Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Air Conditioning

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

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

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

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

1. Lately, my main focus is _________.

2. I crave _________.

3. I get my best ideas _________.

4. I only trust _________ with my biggest secrets.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

A Woof Woof Wednesday Sneezing Fit

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

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

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

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Tonks Tuesday with Towels and a Tongue

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

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

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

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

Mancat Monday with the Meds

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

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

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Window Whiffies

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


1. I avoid _________ like the plague.

2. I hope to _________ this summer.

3. My favorite subject in school was _________.

4. I wish there was a _________ for adults.


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

1. I avoid the romance genre like the plague.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Another Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

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

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

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

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

1. I avoid _________ like the plague.

2. I hope to _________ this summer.

3. My favorite subject in school was _________.

4. I wish there was a _________ for adults.

 

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Adventures with Astrid

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

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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