Friendly Fill-Ins and Blurry Eddy

Hello, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. I rue the day _________.

2. One thing I wish I had closure with is _________.

3. _________ recently took a turn for the worse when _________.

4. My _________ has improved thanks to _________.


My answers are below in bold. I rambled on and on and then on and on some more, and for that I apologize. Feel free to skim or skip my longwinded answers. I wouldn't blame you one bit.

1. I rue the day that I took my previous job as a veterinary assistant.
(This answer is mostly truth, but also partly a lie. Nearly 15 years ago, soon out of college, I took a job as a veterinary assistant at a new feline veterinary clinic in town. My boss was the founding and only veterinarian. She was a very controlling, caustic woman. Within a couple months of me starting, all of my fellow vet assistants and the one certified vet tech all quit or were fired. The vet never hired anyone else, and for over 2 years I was the only employee at this full-service veterinary clinic. I stayed because I was fresh out of college and wanted a job that used my animal sciences degree. I often worked 10-12 hours per day Monday through Friday, and the vet would often call wanting me to come in on weekends for one reason or another. She didn't like when I said no, but I started doing it anyway because I was exhausted. Finally, I resigned. She didn't like that either. All that said, I learned more about feline diseases and veterinary care in 2.5 years at this clinic than I did in 4 years of college. I will always be grateful for that knowledge, but not for the stress and exhaustion. The clinic is no longer open.)

2. One thing I wish I had closure with is what happened to the adoptable kitties at the aforementioned clinic after I resigned.
(The clinic I mentioned above had some adoptable kitties that we acquired over a couple years. We also had boarders, sometimes a dozen at a time, and so some mornings I was the only worker there to take care of 15+ kitties temporarily living there while also setting up for surgeries and appointments. But that's beside the point. When I left, there were 5 adoptable kitties at the clinic, one being a sweet little lady I was heavily considering adopting. Before I left for the final time, I said goodbye to all of them and gave them lots of kisses and cuddles. I often wish I knew what happened to those kitties. For all of her potential faults, the vet loved cats and so I know she wouldn't just dump the kitties, even after she closed her clinic. But, I still wish I knew they all had happy endings.)

3. My car recently took a turn for the worse when it refused to start.
(This is a bit of an exaggeration. I actually did get the car started, but it took at least half a dozen attempts before it finally decided to turn over. This was all related to the issues it had a few weeks ago, which had seemed to improve. They had apparently only done so temporarily, though, and so to the mechanic's shop my car went. Luckily it was fixable. The bill was a painful one, but this car is paid off. It's also 16 years old and so my car insurance payments are absolutely miniscule compared to those for newer cars. I'm really hoping to avoid car shopping for as long as possible, so I'm trying to keep this 16-year-old car going as long as possible.)

4. My writing habit has improved thanks to my attempts to stay disciplined.

(Though I haven't yet succeeded at writing in my book-in-progress every single day, or at least close to it, I've written more days this month than I haven't. Writing is a huge passion of mine, and publishing my weird stories is one of my greatest goals in life. I have some rather experimental publishing plans I'm determined to try out this year, so I've been staying as disciplined as possible when it comes to consistently writing. I'm participating in a writing challenge in March, and I hope to write 50,000 words over the month, so I need to ramp up my discipline, time management, and consistency even more.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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

Eddy is, as always, our resident blooper queen. It's especially easy to get blurry shots of her when she's annoyed that I'm taking her photo, as was the case below.

Don't worry, Eddy got kisses and treats after those shots were snapped. That made her much happier, especially when it came to the treats. Eddy doesn't dislike kisses and cuddles, but she much prefers treats.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We've shared a couple other doodles from a witchy winter series I scribbled up a few years ago, so how about yet another one today?

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Tip of the Day

We're still in National Cat Heath Month, and today we'll be discussing some methods for administering medication to that kitty of yours. This is going to be a long one, so kudos to anyone who makes it to the end.

To begin, if your kitty is prescribed a medication in the form of a pill, tablet, or capsule, there are a number of methods for attempting administration. If possible, and if your kitty is open to the idea, you can use pill pockets or another form of treat in which to hide the medication, and then your kitty might simply eat it up that way. Sometimes pills, tablets, or capsules can also be hidden in a bowl of canned food. If it is small enough, the entire pill can be left intact and hidden whole in the food. Or, some pills can be crushed and then stirred in and masked by the moist food. That being said, some pills, tablets, and capsules are not as effective or sometimes not truly safe to crush and expose in this way, so always ask your veterinarian first regarding this method. 

If a kitty will not voluntarily ingest a pill in the above ways, though, then you may very well have to manually pill your cat. First and foremost, be gentle with this method, and make sure your kitty is as comfortable as possible, and of course not harmed. It's also important to ensure that you are not bitten. One of the best methods for pilling a cat involves placing your hand over the cat's head and more or less using their cheekbones as a handle. This way, you can gently tilt your kitty's head back, and they will often then open their mouth on their own. As long as you do it safely, you can also place the tip of a finger on the incisors (not the canines!) of the lower jaw in order to help open the mouth. When your kitty's mouth is open, you can carefully place the pill inside, trying to get it as far back on the tongue as is possible and safe. You can try doing this with the pill plain, or put it in a small treat to better mask it. When the pill is inside the mouth, close your kitty's mouth and gently hold it shut. Sometimes, if needed, blowing on their nose or gently rubbing their throat will prompt them to swallow the pill.

There are also pilling devices on the market. I personally do not prefer to use these, but for kitties who need it, you can try this method. When using a pilling device, you can use the same methods as indicated above for opening your kitty's mouth, and then use the device to place the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.

For kitties who simply do not tolerate being pilled, there is also the chance that the pill can be suspended in a liquid form. Do discuss this with your veterinarian, though, as this method is not effective with all medications. If the medication at hand is able to be given in liquid form, though, sometimes you can do this yourself, simply by crushing the pill and dissolving it in water or a safe broth or gravy. Other times, pharmacies can prepare a liquid solution for you. For tips on the administration of liquid medications, see below.

Next up, we have liquid oral medications. With these, you use the appropriate syringe or dropper to pull up the prescribed dosage. If your kitty does not sense it and refuse to eat it, you can sometimes mix liquid medication in moist food. If your kitty will not eat food laced with medication, though, then squirting it directly into their mouth is your likeliest option. It is typically recommended that liquid medications be injected into the pocket of space that is between the cheek and the teeth. As needed, you can use the methods indicated above for opening your kitty's mouth for easier administration of the liquid medication. However, do not tilt your kitty's head back when administering liquid medications, as aspiration is possible.

What's more, keep in mind that larger quantities of liquid medications, such as over 0.5 or 1.0 mL of medication, may need to be injected into the mouth in multiple rounds. This is because squirting larger quantities of liquid into your kitty's mouth could be dangerous, such as by potentially leading to aspiration. So, depending on the dosage prescribed, it might be safest to squirt in half or so of the liquid, allowing your kitty to swallow that, and then squirting the rest into the mouth.

Other tips include using having a partner-in-crime to help you administer your kitty's medication. One person can hold the kitty, for example, while the other gives the medication. Whether you are by yourself or have help, you can also use the help of a towel or blanket. You can wrap the kitty in this, to keep them and their legs still during the process.

If you have trouble giving your kitty oral medications, even when using methods such as those discussed above, of course discuss this with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian might be able to suggest other options for medication administration. For example, some medications can be given in a transdermal form on the skin, so this is one option to discuss with your vet if needed.

Thankful Thimble Thursday on a Fleece Blanket

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

Today, Thimble is again grateful for fleece blankets. They're one of her most favorite things in the world.

Thimble especially loves the fleece blankets form CatLadyBox. We're not sponsored, but Thimble did want to share how much she loves their blankets. Her most favorite is one with a pretty white kitty on it. That's the one Thimble usually snoozes on, but before that there photo was snapped her brother Evan may or may not have peed on it. The colorful blankie she's on in that photo up there is her second favorite.

Thimble hopes you all get to enjoy a fleece blanket nap in today!

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

1. I rue the day _________.

2. One thing I wish I had closure with is _________.

3. _________ recently took a turn for the worse when _________.

4. My _________ has improved thanks to _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Yesterday we shared a witchy winter doodle I scribbled up a few years ago. That one was from a series of similar doodles, so here's yet another old one from that time.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, as part of National Cat Health Month, our tip involved food allergies. Keep in mind, though, that cats can of course be allergic to any number of things, not just food. Symptoms such as itchy skin, hair loss, rashes, and so forth can also result from seasonal and airborne allergies, allergies to fleas, and any number of other allergens. A cat can even be allergic to fragrances and other components in items such as cat litter or laundry detergent.

That all being said, if your kitty has dermatological or even respiratory signs of allergies, try to pinpoint when it started, and discuss this with your veterinarian as needed. Keep track of if your cat displays symptoms year-round, or if the symptoms are new. Does your cat have scabs or bites on their skin? Is he or she on monthly preventatives for fleas? Did you start using a new kind of cat litter? What about a new kind of laundry detergent with which you've cleaned blankets and bedding? Think back to even weeks or months ago, as allergies can take time to manifest. If the onset of symptoms can be tracked down to exposure to a new litter or other removable or remediable environmental factor, then it might be an easy fix. If your kitty is diagnosed as having seasonal or airborne allergies, though, then you can discuss with your veterinarian what might be done to help your kitty stay as itch-free and comfortable as possible.

Snowy Adventures with Angel Astrid

Though our temperatures have dropped for more truly winter days, we were not in the path of the recent snowstorm. We didn't get a single snowflake, but I did still feel compelled to share a couple wintry photos of my sweet angel pup Astrid on walks during her favorite season.

Astrid truly loved winter. Cold weather and snow were two of her most favorite things.

I will forever cherish the memories I have of walking with my sweet angel during the winter, and any time of the year. Astrid always chose very long walks in the winter. It could be just barely over 0°F and she'd be begging to walk for miles. Then when it got to even just 60°F, she would get annoyed and choose shorter walks because she just wasn't into that sort of heat.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

A few years ago, I did a witchy series of winter doodles, so how about we share this one here?

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Tip of the Day

Can you believe that we're still on the topic of food? As we start to close out our National Cat Health Care Month tips, we're here today to offer a bit of a (lengthy) discussion on food intolerances versus food allergies. There is indeed a difference between the two, and both can affect your kitty and his or her health.

A food intolerance occurs when something found in a food cannot be properly digested in the body. For example, lactose intolerance occurs when a cat is deficient in lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, a milk sugar. Such an intolerance can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues, if the problem food is ingested. Just as with humans, it is indeed possible for cats to be intolerant to foods such as dairy, gluten, soy, corn, and any other number of food ingredients. If your kitty is suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal distress after eating their food, then discontinue the food and discuss the issue with your veterinarian as needed.

Now, as for a food allergy, this is indeed different than an intolerance. A food allergy occurs when antibodies mount a response to a component in the food the cat is eating. In other words, the cat's immune system determines something in the food to be a harmful allergen, and so initiates an allergic reaction. This typically results in dermatological effects, such as itchy skin, scratching, redness, hair loss, and lesions. It is possible for a cat to have an allergy to any number of proteins that he or she has been exposed to in food. The types of food culprits can include beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey, just to name a couple.

That all being said, it can take time to develop an allergic response, as antibodies seen in allergic reactions only form after exposure to the food allergen at hand.. So, if you start your kitty on a new food, it may be a month or more later when they start developing signs such as itchy skin. For this reason, try to keep track of when you start your kitty on new foods, and also what types of food you have fed them. If a food allergy is expected, a veterinarian will often recommend the cat go on a novel diet, typically a diet containing a protein source to which the kitty has never before been exposed and therefore to which the kitty won't mount an allergic response. This is why it is important to keep track of the foods your kitty eats.

The same is important with regard to food intolerances. Food intolerances are more fast-acting than allergic responses, and symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting are more immediate. In this case also, though, it is still important to keep track of when you start your kitty on new food, or even when you open a new bag of food. Sometimes companies will make even slight changes in a food you've been buying for years, and sometimes those changes mean the introduction of components to which your kitty might be intolerant. So, keep tabs on any and all food going into your cat's body. This way, if need be, you and your veterinarian can determine what might be causing your cat distress, and can find the best options for keeping him or her healthy and happy.

Blurry Tonks on Tuesday

I recently tried to snap a photo of Tonks using the new scratcher the kitties got for Christmas. Obviously, when scratchers are involved, the kitties are usually in motion, which means I ended up with some blurry bloopers. They're still adorable, though, so Tonks wanted to share the shots.

Tonks hopes you enjoy these action shots! Happy Tuesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We've been going back and forth between warm weather that makes it feel like spring and of course cold, wintry weather. For that reason, we thought we'd share this seasonally confused flashback doodle.

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Tip of the Day

Still on the topic of food, today we figured we'd give a quick reminder on how to transition your cat to a new food, if needed. If a kitty is transitioned to a new food too quickly, a variety of gastrointestinal issues could possibly result, vomiting and diarrhea included. For this reason, it's generally recommended that you transition from the old food to the new food over a span of seven days or so.

To transition your cat to a new food, you can start by adding a small amount of the new food to the old food on the first day. Then, of course, you add more and more of the new food each day. On the final day of the transition, your kitty's food bowl will contain only the new food. Of course, when changing foods, keep in mind your particular kitty's overall status. If your cat is a finicky eater, whether by nature or due to age or an ailment, you may have to do a slower transition over a longer period of time, in order for them to accept the new food. In other cases, such as if your kitty is having adverse reactions to their current food, a more rapid or immediate transition might be necessary. This is of course something to discuss with your veterinarian. During any transition, of course keep an eye out for any adverse reactions. Alert your veterinarian of any concerns you have, and stop or slow the food transition as needed or as instructed if issues arise.

Mancat Monday with Handsome Evan

It's Mancat Monday, and you better believe mancat Evan is here to remind you all just how handsome he is. See?

He thought you might also enjoy a closer view of his adorable profile, so here you go.

Evan hopes seeing his good looks helped brighten your Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our previous tip for National Cat Health Care Month was about the importance of providing your kitty with fresh, easily accessible water at all times. Similar to this, today we're here to remind you of the importance of ensuring that your kitty is fed fresh food on a regular basis. To begin, as you all certainly know, moist food can spoil if left out for too long. It won't go rancid right away, but if left out for long periods of time, there is a concern for spoilage and consequential gastrointestinal issues if eaten. For this reason, refrigerate any unused portions of moist food (which can be reheated for a short amount of time in the microwave), and do not leave moist food out in your kitty's bowls for too long. While far less likely, it is not impossible for dry food to spoil, not to mention the possibility of it becoming stale, or even ants helping themselves to food that is sitting out. So, try to ensure that uneaten old food is not left at the bottom of a bowl for too long. Also try to make sure that your kitty's dry food is stored in some form of an air-tight container, or at least that the bag is securely sealed.

Continuing on with the importance of fresh food, many cats are indeed picky eaters, which means it is quite possible that some kitties may not eat food that has been sitting out for a certain amount of time. In addition to this, as some cats age, their senses, including smell, start to diminish. Similarly, cats with certain ailments might need food with a fresh, strong odor in order to feel tempted to eat. This is another reason to offer food that is fresh and therefore enticing, so that the kitty will indeed have a desire to eat it.

All of this being said, also keep in mind your individual cat's weight, diet, and overall health. It is of course important to ensure that your kitty has sufficient access to food. Food allowance or scheduling will be different for an underweight cat versus an overweight cat, so all such considerations have to be made. If you have any concerns regarding your cat's food situation, of course discuss this with a veterinarian.

Angel Astrid's Birthday, Friendly Fill-Ins, and Eddy with the Pup

I'm going to start this post by wishing my sweet angel pup Astrid a Happy Heavenly Birthday!

My girl Astrid loved cookies, and so each year I got her some to celebrate her big day.

Astrid would be 13 years old today. The last photo below was snapped on her birthday last year, when she turned 12.

Astrid, your humans and kitties miss you so much, and we love you always and forever. Happy Heavenly Birthday, sweet girl!

I didn't get Astrid's new birthday doodle done yet, though after much debate I did finally decide what I want to draw to celebrate this girl. At least I think I've decided. I've truly been having trouble settling on what to draw for my dear pup for her first heavenly birthday, hence why it's not done yet. I'll be working on that doodle this weekend. For today, to celebrate the sweet angel's birthday, how about a couple of her birthday doodles from the past?

That one up there was scribbled up a few years ago in honor of Astrid's love of ice cream. And the one below was her birthday doodle from last year, when all of the furry babies got Harry Potter-esque parties in their celebratory drawings.

Happy Birthday, Astrid! We hope you're having just as fun of a party up there as we're having for you down here!

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And now we have the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'd love for you to join us! My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. My zodiac sign is _________.

2. My Chinese zodiac animal sign is _________. 

3. For me, _________ brings back memories of _________.

4. _________ is the only thing keeping me from _________.


My answers are below in bold. Yet again, they're accompanied by far too much of my rambling.

1. My zodiac sign is Aries.

(I admittedly don't know much about astrology. I have known my zodiac sign since I was a kid, though. When I do see things about my zodiac sign, I often feel like I don't really relate to what is said about it. For this fill-in, I looked up some of those traits often listed for Aries, and I do relate to a couple, such as being independent or indeed having moments of impatience. That said, I don't relate to pretty much any other Aries descriptors I see. I'm not an impulsive or spontaneous person, I'm rarely short-tempered, I do not enjoy competition, and I'm really not all that energetic. I think I was born under the wrong sign.)

2. My Chinese zodiac animal sign is the snake.

(I had to look this one up. I know even less about the Chinese zodiac than I do about the, well, non-Chinese zodiac. I will note that I'm not a big fan of snakes, so I always cringe a bit when I'm reminded that my Chinese zodiac is indeed the snake. That said, I did look up some traits of the snake for the purpose of this fill-in, and I actually do relate to it quite a bit. That's probably because it's described as almost the complete opposite of the aforementioned Aries.)

3. For me, the smell of coffee brings back memories of sleepovers at my grandma's house.

(I don't drink coffee. I've never enjoyed the taste of it, not even when it's diluted with milk and chocolate. That said, a lot of people around me do drink coffee, both in terms of my family and coworkers. Every time I get a whiff of freshly brewed coffee, I'm taken back to the times I woke up at my grandma's house as a kid. She always brewed a batch of very strong coffee the moment she got up, and she still does to this day. While I don't like the taste of coffee, I do love the smell of it.)

4. My own doing or lack thereof is the only thing keeping me from achieving my goals.
(While things like work and life in general keep me busy, as they do with most people, I'm well aware that I'm the main reason I haven't yet accomplished some of my big goals. I'm talking about things like finishing and publishing the stories I'm writing and doing more with my art. I admittedly often lack the discipline, focus, or time management to fully work toward my goals, and that's something I'm constantly working on. That said, I've actually been writing quite a bit lately, though I have fallen a bit behind on the drawings I want to complete.)

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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Since it's our pup Astrid's heavenly birthday, Eddy agreed to share one of the only photos I have of her posing with Astrid.

Eddy isn't a big fan of other animals in general, but she would have rather spent time with Astrid than the other kitties in the house (except for Evan, whom Eddy loves so much). Astrid was always such a perfect dog around cats. She loved them, and they loved her. The fact that even a skittish kitty like Eddy would sit with Astrid was always to me a testament to what an amazing, perfect dog Astrid was and always will be.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our cat health series is plain and simple. We're here to remind you to make sure that your cat has easy access to fresh water at all times. Water intake is of course crucial to a kitty's health, as it is important for proper functioning of not only organs such as the kidneys, but all systems of the body. So, make sure that your cat has water readily available. Some considerations to make include ensuring that your kitty has water accessible in areas where they are comfortable drinking, such as somewhere that is not too heavy with foot traffic, yet also somewhere that they frequent often. You can of course also offer water bowls in multiple areas of the house, something that is often especially important in multi-cat households.

What's more, make sure that your kitty's water is in a bowl or other drinking vessel that they like. Some cats prefer typical bowls, some cats only want bowls with especially low sides, some cats might even show a preference for drinking water out of cups or another container with high sides, and other kitties prefer fountains or other sources of moving water. Also, of course, freshen up that water as often as possible or as needed. Cats can be picky creatures, and some cats might refuse to drink water that is not fresh. In addition, fresh water is also simply healthier overall. Offering your kitty a fountain is one way to keep their water fresh, as not only is the water moving, but fountains also typically contain filters. All in all, especially given how important it is for all bodily functions, make sure to give special attention to your kitty's water bowl.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: My, What Big Ears

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

During a recent photo shoot, Thimble had trouble sitting still. After all, the camera gets her so very excited. I couldn't get her to stop rolling and shifting enough to get a true photo of her adorable face, but she did give me some shots of her adorably large ears.

Today, Thimble is indeed grateful for those gigantic ears of hers. After all, they allow her to hear the pop of the lid when a jar of her beloved baby food is being opened.

Speaking of baby food, Thimble now gets AminAvast, that being a kidney nutraceutical, mixed in with baby food. Her kidney values were starting to look a tiny bit elevated on her senior bloodwork in October, so I started her on that since it worked wonders for my calico angel Rosie. Even more so, I gave Rosie her AminAvast in baby food, and that was when then-kitten Thimble started begging for tastes of Rosie's baby food. For 10 years after Rosie's passing, Thimble continued getting baby food as a daily treat. And now she's getting kidney supplements in said baby food just like Rosie did. Oh, and just like Rosie, Thimble's favorite flavor of baby food is ham.

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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 zodiac sign is _________.

2. My Chinese zodiac animal sign is _________. 

3. For me, _________ brings back memories of _________.

4. _________ is the only thing keeping me from _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've been feeling a bit spooky and kooky lately, so this flashback doodle seems fitting enough.

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Tip of the Day

Today's National Cat Health Care Month tip is all about those litter boxes. Especially if you have multiple cats, make sure that you have enough litter boxes with regard to the number of kitties in the home. It is often recommended that you have as many litter as you have cats, plus one. If there are not enough litter boxes, it is possible that cats might quickly find the litter boxes too filled or dirty, or that there might even be some bullying or battles over use of litter boxes. This could lead some cats to have to hold onto their urine or stool, which in turn could lead to issues such as UTIs or constipation. Or, some cats might simply begin looking for other areas in the house to urinate or defecate outside of the box.

Other litter box issues that might lead to health concerns or unwanted behaviors include litter boxes that are not cleaned enough, litter boxes that are in an area that is too high traffic for some cats' preference, litter boxes that are hidden too far away for certain cats' liking, or litter boxes that contain a type of litter that certain cats simply do not prefer. Obviously, issues such as holding urine or stool, resulting UTIs and constipation, and out-of-box urination and defecation are not ideal. For these reasons, do be sure that the litter box situation is suitable for all cats in the house, so that all the kitties involved can stay as happy and healthy as possible.

Woof Woof Wednesday with the (Almost) Birthday Angel Astrid

This Friday, February 20th, is my sweet angel pup Astrid's birthday. It's her first heavenly birthday. She would be turning 13 years old.

We'll of course be having a little birthday shindig during Friday's post for this sweet angel. I've been planning out a birthday doodle for Astrid, but I'll admit I haven't gotten far at all with that and I'm not sure it'll be done before her birthday. I think I'm having trouble feeling like anything I draw might not be good enough for this sweet girl's first heavenly birthday. I know that's not true, though, and that Astrid wouldn't want me thinking like that. I will absolutely finish a birthday doodle for her soon and will share it when it's done.

That said, when recently scrolling through photos of my Astrid, I saw the one above. I loved getting photos of her adorably large nose. If you look closely, you can see that her nose is bunged up in that photo. Why? Because Astrid always made a game out of using her nose to toss her food bowl around, no matter what kind of bowl we tried or where we put it. She always seemed to have some level of frantic fun shoving her bowl around with her snout. My pup was admittedly bit of a neurotic girl, and her vet once said that if dogs could be diagnosed with autism, he'd easily hand that diagnosis to Astrid. I loved her quirkiness so much and always will, even if that meant she sometimes threw her bowl around and took chunks out of her nose.

Angel Astrid and all of us here wish you a wonderful Wednesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is a very old one, but it of course stars Astrid.

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Tip of the Day

We're still not done with tips for National Cat Health Care Month. Today, we're here to remind you to regularly groom your kitty. Brushing your cat has many benefits, such as removing hair that might otherwise lead to hairballs. Hairballs can not only potentially cause vomiting, but also, in some cases, intestinal blockages, which are certainly something no one wants. In addition, brushing can of course also help prevent painful mats, or remove those that are forming. A well-groomed kitty is a happy and healthy kitty, so keep that brush handy. Regular nail trims would also come into play in this topic of regularly grooming your kitty. Of course, if your kitty does not allow for you to brush him or her or trim his or her nails, then perhaps consider a professional groomer, or asking your veterinarian if they offer grooming services. This is especially important for kitties with issues such as mats or painfully long nails that need addressed.

While we're on this topic, remember that cats are both physically and behaviorally equipped to bathe themselves. Therefore, unless your kitty becomes unusually dirty or for some reason is in dire need of a full bath, putting your kitty in that bathtub for a scrub down is not generally necessary. In fact, bathing your kitty could even lead to dry skin or fur, which is of course not ideal for their comfort or health. So, unless a bath is absolutely called for, leave the regular grooming to brushing, nails trims, and other such tasks that will keep your stay kitty sleek, shiny, healthy, and happy.

Tonks Tuesday: The Bath Time Sequel

Yesterday, Evan shared how he likes to spend time in his favorite kitty bed. He even shared a photo of himself bathing in that bed, and today Tonks wanted to share a sequel to that. After all, on that day she joined Evan for her own bath on the chair beside his bed. See?

Squeaky clean Tonks and Evan wish you a terrific Tuesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

This old doodle below jumped out at me in my image archives recently. I drew it a few winters ago, in honor of how my sweet calico angel Rosie used to keep me company when reading.

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Tip of the Day

We have a couple more tips related to this National Cat Health Care Month. These last ones are some random bits and pieces to help keep your kitty as happy and healthy as possible. Today it's all about those ears. Just as with humans, our kitties' ears can get a bit dirty. Wax can accumulate in a cat's ears, and can even become impacted. Your vet will likely check your cat's ears during their regular exams, but in between those times, if needed, you can help keep your kitty's ears clean at home. The safest thing to do is to ask your veterinarian not only if and how often your kitty needs those ears washed, but also what ear cleanser to use. Many veterinary offices will have pet-friendly ear cleaning solutions available. Some of these simply require that you drip some in the cat's ear and then rub the base of the ear. It can often be as simple and easy as that, if that is something your veterinarian thinks is of benefit to your kitty.

Also related to ear health is allergies. Airborne allergies can lead to itchy ears, just as can food allergies. Ear infections can result from such allergies, or from other potential causes. No matter the reason, always be sure to keep an eye on those ears. Does your kitty hold one or both ears down? Does he or she scratch at them? Are there scabs or hair loss around the ears? Are the ears warm to the touch? Do they have a strange odor to them? Ear infections, or other issues of the ear, can of course manifest in a variety of ways. So, if you have any concerns, do discuss the topic with a veterinarian. If there is an infection, antibiotics for the affected ear or ears will be necessary to treat the infection. Infections in the ear can lead to permanent damage if left untreated, so though it may seem like a small concern, that's not necessarily the case.

The ears are just one of the many parts of your kitty that can affect their overall health and happiness. This time of year, especially in extremely cold temperatures, kitties who live or go outdoors could even potentially suffer from frostbite on their ears. This is just one more example of an ailment that can afflict those feline ears. All in all, keep an eye on those ears.

Mancat Monday from Bed

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan wanted to share some photos from his favorite bed.

That's the kitty bed Evan got for his birthday last year. It's his favorite bed and he spends a lot of time in it. I always put a blanket in it for him, which Evan loves. I do that not only to make the bed even more cushy, but also because my orange boy is a urinary incontinent little guy and so I'm trying to help the poor bed combat that as much as possible. The blanket gets changed out very often, typically multiple times a day, and that usually keeps the bed from succumbing to too much trauma. That said, the bed still gets cleaned almost daily. Evan's beds and blankets simply don't survive long without a trip to the washer.

Next up is a blooper from when Evan took a bath in his bed. This hind limb paralyzed boy's baths always look cute and so very special.

Evan and all of us here wish you a magnificent Monday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our current topic of conversation stems back to the fact that it is National Cat Health Month. Our last tip regarded diet, and we made a comment on the fact that your kitty's weight will indeed help determine the best diet for them. Today's tip is a continuation of that topic of weight. If your cat is overweight, for example, then portion control is of course important, as is the type of food, frequency of feedings, and other such factors. There are weight loss cat foods on the market, these often focusing on high protein intake, but do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian your kitty's weight and the best diet to help them live a healthy, fit life. Similarly, if a cat is underweight, such as due to an illness, diet can play a large role in increasing their weight and overall health. Again, discuss with a veterinarian what type and quantity of food to feed your cat in order to achieve an optimal weight.

Moving on from diet, though, we'll now briefly discuss activity level. We'll primarily discuss this in terms of overweight cats, as activity level indeed affects this greatly. So, especially if your cat is overweight, engage them in various activities and games each day. You can grab a toy and play chase or catch with them. Wand toys, as you all certainly know, are often great at getting cats up and moving. You can also enlist the help of more advanced interactive toys, which can keep your cat busy without you having to do all the work. Anything that is safe yet that also keeps your kitty's interest and prompts them to move around and participate in daily activity can be a great benefit to their body condition and overall health.

The above being said, if your cat is in any way ill or injured, such as with asthma or an injury, do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian what types of activity are safe for them. Diet and activity level will both of course play a large roll in keeping your cat's weight in a healthy range, but not all diets and activity levels are suited for all cats. So, if your cat is overweight, or even underweight, perhaps do some research, discuss your individual kitty's condition with a veterinarian, and then remain motivated and optimistic about getting your kitty healthy and fit.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy with Her Mancat Evan

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. A Ted Talk that I found helpful was done by _________.

2. If I could make my own candy heart it would say _________.

3. I _________ early in the morning, but I _________ late at night.

4. _________ is what I love most about myself.


My answers are below in bold.

1. A Ted Talk that I found helpful was done by someone yet to be determined.
(I've actually never seen or listened to a single TED Talk. I've always meant to look into finding some that might be up my alley, as I do enjoy listening to podcasts and videos on topics that interest or inspire me. I listen to a lot of podcasts and videos from or about my favorite authors, for example, as reading and writing have a lot of meaning to me. I should look for some TED Talks in that vein.)

2. If I could make my own candy heart it would say, My true love has 4 paws.

(I was really trying to think of something clever for this one, but all I could come up with is that true statement right there.)

3. I am inspired and productive early in the morning, but I am slow and sleepy late at night.

(Especially as I've gotten older, I've really become an early bird. I just love getting up to a silent world, when it's just me and the birds. And my kitties demanding I fill their food bowls. I love seeing the sunrise, and that time of day really makes me feel inspired and productive. When it comes to evening and especially late at night, though, I've usually lost most of my steam by then and often end up asleep on the couch in front of the TV despite telling myself to at least try to get some art or writing done before bed. There's a chance I'll get something done on a Saturday or Sunday night, when I haven't been at work all day, but even those evenings often end up with me prematurely falling asleep.)

4. My compassion for animals is what I love most about myself.

(I love all animals, and I have an extra soft spot for special needs furry babies. When I see stories about animal abusers, or even just hear that someone doesn't like animals, I genuinely thank God that he provided me with compassion for the innocent creatures of the world. The kitties and pups in my life bring me more happiness than I can even express.)

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? Today you actually get to see Eddy along with her beloved mancat Evan. After all, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and the only other cat Eddy truly likes is Evan, and she absolutely adores him.

That photo is actually a couple years old, and it was snapped when Eddy and Evan were helping me do laundry one day. I picked it, though, as there's lots of pink going on with their blankets, and Valentine's Day is all shades of pink.

Eddy and Evan wish everyone a fantastic Friday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Also in honor of Valentine's Day, how about this macabre doodle of love I scribbled up a couple years ago?

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Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with our tips for National Cat Health Month, today's tip being all about diet. As you all certainly know, not all foods are created equal. Always be sure to do your research and read labels, ensuring that you are feeding your kitty food that is as high-quality as possible. Also remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so make sure that their diet largely reflects this. In addition, when it comes to feeding your cat, it is of course important to take a number of other factors into consideration, such as their age and health status. For example, kittens do best on foods formulated for kittens, as these diets will include higher protein and fat content, which helps aid in their growth and development. As your cat ages, consider how their health will affect their dietary needs. For example, does your cat have kidney disease or diabetes? Cats with kidney disease should be on a diet lower in protein, in order to help their kidneys function as well as possible. On the other hand, cats with diabetes are often better regulated when on a diet higher in protein. Other factors that could affect diet include of course food allergies, dermatitis, arthritis, dental disease, and weight, just to name a few. The most important thing is to understand your cat's dietary needs based on their overall health status. Of course, as needed, discuss your kitty's dietary needs with their veterinarian, and make sure you understand what type of food would be best for them.

Thankful Thimble Thursday from the Blanket Fort

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

A few weeks ago, Thimble shared her gratitude for her newly discovered ability to crawl under blankets. Today, she's thankful for the same thing.

Thimble's newfound ability to enjoy blanket forts is bringing her much happiness pretty much every day now. I don't know that she'll keep this up in the hot summer months, but on these chilly days, she's quite pleased to have learned that she has the skills required to sneak and snooze under a cozy blanket.

Thimble hopes her kitty friends also enjoy blanket forts!

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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. A Ted Talk that I found helpful was done by _________.

2. If I could make my own candy heart it would say _________.

3. I _________ early in the morning, but I _________ late at night.

4. _________ is what I love most about myself.

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have yet another old doodle I scribbled up for Valentine's Day years ago. This particular holiday is far from my favorite, and I don't always feel inspired to scribble up new doodles for it. That was the case this year, so we're sharing some old ones.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, our first tip for National Cat Health Month was to make sure your kitty is examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. Today, our tip is to also remember to be diligent of your kitty's health in between vet visits. You know your kitty best, and you spend lots of time by his or her side. So, be sure to do frequent observations and checks of their actions, behaviors, and overall health and happiness. For example, keep an eye on how much your kitty is eating and drinking, and make note of any changes in their food or water intake. In addition, check that litter box and take note of any changes there, such as the amount of urine or feces, or even the odor. Or, has your kitty become less active, or more active? What about the way they walk? Are they walking abnormally, such as favoring a foot? Do they still jump as often and as well as they used to? What about their vocalizations? Is your kitty more vocal than he or she used to be? Less vocal? Has the sound of their voice changed? Is your kitty hiding more often? Has he or she become more aggressive, or less tolerant of being petted or held? These are all just examples of things that you, as your kitty's companion, should keep an eye on regularly. Any such changes, even subtle ones, could be indicative of disease, injury, or any number of issues. So, be sure to make observations such as these, and report any concerns, no matter how big or how small, to your veterinarian.

Woof Woof Wednesday: Angel Astrid's Valentine Ribbon

Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I decided to look through old photos of my sweet angel pup Astrid from this time of the year. In doing so, I found photos of her wearing one of her Valentine collar ribbons. I loved seeing these memories of my pup, so I'll of course share them with you all as well.

Not only do we get to see Astrid's cute little ribbon, but we also get to see her enjoying her favorite window view.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

And for today's doodle, we have a Valentine's Day flashback starring angel Astrid and my sister's cat Toby, who was always so very fond of his puppy pal.

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Tip of the Day

February is not only Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and Pet Dental Health Care Month, but also National Cat Health Month. We've already given tips on the first two, so now we're of course moving on to some tips for keeping those kitties healthy. Our first such tip is to take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup on an annual basis at the least. In general, a health check is recommended at least every 6 to 12 months. More regular vet visits are of course recommended for any cats with known illnesses, such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and cancer, among others.

Visits with the veterinarian do not always just simply mean a quick exam, though. Depending on your furbaby's health, lifestyle, and any other important factors, you will of course have to take into consideration vaccinations, blood work, urinalyses, fecal exams, and so forth. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss and offer recommendations on how and when to proceed with these. For example, discuss with your veterinarian your cat's risk for certain illnesses, and discuss any related vaccinations. When it comes to blood work and urinalyses, these are often recommended at least yearly for seniors cats, such as those who have reached 7 or so years of age. This could allow for early detection of certain diseases. More frequent blood work is of course recommended for those with known kidney disease, diabetes, and a variety of other diseases.

The long and short of this tip is that your cat should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year, or more frequently if needed. A veterinarian's exam, as well as blood work and other tests, can help reveal any issues that might be arising, whether or not your kitty is showing any signs of illness. Cats are professionals at hiding disease, so exams and tests could, quite literally, be lifesavers.

Tonks Tuesday: The Rude Awakening

It's Tonks Tuesday. For the occasion, I woke the calico up from a nap, which resulted in the photo below.

As you can see from her expression, Tonks thought this was a rather rude awakening. In my defense, I didn't mean to wake her up. I was trying to get a photo of her napping, as she's quite the adorable snoozer. I bumped her, though, which earned me the look you see on her face there. Even a bit disgruntled, Tonks is still clearly so very cute. And don't worry, because Tonks got her requested belly rubs and cuddles after this photo, and then her nap resumed.

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we discussed symptoms you might notice if your furbaby is suffering from any number of dental issues or diseases. Our tip for today is a bit of a long one, and it will wrap up our dental tips. We'll start with the recommendation of, of course, taking your furbaby to be seen by a veterinarian if you notice any dental concerns. Your veterinarian can take a look in your cat or dog's mouth to get a basic idea of what might be going on. They might be able to see a broken tooth, an abscess or infected tooth, gingivitis or other gum disease, or masses growing within the mouth. Of course, a simple exam may not reveal everything, and when dental disease is noted or suspected, it might very well be recommended that the animal go under anesthesia for a more thorough dental exam, dental x-rays, dental cleaning, or extractions.

If a dental procedure is recommended, of course discuss the necessary details, options, and plans with the veterinarian. Make sure that both you and your veterinarian are on the same page. If your furbaby has other existing diseases, such as those of the kidney or heart and lungs, of course discuss with your veterinarian if or how it is best to safely proceed with a procedure.

If a dental procedure is scheduled, make sure that you understand all preparations for it. Give your kitty or pup any prescribed pre-op medications, such as antibiotics, if applicable. Just as we recently discussed in one of our spay/neuter tips, also be sure to pull your furbaby's food at 10 pm or so the night before the surgery, or whenever you are instructed to do so, in order to reduce the risk of aspiration while under anesthesia.

Also make sure you understand all post-op care. For example, give antibiotics, pain killers, or other medications as instructed. Some dental work, such as tooth extractions, requires that your furbaby go off of dry food and exclusively eat moist food for at least a couple or a few days after the procedure. Be sure that you understand if this is required, so that your furbaby can recover and heal as quickly and efficiently as possible. After dental work is performed, also make sure that you understand if your veterinarian recommends at-home care from then on out, such as brushing your cat or dog's teeth or applying certain oral medications on a regular basis to help prevent future concerns.