Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Air Conditioning

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is happily here for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for the sunshine, but also for air conditioning.

It's been 95°F or hotter every day this week. Thimble knows she's blessed that she can enjoy some sunshine while sitting in a cool home, and she wishes the same for all kitties in the world. We know a lot of you are also in a heat wave, so we hope you're staying cool! 

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

1. Lately, my main focus is _________.

2. I crave _________.

3. I get my best ideas _________.

4. I only trust _________ with my biggest secrets.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We've been re-sharing last year's summertime spooky doodles, and so here's what little Thimble's looked like.

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Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip for strays and ferals relates to the trap-neuter-release (TNR) practice. TNR is crucial for keeping the feral cat population under control, as well as keeping individual ferals as safe and healthy as possible. This being said, always keep the weather and environment in mind when embarking on a TNR effort.

The summer heat can of course pose an extreme danger to cats being trapped. Potentially fatal overheating or heat stroke can occur if a cat is trapped and left sitting in the trap in the sun. In addition to this, traps are often made of metal, which means that if these traps are sitting on a hot surface, such as asphalt, the trap as well as the cat inside can overheat in this way as well. To combat such issues, try to trap and thereafter keep ferals in the shade. After they are trapped, do not leave the cats sitting out in the sun and heat, but instead transfer them somewhere cool as soon as possible. Also keep in mind the cats' safety when transporting them. For example, as you all surely know, the interior of a car can quickly become like a deadly oven in the summer months, so do not leave any animals, including trapped ferals, inside hot cars.

TNR is of course a very important practice for the safety and well-being of feral cats. That doesn't mean there aren't risks to the cats, though, and that includes the weather. So, if you are assisting in the significant task of trapping ferals, of course always ensure the cats' safety in all weather.

A Woof Woof Wednesday Sneezing Fit

It's allergy season. Pup Astrid has always dealt with seasonal allergies, and even on her antihistamine, the poor girl is still full of sneezes these days.

Astrid is indeed about to sneeze in these photos. But, this particular sneeze wasn't actually caused by her allergies.

You see, right before this photo shoot, despite being told not to do so, Astrid gorged on grass. Then she vomited said grass. In the process, she inhaled some of her vomit into her nose. This led to much squinting of her eyes and many attempts to sneeze the vomit out of her nose.

Don't worry, because soon after those photos were snapped, Astrid managed a great big sneeze. It apparently dislodged the vomit she'd inhaled into her nostrils, because afterwards she went back to looking and acting normal.

Happy Wednesday, friends! Astrid hopes you all have a far less eventful day than the one she had above.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As I've mentioned probably obnoxiously too often lately, I'm working on a new series of summertime spooky doodles. Since those aren't done yet, though, we're sharing last year's spooky series of summer doodles. This was Astrid's drawing, inspired by a fake Halloween cake I saw at a store.

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Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with our tips on summer safety for outdoor strays and ferals. Today we're moving on to the topic of food. When feeding furbabies outdoors, you of course have to take into consideration the heat of summer. Food can spoil in extreme heat, as you all surely know. Dry food is often the best one to feed strays and ferals on hot days. After all, moist food will spoil far more quickly, and will also quickly dry out in the sun and heat. You can try adding additional water to moist food to keep it from drying out too quickly, but even this method won't be able to combat the heat for long. No matter what type of food you feed to strays and ferals, do try to keep it in a shaded area or under a shaded shelter. What's more, remove old food and offer fresh food as often as is possible and needed.

It's also worth noting that though dry food is easier and safer to feed to outdoor cats in the heat, you still have to take precautions. Not only can dry food lose its freshness and safe status in the heat, but also think of instances such as rainy days. Dry food that gets wet will swell, become unappetizing, and can easily spoil if not cleaned up. So, when feeding dry or even moist food, of course keep in mind not only the heat, but other environmental factors such as rain. All in all, keep those strays and ferals healthy this summer with fresh food that is in the shade and protected from spoilage and other issues as best as possible.

Tonks Tuesday with Towels and a Tongue

Tonks has just a tad bit of a blooper to share today. It's nowhere near as blurry as what Eddy often has to offer, though. And it was the least blurry photo in this shoot of Tonks enjoying a hamper full of towels straight out of the warm dryer.

Don't mind the cute little calico's eye booger. She's having quite a time with allergies. Tonks usually lets me get her eye boogers out for her. Usually. She said no to it being removed before this photo shoot, though, because she was just too excitable and unwilling to sit still.

Forget that eye booger, though. Do you see her adorable little tongue peeking out there?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

The markers I need to finish this year's spooky summertime doodles arrive today. While I await those and work on finishing the doodles, we're sharing last summer's spooky doodles. Today you get Tonks in a terrifying—or more like terrified—tree.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is another one about water. Since water is such a crucial aspect of survival, especially in the heat of summer, we thought we'd give it one last hoorah. Today, we're specifically talking about water bowls.

Water bowl preference can of course play a part in any cat's life. We've talked before about whisker fatigue, for example, and how this often causes cats to prefer wider bowls, as these won't cause them to bump their whiskers while getting a drink. That being said, though, when it comes to offering water outdoors in the heat, keep in mind how the shape and size of the water bowl can play a part. For example, did you know that evaporation happens more rapidly when water has a large surface area? This is why water in wide, shallow bowls will evaporate relatively quickly in the heat. To combat this, try to offer water in bowls that are narrower and deeper. Of course, do try to ensure that the bowl is not so narrow that it makes drinking impossible or difficult, but also try to ensure that a bowl has a decent chance of combating evaporation.

In addition, consider the material out of which the bowl is made. This one can be a bit tough when it comes to offering water to strays and ferals to hot and sunny days. We've talked before about how stainless steel bowls are often a good choice over plastic bowls, since plastic bowls can get scratched and thereby more easily harbor microbes. But, as you all surely know, metallic surfaces can get pretty darn hot in the summer heat. Especially if a bowl is in the sun or on a hot surface, a metallic bowl might not only cause the water to become uncomfortably warm, but the bowl itself might also become painfully hot to the touch. This is best prevented if the bowl is placed in a cool, shaded area. You can also, if possible and safe, try using sturdy glassware as outdoor bowls. This is of course only reasonable if breakage is unlikely to occur, though, as broken glass is indeed a danger.

In short, take anything and everything possible into consideration when trying to help strays and ferals remain safe in the summer heat. This does indeed include their water bowls. Aim for bowls that will prevent rapid evaporation, but that will also be easy and safe out of which to drink.

Mancat Monday with the Meds

Every couple months I feel compelled to take a photo of Evan when he knows he's about to get his morning payload of medications. Long, long ago he used to go hide when it came time for his meds. Nowadays, he just lies on the floor and looks sad when he knows they're coming.

Evan gets meds for his various urinary issues, megacolon and other intestinal issues, anxiety, a deformed ear that requires special cleaning agents, and all that jazz. He gets the majority of his medications in the morning, though he also gets second doses of about half of them in the evening.

I know Evan looks pretty pathetic in that photo there, but rest assured that he takes his meds pretty well, and afterwards he always gets treats. The second he knows he's done getting his meds, he doesn't run off or anything like that. Instead, he turns around and immediately demands his treat reward. And he's always granted that.

Evan and all of us here wish you a magnificent Monday! Evan also hopes you all get to enjoy some treats! (Preferably without getting drugged first, but either way, hopefully there are treats!)

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I scribbled up and shared this doodle probably not even a fully year ago, but the photo above reminded me of it, and so I decided to share it again today.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Window Whiffies

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We've 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 avoid _________ like the plague.

2. I hope to _________ this summer.

3. My favorite subject in school was _________.

4. I wish there was a _________ for adults.


My answers are below in bold. The first ones I filled in were #2 and #3, and I unintentionally chose bookish answers for both of those. I chose to stick with that same theme for the remaining two, which ended up being quite easy. There is much rambling below, and I apologize for that.

1. I avoid the romance genre like the plague.

(When it comes to books as well as movies and TV, I personally find the romance genre to be filled with way too much cheesy drama. I instead gravitate heavily toward the fantasy genre, though I also enjoy thriller, horror, the occasional sci-fi, and that sort of thing. I actually don't mind a subplot that involves a bit of realistic romance, but only if not's filled with that cheesy drama.)

2. I hope to finish writing my current work-in-progress this summer.

(I've mentioned many times on this blog how I enjoy writing just as much as reading, and publishing some of my stories is a huge life goal of mine. I had a needlessly long explanation typed out here, but let's just suffice it to say that I've been working pretty consistently on my current writing project. I'll save the rambling about that for when I actually finish it. And hopefully that'll be by the end of this summer.)

3. My favorite subject in school was English/literature.

(Indeed, my top favorite subject in school was English. I've always enjoyed reading and writing, and so this was the main subject I looked forward to every year. I also really enjoyed biology. As much as I love drawing and doing various other crafts, I wish I could say I enjoyed art class. I did not, though. For me personally, art classes had way too many rules and stipulations for something as personal and subjective as art.)

4. I wish there was a reading program for adults.

(I know there are indeed various book clubs and other reading programs for adults. What comes to my mind, though, is that Pizza Hut Book It! summer reading program for school kids. I'm not even sure it's still a thing, but it was when I was a kid. With that program, you could earn free personal pizzas from Pizza Hut by reading books in the months of June, July, and August. I've always loved reading, and I love pizza, so I looked forward to that reading program every summer. Adulthood really lost some magic when I realized I couldn't find a reading program like that for my older self.)

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 it's time for your Eddy fix. Today, you get Eddy in the window.

We have to enjoy those window whiffies before it gets back up to 95°F and beyond this weekend. Eddy and all of us here hope you stay cool this summer!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm still working on our new series of spooky summertime doodles. I didn't realize I was running so low on ink in some of my primary markers, so I'm waiting on the new ones to arrive. So, for today you get Eddy's spooky summertime doodle form last year.

Eddy's doodle for this year also admittedly involves a ghostly chair like this. I couldn't help myself, as Eddy's favorite sleeping spot is the chair in my room. I really should start decorating her chair like a ghost.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Another Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Thimble is here and of course ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for sun puddles. She's expressed this gratitude before, but it's simply one of her favorites. Thimble is indeed that kitty who chases sun puddles around the house all day.

The sunny lighting doesn't it make it all that easy to tell what's what in that photo. Thimble is not only basking in the sun, but she's also sitting on a Dr. Seuss mat we won on wonderful Ellen's blog 15andmeowing years ago. Thimble loves this soft little mat so much. She hopes you also get to enjoy sun puddles and a cozy seat today!

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And now we'll of course share the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host, none other than the amazing Ellen of 15andmeowing, came up with the first two and I came up with the second two.

1. I avoid _________ like the plague.

2. I hope to _________ this summer.

3. My favorite subject in school was _________.

4. I wish there was a _________ for adults.

 

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Adventures with Astrid

Today Astrid thought she'd share a little glimpse into one of her recent weekend walks.

On this day, Astrid decided to go down a path she hadn't visited in a while. This path is on the edge of the creek that runs throughout our neighborhood, and we hear and see lots of wildlife in the area. Astrid's hearing isn't what it used to be, but sometimes she can still hear or at least sense nearby wildlife, and that greenery to her left certainly kept getting her attention.

Astrid is not a big fan of warm weather, and neither am I. Our temps will be well into the 90s this week, so Astrid will be happily spending most of her time in the air conditioned indoors. We hope you're all staying cool as we waltz into summer!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I often forget that a few years ago I scribbled up my own odd rendition of a couple Winnie the Pooh characters. Then I see it in my archive or drawings and think, oh, yeah, this exists.

For the record, Eeyore is my favorite Winnie the Pooh character. I always appreciated that Tigger was a cat, but his spastic nature gave me anxiety even as a kid. Eeyore was way more my speed. I've also always loved the underdog, or I guess underdonkey in this case. I still have a jumbo Eeyore stuffed animal I got for Christmas as a kid. I never intend on parting with it.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

Tonks in a Tree on Tuesday

Hello and happy Tuesday, friends! Specifically, it's Tonks Tuesday, and so the calico is here to grace you with yet more of her adorableness.

Like most cats, Tonks loves her a good cat tree. She loves to play on them, to snooze on them, and of course to pose on them.

Tonks hopes you all get to enjoy a cat tree today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Mancat Monday: Snoozing in the Sun

Hello, friends! My apologies that we're posting far later than intended. I was without a computer again this weekend. My laptop needed a basic hinge repair back in April, and I've had to take it back to the shop for issues related to that repair many times now. Just this past Friday my laptop was re-repaired again, but when I got it home, the WiFi wouldn't work. Turns out, the technician accidentally broke the internal WiFi antenna during Friday's repair. I don't really want to go back to this computer repair shop anymore, but until these issues are all resolved, they are fixing everything for free since the new issues only began after their initial repair. I finally have my laptop back as of this afternoon, though, and I think everything is finally squared away. Knock on wood. Hopefully now I can steer clear of that computer shop.

All that said, it's Mancat Monday. Evan is technically here to say hello, but he's doing so while snoozing in his sunny napping spot.

All of us here wish you a happy Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Glamour Shot

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. _________ is my love language.

2. Never a dull moment with _________.

3. I associate _________ with _________.

4. If I wanted to get to know someone, I would ask them _________.


My answers are below in bold, and are accompanied by much rambling. As usual.

1. Gift giving is my love language.

(Sometimes it's acts of service, but mostly gift giving. I'm not a touchy-feely person, except for with cats and dog. I also really enjoy my alone time, and words aren't my strong suit. So gift giving and acts of service it is.)

2. Never a dull moment with my furry family.

(I mentioned the other day how the kitties and pup in my family have been keeping us on our toes. On Wednesday I talked about pup Astrid and her old gal issues, though we're working on ways to manage everything and overall she's doing pretty good. Moving on to Evan, his urine culture from late last week came back indicating he didn't actually have a UTI, which means his recent bloody urination and discomfort was a nasty flare of his cystitis. He's already on every medication that's typically given for cystitis, and so this week his vet gave him his first monthly injection of Solensia to see if that helps. It's typically given for arthritis, but Evan's vet mentioned it's also used for other forms of pain and discomfort. Evan only got it a couple of days ago, and I think he seems at least a bit more comfortable, but it might still need a bit of time to take full effect.

Also, our housemate Toby, who owns my sister and is my girl Thimble's littermate, was diagnosed with diabetes this week. We were mainly noticing that he was urinating a ton, as he was still eating and generally acting his normal self. His glucose at the time of his appointment was 504, though, so diabetic he is. Toby and Thimble's littermate Trapper, who owns my parents, was diagnosed with diabetes back in 2023 and he's been doing great on the oral pill treatment called Bexacat. Their angelic littermate Talon was also successfully on Bexacat for steroid-induced diabetes before he passed away from lung cancer in April. My sister has started Toby on Bexacat and so far it looks promising, though he still needs a couple of checks over the next couple of weeks to make sure his ketones stay where they should on the new medication. My little Thimble is now the only kitty from that litter who has not been diagnosed with diabetes or treated with Bexacat. And I've rambled enough for now, I think.)

3. I associate the smell of paper fresh out of a copier with grade school.

(Going to school in the '90s and early 2000s, paper copies and that sort of thing were still used all the time. We didn't use computers in any classrooms except for the computer lab, and so it was all about textbooks and endless paper copies. My current workplace still has some old-fashioned ways of doing things, including keeping paper copies of everything. A brand new copier was just placed near my desk at work, and so I'm exposed to the scent of warm papers all the time now. It often takes me back to my school days.)

4. If I wanted to get to know someone, I would ask them about the animals in their life.

(I'd ask someone if they have pets. If they don't, that's their choice, but in that case I probably have little to nothing in common with that person. If they do share their life with animals, I'd be asking them all about their furry or feathered or scaled friends. You can learn a lot about a person just by asking them about their cats, dogs, and other little companions. Another question I might ask is if they like to read, and if so, what kinds of books.)

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.

***

Who's ready for an Eddy fix? We bet you all are. And you're lucky, because today Eddy agreed to a bit of a glamour shot. See?

Happy Friday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm still working on our new series of spooky summertime doodles, and I hope to get a lot of them finished up this weekend. In the meantime, though, here's another one from a few years ago.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Dumbo Ears

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

Today, Thimble is grateful for what big ears she has. After all, not only can she hear well, but those Dumbo ears of hers are so very adorable. Actually, my sister and I both often refer to Thimble as Yoda because of those ears of hers. See?

I've always thought Thimble's proportions are so cute. She has a somewhat small head, huge ears, adorably big eyes, and short little legs. She's really just insanely cute, and she knows it, and I know it, and that's that.

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

1. _________ is my love language.

2. Never a dull moment with _________.

3. I associate _________ with _________.

4. If I wanted to get to know someone, I would ask them _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip on bringing a new furbaby into the home is to have a safe area for them to spend their introductory days. Depending on your situation and living space, this can take on many forms. If you are bringing a social, calm cat into a home with no other animals, there is a chance that they might have free roam of the home right off the bat. However, in many cases, such as if they are nervous or if there are other animals in the home, it is far more wise and safe to give a new furbaby a particular safe area where they can go when first beginning their life at their new home. This safe area could be a bedroom, a bathroom, a spacious cage or similar setup in a safe and quiet room, or something else along these lines.

What's more, consider what this safe area should contain. It should of course have the new furbaby's food, water, litter box, toys, a bed or blanket, and other necessities and comforts. Especially when it comes to nervous or shy furbabies, it is also crucial to ensure that a new kitty or pup has an area where they can feel secure or even hidden. If their safe area does not include anywhere for them to feel secure and hidden, consider giving them some options, even simply by cutting holes in upside-down cardboard boxes.

All in all, you have to consider what a new furbaby is coming home to. Do you live with a large family? Are there other animals? Is the new cat or dog shy? Consider all of these factors, and then decide where and how to keep your new furbaby safe while they are first learning the ropes at their new home.

Woof Woof Wednesday with Ornery Astrid

There have been a lot of vet visits for various furry babies in the family this week. Everyone is doing okay, and I'll give full updates in tomorrow and/or Fridays' posts, but for today you get yourself a pup Astrid.

Behind Astrid in these photos are some very old, very abused well-loved cat scratcher houses. One reason these scratcher houses are so dilapidated is, well, Astrid. When Astrid doesn't get her way, such as if she's told she can't eat cat food, she sometimes goes over to these scratchers and just straight up punches them. She knows that makes them collapse in on themselves, and then she happily watches us humans put them back together. Astrid has always been ornery, and even at an arthritic 12 years old, she has not lost that orneriness. I'm honestly so very glad for that.

As we mentioned recently, after starting to show some strange symptoms over the past couple of months, Astrid was tested for the disease myasthenia gravis. Her test results came back negative, though our vet did admit that, though rare, there can be false negatives. We've found a couple of ways to improve Astrid's odd symptoms, namely her occasional difficulty swallowing. Raising her food bowls helped with this, though not completely. Astrid's vet is having us try her on the antacid omeprazole, to see if her swallowing issues have a simple explanation like gastric reflux.

Some of Astrid's other odd symptoms, which largely affect her legs and mobility, could potentially be explained by her arthritis and residual vestibular disease side effects. There's also a chance Astrid is having a second, fresh bout of vestibular disease, thereby causing an increase in and additions to her symptoms. One of my childhood dogs suffered from vestibular disease on two separate occasions, but her symptoms were incredibly severe. Astrid's form of vestibular disease is surprisingly mild, which has made the emergence of her symptoms somewhat strange to witness. All in all, though, Astrid is doing pretty good, all things considered. This week especially she's been more peppy again, which has been really nice to see. We'll of course continue to monitor her and further pursue diagnoses and treatments if her newest symptoms continue or worsen.

Astrid hopes you all have a wonderful Wednesday! She's likely going to celebrate the day by yet again obliterating the kitties' cat scratcher houses. Because why not.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Though Astrid is having a pretty good week, the couple of rough weeks she had over the past month or two makes sharing this old "Halfway to Halloween" doodle apt enough.

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Tip of the Day

The next tip in our series on bringing home a new cat or dog is to ensure that you are prepared with all of the supplies needed for bringing home said furbaby. For example, the new furbaby will of course need food and bowls, and also possibly a litter box, litter, a leash, toys, beds, perhaps a product such as Feliway, a collar and ID tag, and so forth. What's more, though, when selecting such supplies, keep in mind the particular furbaby you're introducing into your home. Is it a kitten or puppy, or a geriatric cat or dog, or a furbaby with special needs? In such cases, have on hand food and other items that would best suit the particular kitty or pup. That being said, it is often recommended that you try to slowly transition a new cat or dog to a new food, so as not to disrupt their digestive system with a sudden change in diet. Therefore, it might also be reasonable to purchase at least a small amount of the food they were eating prior to you bringing them home, and transitioning them to a new food over the course of a few days. All in all, as you all surely know, make all necessary considerations and make proper preparations prior to bringing home a new furbaby.

Tonks Tuesday with Toesies

It's Tonks Tuesday, so you better believe the calico herself is here to grace you with her adorableness. She even brought her toesies along, and a random tuft of her fur that got stuck in one of her claws.

Tonks and all of us here wish you a happy Tuesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've shared today's flashback doodle many times in the summery past. It stars my sweet angel Rosie, and it is of yet another summertime spooky doodle. It's going to be over 90°F here the next couple of days, so why not share some spooky wishful thinking?

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Tip of the Day

Around this time in 2018, we were introducing kitten Tonks as well as her sister Winky into the home. Back then, we shared a series of tips on none other than the topic of introducing new furry friends into the home. So, let's go ahead and repeat that series, shall we?

We're going to begin these tips with a simple yet important one, and that is, before you bring any new furbaby into your home, no matter the species or age, always take into consideration all factors that might affect this decision. For example, do you have enough space in your home to bring home a new cat or dog? If you rent your home, how many animals does the landlord allow? Also consider finances, and whether the proper medical and general care of a new cat or dog will realistically fit in your budget. How about your health? Are you physically able to care for a new cat or dog? Do you have other animals? Do any of them have medical or behavioral issues that would make it unwise to bring home another animal? How about family or roommates with whom you live? Is it reasonable and safe to bring a new cat or dog to live with the other people in your home? Needless to say, there are great many factors to consider before bringing home a new furbaby, so be sure to thoroughly consider all those that apply to you and your home.

Mancat Monday with Yet Another UTI

Hello, friends! We're a broken record over here. After all, poor Evan went to the vet last week for symptoms of yet another UTI. Mostly, the poor boy's urine decided to come out as orange, then brown, and then red all within about an hour last Thursday morning. So, to the vet we went.

Evan has a number of conditions that cause him to be at high risk for recurring UTIs. He's paralyzed, he's urinary incontinent, and he has megacolon and therefore takes meds that can sometimes cause UTI-inducing diarrhea. Often I'll just email Evan's vet when he starts showing symptoms of a UTI, and the vet will immediately prescribe antibiotics that I'll go pick up that day. Since Evan has been having increased UTIs over the past couple of months, though, we wanted to send his urine out for a culture and antibiotic sensitivity test, just to make sure he doesn't need a more efficient antibiotic than the one he usually takes. Hence his imprisonment and trip to the vet last week. Evan is on his usual Clavamox in the meantime, but we should get those culture and sensitivity test results back today or tomorrow.

Overall, Evan is still doing pretty good. He's my little trouper.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Have I mentioned recently how, despite summer being just around the corner, I'm in the mood for some spooky fun? Oh, I have? Well, here's another flashback doodle in that realm.

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Tip of the Day

Do you have kitties or pups who require separate feedings? This can occur if certain furbabies are on different diets, or if they require different amounts of food, such as if one is on a weight loss diet. While it is not always easy to do separate feedings, it is still often doable with at least a little work. For example, some cats who are more agile can be fed on an elevated surface, such as a counter or shelf, where other cats or even dogs cannot reach. In other cases, such as if you have a small cat or dog and a larger cat or dog, you can fabricate a box or other area with a small opening where the smaller furbaby can enter and eat without interference from the other, larger furbaby. Then there are times when when feeding in separate rooms might need to be attempted. This version often works best if feedings are scheduled, and during those times the furbabies are placed in different rooms while each of them eats their diet as needed. Though not always easy, there are methods that can be attempted for feeding furbabies on different diets, so don't lose hope if this is something your furbabies require.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Aquamarine Eyes

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. My plans for June include _________ and _________.

2. I would love to have _________ mentor me.

3. _________ was an aha moment for me.

4. I was not prepared for _________ when I reached adulthood.

My answer are below in bold.

1. My plans for June include getting to all the things I neglected in May and working on my writing and drawing projects.

(I mentioned in May how I planned on doing things like cleaning and organizing my kitchen cabinets. That didn't happen. By the time Evan and Astrid started having some rough days, and then my hot water heater broke and was out of commission for many days, I found myself with little to no desire to clean kitchen cabinets. I'll add it to this month's to-do list, but at this point I make no promises. And, as always, I want to work on my writing and drawing projects. I've actually been doing pretty good about working on these regularly, so that's something.)

2. I would love to have J.R.R. Tolkien mentor me.

(I'll admit that I like to do things my way and so I'm not one to seek out much mentorship. That's nothing to be proud of, I'm sure. That said, as a huge fan of the fantasy genre, and as someone who loves to write and would love to publish some works into the world, I'd pick fantasy master J.R.R. Tolkien's brain if I could. He has unfortunately long since passed on, but he's who came to my mind.)

3. Astrid's most recent "episode" of struggling to swallow food was an aha moment for me.

(I mentioned this in Wednesday's post about pup Astrid. She's been having some issues that we've assumed were related to her old age, arthritis, and residual symptoms of vestibular disease. One of her newest issues, though, is occasional difficulty swallowing. When I was doing my best to help her with that recently, I had a sudden realization that Astrid's newest issues look almost exactly like the symptoms my grandma's dog was displaying before being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis last year. Astrid has now had blood taken to test for this disease. Though we don't have results back or actual answers yet, at the very least we're now pursuing her symptoms further after my aha moment made me think she surely has some esophageal and other muscle issues going on that are possibly similar to my grandma's dog. So, we'll do our best to get to the bottom of it.)

4. I was not prepared for all the chores when I reached adulthood.

(I did chores as a kid. I helped with cleaning and cooking and all that jazz. But, it didn't all fall on me, and now it does. It sometimes boggles my mind how much has to be done simply to keep myself and my furry babies alive, and to keep my house running as it should. Almost everyone has to deal with this stuff, of course. But, there are just especially busy days with endless hours of chores, and on those days adulting is a little less than fun.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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Are you ready for your Eddy fix? We know you are. Today, you get another view of Eddy sitting in her favorite chair. These are close up shots, though, which is fantastic because that gives you a great view of her absolutely gorgeous aquamarine eyes.

No photo shoot with Eddy is complete without at least one blooper. Or a dozen. These bloopers are still pretty darn adorable, though, like this blurry, earless one starring her adorable snaggletooth.

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As I work on this year's new series of summertime spooky doodles, how about yet another one of this nature from a few years ago?

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Tip of the Day

We have another quick and simple food and drink tip today. Especially for older, arthritic, or furbabies otherwise unable to get around well, try to place food and water bowls near their favorite places to sleep or hang out. If possible, you can also try to place bowls all throughout the house so that they have easily accessible options wherever they are at the time. This can help ensure that furbabies with less mobility are still getting proper nutrition and hydration.