Squidoo : Lenses by Vladi

The Six Best Cat Blogs

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:07:40 -0600

I am an Afficiando of Cat Blogs. I spend a great deal of time reading, analysing and evaluating hundreds of blogs authored by cats. It's a hard job but someone has to do it. This is my selection of the best cat blogs. I must put all modesty to one side and include my own, after all I'm talking about the best. Over the years I've narrowed down the choice to a mere pawful but perhaps you know of more?

How to Have a Happy Cat Indoors

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:08:01 -0600

Some people say it's cruel to confine cats inside because we are free spirits, but just think about getting hit by cars, injured in fights, generally harassed by other animals or, heaven forbid, being stolen! The woman who feeds me makes sure I'm not out slaughtering the local wildlife and, although I may have complained a few times about this, I accept the rule that I can't get my teeth into the rakali in the creek or snack on an Eastern Rosella. So most of my day and all of my nights, I'm inside. But I get bored. In the interests of everyone, here's a few tips to keep your cat happy indoors. freya

Five Best Cat Behaviour Books

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:08:21 -0600

Many people want to understand about cats and I'm here to tell you the first essential fact of our special cross-species relationship. Cats are not people! This is of course blindingly obvious, but there are still people who insist on explaining cat behaviour in human terms. There's an instinctual reason behind the actions of a cat. Understanding what these instincts are (and why I have them in the first place) will make you become a better cat owner. At the very least, cat behaviour should make a lot more sense. Here's my list of recommended books for you to read on feline psychology and overall cat care. Big Stock Photo

The Magic of Number Nine

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:08:42 -0600

Cats, as you know, have nine lives. Have you ever wondered why? I certainly have. Many are the hours I've spent in contemplation of the eternal question : What is the meaning of Life and Why do I have Nine? What's the story with nine? It's just the largest single digit in the base ten number system, nothing special. But on the other paw, the inner meaning of nine is pretty special. Lucky Number Nine! Lucky Number Nine! Try and say that nine times without purring.

Egyptian Mau - Cats of the World

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:06:22 -0600

These little cats are the only naturally spotted breed of domesticated cat and the oldest of all house cats. And probably the prettiest too. Images of these elegant little felines appear in papyrus and on walls of Ancient Egyptian temples which date back from 2000 BCE. The great Sun God, Ra, was often depicted as a Mau. How ancient is that? Affectionate,vocal companions, these little beauties appreciate human friendship and get on well with children although, in my own opinion, the less any cat sees of human children, the better off a cat will be.

White Tiger Plush Toys

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:25:15 -0600

There are some people who want to take a real tiger home. Usually in the form of a rug. And there are people who take a plushie home instead. There are intelligent people who realise that tigers will be gone from the world in just a few years because of the proliferation of tiger rugs and bits and pieces of tiger anatomy in bottles masquerading as medicine. For the benefit of discerning humans who admire the magnificent tiger, I bring you this lovely alternative. The tiger plush toy!

Three Best Cat Movies

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:46:23 -0600

Film is a source of popular entertainment and a powerful method for educating (some may say 'indoctrinating') citizens. That's why it's so important to have cats portrayed correctly. There are plenty of movies with cats playing minor roles and this makes choosing which one you'll view - or allow the young ones to view -a maze of options at the best of the times. Don't I know it! Many hours of mine have been spent watching the flickering screen in the hope of catching a worthwhile production which showcases The Cat in an accurate light. So when I find a film with a cat of star quality, a good performance in a good vehicle, the search has been worth it. Here are my Three Top Choices for the Best Cat Movies

How much does a cat cost?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:26:26 -0600

How many times have you seen that sign? Have you been moved to pick up a little unwanted kitten? I don't want to spoil the chances of adoption for some tiny waif, I just ask you to consider a few facts first. If you're thinking of getting a cat this year,have a long hard look at your finances.While you're about it, have a good look at your motives too. Why do you want a cat? Let's Adopt

Cat Teapots

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:28:19 -0600

Teacups have been clattering around my home recently. Ladies call around, the kettle is whistling and numerous cups of tea are poured in the afternoons. Little cakes and sandwiches appear on trays. But all those rose petal teacups and pretty pink plates look like something out of the 1930s to me. I wish these tea afternoons would be presented with cat-themed crockery and napkins. Let's face it, feline is fashion.

Costumes for Chihuahuas

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:55:19 -0600

You can dress up at any time, especially at Halloween, and dressing up isn't just for people. It's for everyone. This includes cats, dogs and very possibly horses. If your chihuahua is a good-natured little beast and likes to join in any fun activities, Halloween is an opportunity to dress up in a costume. The options for small dog costumes are endless, mainly because dogs of any size don't mind looking a bit silly and they have no outbreaks of rage when someone laughs at them. Don't overdo it, dress your dog in the finest fashionable dog clostumes while maintaining some canine dignity.

Norwegian Forest Cat - Cats of the World

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:57:12 -0600

In Norway, these fluffy cats are known as skogkatter or Norsk skogkatt - literally, Norwegian Forest Cat. The name has a real ring to it. So much more thrilling than my own 'Domestic short hair' and these cats are thrilling in themselves with their fabulous furry coats, green eyes, impressive feathery tails and the magnicent mane of the snow-dweller. I live in a much warmer climate and don't need the thick layers of padding but I dream of those splendid coats. Oh well, you can't have everything, can you. The first thing you should know about the Norwegian Forest Cat is that it's truly a natural breed and really does originate from Norway. The skogkatt came out of the Scandinavian forests some time in the last 4,000 years to move in with people. They explored the world with the Vikings, striking poses on the prows of a hundred longboats, protecting the grain stores on land and sea, and leaving their legacy on the shores of North America in the form of the Maine Coon cats.

Slinky Malinki - Literary Cat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:56:30 -0600

Most people only know Slinky Malinki as one of the cats that gets chased by Hairy Maclary, but there's a lot more to Slinky than just a blacker than black cat. Slinky Malinski, that stalking and lurking adventurous cat, traveled his own personal road to Damascus and changed his ways. Now while I'm all for retaining the personality blessed upon you at birth, in some cases a change can make the difference between social rejection and social acceptance. There's plenty of controversy about the new leaf that was turned over by Slinky. I leave it to you to make up your own mind.

Save a Bird with a Cat Bib

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:36 -0600

Do you ever wonder how cats can catch birds when birds can fly and we can't? It's been a while since I brought down a bird. These days I have a little trouble jumping onto a kitchen chair but a few years back I was one of the best hunters around. That's because I'm a predator. It's part of my nature. I'm hard wired for stealth and slaughter. I spent years with bells around my neck but I picked up the trick of slithering on my belly with the bells tucked under my chin and the last sound a sparrow would hear was the wild jingle as I pounced. The woman who feeds me always kept me in at night, and stopped me being outside at dawn and dusk too. But did it work? The curfews, the possum shields on the trees and the bell collections didn't save every bird I came across. If this bib were available in my youth the bird population would have been a lot safer.

I love tigers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:24:52 -0600

What I'm going to tell you is shocking. Sadly, it's more than possible that tigers could be gone by 2012. There are fewer than 5,000 tigers left! There are about 7 million smaller cats just like me in Australia, let alone the rest of the world, so we don't really appreciate how our majestic cousins are under the hammer. Why are the tigers close to extinction? What is essentially wrong with humans that they can so blatantly slaughter a whole species? The answer of course is money. If there is one thing that I truly deplore, it's the murder of living creatures for material gain. buzzle

Simon's Cat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:53:15 -0600

This feline prodigy has taken the world by storm! He's known from Anatolia to Zaire as a force majeure on YouTube, and I've been following his phenomenal rise from the very start. (I might pick up a few tips to give my own career a boost). Simon himself is an English animator with a great interest in British wildlife, painting, the great outdoors and, of course, cats.

Gift Ideas for Tiger Lovers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:01:12 -0600

What you need is a tiger on your bed, on your chair and on your wall. Decorate your whole home with fabulous tiger posters, and you can even wear a tiger on your shirt. The biggest of the Big Cats are the Tigers and they need all the help they can get. Give one or two of these tiger-themed gifts to your tiger-loving friend and show the world your own admiration for these magnificent wild cats. mage : Steve Evans

Why Cats Want a Laser Cat Toy

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:10:35 -0600

Even a Senior Cat like myself likes a toy. I know I need a toy to keep myself in good health but to tell you the truth I do enjoy the opportunity to play like a kitten again. Even on those mornings when I just don't feel like getting out of my basket, I jump up pretty darn quick when that laser light scurries across the floor. You know what they say, If old age is catching up, pounce a little faster, and I like to pounce on my FroliCat BOLT Interactive Laser Pet Toy

Morris the Cat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:57:55 -0600

From his humble beginnings to superstar status, Morris, spokescat for the 9Lives Cat Food Company, never lost his common touch. He inspired cats around the globe with his simple yet powerful philosophy on life: "The cat who doesn't act finicky soon loses control of his owner". I was one of those cats touched by his greatness. His lifetime achievements are breathtaking. Morris was enticed by Hollywood moguls to make several box office hits on the silver screen, he was awarded the US Magazine's "Animal Star of the Year" three years in a row, and hosted his own TV special as well as making umpteen guest appearances with television personalities. He toured extensively on behalf of the Morris Million Cat Rescue Campaign dedicating himself to facilitating the adoption of one million homeless cats - his wish was fulfilled. His fame is such that, for all Animal Shelters, June 13 is now "Morris the Cat Day" .

Mystery Big Cats of Australia

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:01:50 -0600

They have been spotted in every Australian state, huge black catlike creatures that prowl the remote regions of vast mountain ranges and hidden valleys. Sightings have multiplied of late, perhaps because of the pressures on animal habitats in these last long years of the drought. Scattered farming communities are terrorised, cows mysteriously mauled and livestock slaughtered. Left behind, as calling cards, are large paw-prints. There are no native big cats in Australia, although once a highly specialised group of killer marsupials called Thylacoleo, marsupial lions, wandered around the continent. The size range of Thylacoleo varied from a house moggy up to a lion, but in any case they all vanished around the end of the Pleistocene. Speaking as a representative of the small predatory carnivorous Felis catus, I can vouch for the survival of a species against all odds. I believe the Big Cats of Australia are distant relations of the extinct Thylacoleo, and that they survived the Ice Age. And good for them!

Talk like a Pirate Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:07 -0600

Avast there! And ahoy t' ye, me swaggering boyos and buxom wenches, listen up smartly to Black Vlad. Wanna know why me Roger is so Jolly? Cause I be a pirate! Splice yer spinnaker on the seven seas, buckle yer swash and brace yer yardarm, we'll haul some keel t'gether. Lend yer ears t' me words o' wisdom, talk like a Pirate Cat and yer timbers'll be shiverin' afore ye know it.

A Cat's Life - from the cat's mouth

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:27:18 -0600

For any cat on the rise to stardom, the first thing he must do is compile a picture of where he has been and where he is going. It's not good enough to just suddenly burst onto the scene with all of your medals clinking, your ribbons shining, your awards catching the sunlight and your pawprint immortalised in pavements. Your fans need more. Your admirers want to see the full picture. They clamour for details of your family background and your youthful escapades. They want to know when you fell down as well as when you leapt up. Your fans demand to see all of you - no holds barred. They want to know what makes you tick. It's the price you pay for fame. This then, is my Catography

Felix the Cat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:53:41 -0600

My first encounter with Felix the Cat was in the form of a flickering, hazy, black and white reproduction on the television. Nothing to write home about. But closer inspection revealed the true Felix to me, the inner Felix. His beautiful blackness was the draw-card and his wide grin endeared him to the crowds but the surreal situations he ended up in were the clinchers. He was admired for his famous pace - that hands behind his back, head down, deep in thought pace. The Felix Pace became a trademark, one that has been analysed by critics around the world. I have studied this pose myself. He was a world breaker in many things. Felix was the first animated character who attracted movie audiences based on his star power, and he was the world's first television actor!

Cats of the World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:07:29 -0600

I come from a big family. A very big family. In Australia there are about 7 million house cats, felis catus, just like me and heaven knows how many there are across the world. We come in all shapes and sizes, fur variations and colour combinations too. What's more, all of us, like humans and dogs, have our own distinct personality. It's a bit scary isn't it?

I Want Bling! Cat Bling!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:04:34 -0600

Why can't a cat have bling? Dogs as well. Bling is not just for people! Cats, like the lilies in the field, have no need for enhancement but a bit of self indulgence in Bling and Glitz is good for the soul. Give me anything shiny, showy and sparkly, a cat bowl with diamonds or a turquoise-edged litter tray, it's all in fashion for me. I will even promise to wear a cat collar if it's studded with rhinestones.

So Long Smilodon

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:52:11 -0600

Who mourns the passing of the Smilodon? He was another feisty carnivore lost when people began to take over the world . Smilodon became extinct around 10,000 BCE, when so many other large herbivorous and carnivorous mammals went under the axe. Today we know of Smilodon only from his fossil remains which are found all over North America, especially in the La Brea tar pits. image : bionaturally

Jaguar - Cat Under Threat

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:54:33 -0600

If you run into a jaguar, quickly check your GPS to make sure you're in the Americas. Otherwise, you've just seen a leopard! Falling across a jaguar in your travels is not so easy to do these days, there are hardly any of them still around. As the forests disappear, the remaining jaguars are forced to seek new homes, to keep moving in search of their lost jungles and forests Jaguars (I hate to tell you this) are also the target of hunters because their skins are sold to make clothes, accessories and awful things for awful people. Like most of the other big cats, the handsome Jaguar is close to extinction in the wild due to habitat destruction and the ghastly poaching. Natural History Museum uk

Cat Carriers for Comfort and Style

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:58:56 -0600

Cats are carried around all the time in baskets and boxes. It's a fact of life and has to be accepted. But why carry a cat to the Vet in a common cardboard box? That's adding insult to injury. A Cat Carrier is an essential item for all cat companions. Not just any old Cat Carrier of course. I believe it's possible to purchase 'cat crates' from Animal Shelters and suchlike and, while I heartily applaud this iniatitive, I prefer elegance to eco-virtue. Take my advice. Think style!

The Cats of Rome

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:51:19 -0600

It was in the Torre Argentina, in 44 BCE, that Julius Caesar was stabbed to death, but it is said his spirit lives on in the proud and haughty cats that roam the ruins of Rome. Over 300,000 stray cats live in Rome, descendants of Egyptian cats brought there 3,000 years ago. These cats are not wild, but need human help to survive. A much needed Cat Sanctuary sits in the very place that Caesar was murdered, and I hope the shelter continues to receive support and donations. In my own very small way, I'm trying to do my bit for them. image : pantheon institute

African Wild Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:02:50 -0600

All the domestic cats you know today have a common ancestor - and that ancestor still runs free across the savannah which is a lot more than you can say for the human ancestor. My noble ancestor is the African wild cat, Felis libyca, found today across Africa and Arabia. There are various other species of small wild cat around the place. You don't necessarily have to be big to stay top cat. Smaller wild cats live in all continents except for Antarctica and Australia. (Only my domesticated family and a few undesirable ferals live downunder, apart from the Mystery Big Cat of Australia). But the African Wild Cat is threatened . Loss of habitat and hybridisation with domestic cats is leading rapidly to the demise of this wonderful creature.

Rainbow Bridge

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:52:39 -0600

I don't want to upset you, but Life is not just a bowl of cherries. It's not even a bowl of kibble. There's more in this world than the simple joys of napping in the patch of sun on the kitchen floor. Life is not always nice. Life is also about sadness, about grief when we lose friends and dear companions. Our human friends pass away, and our animal companions cross the rainbow bridge. But we will all meet up again, or so they say. I'm somewhat unsure of it myself but the concept is a pleasant one. (I want to believe!) I can see myself, miraculously hale in limb with all my teeth restored, chasing the recidivist Indian Mynas through grassy dales while the woman who feeds me (herself miraculously restored to youth and beauty) prepares small snacks of smoked salmon for us both.

A Heaven for Chimpanzees

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:14:14 -0600

What are your plans for retirement? I intend to laze about in the sunshine, stirring myself occasionally to converse with old friends. But what do you do if you've spent your life in a cage, injected with diseases, undergone biopsies and suffered all manner of painful indignities? What if you have no home? Countless chimpanzees, former lab subjects, circus performers or unwanted 'pets' faced a dismal future of confinement or death. Now there's hope for them. In the retirement village of Chimp Haven, a real Chimp Heaven. Photo courtesy of FunTim

The Best of Siamese Cat Art

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:05:03 -0600

Any time is a good time to spruce up your house, but a change of Season seems to cry out for a new look. As a feline fashionista I implore all humans to ensure when decorating the home that images of cats are present in the interior design. Naturally I prefer the look of a black cat, the deep richness of the one purrfect hue, but for an elegant theme you can't really go past the Siamese Cat. This is what you should aim for - elegance. Elegance and Style. To help you achieve your best result, I've searched the web to discover, and bring to you, the items you need to feng shui your house the feline way.

Cats and Magic

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:59:20 -0600

.Are cats magic? I can tell you exactly what the magical qualities of cats really are. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to grasp the concept. For a start, cats dispose of vermin. How magical is that? Can you catch a rat bare-handed? As if that's not enough, cats are wonderful, loving companions who don't mind if their humans aren't too overloaded in the intellect department. We couldn't care less if our people are possessed of a face only a mother could love. You're just fine with us We lower your blood pressure with cuddles too. And if that's not magic then I don't know what is. Photo by LoveCats2006

Valentines for Cats

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:12:23 -0600

Say I love you to your cat. You don't have to wait till Valentine's Day to show a little love to your cat but why not demonstrate your affection with a gift especially for St Valentine's Day? For an older cat like myself, a heat cushion is the nicest way to end a day of eating and napping. So soothing for the arthritis and an excellent way to show your appreciation of your feline companion. Make it a special Valentine by choosing a heart shaped heat cushion

I Hate Vegetables

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:15:21 -0600

I'm not the only cat who hates vegetables. What good are they to me? They look bad, they taste worse and I don't get a shred of nutrition from the rotten things. I am a cat, a prime example of an obligate carnivore. An obligate carnivore depends solely on the nutrients found in animal flesh for survival. While I may consume small amounts of plant material, I don't have the physiology to digest vegetable matter. Indeed, if I feel sick, I will eat a bit of grass or a vegetable specifically as an emetic. So don't try and mix vegetables into my food. I hate vegetables!

Alzheimer's and Cats

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:16:46 -0600

Just when I thought the negative aspects of getting old were the cosmetic changes like raggedy fur and gnarled claws (not to mention the give-away grey hairs) I now discover that cats get Alzheimer's Disease too! There is one fear that I have about growing old - the threat of dementia. To tell you the truth I don't like to think about it. I have seen humans taken this way, in the prime of their perspicacity and, frankly, it's not pretty. It's a sad and sorry thing for all the relatives and friends concerned. We are all living longer, cats, dogs and people too. So all those age-related illnesses are wreaking havoc.... including the frightening Alzheimer's Disease.

Five Cat Food Recipes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:42:05 -0600

It's about time people realised something basic about feeding cats. Cats are carnivores. More to the point, cats are obligate carnivores. Being an 'obligate carnivore' means that I'm designed to get my nutrition from animal-based proteins - that's meat. I don't get much from plant-based proteins like rice and bread but I like to have a little mixed in my meat. It adds variety. But please, don't try to feed me, or any cat, on vegetables! It took me a while to teach the woman how to cook for me but, once she got into the habit, neither of us have ever looked back. In the interests of healthy and tasty eating for all cats, I share my five favourite recipes with you.

Jumbo Teddy Bears are the Cuddliest Gifts Ever and Cats Love them too!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:37:55 -0600

I would love to snuggle up to this big furry fuzzy Jumbo Teddy Bear! I would like to snuggle up to any big plushie but there's something endearing about the face of a bear. A Teddy Bear is always huggable and with a Jumbo Bear there's just so much more to hug. These timeless teddies will delight all bear lovers.

Siamese Cat Gifts for Siamese Cat Lovers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:22:37 -0600

Siamese cats are special. So are the people who live with them. Special people (and special cats) need special gifts. What better to grace the home than the elegance of the Siamese? Here's my selection of gifts for Siamese Cat Lovers. From crockery on your table to clocks and calendars on your wall, knick-knacks on your desk, charms on your wrist and aprons round your middle. And this lovely little Mini Siamese Cat Planter. You just may want to keep them yourself.

Cat Tarot

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:40:31 -0600

Tarot cards are mystic, mysterious and beautiful reminders of the importance of symbolism to the human spirit across the ages And to the feline spirit as well! All cats know that the images and meanings of the cards can be used as the basis for meditation or mental exploration. We enjoy such psychological and mystical applications and employ them for expansion of knowledge and synthesis of ideas. The images of Tarot, like all true symbols, resound in our psyche. They hold up magic mirrors to whatever reactions we bring them. Modern tarot cards are widely used as a symbol-system for personal growth and development. So why not use a Cat Deck?

Best DVDs for Cats to Watch

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:06:11 -0600

Is your cat stuck at home all day? Is your house suffering the effects of a bored cat? Give your feline companion something to do while you're out all day. Your cat needs a DVD to watch! I personally recommend a cat-specific DVD, I have one of my own and I can watch it over and over (I love the bird calls) although I've long since given up trying to claw the bits I want out of the television screen. . If you're anything like the woman who feeds me, then you enjoy watching a good DVD now and then but did you ever stop to think your cat might enjoy a little television too? My favourite is the golden oldie, Video Catnip

The Beckoning Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:02:19 -0600

Have you ever wondered what those fat little cats with an upraised paw are doing? I must admit they intrigued me. This is the Beckoning or Japanese Fortune cat, the Maneki Neko, a popular symbol of good luck and an invitation to prosperity and success in business. You see her typically with a bib, collar and bell, with one paw raised and often holding a coin or fish in the other paw. Maneki Neko, just like cats in the real world, come in all variations of colour. Popular shades are white, representing purity, black, to ward off evil, and red, pink or gold. Whatever the colour, the chubby little Neko is said to bring you good fortune in some shape or form.

Feline Friends : Our Cat Companions Headquarters

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:11:23 -0600

A Group dedicated to those ordinary everyday moggys, the cat companions who make a house a genuine home. We feature the fabulous furballs who deign to share their lives with your one. As I lay half-dozing one sunny afternoon I cast my mind over the various, clubs, groups and asscoations for Companion Animals when the full truth hit me.There was no Exclusive Cat Club! None! To quote from my own 'Collected Wisdom of Vladimir and Handy Home Hints' .... Too many Animal Companion groups display a positive discrimination toward those creatures of the canine species. It's just not good enough. You must admit I'm right, it's just not good enough. Lensmasters :Submission Guidelines Please read them before submitting to save us both some time.

Ceiling Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:09:42 -0600

Do you believe in Ceiling Cat? Is there something more to the universe than our short lives? Is there a consciousness which transcends understanding? I'd like to believe in Ceiling Cat. I want to believe in the Rainbow Bridge. There's no proof either way but, I must confess, thoughts of a possible afterlife come more frequently to mind as I get older.

Bagheera My Hero

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:03:22 -0600

In my youthful days I thrilled to the description of Bagheera. A black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the black panther, inky black all over, but with the panther markings showing up in certain lights, like the pattern of watered silk. Often I practiced dropping down from a branch or the kitchen table, rippling my fur as I did so in an attempt to create the effects of the watered silk. No one seemed to notice except the woman who has always harboured a strange abhorrence to me being on the table in the first place.

Cats are TOTALLY better than dogs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:08:47 -0600

There's no two ways about it - you can't be sitting on the fence with this burning issue Cats are better than dogs! It's pointless to draw a comparison between the intelligence and beauty of the two species. Dogs fall behind in the race, cats win paws down! I should know. I'm a cat.

What is your cat telling you?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:21:10 -0600

Yes, Cats can talk. Cats are particularly good at communicating with people. It's people who are a bit slow on the uptake. I've heard some people say that their dog talks to them. Ha! All cats have a much larger vocabulary than dogs, most of us make over 100 different sounds. As a regular conversationalist, I make a lot more sounds than that but, I am, after all, not your ordinary, common or garden moggy. If your cat is making a noise, and he's directing that noise right at you - then he's talking to you. Concentrate. It shouldn't be too hard to work out what your cat wants.

The Cat Who

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:18:33 -0600

The amazing cat, Kao K'o-Kung, known as Koko to his close friends, is the Cat Who .... can do almost anything. Koko, with his almost supernatural talents, features in twenty nine mystery novels by Lilian Jackson Braun and although his actions figure prominently in the stories, it is a man, Qwilleran, who is the main character. The Cat Who books are gentle mysteries, suitable for all readers. Crimes are committed, including murder most foul, but the stories are always told without graphic imagery or offensive language. The books are centred around the life and (mis)adventures of former newspaper reporter James Qwilleran, and his two Siamese cats, KoKo and Yum Yum in the fictitious small town of Pickax located in Moose County, "400 miles north of everywhere".

Laurel Burch Gifts

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:38:36 -0600

Don't you love the world of Laurel Burch? Those fanciful cats, horses, birds, blossoms and undersea creatures in striking colours which are reproduced in paintings, Tee shirts, scarves, ceramics, fabrics, bags and cloisonne jewelry. She was an artist who understood animals. I like her cats best, naturally, but every creature she created is exquisite. I believe she had the soul of a cat. Here's my choice of some stunning gifts from the art of Lauren Burch, a woman who spent her whole life creating beauty

Inspector Rex

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:05:44 -0600

For a dog, Rex has brains, good looks and charm. He may nor be a cat but he's a hero of mine. From his ealiest days, Rex was a star. As a mere pup, he was stolen by callous criminals who hoped to train him in various villainous ways, but Rex escaped. Lost and alone, he came across a small boy who befriended him. With his cool head and sharp intelligence, Rex grew into a first class police dog, assigned to the Murder Squad of the Kriminalpolizei - the Austrian Criminal Police.

Have a Safe Christmas with your Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:17:35 -0600

At Christmas time, remember your animal companions. Keep them safe during the holiday season, I remind all people that, in the midst of the family feats and the exchanging of gifts, there are plenty of activities which can be dangerous for pets. Especially for cats. Christmas Trees, Christmas lights, tinsel, shiny decorations, they all hold dangers for cats - and don't forget the rich food! Here are my tips to make sure every member of your household enjoys a happy and safe holiday this year.

The Lost Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:10:06 -0600

I was touched with pity when I first saw this sign about a lost cat. To be factually correct, it's a sign about a found cat that someone has lost. It's from a telegraph pole in a busy urban shopping centre and posted there by a couple of kind-hearted Japanese students. Writing is hard to read when it's on a little picture so I've carefully included a much bigger photo for you. When I magnified the image I discovered something really disturbing!

Stop the Possums!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:12:53 -0600

I am sick and tired of possums! It's well nigh impossible these days for a self respecting cat to venture into his own backyard. The possums have taken over. Not only do they strip the rind off the lemons, breaking branches in the process, they leave their poo all over the ground. And worse. I demand that all possums stay in their own territory, in the wild, in the bush, in the ouback, or even in the zoo. I don't care! Not in my backyard!

Feline Friends

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:07:53 -0600

Have you ever noticed that when people talk about pets they almost always mean dogs? It's the same where ever you go. Dogs get the front seat. I think about this curious imbalance often, and I'm not the only one.. Let me tell you, there are a heck of a lot of cats out there and some of us are getting a little tired of being pushed into second place. Ask yourself, what would happen if every cat decided to down tools and walk off the job? What if we bargained collectively for our rightful place and demanded better pay and conditions?

Pallas a Cool Cat for a Cold Climate

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:18:08 -0600

Have you ever seen a cat like this before? I certainly haven't and all cats are my cousins The Pallas Cat is a long lost, once-removed cousin. He is the oldest living species of cat, traceable in the fossil record to 10 million years ago, one of the first two modern cats to evolve from Pseudaelurus, the prehistoric cat that lived in the Miocene epoch. That's pretty old by anyone's standards.

Siamese - Cats of the World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:21:49 -0600

You have to admit a Siamese has class. It's all in that aristocratic elongation, the long, finely chiseled head, the absolutely straight profile, well aligned chin, long legs and sculptured body lines. And those blue almond eyes! Enough to send shivers down your neck all the way to your back paws. My mother was a Siamese. There's some sort of disgrace in the family connected to my birth, but I happily know nothing about rumours of maternal wantonness. What I do know is elegance, and in that department, the Siamese take the cake.

Chausie - Cats of the World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:08:14 -0600

The Chausie is an amazing cat and one you won't run across every day. To start with, Chausies are Hybrid Cats, a cross between the Jungle Cat, Felis Chaus, and the domestic cat, Felis Catus The Jungle Cat , the wild side of the Chausie, is a medium-small wild cat resembling a small Lynx, and originally came from Asia, India and Sri Lanka. The domestic side of the Chausie is usually an Abyssinian, chosen as they look more like a Jungle Cat to start with. The result is the Chausie, a tall, statuesque cat, upright in stance, medium to large in size, with long legs and large mobile tufted ears. Chausies are said to be good natured, loyal and intelligent. They also look rather frightening! I believe that I was a Chaussie in another life.

Trim the Sailor Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:20:41 -0600

Trim sailed around Australia in 1802 on the good ship Tryall, assisting his person, Matthew Flinders, to map the coast. During his many sea voyages with Flinders, this remarkable black and white cat took an interest in the practical aspects of the running of the ship, from hoisting the sails to navigating by the stars. He paid close attention to the officers at their navigation, studiously applied himself to his favourite science of natural history and was always first for dinner in the gunroom waiting, not at the table, but on it. With Flinders he circumnavigated Australia three times, sailed once completely round the globe, survived being shipwrecked, endured being marooned for two months, and was imprisoned as a spy. Trim was an impressive cat, an exceptional cat, full of energy, agility and daring and he is a great Hero of mine.

Maru the fearless cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:41:26 -0600

You don't have to be slim, svelte and sophisticated to be a Media Star. You can be an overweight leisure-loving cat with a bouffy head and still hit the Bigtime! Maru proves this. He's a wonderful role model for the young. Forget the diets! Forget the fashionable gaunt look. Just be yourself.

Do You Believe in Pet Ghosts?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:03:56 -0600

Do you believe in Spirits ? What about spirits of departed pets? In Pet Ghosts: Animal Encounters from Beyond the Grave, Joshua Warren coins the term phantimals to describe the paranormal creatures which appear more animal-like than human-like. No one truly understands how, or why, ghosts manifest, but Warren hazards an explanation for animal apparitions.

Wild Animals are not Pets

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:13:37 -0600

A wild animal is not a pet. A wild animal can never be a pet. It's different in my case. As a representative of the self-domesticated cats ((Felis catus), I can tell you that we chose to live with people about 10.000 years ago and, although we can get by without you, we enjoy your companionship. We are not wild animals. It truly puzzles me that people will deliberately choose to have a Big Cat as a pet. Why? Once I dismiss ignorance (that's no excuse) and a desire to have a 'better-looking' pet than neighbours (a pathetic example of one-upmanship), I am left with only one answer. Greed. People make money from a caged Big Cat.

Should Declawing Cats be Banned?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:09:11 -0600

There is no reason why people should declaw a cat. None. What is most shocking to me about declawing is the attitude. This is treating a cat ilike an inanimate object - an object to be modified by surgical mutilation, to suit some person's perception of what a cat should be. Declawing is cutting off the first joint of a cat's toes! Some people will have a dog's vocal chords removed because they don't like barking. Why get a dog of you don't want to hear barking? Surely people realise what cats are? How we live? Can't people accept that claws and scratching are inherent feline attributes? If you want to have a cat as a companion, then you have to adjust your life accordingly If this is unacceptable, then a different companion would be in order. Perhaps a budgie? But then again, someone may want to debeak the budgie!

Tips from The Cat Fashionista

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:59:43 -0600

Yes, I am a Cat Fashionista. I am not offended when you call me thus, for I wear the name as a badge of pride. I keep an eye on cultural trends, read fashion magazines and peruse the celebrity pages, but I am far from being one-dimensional. I have no fixation on fashion, I have a feel for style. I have an instinct for elegance. Elegance is a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste. One of my skills is in interior design and I'm more than happy to share my advice with the rest of the world. You only have to remember that elegance is innate. It has nothing to do with being rich. The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest comes naturally

Shrek the Sheep

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:39:17 -0600

Shrek the Sheep is a real hero Feathered, furred or finned, the fire of freedom burns in every breast. Even a sheep will hear the Call of the Wild and, tossing security behind, will make a break for the ancestral jungle. In Shrek's case, it was flight to the wild mountains in the South Island, New Zealand. Shrek fled from his flock, dodged capture and evaded the baaarber for six whole years.

The Last Lynx

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:06:50 -0600

The Most Endangered Cat Once the Iberian Lynx roamed across the entire Iberian Peninsula but now he is found only in two small areas of Spain. The Iberian lynx is a critically endangered species, the world's most threatened species of cat, and the most threatened carnivore in Europe. He's a handsome cat, and his photo clearly shows his striking looks and the four sets of whiskers - two groups on the ears and two on the chin, just like me. The facial fur is particularly striking - almost like a beard. We like the same food too but I don't have to hunt for mine and the Spanish wild rabbits are also facing extinction.

Happy Habitat for Cats

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:44:51 -0600

Do have an indoor cat? Here's a purrfectly safe play habitat for cats who live inside. Give your indoor cats a breath of fresh air without worrying about them getting hurt, running away or taking off after a rare species of bird that visits your local area. Let them bask out in the backyard, balcony, or deck.

A Tribute to Cat Lovers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:37:14 -0600

It's an intriguing fact that there are people who love cats, and people who loathe them, but there is no one who is indifferent to cats! Why is that? Some people have heaps of cats, somewhat like a hoarder. I've heard of households with twenty and more cats. People do hoard other animals too but, in our modern urban society, it's a lot more difficult to hoard twenty dogs, camels or horses. Whether it's one cat, or two, or a whole house full, the Cat Lovers of the World are remarkably intelligent and perceptive people, able to appreciate the finer qualities of The Cat. They have a deep insight into the very essence of a cat - into the feline soul. This is my humble tribute to those special people who make the world a better and safer place for cats like me. Image : Lady with Black Cats from Big Stock Photo

Fish Tanks are good for you

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:15:57 -0600

A home aquarium is a little miracle in itself. Watching the fish swanning about in the tank is known to relieve stress, lower blood pressure and lessen insomnia. It even pacifies small hyperactive children! All of us are hypnotised by the peaceful and serene nature of a hone aquarium.

Music for the Contentment of Cats

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:16:21 -0600

Cats are born with a gift for music. Some people may not agree with me but I want to make one fact clear. The truth is that it was us who taught you to appreciate the finer aspects of the artistic form of auditory communication. I am, of course, aware of the sadly diminished human range of hearing, but you are still capable of producing musical scores which, at times, border on the magnificent. Here's a collection of feline-inspired pieces to prove it. Exhilarating stuff, even if not fully feline-composed. I recommend it to you .. Purrfectly Classical.

Pied Beauty

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:17:14 -0600

Who says a cat can't appreciate poetry? Like Gerard Manly Hopkins, I appreciate the speckled, freckled, brindled, stippled, peppered and spotted. Yes, cats have an eye for beauty too. When you look around, the number of beautiful spotted things are greater in number than you expect. They are little miracles in themselves.

Is Felix the Cat Australian?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:23:29 -0600

Is there anyone who doesn't know Felix the Cat? Felix became an international cinema star in the 1920s, almost a decade before Mickey Mouse was born. He was the world's first animated superstar and rightly deserves the fame he receives as a groundbreaker in his profession as well as accolades from the millions of Felix aficionados world-wide. But the whereabouts of his birthplace has become an international tug of war.

Halloween Cat Costumes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:00:28 -0600

Dressing up in costume is an integral part of Halloween. The custom is ancient, the Irish were dressing up as frightening spirits and goblins so long ago that no one can even say when! Wearing scary masks and spooky clothes is just a game today, a chance to shine as you cut a rug at a Halloween party or set out for some trick and treating. This year, get the purrfect look and disguise yourself as a cat. .Big Stock Photo

Cats and Dogs in Harmony

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:39:58 -0600

Who said we fight like cats and dogs? If you bring a dog near me you will quickly learn about angry cats, but that aside, I have been known to tolerate the odd dog or two over the years. At one time I had a friend who was a dog! So I can say in all honesty that it's possible to have a cat and dog living in the same house and it's also possible to have these very different creatures being good friends to each other. It all depends on the dog.

The Cat Familiar

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:36:51 -0600

People once thought cats were "familiars", nasty, supernatural, evil entities who helped witches to make magic. Especially cats like me, black. I don't why black cats were viewed as worse than tabbies. Fortunately not much of that medieval ignorance is around nowadays but there are always pockets of superstition and bigotry in out of the way places. Halloween is a frightening time though. A lot of black cats are in trouble, persecuted, harmed and most animal shelters won't allow you to adopt a black cat at this time of year. But let me tell you about Cat Familiars. Evelyn de Morgan : wikimedia commons

I really want a Luxury Cat Bed

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:51:59 -0600

I'm the first to admit that I'm a champion sleeper (Olympic standard) but, as I get older, sleep doesn't come as easily as it once did. And everyone knows how important it is to get quality sleep. I need a new bed. A luxury bed.

Tuxedo Cat Gifts for Tuxedo Cat Lovers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:14:45 -0600

Tuxedo cats are definitely the best-dressed cats. Elegant, stylish and suave in their tuxedos, they have a large fan following worldwide. Here are some perfect gifts for those special people who admire the sartorial splendour of the Tuxedo and appreciate the particularly sharp common sense that these bi-colour felines display. Check out these truly terrific door toppers, figurines, prints and other objets d'art for Tuxedo cat admirers.

Wild Cat Plush Toys

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:58:32 -0600

I love plushies. There's something lovable and huggable about cuddly stuffed animals. It's no wonder children love them too. These plush toys are big cats, from the old favourite Lion to the endangered Snow Leopard. Why not choose a beautiful wild cat stuffed toy to give as a gift? You can get in some education about the Big Cats and their fragile future at the same time

Feathers, Fur and Fin

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:48:22 -0600

High Paw to All! Vladimir here, your Team Leader. Welcome to the eclectic SquidPet Directory! I bet you thought only cats and dogs (and perhaps the occasional goldfish) were featured, but we have such creatures as Bears, Apes and Gerbils. Do you know what a Genet is? Don't be embarrassed to acknowledge ignorance, I didn't know before I found a lens on these little fellows. For both existing and aspiring members The eligibility criteria for this group has been drastically tightened. Please read the Membership and Submission Guidelines *nose tap*

Black Cat Mousepads

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:54:36 -0600

Keep your Mouse under control with a Cat Mousepad. Not just any old Cat Mousepad but a Black Cat Mousepad! With my keen feline eye I've chosen nine black cat mousepads for the discerning among you. These mousepads, all featuring stunning black cats, are chosen not just for their durability and dazzling design but for the Magic in Number Nine.

Cat Nap in Comfort and Style

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:45:49 -0600

I'm a champion sleeper myself. Olympic standard. I spend a lot of time practicing and I can honestly say that I've perfected not only the art of the catnap, but the deep comatose condition of the expert sleeper. With practice and determination you too can learn to sleep like me. But you must have the right bed! You need more than an old box or washing basket. You need a bed that's more than a bed - a bed that's a lifestyle in itself.

Thermo Kitty Cat Bed is the Cat's Pajamas

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:43:42 -0600

One thing I enjoy is a good night's sleep. I like a good sleep in the daytime too and I've never missed any opportunity for a quick nap. But can you imagine the sheer luxury of a gently warmed bed? My heart goes out to my fellow cats in colder climes, bereft of a good sleep and getting grumpier by the minute for, even in a mild climate like mine, you need a warm bed. Thermo-Kitty bed keeps you feeling warm and secure year-round.

Five Gifts for Older Cats

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:34:59 -0600

Don't forget the senior cats when it comes to festive occasions, birthdays or at any time of year. There's no fixed date to give a gift, is there? When it comes to handing out the gifts don't leave your cat without a thought. Cats like presents too. All cats of course appreciate a gift, a toy, a special dinner treat, but the more mature cats seek gifts suited to their lifestyle. I should know. I made my own wish list to help the people in my life.

Cool Costumes for Small Dogs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:50:55 -0600

There's one thing you can say about dogs, they know how to enjoy themselves. They may not have the same elegance as a cat, but they're infinitely better at dressing up and having fun. Your dog can look great in any of the fashionable outfits offered. There wouldn't be wardrobes for dog clothes available if there were not a calling for them. You can get outfits for your dog to suit you and your mutt's personal taste. I like the hats best. Hats, collars, scarves and bandanas made especially for dogs.

Cute Cat Socks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:40:51 -0600

For the gift that doesn't cost a fortune, the gift that is personal, and the gift that's practical, you can't go past a good pair of socks. Everyone wears socks. From babies to great-grandfathers and there's a sock to suit everyone. My choice of socks is naturally a sock with a cat theme. I've featured cat socks here, knee-high socks to handy crew socks and all with cats! Find your own choice from the domestic to the wild. My favourite - Pink Felix Socks

The Cat from Outer Space

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:19:12 -0600

There's more than one Jake in science fiction movies, the original was an Abyssinian cat from outer space. The Plot : A UFO makes an emergency landing on earth and ends up impounded by the US government. The pilot has eluded the authorities but needs help to reclaim and repair his ship to get back home. He gets help from a slightly oddball scientist. Four years before E.T, this visitor from the stars is a cat-like alien named Zunar-J-5/9 Doric-4-7, but called 'Jake' by the helpful humans he befriends

Best Cat Calendars for 2011

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:35:49 -0600

People are very keen on days and dates, I've noticed this often. Here's a way to combine the obsession with dates and a passion for cats - cat calendars! I've chosen the best cat theme calendars for 2011.

C is for Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:53:39 -0600

It has come to my attention that people learn to read from objects known as primer books. This is typical of human behaviour, they learn by reading throughout their lives. To this end I offer "C" is for Cat. C is also for words which describe cats, such as charm, charisma, confidence, chutzpah and carnivore. Doubtless you can think of many more. The most important word to remember is carnivore and I dedicate this lens to the suffering cats in the world whose human companions feed them all manner of unsuitable foods, like pasta or (shudder) vegetables. Let's explore. Perhaps from time-to-time our minds will meet.

Halloween Costumes for Cats

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:53:17 -0600

Sick and tired of people dressing up in costumes all round you? Cats can dress up too - you can even do a match with your person. Not every cat likes to dress up of course, we aren't dogs who will do anything for a pat on the head, but many cats are quite amenable to a Halloween costume as long as they can escape fast in an emergency. Please make sure that costumes are fire-proof and small-child proof, that the fastenings are made from velcro and all collars are elastic. Better still, get one of these pre-made costumes which are designed with safety in mind. Cat From Hell Pet Costume

Mycroft, aka Big Mike, the Cat Detective

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:51:33 -0600

I enjoy Cat Detectives. In my constant search for new and thrilling feline investigators I discovered that an earlier hero of mine is still out there with his magnifying glass - Mycroft, aka Big Mike, the amateur sleuth of Empty Creek, Arizona. I first found Big Mike in Desert Cat, but there are later cases he must crack in his own style. Sometimes it's hard for a cat to get through to a human (don't I know it) and Big Mike's person, Penelope Warren, gets to claim the credit for her cat companion's deductions. No fur off our back, we know who the real genius is.

Who is Vladimir?

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:49:37 -0600

I am Vladi, domestic short hair felis catus, a description which not only fails to convey my most distinctive characteristic (my blackness), but gives no sense of my astounding creative talents. I am an award-winning blogger, a cat of local fame, a keen student of wild life behaviour, a retired ratter. I am also carer/companion to a rather irrational lady of middle years who reads detective stories and leaves scarves on buses.

Vladimir the Cultured Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:43:20 -0600

Please allow me the honour of introducing myself to you. In brief, I am a domestic short haired cat, felis catus, (fully black with not a hint of grey), 18 years old and in prime condition although prone to recurring bouts of yech breath and a touch of arthritis on a damp morning. Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I acquired a somewhat shorter tail but I fully intend to make this hitherto unappealing nether part an item of de rigeur for all fashion conscious gentlemen of the feline persuasion. I'm an avid blogger and thoroughly enjoy the web but, to avoid disputes with my can opener, I engage in nocturnal surfing while she is asleep. Since my youth I have been a deep thinker and, between naps, I muse on the intricate relationship between human and cat, global warming and its relationship to arthritic joints, the delicate balance of Nature and on the Meaning of Life. My treatise on Is it really 42? is a work in progress.Watch out for it in the Best Seller Lists soon.

Gifts for your Cat

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:36:17 -0600

This Christmas, reward your cat for the feline friendship you've been so lucky to get. A small gift, or large, for that special cat in your house. I like my gifts to be large (like my salmon treats) , but all cats are different. The pats on the head, the scratches under the kitchen, the belly rubs are all appreciated, as are the games and chases that you play together but you can't beat an exciting new toy or two wrapped in crinkly paper. And at the end of the holiday season your cat will still be thanking you for the comfy heated bed.

The Jingle Cats at Christmas

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:49:00 -0600

Christmas is always a time of music, of carols in the street and songs of joy all round. Do you sing along to Christmas music? Enjoy a golden carol classic? Cats appreciate music too. We have our own carol singers, talented musicians in the wildly popular Jingle Cats. Come and meet them for yourself.

The Confessions Of A Catnip Junkie

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:57:57 -0600

Confessions of a Catnip Junkie is the breathtaking account of DooDoo's six thousand mile journey across America. Doo Doo wasn t trying to run away from home. Doc and Fern were great humans, cat people to the core. But Doo Doo has a feral streak One day, a sudden impulse sends him into the wilds of San Francisco and beyond. After the initial thrill dissipates, he realises that he's lost, and he wants to find his way home again. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine it would take him a year,

I am a Giant Squid Cat!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:55:58 -0600

Persistence pays off. Take my word for it. If you really want something, if you really focus on it, you can get what you want. I cherished a dream of being the first cat to make a Squidoo Giant, Could I create 50 lenses? Could I even manage one? All physical handicaps aside, the sheer lack of time in the day was a drawback. I'm usually only awake about 5 hours and I like to spend that wakeful period either in eating or in deep philosophical meditation. But I forced myself to remain compos mentis for longer. I researched thoroughly, painstakingly perusing the current Giants and pawing over the list in the Top 100. I read the LOTD blog. I followed FaceBook pages from Squidoo notables. Above all, I followed my dream. I chased my dream and pounced on it. And they said it couldn't be done!

Pet Booster Seat for Dogs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:50:32 -0600

If dogs hate air in their face so much why do they stick their heads out the car window? It's a mystery alright. But dogs shouldn't be hanging out the window! Neither should they be gambolling about in the rear seat nor, heaven forbid, hamming it up in the front with the driver. Get your dog a Per Booster Seat so he can look out the window securely.

The Best Black Cat Calendar for 2011

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:47:18 -0600

Black cats are the best I always say, but I admit to personal bias. I can look at myself in the mirror whenever I feel like it (depending if I can get on the dresser without falling) but you will just have to look at gorgeous photos of beautiful black cats. In these calenders you'll find all that's beautiful and mysterious about black cats.and you can gaze at them all year long!

Best Tee Shirts for Cat Friends

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:46:50 -0600

For a cat, I have a highly developed sense of fashion. I can't help it. As a civic duty I actively promote the best in fashionable clothing for those who appreciate fine style and design. Take the Tee Shirt for instance. Once it was an undergarment, worn by sailors as they clambered about in the rigging and it morphed into a shirt with a message emblazoned all over it. Now it's a Fashion Statement. And what better fashion statement than a black Tee Shirt! Like a black cat, it matches all and goes with anything. What, you ask, could be better? Take my fashion advice - a black Tee Shirt with a White Tiger and Black Cat Tank Dresses are the best of all

Francis the Talking Mule

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:44:13 -0600

Francis, late of the 123rd Mule Detachment, Serial Number M52519, was the star of seven movie comedies in the 1950s. In the series of films, Francis teams up with a soldier, Peter Stirling, a pleasant young man full of cheerfulness and stout morals, although no intellectual giant. Donald O'Connor received top billing as Peter, but the true star was, naturally, Francis.

Eco Friendly Dog Sweater

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:42:46 -0600

Here's how to protect your dog from the chilly weather. A Reknitz dog sweater - simple, stylish and good for the environment! If you have a small dog, or one of the miniature breeds like a toy terrier or chihuahua, a dog sweater is perfect for your doggy friend. What's special about a Reknitz dog sweater? Made in the USA from reclaimed cotton fibers, each sweater saves water and does not require fertilizers, insecticides, dyes, or even farmland! How's that for eco-friendly?

Burmilla - Cats of the World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:10:49 -0600

How many cousins do I have? New cat breeds seem to spring up overnight and I freely admit that I have not heard much about the Burmilla before. The Burmilla is an accidental breed, and I mean accidental in the literal sense. Many cats these days are bred on purpose, to please humans who like a particular colour, or shape, or length of tail. Not so the little Burmilla. This story began not quite thirty years ago, when Fate arranged a friendly encounter between Jemari Sanquist and Bambino Lilac Faberge

Black Cat Calendars 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:55:43 -0600

Feast you eyes on a black cat every day of the year. Cats will plan your schedule, keep track of birthdays and let you know when it's time for the check up with the vet. Cats always know what day it is and you can keep track of the passing of the seasons with the help of some gracious cats. Black Cats of course, and here are the best Black Cat Calendars you can get.. Image : dmertl

What I want for 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:57:23 -0600

I have a dream. What I want for 2012 are three things. In three little words Contentment, Compassion, Caring. The contentment is primarily for me but, if compassion and caring are exercised, we all end up getting our own little bit. It's no good hoping for wild happiness and soaring joy. If that sort of thing ever happens outside of storybooks, it's a very temporary state and we would all be better off aiming for contentment. Being content is good. We become grateful for what we have. From this blissful state all of us can put our minds to making the world a better place. A world in which we all live in harmony with each other, harmony with all species and harmony with Nature herself. Is this too much to ask? Even a cat can dream

Tribute to Pepi

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:00:07 -0600

You know the feeling. You just meet someone for the first time and it's as if you've known them all your life. There's an instant recognition, a rapport between you that transcends the mundane barrier of species. You're both on the exact same wavelength. It's not every day that you have the privilege of meeting someone with such empathy. When it happens, it's really special. Some dogs can be better at this than people. Their exceptional friendship warms you, their courage makes a difference in your life. You never forget them. Pepi, the Golden Oldie, was one of those dogs. Vale Pepi! I'll see you again at the Rainbow Bridge.

Cat Theme Halloween Mousepads

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:59:18 -0600

Personally I would prefer a Halloween Mouse instead of a Halloween Mousepad, but you can't always get what you want. In any case, it's hard to get a good rodent these days. Scare your visitors with a spooky Mousepad, liven up your workspace with a combination of Halloween and cool cats and see how the effect transform your whole desk. Or use your Mousepad to have Halloween every day

D is for Dogs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:58:54 -0600

Sometimes it's hard to ignore the great number of companion animals who are not cats. I am well aware that dogs have their place, and that many people make a place especially for them, I merely prefer them to be in a place which is not mine. However, I am fair-minded and readily concede that some creatures of the canine variety are agreeable (even likeable) and, if my earlier observations have been weighted toward the majesty of cats, then that's only to be expected. In an attempt to redress the balance, I delved to discover a dozen dog stories, and hereby present them to you.

I made the One Hundred Club!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:55:33 -0600

I wantedt to be the first cat 100 club member. Sometimes I felt as though I'd bitten off more than I could chew but hey! I proved to myself that I was able to create 100 good quality lenses in time to submit my application to the 100 Club. It was a goal that I set for myself. And I reached it. I made the 100 Club!

Cat Caption Chat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:55:09 -0600

I am a cat of many faces. Not only am I a dark shape in the rhododendrons, a domestic moggy with a shortened tail, I am also a Tweeter. Every day I make time in my busy schedule to pop in and exchange some friendly greetings with my anipals on twitter. They're like family really. I can feel a close familial bond with cats across the globe, we all share an essential felininity that's strange but true. Even the dogs are friendly. They're creepy and they're kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They're all together ooky, The Twitter Family

The Spymaster Cat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:46:20 -0600

I am Vladimir. I am a Spy. I engage in spying, espionage, all sorts of covert activity and clandestine operations. I wheel, steal and deal in highly classified information, coerce mafia bosses, capture terrorist financiers and assassinate ambassadors. I run a cloak-and-dagger spy ring of skilled operatives equipped with the most powerful weapons and defenses known to science. And I do it all on Twitter.

5 Safety Tips for Cats at Halloween

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:56:34 -0600

Keep your feline friend safe on the big night of goblins, ghosties and ghouls. I tend to hide out myself, the sound of kids shrieking "Boo!" gives me nightmares for weeks, but there are plenty of poor shivering cats out there who could suffer needlessly over Halloween. In a selfless attempt to alleviate their plight, I heartily recommend that every person read these tips for Cats at Halloween. Just pay attention to these five basic safety rules and the whole family, cats included, can enjoy a happy Halloween. Big Stock Photo

Squidoo Giant Quiz Tag

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:34:12 -0600

This is easy and fun! It's a Monster quiz, a Giant quiz, a quiz that's passed from Giant to Giant. You;ll find a diverse range of quizzes in here, all created by Giant lensmasters who are as different from each other as the quizzes. Want to join in? Fire off an email to the current owner. Make sure you read the instructions and then add your own quiz to this collection. This project is the brainchild of Margo Arrowsmith, please let her know when you get it so she can follow her baby's journey out in the world. The royalty settings have been set to the ACUMEN fund! Image Big Stock Photo

An Official Goodbye to my Fan Club

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:58:23 -0600

At one time I had a wonderful warm group of fans to encourage me when I was down and cheer me when I was up. Then, horror! I went for my daily visit to see their sweet little faces and they were gone. All gone. Every last one. Had my dear supporters turned their backs on me and fled? Where are you?

A Cat's Wish List

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:50:04 -0600

To get what you want, you have to go and get it. Or get someone else to get it for you. How do you get people to give you things? Make a Wish List! That way, there are no errors, mo problems. Here's the start of my list, the The Cat's Wish List. I'm adding to this as I go along,( I don't want to seem greedy), I'm making sure that everyone I know has a good selection of gifts they can send me this Christmas

The Cat Who Would be Giant

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:23:09 -0600

Look upward! That's my motto. I've been down before, withdrawn, anxious and prone to panic attacks - depression is not limited to the human species. Nor is hope. When you're flat on your back with all four paws in the air, the only way is up. And I have a dream. It's no ordinary dream. It's not a vision of velvet cushions and clotted cream, it's of an intangible asset, an accolade for the inner cat. My dream is to attain the exalted rank of Giant Squiddom This, then, is my journal of the journey. I don't know if I will make it, but the words of Ursula K. LeGuin, prolific writer on adventurous cats, inspire me to stay on the long winding road. "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end". Join me in my journey, share my travails and challenges, my mistakes and triumphs and get some inspiration for your own journey. Don't follow your dreams; chase them!.