ways, though, then you may very well have to manually pill your cat. First and foremost, be gentle with this method, and make sure your kitty is as comfortable as possible, and of course not harmed. It's also important to ensure that you are not bitten. One of the best methods for pilling a cat involves placing your hand over the cat's head and more or less using their cheekbones as a handle. This way, you can gently tilt your kitty's head back, and they will often then open their mouth on their own. As long as you do it safely, you can also place the tip of a finger on the incisors (not the canines!) of the lower jaw in order to help open the mouth. When your kitty's mouth is open, you can carefully place the pill inside, trying to get it as far back on the tongue as is possible and safe. You can try doing this with the pill plain, or put it in a small treat to better mask it. When the pill is inside the mouth, close your kitty's mouth and gently hold it shut. Sometimes, if needed, blowing on their nose or gently rubbing their throat will prompt them to swallow the pill.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also pilling devices on the market. I personally do not prefer to use these, but for kitties who need it, you can perhaps try this method. When using a pilling device, you can use the same methods as indicated above for opening your kitty's mouth, and then use the device to place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>For kitties who simply do not tolerate being pilled, there is also the chance that the pill can be suspended in a liquid form. Do discuss this with your veterinarian, though, as this method is not effective with all medications. If the medication at hand is able to be given in liquid form, though, sometimes you can do this yourself, simply by crushing the pill and dissolving it in water or a safe broth or gravy. Other times, pharmacies can prepare a liquid solution for you. For tips on the administration of liquid medications, see below.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up, we have liquid oral medications. With these, you use the appropriate syringe or dropper to pull up the prescribed dosage. If your kitty does not sense it and refuse to eat it, you can sometimes mix liquid medication in moist food. If your kitty will not eat food laced with medication, though, then squirting it directly into their mouth is your likeliest option. It is typically recommended that liquid medications be injected into the pocket of space that is between the cheek and the teeth. As needed, you can use the methods indicated above for opening your kitty's mouth for easier administration of the liquid medication. However, do not tilt your kitty's head back when administering liquid medications, as aspiration is possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's more, keep in mind that larger quantities of liquid medications, such as over 0.5 or 1.0 mL of medication, may need to be injected into the mouth in multiple rounds. This is because squirting larger quantities of liquid into your kitty's mouth could be dangerous, such as by potentially leading to aspiration. So, depending on the dosage prescribed, it might be safest to squirt in half or so of the liquid, allowing your kitty to swallow that, and then squirting the rest into the mouth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other tips include having a partner-in-crime to help you administer your kitty's medication. One person can hold the kitty, for example, while the other gives the medication. Whether you are by yourself or have help, you can also use the help of a towel or blanket. You can wrap the kitty in this, to keep them and their legs still during the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have trouble giving your kitty oral medications, even when using methods such as those discussed above, of course discuss this with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian might be able to suggest other options for medication administration. We will be discussing transdermal medications and subcutaneous injections over the next two days, so if either of those are a solution your veterinarian proposes, we'll be offering tips on those as well.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-6825231360107519382024-02-26T10:10:00.003-06:002024-02-26T10:10:50.607-06:00Mancat Monday: Playtime with Floppy-Eared Evan<p>This weekend, Evan played. He played with some toys. That was the first time he's done this since he developed an upper respiratory infection and then an aural (ear) hematoma back in January.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDamkh1YT7tVMdo8aFAGtwFCjygGqeX7nw6O0Ev4ptTM7QYlS7qoRPefWYKn0wIOUg4ejUNSGEnqMSqEj59W8-ErvKJDfYRUgBhs3BeM_qXDX673JeH3ki_T-7TqzY6rQRvfjXXgiSc4a2XcKxkWoeUDVWFL3eDDUVCdOq9cITw428oKRccbqZoiieVDv/s4160/IMG_20240224_144701078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDamkh1YT7tVMdo8aFAGtwFCjygGqeX7nw6O0Ev4ptTM7QYlS7qoRPefWYKn0wIOUg4ejUNSGEnqMSqEj59W8-ErvKJDfYRUgBhs3BeM_qXDX673JeH3ki_T-7TqzY6rQRvfjXXgiSc4a2XcKxkWoeUDVWFL3eDDUVCdOq9cITw428oKRccbqZoiieVDv/w640-h480/IMG_20240224_144701078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot even express how much relief and happiness I felt when Evan started playing.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJyZL3VPmpYA8X54MqVYTbkpf2KyTx53PKFbUVhMr63FQ5Me0t9_aDa6j56WMrF30wCdhqQUubsHRHUJ41WQeYNUufr5hyphenhyphenbnvP3B7t8kN_4t5kQRmNQcWtRDLSDCRbMwom-zDc7l1pnI4GaR1f8qLbKYgFkgRDiu7mxwAoWjk1rR1ERrjQwtP9GyXO8Nz/s4160/IMG_20240224_144719601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJyZL3VPmpYA8X54MqVYTbkpf2KyTx53PKFbUVhMr63FQ5Me0t9_aDa6j56WMrF30wCdhqQUubsHRHUJ41WQeYNUufr5hyphenhyphenbnvP3B7t8kN_4t5kQRmNQcWtRDLSDCRbMwom-zDc7l1pnI4GaR1f8qLbKYgFkgRDiu7mxwAoWjk1rR1ERrjQwtP9GyXO8Nz/w640-h480/IMG_20240224_144719601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Evan's upper respiratory infection resolved weeks ago, but the still healing hematoma in his right ear has left him simply not acting like his usual self. He's slowly been regaining his old ways every day, but this weekend I really saw the light at the end of this hematoma tunnel.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94Tc7WE986IFQEqwH6R0JRHQpOCIwGDg5MK6TCpV58QUYX6mcsxPP9-MIjBe0qC2L3VGYXmj1aXyloG8jEU0v3f0_S8LhbNKcnbfur-iKCLRKBG0AntaC9qwlvZh2mBIuZzqT_eCxGN44yZY9iTCBt2fxKBvUDPH1N0GCysemf2vreM1JMh6K100RNeu/s4160/IMG_20240224_144704455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk94Tc7WE986IFQEqwH6R0JRHQpOCIwGDg5MK6TCpV58QUYX6mcsxPP9-MIjBe0qC2L3VGYXmj1aXyloG8jEU0v3f0_S8LhbNKcnbfur-iKCLRKBG0AntaC9qwlvZh2mBIuZzqT_eCxGN44yZY9iTCBt2fxKBvUDPH1N0GCysemf2vreM1JMh6K100RNeu/w640-h480/IMG_20240224_144704455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You can't really see it in these photos, but Evan's hematoma is still present, though much smaller than before. The healing process is leaving his ear still floppy and wrinkled, but it's getting better and Evan is way less bothered by it these days. I cannot wait until it's fully healed. I don't care what his ear looks like after all this is said and done, as long as it doesn't bother him. I just want him feeling all better and fully like himself again.<br /><br />Happy Monday, friends!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />***<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Doodle of the Day</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend, I finally scanned a hefty handful of doodles I've scribbled up recently. They're all wintry in nature, and it's going to feel strange sharing them over the next week. After all, we're expecting multiple 70°F days this week, and yet these doodles star lots of snow. But it's technically still winter, so it is what it is.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today's doodle is yet another one I scribbled up when Evan's ear hematoma was at its worst. Drawing these for some reason helped me cope with my poor boy's condition. So, here you go.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpHDwqHzHVTrRgZA0RprnC-41o59UITqPvn5p2PjpvS9_UIA9TFUOG0VhQHhRycCzTqZcqIJsS7yEcut7nniMKZ-GmSNOuBXZ7jd4YIp3Ocg4jLwoRcT3rSzBWLMg1w_4AHJfg_E_-pHe81bGkeU3XrRTnTLvOAmn2XaPz2p7dSo3LWLWKWpecFBcUpBE/s2286/Floppy%20Eared%20Evan%20at%20the%20Winter%20Window%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2243" data-original-width="2286" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpHDwqHzHVTrRgZA0RprnC-41o59UITqPvn5p2PjpvS9_UIA9TFUOG0VhQHhRycCzTqZcqIJsS7yEcut7nniMKZ-GmSNOuBXZ7jd4YIp3Ocg4jLwoRcT3rSzBWLMg1w_4AHJfg_E_-pHe81bGkeU3XrRTnTLvOAmn2XaPz2p7dSo3LWLWKWpecFBcUpBE/w640-h628/Floppy%20Eared%20Evan%20at%20the%20Winter%20Window%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Since we've been giving a variety of food tips, today we figured we'd give a quick reminder on how to transition your cat to a new food. This is something that might be needed if your cat's usual food is discontinued, if a cat develops a health condition that requires a special diet, or other such reasons. If a kitty is transitioned to a new food too quickly, a variety of gastrointestinal issues could possibly result, vomiting and diarrhea included. For this reason, it's generally recommended that you transition from the old food to the new food over a span of seven days or so<i>.</i><br /><br />To transition your cat to a new food, you can start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old food on the first day. Then, of course, you add more and more of the new food each day. On the final day of the transition, your kitty's food bowl will contain only the new food. Of course, when changing foods, keep in mind your particular kitty's overall status. If your cat is a finicky eater, whether by nature or due to age or an ailment, you may have to do a slower transition over a longer period of time, in order for them to accept the new food. In other cases, such as if your kitty is having adverse reactions to their current food, a more rapid or immediate transition might be necessary. This is of course something to discuss with your veterinarian. During any transition, of course keep an eye out for any adverse reactions. Alert your veterinarian of any concerns you have, and stop or slow the food transition as needed or as instructed if issues arise.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-36332994771143455452024-02-23T10:49:00.003-06:002024-02-23T10:49:56.413-06:00Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Photo Fails<p>Hello, friends! It's Friday, and we're of course ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two <br /><br /><br />1. _________ is a movie I can quote by heart.</p><div>2. _________ is a bad habit that I would like to stop doing.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I look forward to the return of _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Amongst my family and friends, I'm known as _________.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My answers are below in <b>bold</b>.<br /><br /></div><div><div>1. <b><i>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</i></b> is a movie I can quote by heart.<br />(I had trouble picking a movie for this one. That said, I grew up as a fantasy-loving kid in the heyday of the <i>Harry Potter</i> books and films, and I still to this day make my way through them on a regular basis. So, there's that.)</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>Not putting away clean laundry </b>is a bad habit that I would like to stop doing.</div><div>(For some reason, the simple task of putting clean laundry away is one of my least favorite chores. I don't mind loading the washer or dryer, I just don't like having to hang clothes, fold blankets, or just generally put it all where it belongs. I really need to work on that.)</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I look forward to the return of <i><b>Wednesday</b></i>.<br />(The spooky, kooky show <i>Wednesday</i> is right up my alley, and I can't wait until the second season comes out. I'm also looked forward to the final season of <i>Stranger Things</i>.)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Amongst my family and friends, I'm known as <b>the cat lady</b>.</div><div>(And I'm more than fine with this.)<br /><br /><br /><div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click <a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313465&type=thumbnail" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You can also click on the badge below to add your link.</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313465&type=thumbnail" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1306" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__423StXpso/WwbVQ_FOBhI/AAAAAAAAO5I/aI2_Lnium8QZM7nBCmFaCiPfsZNw7kiBwCLcBGAs/s400/ellen_cat_badge_3%2Bcropped.png" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_1069540219"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069540220"></span><span id="goog_591423266"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_591423267"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">or in the comments on Ellen's blog, <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><br /></div><div><div>And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of <a href="https://www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com/" target="_blank">Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows</a>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aRjWZSsoAXE/YIwI6JFFS0I/AAAAAAAA0po/t84ZQmnhffo55Ctd4htbl9sU6u1nAj9OQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/Pet%2BPhoto%2BFails%2Bbadge%2B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />As always, our blooper queen Eddy is ready for this event with all sorts of blurriness.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EYvoBZNia-PBjtwqqiUOo_kHG6eCSf53wdk32DtNOV_dfYv6dGLmmDR-urxYzPp3t4OULa56vxtTxvmwkOFik8_Rwq82ufFLfO5C9AJtQlKxRdqHFUckzMfpLl81yp8G-_apSQCeMZB1zQe1lrDf3Ov6ZXZfN4c3qy1z4OAOyxfgozF6RD_ya6WTChnC/s4160/IMG_20220723_091320219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EYvoBZNia-PBjtwqqiUOo_kHG6eCSf53wdk32DtNOV_dfYv6dGLmmDR-urxYzPp3t4OULa56vxtTxvmwkOFik8_Rwq82ufFLfO5C9AJtQlKxRdqHFUckzMfpLl81yp8G-_apSQCeMZB1zQe1lrDf3Ov6ZXZfN4c3qy1z4OAOyxfgozF6RD_ya6WTChnC/w640-h480/IMG_20220723_091320219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcabjWptk4HzVK_S32T77BeW_o2Sas1WzWA1vEgWxr_txhnkjYDA2z0VWgebfa-gfBZ8ABLISzQHzJRGORSGBYbk7gLcacnqOyO2vYps9LRm9mgAbtq_mMEkm3qjdhRAHxqbcgnFzIdOB2JsOW9M-j5ZfHEqW21IReIFWXFuYeQ6zKAQ7Hx25x70TxMARz/s4160/IMG_20220723_091305504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcabjWptk4HzVK_S32T77BeW_o2Sas1WzWA1vEgWxr_txhnkjYDA2z0VWgebfa-gfBZ8ABLISzQHzJRGORSGBYbk7gLcacnqOyO2vYps9LRm9mgAbtq_mMEkm3qjdhRAHxqbcgnFzIdOB2JsOW9M-j5ZfHEqW21IReIFWXFuYeQ6zKAQ7Hx25x70TxMARz/w640-h480/IMG_20220723_091305504.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Even blurry, Eddy hopes seeing her adorable face helped brighten your day! Happy Friday!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwa3_eu3LYx1gJlysTJYXiQe4cJf2UIh1KKAaTHPqrGRKO4lKoj67VEQa1aTOLDRJ8VqF8tXvF8SYAD_nCLFJn3kQ7m_Tqe-BGwNUZNUdvvvfF3A6sw7tp7BCaHQTcq-kR2FlcdmZCMYhNEQI8LYKzrRIL6exxpy-QeAEDduEso4pqS2OzZkVoMUvvDFH/s2496/This%20That%20and%20the%20Other%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="2496" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwa3_eu3LYx1gJlysTJYXiQe4cJf2UIh1KKAaTHPqrGRKO4lKoj67VEQa1aTOLDRJ8VqF8tXvF8SYAD_nCLFJn3kQ7m_Tqe-BGwNUZNUdvvvfF3A6sw7tp7BCaHQTcq-kR2FlcdmZCMYhNEQI8LYKzrRIL6exxpy-QeAEDduEso4pqS2OzZkVoMUvvDFH/w640-h412/This%20That%20and%20the%20Other%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">***</span></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><br /></i></div><div>We're making these National Cat Health Care Month tips stretch until the end of February. So, today's (incredibly long) tip is another one related to feeding those kitties of yours. In some cases, you might have multiple cats with differing dietary needs. For example, you may have one cat who needs a low-protein kidney diet in a household that also contains other cats in need of higher levels of protein. Or, you might have one cat on a diet for weight loss in a household also with other cats who should not be on a restrictive diet. Or, perhaps you simply have one kitty who steals the other kitty's food. If any of these are the case in your house, there are some possible ways to succeed in feeding your kitties their separate diets.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, if your cats are of different sizes or have different physical abilities, there is a chance you can take advantage of these traits to separate their feeding stations. For example, if you have a large cat and a kitten needing separate foods, you could cut a hole in an upside box in which the kitten can fit, but not the larger cat. This way, the kitten could be fed its kitten food in the box without the larger cat feasting on the food. You can also try feeding one cat its food on various elevated surfaces, if its housemate cat on a different diet is unable to reach those elevated feeding spots.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, there are many cases in which the above options simply will not work. If this is the case, the primary option is to stick to scheduled feedings of some sort, and to physically separate the cats during these feeding times. First, determine times of the day when you are home and can oversee feeding time, such as morning, lunch, and evening. Then, at feeding time, each cat can be given their specific diet separately under your observation. This can be done in a number of ways. You can simply separate the cats in the same room, if you are able to closely observe them so that no kitty's food is stolen by another. You can also separate the kitty's in the same room while using something such as baby gates to ensure they remain separated while they eat. Another option is, of course, shutting cats in different rooms to each eat their meal on their own.<br /><br />One last consideration to make are special bowls that could aid in separate feedings. For example, there are enclosed bowls on the market that can programmed to only open when a cat with a certain microchip approaches it. If this sounds like something that could benefit you and your cats, that is another option you can look into.</div><div><br /></div><div>That all being said, if your cats are used to being free-fed all day and special microchip bowls are not an option and you find yourself needing to transition to scheduled feedings due to differing dietary needs, then do be patient and give this transition some time. A cat will have to get used to going from having access to food 24/7, to eating on a schedule. If need be, such as if your cats are not yet used to eating their meals at a scheduled time, then start this transition by feeding your cats more often, so that they will have more chances to eat their food throughout the day. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns with regard to feeding your kitties, do speak to your veterinarian.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-3631827807242760952024-02-22T10:53:00.001-06:002024-02-22T10:53:44.307-06:00Thankful Thimble Thursday: Adorable Outtakes<p>It's Thursday, and you better believe Thimble is ready for angel <a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAI7Oi9uxI4FESy3Z7gGmw6bEkpVQMjw4Hbw9nukSwekJkZa8YbeSgKViejkB4g9PUhUbF-ciW8-6oPiiaFD9IduZAima59RCicjitMScHequRTCHJ4ApzYNiB55eooid3qeivGLvngqTUy7URZp_ju04F2AzSEOQVULTRR3oSs68_tBqt2PZaVAW4UhLB/w400-h400/Thankful%20Thursday.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thimble found out that Eddy will be sharing some bloopers tomorrow, and so she wanted to share some of her own today. After all, Thimble is so very grateful that she's downright adorable even in outtakes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRm87xp4HV_yFPk7N7j661-aWdGMmp7FW3X1BxjL_hZ8l7DxNLqFlfedZsX73yrniOowL0ECY0YGsC5OdU0PFvfcY3xWkesG2bCJNqAR2_hHmH8YbSud7oLgkGuM_eotZKHrLFc1cdO8riIFOIZVTl7ABrFE1R1OoHEW3DQmzIWncPxePm6Ot85LDXScI/s4160/IMG_20240203_102337597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRm87xp4HV_yFPk7N7j661-aWdGMmp7FW3X1BxjL_hZ8l7DxNLqFlfedZsX73yrniOowL0ECY0YGsC5OdU0PFvfcY3xWkesG2bCJNqAR2_hHmH8YbSud7oLgkGuM_eotZKHrLFc1cdO8riIFOIZVTl7ABrFE1R1OoHEW3DQmzIWncPxePm6Ot85LDXScI/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_102337597.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7rt4Niy8W8peCg492kUhYEACXtNCDvlbbInu7_FoSOdfg2CT5OwDWR8_30X-JgLs_zCsCZKUzKLc_vQEsWFkZ11PtFG0Aom4DBfqEMfi5ZIsoyFLS-iJgEEUVx6C-dNmGfHrvgyLRxS0p75lHq-1v6Powd5DjznT9kf4JXB4VrJD_CU42mJxsGmTVSJf/s4160/IMG_20240203_102338653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7rt4Niy8W8peCg492kUhYEACXtNCDvlbbInu7_FoSOdfg2CT5OwDWR8_30X-JgLs_zCsCZKUzKLc_vQEsWFkZ11PtFG0Aom4DBfqEMfi5ZIsoyFLS-iJgEEUVx6C-dNmGfHrvgyLRxS0p75lHq-1v6Powd5DjznT9kf4JXB4VrJD_CU42mJxsGmTVSJf/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_102338653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDdeYoyhK9RDXVuXRnC9iSQ0_iX7OX95VxY_6Pb7TU8mGZC3QuxuEDA2xLfUkmbdnVygJyPcret9Yoh3CmxmsYlYD8ICemKuEVUinL9DDcFf5C-0pGgWBx6Wzzx6Igtgv0Jw8W4AXWviJNHxe_hUEZMVEwgUbdBq3xlGkIcwiuUKlC8xM_UeW4O6TRR_F/s4160/IMG_20240203_102339417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDdeYoyhK9RDXVuXRnC9iSQ0_iX7OX95VxY_6Pb7TU8mGZC3QuxuEDA2xLfUkmbdnVygJyPcret9Yoh3CmxmsYlYD8ICemKuEVUinL9DDcFf5C-0pGgWBx6Wzzx6Igtgv0Jw8W4AXWviJNHxe_hUEZMVEwgUbdBq3xlGkIcwiuUKlC8xM_UeW4O6TRR_F/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_102339417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3KJJY88VR8MpuPFfhbG7P7bP_-yLy25Nqm94sMJ6zjxJPe5cvTx6bJfKpl69OSLTIceRQNG9mAq5tDbTH3vccJ_G8GjcN_e7yLJTINoDZrgC4Eqlpx_rBJSaVXiwQFGEKtoHG2GVZZ6W2Cc_dkazgZckO_g09vOcElIYG_OKhkasCoEkcIY5Fs2fcCAo/s4160/IMG_20240203_102341471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3KJJY88VR8MpuPFfhbG7P7bP_-yLy25Nqm94sMJ6zjxJPe5cvTx6bJfKpl69OSLTIceRQNG9mAq5tDbTH3vccJ_G8GjcN_e7yLJTINoDZrgC4Eqlpx_rBJSaVXiwQFGEKtoHG2GVZZ6W2Cc_dkazgZckO_g09vOcElIYG_OKhkasCoEkcIY5Fs2fcCAo/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_102341471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thimble knows she's cute, as she should. And her cuteness stays the same, or perhaps increases, when she's all blurry and bloopery.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Now, how about the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br /></div><div>1. _________ is a movie I can quote by heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. _________ is a bad habit that I would like to stop doing.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. I look forward to the return of _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Amongst my family and friends, I'm known as _________.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJfLWpZ9q3qp3MUX5eZjW0FW2AAGrGwxqUhZbByQwIO7eC_59fqgiB-L709fGii2uE0T3S1DEDjmK1OV8ZMVRR_QHWLO-BHTcW4WTRDSdlFQpZJuD6q0qizijUEs5IAzFbu51_SIBz0I6DfyO8TAWa_w30mfX0CQpMwlYWJ4SKTEpSAPH6AtOoU-jkPaX/s1306/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1306" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJfLWpZ9q3qp3MUX5eZjW0FW2AAGrGwxqUhZbByQwIO7eC_59fqgiB-L709fGii2uE0T3S1DEDjmK1OV8ZMVRR_QHWLO-BHTcW4WTRDSdlFQpZJuD6q0qizijUEs5IAzFbu51_SIBz0I6DfyO8TAWa_w30mfX0CQpMwlYWJ4SKTEpSAPH6AtOoU-jkPaX/w400-h396/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />We'll see you tomorrow, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA0MFLnhiEWAXMHr63gDGFZ6r5g3po-bg4CKizdlrriagN3dFUHXTEuFXVD2-575C1y6WitSZqyfePBiqqB5ZQZSZDmOLrQpq9mi9lJau-Q3XXAj0zFwa6NT_Vwqoo5EKVFh-FBIhlDv1MoELgcTScHoPP_uGHVr0nOlsf9bKN9ycx1R2fBrZ8z2xyenw/s2486/Winter%20Home%20Library%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="2486" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivA0MFLnhiEWAXMHr63gDGFZ6r5g3po-bg4CKizdlrriagN3dFUHXTEuFXVD2-575C1y6WitSZqyfePBiqqB5ZQZSZDmOLrQpq9mi9lJau-Q3XXAj0zFwa6NT_Vwqoo5EKVFh-FBIhlDv1MoELgcTScHoPP_uGHVr0nOlsf9bKN9ycx1R2fBrZ8z2xyenw/w640-h418/Winter%20Home%20Library%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>After our tips on offering your kitty fresh water and food, we're now here today to remind you to keep those water and food bowls nice and clean. When it comes to keeping bowls clean, do your best to steer clear of using plastic bowls, as these can most easily harbor bacteria and other microbes, especially in scratches that might be the result of claws or other use and abuse. Rather than plastic, go for bowls that are stainless steel, or even ceramic or glass. Even so, though, it is still important to clean any and all bowls often. Saliva, oils or grease, and other debris from food or the environment can lead to a dirty bowl, so even if you have stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowls, do clean them often. Unclean bowls can lead to issues such as feline acne, or, in worst case scenarios, gastrointestinal or other serious conditions caused by dirty, spoiled remnants in a food or water bowl. So, though we're certain you all already know this, do be sure to keep those food and water bowls spick and span.</div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-15693363760714973682024-02-21T11:00:00.000-06:002024-02-21T11:00:26.926-06:00Adventures with Astrid in the Snow<p>First of all, Astrid and I would like to thank you for her birthday wishes yesterday! This pup ate lots of her birthday cookies and even had some peanut butter ice cream our pet store was selling. She also enjoyed a couple of nice, long walks. Her birthday walks were actually relatively warm, unlike her walks this past weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOkyzPZqYtAUqwN67xEfnGmHm8I-IDZKdSbDsazuohTfiLW4zg-esBRlHPjmCNuxZJf61nsYJBicagBwdP6arPQxCIHBYQlgG5_oo3t-Xv0YHSIun_ks8tvasEhpFODWxH5UwZynFdxgYiMpehqI0DvVcTrD7OUkYuQsho3CY407rfR7V3ZhSyFvkwrxQ/s4160/IMG_20240218_085409942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOkyzPZqYtAUqwN67xEfnGmHm8I-IDZKdSbDsazuohTfiLW4zg-esBRlHPjmCNuxZJf61nsYJBicagBwdP6arPQxCIHBYQlgG5_oo3t-Xv0YHSIun_ks8tvasEhpFODWxH5UwZynFdxgYiMpehqI0DvVcTrD7OUkYuQsho3CY407rfR7V3ZhSyFvkwrxQ/w480-h640/IMG_20240218_085409942.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>These shots were taken during Astrid's walk on Saturday morning.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtEPeAiEFM0kupRWFavqjVkvrY4zxuEo-4QZRQEAkHlSaYIjq1peCmOERD-63jbyXuGziClGGT-E52HsZKCx9Hhyphenhyphen7hiEeVEe9T1mRowlSgnYr5aX6p_t6d0ppiswk1qecbgNW19i4x10zsmfD3n5FWNgaNxm37pZq_UiLODa0Sjd_tgGn4Vb4ri9hZa3O/s4160/IMG_20240218_085410623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtEPeAiEFM0kupRWFavqjVkvrY4zxuEo-4QZRQEAkHlSaYIjq1peCmOERD-63jbyXuGziClGGT-E52HsZKCx9Hhyphenhyphen7hiEeVEe9T1mRowlSgnYr5aX6p_t6d0ppiswk1qecbgNW19i4x10zsmfD3n5FWNgaNxm37pZq_UiLODa0Sjd_tgGn4Vb4ri9hZa3O/w480-h640/IMG_20240218_085410623.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Astrid loves snow. She loves playing in it, she loves running in it, she loves eating it, she loves sniffing other critters' tracks in it, and so on and so forth.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvFrVjC_2g0rphoDCHOB2ajTgKsfAa7rM8Gx5ODRe6upC62w09wrUkDeTb_x2zjeKp9S9oYevV6dgGhX0v8TemaNMzoaH0lbHo4xiuGPGe77sUQhtnRTN5f6Qq_P3Wzy29dyNyZRFgek7hLG2wZTR29J3Sr7WKr4lrDsgIwSkP3MysdQrwEUZ_lWcJLsU/s4160/IMG_20240218_085412681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvFrVjC_2g0rphoDCHOB2ajTgKsfAa7rM8Gx5ODRe6upC62w09wrUkDeTb_x2zjeKp9S9oYevV6dgGhX0v8TemaNMzoaH0lbHo4xiuGPGe77sUQhtnRTN5f6Qq_P3Wzy29dyNyZRFgek7hLG2wZTR29J3Sr7WKr4lrDsgIwSkP3MysdQrwEUZ_lWcJLsU/w480-h640/IMG_20240218_085412681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I don't know that we'll have many more snowfalls this season for Astrid to enjoy, but the temperatures are still the kind of brisk and cool that she loves. This here human agrees. I'm not the biggest fan of walking in frigid temperatures, but I enjoy walking in moderately cool weather far more than I enjoy walking in hot weather.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vYPXMnJRc8T9iL6KLps7O-26SPmx2l_nwbC9FC2sSYqSmx9pqEF5p-J0bm7leGneWQXdYe6WVkufEKxfinXN6FhJowEd5fmAjRAo6jdxiPD73EwZ4TDoonsbSTfDS8_Ca28cVFu5xBPmYEkKR83o5D85HdzxJSAKlxEVQFRpmNDnAlKexo-1kgeKtffj/s2048/Kitty%20Mug%20Mortification%20Volume%202%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vYPXMnJRc8T9iL6KLps7O-26SPmx2l_nwbC9FC2sSYqSmx9pqEF5p-J0bm7leGneWQXdYe6WVkufEKxfinXN6FhJowEd5fmAjRAo6jdxiPD73EwZ4TDoonsbSTfDS8_Ca28cVFu5xBPmYEkKR83o5D85HdzxJSAKlxEVQFRpmNDnAlKexo-1kgeKtffj/w640-h426/Kitty%20Mug%20Mortification%20Volume%202%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><div>***</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>Today's tip in our cat health series is plain and simple. We're here to remind you to make sure that your cat has easy access to fresh water at all times. Water intake is of course crucial to a kitty's health, as it is important for proper functioning of not only organs such as the kidneys, but all systems of the body. So, make sure that your cat has water readily available. Some considerations to make include ensuring that your kitty has water accessible in areas where they are comfortable drinking, such as somewhere that is not too heavy with foot traffic, yet also somewhere that they frequent often. You can of course also offer water bowls in multiple areas of the house, something that is often especially important in multi-cat households.<br /><br />Also make sure that your kitty's water is in a bowl or other drinking vessel that they like. Some cats prefer typical bowls, some cats only want bowls with especially low sides, and some cats might even show a preference for drinking water out of cups or another container with high sides. Also, of course, freshen up that water as often as possible or as needed. Cats can be picky creatures, and some cats might refuse to drink water that is not fresh. In addition, fresh water is also simply healthier overall. To help ensure that water remains as fresh as possible, you could use a water fountain for your kitty. All in all, especially given how important it is for all bodily functions, make sure to give special attention to your kitty's water bowl.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-5531511854950677452024-02-20T10:09:00.001-06:002024-02-21T10:57:17.555-06:00Happy Birthday, Astrid!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you see the title of this post? Did you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_orzRf0xymk0ruidOxa3vt1fvzUNSSZ1PoNXrQb5shNslu5BvHDG5_dnBWLor3f7fYGuYgCMOAj5kPmqGd5HSlUaNmFEtE6qyxWC17fw78TYISesecpZO6k9CSGVi5Krzs4qikFOvla8VTVW0GoqkSrrte2RJCfek-CjccgNtmYl5XsJk4FTmCLBnJYEj/s4160/IMG_20240220_085236711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_orzRf0xymk0ruidOxa3vt1fvzUNSSZ1PoNXrQb5shNslu5BvHDG5_dnBWLor3f7fYGuYgCMOAj5kPmqGd5HSlUaNmFEtE6qyxWC17fw78TYISesecpZO6k9CSGVi5Krzs4qikFOvla8VTVW0GoqkSrrte2RJCfek-CjccgNtmYl5XsJk4FTmCLBnJYEj/w640-h480/IMG_20240220_085236711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Indeed, it's pup Astrid's birthday! This happy, goofy girl turns 11 years old today. I can't even fathom that. She doesn't act her age, and I'm so very glad for that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XvU71yrGp6BsBAu8lpbSLhw2hvXxrVpMHqzwJiEvs4-7Nu_d8IGh7LYvgGlkqYeRbLAB7b9A4KDuR5SeXdixhmzq5P0SKMm5eMFPIlyCJKN5zi3XT3zLRZduUz3ACrEov4XB13E-v5u3yRr5xnKi17-w-g1-nBJbjSXq1WwE9CIaFKZnNOwLg8c2I9r9/s4160/IMG_20240220_085154278.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XvU71yrGp6BsBAu8lpbSLhw2hvXxrVpMHqzwJiEvs4-7Nu_d8IGh7LYvgGlkqYeRbLAB7b9A4KDuR5SeXdixhmzq5P0SKMm5eMFPIlyCJKN5zi3XT3zLRZduUz3ACrEov4XB13E-v5u3yRr5xnKi17-w-g1-nBJbjSXq1WwE9CIaFKZnNOwLg8c2I9r9/w640-h480/IMG_20240220_085154278.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Those cookies are from the birthday girl's favorite Etsy shop, that being <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YUMYUM4DOGS" target="_blank">YUMYUM4DOGS</a>. We're not sponsored, but Astrid is a huge fan.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM9l__1Z9ztyHFQ0kl5w06ZHMm91UW4K4s-dKuRQu892QxJ7U8KF5ej8NyKJ5DLnNbwSXFtDaAcz1VfnfQUEDn3nuwV5jbgU3YU9nrWjp5iHuvf-8ZTQXWvhkfLPbEo69W2qhrh3r9I3WX9Qgg6Jj0JI7f6kuqVIEMwLqGvhvR4ITHg4nvhRpWU_fCfQj/s4160/IMG_20240220_085410610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM9l__1Z9ztyHFQ0kl5w06ZHMm91UW4K4s-dKuRQu892QxJ7U8KF5ej8NyKJ5DLnNbwSXFtDaAcz1VfnfQUEDn3nuwV5jbgU3YU9nrWjp5iHuvf-8ZTQXWvhkfLPbEo69W2qhrh3r9I3WX9Qgg6Jj0JI7f6kuqVIEMwLqGvhvR4ITHg4nvhRpWU_fCfQj/w640-h480/IMG_20240220_085410610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br />Astrid got to enjoy a couple of the little cookies this morning to start her birthday. She'll get more of them throughout the day, of course. There are so many of them that Astrid will probably have to finish the cookies out over the next couple of days. Well, Astrid would happily chow them all down today, but this here human is a party pooper.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, sweet and silly Astrid! All of your humans and kitties love you so very much! You make our lives so much brighter and exciting, and we hope to spend many, many more birthdays with you.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMoNZ_ZSN1kZE_hUzkmYCME8v4qZW8KcX2oe08dKyPl-IBQnqrJauQ8ISC31xWlcNYmKaKEIiuVIe2IAng-Avn7YXYwZ186UlK0C6eN16vhC-h7mSS6j5QS3jgA9NVuFn8BeOFaMZ-9cbCJixgZfMc7u8bV12JXPsZ6G-ATLMnvbc5dNilP4YLt_qVDUd/s2048/Happy%20Birthday%20Astrid%202021%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMoNZ_ZSN1kZE_hUzkmYCME8v4qZW8KcX2oe08dKyPl-IBQnqrJauQ8ISC31xWlcNYmKaKEIiuVIe2IAng-Avn7YXYwZ186UlK0C6eN16vhC-h7mSS6j5QS3jgA9NVuFn8BeOFaMZ-9cbCJixgZfMc7u8bV12JXPsZ6G-ATLMnvbc5dNilP4YLt_qVDUd/w640-h410/Happy%20Birthday%20Astrid%202021%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><br /></div><div>As part of our National Cat Health Care Month series of tips, today we're here to remind you of the importance of ensuring that your kitty is fed fresh food on a regular basis. To begin, as you all certainly know, moist food can spoil if left out for too long. It won't go rancid right away, but if left out for long periods of time, there is a concern for spoilage and resultant gastrointestinal issues if eaten. For this reason, refrigerate any unused portions of moist food (which can be reheated for a short amount of time in the microwave), and do not leave moist food out in your kitty's bowls for too long. While far less likely, it is not impossible for dry food to spoil, not to mention the possibility of it becoming stale, or even ants helping themselves to food that is sitting out. So, try to ensure that uneaten old food is not left at the bottom of a bowl for too long. Also try to make sure that your kitty's dry food is stored in some form of an air-tight container, or at least that the bag is securely sealed.</div><br />Continuing on with the importance of fresh food, many cats are indeed picky eaters, which means it is quite possible that some kitties may not eat food that has been sitting out for a certain amount of time. In addition to this, as some cats age, their senses, including smell, start to diminish. Similarly, cats with certain ailments might need food with a fresh, strong odor in order to feel tempted to eat. This is another reason to offer food that is fresh and therefore enticing, so that the kitty will indeed have a desire to eat it.<br /><br />All of this being said, also keep in mind your individual cat's weight, diet, and overall health. It is of course important to ensure that your kitty has sufficient access to food. Food allowance or scheduling will be different for an underweight cat versus an overweight cat, so all such considerations have to be made. If you have any concerns regarding your cat's food situation, of course discuss this with a veterinarian.The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-35140481253523494052024-02-19T11:20:00.002-06:002024-02-19T11:25:28.534-06:00Mancat Monday: Evan and His Ear<p>Hello, friends! I'm so sorry that I'm still doing terribly at the whole timely posting part of this blogging thing. I'm blessed that currently none of my kitties or pup have any serious ailments. That said, Evan's aural (ear) hematoma is causing him all sorts of trouble, and so he and I have been in and out of the vet lately. The hematoma popped up when he was shaking his head and sneezing a lot due to an upper respiratory infection at the end of January. Antibiotics at that point cleared the URI right up, but the hematoma remained.<br /><br />I don't think we ever showed you a photo of Evan's ear hematoma at its worst. This was taken on February 3, when his pinna, that being the ear flap, had pretty much fully filled with blood.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9yAhTBIzYzES4ZzvuXF0t4CnsH4DviIivbgT1kMWHdr1mSvUUoqAzqh0h7otiHqd_-AwT1_l9n_ZPOGohlxSxIUagDcRHF6wM6YiHT6_yZFeUpFIR7vo84gKsmbuXLuFWlhxFed_P4pwO8U9X7TXriwZgAMmf-TGIIgGvzkxes6bvEDrFqcrFL9KdLl6/s4160/IMG_20240203_090445031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9yAhTBIzYzES4ZzvuXF0t4CnsH4DviIivbgT1kMWHdr1mSvUUoqAzqh0h7otiHqd_-AwT1_l9n_ZPOGohlxSxIUagDcRHF6wM6YiHT6_yZFeUpFIR7vo84gKsmbuXLuFWlhxFed_P4pwO8U9X7TXriwZgAMmf-TGIIgGvzkxes6bvEDrFqcrFL9KdLl6/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_090445031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The hematoma itself is now finally, slowly getting smaller, which is what we want. But, Evan now has a secondary ear infection that somehow didn't even show up until after the hematoma did. The infection likely developed because when the hematoma was at its largest, his ear was so swollen and flopped over that his ear canal was getting very little air flow and was not easily accessible for cleaning, which was not a great combo. After some email conversations with the vet on Friday evening, I picked up some antibiotics for Evan on Saturday morning. This morning, Evan's vet did a little recheck of his ear, and he's already happy with how the infection is drying up.<br /><br />Hematomas can and usually will heal on their own over time. Evan's veterinarian deemed that the best option for him, so as to hopefully avoid surgery for a variety of reasons. Evan is already a complicated case with various health issues, and the vet would like to avoid surgery if the hematoma will ultimately heal on its own without putting Evan through the procedure and recovery process. That said, given some of the complications Evan has now had, the vet wants to see how Evan's ear is doing by the middle of next week. If at that point the hematoma is still the same size as it is now, he would then likely recommend the surgery. I'm hoping we can avoid that, in no small part because even a minor surgery is a worrisome thing, but we'll see how the next week and a half goes.<br /><br />I think what's making me the most upset throughout this whole process is that Evan has, at times, started avoiding me and hiding. When the hematoma first showed up and was at its worst, the discomfort might have played a part in that, though he was and still is on pain and anti-inflammatory meds that help reduce any discomfort. Honestly, I think Evan is giving me distance at times because some days I'm medicating him up to 7 times. Though he lets me medicate him, he absolutely does not enjoy it. So, between all of his meds for his urinary and bowel issues, extra medication dosages to reduce discomfort from the hematoma, and now the new antibiotics, Evan is just sick and tired of me. He's still my little momma's boy, but I can't wait until we've gotten past all of this so that he stops being suspicious of me and running under the bed when he thinks I'm about to pounce him with a syringe or pill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-oZSbRezD7cheWmAnCPF1AzKGqtGayvPzGFw3ilo0FiYsSIG5L5ZpUXFHn8xVa_bdQA-v7sHcjjLcmlWwgt5jLDB6IfQ1BeLKyFlAYlWPHXazxsCsQ2-3hjti4tMiVm4mVHim1318v3sfhBqAXrYbmrxOvGpAKiaAGgt0NWj2C-7Fn71_dv5INDzv-GX/s4160/IMG_20240203_090328886_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-oZSbRezD7cheWmAnCPF1AzKGqtGayvPzGFw3ilo0FiYsSIG5L5ZpUXFHn8xVa_bdQA-v7sHcjjLcmlWwgt5jLDB6IfQ1BeLKyFlAYlWPHXazxsCsQ2-3hjti4tMiVm4mVHim1318v3sfhBqAXrYbmrxOvGpAKiaAGgt0NWj2C-7Fn71_dv5INDzv-GX/w640-h480/IMG_20240203_090328886_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know the photos above look sad, and that what I said about him running and hiding from me is just as sad or sadder, but Evan is still overall a happy boy. When it's time to settle in on the couch for the night, he's right by my side. He still cuddles this here momma of his and purrs for me, and he of course still loves his treats. Still, though, I cannot wait until this hematoma has fully regressed and he's back to only getting his couple of medications a day, because I feel like such a bad cop to this poor boy right now.</div><br />Happy Monday to all of you!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /></div><div>I'm sure I've mentioned here before how drawing is often a coping mechanism for me. When something upsets me, sometimes if I turn it into art, I feel a bit better. So, I drew Evan with his little floppy ear. I did this in no small part so that, when Evan's aural hematoma is all healed up and gone, I can look back on the above photos and this doodle and remember them as the past. Anyway, here you go.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDEVVxCNEpv4HkFyry1MRgjqmu-_pYsGFXVKkWPV3mWyye-Avf5P85BdErG0gD6olnNUmWISVhsHns3FiaSfodmnhq5BrOnu4IxhS6M8TrhYqllHXHE5r_kEnaBoOHV1c6X88Ftf4vX_PrzV1UfEJoE2Kukp93_5EqTxLkaO3HD5AGdlgzes1TdkPCIHe/s2293/Floppy%20Eared%20Evan%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2293" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDEVVxCNEpv4HkFyry1MRgjqmu-_pYsGFXVKkWPV3mWyye-Avf5P85BdErG0gD6olnNUmWISVhsHns3FiaSfodmnhq5BrOnu4IxhS6M8TrhYqllHXHE5r_kEnaBoOHV1c6X88Ftf4vX_PrzV1UfEJoE2Kukp93_5EqTxLkaO3HD5AGdlgzes1TdkPCIHe/w640-h572/Floppy%20Eared%20Evan%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Today's National Cat Health Care Month tip is all about those litter boxes. Especially if you have multiple cats, make sure that you have enough litter boxes with regard to the number of kitties in the home. It is often recommended that you have as many litter as you have cats, plus one. If there are not enough litter boxes, it is possible that cats might quickly find the litter boxes too filled or dirty, or that there might even be some bullying or battles over use of litter boxes. This could lead some cats to have to hold onto their urine or stool, which in turn could lead to issues such as UTIs or constipation. Or, some cats might simply begin looking for other areas in the house to urinate or defecate outside of the box.</div><div></div><div><br />Other litter box issues that might lead to health concerns or unwanted behaviors include litter boxes that are not cleaned enough, litter boxes that are in an area that is too high traffic for some cats' preference, litter boxes that are hidden too far away for certain cats' liking, or litter boxes that contain a type of litter that certain cats simply do not prefer. Obviously, issues such as holding urine or stool, resulting UTIs and constipation, and out-of-box urination and defecation are not ideal. For these reasons, do be sure that the litter box situation is suitable for all cats in the house, so that all the kitties involved can stay as happy and healthy as possible.</div></div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-44431555618772549452024-02-16T09:48:00.001-06:002024-02-16T09:48:24.318-06:00Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Snow Day<p>Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.<br /><br /><br />1. The 2020 pandemic taught me _________.</p><div>2. A game I enjoy playing is _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. My perfect _________ would include _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, I would choose _________.</div><div><br /><br />My answers are below in <b>bold</b>.<br /><br /><div>1. The 2020 pandemic taught me <b>that I truly don't get out much</b>.<br />(When the world shut down during the pandemic, not much changed for me. I work at an essential company, and so I still went to work every day. Other than that, even in good times, I don't go many places. I did start using grocery delivery services during the pandemic, but that was mainly because when I would go to the store in the evening after work, a lot of the food and other necessities would be out of stock, so I just started doing early day grocery deliveries to my mom at her house while I was at work. Other than that, though, things just kind of stayed the same for me.)</div><div><br /></div><div>2. A game I enjoy playing is <b>Wordle</b>.<br />(Every day, I play the online word game Wordle. I also always play Quordle, Squordle, Octordle, and Connections. I unfortunately don't play a whole lot of games these days, but I do look forward to those every day.)</div><div><br /></div><div>3. My perfect <b>home </b>would include <b>a playroom for my cats</b>.<br />(Like most people, I have a lot of big dreams that would be included in a dream home. One of the biggest is an extra fun room for my cats. I'd also love a catio for them, and perhaps those two could be one in the same.)</div><div><br /></div><div>4. If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, I would choose <b>Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"</b>.<br />(It was between this or Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", but when it comes down to it, "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is possibly my favorite song of all time. Anytime it starts playing in a movie or TV show, I immediately get excited and start singing along, so it seems like a good choice.)</div></div><div><br /><br /><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">Now it's your turn!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click <a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313407&type=thumbnail" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You can also click on the badge below to add your link.</div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=313407&type=thumbnail" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1306" height="395" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__423StXpso/WwbVQ_FOBhI/AAAAAAAAO5I/aI2_Lnium8QZM7nBCmFaCiPfsZNw7kiBwCLcBGAs/s400/ellen_cat_badge_3%2Bcropped.png" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_1069540219"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1069540220"></span><span id="goog_591423266"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_591423267"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;">You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman";">or in the comments on Ellen's blog, <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a>.</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />Are you ready for your Eddy fix? We know you are. After a tiny bit of a heat wave, we're now getting some snow today. Eddy is of course giving it a good watch out the window.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22G4m_SzUOFzA-iJPH8l4kOX4pRYCheBkmboYOQgB0j4bOKLZRVB9QwNFVNvoA9o4Bjq6iex7jZMH7vMh4APFxAgEdYC3F-uZT1eYrIaUJADzCjPfcUqsXDUAw-vBMJVX4VOyyO5ISDk9a2wSy0dY_j_k-LJfCSOo5px0gg79G-_m9ThssiKvB3w_tFlW/s4160/IMG_20221223_081727385_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22G4m_SzUOFzA-iJPH8l4kOX4pRYCheBkmboYOQgB0j4bOKLZRVB9QwNFVNvoA9o4Bjq6iex7jZMH7vMh4APFxAgEdYC3F-uZT1eYrIaUJADzCjPfcUqsXDUAw-vBMJVX4VOyyO5ISDk9a2wSy0dY_j_k-LJfCSOo5px0gg79G-_m9ThssiKvB3w_tFlW/w640-h480/IMG_20221223_081727385_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Eddy loves snow days. That white stuff falling from the sky is one of her favorite things to watch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5WXJHLdopf-izqsMo3Bd2HOmtWKL_hMjYmySyGCKB6b5fQtJk3szWiMQJ3shYvUtaHTkktCG4lLXMlNRtCthz8qMniy5d3OlZnlouM1vCpELrlJrz9nKPbM3PqBoEm2XZWgrSW8DHSpONz2fSqU2nLN6eqA9Fa85WzSEUw7JT9sn5jnJbPy7cEKGTPoN/s4160/IMG_20221223_081724364_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5WXJHLdopf-izqsMo3Bd2HOmtWKL_hMjYmySyGCKB6b5fQtJk3szWiMQJ3shYvUtaHTkktCG4lLXMlNRtCthz8qMniy5d3OlZnlouM1vCpELrlJrz9nKPbM3PqBoEm2XZWgrSW8DHSpONz2fSqU2nLN6eqA9Fa85WzSEUw7JT9sn5jnJbPy7cEKGTPoN/w640-h480/IMG_20221223_081724364_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Happy Friday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFQGsVToPPwdts4XlJVOGIpZFeioCwVUCL6muuotyFZ3ASQncXDr3TQCv8ETBni-mvSkL2gGIlO8maUeL08gZJdkwCs2GTI6fk-AShCWYsbGzSxDSBBDms6rglnEgfcIOZyYJl6nhYUdy68SgpofkBfWIxuy6PR2-koXbtMAdQFBdm1PHfqKV0OtFjGPc/s2048/Winter%20in%20a%20Jar%20enhanced%20straightened%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFQGsVToPPwdts4XlJVOGIpZFeioCwVUCL6muuotyFZ3ASQncXDr3TQCv8ETBni-mvSkL2gGIlO8maUeL08gZJdkwCs2GTI6fk-AShCWYsbGzSxDSBBDms6rglnEgfcIOZyYJl6nhYUdy68SgpofkBfWIxuy6PR2-koXbtMAdQFBdm1PHfqKV0OtFjGPc/w640-h410/Winter%20in%20a%20Jar%20enhanced%20straightened%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>We have a couple more tips related to this National Cat Health Care Month. These last ones are some random bits and pieces to help keep your kitty as happy and healthy as possible. Today it's all about those ears. Just as with humans, our kitties' ears can get a bit dirty. Wax can accumulate in a cat's ears, and can even become impacted. Your vet will often check your cat's ears during their regular exams, but in between those times, if needed, you can help keep your kitty's ears clean at home. The safest thing to do is to ask your veterinarian not only if and how often your kitty needs those ears washed, but also what ear cleanser to use. Many veterinary offices will have pet-friendly ear cleaning solutions available. Some of these simply require that you drip some in the cat's ear and then rub the base of the ear. It can often be as simple and easy as that, if that is something your veterinarian thinks is of benefit to your kitty.<br /><br />Also related to ear health is allergies. Airborne allergies can lead to itchy ears, just as can food allergies. Ear infections can result from such allergies, or from other potential causes. No matter the reason, always be sure to keep an eye on those ears. Does your kitty hold one or both ears down? Does he or she scratch at them? Are there scabs or hair loss around the ears? Are the ears warm to the touch? Do they have a strange odor to them? Ear infections, or other issues of the ear, can of course manifest in a variety of ways. So, if you have any concerns, do discuss the topic with a veterinarian. If there is an infection, antibiotics for the affected ear or ears will be necessary to treat the infection. Infections in the ear can lead to permanent damage if left untreated, so though it may seem like a small concern, that's not necessarily the case.<br /><br />The ears are just one of the many parts of your kitty that can affect their overall health and happiness. So, keep an eye on those ears.The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-46477560898823790892024-02-15T10:42:00.001-06:002024-02-15T10:42:54.907-06:00Thankful Thimble Thursday: Where'd You Get Those Peepers?Hello and happy Thursday, friends! You better believe Thimble is ready to participate in angel <a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brianshomeblog.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-OYXPEZCDNNhj86mjt49KCsut2YG6MJLex3wXWLpBhdkByYyfwGA3fsCGw8cKxNEl4C2Ck7FB1Jc4imDNXVFd26GoazHhbhH08sBbvbybAyH_RtJNkbtmrUIlolnlgVnOsIz_xOtXKOmUZHMYQz29IVFPIAcOCYBI8BKeIcycgpW7bvJ6wk0gK4pgo8p/w400-h400/Thankful%20Thursday.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thimble is so very grateful for her gorgeous eyes. Do remember last week when Thimble showed off her giant eyes? In that case, she was staring at a spider on the ceiling. In today's big-eyed photo, Thimble was staring up at sunlight reflecting on the ceiling.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplHjQ33Cg6wKY-4G2Gqtnnog3rgSaUipHNB7i3gvAOHFTM2Q0T7M9OIPEJTVRW0M2yu7PCw70v1zWwvJnccBfQp51HfaRptjHDu4Div7CF2dJ8V7v4Omvtgvgy3H24VthIAFGIRz8chHd5joyAuTaD2oVhNv1pp095Vl66ByMPq96fSRS8NwFM9CyOuZs/s4160/IMG_20220314_083513702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplHjQ33Cg6wKY-4G2Gqtnnog3rgSaUipHNB7i3gvAOHFTM2Q0T7M9OIPEJTVRW0M2yu7PCw70v1zWwvJnccBfQp51HfaRptjHDu4Div7CF2dJ8V7v4Omvtgvgy3H24VthIAFGIRz8chHd5joyAuTaD2oVhNv1pp095Vl66ByMPq96fSRS8NwFM9CyOuZs/w640-h480/IMG_20220314_083513702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just look at those peepers!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***<br /><br /></div></div><div>Now, let's share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of <a href="https://15andmeowing.com/" target="_blank">15andmeowing</a> came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The 2020 pandemic taught me _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. A game I enjoy playing is _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. My perfect _________ would include _________.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, I would choose _________.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZyNugrnS9UGv9qOANnzb1oSzsAzPdnNUWcp8zT-nDtlOS7UJLiMOad6sV1QGHhsPIIQIFJrAT5zn6R18nHG_2rhrIw5HB1SYHulYxYxV3pcxQxiLig-fugASaOTbq3NFlWaCogwVO2zo70dNBz343WDPC03ywmAYzllo7OlYcmS9o5f7Fae6ko6l842p/s1306/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1306" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZyNugrnS9UGv9qOANnzb1oSzsAzPdnNUWcp8zT-nDtlOS7UJLiMOad6sV1QGHhsPIIQIFJrAT5zn6R18nHG_2rhrIw5HB1SYHulYxYxV3pcxQxiLig-fugASaOTbq3NFlWaCogwVO2zo70dNBz343WDPC03ywmAYzllo7OlYcmS9o5f7Fae6ko6l842p/w400-h396/ellen_cat_badge_3%20cropped.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We'll see you tomorrow, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br />I have finally been scanning the many new doodles I have finished over the past couple of weeks. Today's is a simple wintry one, of course starring a cat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u40ApoNDvKevH5ECDiF4qnhE1P632HOGwWhxiGToikapnufq810VSsiTuqX5hw6Yey3sNCBC-HzN7wZEZbgaKu1mn1jfoGBDFINbgNgQ8HsijLut84XR4i3-py_xpCsNYWXRy2zudXf2p-qSTYIf0Oikt0slGjU5SIdLzlbKo0DZtOMGAHOucgz4acid/s2288/Cat%20in%20the%20Hat%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="2288" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u40ApoNDvKevH5ECDiF4qnhE1P632HOGwWhxiGToikapnufq810VSsiTuqX5hw6Yey3sNCBC-HzN7wZEZbgaKu1mn1jfoGBDFINbgNgQ8HsijLut84XR4i3-py_xpCsNYWXRy2zudXf2p-qSTYIf0Oikt0slGjU5SIdLzlbKo0DZtOMGAHOucgz4acid/w640-h578/Cat%20in%20the%20Hat%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">***</span></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i><br /></i></div><div>We're still in National Cat Health Care Month, so we're not done with this topic just yet. We've previously mentioned using interactive toys to keep your cat active, as well as to help control their eating habits. These types of toys can also play a large role in another aspect of a cat's life, though, and that is with regard to mental stimulation. Just as with us humans, cats' minds need to be exercised just like their bodies do. Without mental stimulation, a cat can become unhappy and can act out, such as with unwanted or even dangerous behaviors, like aggression. Toys and games are just one way that you can help keep your cat's mind active and healthy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another method for giving your cat's mind a workout is to ensure they have a good view out of at least one window, but preferably many windows throughout the house. Watching birds, squirrels, and other wildlife, as well as people and even cars, can give your cat something to watch and something to stimulate their mind. Cats are natural predators, so of course having a view of birds and squirrels, for example, is something that they often greatly enjoy. You can put furniture, a cat tree, or even a box near a window, or even a secure screen door, where your cat can perch and watch out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, don't forget the wonders that a TV, computer, or phone screen can work. Some cats greatly enjoy watching movement on the television, such as if they can see on the screen other animals and wildlife just like they might see out the window. The computer or a phone is also great for this. Some websites even have games or screensavers designed specifically for cats' enjoyment. Of course, do be careful that the TV, computer, or phone and any related parts and pieces are safe for your kitty, and that your kitty is safe for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are many ways you can ensure that your kitty has proper mental stimulation. So, to keep your kitty happy and healthy all around, try to find their favorite means of engaging that mind of theirs.</div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-89846353888500790542024-02-14T10:09:00.000-06:002024-02-14T10:09:00.048-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<p>Pup Astrid has lots of kitties in her life willing to be her Valentine. Today, Thimble got first dibs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fbEvy4wf5JAywHtm1-z8UZ7bMO327W_kway9-V86aSDtS-JJCvYcEFOPbrbyDql5mCA1dviUGUSH9AZnnwhPW__BpH2cMg1x9eBOp__2yPI96vMKswpaGfd5Z5yJYghynqyuIG7GlCma7BpNj6jOVi7tHjQ0gI92_O-p6F6yRZEwTvIJQeKPARbezict/s4160/IMG_20190813_175802161_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fbEvy4wf5JAywHtm1-z8UZ7bMO327W_kway9-V86aSDtS-JJCvYcEFOPbrbyDql5mCA1dviUGUSH9AZnnwhPW__BpH2cMg1x9eBOp__2yPI96vMKswpaGfd5Z5yJYghynqyuIG7GlCma7BpNj6jOVi7tHjQ0gI92_O-p6F6yRZEwTvIJQeKPARbezict/w640-h480/IMG_20190813_175802161_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb72-IEsAebk2JUG0TtiBCVMQJJ939ib-Cx1HmjSBU768zjZqspmE0pABe-Wj7_au46zsDFDP5OjmxupO65FpMr23GkhF6TGp8RTxKEvrWa-zOWBTpLBEjqcyJbVzeEKZbmOpnylxWbWm3avz69KAqElJAD7IDF0zFhdKXilnqY9Hkhcgb_ZZXGD-ge13/s4160/IMG_20190813_175834034_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEb72-IEsAebk2JUG0TtiBCVMQJJ939ib-Cx1HmjSBU768zjZqspmE0pABe-Wj7_au46zsDFDP5OjmxupO65FpMr23GkhF6TGp8RTxKEvrWa-zOWBTpLBEjqcyJbVzeEKZbmOpnylxWbWm3avz69KAqElJAD7IDF0zFhdKXilnqY9Hkhcgb_ZZXGD-ge13/w640-h480/IMG_20190813_175834034_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now, are you ready for the cutest part of this Valentine's Day post?<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEryiBqtl2Q4tVZE-cwntpDLWl3jYU2gnFI0t96hwbwXZ7a6lqRRaajeLB-H8Hj1KRWmbQKHjBRlROyCtr4qIdMm1Wv7vi9549YTfww8iIllvkniH4fgrMVXSL1ZTWeDpZeaeLwiErfQKOl0lkEnb4PSSwjC5tLc1xBINdw9YAbOpTeQuqnwRtyTMYkn8/s4160/IMG_20190813_180016192_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEryiBqtl2Q4tVZE-cwntpDLWl3jYU2gnFI0t96hwbwXZ7a6lqRRaajeLB-H8Hj1KRWmbQKHjBRlROyCtr4qIdMm1Wv7vi9549YTfww8iIllvkniH4fgrMVXSL1ZTWeDpZeaeLwiErfQKOl0lkEnb4PSSwjC5tLc1xBINdw9YAbOpTeQuqnwRtyTMYkn8/w640-h480/IMG_20190813_180016192_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thimble wanted to hold Astrid's paw, and the pup let her.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuedc6CP19E4jnp9YIRuQVFIbnz4tWcfGBNnarmVNyxr7V1NnTF_PF1pE0C2w-lr-ujx7_Vlbe4F0v3wXzHme0nyUn98Ro_DXwEXvxBoT0lB5HNhVxqZFvHExKlFEpVzdPUF6I8hhLPz-3M2k1Qmi8_GrksKIrtJfJo3mjWWgAUxNjW6Dc9LXUT83lWclB/s4160/IMG_20190813_180026390_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuedc6CP19E4jnp9YIRuQVFIbnz4tWcfGBNnarmVNyxr7V1NnTF_PF1pE0C2w-lr-ujx7_Vlbe4F0v3wXzHme0nyUn98Ro_DXwEXvxBoT0lB5HNhVxqZFvHExKlFEpVzdPUF6I8hhLPz-3M2k1Qmi8_GrksKIrtJfJo3mjWWgAUxNjW6Dc9LXUT83lWclB/w640-h480/IMG_20190813_180026390_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Doodle of the Day</i><br /><br />I mentioned earlier this week how this year's new Valentine's Day doodle would be a somewhat dark and twisted one. I wasn't lying. Here you go.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o11Ebm8XM2OBr1xKsawtS9bivyzAt_v-TCfNS_ucgVL01YrHA1MRjyq_oy-gFXxiGFyvWmgXZ27_GC_vcH8BbHhQwN4Hg7BE_X_XPXlzmYhUTIyOVPhk4iAznrRktAD09e2HqlcJp5TIEahmmB86vQArNujcRXNndF4nY-xzSg_s1qPyX0nQ1Y4b7Woa/s2541/Love%20Spell%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="2541" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_o11Ebm8XM2OBr1xKsawtS9bivyzAt_v-TCfNS_ucgVL01YrHA1MRjyq_oy-gFXxiGFyvWmgXZ27_GC_vcH8BbHhQwN4Hg7BE_X_XPXlzmYhUTIyOVPhk4iAznrRktAD09e2HqlcJp5TIEahmmB86vQArNujcRXNndF4nY-xzSg_s1qPyX0nQ1Y4b7Woa/w640-h454/Love%20Spell%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div>As a continuation of our National Cat Health Month tips, and also related to our tips from the past two days, we have a bit more (more like a lot more) to say on food and weight management for those kitties in your life. We've already discussed selecting a proper diet for weight management, as well as initiating activity and playtime to aid in any needed weight loss. Today, to add on to that, we're going to give a couple of tips that could potentially help keep certain feline food fiends healthy and fit.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>The following tips will most relate to those cats who scarf down their food. Eating fast can, to put it simply, lead a cat to immediately desiring more food, even after just eating, and can thereby lead to weight gain if they indeed attain that second or even third serving. Another negative side to rapid eating is that a cat can also regurgitate or vomit food that they gobbled up too quickly, and excess vomiting is of course less than ideal. To help reduce these issues related to rapid eating, there are a couple of tricks you could try.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>To begin, you could of course try one of those famous treat-dispensing toys. Making your cat work for their food in this way can help them to eat slower, as they will not be able to scarf down a serving so quickly. It will also prompt activity on their part, which will keep their little body moving and burning extra calories even while eating.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>Another trick to help slow down those quick eaters is to simply use a plate rather than a bowl. Food served on a plate is not as easily scarfed, since they will not have the sides of a bowl to help keep the food in place and easily inhaled into their mouth. Another similar method would simply involve feeding your cat their food directly on the floor, from which they will again have to be careful and diligent about picking up and eating the morsels. In this same line of thought, you could try putting something such as a ping pong ball or golf ball in your cat's bowl or plate with their food. The kitty will then have to eat around the ball, and that will thereby help slow their eating. There are also bowls on the market that serve this same purpose, such as bowls that have partitions around which a cat has to more carefully eat their food.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>The above are all just some simple tricks that could potentially help slow a cat's eating. Helping a food-focused cat eat in a slower, more controlled, less manic way can help them realize that they are full after eating, so that they can perhaps refrain from immediately begging for more food after inhaling their meal. Of course, that being said, do be aware and mindful of your cat's response to these methods. If they are unable to figure out how to reach their meal in a food dispenser, or if they seem unable or unwilling to eat from a certain bowl or plate, then reassess the methods you could use to slow their eating, or discuss other options with a veterinarian.</div></div></div><br />The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568338573305223678.post-26791403461204618122024-02-13T09:30:00.000-06:002024-02-13T09:30:47.906-06:00Nosy Tonks Tuesday<p>It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the little calico decided to show off her adorable nose.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKIfOY1-KlxYxbxb4GRWsbRzCT9NM7NgGYUPk1yqx8lATGosOlzhodxW9GO4bS1akQefJlUIAY7poCgn4dXnOBsDuL4J_aX92ZwOGjFc4ZtTZenRHuaWnnhTmMgsTRm-AM_s-T8ZuaNYD_toElCjGqiLIgZSiaEfZSCAHeiBsagC3OxQM7PVtYiZAg1kt/s4160/IMG_20220203_105202149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKIfOY1-KlxYxbxb4GRWsbRzCT9NM7NgGYUPk1yqx8lATGosOlzhodxW9GO4bS1akQefJlUIAY7poCgn4dXnOBsDuL4J_aX92ZwOGjFc4ZtTZenRHuaWnnhTmMgsTRm-AM_s-T8ZuaNYD_toElCjGqiLIgZSiaEfZSCAHeiBsagC3OxQM7PVtYiZAg1kt/w640-h480/IMG_20220203_105202149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just so you know, Tonks loves having her cute little nose booped. So, feel free to boop away!<br /><br />Happy Tuesday, friends!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><i>Flashback Doodle of the Day</i><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYuRIDFG-8nUEC1UVvfawq8rpJs9IBoNxadmm17bVq3yo3PCyeiAemzqJZix5z4RQbgxNTNcvYh9S1yoShgKkqGCGIoS3B3jzw3rDncTLZbX5XxY5qW_f_lgvxGfF4nf3kygVjad-Ws1scc7JWk1eQ9VRllvSphgag5EGa4AXqvPI4UhEJahfs8Zo1X5V/s2048/Valentine%20Bakery%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYuRIDFG-8nUEC1UVvfawq8rpJs9IBoNxadmm17bVq3yo3PCyeiAemzqJZix5z4RQbgxNTNcvYh9S1yoShgKkqGCGIoS3B3jzw3rDncTLZbX5XxY5qW_f_lgvxGfF4nf3kygVjad-Ws1scc7JWk1eQ9VRllvSphgag5EGa4AXqvPI4UhEJahfs8Zo1X5V/w640-h422/Valentine%20Bakery%20enhanced%20with%20watermark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><div><i>Tip of the Day</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Our current topic of conversation stems back to the fact that February is National Cat Health Month. Yesterday, in our tip regarding diet, we made a comment on the fact that your kitty's weight will indeed help determine the best diet for them. Today's tip is a continuation of that topic of weight. If your cat is overweight, for example, then portion control is of course important, as is the type of food, frequency of feedings, and other such factors. There are weight loss cat foods on the market, these often focusing on high protein intake, but do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian your kitty's weight and the best diet to help them live a healthy, fit life. Similarly, if a cat is underweight, such as due to an illness, diet can play a large role in increasing their weight and overall health. Again, discuss with a veterinarian what type and quantity of food to feed your cat in order to achieve an optimal weight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving on from diet, though, we'll now briefly discuss activity level. We'll primarily discuss this in terms of overweight cats, as activity level indeed affects this greatly. So, especially if your cat is overweight, engage them in various activities and games each day. You can grab a toy and play chase or catch with them. Wand toys, as you all certainly know, are often great at getting cats up and moving. You can also enlist the help of more advanced interactive toys, which can keep your cat busy without you having to do all the work. Anything that is safe yet that also keeps your kitty's interest and prompts them to move around and participate in daily activity can be a great benefit to their body condition and overall health.</div><div><br /></div><div>The above being said, if your cat is in any way ill or injured, such as with asthma or an injury, do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian what types of activity are safe for them. Diet and activity level will both of course play a large roll in keeping your cat's weight in a healthy range, but not all diets and activity levels are suited for all cats. So, if your cat is overweight, or even underweight, perhaps do some research, discuss your individual kitty's condition with a veterinarian, and then remain motivated and optimistic about getting your kitty healthy and fit.</div>The Menagerie Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02398992091463959888noreply@blogger.com5