Thankful Thimble Thursday: TV Queen

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! We'll go ahead and get right to Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

As always, little tabby girl Thimble is here to share some gratitude. Today, she is thankful that she has control of the remote control.

Thimble is notorious for stepping on remotes and changing channels and all sorts of settings. And she loves every second of it. As our resident TV Queen, Thimble hopes all of her friends out there get a chance to control what's on the TV like she does!

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

1. I am going to _________ on _________.

2. The worst _________ is _________.

3. From my experience, _________ is worth its weight in gold.

4. _________ does not work for me.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Though Valentine's Day isn't a holiday I celebrate, nor is it one that really inspires me to scribble much up in my sketchbook, I still try to create at least one drawing for it each year. Today's doodle was a Valentine's Day one from years ago. I'm admittedly still brainstorming this year's, but I'm pretty sure it won't be nearly as bright as this one. In fact, if the idea currently in my head comes to fruition, it's going to be a perfectly weird and wacky one. For now, though, here's a pink overload for you.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Adventures with Astrid: Don We Now Our What?

Hello and happy Wednesday! Today, Astrid is quite perturbed to announce that, even though we're well over a month past Christmas, she's still being forced to don her now her gay apparel.

This pup doesn't believe me when I tell her that she's quite adorable in her festive sweater, no matter what time of year it is. Maybe sometime soon I'll get her one a bit less Christmassy for these cold post-Christmas walks. For now, though, it's Christmas every day, Astrid.

Warm wishes!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

Sleepy Tonks Tuesday

It's actually above freezing here today. That said, it's still winter, which means Tonks is still cuddled up on one of her beloved blankets.

Even in the middle of her nap, Tonks is sending you all warm wishes!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Here's yet another witchy, winter doodle from a couple years ago. I feel like this witch lately, sitting at my desk, whether at home or at work, trying to catch up on things. Adulting, huh?

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Tip of the Day

As part of our series of tips for National Pet Dental Health Month, today we'll be discussing some of the symptoms to look out for related to dental disease. First up, of course, is halitosis, or bad breath. This can signify any number of issues, including an infected tooth or gum disease. Of course, bad breath can also come with certain diseases, such as oral cancer or even kidney disease. For these reasons and more, never ignore abnormally rank breath in your cat or dog. Moving on from bad breath, though, if your kitty or pup is suffering from certain dental issues, they may also of course have a decreased appetite, or seem pained or have difficulties when eating. In some dental cases, you also might notice blood or excess drool coming from their mouth. There is also the chance you might visibly notice broken teeth, loose teeth, discolored teeth, or even tartar buildup. Also don't forget that the teeth are in close proximity to and therefore often linked to the eyes and nasal cavity, and so discharge from either of these can also potentially signify an oral concern. All in all, if you smell, see, or in any way notice concerns relating to your furbaby's mouth, or any part of their body, do be sure to have them examined by a veterinarian. Dental health can even be linked to heart health and other systems of the body, so this is again one of those cases in which it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Mancat Monday: Evan and the Neverending Spa Days

Hello, friends! I unintentionally took a couple days off from blogging again. After a busy week at work, I simply did not turn my computer on at all this weekend. But you better believe we're today with Mancat Monday. Given that he's getting another stunning sanitary shave at our veterinary clinic's grooming department today, Evan wanted to show off one of his recent haircuts.

It's not all that easy to see in that photo, as only his back end gets shaved. So, how about a bit closer up?

For anyone who might not know or remember, Evan is hind limb paralyzed as well as urinary incontinent. Those two combined have proven to require regular shaves on his rear end to keep him clean and dry, and since he's told me in no uncertain terms that he does not like me to shave him, he goes to our groomer, whom he gives no trouble whatsoever. We've discovered that he does best when shaved every two weeks, so the boy pretty much lives at the vet. Luckily, the drugs he's on following his urethral obstruction in December, mostly gabapentin, make him feel very happy and calm, including when he's getting groomed. That's not to say he particularly appreciates being shoved in a carrier every two weeks, but he's the best boy and does incredibly well overall.

Happy Monday from handsome Evan and all of us!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Ready for another weird, witchy winter scene from a past series of doodles? Yes? Good. Here you go.

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Tip of the Day

Among other things, February is National Pet Dental Health Care Month. So, of course we'll be giving a couple of tips on keeping those pearly whites healthy and happy. Let's start with a quick discussion on at-home care and dental disease prevention. First and foremost, of course, is the act of brushing your furbaby's teeth, which can help remove food morsels, plaque, and other debris that could lead to tartar and other dental issues. Though this is not a job that every furbaby enjoys or even allows, if they are trained to accept it and it is done correctly, brushing can help keep those teeth healthy and happy. There are pet-friendly toothpastes and other oral cleansers out there, as well as pet-friendly toothbrushes and other similar tools for cleaning those teeth. There are even products on the market that more heavily focus on helping treat gum disease, such as for those furbabies with a history of gingivitis or stomatitis. Not all dental products are created equally, though, so if you are unsure what is safest or best for your furbaby, then most certainly discuss the options with your veterinarian.

There are also other types of products on the market that can potentially help teeth remain as healthy as possible. These of course include treats and food formulated for dental health. This is something that again can be discussed with your veterinarian, as he or she will best be able to guide you to products that are the most reliable and effective.

Dental care can of course start at home, but do keep in mind that it is still possible for tartar, gingivitis or stomatitis, and other forms of dental disease to arise even with brushing and other at-home care being used. Tomorrow we'll discuss some of the symptoms you might notice if your furbaby's oral health is in need of further assistance.

Friendly Fill-Ins

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


1. I enjoy making _________.

2. I can't stop _________.

3. I need to figure out _________ before _________.

4. I may not _________, but I do _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I enjoy making new worlds.
(I love drawing and writing, and when I do both, I'm in some way able to bring to life the little worlds inside my head. I don't know if that makes me sound unhinged or not, but I'm okay if it does.)

2. I can't stop worrying about Evan.
(First and foremost, this orange boy of mine is actually doing incredibly well these days. Evan just has me extra on edge ever since his urethral obstruction the day after Christmas. I watch him and and his urinary habits like a hawk, but despite my worrying, he's doing great right now. He abhors the meds he's on, but they do him lots of and good and so I force them down his throat anyway. Sorry, buddy.)

3. I need to figure out a lot before I can balance all of my passions and goals.

(This is a years long battle for me. Over the past few years I have gotten busier and busier at my full-time job, and this has affected my personal time and what I have the energy and mental capacity to do when I'm home. Every time I think I've found a solution to give more attention to my hobbies and passions, the balance teeters again. I've mentioned before how I am the kind of person who is willing to work to live, but I will not live to work. I have a lot of passions and goals in life that I have a stronger desire to pursue more and more every day, not to mention I admittedly want to spend more time with my kitties and pup, and so I admittedly am in the middle of sorting out what I do and do not want for my ultimate full-time job situation. Typical adulthood troubles, as I know I'm not the only person in this boat.)

4. I may not like coffee, but I do love hot cocoa.

(I know it's a controversial thing to say, but I'm not a fan of coffee in any form. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before. I've tried all different kinds of coffee drinks, and I simply don't have a palate for it. Hot cocoa, though? Yes, please and thank you.)

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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Today, your Eddy fix is brought to you by cuddle time on these cold days.

I love that face so much. Just look at that adorable snaggletooth! Eddy was also actually asleep when this picture was taken. As the result of a neurological issue she had as a kitten, she has right-sided facial nerve paralysis that causes her right eye to never fully close. Her third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane, usually comes up when she's sleeping, but in this photo it hadn't made its appearance yet, which makes her look like she's staring right at you when she's actually asleep. Absolutely adorable, if you ask me.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today, our Spay/Neuter Awareness Month tip is all about behavior. Yesterday we gave some examples of how spaying and neutering can benefit a cat or dog's health, and the same can be said for their behavior. For example, a cat or dog who is not spayed or neutered will often be more inclined to escape outside, such as to run off and find a hot date. Nobody likes the scare of a loose or lost furbaby, and especially not if they come back with news of a surprise pregnancy. So, to reduce any hormonally-induced escapes, of course have your furbabies spayed or neutered. This is not the only behavior affected by hormones and spaying and neutering, though. Cats and dogs who are not spayed or neutered are also often more likely to display aggression, also often due to their hormones. In addition, there is the chance that they will spray or mark their territory, as well as the chance that they will be more vocal and might yowl, such as at windows or doors, especially if they are in estrus and therefore instinctively calling for a mate. These and other potential behavioral concerns can often be reduced or eliminated altogether if a cat or dog is spayed or neutered. So, in case you didn't already have enough good reasons, please spay and neuter your cats and dogs!

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Belly Dance?

Hello, friends! I'm sorry for all the late posts this week. The going is getting really rough at my work place, but that's okay. Here we are now, ready for Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, a little tabby girl named Thimble is grateful for a lot of things. Such as, how cute she is.

Thimble's also thankful for belly rubs, which always make her do a little dance.

Thimble would like to know if this is the same as a belly dance?

Thimble also wants to know if her kitty friends out there like belly rubs as much as she does? She knows that belly rubs are a no-no for a lot of her kitty siblings, but as for Thimble, she loves them.

Happy Thursday!

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

1. I enjoy making _________.

2. I can't stop _________.

3. I need to figure out _________ before _________.

4. I may not _________, but I do _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

With February being Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, we are giving some tips on this significant topic over the next couple of days. Today, we have a few words on how a kitty or pup's health can benefit from being spayed or neutered. Just to give a couple of examples, spaying a female cat or dog can eliminate the risk of uterine cancer or infection, and can reduce the risk of mammary cancer. For male cats and dogs, neutering can eliminate the concern of testicular cancer and can reduce the risk of diseases of the prostate. Of course, pregnancy itself can be risky, so a spayed cat or dog is also free of unexpected pregnancy and the dangers that come with it. There are a great many other health benefits that can potentially result from having a cat or dog spayed or neutered. Due to their reduced risks of various diseases, spayed or neutered cats and dogs are sometimes more likely to live longer, healthier lives. So, for the above reasons and more, spay and neuter your pets! And, as we mentioned yesterday, also consider assisting with or donating to the neutering efforts of feral colonies, so that these furbabies can also live as healthy of lives as possible.

Adventures with Astrid: Snow Day

Astrid was excited to take a walk through the park in the snow the other day.

I prompted Astrid to head toward the park because on this particular day the all the sidewalks were covered in ice, and that's when grass, even when it's covered in snow, becomes my best friend. Astrid didn't seem to mind, as she loves frolicking through the park near our house. And sniffing its trees.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Eventually we'll get around to conjuring up some brand new tips to share, but for now we're yet again doing some repeats from the past year or two. That being said, February is a busy month. At least, in terms of important messages it is. February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, National Pet Dental Health Month, and National Cat Health Month. The last February or two, we filled the month with tips on all of these topics. We've decided to do the same again this year, since the topics at hand are significant ones. So, we'll be repeating and revamping our February tips from last year. Brace yourself for a month all about health and wellness.

We'll start with spaying and neutering. As you all surely know, spaying and neutering your pets, as well as ferals outdoors, helps significantly reduce cat and dog overpopulation. This in turn reduces the number of homeless animals, the number of furbabies awaiting homes in shelters, and the number who are, sadly, euthanized due to lack of space in the shelter system. That being said, if possible, don't just stop at getting your kitty or pup spayed or neutered. If possible, consider assisting in or donating to trap-neuter-release (TNR) efforts, so that even those kitties who are most comfortable with an outdoor life can enjoy a life that does not involve contributing to pet overpopulation. All of us here certainly love animals, but all of us also certainly feel heartbroken when we remember that there are a great many cats and dogs without homes due to uncontrolled reproduction and overpopulation. So, have your pets spayed and neutered, and, if possible, do what you can to help in the efforts to spay and neuter feral colonies as well. Stay tuned tomorrow for some facts and tips on the health benefits of spaying and neutering your furbabies.