Birthday Bash and the Letter F

First and foremost...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONKS!

And our housemate Winky, my sister's tiny panther!

And their other littermate Flitwick, who owns my parents!

For reasons, this year all of the furry cuties' birthday drawings will be related to Harry Potter. I'm from that generation and it simply is what it is. Astrid had a Harry Potter birthday party doodle in February, and now so do Tonks, Winky, and Flitwick. They're all three named after Harry Potter characters, so it's certainly fitting enough for them.

Tonks is my adventurous, playful, sweet, and sassy little calico. Winky is lots of sass with also lots of silliness and cuteness, and Flitwick is a lovebug with his humans and an absolute troll to his kitty siblings. They are all so dear to us, and we are beyond grateful to have them in our lives.

We love you, Tonks, Winky, and Flitwick! Happy 7th Birthday, you three cuties!

Every single furry baby in our family is now officially a senior. Between my parents, my sister, and myself, we have 18 cats and a dog, and they're all now 7 and over. While sometimes a nerve-racking thought, it's also an absolute blessing.

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Now, how about today's contribution to the April A to Z Challenge.

I guess I'm going to repeat this preface every single day of the A to Z Challenge, so...some of my favorite things in life are cats, drawing, writing, and the fantasy genre. And so, my A to Z contributions this year will be 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 we've reached the letter F, which stands for feathered friends. After all, Hobo not only befriends the dogs you met with the letter D, but he also befriends a parrot named Tattle.

Tomorrow's doodle will indeed be more fantastical in nature, in a way. In it you'll see some yet more new friends Hobo makes in his story. They're not of the furry or feathered type, though, nor are they of the human sort.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we discussed the topic of fleas and the importance of using preventatives. We briefly noted on how a flea infestation can lead to a kitty or pup being infected with tapeworms. Today, we are expanding on the topic of these nasty, wormy invaders.

To begin, as we just stated, a tapeworm infestation can be the result of a flea infestation. This is because fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, and when a cat or dog grooms and thereby ingests a carrier flea, that furbaby can then become infested with tapeworms. Fleas are not the only hosts of tapeworms, though. A cat or dog can also become infected by ingesting a rodent, rabbit, or bird that is carrying them. For this reason, some veterinarians will recommend that outdoor cats and dogs remain on tapeworm preventatives regularly, to prevent infestation in the event that a tapeworm host is ingested during a hunt.

Now that we know how a kitty or pup can end up with tapeworms, let's give a brief summary on the signs. One obvious sign that a furbaby has tapeworms is visually seeing it in their feces, or around their anus, or even in an area where they frequent. What you see in the feces of an infected cat or dog are actually segments that break off of a tapeworm, and these segments are perhaps best described as looking like grains of rice. Other symptoms of tapeworms include a cat or dog scooting their rear end on the floor, to alleviate the itching, irritating sensation of the tapeworm and its segments. In severe cases, such as after a lengthy tapeworm infestation, side effects can include lack of growth or weight loss, or even intestinal blockage as a result of tapeworms.

If you have any concerns that your furbaby might have tapeworms, take your furbaby and a sample of their stool in for your veterinarian to examine. There is the possibility that tapeworms may not shed consistently, and some stool samples may come back as negative even when tapeworms are present in the intestines. This is why it is also important to explain and describe to your veterinarian any signs you have seen, such as tapeworm segments in the feces, scooting, weight loss, and so forth.

These days, treatment for a tapeworm infestation is relatively straight-forward and easy, with the use of parasiticides. Thereafter, prevention is of course also key. Flea preventatives are imperative in ensuring that your furbaby does not become infected with tapeworms by way of fleas. If your cat or dog is often outdoors, and especially if they are known to hunt or ingest wildlife, you can also discuss with your veterinarian giving preventatives more heavily geared toward tapeworms. Tapeworms can hinder your furbaby's ability to thrive, so of course be sure that you understand their risks and do your best to prevent these wormy pests.

A Final Festive Post with Our Secret Santa Paws

Today we are finally (finally!) sharing who our Secret Santa Paws was, and the goodies they gifted us. Some camera storage and uploading issues, mixed with my lack of technological savvy, prevented us from sharing this festive fun before now. But, I finally succeeded in sorting all of that out last night and this morning, and so now we can give you this final festive post.

Our Secret Santa Paws were Lenny, Tirimisu, Crème Brûlèe, and their mom BJ Bangs. BJ is none other than the one who organized this fantastic gift exchange, and we want to thank her for doing so! And of course we want to thank her and her amazing kitties for all the goodies they sent our way!

Now, the reality is that pretty much every photo from our Secret Santa Paws unboxing is a blooper. After all, the kitties were just so excited, and I really can't blame them for that. So, here's our gift-opening blooper reel.

Evan waited so patiently while I attempted to get photos of all the goodies before the kitties ran off with them. At one point, though, Evan did indeed resort to playing with the toys before I removed them from their packaging. Don't worry, though, the toys all did end up in the kitties' playful paws, and they have been enjoying them so much.

Thank you again to Lenny, Tirimisu, Crème Brûlèe, and BJ! We are greatly enjoying everything you sent our way!

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Since we're sharing some final Christmas goodness, I thought I'd also post a photo of the ornament I got each for my dad, mom, and sister. Who knows what this is all about?

That there depicts a scene from the film Die Hard. And yes, I do consider this to be a Christmas movie. In fact, Die Hard is the movie my family and I all watch together on Christmas night every year. Which is why I got them all this ornament.

The reason I'm sharing with you all a photo of that there ornament is because I also scribbled up and gifted my parents and sister my own feline version of it. And that is indeed the doodle I'm sharing today.

Though we're now in mid-January, we truly hope you all had a merry Christmas season! Warm wishes to all!

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip can relate to our own furbabies, as well as ferals, strays, and other animals who live outdoors. When ice comes into play during the winter months, be very cautious when using salt, or ice melt. Most traditional salts on the market contain ingredients that can be toxic and can irritate cats' and dogs' paw pads. Irritation can also occur in the mouth, as well as in the intestinal tract, which is a concern if the animal directly ingests the salt or licks it off of their paws after walking through it. So, for the sake of your furbabies as well as ferals and other outdoor animals, avoid using typical ice melts. Instead, do your research, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on pet-safe ice melts. There are some ice melts on the market that are far more safe than typical salt used for melting ice, but even some labeled as pet-friendly can still contain ingredients that might be questionable. For this reason, it is always important to do your research. You can also opt for other alternatives, such as tossing some sand or other other similar, safe substrate on top of ice that forms in the winter. Sand and other such materials can allow for better traction and reduced slippage on ice, while avoiding chemicals included in many ice melts.

Merry Christmas!

We wish all of our friends out there a merry Christmas, happy holidays, and all of the warm wishes and winter blessings you could ever ask for. Thank you all for making this community the amazing and inviting place it is.

From all of us to all of you, peace, joy, and good tidings!

MEOWY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOWLIDAYS!

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Tip of the Day

Christmas is often a time of remembrance, a time when memories find their way into our minds. This can sometimes make this time of year a bittersweet one, as we remember our loved ones, both human and furry, who are no longer with us. Today's tip is to of course remember lost loved ones with fondness during the beautiful holiday season, but also to find ways to include lost loved ones in the festivities, if this is something that would benefit you. There are a number of ways to keep lost furbabies' or other family members' memories alive and well during the holiday season, such as by hanging an ornament dedicated to them. One example of this includes picture frame ornaments, in which you can obviously place a photo of a lost loved one. Another example are ornaments sculpted or painted in the likeness of a lost loved one, and this of course includes ornaments made to resemble kitties or pups who have gained their angel wings.

In addition to memorial ornaments, you can also set up memorial stations in your house for lost loved ones. This memorial area can be a place where you set up photos of a lost kitty, pup, or human family member who is no longer with you. What's more, to maintain their memory and inclusion during the holidays, you can add festive decorations to the memorial area you have set up for them. You can festively light up the memorial station with lights or candles, as long as this is done in a safe manner. There are plenty of other options for using festive yet respectful decor to include a lost loved one in the holiday spirit.

Just one more of many options for keeping a lost loved one's memory alive and well during this holiday season is to make a donation or other gift in their memory. When it comes to an angel kitty or pup, you can donate goods to a shelter or rescue in their memory. You can also sponsor, or even foster or adopt, an animal in their honor. Though remembering lost loved ones during the holiday season can be a bittersweet thing, there are many ways in which to maintain a lost loved one's memory and include them in the festivities.

Merry Christmas Eve!

The kitties, pup, and this here human all wish you a Merry Christmas Eve! Around here, the furbabies are impatiently eagerly watching and waiting for Santa Paws to fly in tonight.

Merry Christmas Eve, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We recently mentioned some ways to make Christmas special for both your own furbabies and those in shelters. Today, we want to remind you to remember those furbabies who are outdoors and in your neighborhood. Do you have stray or feral cats around your area? If so, for Christmas, or any day possible, try to give them any extra help you can. During this holiday season, or all year round, try to give strays and ferals extra food, treats, or even a toy. If possible, also try to offer them shelter in some way, even if it's something makeshift. This is something that can greatly benefit them during a cold and snowy winter. We'll soon be sharing some repeat yet also significant tips on offering assistance to outdoor strays and ferals, but for now we'll offer this simple reminder to remember outdoor furbabies during this holiday season.

Since we're talking about outdoor animals, perhaps also don't forget the squirrels and birds. For Christmas, you could throw some extra food out for wildlife, to allow them an extra festive day as well. Some places even make or sell especially festive suet cakes and other goodies for outdoor critters this time of year.

So, this Christmas season, don't forget to think outside of your own home and family. Of course Christmas is a time for family, but it's also a time to remember how lucky we are, and how others may not be so lucky. So, spread the love this Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

As said above, to our friends in the USA, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

To our friends in the rest of the world, HAPPY THURSDAY!

Wishing you all many blessings and lots of festive fun this time of the year!

On this day of thanks, and on every day of the year, we truly have so much for which to be grateful. We are grateful for our family, human and furry, those still with us and those who watch over us. We are also grateful for our health, for the roof over our heads, and for the food on our table. We are grateful for this beautiful, festive season.

We are also beyond thankful for this wonderful community of friends. Without all of you, we would be lost. Thank you for helping give us so much for which to be thankful, friends. Wishing you all many blessings, today and every day!

(I'll admit that we've already shared the above flashback Thanksgiving doodle this season. I didn't quite get this year's new Thanksgiving doodle finished before today, but I'll still share it soon. It has some Christmas vibes going on in it, so it'll fit it well enough with the upcoming Christmas doodles.)

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We didn't forget about tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'll share the fill-in statements below. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing crafted up the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I already know what I am going to get _________ for Christmas.

2. I have no idea what to get _________ for Christmas. 

3. _________ is my earliest Christmas memory.

4. My house _________ during the Christmas season.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Our final Thanksgiving tip on this very Thanksgiving day is to be aware of your furbaby's safety if you are having a gathering at your home. Opening doors and foot traffic of course increase when guests arrive, which can put your kitty or pup in peril for more reasons than one. Begin by keeping your furbaby away from the door as guests arrive. What's more, you might also want to consider setting up a safe and quiet room where your furbaby can spend the majority of the holiday gathering. This is especially important if your kitty or pup is afraid of strangers, if he or she is active and might get stepped on or cause someone to trip, or if you think your guests might unwittingly give your furbaby dangerous scraps from the table. It's of course nice to think of your furbaby joining in on holiday festivities, but keep their safety in mind first and foremost.

Happy Halloween!

As this post's title and that there image say...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This week, we've shared all but the first two doodles in that collage. We'll share those last two separately here for you to see better. Eddy got to be Michael Myers, the star villain of my favorite, nostalgic Halloween movies. I picked her in part because, like Michael, Eddy is reclusive and quiet (around everyone but me, at least). I also picked her because she's admittedly the most likely of my kitties to slash or stab me, which seemed fitting enough for her to be Michael.

And Tonks got to be Sam from the movie Trick 'r Treat. This character wears a burlap sack or something along the sort over his head, and Tonks is my kitty who loves being under and in blankets. That, along with the fact that, like the character Sam, Tonks is rather small, landed her in this costume.

Now, how about the real life furry babies on this Halloween day? A couple of the kitties are more than ready for a little treating with no tricks.

Thimble has the beloved cat-o'-lantern basket all ready for it to be stuffed full of goodies. Feel free to toss a treat in there for her.

Is it full yet?

Tonks decided to help Thimble gather up some goods in the cat-o'-lantern basket.

As you can see from the paraphernalia surrounding Tonks, the basket has already been filled with catnip to celebrate this frightfully festive day.

In case you were curious, this treat basket also serves as a festive little hat. See?

Pup Astrid has already done some trick-or-treating herself, and she landed herself a squeaky little candy bar.

She'll be getting tasty goods of the real, edible variety tonight. But, for now, she's enjoying this little goodie.

As for the trick part of the trick-or-treating, Astrid got a little something else.

Did you know a severed arm makes for a great pillow? Well, it does.

Eddy also landed herself with a trick (after a hefty dose of treats, that is). Last week, Eddy shared some bloopers from her very own Blair Witch Project sort of experience. Afterwards, Eddy tried her best to befriend the witch in question.

But, Eddy really isn't one for sharing her space, so she ultimately skedaddled right on out of there yet again.

Do you see that pointy-hatted lady stealing Eddy's chair? Just look at that rude trick.

What a witch. Don't worry, though, because Eddy has plenty of other toys that are far less haunting and invasive.

Evan didn't experience the witchy invasion Eddy did, but he did find himself being creeped on by something else.

This here Mom of Evan's really wanted a photo of him and some of our pumpkin decor, but every photo involved Evan looking all shades of suspicious.

Evan had a lot more interest in the messy albeit fun cat-o'-lantern I carved the other day.

Do you see Evan through the door there? He was so very helpful while I carved that pumpkin, and he seemed quite perturbed that I'd put the poor thing outside.

That kitty was carved out of a pumpkin from my parents' garden, as were the friends I carved up for the cat-o'-lantern.

I'm far from a pro at carving pumpkins, but I always have fun doing it. I'm more excited to share with you all some of the pumpkins from this year's drive-thru jack-o'-lantern display that a local farm hosts every year. I went last night and will hopefully be sharing some of those tomorrow. There were a number of pumpkins carved like cats, which of course had me all the more excited.

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And we didn't forget to 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 fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. I _________ daylight savings time.

2. This month, I plan to _________.

3. _________ gives me nightmares.

4. Now that _________, it's time to _________.

We'll see you tomorrow! And, again...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Tip of the Day

Our final Halloween tip is to use this spooky holiday as a chance to spend some quality time with your furbaby. Whether you're already staying tucked inside on Halloween night, or whether you wait until after handing out candy, do consider getting cozy and festive with your kitty or pup. For example, you can cozy up with your kitty or pup on the couch and read a spooky story, if that's your kind of thing. Another option is to of course watch a spooky movie or TV show, if that strikes your fancy. Of course, as we mentioned yesterday, do keep in mind your furbaby's sense of hearing and comfort when selecting a scary movie and volume level. For something more calm yet spookily festive, consider sitting down with your furbaby to watch It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, or a certain famous orange tabby in Garfield's Halloween Adventure. Halloween night is of course also the perfect time to not only enjoy yourself some treats (of course without sharing anything toxic for your furbaby!), but to also give your kitty or pup any festive toys or treats that you got for them.

Halloween may sometimes be considered a night filled with tricks and terrors, but you and your furbaby can instead use it to spend some quality time together in a festive yet safe manner. So, cuddle up on the couch and spend some cozy and festive time with that furbaby. Happy Halloween!