Thankful Thimble Thursday Cuteness

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

Today, Thimble is again grateful for her adorable nose, and mouth, and just really her whole adorable face.

Need a close-up of that cuteness? Of course you do.

Thimble hopes seeing her downright adorable self helped brighten your day!

***

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. _________ was money well spent.

2. _________ was a big waste of money.

3. If I became famous, it would most likely be because _________.

4. _________ was the worst hairstyle I've ever had.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've been looking into recipes and techniques for making homemade cake donuts, so this old doodle starring my angel Rosie seemed perfect.

***

Tip of the Day

Believe it or not, we still have a couple tips left in our litter box series. Today's tip is to consider regularly replacing litter boxes as they grow old and overused. Some cat care professionals recommend brand new litter boxes on a yearly basis. At the very least, do take note of how old your cat's litter box is and what shape it's in, and replace it as needed.

There are a couple of considerations to make when deciding whether or when to replace a litter box. First, keep in mind that plastic litter boxes can become adorned with scrapes and scratches from cat claws, and those scratches on plastic litter boxes can ultimately harbor a variety of microbes. This can, of course, ultimately lead to potentially unsanitary conditions within the litter box. In addition to that, ammonia and other components of excrement can potentially leach into the plastic of litter boxes over time. This can make lingering odors, such as that of urine, more or less permanent, which could very well be unpleasant to those sharp noises of our kitties. The aforementioned are just two reasons why regularly replacing old litter boxes may indeed be a good idea. As we've said before, maintaining a fresh, clean litter box can be crucial to sharing your home with a happy, healthy feline.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Nose Art in the Window

I think we're way past due for a memory of angel pup Astrid gazing out her favorite window.

Astrid always painted that window with her nose art. Truth be told, though my sweet girl passed away nearly a year ago now, I still haven't cleaned her final nose art from that window. I don't know when I'll have it in me to do so. So, for now, her nose art lives on in that window.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is quite the random one. After all, I scribbled it up a few years ago when I felt like recreating Tigger and Eeyore. I wanted Tigger to be even more cat-like and Eeyore to be more dog-like, and so here we are.

***

Tip of the Day

We're still making our way through our tips on litter boxes. Today's tip is a quick and simple one, and it's to use the times you scoop and clean the litter box wisely. In other words, use your litter scooping time to be observant of your kitty's urine and feces. Are there any changes to the urine or stool volume or frequency? Is it a different color? Is there blood or mucus in it? Is the stool especially hard, or especially soft or runny? What about the odor? Excrement never smells particularly nice, but is there any new change in its smell? Try to always be observant of these types of things when you're scooping your cat's litter box. After all, some diseases will have symptoms that show up in the litter box, and so it is indeed important to make sure you are regularly checking to make sure all is well in that box. Of course, if you do notice anything concerning while scooping the litter box, do not hesitate to make a call to your veterinarian.

Tonks Tuesday: Silvervine Stick Fun

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico wants to remind you all how much she loves silvervine sticks.

This particular silvervine stick has raffia on each end, and it was once upon a time wrapped in twine or some kind of sisal rope. Said rope was removed by the kitties, and you can see it dangling off to the side in these photos.

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

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Quite a few years ago I did a series of doodles set in a log cabin sort of home. One of the rooms was an attic bedroom that ended up a bit kooky, but in a scientific sort of way. Though it's a bit odd, I've still always kind of liked this drawing. Of course, there is a kitty.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our litter box series is all about cleaning that litter box. A clean litter box is very important for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Cats are very clean and particular creatures, and so a dirty box might drive them away from using it. That is why an unclean litter box is one of the primary reasons why some cats begin urinating or defecating outside of the box.

So, as you all certainly know, be sure to scoop the litter box, or boxes, regularly. Scooping at least once a day is recommended, but of course, if possible, more often is even better. Twice or three times a day helps keep the litter box odors at a minimum, and of course helps your kitty stay healthy, happy, and with somewhere clean to use the restroom. You may also need to alter the number of times per day you scoop based on the bathroom habits of your particular cat, or cats. Some cats only go once a day, and so once a day scooping would likely suffice. For cats who go more frequently, though, more frequent scooping is of course a better option.

Cleaning a litter box doesn't just stop at scooping it, though. Doing a full clean of the box, which involves disposing of the old, dirty litter and scrubbing the box down, is also recommended on a regular basis. The frequency of a full litter box clean might vary, depending on your particular cat's bathroom habits, and even depending on which professional you might ask about this topic. If possible, try doing a full clean of the litter box once every one to two weeks in order to keep the box squeaky clean and your kitty healthy and happy. If that's not possible, then try for at least once a month. After disposing of the old litter in the box, you can scrub it down with a safe cleaner. This might be warm water with dish soap, vinegar and water, baking soda and water, or another pet-friendly cleaner that you are certain will not leave behind any harsh or hazardous chemicals. Once the litter box is dried, you can add fresh litter, and even a bit of baking soda or other pet-safe deodorizer.

Litter box cleaning may not be a desirable chore, but it's a crucial one. To prevent your kitty from avoiding the litter box, or from simply having to suffer the discomfort of using a smelly bathroom, be sure to keep the box nice and clean. So, do at least daily scooping, and regular full cleans, and your kitty will likely be very happy with you.

A Kooky Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan is having to put up with all sorts of Halloween nonsense even though it's only August. I have not yet decorated my house for the spooky occasion, though I likely will by or on September 1st. That said, we do have some Halloween bits and bobs that stay out year round, and Evan ended up posing with a kooky little pillow in the background of this here photo.

Though I try to save the more classic Halloween movies for September and beyond, I did watch Sleepy Hollow this weekend. Evan is my little shadow, which makes me so very happy, and so he cuddled me on the couch for the spooky movie night.

Have a magnificent (and perhaps slightly kooky) Monday!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm still working on finishing this year's summertime spooky doodles, which I'm hoping to start sharing soon. For now, though, I went searching in my archive of old drawings, and I found this one that I forgot I'd scribbled up quite a few years ago. The background especially is in my older style and color palette, but it was still a nice surprise to be reminded of this old doodle.

***

Tip of the Day

We're still in the midst of our series of tips on the topic of litter boxes. Today's tip in this realm of things is one that we might not always think on too much, and that's the litter scoop. You'd think a scoop is a scoop, but sometimes one scoop simply might work better than another. Depending on the type of litter you use, your particular furbaby's litter box habits, and other such factors, be sure to select a litter scoop that removes as much of the piles of urine, feces, and affected litter as possible. If too much of these bits of debris are left behind when you scoop, that can lead to lingering smells and less sanitary conditions. This could in turn mean that the litter box will need to be cleaned more frequently than might be expected. For the above reasons, when selecting a litter scoop, consider factors such as the number and spacing of the grates on the scoop.

In addition, you also might want to consider the material out of which the scoop is made. If there's a chance your litter scoop might get bunged up, for example, perhaps go for a metal scoop. This is because plastic scoops are far more likely to end up with scratches on their surface, and such scratches could harbor microbes, especially when used in an environment such as that of a litter box. So, don't forget to give even that scoop a bit of extra consideration and attention. Every little detail could potentially affect our kitties and their health and happiness, and that even includes the litter scoop, which helps keep that litter box as clean and sanitary as possible.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Blooper Queen Eddy

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time 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 August include _________ and _________.

2. I am a type _________ personality.

3. If _________ were a currency, I would be rich.

4. I can do a good impersonation of _________.


My answers are below in bold.

1. My plans for August include getting a head start on spooky reading and finishing my own novel.

(I've been reading a lot of fantasy late, which I've been greatly enjoying since that's my all-time favorite genre. That said, as autumn and Halloween approach, I always find myself in the mood to read horror. I have a long list of such books that I want to read this spooky season, so I'll be getting a head start in August. As for the second part of this, I'm beyond excited that I can finally say that I'll be able to finish my current writing work-in-progress rather than just continue working on it. I've been making so much headway in this weird and wacky fantasy novel I'm writing that I should truly, finally be able to finish it in August. This is a life goal and dream of mine, and I'm so excited to finish this one. Of course, after that I'll immediately be starting on the second installment of this story, but I'm more than happy with that fact.)

2. I am a type C personality.
(I admittedly did a quick, easy, who-knows-how-accurate online test for this one. Beyond knowing that I'm decidedly not type A, I'd never really thought about this much. After doing a little research on each type, I figured I was probably a type B or type C. The quick quiz I took online informed me I'm type C, and I don't really disagree with that, so I guess I'll accept that as the answer.)

3. If cat pee were a currency, I would be rich.

(Honestly, Evan would keep me rich with this one. He seems to have a bottomless bladder. He's also not only urinary incontinent, but he'll also use his pee as a weapon against me when I'm coming at him with his bath time supplies or medications. So, yeah, I'd be rich if I could just waltz into a bank with his urine and cash it in.)

4. I can do a good impersonation of a chimpanzee.

(The way I can do it probably sounds more like the caricaturized sounds you hear for chimps or monkeys in cartoons or other forms of entertainment. But, even so, I one day many years ago discovered that I was pretty good at doing this impersonation, and the few people who have heard it were actually impressed. The only problem is that for me to do it well, I have to do it loud, so I rarely ever do it. My sister asked me to do it once recently, and I ended up scaring the poor kitties and I felt awful.)

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.

***

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.

Today, our blooper queen Eddy indeed has some outtakes from a recent photo shoot. A couple weeks ago she shared a shockingly poised photo from this shoot, but today she's sharing her true favorites.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a wonderful day!

***

Flashback Doodles of the Day

For fans of Harry Potter, like myself, July 31st is a fun day. After all, it's the titular character's birthday, as well as that of the author. So, today I'll share a couple of doodles I scribbled up a few years ago for the occasion.

That first one there is a more generic Harry Potter drawing, while the second one stars all 4 of my kitties with scarfs that indicate their Hogwarts house, for anyone who knows what that means.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's (overly lengthy) tip in our litter box series is about selecting the type of litter. There are many, many kinds of litter out there. There's clay litter, corn litter, wheat litter, pine litter, litter made out of recycled paper, and even litter crystals, just to name a few. There are even choices such as scented versus non-scented litter, litter for single-cat versus multicat homes, and clumping versus non-clumping litter. The options for litter seem to be endless, which can make the task of choosing one a tad bit of daunting.

So, let's go over some of the factors that will help you select a litter. To begin, first and foremost, let's go ahead and repeat ourselves like the broken record that we are—ultimately, your kitty will have the final say on what type of litter you buy. Cats can be very picky, particular creatures. Some have texture preferences, some have scent preferences, and some have any number of other preferences. If your cat doesn't like the litter you choose, they might avoid the litter box, which is in large part why they ultimately get to choose their litter.

The above being said, what are some of the main factors that might go into choosing the right litter for your kitty? Consider, of course, the type of material out of which a litter is made. For example, clay litter is often one of the dustiest, which may not be ideal for a cat or person with asthma. Also consider whether your cat has any other sensitivities or allergies. To give you an example, I once tried my angel cat Rosie on pine litter. Little did I know, pine was not a substrate Rosie's body tolerated well, and she ended up with hot spots that required steroid and antibiotic treatment. So, especially if you are trying a new type of litter, always keep an eye on your kitty to make sure they do not have an adverse reaction, and also that they do not start avoiding the litter box.

There are plenty of other random yet important factors to take into consideration when choosing litter, though. Do you have multiple cats? If so, perhaps look for a litter that is formulated for multicat homes. Does your kitty leave quite the stinkers in the litter box, and so you've chosen a scented litter? If this is the case and your cat uses the litter with no issues, then that's great. But, do keep in mind that cats' noses are far better than ours, and some cats might not like fragrance in their litter. Your cat might very well let you know if they do not like scented litter by avoiding the box, in which case you'll get the hint.

We're not done with this discourse quite yet. As we touched upon earlier, some cats have texture preferences. Since litter touches their paws, such texture preferences can of course play a large role in what type of litter your cat might use. For example, some cats prefer fine litter, and will not touch litter that is more coarse. I will also add here that I have some family members with cats who do not like litter at all, and so they use pee pads in litter boxes, which works great for those particular cats. Then again, my own Evan, in large part due to his hind limb paralysis, is towel trained rather than litter trained. So, litter texture can be a significant consideration for some cats, and in such cases there may indeed be some trial and error required. In such cases, just be patient, and you and your cat will find a litter, or even a litter alternative, that suits everyone involved.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Late Night Cuddles

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

Today, Thimble is grateful for late night cuddles. And sometimes early morning cuddles. After all, this tabby girl sure loves to wake her mom up at all hours of the night and morning for none other than cuddles.

These photos were taken on one of the nights that I woke up and decided to turn on a light so as to get some shots of Thimble's adorable face during our late night cuddle sessions.

For a few years now Thimble's thyroid levels have been inching up. Her vet has said that while she's still in the normal range, she's now at the high end of normal and neither he nor I will be shocked if she ends up as an official hyperthyroid cat in the not too distant future.

Hyperthyroidism can cause things like hyperactivity, including at night, so I sometimes wonder if we're inching that way. That said, so far Thimble has not lost weight, has her typical appetite, and otherwise is not showing any other signs of thyroid issues or anything else. Except for being up at all hours of the night, she's her usual happy self. She'll be getting her next bloodwork check in October or thereabouts, so we'll see how her thyroid levels are then. It could very well just be that she simply likes late night cuddles, and she'll continue to get them.

I will note that one of my parents' cats, the sweet girl named Freya, was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She's been easily and happily taking her medication (methimazole) in food, and her thyroid values are already back in the normal range. Freya is the sister of Gemma, my parents' kitty who was also this year diagnosed with a new ailment, though hers is diabetes. She's also doing great on her new medication (Bexacat). Freya and Gemma are just making sure my parents don't get bored, I guess.

All of these busy kitties wish you a wonderful day!

***

And now 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. My plans for August include _________ and _________.

2. I am a type _________ personality.

3. If _________ were a currency, I would be rich.

4. I can do a good impersonation of _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have Thimble's spooky summertime doodle from a couple years ago. Maybe this is all Thimble's asking for when she wakes me up in the middle of the night. You know, just a spooky story or two.

***

Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with our litter box tips today by discussing location. When deciding where to put litter boxes in your home, there are a variety of considerations to make. For example, you cat likely won't want to do their business in a high traffic area, where there are many distractions and little to no privacy. At the same time, though, many cats will also likely not want to be hidden away in an small, enclosed area, such as a small closet. Placing a litter box in a small, enclosed area such as a small closet will likely trap the smell, which some cats are averse to. What's more, using the litter box is one way in which cats often instinctively believe they are making a territorial display, and so hiding away the litter box, where no one can see them do their business, might lead to out-of-box behavior for territorial reasons.

All of the above being said, consider where in your home might work best for a box to be both away from heavy traffic, yet close enough to the goings-on for your kitty to still feel included. Dedicated litter box rooms, corners of bedrooms or living rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or even large closets with their doors kept open, can all make for good litter box areas. It really depends on how your home is set up, and where your kitty might feel most comfortable. Just as we've mentioned before, though, it also might simply come down to your cat's preference. Perhaps your cat enjoys using the restroom right in front of you, or perhaps your cat actually prefers to go in a closed closet. In the end, if your cat displays a preference for litter box placement, try your best to stick with that.

We'll also now mention that, when selecting litter box location, also take into consideration how many cats you have. In homes with many cats, it is often ideal to spread litter boxes throughout the house, at least as best as possible. This is especially the case if there is any bullying amongst your cats. If all of the boxes are in one room, a bullied or timid cat might prefer to steer clear of using the restroom with other cats nearby, and therefore might begin out-of-box behavior elsewhere in the house. They even might simply hold their urine, which can lead to a variety of medical issues. So, especially in multicat homes, do consider the number of and comfort of all cats when deciding how few and far between to place the litter boxes. Then again, this consideration also might be important for even a single cat who is geriatric or has issues with mobility. For such a kitty, having multiple litter box options, in areas of the house where they most often hang out, can help them more easily urinate and defecate when and where needed.

There certainly are a lot of considerations to make when it comes to that litter box. You of course have to choose a type of box, as well as how many. Once you have that settled, it's all about deciding where to place the litter boxes in your home. Fear not, though, as you and your kitty, or kitties, will figure it out. If nothing else, trial and error will often lead your kitty to letting you know what he or she prefers.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Angel Astrid's Favorite Weather

We're having beautiful weather right now. It was 65°F this morning, which was a wonderfully far cry from the 95°F we just had on Monday. This gorgeous weather makes me think of my sweet angel pup Astrid. After all, like me, she preferred cool weather. On days like this, Astrid would happily spend her entire day out in the back yard.

That was one of Astrid's favorite places to sleep in the yard. We did often place blankets or chair cushions in the yard for her, but she seemed to prefer bare grass in that spot there. The yard has a bit of a dip right there, and she'd snuggle into it and nap sometimes for hours.

Angel Astrid hopes you're all enjoying lovely weather!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's spooky summertime doodle from a couple years ago of course stars sweet Astrid.

***

Tip of the Day

As we mentioned yesterday, we're yet again sharing a series of tips dedicated to none other than the litter box. Yesterday, we talked about choosing a type of litter box. Today, we're going to talk about the number of litter boxes you might need.

We're going to begin this discussion with a bit of an equation:

(# of cats) + 1 = (# of litter boxes)

That up there is the general rule for how many litter boxes a home should have, for the comfort of the kitties living there. Since we're a broken record, we'll say it again: the number of litter boxes should equal the number of cats, plus one. We know following that rule might not always be easy or feasible, but it simply helps ensure that all of the cats in a home have plenty of options, something that is especially important in a multicat home. Finding a clean litter box, and not being bullied out of it, is more easily done when there is a sufficient number of boxes. As for single cat homes, the equation above still typically applies. Why? One reasons is that some cats don't like to urinate and defecate in the same box. Another reason is that, again, it gives them more options for a clean box, and can thereby reduce potential out-of-box behaviors.

Now that we have that little equation out of the way, we'll also mention that it's possible that not all of the litter boxes in a home should be or will be the same type. For example, do you have one cat who likes covered boxes, and another cat who prefers uncovered boxes? If so, then you should probably have litter boxes of both of those types. This ensures that each cat has a choice that suits their preferences. So, it's not only important to ensure that there are enough litter boxes, but that the boxes suit the needs of all cats present in the home.

Tonks Tuesday: Laundry Day

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico wants to remind everyone how much of a helper she is at laundry time.

Those are towels used for kitty purposes, mostly in towel-trained Evan's toilet. They get washed with bleach and all that jazz after one use, and Tonks for some reason just loves when those come out of the dryer. I can't imagine her super kitty nose would find those appealing, but she loves those towels regardless.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have yet another spooky summertime doodle from a couple years ago, this one of course starring Tonks.

If you look at the top of that drawing, you'll notice there's a weird line where the tree limbs look all warped. That's because Tonks jumped on the scanner while it was scanning this drawing of hers, and I didn't even realize it caused that warping until way after I'd scanned and uploaded it. Tonks clearly wanted to have a hand in her kooky doodle, so there's that.

***

Tip of the Day

We've given tips on cats and their litter boxes many times before. The litter box plays such a crucial role in not only your cat's daily life, but also their health and happiness. That's why we've decided to re-share our entire, comprehensive series of tips on that box of litter.

The first tip in this series is all about selecting the type of litter box. You wouldn't think a litter box could come in all that many varieties, but the litter box aisle at the pet store begs to differ. Litter boxes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and configurations. That means there are a lot of considerations to make when selecting that litter box.

So, let's start with size. Is your cat of the larger variety? Especially in the case of a large cat, it is important to make sure the litter box is big enough. Out-of-box behavior, even if in the form of accidental misses, can occur if the box is too small for the cat. Sometimes, you'll even need to make sure to get a box that is not only large enough but that also has tall enough sides. Some cats are more prone to raising their rear end when urinating, for example, which would mean that a box with tall sides is a far more ideal option.

The above being said, also take into consideration if your cat is small. If you have a petite cat or a kitten, you might at least have to start with a small box. Being able to climb over the edge of the box in order to get inside is of course important. A kitten might very well outgrow their first litter box, but when they're small, they of course need to be able to comfortably climb into the litter box. In truth, though, no matter the size of your cat, stick to whatever size of box they seem to prefer and do well with. Some cats might be large, but also might prefer and do just fine with a small box. Take any such preferences your cat has into consideration.

There are also different shapes of cat litter boxes. There are rectangles, squares, circles, ovals, and even some triangular ones that can fit into corners. When selecting the shape of the litter box, you can base your decision on concepts such as how the shape might affect your furbaby's ability to get comfortable when in the box, or how the shape might affect the way it fits in your home. Then again, as mentioned above, your cat might reveal a preference for litter box shape, and if so, go with that.

Next up is an oft debated litter box detail. And that is, do you get a covered box? Or, do you get an uncovered box? Let's go right ahead and touch upon the fact that, ultimately, the cat gets to pick. Some cats prefer a box that is covered, such as for the sake of privacy. Other cats do not like covered boxes. That being said, covered boxes can harbor smells far more easily than uncovered boxes. Imagine walking into a portable toilet, one in which all of the smells just sit and fester. No one enjoys using a portable toilet, and that might be how some cats feel about a covered litter box. Again, though, the truth of the matter is that the cat should get to pick what kind of toilet they use. If your cat will not enter or use a covered box, but will willingly urinate or defecate in an uncovered box, then an uncovered box it is. If your cat urinates or defecates outside of an uncovered box, but will willingly go into a covered box and use it, then no matter what your thoughts on this topic are, your cat just gave you their answer.

So, when it comes to selecting the type of litter box your cat will use, of course take into consideration their size, whether the box will harbor smells, and other such details. That being said, though, just like us, our cats often have preferences and opinions on various matters. The litter box might very well be one of these matters. That's why, when it comes to any of the details of the litter box, if your cat shows a preference, take note of that and run with it.

Mancat Monday: Megacolon and Kooky Toys

Evan had a rough weekend with his megacolon. But, he's very recently, finally cleared everything out and is now feeling much better. To celebrate, Evan is happily playing with one of his Halloween toys.

As a fan of all things spooky and kooky, I'm always so happy when my kitties choose to play with their Halloween toys.

I'm also of course so very happy that Evan is feeling better and is back to his usual sweet and sassy self.

I'm going to use Evan's toy of choice to pretend we're enjoying autumnal weather rather than the 95°F we're actually experiencing today.

Happy Monday!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

In honor of Evan's Halloween toy he shared above, let's go through another flashback series of summertime spooky doodles. We'll of course start with Evan's drawing.

***

Tip of the Day

If you ask our humble opinion, having kitties and a pup in the same home can be a wonderful thing. It's even better when they all get along. Sometimes, though, the biggest trick is getting a pup to leave the kitty food alone. There are some methods to try, though, if you find yourself in such a situation.

First, you can try placing the cat food somewhere the dog cannot reach, but of course where the cat can reach it. You can try a counter, cat tree, or shelf, for example, as a cat can often climb to these heights, while a dog typically remains land-bound. Another option is to get some form of sturdy box, setting it upside down on the floor, cutting a hole in it through which a cat can fit but not a dog, and feeding your cat within. There's even a chance that some pieces of furniture would allow for this form of feeding. Of course, this technique primarily works for larger dogs, as small dogs might still be able to access cat food with this method.

A more fail-safe way to feed a cat without a dog's intervention is by feeding them in separate rooms. You can keep the cat's food in a room where the dog does not have access, even if just during feeding time. You can also keep the cat's food in a room that is permanently closed off to the dog, but where the kitty can visit by way of something such as a kitty door. If a cat is good at and willing to jump, you can also block the dog with a baby gate over which the cat can jump. One more similar option is to feed the kitty in a separate room where the door is left ajar, but is kept that way with some sort of door attachment. There are such products available on the market, that allow for a door to remain stuck ajar, so that a cat can pass through, but not a larger pup. You can even rig your own sort of setup, such as by using certain types of brackets, just as long as the setup is still safe for the furbabies. Again, though, these last couple of options will work best if the dog is larger and therefore cannot squeeze through to reach the cat food.

It is more than possible to have both cats and dogs living under the same roof. Once you get past the introductions and everyone is one big happy family, sometimes the main issue then becomes keeping the dogs out of the cat food. This is an important thing to do, though, as eating food not intended for their species can potentially result in gastrointestinal distress. So, if you have both cats and dogs and food thieves run rampant, simply think on what type of feeding method would work best for you, your furbabies, and your overall home setup. It may take some trial and error, but it is doable.

Friendly Fill-Ins, Christmas in July, and a Kooky Cat Café

Hello and happy Friday, 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 favorite kind of cake.

2. The best part of my week was _________.

3. I _________ in a room full of strangers.

4. If I opened a restaurant, it would be called _________ and would serve _________.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Peanut butter with chocolate frosting is my favorite kind of cake.
(I've always loved anything peanut butter and chocolate, and that includes peanut butter cake with chocolate icing. It's moist and honestly just tastes amazing. In close second place is a basic yellow cake with chocolate icing, but I also love yellow cake with cherry or lemon icing. I also wouldn't turn down a double chocolate cake. That all said, I don't eat sweets very often, as I just don't feel great when I eat them. But, when I do have cake, I'd happily scarf down some peanut butter cake with chocolate icing.)

2. The best part of my week was the arrival of Friday.
(I've had a relatively uneventful week. Nothing awful happened, but nothing all that great happened either. But, I'm currently very happy it's Friday. I just have to get through work today, and then tonight and the next two days I can hang out with my kitties and do my favorite weekend hobbies of drawing and writing. So, TGIF. Oh, and it's also time for my festive movie night for Christmas in July, so I'm also looking forward to that.)

3. I tend to stay in the corner in a room full of strangers.
(I'm not a very social person, and interacting with strangers is not my strong suit. That's why, when stuck in a room full of strangers, you'll likely find me in the corner. I'm also a corner dweller because I don't really like people being behind me, which perhaps makes me sound a tad bit paranoid.)

4. If I opened a restaurant, it would be called Graveyard Dishes & Hisses and would serve creepy and kooky foods.
(As the name of the place might suggest, you would find not only food here, but also cats. It is, after all, a cat café. Or perhaps more like a cat restaurant, but I digress. I know this is such an odd yet specific answer, but that's because I actually created this very restaurant for the world that exists in the weird and wacky book I'm writing. And now, if I were to open a restaurant in the real world, it would simply be this one. Graveyard Dishes & Hisses not only serves spooky-all-year-round sorts of food, but also some feline-inspired baked goods, like the Frankenstein's Meownster. That's the cupcake that's on the restaurant's sign, which I actually drew a couple years ago. I've shared it before, but at the end of this post I'll share that doodle again in order to give a small glimpse of Graveyard Dishes & Hisses.)

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.

***

Today is July 24th. Does that make it Christmas Eve in July? In case it does, Eddy decided to share a photo of her sitting beside her year-round Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas Eve in July! Or, you know, something like that!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

In case you missed it, see Fill-In #4 above for the explanation of today's doodle. The short story is that this is the sign for Graveyard Dishes & Hisses, my weird, fictional cat café/restaurant that serves creepy, kooky food all year long.

I want to note that you were supposed to get a new Christmas in July doodle today, but I apparently forgot to scan it. Or maybe my scan just didn't save. I'm not sure what happened, but I don't have the image to upload like I thought I did. That's okay, though, because we still have time for Christmas in July and so you'll see that doodle very soon.

***

Tip of the Day

Do you want or need to monitor your furbaby, even when you aren't with them? Items such as baby monitors don't have to be used for only children of the human sort. Baby monitors, or similar products, can be used for our furbabies as well. Depending on what type of monitoring you need, you can look into monitoring devices that allow you to hear, see, or locate your furbaby. For example, there are monitors and cameras that you can place in your home that allow you to view your furbaby and what they're up to, even if you're away from home, such as by using the internet, apps, or other similar means. There are even devices on the market that can be attached to your furbaby's collar and that take video of what they've been up to. Another method of keeping track of your furbaby includes more or less putting some form of tracking device on them. For example, there are GPS or other similar devices that can go on your furbaby's collar. This is something that might come most in handy if you have a dog or cat who goes outdoors.

All in all, if you want or need to keep an especially close watch on your pup or kitty, such as when you're away from home, there are ways to do this. You might wish to keep an eye on a new puppy or kitten, a sick or geriatric furbaby, a cat or dog with separation anxiety, or something else along those lines. In such cases, determine whether monitoring, such as when you're away from home, might be beneficial, and then research the best types of monitoring systems for your particular situation.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Christmas in July

Hello and happy Thursday! As always, Thimble is happily here and ready to participate in Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is not only grateful for Christmas in July, but also for the year round Christmas tree that stays up in this here human's bedroom.

I started leaving that tree up all year because, when she was younger, Eddy loved climbing the Christmas tree so much that I felt awful taking it down. So, I left one up in my bedroom for her. Now Thimble is also thankful it's there all year long, and she often sits on the cat tree there to keep the Christmas tree company. She also loves bestowing the Christmas tree with lots of cheek rubs.

***

Now, of course, 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. _________ is my favorite kind of cake.

2. The best part of my week was _________.

3. I _________ in a room full of strangers.

4. If I opened a restaurant, it would be called _________ and would serve _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Keeping with Thimble's theme of Christmas in July, here's a festive summer doodle from a few years ago.

***

Tip of the Day

When there's rain rather than shine, it can often make it difficult to take our pups or outdoor kitties outside. For those furbabies who might need to go outdoors, such as for a bathroom trip or a walk, you can try to find ways to keep them as dry as possible in the rain. Did you know that there are indeed products on the market specifically designed to help keep your pups or even kitties dry? For example, there are leashes available that have umbrellas attached to them, so that your furbaby can stay dry beneath the umbrella while on their leash in the rain. In addition, there are also rain ponchos available for pets. With such products, you of course have to ensure that you get a product that matches your furbaby's size, and also that the item doesn't scare or agitate your pup or kitty.

There are also, of course, other options for helping your furbabies stay dry when they go outdoors in the rain. You can try the simple trick of holding a typical umbrella over your furbaby. Another option is to have an area of your yard that stays dry, such as beneath some sort of canopy, where your furbaby can comfortably enjoy the outdoors even in the rain. For furbabies who might refuse to go outdoors in the rain, yet who are not litter box trained, you can also train them to use pee pads in the house if plausible or if in dire straits. So, there are a variety of ways to potentially help furbabies stay dry in the rain, which is especially crucial for those who go outdoors to use the restroom yet who also don't like getting wet. Simply take into consideration what methods might be most useful for your particular situation, and then try viable options until you find a solution that works best for your furbaby and yourself.

A Nosy Woof Woof Wednesday

Today's memory of my sweet angel pup Astrid heavily stars none other than her adorable nose.

Astrid's nose was so very cute and kissable. I have many, many photos of it, and I'm so grateful for that.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is another one I scribbled up for Christmas in July many years ago. It's a bit more abstract in that festive realm, but it co-stars my angel pup Astrid, so I indeed wish to share it today.

***

Tip of the Day

Many of us have furbabies who enjoy a cozy bed, and who also enjoy making a bed out of their human's clothes. That's why today's pet parenting hack of a tip is to use your old clothes to make a pet bed for your kitty or pup. You can take on old shirt, for example, and stuff it with a pillow or other type of filling. You can sew it shut, or even just safely and securely tie it shut. This could perhaps be a cheaper option than a store-bought bed, and it will also smell like you, something that many furbabies enjoy. There are a great many options for creating beds in this manner, using shirts, pants, robes, and so forth. The options are endless, and you can even find ideas and techniques online for creating a variety of such pet beds.

Tonks Tuesday: Nap, Interrupted

Poor Tonks. She's so cute that sometimes a camera gets shoved in her face even when she's trying to nap. Which results in photos like this.

At least Tonks knows she's downright adorable, even when her nap is interrupted and she looks a tad bit tired.

Happy Tuesday to all!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

It's been spider central at our house lately, so for today I pulled this spring/summer spooky doodle from a few years ago. It of course stars my calico angel Rosie.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's pet parenting tip relates to the dreaded vacuum cleaner, but at the same time, it doesn't. Especially if you have a furbaby who is fearful of the vacuum, you can do them a favor by using other methods to clean carpets and rugs, when possible. For example, did you know that a squeegee can be used to remove pet hair from carpets and rugs? That being said, there are also actual rug brushes on the market, which can similarly be used to remove hair from carpets and rugs. So, especially if you have a furbaby who is fearful when you vacuum, you can use these alternative, far quieter such methods when possible. Though the vacuum cleaner may not always be avoidable, when it is, such methods as the aforementioned ones can help remove hair from carpets and rugs while causing far less fearful reactions from your kitties or pups.

Mancat Monday: Christmas in July

Evan found out about this little thing called Christmas in July. So, he wanted to get festive by sharing one of his favorite blankets that he uses all year long.

Do you see that man in red there? And we're not just talking about that handsome orange tabby. Santa Claus himself regularly keeps Evan company in this fleecy form.

Evan hopes you're all getting festive this week!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Sticking with the theme, how about a Christmas in July doodle for today?

***

Tip of the Day

Today's pet parenting tip is one that relates to that dreaded vet's office. As you all certainly know, it is recommended that your furbaby be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year. But, if you're anything like me, all throughout the year you find yourself questioning this or that about your furbaby. Of course, if you notice any abnormalities that are a concern or that are in need of immediate attention, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Otherwise, sometimes we find ourselves with questions that we know are not emergencies and that are not truly in need of immediate attention, but that do pique our interest. That's why today's tip is to, if needed, keep a little notebook or note sheet handy, such as on a counter or on the refrigerator, where you can write down questions to ask your veterinarian at your furbaby's next exam. In this high tech world, you can also have a note sheet going on your phone. Whether it be a general question about food, exercise, grooming, behavior, or anything else, write it down when you think of it. That way, you can take your notes with you to your furbaby's next exam and sort out any questions you have in one fell swoop.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy Amazingly Sits Still

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time 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 a first world problem I have.

2. I'll never understand why so many people enjoy _________.

3. My sense of humor would be best described as _________.

4. I think schools should teach _________.


My answers are below in bold. Despite my best efforts, there is much rambling attached to each answer. It's not required reading, though, so feel free to spare yourself.

1. A Roku remote without a microphone is a first world problem I have.

(I recently had to get a new remote for my Roku. It no longer has a microphone and therefore no ability to take voice commands, which I was really used to having. Now I have to type out all my searches and such. I know, what a true First World Problem. Bring out your tiny violins. The best part is that it's my own fault I had to get a new remote. I didn't realize my old one was on my couch when I wrapped up the couch cover to be cleaned, so the remote went through the washer. It didn't survive. And now I'm over here complaining about how the new replacement someone gave me for free isn't as good. I should just go cry myself a river, huh?)

2. I'll never understand why so many people enjoy going out to party.

(I've mentioned this many times before. That said, this is certainly not a dig at anyone who does love going out and having a good time, as I know for extroverted folk that's a genuine joy in life. But, I'm very much so an introverted homebody. I actively try to avoid anything and everything that involves going out or a big to-do. I don't even want birthday parties for myself, because no thanks. And if there's an event I'm expected to go to for family or other social reasons, I love when it gets cancelled. I've always been like this, even when I was a kid. I'd simply rather be home in my pajamas, spending my time with my furry babies.)

3. My sense of humor would be best described as sarcastic.

(I wasn't sure exactly what to put for this at first, but then I remembered that I've been called out many times in life for being sarcastic. Kids in school used to comment on it, which was probably the first time I ever actually realized that I tend to turn to sarcasm to deal with certain things. My grandma doesn't really appreciate my sarcasm, so I do try to rein it in when I'm visiting her. I also will always remember how I had a friend in high school who came straight from Korea. She admitted that she had trouble understanding sarcasm, and she regularly had to ask me if I was being serious or sarcastic. She was such a good sport about it, though, and we got along great.)

4. I think schools should teach home economics as it was taught in the past.

(My grandparents and great-grandparents used to talk about how they were taught way more extensive home economics in the past. They had classes on cooking, general household upkeep, financial literacy, and that sort of thing. I had only one single class in grade school that taught us the basics of a bit of that stuff. That was great, but that one single class when I was maybe 11 years old was the only home economics I was ever taught in school. I know some schools offer home economics classes as electives these days, but some of that stuff should be required learning in at least some regard. I personally feel like kids these days are being kept far too ignorant on basic life skills they'll need for their futures.)

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 know you all are. Recently, Eddy actually let me snap a photo of her. She quite amazingly sat still, but the look on her face says it all.

Eddy is very much both sweet and sassy, sugar and spice. I love her and her big personality so much. I wish she let more people get to know her amazing self, but she's so skittish and I'm the only person she willingly interacts with. I do find that to be a great honor, at least.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a wonderful day!

***

Flashback Doodle of the Day

Like yesterday, I felt like sharing a flashback doodle from an old series of springtime or summertime spooky doodles. Also like yesterday, I felt like picking a somewhat bookish one, so here it is, starring my sweet calico angel Rosie.

***

Tip of the Day

Today's pet parenting tip is a simple one about creating a masterpiece of a memory using your furbaby's adorable toesies. If your furbaby is willing to participate and does not get stressed, you can get non-toxic, pet-friendly paint in order to create some paw art. After finding somewhere in your home where you don't mind making a tad bit of a mess, put some of the pet-safe paint on your furbaby's feet and either have them walk on some paper, or press their paw on the paper yourself. You can then leave the paw prints as-is, or even get creative and turn some of them into flowers or other cute designs. Either way, this is one way to create a simple yet long-lasting memory of your furbaby.

As morbid as it sounds, in the future, you will likely be glad you created these such lasting memories while your furbaby was still with you. We all know that some similar items, such as clay paws, are often created during a time of grief. This is why the aforementioned paw art is one way to create such a memory in happier, healthier times. Again, as morbid as it may sound, it's never too early to think ahead about what memories you might want to have after your furbaby is gone. Of course, do take into consideration your furbaby's comfort. If your furbaby is too stressed to participate in paw art, for example, brainstorm and think of other ways to create lasting memories with them. The options are endless.