Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Photo Fail

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 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. The summer is just about over and I have yet to _________.

2. The highlight of my summer was _________.

3. _________ is a fictional character I really relate to.

4. My interest in _________ began when _________.


My answers are below in bold. 

1. The summer is just about over and I have yet to pressure wash my house.
(My house has needed pressure washed, or power washed, for a while now. For the past couple of springs and summers, I've told myself that I was going to do it. And so far that's always become one of the outdoor chores that never gets done before winter. I honestly don't know that it'll get done this summer, but it's still on the to-do list nonetheless.)

2. The highlight of my summer was finding my creative inspiration again.
(Earlier this year I found myself in a bit of slump when it came to drawing and writing. I wanted to do it, but I just rarely felt inspired to do so. This summer, though, after listening to some creative podcasts and watching some creative videos about others' art, I felt really inspired again. I have been drawing and writing like crazy for weeks now, often with my drawings being fun little bits of concept art relating to what I'm writing. I now have the constant urge to be doing one of my creative passions, which makes things like work and chores really drag on, but such is life.)

3. Garfield is a fictional character I really relate to.
(I honestly thought I'd think of some cat lady or other such relatable character to put for this. But, when it came time to actually answer, all I could think of was lazy, lasagna-loving Garfield. As a homebody who likes to stay in place, and who loves Italian food, I might as well just let Garfield be my answer.)

4. My interest in Halloween began when 5-year-old me snuck out of bed and found the movie Halloween playing on the TV.
(I might have mentioned this story in the past, but when I was about 5 years old, I indeed snuck out of bed one October night and tiptoed to the living room. My dad was watching the movie Halloween, and it was the scene when Michael Myers is just standing in the shadows across the street and the little boy character named Tommy sees him from the window and yells that the boogeyman is outside. I was ushered back to bed soon after that, but I remember having a mild concern about the white-masked boogeyman for years after that. Even more so, I remember feeling incredibly intrigued by the thrill of the scare. And I've loved all things Halloween and spooky since.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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And now it's time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

You better believe your blooper queen Eddy is ready for the event. This time around, I was all lined up for a photo when, perhaps because she realized this day of bloopers was approaching, Eddy decided to dodge the camera. And, of course, she wouldn't let this day go by without a little blur in her photo.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Spooky Summertime Doodle of the Day

It's Eddy's turn to have a spooky summertime doodle. This one started when my mom shared with me a photo of a chair decorated to look like a ghost. There's a chair in my bedroom that Eddy loves to sleep on, so I decided that she more than deserved for her spooky doodle to star her in her very own ghostly chair.

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Tip of the Day

We're on our final tips in our series about kitty vet visits. Today's tip doesn't directly relate to the physical act of taking your cat to the vet, but it still can play a part in those vet visits. What we're talking about are a variety of ways that might help you pay vet bills. We have a number of thoughts on this topic, and so this will be a long one.

So, let's start with pet insurance. As most of you likely already know, you can indeed get insurance for your furbabies. Just as with humans, there are a variety of companies and policies to choose from, and so pet insurance can certainly involve some research in order to determine the best coverage for your furbaby. In the end, though, this research and the resulting coverage you select can potentially save you money. For example, depending on the policy you choose, you could possibly save a large sum of money in the event of an unexpected pet emergency that is at least partially covered by your pet's insurance.

All of the above being said, when it comes to pet insurance, do try to think ahead. If you are interested in starting your furbaby on a policy, perhaps do so when they're still young and healthy. One reason for this is that some companies and policies make it difficult to acquire certain coverage for an animal who is already geriatric or sick. So, early on, consider the benefits you might obtain from pet insurance, do your research, and then do what is best for you and your furbaby.

Besides pet insurance, another option is CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card that can be used to pay medical bills, such as vet bills. Just like pet insurance, this one will likely require some research to ensure it is a good fit. For example, not all vet clinics accept CareCredit as a means of payment. Therefore, you would want to find out if your preferred vet accepts CareCredit before applying for it.

In addition to all of the above, if needed, some vet clinics also allow for payment plans. Some vets are especially willing to do this for clients in good standing, and who have proven trustworthy and who have shown a willingness and ability to pay for funds in a timely manner. If you have large furry family, if you are faced with a pet emergency, or if there are other such circumstances, perhaps consider discussing with your veterinarian the possibility of making payments to cover your furbaby's bills. If you do so, of course also ensure that you understand all of the terms, and that you are able to make payments on time and in agreement with the payment plan.

One last idea we're sharing today is to simply do your best to have some sort of "pet emergency fund" in which you save money over time. Such a fund can come in handy especially if you do not have pet insurance or CareCredit, and if you don't use a payment plan at your vet clinic. Accidents and emergencies can indeed happen, and they can happen when you least expect it. What's more, resulting vet bills can potentially start racking up. So, if and when possible, try to determine ways to save even just a little money each week or month in order to contribute to a "pet emergency fund", so that you won't be left scrambling to find funds for your furbaby. Ways to save a little extra for such a fund might mean cutting back on eating out, cutting back on the number of coffees you buy, cutting back on your clothes spending, or cutting back on other luxuries. Rest assured, though, that passing on a special luxury or two is well worth it for your furbaby's health and happiness.

Furbabies make wonderful companions, but they are also, admittedly, not free. They require care, just like humans do, and that care does come with a cost. Therefore, always include your furbabies in your budget or other financing plans. This might require some research and money-saving measures, but our furbabies are always worth it.

Thankful Thimble Thursday after Vet Day

Hello, friends! It's Thursday, which means Thimble is of course ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful to be home. After all, this poor girl had her annual exam and senior lab work yesterday. She was only away from home a little over 30 minutes, but she informed me on multiple occasion that every second was her living nightmare.

Thimble apologizes that her face is a bit blurry and a bit dour. She's really quite exhausted from being shoved in a carrier and quite literally poked and prodded yesterday.

We'll have Thimble's blood results back today or tomorrow. She didn't have any urine to give yesterday, largely because she wet herself on the way to the vet, which is really nothing new for her. Unless her bloodwork shows anything, the only finding was that this girl needs a dental. She has a history of resorptive lesions, and she has yet more of those in her mouth. She's been eating like a champ, so I had no idea she had anything going on. The vet did say that these have clearly been going on for a while now, possibly forming not terribly long after her exam last year, and they don't really seem to be bothering her. She is getting the affected teeth removed, though, and that's scheduled for October 2.

Tonks also went to the vet for her annual yesterday, and the calico also needs a dental. For her it's because of tarter build-up that even at-home brushing hasn't kept at bay. That could be because Tonks hates having her teeth brushed and so I'm not able to do a great job of it. One tooth is particularly affected, and the vet needs to make sure that tooth doesn't have anything going on beneath all of its stubborn tarter. So, both Tonks and Thimble will be getting a dental. The vet indicated that he can very likely also do Tonks on October 2, so both girls may very well be getting their teeth spruced up that day.

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

1. The summer is just about over and I have yet to _________.

2. The highlight of my summer was _________.

3. _________ is a fictional character I really relate to.

4. My interest in _________ began when _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Spooky Summertime Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle in our new spooky summertime series stars none other than Thimble. She loves helping this human mom of hers read, complete with knocking the book or Kindle on my face while I'm reading in bed. So, this one's for you, Thimble.

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Tip of the Day

We have just a couple more tips in our series on taking your felines to the vet. Today's tip is a simple one, and that is to check the status of your furbaby's medications before taking your kitty to the vet. Not all cats are on medications, of course, but if yours is, then check to see how much of the medications you have left, and also check expiration dates. In addition, consider if you have any newly developed questions regarding any of the meds prior to taking your cat to the vet. This way, when you're at the vet, you can take care of refills, dosage adjustments, and any other related necessities. Also don't forget about prescription diets, monthly preventatives, and any other products you purchase from your vet clinic. Knowing what and how much you need to purchase from the vet before you arrive can save you and your cat on time while at the vet's office, and can also save you a later trip to the vet.

Hot and Humid Adventures with Astrid

I'm going to start this post by saying that, this year, I'll be sharing my Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day post on September 1st. The actual day is today, August 28th, but my feline angels Rosie and Sammy had a September 1st birthday, and so this year I'm going to meld the two together. That said, I am still remembering all of my furry and feathered angels today, and I'm also thinking of all of you who are remembering your Rainbow Bridge angels, today and every day.

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Today, pup Astrid is here to take you along on another one of her adventures. This adventure was a short one, though, because it was nearly 100°F on this sunny day.

The farther we get into the summer, the more acclimated Astrid gets to hot, summer walks. That said, she still is not a big fan of summer weather, and so her summer walks are never as long as her autumn and winter walks. That's fine with me, though, as not only am I also not a fan of the heat and humidity, but I don't want poor Astrid to suffer heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.

Astrid will sometimes surprise me and beg for a longer walk on a hot day. While I usually let her pick where and how long we walk, sometimes I'll start directing her home if it's excessively hot and she seems to want to head farther and farther from air conditioning. It's not worth risking her health, and luckily she tends to ultimately realize when it is indeed way too hot outside to keep going.

For now, the hottest days are behind us. We often have one last heat wave in September, but for now we have some days with highs in the 70s coming up. I can't wait. Though, I more so can't wait for the even cooler, crisper autumn walks.

Astrid hopes you all get to enjoy some cool days! She's certainly looking forward to it just as much as I am. Happy Wednesday!

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Spooky Summertime Doodle of the Day

We have yet another new spooky doodle to get us through this summer weather. Today's of course stars Astrid, and a creepy cake she'd love to taste.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip relating to taking your cat to the vet is in regard to nonrecognition aggression. In relation to vet visits, nonrecognition aggression is typically when one cat goes to the vet, and when he or she returns home, one of the other resident cats does not recognize them. This is typically because the returning cat smells unfamiliar, with odors from the vet. Though it can be a disconcerting and scary thing to witness, nonrecognition is not terribly uncommon. What's more, there are ways to potentially prevent it, and to help your cats recover from it.

One way to combat nonrecognition aggression is to take your cats to the vet together. This way, neither of them will come back home smelling differently than the other. This method is easiest if both cats travel well and can safely visit the vet together. So, if nonrecognition is a concern in your home and it's a viable option, do consider taking your cats to the vet together to prevent future aggression between them.

There are other options to help prevent nonrecognition aggression. One is to use a synthetic pheromone spray, or a diffuser, to help keep all cats as calm as possible. Yet another option is to gently wipe down the cat returning home from the vet, in order to remove as much of the vet clinic smells as possible. Similarly, when a cat returns home from the vet, you can also wipe them with one of their usual blankets from home, to help transfer their usual scents back to them. Of course these are not fail-safe methods, but they can potentially help prevent nonrecognition aggression between cats.

All of the above being said, sometimes nonrecognition aggression might occur despite your attempts to prevent it. If it does occur, first and foremost, separate the cats who are involved, in order to keep them both safe. Then, reintroduction might be similar to how you introduce two unfamiliar or new cats to each other. Slowly and safely allowing them to sniff, see, and then interact with each other might take some time, but your kitties can indeed return to one big happy family with time and patience.

Tonks Tuesday with the Trees

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico is visiting you all from the depths of her beloved cat tree.

Tonks doesn't mean to be rude by staying in there, but it's really quite a good place to spy on the neighbors. She can also see lots of birds and squirrels from in there, and they were all quite active outside the window during this photo shoot, so Tonks really just had no intention of leaving that spot.

Even from the her cat tree cubby, Tonks is wishing you all happy Tuesday!

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Spooky Summertime Doodle of the Day

We have another new spooky summertime doodle to share with you all, this one of course starring Tonks. Since Tonks does love her a cat tree (not to mention how much she loves the Christmas tree when it comes out each year), this seemed like an apt enough spooky doodle for Tonks.

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Tip of the Day

We hope you're not getting bored with our tips on feline vet visits, because we still have some more for you. Today's tip is to, if needed, take precautions for the safety of both yourself and your kitty, namely when it comes time to load a kitty up. We're primarily referring to how to safely get an anxious or aggressive kitty into a carrier. We've already given tips on using methods such as leaving the carrier out, putting treats or toys in it, using Feliway, and even using sedating medications if needed. That all being said, for some cats, some or all of the aforementioned methods simply won't work. Even sedatives can be overridden if a cat becomes agitated enough. In such cases, it is important to take precautions to keep you and your cat safe when it comes time to get said kitty in a carrier.

When getting an anxious or aggressive cat into a carrier, a simple towel or blanket could potentially be your best friend. Wrapping your cat in a towel, and putting them in the carrier when they are thus confined, can potentially keep those claws and teeth in check. At the same time, make sure that you have the sufficiently sized carrier placed in a way that loading the cat is as easy as possible. This may mean using a top-loading carrier, or placing a front-loading carrier on its back side so that the door faces up. If a towel or blanket is not enough protection, then you can also look into using thick gloves specifically designed to keep kitty teeth and claws from penetrating, thereby keeping your hands and arms safe.

Some cats are simply less willing to visit the vet and are overall less amenable than others. Differences in personality are part of what make kitties so unique, after all. That being said, if your cat is one who is anxious, aggressive, or otherwise difficult to handle, always take precautions to keep everyone involved safe when vet appointments roll around. When in doubt, of course discuss with your veterinarian the best options for handling your cat. Some vets even offer at-home visits, so if that's something you think would benefit your cat, perhaps ask your vet if they offer such services.

Mysterious Mancat Monday

On this Mancat Monday, Evan admittedly has some poorly lit photos to share. That's really this human's fault, as I failed to adjust the camera's exposure to make up for the summer sun. But, Evan kind of likes how mysterious the lighting makes him look. He also quite likes how much it accentuates his stunning orange fur. So, Evan decided to go ahead and share these photos.

Honestly, the intensity of the sun in these photos is apt enough, as we're back in a heat wave. It's supposed to be nearly 100°F the next couple of days, with full sun making it feel even hotter. Is it autumn yet?

Evan hopes you all get to enjoy some sunshine! Though, he hopes you enjoy it from the comfort of the air conditioning, because it's just plain nasty outside right now. Happy Monday!

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Spooky Summertime Doodle of the Day

This week, I'm finally sharing my new spooky summertime doodles. I scribbled one up for each of my furbabies. Today, of course, we have for you Evan's spooky summertime doodle, which is in honor of Evan's endless interest in what I have in any cup or plate I'm holding.

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Tip of the Day

We still have some tips all about taking that kitty to the vet. Today's tip is to, if needed, discuss with your veterinarian medications that might help calm a cat who becomes especially anxious, or even aggressive, when it comes time to visit the vet. Some cats simply become reactive when they see a carrier, when they get into a car, when they visit a veterinary office, or when they meet strangers. If you have tried the usual tricks—which of course include leaving the carrier out at all times, using Feliway, using treats to coax and distract, and so forth—yet your kitty still becomes anxious or difficult to handle, then there are some potential sedating medications that could be given when it comes time to visit the vet. Your veterinarian would be able to determine if or which sedatives might work best for your particular kitty, given said kitty's behavior as well as health. So, be upfront and honest with your veterinarian regarding the ease and safety of getting your cat in a carrier and to the vet, and then the two of you can discuss potential options.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Aquamarine Eddy

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 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I am in my _________ era.

2. I am insecure about _________.

3. I'm really happy with my recent purchase of _________.

4. My alarm clock is usually set for _________.


My answers are below in bold, and are of course yet again accompanied by endless rambling that no one is required to read.

1. I am in my senior cat caregiving era.
(Seeing my kitties' and pup's ages become bigger numbers admittedly brings me all levels of anxiety. That said, it also feels like an honor to be able to care for them in this stage of their life. My angel Rosie lived to 21, and I remember how grateful I was to be able to give her all the care she needed in her last years. Right now, most of my kitties are honestly doing great. Evan is my oldest at 11, and though he currently does not have any of the most common, life-threatening diseases, he does have a plethora of urinary issues, megacolon, a now deformed ear that has the potential to cause chronic ear infections, and of course his nearly lifelong hind limb paralysis. He's on 9 medications, some of which he gets twice a day. Pup Astrid is also 11, and though she's had some health scares and surgeries in the past, she's overall doing great now. It's mostly Evan in need of sometimes intensive care, and though some days are tougher than others, I really do feel honored to be able to have Evan in all stages of his life.)

2. I am insecure about my ability to achieve my goals.

(Some of the goals I'm referring to are putting my drawings and writings out there for others to enjoy and consume. I'd love to get some of my art put on various products, and I'd love to publish the stories I write. In some regard, even if only on a small scale, I know I can create said art and write said stories and release them out into the world. Even so, I still stall and get stuck in my own head when it comes down to really doing the final steps of putting my work out there. Have you ever heard of imposter syndrome? Sometimes I think it's that form of self-doubt that I struggle with. I'm really working toward making myself proceed toward my goals no matter what, though.)

3. I'm really happy with my recent purchase of Halloween goodies for my kitties and pup.

(You'll get to see them all when our Halloween posts begin, but I've officially started gathering my furry babies' Halloween toys and treats. Our local pet store sells homemade dog cookies, and they always come out with their Halloween ones in August. Since they go fast and also have a 6-month shelf life, I always load up on them as soon as they release them. So, Astrid now has something around a dozen Halloween cookies waiting for the festivities to begin. As for the kitties, Chewy has some spookily festive scratchers that I thought would be great to replace one of their old ones that's more than ready to retire. I of course also grabbed a couple of other small toys for them. I love Halloween and therefore force it onto my kitties and pup as well, though they never complain.)

4. My alarm clock is usually set for 5 or 6 o'clock in the morning.

(I'm a morning person. That's not to say I always get up in the 5 o'clock hour or even the 6 o'clock hour, but most days I do. My work place opens at 8 am. Before work, I feed the furry babies and scoop litter. There's also a feral who frequents my yard, so I feed him every morning as well. I also prep and administer Evan's 7 to 9 morning medications, that number varying depending on what day it is. I also do a workout on most mornings and then walk pup Astrid. Then I get myself ready for work and head out the door. While I am indeed a morning person, the time I get up has gotten earlier and earlier with the more care my furbabies, mostly Evan, have grown to require. I'm okay with that, though some mornings there's a lot of chaos happening.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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It's Friday, which means Eddy is of course here to show you all just how adorable she is. See?

Oh, woops. Eddy didn't mean for you to see that. She just finished a treat, so you'll have to excuse her. Here, now you can see her adorable face.

I've said this before, but I love Eddy's eyes so much. Her eyes are a true aquamarine color. Their color doesn't show up perfectly in all lighting or all photos, but her eyes are some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback is a sequel to yesterday's. Yet again, it more or less sums up my current art sessions.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our series on taking your cat to the vet is to be prepared. This may seem strange or vague, but being prepared prior to loading your kitty up in the carrier and taking him or her to the vet can help everyone avoid extra and unneeded stress and anxiety. Being prepared even involves the moments when you're getting ready to head to the vet. For example, before you get your cat into the carrier, have everything ready to go so that your kitty doesn't have to wait in the carrier longer than necessary. Have anything loaded up that you might need at the vet, such as treats, toys, or even goodies such as your cat's fecal sample. Also think of what might need prepped in the car, such as if it's hot outside and the car needs pre-cooled, if it's cold outside and the car needs pre-warmed, or even if you need to pre-prepare a safe seat in the car for your kitty's carrier.

Of course, being prepared doesn't just end with what needs done prior to arriving at the vet. For example, if you have questions to ask or notes to share with the veterinarian, have those written down or otherwise ready to be addressed prior to arriving. This can ensure that the appointment does not last longer than necessary, which is especially important for anxious cats who grow increasingly nervous the longer they're at the vet. So, for the sake of your cat and to reduce any anxiety they might feel during a vet visit, do your best to be fully prepare prior to arriving at the vet for your kitty's appointment.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sun Puddle Galore

It's time for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, which makes Thimble so very happy.

This is nothing new, but Thimble is of course so very grateful for sun puddles. And just look at this one she found!

Thimble guarded this sun puddle for nearly the entire time it remained in that location. She even made sure to watch over her shoulder, so that no one could sneak up on her to steal it.

Thimble wishes you all lots and lots of sunshine today!

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

1. I am in my _________ era.

2. I am insecure about _________.

3. I'm really happy with my recent purchase of _________.

4. My alarm clock is usually set for _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle sums up my art time these days.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our series on taking your cat to the vet is yet another plain and simple one, and that is to be and act calm. As you all certainly know, our furbabies can feed off of our own emotions. That's why, if you are anxious, your cat's anxiety could be heightened. So, as best as possible, remain calm and collected both before and during your cat's vet visit. Even speaking calmly and soothingly to your cat could help to make them indeed feel calm and soothed during their excursion to the vet. You can praise your cat for good behavior, of course remaining calm and quiet when doing so, as that can also help them feel more calm. The long and short of this tip is to try your best to keep any anxiety you have in check, and to remain calm for your cat's sake.

Adventures with Astrid: Carting Around

Hello, friends! Today, pup Astrid is not only taking you along on one of her walks, but she's also introducing you to a new friend she made.

Indeed, we came upon a grocery store shopping cart on one of the walking paths in our neighborhood. We live somewhat close to this store, but it's still at least a mile or two away. What's more, that photo above is neither the first nor the last time that we've said hello to a cart like this. Astrid has more photos like this from other walks, and she'll very likely share those soon as well.

Happy Wednesday, friends! Astrid hopes you all make lots of interesting friends like she's been doing!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback is in honor of how I've been spending my free time. Though some days are much busier than others, while others are much slower, I've been doing my best to work on my hobbies and passions after work and on weekends. I've been drawing, writing, reading, and all that jazz.

I've mentioned more than once recently how I have a lot of new drawings that I haven't shared yet. A whole series of them are new summertime spooky doodles, each one starring one of my furry babies. I will be sharing one of those every day next week. I also have been scribbling a lot of concept art for the main weird and wacky story I've been writing, so those will be shared soon as well. And, of course, spooky and kooky Halloween doodles will be starting up soon. But, that's enough rambling for now.

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Tip of the Day

We're still in the midst of our series of tips on taking that kitty of yours to the vet. Today's tip on this topic is a plain and simple one, and that is to take with you to the vet your kitty's favorite toy(s) or treats. This might not work for all cats, but in some cases, toys or treats can make for great distractions or positive reinforcement during your cat's exam or vaccinations. That being said, though, do try to choose wisely when it comes to what you take as a distraction. For example, does your cat get hyperactive or even aggressive when under the influence of catnip? If so, try to avoid toys laced with catnip, and avoid taking anything else that might cause a problem rather than assist during the vet visit. So, all in all, consider whether a simple toy or some treats might help your cat make it through a vet visit. If so, pack those so that they can go along.

Tonks Tuesday with the Nosy Culprit

It's Tonks Tuesday, so of course the calico herself is here to grace you with her presence.

Do you see that blurry spot slightly on and slightly above Tonks's nose? Want to see how that smudge ended up on the camera lens?

That's how. Honestly, though, isn't Tonks just the cutest culprit you've ever seen? She definitely is, in my totally unbiased opinion.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

For today it's yet another doodle in honor of my summertime desire for autumn and Halloween.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip for taking your cat to the vet is to consider using a pheromone spray, such as Feliway. A synthetic pheromone such as this can potentially have a calming effect for your cat. One idea is to spray the pheromone into your cat's carrier, or onto a blanket placed in your cat's carrier. This could potentially help make the experience of getting into the carrier more calm for your cat, as well as potentially make the car ride and time at the vet a calmer experience. Also consider taking the pheromone spray with you to the vet, where you can spray it in the air in the exam room, or again spray it on a blanket or toy you might have brought along to the vet for your cat. Of course a pheromone spray might not work the same for every cat, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to try it in case it might help your kitty feel calm and soothed.

Out Like a Light on Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan is here to remind you all just how cute he is, even if he doesn't make it all the way into his bed.

Very likely because his back legs are paralyzed, Evan regularly gets his front half into his bed and then calls it good. I like to help him get more cozy if I know I won't disturb him. In the photo above, though, one of his higher doses of gabapentin had kicked in and had him out like a light, so I just left him to his snoozing.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're in the midst of doing a series of tips on getting your cat to the vet, which is sometimes far easier said than done. Today's tip on this topic is to do your research and to know about the clinic of choice prior to arriving there. For example, look up or call ahead and find out if the clinic you're considering is cat-only, cat-friendly, or provides a cat-only lobby. Finding a clinic that is in some way cat-friendly can make for an easier, calmer trip to the vet for your kitty. Before arriving, you can even find out which door to enter at a cat-friendly clinic to ensure that you are in the cat-only lobby, so that your kitty can feel as safe and comfortable as possible right from the start.

In addition, if or when possible, especially for skittish cats, you can try to find out a clinic's quietest, least busy time of the day, or day of the week. This way, if it's feasible and necessary, you can potentially schedule to take an especially scared cat when the clinic is as quiet as possible. Though certainly not all clinics do this, some clinics will have a day, or even partial day, when they will see only feline patients. If this is the case at your clinic of choice, try to schedule appointments for your kitty on this likely quieter, calmer day. It never hurts to be prepared, so for the sake of your kitty, find out important or helpful details of a clinic prior to your kitty's appointment. This can help things go more smoothly, and can help a cat feel as safe and calm as possible.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Adorable Eddy

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 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I am so not looking forward to _________.

2. _________ is surprisingly delicious.

3. I need a welcome sign at my front door that says _________.

4. I would _________ if it meant that I could _________.


My answers are below in bold.

1. I am so not looking forward to waiting for Evan's next grooming appointment.

(Evan was quite literally just groomed by our vet's groomer, but I'm already dreading the wait for his next one. Evan gets sanitary shaves because he has urinary incontinence. Our vet clinic and their grooming services have been short-staffed lately, and so they haven't been able to get Evan in as often as usual. They've just hired a new groomer and so Evan will soon be able to return to his usual grooming schedule, but even with me bathing Evan at home with an antimicrobial cleaner, the hair growth in between his grooming sessions has allowed enough moisture to build up to give him his first bout of urine scald in over a year. He's all spruced up for now, but his next grooming is a bit far out again. After that one he'll finally be back to the intervals that work best for him. He's never been willing to let me shave him myself, but I'll be doing what I can to prevent more urine scald for my poor boy.)

2. White fish is surprisingly delicious.

(This seems like such a silly answer, and you seafood lovers are probably thinking, "Well, duh." I, however, am not a fan of seafood. My palate just doesn't appreciate it. That said, my mom recently ordered some white fish from a local seafood restaurant. She wanted me to try their white fish with lemon pepper seasoning, so I humored her. And I loved it. It probably helps that I love lemon pepper seasoning itself, but the white fish itself was also just tender and delicious.)

3. I need a welcome sign at my front door that says I'd turn back if I were you.

(Forever ago I actually bought a sign that says this, but for some reason I never hung it up. I didn't even think of that sign until after I chose this fill-in. So, this is now my inspiration to hang that oh so welcoming sign.)

4. I would learn pet grooming techniques if it meant that I could groom Evan at home.
(I studied animals sciences in college and used to work at a vet clinic, but I've never learned anything on how to properly groom a cat or dog. I've hardly ever even used an electric razor. While Evan will begrudgingly let me briefly scrub him down with cleaners, he will not let me do anything beyond that. The couple of times I've tried to groom Evan myself at home, he has gotten exceedingly upset. I don't think Evan would ever actually bite me, but the closest he's ever gotten to doing so was when I tried to groom him. When I take him to get groomed by our vet's groomer, though, I'm told he just sits there and lets them do whatever they want to him. If Evan would let me do that for him, I'd even take a class in order to learn how to get him as trimmed and clean as his groomer does.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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I asked Eddy to snap a shot of her pretty face to share with you all today. She agreed, but she looked quite cranky doing so.

At least we can see that adorable snaggletooth and those gorgeous eyes!

Eddy and all of us here wish you a fantastic Friday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Yesterday I shared a flashback doodle starring Edgar Allan Poe and his tortie Catterina. Today, we have for you one of my other favorite horror authors, that being H.P. Lovecraft. This time, the feline co-star is my own angel Rosie.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip on taking your kitty to the vet is one that we're sure all of you have heard, and that is to get your kitty used to the carrier. The first and foremost way to do this is to keep the carrier out, in sight, and accessible all the time. If the carrier is tucked away, then it very well may simply become a source of fear when it comes out once a year. Keeping it out at all times can help combat this.

What's more, try to make the carrier a place of comfort or fun. For example, place a cozy blanket in the carrier, so that it can perhaps be seen as a place to snooze. You can also place toys in the carrier, as well as treats. Or, you can try to use the carrier as a feeding station, such as by putting one of your kitty's bowls of food in there. These methods can help your cat associate the carrier with things that are cozy, fun, or commonplace, in turn helping it to be seen as less of a threat. All in all, help your kitty get used to the carrier by turning it into a place where good things happen, rather than simply a place where they're occasionally locked up and taken somewhere unfamiliar. Associating the carrier with happy experiences can potentially make vet visits a bit less scary for the kitty in your life.

Thankful Thimble Thursday with a Canine Cameo

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! You better believe Thimble is ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for her puppy sister, that of course being the one and only Astrid.

Thimble is also so very thankful that she often wins the battle for the beloved window seat. She's always willing to share the spot with Astrid, but if the pup isn't into sharing, Thimble usually wins the spot for herself.

Now, don't go thinking Thimble actually fights for the spot. This girl is one of the most docile, non-aggressive creatures I've ever met in my life. She honestly just out-stubborns Astrid by refusing to move.

Don't worry, though, because Thimble always makes sure her puppy sister gets a turn eventually.

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

1. I am so not looking forward to _________.

2. _________ is surprisingly delicious.

3. I need a welcome sign at my front door that says _________.

4. I would _________ if it meant that I could _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I really do have quite a large number of new doodles to share, and will be doing so soon. Today, though, we have an old flashback that I re-share pretty much every year. Say hello to Edgar Allan Poe, his tortie Catterina, and of course the raven.

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Tip of the Day

Since we're already talking nonstop about the vet, and since National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is next week, we figured we'd go right on ahead and do a series of tips on how to get that kitty of yours to the vet. We'll start this series with the simple tip to socialize and get your kitty used to interaction at an early age, if possible. Getting your cat used to people is ideal for helping them cope with future outings to the vet. This of course may not always be possible, depending on a particular cat's age and personality at the time of adoption or rescue. However, when possible and safe, start socializing your cat around people, even simply visitors to your home, when they are young.

What's more, try to get your cat used to hands-on checks. If it's safe for both you and your cat, you can get in the habit of looking in your cat's ears, having a look at their mouth and teeth, and so forth. This of course can help them get used to all that goes on when they're at the vet's office, while at the same time also helping you check for abnormalities that might need to be addressed. All in all, starting early with socializing and hands-on interaction, when it's a safe option, can possibly help your kitty feel more comfortable about getting examined during their trips to the vet.

Adventures with Astrid and Her Smile

Today, Astrid decided to take you all along on yet another one of her beloved walks.

This pup is known for her chronic smile. I feel like you all don't get to see that ever-present smile nearly enough, because for the camera she tends to put it away. But, rest assured, Astrid is almost always smiling.

Astrid's smile is really deceiving to strangers on walks. They'll see a happy, smiling dog like her and think, "Oh, what a perfect dog to pet!" The thing is, while Astrid is not even remotely aggressive, she's incredibly shy and really just a giant chicken. She will happily walk past and stand near just about any person, but it's a toss up whether she'll let any given stranger actually touch her. She usually opts to hide behind me if someone tries to pet her. What a brave girl.

Even if she won't let strangers pet her, Astrid has still gotten many compliments on her smile. 

Of course, Astrid is sending you all lots of smiles today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today is the last tip in our series on decorating your house around your furbabies. What we're talking about today is flooring. When purchasing, designing, or renovating a home, be sure to take your furbabies into consideration when it comes to details such as flooring. For example, carpeting might require extra cleaning efforts if you live with furbabies prone to vomiting or other accidents on the floor. A better option in such a case might be a hard surface flooring. Some of the easiest floors to clean and maintain with furbabies include tile and laminate floors. Of course, hardwood is another option. When it comes to this, though, do try to ensure that the type of wood used on your floors is indeed hardwood. For example, oak, maple, walnut, and cherry are all hardwoods that are resilient, as well as able to be refinished relatively easily. On the other hand, try to avoid softwood flooring when living with furbabies, whose paws and claws can far more easily cause damage to less resilient woods. Softwoods include pine, cedar, and redwood, all of which might not be able to hold up against the pitter-patter of clawed furbaby paws. All in all, if you are blessed enough to share your life and home with furbabies, you may indeed need to consider how to best decorate your home to suit both you and your furbaby.