A Handsome Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan simply wants to make sure you all remember exactly how handsome he is.

Do you see those gorgeous eyes and those stunning whiskers? Are you swooning yet?

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is for all the fellow introverts out there.

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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 dogs 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.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy Yet Again in the Window

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


1. _________ is a quality of mine that I am proud of.

2. _________ is a quality of mine I would like to change.

3. Though I find _________ boring, _________ really interests me.

4. Believe it or not, I deal with _________ on a regular basis.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Imagination is a quality of mine that I am proud of.
(I know I don't have the most vast or most brilliant imagination in the world, but I have just enough imagination that I constantly have ideas for things to draw, write, and that sort of thing. I really do love that about myself, even if it's sometimes overwhelming to be unable to fit all of my ideas into the free time I have.)

2. Analysis paralysis is a quality of mine I would like to change.
(Have you ever heard of this? I recently came upon the term analysis paralysis, which was used to describe overthinking a problem or decision to the point of inaction. I feel like I struggle with this, especially when it comes to deciding which of my passions or life goals to work on in my free time outside of work and chores. I often get little to nothing of my personal goals done when I find myself constantly overthinking my options, but now that I've realized that, I'm working toward better achieving my passions and making more progress.)

3. Though I find gardening boring, nature really interests me.
(I'm just not someone who has the patience to garden, it would seem. That said, I love being outside, at least when it's neither freezing cold nor sweltering hot. In seasons like autumn, I love the outdoors, going for walks, hiking, and that sort of thing. I love nature, I just don't really enjoy the meticulousness of gardening myself.)

4. Believe it or not, I deal with chloroform on a regular basis.

(I work in a chemistry lab, where one of the main solvents we use is chloroform. Though you certainly don't want to directly huff or drink the stuff, it's really not as scary to be around as a lot of people think. Though the stuff has been used as an anesthetic for centuries, movies make chloroform look like some fast-acting weapon that can take someone out in seconds, but that's really not true.)

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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Yet again, your Eddy fix today comes in the form of the tabby girl distracted by the view out her beloved window.

Eddy's wishing you all lots of sunny window views today! And if it's as hot in your corner of the world as it is in ours, be sure to enjoy that sunshine from the cool indoors!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is going to be a bit of a long one, because it's all about how to introduce cats to each other, such as when bringing a new cat home. To be honest, the circumstances and methods of cat introductions can vary, especially depending on the cats involved. Some cats love other cats, some are not fond of other cats, and some are anywhere in between. Just like humans, every cat is different, and every cat has its preferences for who and what is around them. That being said, below we will indeed discuss some of the steps that can be taken to help properly introduce cats to each other.

Let's begin by saying that, though it is certainly not a cure-all for cat introductions, you can give Feliway a try. For long-term use (such as approximately 30 or so days), you can invest in a Feliway diffuser (refills can be purchased for these diffusers). There is also Feliway spray on the market, though a spray's effects do not last nearly as long as a diffuser's. If you are using a Feliway diffuser, it is often recommended that you plug it in roughly 2 weeks prior to an event such as bringing home a new cat, so that the pheromones are already in the home prior to the change.

Moving on, as we already mentioned in a previous tip, of course have somewhere safe for the new kitty to stay once they arrive at their new home. For example, a spare bedroom or a bathroom can make a safe area for a new cat. At this point, it is often best to have a sturdy barrier between the cats, something through which they cannot see each other, such as a door. This way, the cats can smell each other without having to take in the sight of a strange cat. Getting used to the scent of a new cat can be a crucial step before visual contact is made. If safe and feasible, you can even swap the cats' bedding, so that they learn the other's scent this way.

During the aforementioned non-visual olfactory meet-and-greet, there may indeed be hissing or growling. When this hissing and growling is only mild or nonexistent, at that point you try to start allowing the cats to see each other. Of course, using some sort of barrier is still advised, to ensure that no fights occur at the sight of each other. You can use a safe and sturdy baby gate, for example, or even a screen door. If there is hissing, growling, or other signs of aggression, stop the session and give both cats a break from seeing each other. You can repeat this exercise for short spurts, perhaps even multiple times a day, until the aggression diminishes.

The next phase of the introduction is of course best begun only when previous signs of aggression have significantly decreased or disappeared. When the sight of each other no longer spurs hissing, growling, or other aggression, then you can start considering allowing a more direct meet-and-greet. Of course, only do this with heavy supervision. In other words, as you allow the cats to enter the same proximity, without any barrier between them, be very, very watchful. Look for any and all cues that aggression might occur, and if that is the case, stop the session and separate the cats as needed, and then try again when both cats are calm. As a side note, in the potential case of a cat fight, have on hand something safe, such as a towel, that could help you break up the fight.

It may very well take time and lots of patience to get cats used to each other. No matter what phase of introduction you're at, continue safe meet-and-greet sessions as often as is possible and plausible, even if these are best kept brief at first. Getting new cats used to each may indeed take a lot of repetitive exercises such as those listed above. The main yet simple thing to keep in mind is that this will likely take time and patience. Forcing cats to meet in a hasty manner can lead to any number of issues, including aggression or even litter box aversion. While I wish I could say there is a textbook method that guarantees easy, successful cat introductions, that's simply not the case. Just remember to be patient, do not force it, help the cats get to know each other on their own terms and timeline, and closely monitor them until they are well acquainted and have learned to safely like, tolerate, or ignore each other.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sunshine and Shadows

Hello, friends! It's Thursday, which means Thimble is ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful that she's adorable in both sunshine and shadows, even when they happen at the same time.

Thimble and all of the kitties will happily be enjoying that sun from the air conditioned indoors. After all, it's going to be over 90°F here for at last the next week. Stay cool, friends!

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

1. _________ is a quality of mine that I am proud of.

2. _________ is a quality of mine I would like to change.

3. Though I find _________ boring, _________ really interests me.

4. Believe it or not, I deal with _________ on a regular basis.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

The extreme heat outdoors has me craving autumn and Halloween even more than usual. So, here's a slightly summery homage to Halloween that I scribbled up a couple years ago.

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Tip of the Day

We are still discussing the ins and outs of bringing home a new cat or dog. Today's tip in this series offers some ideas on how to get a new furbaby acclimated to their new family and home. Especially when it comes to shy kitties or pups, be sure to be patient in helping them get to know you. In order to allow a shy or nervous cat or dog to learn to trust you or other family members, frequently visit with them or sit with them, and perhaps even give them an item or two of your clothing. Offer them food and sit with them while they eat, or offer them treats or toys if that does not stress them. Talk to them soothingly, or even read them a book. Make such visits with them are calm, and always watch for cues that a furbaby is feeling nervous or stressed. Over time, if you remain patient and calm, a new furbaby who is nervous or shy can indeed learn to trust you.

It is not just you or other family members that a new furbaby will have to grow accustomed to, though. Every home and family has its own set of sights and sounds to which a new cat or dog will have to become acclimated. Think of the typical goings-on of your household, and, as needed, help your new furbaby become used to the new sights and sounds by slowly and calmly introducing them to new stimuli. Just as a couple of examples, some furbabies may have to get used to the sound of garbage bags or the sight of an open umbrella. Of course, don't bombard a new cat or dog with new sights and sounds all at once, but, as always, have patience and help them to acclimate to these things slowly over time.

That all being said, introducing a new cat or dog to other animals takes especial care and patience. Slow and proper introductions are of course best for both new and resident cats and dogs. We will further discuss these topics in the very near future.

Adventures with Astrid: Flashback Flowers

Today's adventure with Astrid takes us back a couple of years. Astrid and I regularly walk through a scenic little park in our neighborhood, and in that park is a tree that in the past had the most gorgeous little blooms. This tree hasn't bloomed in a couple years, though, and so that made me go searching for photos of back when it did. So, here are those flashbacks with pup Astrid.

This tree still stands in the park, but it just won't bloom anymore. I have the farthest thing from a green thumb and so don't know why it no longer shares its flowers with us. I'm glad I have these photos with Astrid showing off the pretty tree, as this tree used to be one of my favorite parts of walking through the park in the spring.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip on bringing a new furbaby into the home is to have a safe area for them to spend their introductory days. Depending on your situation and living space, this can take on many forms. If you are bringing a social, calm cat into a home with no other animals, there is a chance that they might have free roam of the home right off the bat. However, in many cases, such as if they are nervous or if there are other animals in the home, it is far more wise and safe to give a new furbaby a particular safe area where they can go when first beginning their life at their new home. This safe area could be a bedroom, a bathroom, a spacious cage or similar setup in a safe and quiet room, or something else along these lines.

What's more, consider what this safe area should contain. It should of course have the new furbaby's food, water, litter box, toys, a bed or blanket, and other necessities and comforts. Especially when it comes to nervous or shy furbabies, it is also crucial to ensure that a new kitty or pup has an area where they can feel secure or even hidden. If their safe area does not include anywhere for them to feel secure and hidden, consider giving them some options, even simply by cutting holes in upside-down cardboard boxes.

All in all, you have to consider what a new furbaby is coming home to. Do you live with a large family? Are there other animals? Is the new cat or dog shy? Consider all of these factors, and then decide where and how to keep your new furbaby safe while they are first learning the ropes at their new home.

Tonks Tuesday: Snoozefest

Like her big orange brother yesterday, on this Tonks Tuesday, the little calico is so tired that all she can manage to share is a snoozing shot.

Tonks is wishing you all lots of naps today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I'm more than ready for autumn and Halloween and all that jazz, which perhaps is why I picked this flashback doodle for today.

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Tip of the Day

The next tip in our series on bringing home a new cat or dog is to ensure that you are prepared with all of the supplies needed for bringing home said furbaby. For example, the new furbaby will of course need food and bowls, and also possibly a litter box, litter, a leash, toys, beds, perhaps a product such as Feliway, a collar and ID tag, and so forth. What's more, though, when selecting such supplies, keep in mind the particular furbaby you're introducing into your home. Is it a kitten or puppy, or a geriatric cat or dog, or a furbaby with special needs? In such cases, have on hand food and other items that would best suit the particular kitty or pup. That being said, it is often recommended that you try to slowly transition a new cat or dog to a new food, so as not to disrupt their digestive system with a sudden change in diet. Therefore, it might also be reasonable to purchase at least a small amount of the food they were eating prior to you bringing them home, and transitioning them to a new food over the course of a few days. All in all, as you all surely know, make all necessary considerations and make proper preparations prior to bringing home a new furbaby.

A Not So Manic Mancat Monday

It's not a manic sort of Monday around here. After all, we have not only one sleepy orange boy to share today, but two sleepy orange boys.

Yesterday, my dad sent a picture of his orange boy Kipper taking a face-first sort of nap.

The funniest thing was that, at that exact same moment, my orange boy Evan looked a lot like Kipper.

These orange boys hope you all get the chance to take a good ol' nap today!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Way back in June of 2018, when we welcomed kittens Tonks and Winky into our home, we shared a series of tips related to introducing new furry family members to the household. I can't remember if we've shared tips on this topic since then, but now that I stumbled upon them again, it seems like a fun little topic to cover again. 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.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy in the Window

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


1. If I were a cat, I would hiss at _________.

2. _________ is a hidden gem in my part of the country.

3. _________ went downhill after _________.

4. _________ is the most worn item in my wardrobe.


My answers are below in bold.

1. If I were a cat, I would hiss at people.
(Or at least those who invaded my personal space. Honestly, when I meet a cat who isn't all that into humans, I can't help but think how relatable that can be some days. I know I'd get tired of people touching me and picking me up and relocating me from room to room, and that's coming from someone who does that very thing to her cats. Luckily, my kitties generally seem to enjoy my affections and attention, for which I am very grateful.)

2. Jane Addams Book Shop is a hidden gem in my part of the country.
(I almost mentioned one or two of the nice little woodsy areas where I like to hike in our area, but then this lovely bookshop came to my mind. I haven't been in awhile, but I really want to visit the shop again soon. They've been around for decades, and they have thousands upon thousands of books of all genres, and I've found some great and rare books there over the years.)

3. The reception staff at our vet went downhill after the pandemic.

(A couple of the original receptionists are still there and are friendly and amazing. They're both getting older and working less hours, though, which is completely understandable. That said, during and after the pandemic, our vet started losing some of the other, newer receptionists and are struggling to hire more. They've gotten a few new ones here and there, but I'll only see them a couple times and then they'll be gone again, and I'll admit some of the ones I've met were not the most friendly or organized. One of the veteran receptionists outright told me recently how it wasn't until the pandemic that they really started struggling with staffing and hiring, and they're working on less staff than usual right now, despite putting out ads. I know working at a vet can be a very stressful job, as I worked at one myself for a few years in the past, and I do feel bad when I can tell how busy they are with limited staff.)

4. My slippers are the most worn items in my wardrobe.

(My CatLadyBox shirts are also very well loved and abused, but my slippers are worn every single day and night. I've had to get new slippers many times because of this, but no matter what slippers I have at the time, they are my feet's best friends when I'm at home.)

Now it's your turn!

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

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

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

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

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Are you ready for your Eddy fix? Yet again, this little tabby girl is enjoying the sunshine on her favorite cat tree in her favorite window. And next to her beloved year round Christmas tree, of course.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a happy Friday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Is your kitty or pup a fast eater? If your furbaby inhales their food, there are some potential ways you can help slow down their eating. One way is by placing something such as a golf ball or tennis ball, or another safe item, in the bowl. This can slow down eating since they have to eat around the item. Of course, do make sure that any item used is not a choking hazard, and also that it doesn't take up such a large portion of the bowl that it would restrict the ability to eat altogether. There are also bowls on the market that have partitions that serve the same purpose, to slow down a dog or cat's eating. In this same vein of thought, sometimes all it takes is using a plate rather than a bowl, as having the food more spread out can also slow eating. Using methods to slow down eating can help reduce problems that often result from rapid eating, such as regurgitating food and weight gain from overeating.