A Mancat Monday and Tonks Tuesday Mashup

Yesterday's post was dedicated to our birthday angels, Rosie and Sammy. So, on this Tuesday post, you'll get a Mancat Monday and Tonks Tuesday mashup. And that comes in the form of this less-than-award-winning shot here:

What you're looking at there is Tonks sleeping in Evan's favorite bed, which he got for his birthday this past April. Evan loves all beds, but if his birthday bed is clean and ready for use, he prefers it. Tonks didn't take any of his hints to get out of his bed, which is why he's looking a little less than restful in that other bed. Don't worry, though, because Tonks rarely sits still for long, so Evan got his beloved bed not long after this photo was snapped.

Also, that cat toy beneath the chair is from A Christmas Story. It's the wooden barrel that says "FRAGILE", in which the main character's father received his infamous leg lamp. Said leg lamp is also in this photo. Do you see it?

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Though it's not really autumn yet, unfortunately, I did indeed decorate my home for Halloween on my day off yesterday. So, how about something a little spooky—or at least a bit kooky—today?

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Tip of the Day

Since we've reached September, we're all excited for autumn and are therefore doing a series of autumnal tips. Since autumn means the beginning of the new school year, yesterday we mentioned keeping school supplies out of your furbaby's reach. Today's tip also relates to those furbabies potentially affected by a new school year starting up. School starting up can mean a new routine, which can include a cat or dog suddenly being home alone more often, or for longer periods of time. For some furbabies, this type of change in their routine can lead to anxiety, which can in turn lead to destructive behavior, increased vocalization, and other behaviors that are out of their ordinary.

There are some potential ways you can help combat a cat or dog's separation anxiety, such as that which might result from the start of a new school year. First, you can try to introduce changes to your furbaby's routine slowly. If you are a teacher or have children with whom your cat or dog is used to playing, then leading up to the school year, transition your furbaby to being home alone by going out of the house more often slowly over time. In addition to this, you can set up interactive toys to help keep them busy when their humans are away. Of course, ensure that any such interactive toys are safe and will not cause any harm to an unattended furbaby. You can also try using diffusers with synthetic pheromones that can potentially help a cat or dog feel calmer. All of the above being said, in some cases, the safest thing might simply be to ensure that your cat or dog is kept secluded in a safe area where they cannot harm themselves, or the house. This might mean keeping them contained to a safe room or a crate of a sufficient size while you are away from home.

What's more, if your cat or dog does display signs of anxiety that do not relent, it is of course wise to discuss this with a veterinarian. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that there is not an underlying medical reason for anxiety in a cat or dog. Once medical issues are ruled out, anxiety in a cat or dog might require medication, which can help calm them or help balance out their mood and behaviors. Anxiety can lead to an unhappy and unhealthy furbaby, so if you notice any signs of anxiety in your cat or dog, do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian, and to implement anti-anxiety techniques to help your furbaby feel happy and healthy.

Tonks Tuesday: Peek-a-Boo!

I've mentioned before how Tonks is my kitty who loves to burrow under blankets, towels, and just about anything under which she can hide. She's startled me more than once, when I've gone to grab a blanket or towel or something of the sort, only for it to move, or for a calico head to peek out. Tonks's favorite game is indeed peek-a-boo.

Don't worry. Tonks knows she's adorable. You're still free to tell her, though. You're also free to boop that nose. Tonks truly loves a nose boop.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I plan on starting on some new Halloween doodles soon, but for now, how about this old not-so-spooky summertime doodle?

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Some cats are simply less willing to visit the vet and are overall less amenable than others. Differences in personality are part of what make kitties so unique, after all. That being said, if your cat is one who is anxious, aggressive, or otherwise difficult to handle, always take precautions to keep everyone involved safe when vet appointments roll around. When in doubt, of course discuss with your veterinarian the best options for handling your cat.

No Tech Tonks Tuesday

Tonks is still happily claiming my laptop cover as her favorite sleeping spot. After all, my laptop has now been at the repair shop for a week, and so Tonks has its soft and apparently cozy case all to herself.

Tonks will be very upset whenever I finally get my laptop back. I always let her sleep on the case when I'm using the computer, but she's currently enjoying having it as her own 24/7.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Technological Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today Tonks is getting technological. As in, she's expressing her love for sleeping on my laptop case.

This is a perfect day to share Tonks's love for my laptop cover, since my laptop is currently not in it due to it yet again being at the computer repair shop. Three times this year now I've had to take my laptop in for its hinges coming apart. I just got the laptop last year. It works amazingly well as an actual computer, but for some reason it has repeated physical issues. I treat this computer very well. I open it carefully and slowly and make sure not to torque it, it's never been dropped, it's always kept flat when in use or stored, I keep the kitties off of it, and all that jazz. I can't figure out why the hinges keep getting messed up, but when this happens, it doesn't open or close properly, and all the parts and pieces inside are at risk if I try to force it open or closed. My main frustration is that this laptop is the only thing on which I write my stories, including the main book I've been making really good progress in. I feel like I'm at such a standstill when I'm without my computer. I don't want to complain, though, and there are much bigger issues in the world than a broken laptop, so I'll stop there.

The above said, Tonks is very happy. After all, I only hand over my laptop and not its case when I take it to the repair shop. That means Tonks has the soft case all to herself all hours of the day when the laptop is on vacation.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is a very old one. But, it stars my calico angel Rosie and a laptop, which seems apt enough for today. So, here you go.

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Tip of the Day

We're still in the midst of our series of tips all about decorating your home around your furbabies. Today's tip on that topic involves protecting your furniture from kitty claw. After all, cats have claws. That's simply part of who they are. That being said, that doesn't mean there aren't safe, humane ways of protecting your furniture from those claws.

To begin, of course place cat scratchers throughout your house in order to give your cat appropriate places to use their claws. Cats often like to scratch as a more or less territorial display, so make sure that at least some of their scratchers are somewhere visible and in the open. You can also place a scratcher near any furniture to which your furbaby's claws gravitate. This way, your kitty can have an appropriate scratching location where you can immediately redirect them should they begin to use the furniture instead.

We recently mentioned this next idea in another tip, but we'll say it again. To protect your furniture from cat claws while also giving your cat a proper place to scratch, you can wrap sisal rope around furniture legs, rails of staircases, and other similar locations. Again, this not only protects those home features from cat claws, but also simultaneously gives your cat another appropriate place to use their claws. Another potential form of protection against cat claws for your furniture is a heavy-duty couch or chair cover.

As we said above, cats indeed have claws. While those claws can sometimes find their way to furniture, there are proper ways to combat this. Simply research types of scratchers for your kitty to use, create your own scratchers using sisal rope, or find another way to protect the furniture while also treating your kitty and their claws in a humane way. When your kitty scratches furniture, calmly redirect them to a proper cat scratcher, so that they can learn where they should and should not sharpen those claws of theirs. Of course, also don't forget to regularly trim your kitty's nails.

Toesies and Tongue on Tonks Tuesday

Hello, friends! It's Tuesday, as in Tonks Tuesday. And today, the calico is here to show off her adorable toesies and tongue.

There's nothing like a good ol' tongue bath in the sun. Is that what they mean by sunbathing? Because if this is sunbathing, Tonks is a pro at it.

Happy Tuesday to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have yet another flashback doodle from an old series starring Edgar Allan Poe and his tortie Catterina. This one was inspired by one of my all-time favorite stories by Poe, that being The Fall of the House of Usher.

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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.

Another Nosey Tonks Tuesday

We've reached another Tonks Tuesday, and the calico herself is gracing you with another view of her adorable little nose.

And you are free to boop that nose, as Tonks absolutely loves nose boops. They make her purr and drool so very much.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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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.

Sleepy Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and for today's photo I accidentally woke up the sleeping calico.

Sorry, Tonks. Don't worry, though, because you're still downright adorable even when you're sleepy. I'm sure all of you friends of ours agree, because honestly, just look at that face.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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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 on the Window Throne

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico is of course having a bit of a rest in one of her favorite places.

Tonks loves sleeping on the back of the couch by the window. She often requests a throne there, such as that pillow. She often sleeps on that pillow as well as a giant pile of blankets that she often insists I build for her. I'm surprised she settled for just the pillow in that photo above.

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today is my mom's birthday, that being the kitties' and pup's Gammy. I haven't yet uploaded her birthday doodle for this year, but how about this past one to celebrate? I'd apologize for the litter box imagery, but I'm thinking a lot of you see this in your real life, so a scribbled up version hopefully isn't too appalling.

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Tip of the Day

Today's pet parenting hack of a tip is one to help you sleep better at night. Does your kitty or pup ever wake you up during the night, perhaps seemingly bored or hungry? The first step in a case such as this is of course to make sure there is no medical explanation. If your furbaby is indeed healthy, though, and they simply wake you in the middle of the night for some playtime or a midnight snack, then there are a couple of simple things you can do to try to combat this.

First, you can do a bit of a pre-bedtime play session with them. One of the last things you do before you go to bed can be a game of fetch, perhaps a little fun with a wand toy, or anything that your furbaby finds fun and that expends their energy. This will help tire your furbaby out, and will hopefully help satisfy their desire to play so that they can sleep through the night.

Second, in the case that your furbaby wakes you up in the middle of the night out of hunger, perhaps save their last meal of the day for right before bed. Fill their bowl just before you go to bed, so that they will go to bed with a full stomach. If needed and possible, you can also make this nighttime meal their largest of the day, to even further satisfy them and their stomach. In some cases, this is all it takes to help keep those hungry furbabies satiated until their breakfast.

Just like us, our furbabies are not immune to restless nights or a desire for a midnight snack. If a medical concern has been ruled out, then try to find a way to help both you and your furbaby sleep through the night. Satisfying the play or hunger drive just before bed may be all that is needed.

Tonks Tuesday: Coy and Cozy

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the little calico is here to bring you a bright and sunny shot of her cute self.

Tonks apologizes for not looking at the camera, but sometimes she simply likes to play coy. At least she's also quite cozy on a pile of blankets in that there photo. Tonks loves herself a comfy blanket, or two or three or seven.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I was scrolling through older doodles, and this one popped up. I think it was from an April A to Z Challenge from years past, when K stood for kickboxing. Or maybe it was B for boxing. For all I know it was H for health or F for fitness. I genuinely can't remember, but either way, here's a kitty ready to assist in a workout.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we mentioned some of the benefits of growing cat grass indoors for your kitty. We wanted to offer a couple more tips in this same line of thought. First, you don't only have to grow cat grass in small pots from which your kitty can have a bit of a green snack. Another option is to create for your kitty a cat grass bed. For example, you could grow some cat grass in a larger pot, and some cats will enjoy this grassy environment for napping or playing purposes. Cats' ancestors out in the wild often live, sleep, and even play in this type of grassy environment, so why not our domesticated kitties?

Another option is to create beds or play areas out of artificial grass, which can again give off the idea of a more wild environment for your kitty. Most synthetic grass materials are safe for pets, but you should of course still always double check, or simply look for ones that are specifically designed to be pet-friendly. There are, in fact, artificial grass toys, scratchers, and beds that are specifically designed for cats. Did you know there are even artificial grass potty mats for dogs, or even cats? All in all, artificial grass is not only low-maintenance, but can also have beneficial effects for your kitty. It can offer them a place to play or snooze, all while mimicking grassy environments found out in the wild. If you think your cat might enjoy cat grass or synthetic grass in the form of a bed or play area, perhaps look into setting this up for them.

Tonks Tuesday with Pumpkins and a Ghost

Tonks has shared our household seasonal confusion before. Today, she's sharing it again.

Indeed, those are two Halloween pillows that stay out year round in our home. Our couch is often a mess of blankets and pillows, mostly courtesy of the kitties, and those two spooky pillows are always involved. Though you can't see them in this photo, behind Tonks in that moment above were our two year round Christmas pillows. Because what other pillows would you have out in July?

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

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Spooky Doodle of the Day

Yesterday, Evan got to share his zombified self as part of our new spooky series of summertime doodles. And today, of course, Tonks gets to share her new spooky something or other. Since Tonks is a kitty who loves blankets, both snoozing on them and under them, she gets to have a certain sort of friend in her drawing. See?

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Tip of the Day:

Are you interested in saving the money or space that comes with store-bought cat scratching posts? One simple option is to securely wrap sisal rope around table legs, chair legs, banisters, or other similar furniture or home features. This also can spare said furniture from damage from kitty claws. Therefore, this sort of DIY cat scratcher is not only simple and easy, but can also save you money, space, and damage to certain pieces of furniture or areas of the home.

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.

Tonks in a Tree on Tuesday

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

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Tonks Tuesday with Toesies

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

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

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Whiskered Tonks Tuesday

I just realized I never posted our post for today. So, here it is! (Sorry, Tonks, for delaying your fame.)

It's Tonks Tuesday, so of course the calico herself is here today to bless you with her adorableness.

The camera mainly wanted to focus on some of Tonks's whiskers, but given how majestic those whiskers are, that's fine.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

It's going to be nearly 90°F today, but I'm still in the mood for some spooky fun. So, we have another one of our old summertime spooky doodles from a few years ago.

That doodle was based off of a ghostly Halloween decoration that came out a few years ago. I didn't buy the decoration, but I did scribble it up soon after seeing it. Of course, I added a much-needed kitty.

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Tip of the Day

Continuing our tips on food and water bowls, also don’t forget to keep each furbaby’s preferences in mind. Just like us humans, our furbabies can indeed have types of bowls that they like more than others. For example, some cats or dogs might not like the ringing sound food makes when it hits a metal bowl, or perhaps even a ceramic bowl. Other cats or dogs might be wary of using a bowl with a design or picture on the bottom of it, as it is possible for them to think that is something sitting in their bowl. Though we might not think such things would matter, do keep these potential concerns in mind. Especially if your furbaby seems to be wary or hesitant of eating out of certain bowls, try to deduce why (though of course make sure that there is not a medical reason for food aversion) they are avoiding the bowl and then do your best to remedy it.

Tonks Tuesday with an Adorably Dour Face

It's Tonks Tuesday, and the calico gal herself is of course beyond photogenic. That said, she's not always the happiest when the camera shows up in her cute little face. See this adorably dour face?

In truth, Tonks wasn't actually annoyed during this photo shoot. She was actually playing and rolling her belly up. For some reason, she just stopped and posed with that look on her face. She immediately started playing again after this shot was snapped, so don't let that expression fool you.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

As I've mentioned more than once recently, I'm really in the mood for some spooky something or other. I plan on scribbling up some new spooky summertime doodles very soon, but for now, here's a flashback doodle in that realm. It course stars Tonks, and a ghostly little friend.

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Tip of the Day

 

Someday I'll create some new tips, but for now I'm again recycling old tips on a topic that's pretty important for our kitties and pups. And so, let's revisit the topic of diet.

Over the next couple of days, we'll give some tips specifically regarding pet food ingredients. As you all surely know, the ingredients that go into a furbaby's food and therefore into their body all play an important role. Let's start today with protein, which is of course a significant part of any diet. Just as with us, our cats and dogs need protein, which can be broken down into amino acids, which can in turn be used to build up new muscles and other tissues. This is why high protein is especially important in a kitten or puppy's diet, as it ensures that they can form the tissues they need to grow into healthy adults.

There are also some other special considerations to make when it comes to protein. For example, furbabies suffering from pancreatitis or diabetes often benefit from high protein diets. On the other hand, a cat with renal disease requires a low protein diet for the health of their kidneys. So, while protein is indeed an important part of any diet, do be sure to do your homework and certainly discuss with your veterinarian what ingredients you should consider for your furbaby's diet in order to keep them healthy.

Boxed in on Tonks Tuesday

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico would like you all to see her new favorite box.

This box was destined for the recycling bin, but Tonks had other ideas.

Tonks hopes you all find yourselves a box to enjoy!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Summer can be a fun time of the year. For example, there is often a barbecue or two to be had during the summer months. That being said, keep in mind that events such as barbecues may not be the safest place for our pups or kitties. A hot grill in itself can pose risks, of course including burns. Then there are the foods that are often served at barbecues, many of which could be toxic to cats and dogs. For example, onions, or dishes containing onion, can be hazardous. Don't forget some of the other dangerous foods that might be found at barbecues, including alcohol, chocolate, garlic, and grapes and raisins, just to name a few. A dog or cat can find themselves in dangerous situations if they are not closely monitored or if they are underfoot at events such as barbecues. For this reason, it might be best to keep your pups or kitties somewhere safe and out of the way during a barbecue or other similar summer events. As we always say, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Tongue Out on Tonks Tuesday

Tonks has always been a kitty who will just randomly stick out her tongue. It's downright adorable. Ever since she had three of her canine teeth removed last year, her tongue makes even more appearances. Today's tongue cameo is a bit vague, as it's from the side, but it's still there nonetheless.

Given that Tonks was enjoying quite the sunray in that photo, she hopes you all have a bright and shiny day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I recently shared a flashback doodle of Thimble that I was inspired to scribble up last year after reading my newest favorite series of books. At that time, I drew each of my furry babies in a doodle relating to that wild book series, and Tonks got to pose with the dinosaur that joins the main character and his talking cat. I'm sure that makes less than zero sense, so long story short, here's Tonks and a dinosaur.

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Tip of the Day

 

Not too long ago, we shared a series of tips all about pet safety in the season of spring. We were going to wait a while before we got into the details of summer safety. However, given the summer-like days we've been having, we thought we'd go ahead and offer some of these important tips now.

In many areas, summer can mean extreme heat. For this reason, it is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in your cat or dog. Signs of overheating in our furbabies can include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and respiration rate, excessive drooling, weakness, or even vomiting and diarrhea. If your furbaby begins to show any of these signs, especially if they have been in the heat, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance. Tomorrow, we'll start diving a little deeper into how to keep your kitties and pups safe from overheating and other summer concerns.

Tonks Tuesday with a Hissy Friend

My neighborhood currently has a number of stray and feral kitties roaming about. Most of them don't allow me near them, but I put food out for them multiple times a day. Do you see the little friend through the window behind Tonks in this photo?

That skittish little kitty just recently started showing up, and he always eats at least one entire can of food when he visits. Tonks is a little sad, though, because that there kitty always hisses at her through the window. Even when she rolls her belly up and flirts with him. Don't worry, Tonks, because that little kitty is not fond of me either, even when I'm putting food out for him. But that's okay, because we can be his friends from a distance.

When Tonks was a kitten, she would be quite sassy to kitties who showed up outside our doors and windows. Nowadays, though, she's become so used to seeing kitties out there that she either ignores them or happily flirts with them. The kitties in my house didn't have much of a choice but to get used to cats being outside, because for many years my neighbor across the street had a cat who regularly went outdoors, and he visited our yard pretty much every single day. He was a very sweet cat named Tickey, and he sadly passed away in the summer of 2023.

Some of the other kitties in our neighborhood also belong to people who let their kitties outside. One kitty who now shows up in our yard multiple times a day wears some kind of collar, but it's only let me briefly pet it once so far, and I don't know much about it yet.

I am sad that an orange kitty who's been a regular in our yard for years suddenly stopped visiting us about a month ago. I called him Jonesy, and he never once let me pet him or touch him in any way. He only ever stopped at my house for breakfast and sometimes dinner, and then he'd be on his way. This Jonesy boy would sometimes disappear for days or weeks at a time, but never for as long as he's been gone this time. I wish I'd gotten him trapped and neutered. I did actually get him trapped once, but it was when I had only one trap and was trying to capture another feral who had a piece of gutter stuck around his neck. Since I only had that one trap and the kitty in need was due to visit my yard, I had to release the orange kitty. I did get the kitty with the gutter around his neck trapped and sorted out by a rescue group, but then I never got Jonesy trapped again. I pray he's somewhere safe.

All of the above said, Tonks and all of us hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I felt like sharing one more flashback doodle from our "Halfway to Halloween" A to Z doodles from a few years ago, so here you go.

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Tip of the Day

In yesterday's tip, we discussed keeping our furbabies at a safe distance from those bird feeders we put out for the wildlife. This got us thinking, and now we've decided to repeat an old series of tips on feeding wildlife, and interacting with wildlife in general. While we all certainly love animals, and so might very well enjoy visiting with them and feeding them, this is something you nevertheless always have take into careful consideration. It is important to determine whether feeding wildlife in a certain area is wise, or even allowed. There are some areas where feeding wildlife is prohibited, for a variety of reasons.

One reason why it might not be wise to feed wildlife in certain areas is that, of course, some human food is not healthy for the wildlife. Some foods can even lead to sickness in such animals. In addition, feeding wildlife can lead them to lose their fear of humans or predators, and that can be dangerous for them. They can especially be put at risk if they are fed near roads or other high traffic areas, where they can lose their fear of cars and other such dangers. Also, feeding wildlife without caution and care can lead to disease transfer. For example, some wildlife carry diseases that can be contracted by us humans or our furbabies. This means that not only can we be dangerous to wildlife if not careful, but they can be dangerous to us.

In known, controlled environments, such as your own back yard, feeding wildlife is of course more safe. Then again, you still have to be cautious of what and how you feed these animals, so that they can remain healthy and safe, and so that nearby humans and their furbabies can remain safe. We already mentioned yesterday putting bird feeders and food for wildlife out of reach of your furbabies, for their own safety as well as that of the wildlife. Over the next couple of days, we'll be discussing some tips on what to feed wildlife, so stay tuned if that is something that might interest you.

Tonks Tuesday with the Talon Look-Alike and the Letter W

Thank you all for the kind words after the loss of my parents' sweet kitty Talon. We love and miss him so much.

I'm a couple days behind on the last letters of the April A to Z Challenge. The past few days have left me with little to no desire to do any form of art. I'm starting to come out of at least that part of the funk, though, and today I do have the letter W to share.

Again, my preface for these alphabetical doodles is that some of my favorite things in life are cats, drawing, writing, and the fantasy genre. And so, my A to Z posts this year are illustrations for a weird and wacky fantasy story I'm currently writing. This story co-stars a hind limb paralyzed orange tabby cat named Hobo, and this month you'll get to go along on some of his adventures.

Today, the letter W stands for walks. After all, in between all of his wild and wacky adventures, Hobo enjoys himself a plain and simple walk in the park.

I'm admittedly not happy with the progress I've made on the doodles for the last three letters of the April A to Z Challenge. I've worked on all of them, but some of some of the progress occurred when I was visiting my parents and their kitties on Talon's last day. Now I honestly just don't really want to look at those drawings. I wasn't happy with how the drawings were going anyway.

All that to say, I think I've decided a way to combine all three of the last letters of the April A to Z Challenge into one doodle that I'm actually excited to work on. Tomorrow is Eddy's birthday, though, and I'm still working on her celebratory doodle, so you might not see my April A to Z Challenge finale until later this week.

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It is indeed Tuesday, which means Tonks Tuesday. I've mentioned this on our blog before, but nearly 11-year-old Thimble and her in-the-family littermates Toby, Trapper, and sweet angel Talon actually had the same mama kitty as Tonks and her also in-the-family littermates Winky and Flitwick. The mama kitty in question was a feral in my grandma's neighborhood. My grandma and her husband were able to catch her and get her spayed when Tonks and her littermates were a couple months old.

All that said, Tonks is the kitty from the same mama who looks and acts the most like her now angelic older brother Talon. So, today I'm sharing a few photos in which she really reminds me of him.

Before Tonks came to live with me as a kitten, she stayed at my parents' house for a few days. Talon was the kitty at my parents' house who excitedly welcomed and mentored all the kittens who came after him, Tonks included. Tonks not only looks like a calico version of Talon, but she also sounds like him when she lets out her cackling meow and just all around acts like him in so many other ways. I'm glad Tonks still helps give us little glimpses of Talon every day.

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Tip of the Day

 

As spring really gets underway, don't forget that our furbabies can have allergies just like we can. Just as with us, pollen, grass, and other airborne allergies can lead to itching, scratching, sneezing, and a number of other similar symptoms in our kitties and pups. If you notice any such symptoms in your furbaby, discuss this with your veterinarian. There are antihistamines and other treatments that can potentially help alleviate allergies for our furbabies.

In addition to veterinary and medicinal care, there are other considerations to make when it comes to helping a kitty or pup cope with seasonal allergies. For example, though we all love window whiffies, keep in mind that open windows can potentially exacerbate allergies, as the allergens then have easy access into the home. So, closed windows are often best for keeping the allergens down within the home. For furbabies who go outdoors, when they come inside, you can wipe off their paws and even wipe down their body to help remove allergens. Regularly cleaning floors, curtains, bedding, clothing, and so forth, can help keep a handle on allergens that might find their way into the home. Regularly changing the filter in your heating and cooling system is another important factor. An air purifier can also help.

As always, we of course want what's best for our furbabies. Allergies can lead to discomfort, so helping your furbaby cope with them is crucial. If you think or know that your furbaby has seasonal allergies, or any allergies at all, discuss this with your veterinarian and do all that you can to minimize their effects.