Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat

President of Vet Network to Yours Truly: "Have You Lost Your Sense of Humor?"

Over a Year ago the Blog-like section of the United Pet Care website posted an essay that set itself the task of telling us "pets" what for.

I was sort of surprised no-one had taken issue with the piece since it first apeared, whenever, and where ever, that originally was. ;-D

Well, I took care of that on Febraury 18th, with this post: Taking Issue with House Rules For Pets . ;-D

The website allows visitors to send in comments, and so...on Feb. 19th...I sent the following:

Dear UPC folks,

I am a Blogger, and have been so since 2002, though I only got a place all
to myself last month. ;-D

After recently reading an article in the Orange County Register about you (Pet care network offers savings at checkout), I took time out from valuable Nap Time to check out your website.

I found an article that I took serious issue with, and that cried out for
rebutal!

I refer to the one called \"House Rules for Pets\"

You can read it here:

Taking Issue with House Rules For Pets

Sincerely yours,

Nikita Cat

Meowsings of an Opinionated Pussycat

 

It took a while, but I received a response...yesterday. ;-D

 

Dear Nikita Cat of Santa Ana Ca,

I am truly sorry that you took issue with an article on our website. I am
happy for you that you "finally got the place to yourself" because you are
probably much happier that way. I take issue with your reaction to a fun
article that we put on our website. I think that you need to find your sense
of humor because you must have lost it! I know that you will enjoy life more
it you do! Incidently, we are cat lovers also!

Doris Amdur

Principal

United Pet Care

 

Very, very interesting, I'm sure you would agree. ;-D

Someone may not have a sense of humor but, as long time readers of my writing already know...it sure ain't me! ;-D

This morning I have sent the following reply to her direct e-mail, which she kindly used to write me:

Dear Doris,
 
It's me, Nikita Cat, again!
 
I wish to sincerely thank you for your response to my initial contact, but I am a tad puzzled by your reaction.
 
I am truly sorry that you took issue with my essay on my blog, but from your reaction I must ask if your are just writing in response to just my contact e-mail, having not actually read the essay itself?
 
I am happy for you that you are "Arizona's premier pet healthcare program, family owned and operated, serving Arizona since 1996" because it obvious makes you happy, and justly proud.
 
I take issue with your reaction to a fun, opinionated, essay that I wrote (Raising some very serious questions that your response does not even bother to respond to!), defending Pussydom Assembled the world over (No-one else saw the need, apparently, so I did what I felt had to be done for the honor of Felines and, yes, even Dogs, too.)
 
I think that you seriously need to find your sense of humor because you must have lost it! (If you read my essay then you surely noticed the smileys?) 
 
I know that you will enjoy life more it you do!
 
Incidently, some of my Best Friends are Dogs, including a Purebred Rottweiler who has lived among Cats in Ca., and Va., since birth (as did its predecessor, whom I also knew in Ca.) and who can "Yodel" (True Story!), also like its predecessor.
 
Sincerely yours,

NIKITA CAT

Proud Pussy Pundit Since 2002!

MOTTO: You Giva Me No Trouble  - I Giva You No Smack!

 

I will update this story as developements warrant. ;-D

First Stroll!: Howdy Neighbor! I'm So Pleased to Meet You!

I was taking an afternoon nap in the stroller, around 3pm, when I was awakened by the sound of Daddy zipping up the back entrance.

Thinking that Daddy was gonna take me for another few spins around the table, or up and down the 2nd floor walk, I was quite surprised to find us making our way down a flight of stairs, to the walk below.

It all happened so fast that I had no time even ask him to slow down!

Daddy must have seen something in my performace in the Test Run that convinced him that I was up to a longer, faster paced, more wide-ranging, trek.

He was right.

It was just all so damned interesting, from the get go, that I was held speechless for the first 15 min., and only spoke up once for the whole 25 min. adventure.

So there we were, an unshaven Daddy, in his shirt, and a short pair of pants, and me alternately sitting up, turning around, laying down, and still trying to see everything at once. 

The Feline Utility Vehicle (FUV) was quite roomy, and comfortable. ;-D

There were bushes to the right of me, Bushes to the left of me, and cars, and trucks, making noises loud as thunder in the parking lot, and street beyond.

And then there were the other humans who lived in the complex, and are our neighbors.

We walked around the biggest damn water bowl you will ever see in your life!

Daddy called it a swimming pool, and I slapped my forehead in recognition, remembering having seen it before each time Daddy took me to the vet in my old carrier. ;-D

Daddy stopped by the Apartment Manager's Office, and the woman practically swooned at my Magnificent Feline Hunkiness...

"My he's a big boy!" He looks so cute!"

Boy, was I embarrassed, & glad when we got out of there! ;-D

We stopped at this intersection of walkways, near the front mail boxes, and pool, and Daddy got someone to take a picture of us before we continued on our way.

Daddy walked us a little faster than during the test run, but I was still able to look around at the bushes, and trees, and all the interesting things in the windows of some of the apartments.

You can see the look of interest, and curiosity, in my face in the above photo, and the one below as well.

I really like this photo because of the very pretty flowers.

I would have so loved to get out of the stroller, and go romping through the garden imagining myself the brave Lion, from the Wizard of Oz, protecting Dorothy from the Poppies...Poppies... Pop... oh, um, sorry, where was I ?

Oh, yeah! The people! Lots of people!

We must have met about 10, several women, a couple of kids, a couple of men, including one who got a kick from Daddy's shirt when he asked the question, then made the connection to me in the stroller. ;-D

Everyone smiled, and remarked on how big, and cute, I was, so much so that I was blushing under my facial fur!

I smiled handsomely back, and hoped no-one would get up close to the carrier, and start making cooing noises, and weird faces. ;-D

Daddy had taken this photo of one of our Feline Neighbors a couple of weeks ago, and I had thought that maybe we would meet, but it was not to be.

Instead, as we walked down one section of pathway...we encountered another neighbor, sitting on a fence looking with great curiosity at us as we approached.

We tried to get close enough to chat, without either of us yelling but, once we did, the Cat suddenly leaped down and went into its home.

Maybe it had urgent business with the Litter Box...we will never know. ;-D

Finally Daddy, & I, went home, & he rewarded me, for our successfull first real stroll, with a handfull of tasty Temptations. ;-D 

 
  

Carnival and Festival Round-Up 2010: Week 10

Here is what happened on the Carnival Circuit this weekend!

Carnival of the Cats #312 was held right here, this past weekend, as I juggled hosting my weekend long Birthday Party, and the Carnival. ;-D

If you want to learn how to submit a blog post, or host, go to the 1st link above, and look in the links on the left for info.

 Friday Ark #285, hosted as usual by The Modulator, rang in the New Year in grand style and, as usual it's as entertaining, and varied, as visiting your local Zoo!

27 Cat Entries!

20 entries are for the Birds!

8 entries have gone to the Dogs!

9 other Vertebrate Critters represent, as do 5 Invertebrates!

Check them all out, and learn how to submit a blog post, here.

Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos is now Monthly, and #113 was hosted by the House of Chaos amidst some very tragic news about one of their Kitties..

Weekend Cat Blogging #248 was hosted by iMeowza.

You can learn about hosting, and submitting, at the home of Weekend Cat Blogging.

The Purrs and Purrayers Blog has long been a very special place, and every month links, and stories, that will touch the heart of any Cat, or Cat Lover, who checks them out, can be found there.

The January Purrs and Purrayers List is still up, but for some reason there was no February List.

On the site you can learn how to request Purrs, and more.

Daddy and I, having seen dear ones off to Rainbow Bridge, ourselves, agree with the thoughts of one fan of this site who wrote that this "praying blog is a light in the blogosphere!" 

Learn how to share news, and Blog Posts, with The Worldwide Cat Blogosphere Community, 7 days a week, by going here

Orange County Animal Care to Celebrate Spay Day USA on Saturday

Orange County Animal Care published a heads-yp in the lacal paper, recently:

Saturday, March 13th -10am to 2pm

In honor of Spay Day USA, officially the last Tuesday of February, OC Animal Care is hosting a special event that includes a free spay, or neuter, when anyone adopts their Forever Friend!

OC Animal Care

561 The City Drive South

Orange, Ca.

714-935-6848

Learn more

There will even be a Reduced Adoption Fee.

If you live in Orange County, and know someone interested in adopting a Kitty, or are interested yourself, consider attending this great event. ;-D

Carnival of the Cats #312: Party Indoors, Blog Festival Outdoors, There's Something for Everybody!

 Hello all you Happy Cats, and Cat Lovers!

Welcome to Carnival of the Cats #312!

The Carnival of the Cats is a weekly roundup of cat-related posts on weblogs, in America, and around the world, who choose to submit a post for inclusion.

For us Cat Bloggers the Carnival is a chance to discover blogs we might never have heard of, on subjects of all kinds, and you can learn more about the carnival, and how to participate, here.

The last  week has been a busy one, around here, and it's been one big party, in our apartment, since Thursday night!

Why? I turned 12 on Friday (Daddy turned The Big Five-Ohhhhh, um, hee, hee!)...

This post gets you in to the celebration, and you just follow the succeeding links from there: It's My Birthday Weekend! 'Nip Tea For Everyone!

 ...and I got a Feline Utility Vehicle (Stroller to all Y'll in Rio Linda!) for my Birthday ( Birthday Countdown 5: Oh My Stars and Garters! Daddy Got Me...An FUV??? ) ! ;-D

Want to know about me?

Want to read, and respond to, an essay about my thoughts on what I think is, to a Cat, possibly the finest word in any language?

Those links are under my photo in the sidebar, if you choose to explore them, as are a ton of Feline related links in the rest of the sidebars.

Meanwhile, for those not into getting old, and rediscovering your youth, all at the same time...step outside on the walkway below our apartment, for...

Grab some of Cheysuli's ham, and a cup of my 'Nip Tea (There's plenty still to be had from the party!), settle down, and let's get this show on the road! ;-D

First, and most important, however, please join me in saying a prayer for the soul of Lisa, who went to Rainbow Bridge on Thursday, having lived a very happy 18 years and 5 months...

Her Human, Gattina, of My Cats and Funny Stories, submitted a moving, picture filled, tribute to Carnival, and boy are those pictures touching, funny, and beautiful!

2. Madeleine Begun Kane, of Mad Kane's Humor Blog, invites you to "join me in writing a limerick", an, um, Catty, limerick, hee, hee! ;-D 

My poem?

There once was a kitty named Brad
Whose fear of Strollers was sad.
He would avoid it when he saw it
And quickly run from it.
Was kitty a fraidy? A tad.

When his Human finally took him on tour,
The kitty liked visiting the store
And the ride did not disturb,
Since Daddy gave him a bit of the herb
So Brad is not afraid of Strolling anymore.

 

3. Over at Blog d'Elisson, Hakuna finds "Her Place in the Sun", in an adorable photo. ;-D

4. Over at This, That, and the Other Thing...it snowed, and snowed, and snowed...and Amber, and Kosmo, are ready for something different!

Rain! ;-D

5. Over at Elms in the Yard, Rahel invites to see how Computer Kitty will help your Human fix any problem they may have with their computer. Such sweet pictures! ;-D

6. Over at Mind of Mog, poor Meowza still has issues with his Mom, Ritzi...actually I think it may be the other way around, from the look of things.

7. Over at iInfidel, it's time to eat...no words neccessary. ;-D

8. Over at I Mog, Ritzi looks like she's wondering why her son, or the Human, are not there to open the door for her. ;-D

9. Over at CatSynth Luna helps show off some very cool Feline Themed paintings, figurines, and more, in some very cool photos! ;-D

10. Over at StrangeRanger...John goes to great length to defend his gal, Maddie, and her honor! ;-D

QUOTE: "Maddie's never been a big stick-the-tongue-out sort of girl, but she does possess a sweet little pair of pink kitty lips."

LMAO!

The series of photos, in Kitty Lips, are adorable!

Well, that ends Carnival for this week.

I'm off to take a nap, and Daddy is off to celebrate his birthday with a special lunch!

***UPDATE - 6PM***

11. Bringing up the rear with an entry submitted well before the Official Deadline Time, but during my afternoon nappy time, are Sniffie and the Florida Furkids, of the Friends Furever Cat Blog, who are celebrating an Olympic Champion in their midst!

Congrats Tamir! ;-D

***END UPDATE***

 

 

It's My Birthday 4: Saddling Up, and Going For a Test Stroll

 

Welcome to my weekend Birthday Celebration! It started early, on Thursday night. ;-D

Yesterday morning, Daddy decided, was the perfect time to take my new Feline Utility Vehicle for a short Test Spin, and so I awoke from my morning snooze to find Daddy zipping closed the back door of my napping space.

I promptly leaped out, and went to take a drink of water. ;-D

Daddy waited until I was ready to resume my snooze, and tried again...and I found I had to suddenly go take a, well I had to go potty, OK. ;-D

Nervous? Who, ME???

 

When I came back from the John, and went to resume my snooze...I failed to notice that the back door was only open wide enough for me to enter, thus allowing Daddy to quickly zip it closed.

Have I ever told you that my Daddy is smart? He's got a Bachelor's Degree from College to prove it! ;-D

So off we went for a half dozen slow trips around the kitchen table...me loudly telling Daddy to watch where he was going, and not bump into the chairs, or bookshelves!

I sat there, nervous as all hell, looking out the windows of my new ride, as Daddy told me to stop being such a baby. ;-D

I think I was rather restrained in voicing my opinion...once ever 2 round trips.

On the 5th circle Daddy opened the door to the outside, and after the 6th he hung a right, and we found ourselves on the 2nd floor walk, and then things got really interesting...

 

No, the FUV does not have headlights!

That's me, in there, peeking nervously out as a passing lady Jehovah's Witness, who didn't speak a lick of English, much less Felinese, somehow managed to take our picture as we stood at the top of one of the 3 stairs that lead down to the ground from our floor. ;-D

Daddy took us on 3 round trips, from one end of the walk to the other, yours truly loudly telling Daddy to slow down each time we approached the stairs on either end.

Daddy laughed, and told to me to quit acting the fraidy..."For crying out loud, Nikita, I'm barely going 3 MPH! I'm in complete control!"

Nope, I wasn't nervous, not in the slightest! ;-D

 

I will admit that I didn't spend the whole adventure ducking for cover, or front paws, and head, bent in fervent prayer for my safety.

I was very interested in my surroundings.

You see, until this day I'd never ventured on foot more than 5 feet from the front door of our apartment in the 5+ years we'd lived here, and had only experienced the outside world from the confines of my carrier on once a year trips to the vet, or in my special Cheshire Mode with my Cheshire Leash, a few times (If I take to this Stroller idea then I won't have to use my Chesireness ever again!). ;-D

Oh, and there was that one day, years ago, in Pomona, when I found myself outside, alone, for a whole day!

Anyway, what I saw was all very interesting, and made the stress of this little adventure receed a bit...people walking about in the big parking lot in the front of the complex, that snail hauling ass across the sidewalk below fervently, loudly, saying what sounded like prayers that it would reach the other side before it got stepped on by one of the nearby group of 7 Jehovah's Witnesses. ;-D

 

Once safely back in the apartment, and as soon as Daddy opened the door of the FUV, I suddely discovered I needed a drink, and made a beline for the water bowl.

The I spent the rest of the day staring at the FUV, from a safe distance, as I tried to decide what I thought of this new experiece, and whether I wanted to enter into the belly of this beast ever gain.

 

By the time Daddy got home from work, after midnight, this morning, I'd made my decision. ;-D   

 

 

It's My Birthday 3: So, I Got a Pet Stroller...Now What Do I Do With It?

Welcome to my weekend Birthday Celebration! It started early, on Thursday night. ;-D

On Tuesday Daddy surprised me with a Pet Gear Happy Trails Pet Stroller, and I watched him put the contraption together. 

On Wednesday....my Feline Utility Vehicle, and I, spent the day staring at each other, taking each others measure.

I was not ready to get any closer to IT, and who knows what IT thought of me? ;-D

By Thursday morning I decided that enough was enough and, looking at Daddy, who smiled encouragingly, took a Leap of Faith...right up into that Big Blue Thing with wheels. ;-D

 

 

No wise-cracks, about my Ass, from the Greenies Gallery. ;-D

Anyone who has one of these knows that they have a removable, water-proof, padding inside... Daddy covered it with a portion of the towel I'd always layed on in my Carrier, and it felt soft, and familier, to me as I lay in the belly of the beast. ;-D

Laying down I am comfortably just the right length to fit, and the height of the thing is more than enough for me to sit up, and gaze at the world around me.

In no way do I feel cramped.

Later in the day I napped in it, and even watched TV when Daddy got home from work  that night.

Over the last 2 days Daddy left the back flap open all day long, even while he was off at work, and I spent a lot of time inside.

I've been reading up on strollers, plan to contact the stroller users among my many commentors of the other day, and joined a Stroller Group on Catster, all so I can learn, and confirmed what Daddy has been saying all week...it is not just another cool place in the apartment for me to nap in, but something that, if I feel fine with the notion, will allow me to join Daddy on trips outside in a safe, and comfortable, way, thus expanding my horizons, and increasing my knowledge of the wider world beyond the apartment door. ;-D

The next step, Daddy says, is to take me for a jaunt around the table in the FUV, and see how I do. ;-D

***UPDATE 3/7***

Daddy was true to his word, and we took a short test run, yesterday morning.

   It's My Birthday 4: Saddling Up, and Going For a Test Stroll

***END UPDATE***

  

 

It's My Birthday 2: I Was a Cute, and Curious Kitten Way Back When

I've supplied the bowls of Catnip Tea  for the celebration...

...And thanks to Cheysuli for donating the Ham....so let's PARTY! ;-D

It started early, last night. ;-D

TALES FROM THE LITTER BOX 2: An Old Cat Remembers.

My earliest memories are not only of Daddy taking me home from the shelter that early April 1998 day, but of  a grizzled, old, orange Tabby Cat.

It is still hard for me to believe that I am now the same age as he was when he entered my life, and I his.

 

I would like to dedicate this celebratory trip down Memory Lane to the memory of my Mentor, Tom (1986-1998), who you will meet, and see here, in pictures Daddy has from all the 12 years of Tom's often rough life.

In an earlier post, in January, I shared the outdoor pic, thinking that it, and a couple somewhat blurry ones were all Daddy had.

Earlier in the week Daddy surprised me with the fact that they were not!

I was stunned, and deeply moved by the new images of Tom.

TOM was an outdoor Cat Daddy's family had since birth, who took to the indoors, at Daddy's insistence, when he took charge of him in the last 3 years or so of his life.

He lived only a few short months more after I entered his life, long enough to impart his hard fought for wisdom into this young whippersnapper, before passing on.

  On April 22, 1998, Daddy let me out of my seclusion...

I awoke to find the door to my sanctuary open, and Daddy's voice from afar...

Nervously, I jumped to the floor, stood up, and slowly, cautiously, walked toward the sound of his voice.

The first thing I noticed was that this room was larger, with so many new things to explore, I didn't know where to start! Shelves, a couch, toys, a window from which all sorts of interesting sounds could be heard on the outside.

But no Daddy and no sign of that OTHER voice that I'd been hearing for a week (

"Who are you? What are you? Are you like me? Why are you here?")

I found another room with a table and another window, and saw Daddy, standing at the entrance to another room, looking at me with a smile. He knelt down and encouraged me toward bowls of food and water.

  Happily I scampered in his direction, but was suddenly brought up short when a HUGE yellowish-orange wall of fur stepped from behind Daddy and blocked my path!

I skidded on the floor and fell on my rump! I looked up and said meekly, "hello"...

My first thought was, "Whoa, he's OLD!"

My 2nd thought was , "Mother of God help me! I'm dead!"

I stood back up and walked forward, offering another meek "hello"...

He stared at me for what seemed like forever, hissed "Why are you here? GO AWAY!! And SLAPPED me visciously upside the head in a blur of yellow so furious I was knocked skidding across the floor with him charging right for me!

I've told this story before, and there's more...

The short version is that Daddy rescued me, tossing Tom in the bedrooom, and picking me up to comfort me.

 

Calm again, I was set back on the floor and allowed to explore to my hearts' content. ;-D

I really, REALLY, wanted to get that string! I came so damn close, too! ;-D

 

For the next 3 weeks I was allowed out and about under Daddy's close supervision. I warily took advantage of this freedom to get used to my new surroundings.

I discovered that while I could climb onto the couch, I couldn't get on tables and chairs or even the window ledges, which was damn frustrating, especially since Daddy was not inclined to be of any help in this regard.

It didn't take me long, however, to develope the skill, and fearlessness, to climb onto everything in sight...

Including Daddy himself!

By the summer I was climbing Tom's Cat Tree, and making myself at home. ;-D

Curiosity didn't kill THIS spunky little kitten! ;-D

Oh, and yes, that is the "Real Men Admit they Love Cats"  shirt Daddy used to wear, and wishes he could find again!

Tom, and I, warily kept our distance as much as possible. While I was curious about him, he didn't SEEM to want to have anything to do with me. The slightest thing would set him off, and he would gruffly say something mean to me, and slap me.

Just his yelling "BOO!" if I even looked in his direction was enough to send me running to find a place to hide, his laughter ringing in my ears...

I quickly learned what was his, and to respect his space.

A month into my new life the memories of my Mother, and my siblings was still affecting my dreams, and Daddy would hold me close...as at the foot of the bed, a Battle-Scarred Old Warrior lay and watched....

Then one day in May, May 3rd to be exact...it happened...

 He softened...ever so slightly, but he softened!

I have tears in my eyes as I write this...

The memories are so damned strong right now!

He was resting on the couch, in our Pomona Bungalow, watching me play on the floor.

Bu there was something different about him that morning.

He was watching me intensely, not in anger, and distrust anymore, but with amusement, and what, to me, seemed to be a welcoming twinkle in his eyes....

Sooo...I took my young life into my hands, and decided to risk losing the first of my 9 Lives. ;-D

I hopped up on the couch, and approached him from behind...he didn't move an inch, watching me out of the corner of his eye, as I tentatively reached out a paw in friendship...my eyes wide in fearful curiosity...sure that I was about to die!

The fact that I am here to tell the tale is proof that I didn't. ;-D

He let me touch him, and even climb on his back!

From that day forward our relationship changed.

I think he knew that he didn't have long before it was his time to head for Rainbow Bridge...

He taught me everything I needed to know, things Daddy couldn't teach me...not being a Cat, and all. ;-D

I miss that Cat! So does Daddy.

There are no more pictures of us together.

I'll end this post by paying respect to those who came before Tom & I in Daddy's life.

Boots was Daddy's Best Buddy, before me, and died the year of these 2 pictures, in 1995, at age 12.

At the end he could barely walk, and Daddy took him to the vet, late at night, for his journey to Rainbow Bridge, carrying him in his arms, telling him he loved him.

Ginger (Brown), and Junior (Both Age 3, 1978), were brother & sister Chihuahua mixes, the family had  their whole lives in the 70's, and 80's, and live to age 13, passing on a week apart from each other, he first, her next, a feisty old gal who missed the brother she had picked on all their lives.

Baby  Girl was a champion purebred Show Boxer with the sweetest heart, who live with Daddy's Aunt, and Uncle, and is seen in 1978, at age 8.

Blackie, and Bonnie were cats who lived with his sisters in the early 90's.

Tomorrow I begin to look to the future. ;-D

A certain Feline Utility Vehicle, and I, have been getting acquainted! ;-D

I think I just might like the contraption. ;-D

 

It's My Birthday Weekend! 'Nip Tea For Everyone!

In April 1998 I found my Forever Home.

I was a month old, and as the month wound down there came a day when I had to come out of seclusion, tentatively explore my surroundings, and interact more closely with my soon to be Mentor...the Cat I affectionately remember as "The Old Man", and "The Warrior".

That day was April 22, 1998, and above is my earliest photo.

In just a few hours I turn 12 years old... it's in the bag, or um, drawer, or, well it's in something (Those 2 pics are from early 1999, and I had grown considerably!)!

As part of the weekend-long celebration Daddy brought out some very old photos that bring back many pleasant memories for both of us.

I grew teary-eyed just looking at them! :..)

This post will stay at the top of the blog all weekend, and new links to the picture, and memory, filled celebration will appear below, as I celebrate my earliest days, and explore that Feline Utility Vehicle Daddy just bought me for my birthday!

It's My Birthday 2: I Was a Cute, and Curious Kitten Way Back When

It's My Birthday 3: So, I Got a Pet Stroller...Now What Do I Do With It?

It's My Birthday 4: Saddling Up, and Going For a Test Stroll

Oh, My CAT! I'm Returning to Catster!

Diary of the Day was one thing.

After a bit more than a month on Catster, in February 2008, I was still learning my way around the Community, and trying to live up to THAT!

 

Then something else happened.

Daddy and I awoke, one morning, to begin a typical day:

He went to check his e-mail.

I went to the top of my Cat Tree, and prepared to resume my interrupted nap. ;-D

Suddenly Daddy was jumping up and down and had a tear on his face as he smiled at me.

When your human is struck speechless, and can't tell you what the heck the fuss is about, the only thing a Cat can do is try to figure it out for himself.

I went and looked at the e-mail.

Make that 2 of us in shock!

I don't know the criteria used for choosing me, but I was, and still am, very honored that I was, and hoped that I could live up to this very special Honor, and the great Responsibility that having earned such recognition entails.

By the middle of Spring, sometime, I was no longer participating.

What happened?

I am more than a little ashamed, and embarrassed, for being away for a year, maybe closer to 2.

I wish to, first of all, and most importantly, apologize to all those fine, upstanding, members of the Catster Community who befriended me way back when, and may have done so, or tried to do so, in my absence.

 I still deeply cherish the honors given me back then...

Though I sometimes think that, in light of my long absense, I might no longer deserve such a kind honor.

However, a lot was going on in the life of my Human, and of myself, as well, and Catster became too much for me to get my Paws around, much less participate in on a daily, and then even weekly, basis.

I was just beginning to grasp how vast, and complex, The Cat Blogosphere was, and is, and decided to focus on my Co-Blogging duties on Daddy's own Blog, and become more familiar with the Cat Blogging Community.

I thought I'd even deleted my Catster Account, at some point last year, even recently telling Catster on Twitter something to that effect.. ;-D

I had no blog of my own back then, and slowly expanding my horizons in this regard in the last 2 years has opened my eyes.

My involvement in the Community expanded as I hosted Carnivals

Last December Daddy realized something important had changed... before I did.

I was ready for a Blog of my own...no more sharing, and that is the blog you are visiting today.

Having a place of my own has set me free to be who I am in ways I never tried before, and to expand the resources found in my sidebar.

The acceptance of my fellow Kitties was immediate, and has grown, touching me deeply.

I'm on Twitter (@Nikita_TwitPuss), & have made 2 very short YouTube videos, with plans for more. ;-D

Daddy got me a Feline Utility Vehicle (A Pet Stroller to all y'all in Rio Linda!), this week, for my Birthday on Friday, and the support, encouragement, and advice, in response to my post about it, yesterday, has overwhelmed me.

This leads me into why I'm getting involved in Catster again.

Maybe The Great Cat in the Sky knew something I didn't, and it was meant to be that I'd find my way back, I don't know. ;-D

I am ready now, I think, to find a way that I can comfortably participate in the Catster Community, and I hope that my old friends there can find it within them to welcome me back into their friendly embrace.

Birthday Countdown 5: Oh My Stars and Garters! Daddy Got Me...An FUV???

Hello, dear reader...

Do I look a bit startled, or puzzled, here?

Daddy thinks I do.

I prefer to call myself...inquisitive, curious.

And you know what that old saying the Humans have about our species, and the C-Word is, right? ;-D

What was delivered on our doorstep, this afternoon, has me, um, curious...whether that curiosity will end up costing me 1, or more, of my 9 Lives, may end up depending on the driving skills of Daddy, and my willingness to experience what his Ultimate Birthday Present to me offers....a chance to really, REALLY, experience the Great Outdoors.

Oh, and before I forget...He doesn't have a Driver's License. ;-D

Let me begin at the beginning...

Around 3pm, this afternoon, I spotted a UPS truck out the back window, and when Daddy saw it he got a silly grin on his face, and opened the door to stand on the walk-way.

As I watched a man with a pad in his hand presented Daddy with a Box I couldn't see clearly becaused the table in the living room blocked my view from the bed.

Daddy signed the pad, said good-bye to the man, and walked back into the apartment, leaving the box just beyond the door for a minute.

That was just long enough for me to leap off the bed, and quickly sneak outside for an up-close, and personal, sniff of what Daddy laughed, and told me was what he called an FUV...Feline Utility Vehicle.

Back on the bed I looked at him with that look of um, curiosity, you saw in the first picture, as he explained that what was in the box was essentially one of those fancy human Baby Strollers (BUV's), but designed for Cats, and Cat-sized Dogs, not Humans.

As I looked, um, curiously, at Daddy, he explained that he knew how cramped I'd always been in the Cat Carrier that I'd tollerated (I still enjoyed the trips, cramped though they were!), all my life, for the annual trips to the Vet,

 

and had, for the last couple of years, expressed an interest in safely exploring the wider world in a way other than thru my ability as a Cheshire Cat, as I did the last time at Chrissymouse. ;-D 

He said that what was in this box, as shown on the outside of it, would give me a sense of freedom I had never had before, and even give me endless possibilities, for stories on this blog.

Intrigued, I helped him remove everything from the box,and began to sniff around to see what was what.

There was this huge blue contraption in one plastic bag, and all sorts of funny looking black things in several smaller bags.

Daddy said that, once I finished giving everything the once over, he'd put the things in the smaller bags onto the thing in the bigger bag, and once done there would be something that looked like the thing on the outside of the box sitting in our living room.

I dubiously looked at the small bags, and big bag, as I helped get them out of the box, and said to him..."Well, OK, if you say so, Daddy!" ;-D

Not wanting to appear too eager to get everything out so Daddy could get to work...I took a brief Grooming Timeout. ;-D

After everything was out of the box I took a closer look inside...not to make sure no more little bags were in there for Daddy, mind you, but because it was the biggest damn empty box I'd seen in years, and I was contemplating crawling inside in coming days, if it was safe to do so, and Daddy didn't still need the box for something, of course. ;-D

Afterwards, I settled down to watch Daddy go to work putting this strange contraption together...from the safety of the top of my Cat Tower. ;-D

Once he was done I came down from my perch, cautiously...an hour later...to make my first close inspection of this Wonder Vehicle.

It is HUGE!

A little bit larger than the Shopping Cart Daddy uses on his trips, by bus, to the market for his groceries, or pet store for my supplies.

I tried to tell Daddy that there was absolutely no freakin' way that I was gonna fit myself into that small black basket...but he just laughed at me, and told me to keep inspecting, and that I'd eventually figure it out without any help from him.

All this excitement was just too much for me that, as happy as I was at the fact that Daddy loved me so much that he spent good money on something new to both of us...I thank him, from the bottom of my heart, called it an afternoon, and went to take a nap.

Daddy bought the Pet Gear Happy Trails Pet Stroller online, onsale, from Just Pet Strollers, based, he said, on the description, and the many favorable comments on the site, and on other sites he found the item being sold on. 

Tonite Daddy said that we will both learn more about this thing, and how to use it, before we take it out for a test run around the apartment complex, and eventually beyond.

I looked at the thing again, um, curiously, and then at Daddy, and said "Uh, Huh, if you say so, Captain!" ;-D

No doubt there are websites, and blogs, where users of Pet Strollers have extolled their virtues, and come together, to share experiences, and user tips, and we shall try to find them.

No doubt there are members of the Cat Blogosphere, and even Dog Blogosphere, who have this, and similar vehicles, and have shared their experiences, and we shall try to find them, too.

If you, dear reader, have one, and have shared your experiences (Especially on Mass Transit, and Commuter Trains!) on your blog, or want to send us your thoughts, as well as links to your blog reports, we'd both love to hear from you, especially Daddy, I'm sure, because it will be HIS job to talk me into actually GETTING INTO this thing for more than a few seconds at a time. ;-D

We can be reached at the e-mail under my picture in the sidebar (Remember to squish the words together, no spaces, or it won't work!), or you can leave a comment to this post. ;-D

One more thing...

Daddy wants me to give this contraption a catchy name for the blog...anticipating that day when I will eagerly say "Tally Ho!", and boldly head out for our first Grand Adventure together.

The Pussy Purrrrambulator...

I think it has possibilities...if I take a shine to the thing, that is.

What do you think? ;-D

Oh, and no...neither one of us wears Garters...

That's just another one of those Human Sayings I've heard while watching TV with Daddy. ;-D

 

 

 

The Shelter Pet Project: A Campaign to Give Shelter Animals a Voice

You, and your Human, may have seen the ads on TV, or on billboards on the street.

A new campaign by The Humane Society of the United States, The Ad Council, and Maddie's Fund, a Fund begun in 1999 to work toward "the creation of a no-kill nation, and revolutionizing the status and well-being of Companion Animals everywhere".

The idea behind this collaboration is to "Give Shelter Pets a Voice".

The Home Page introduces you to several sections of the site, via 2 talkative Dogs, and a Cat: Adopt-a-Grams, Pet Personals, and an Adoption Network.

There is a link to a Campaign Page, Finding Shelters, one for getting involved.

The Campaign Page has several entertaining, yet pointed, audio, and video ads.

In the Pet Personals section you begin by choosing Dog, or CAT, and entering your Zip Code.

Then you play 20, well OK, 9 Questions, including ones about candybars, and wearing black. ;-D

You then are taken to a page of pictures of adoptable Kitties, and links to further info about them, via Petfinder.com, including who has the Cat, and how to reach them.

The Adopter Network Page is an interactive Q & A, where you can browse previously asked question, or submit one of your own, and get an e-mail answer back.

The Find a Shelter Page allowed me to enter my Zip Code, and find 24 Shelters in the OC, and 1 in Riverside County.

You can then visit their websites, if you wish, to learn more.

All, in all, I found The Shelter Pet Project site, and cause, worthy of checking out by any Human looking to give a Forever Home to some needy Cat, or even Dog. ;-D

Carnival and Festival Round-Up 2010: Week 9

Before I get to the round-up I want to let readers know that I will be hosting the next edition of Carnival of the Cats on Sunday, March 7th! ;-D

Here is what happened on the Carnival Circuit this weekend!

Carnival of the Cats #311 was held at  the Friends Furever, Sniffie and the Florida Furkids!

If you want to learn how to submit a blog post, or host, go to the 1st link above, and look in the links on the left for info.

 Friday Ark #284, hosted as usual by The Modulator, rang in the New Year in grand style and, as usual it's as entertaining, and varied, as visiting your local Zoo!

21 Cat Entries!

9 entries are for the Birds!

6 entries have gone to the Dogs!

7 other Vertebrate Critters represent, as do 8 Invertebrates!

Check them all out, and learn how to submit a blog post, here.

Bad Kitty Cats Festival of Chaos is now Monthly, and I hosted #112, which can be read here.

It's a different link from on Sunday, because well, it's a long story, so stop by and learn about it, and also visit the Bad Kittty Home Page to learn how you can submit, or host!

Weekend Cat Blogging #247 was hosted by Yours Truly! ;-D

You can learn about hosting, and submitting, at the home of Weekend Cat Blogging.

The Purrs and Purrayers Blog has long been a very special place, and every month links, and stories, that will touch the heart of any Cat, or Cat Lover, who checks them out, can be found there.

The January Purrs and Purrayers List is still up, but for some reason there was no February List.

On the site you can learn how to request Purrs, and more.

Daddy and I, having seen dear ones off to Rainbow Bridge, ourselves, agree with the thoughts of one fan of this site who wrote that this "praying blog is a light in the blogosphere!" 

Learn how to share news, and Blog Posts, with The Worldwide Cat Blogosphere Community, 7 days a week, by going here.

Weekend Cat Blogging #247

 

Welcome to the 247th Edition of Weekend Cat Blogging!

It is a celebration of one of the several times, over a busy weekend of napping, where some Felines wake up long enough to post about their activities, and share them with the wider Cat Blogosphere, & the world (Yes, there are several such shareathons, each week, but we won't mention them here!), then resume napping, or some other favorite activity. ;-D

You can learn how to participate, and see the schedule for the whole year at the home of the WCB.

So, let's get this show on the road!

I'll start things off! ;-D

1. As regular readers know Daddy takes his camera out with him to take pictures of any Cats he sees on the streets.

We first encountered "Tom", and "Felix", as the very first Cats to have their pictures taken by Daddy for this series, in early January.

They were caught napping. ;-D

The other day Daddy encountered them, again,  as they prepared to be allowed back into their home. ;-D

In the same post I share 2 other Cat sightings, including one involving the athleticefforts of one Cat to avoid Daddy all together.

Street Seens 13: Olympic Level Synchronized Grooming, and More

2. Over at Life From a Cat's Perspective Samantha, and Clementine, try to get an early start on the weekend, but are foiled.

It snowed in Texas!

"We couldn't get down from the second story porch to play in it, but it sure looked cool from our eye view!!"

3. and 4. Meowza's got Tummy! You can enjoy the view as Meowza gets really down, and dirty, at Mind of Mog, on Thankful Thursday, and over at iMeowza, on Tummy Thursday!

5. Over at Meezer Tails Miles ends the last weekend with a report of all the goings on, including rumors, reported by Sammy, that an intergalactic war is about to break out...

Look, I just report the submission, it's up to you, dear reader, to decide if you agree with Sammy's assessment. ;-D

6. Over at Chocolate and Croissants...Penelope wonders if she could be in trouble. ;-D

7. Over at CatSynth Luna made her video debut! What a Star! The camera loves her! ;-D

8. Over at Sidewalk Shoes some might have tought time deciding who looks more beautiful...Smudge, or a handful of flowers...

Me? I vote for Smudge! ;-D

Well, that's it for this edition, barring any late arrivals!

Next week WCB #248 will be hosted by Meowza, at iMeowza!