Woof Woof Wednesday in the Window

Astrid has a ton of photos to share over the next few weeks that were taken on her springtime and now summertime walks. Some of them include some unexpected friends and strange things, and she can't wait to share those. Before she floods her posts with all those fun walks, though, she thought she'd give you a dose of her pouting in her beloved window.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We have for you yet another flashback doodle of the spooky summer sort. Because why not. This one was inspired by the movie Frankenweenie.

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Tip of the Day

We've decided to do a series of tips on life hacks for pet parents, especially cat parents. These hacks may be all sorts of random, and most of them are very likely repeats of tips from the past. But, we hope these might offer some pet parenting tips for saving money, saving space, saving time, and, of course, keeping your furbaby happy and healthy.

Today's hack is about those windows, which may or may not be open during the warm summer months. We're here today to ask if you know that there is window screen tape on the market. Did you know that? If you are in need of a quick or temporary fix for a torn window screen, especially if there is any chance that the window might be opened and a furbaby potentially escape, then perhaps look into having window screen tape on hand. This tape can be applied to a tear in a window screen, and is meant not only to hold it together, but is also made to look like part of the screen. Of course, this is likely not mean to be a permanent fix, and may not be able to hold up to a determined furbaby. It is of course still wise to only open windows when they are safe and when the furbaby is supervised, but it might not hurt to have window screen tape on hand in case an emergency quick fix is needed.

Shocked Tonks Tuesday

Tonks was chasing yet another fly in yet another window when I brought the camera to her. She was quite shocked by the interruption of her hunt, which resulted in this expression on her face.

Humans can be so rude, bothering kitties innocently hunting bugs. Even so, Tonks hopes you all have a happy Tuesday!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today is halfway to Christmas, which perhaps explains today's flashback doodle.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Mancat Monday with Megacolon

My poor mancat Evan is have a hefty flare of constipation. He's on 3 medications for megacolon, but sometimes even those get their butts kicked. While we work through this, he's at least still my cuddly little momma's boy.

That's Evan napping on my leg on the couch this weekend. He tucked his head under that pillow all on his own, so I just left it there. He didn't even flinch when housemate Winky came over to snooze on the pillow, effectively squishing Evan's head.

If you have any purrs and prayers to spare for this poor constipated boy, both Evan and I would appreciate it. I've upped his meds to their extreme maximum. That often ultimately results in pretty gnarly diarrhea, but we're doing our best to clear out that colon. If this increase in his usual meds doesn't do the trick, this poor boy will have to get an enema. Let's hope we can avoid that.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We have yet another flashback summertime spooky doodle, since I'm already ready for autumn and Halloween.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Friendly Fill-Ins and Summertime Snuggles

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. My preferred method of procrastination is _________.

2. I always procrastinate when I am supposed to _________.

3. My goal of _________ is going really well.

4. If I opened a _________ shop, I would name it _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. My preferred method of procrastination is watching YouTube videos.

(I enjoy watching YouTube videos related to my interests and hobbies, such as cats, books, art, and so on and so forth. I'll often put in earphones during chore time and listen to such videos as if they were podcasts. I don't pay for any podcast or music apps, and so I use free YouTube. The problem is, when I start looking for a video to listen to while doing chores, I'll often end up just sitting there watching the videos while doing nothing.)

2. I always procrastinate when I am supposed to clean the bathroom.

(Is there anyone out there who actually enjoys the chore of cleaning the bathroom? I know I sure don't like it. Which is probably why this is my answer here.)

3. My goal of reading every day is going really well.

(Years and years ago I read all the time. This was obviously easier when I was a student and had more free time and just time off in general. Over the years I started reading less, especially after I joined the full-time workforce. So, at the beginning of this year, I made a goal to read every day. Even if I only have time to read for 5 minutes, that's better than nothing and ensures that I'm still setting aside time for my beloved books every day. I have not missed a single day of reading since January. I'm really proud of myself for that, not to mention it's helped me remember how much I truly love reading.)

4. If I opened a bookshop, I would name it Furballs and Fairytales.

(Because obviously the bookshop would also be the home of some kitties. Kind of like how there are cat cafes, I'd love to have a bookshop with resident cats. The kitties could be adoptable or permanent residents. I can even envision this hypothetical bookshop having fireplaces surrounded by chairs in which readers and cats could rendezvous.)

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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Your Eddy fix for today comes in the form of this little tabby girl enjoying a sun puddle while curled up on the lap of this here mom of hers.

Summertime snuggles are rare thanks to that nasty heat. But, when Eddy agrees to snuggle despite the uncomfortable warmth, I just stay put and allow it. I'll risk sweating for some kitty cuddles.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've mentioned multiple times during this nearly 100°F week that I'm in the mood for autumn and Halloween. Because of this, I'm scribbling up some new spooky doodles of a summery sort. As I work on those, we're sharing some flashbacks in a similar vein, like this one here.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

Another Thankful Thimble Thursday in the Sun

It's Thursday, and Thimble is of course ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Thimble's thankful things have been pretty similar most weeks lately, but that's because she's a girl who loves the simple joys of life. And so, as is often the case, today Thimble is grateful for sunshine and window seats.

Of course, both Thimble and I are also grateful for how adorable she is. Honestly, just look at that little mouth and nose!

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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. My preferred method of procrastination is _________.

2. I always procrastinate when I am supposed to _________.

3. My goal of _________ is going really well.

4. If I opened a _________ shop, I would name it _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I mentioned yesterday how I'm craving autumn and Halloween, and so I'm feeling inspired to scribble up some new spooky doodles of a slightly summery sort. As I work on those, we're sharing some flashbacks in that same vein.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

Adventures with Astrid: Dog Days of Summer

As we've mentioned more than once recently, Astrid is not a big fan of summer or its heat and humidity, and I don't blame her one bit. Our walks are often a lot shorter lately, but that doesn't mean we don't get some sunny strolls in.

This is one of Astrid's favorite sniff spots in the neighborhood. After all, this bridge gets peed on by many a dog.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've already commented on this more times than I have a right to, but I'm already in the mood for autumn and Halloween. Maybe that's because I'm over here melting on these nearly 100°F days. Either way, I've decided I'll be scribbling up some new spooky summer doodles to help me cope with my desire for all things autumn and Halloween. In the meantime, here's a flashback to a few years ago, when we did a Halfway to Halloween April A to Z Challenge.

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

Tonks Tuesday with the Flies

It's that time of year when flies make their way into the house. And Tonks loves hunting them so very much.

I always try to save the flies and get them back outside if I can, but I must admit that Tonks has already killed at least three flies this season. She's really quite good at hunting and catching them.

I believe I was able to rescue the fly she was stalking in the photo above. When they're hanging out by the door it's usually pretty easy. I tried to help a fly escape out a window the other day, but it just could not figure out that the open window was a passage to safety. I think that fly eventually got eaten by Tonks, because I never succeeded at luring it outside.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

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

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

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

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