My Cats are All "Knots Landing"

Cosmo's the king of my lap. Well, he's kind of the king of my everything. That tuxie is slightly (incredibly) possessive of me and doesn't hide his emotions when he's not getting his way. He especially goes off the rails when Phoebe's smugly settled on to of my lap. He doesn't like that one bit. Nope. And she doesn't give one rip. 

The drama! It's all Knots Landing up in here.

Purina #BetterWithPets Summit Was Informative ... and KITTENS!

I love New York City and I love pets, so of course I was thrilled for the invitation to return to Nestlé Purina's annual Better With Pets Summit. In past years, the summit was set up in a TED Talks format, but this year included three expert panels, interesting speakers, and some fun hands-on activities. Yeah, that means I had my "hands on" a lot of kittens! Jealous? You should be.

Yay, kittens!

The focus of Better With Pets is the human-pet bond, and how our lives really are better with pets. In particular, this year's event centered around the theme of emotional wellness for pets and the people who love them. The panels and activities supported that idea.

P is for Pudge

The first panel discussed the question, "Are millennials changing our relationship with cats?" It was an interesting conversation because I'd never really considered any differences. Since millennials tend to wait to start families, their cats are their children, and they also don't blink an eye at spending money on pampering them.

In a word, infinitely.

The second panel focused on stress and pets. I've always believed my cats are fuzzy little anti-anxiety "meds." I can't tell you the number of times I've looked to my cats for balance, peace, and relaxation. This panel not only validated what I already knew, they discussed stress in pets, how to recognize it, and how to soothe and prevent stress. One of the panelists noted that some vet clinics are now using cages with horizontal bars instead of vertical ones. This gives the cats unobstructed views, thus keeping them in a calmer state.

Expert kids-and-pets panel.

The third panel was especially close to my heart. I've always been a huge proponent of nurturing the relationship between kids and cats. Well, that's just what this panel covered. Pets can be great therapy for kids who are stressed or in crisis, and living with pets helps teach kids responsibility and compassion. Yeah, I'm a big fan.

Yes.

After lunch, we got to experience some cool hands-on exhibits. There were examples of food puzzles, which not only keep pets from wolfing their food, they exercise their brain. My favorite part, of course, was the cat room, which demonstrated healthy environments for kitties. There were many levels or perching spots, hiding places, and toys galore. I could have stayed in that room all day long. I'd probably still be there if I didn't have to catch a cab back to the hotel!

This guy!

Oh, and how cool is this? Purina announced they will donate $50,000 to The Frank Attla Youth Program, which was developed to help at-risk youth in rural Alaska gain confidence and self-esteem by adding dogs into the school curriculum, and giving them a unique opportunity to create bonds with these dogs by teaching students how to care for them.

Robin, Tamar and I hijacked the set.

All in all, it was another successful Summit! I learned a lot, got to play with kitties, and visited with a whole bunch of my favorite blogger friends. I already can't wait until next year!

I was compensated to help spread the word about Purina Better With Pets Summit. Catladyland only shares information we think would be of interest to our readers. The opinions are our own.

The Laundry Basket Cat Slope

Laundry baskets are cat magnets. Phoebe can spot a fresh one from across the house. Usually she finds a way to burrow inside the warm contents, but if she's unable to dig around in the pile, she stretches across the top. She's no quitter.

Exhibit A: The Cat Slope

Pretzel Body: An Photographic Examination

So many things about this Phoebe photo.

Visible spotty paw pads = no-brainer cuteness overload.
Back leg-dangle = always wins.
Poof of white belly fur = beckoning, yet is an obvious trap.
One ear cocked, showing attentive annoyance = because cats.
Pretzel body = I need more yoga.

My Yoga Partner Cat "Helps" Me

Cosmo is my morning yoga partner. And by "partner" I mean interloper. He wants to rub his face all over me while I'm trying to hold a pose, walk back and forth underneath me while I'm Downward Dogging, and then stretch across my mat at his first opportunity. Distracting? Yes, but I'm kind of used to it now. Also, if anyone is looking for a yoga "partner," I'm pretty sure he'd be all over it. I'll put him in touch with you.

My Cat's the Best Poser Ever

Oh, Cosmo. Look at him. For real -- LOOK AT HIM! Yesterday I was feeling sad, and he struck this extra-special pose just for me. And for you, of course. Soak him in because he's a gem.

My Cats Love Outdoor Drama

This is my cats' view from the patio door. It's a visual feast of rodents and birdies! I love how the one squirrel is standing on top of the concrete kitty statue to reach the bird feeder. The birds are not amused. They're all like, "Wha' happened?" (those Mighty Wind fans will catch that reference -- see it if you haven't).

This is the drama that happens on my deck. Like seed through the bird feeder, these are the days of our lives.

I Trust Weather Whiskers

I adore cats-as-people, and one of the pleasures of my day is checking out the weather on the Weather Whiskers phone app. Nobody at Weather Whiskers HQ paid me to promote their ridiculously adorable product, but it just feels wrong not to share it with you. Wrong, I say! Perhaps a crime.

And guess what? It's available for the iPhone as well as Android models. And it's free!

Seriously, gaze upon this guy. Wouldn't you rather get your current weather conditions from him instead of some boring meteorologist in a gray suit? Of course you would. Plus, look at those glasses -- you can trust those glasses. He's not the only feline weather guru -- there are a number of kitties ready to answer the question on everyone's mind every day: "What's it like outside?"

Sunny, with a chance of YES CATS!

Every Bed is a Cat Bed

I recently stayed with some friends in Iowa while I was in town for a Texts from Mittens book signing. They share their home with a handsome cat named Tate and a busy Corgi named Oreo. Here's my cat lady confession: I'm a sucker for Corgis. I've always adored their short legs and fluffy butts. I'd never spent time with one until Oreo ... and then the dog-shaped clouds parted and the Corgi angels played their harps. And they chewed on them and growled, looking incredibly adorable.

As you know, cats rule the home, no matter how many other animals (or humans) are present. Tate represents this beautifully in the below photo. You can just see the look of entitlement on his face as he completely jacks Oreo's bed.

Like this is surprising to you, right?

Helping Your Cat Go from Overweight to #PerfectWeight

What we choose to feed our cats is a personal preference. We all want the best for our fuzz-butts and make cat-food decisions based on many factors, including budget, research, convenience or special needs. Catladyland is not here to tell you what or how to feed your cats; however, from time to time, we're happy to present options we feel good about, knowing you will make the best decision for you and your cat.

A couple of weeks ago we took our Phoebe to the vet for her annual checkup. She's always been a petite little girl, weighing close to 7-pounds at most vet visits. Despite her slight build, she's been queen bee around our house for all nine of her years.

We were totally surprised when the vet told us she'd put on a some weight, and should probably lose a little of it. What? We see her every day, and it happened gradually -- we never even noticed. Well, it appears we're not alone. According to a recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, only 11% of parents of overweight pets realize their pets are overweight.

Who are you calling overweight??

Dr. Ashley Gallagher, vet at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington D.C. says, "If you can't see your pet's ribs or feel them while placing your hands on the side of their chest, they are probably overweight." I tried this with Phoebe, and, sure enough, she was a little pudgy. "Pudge" sounds way too much like "fudge," don't you think? Not fair!

I digress! Here's more of what Dr. Gallagher has to say about identifying your pet as overweight.



Hill's® Science Diet® Perfect Weight cat food offers a breakthrough blend that helps burn calories, no matter how healthy your pet is -- and weight loss is ensured within ten weeks. Where can I get food like that?! Plus, the food includes prebiotocs for gentle digestion, and is 100% precisely balanced nutrition. These are good things!

Over 70% of dogs and cats lost weight within ten weeks when feed Perfect Weight food. You might remember Ethel, the little cutie I wrote about last month. Cat weight-loss can be hard, but she lost 11% of her weight! I know my Phoebe doesn't need to lose that much weight, but I love reading about success stories like that. When cats are at a healthy weight, their life expectancy is increased and they're more active and playful. Phoebe needs to be around a long time -- who else will tell everybody what to do?

It's a brand new Ethel!

Ethel's mom, Shawn Teets of Indianapolis, Indiana said, "Knowing the reputation of Hill's Pet nutrition, I felt good feeding it to her. I was very pleased for Ethel to be chosen for the program, and am quite happy with her results." Well done, Shawn and Ethel! Here's to a long life of good health and lots of play!

This post is sponsored by Hill's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Food, but Catladyland only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. 

Cat and Bunny Snuggle? Well, Yeah!

This morning I happened across an adorable video that I thought would be perfect to share today. Some of you don't know that, aside from being a cat fancier, I'm also crazy about the bun-buns. I'd love to have one of my very own one day. And then I'm quite certain this would happen, and my life would be complete.




Happy Easter from Angie, Saffy, Cosmo, Saffy ... and Mittens and the gang!

What's Happening Right This Second

Sometimes on the Catladyland Facebook page I'll ask readers what their cats are doing at that exact moment. It's always fun to hear about the shenanigans and lethargy that happens in other cat-lovin' homes. This morning I decided to take photos of what my cats were doing at exactly 6:30 a.m. Please note: This was after breakfast, otherwise the scenes would have been a little more "festive."

Phoebe, lying on my bed, eyes slowly dropping.

Cosmo, under the end table, eyes on FIRE!

Saffy, on her bed, ignoring me. Again.

So, what are your cats doing right this second?

Starting the Day With a Giant Mistake

Mistake #1: Thinking I can pour a cup of coffee before feeding the cats.

My Cats Sort-Of Snuggle

I've previously mentioned my cats aren't snugglers. I wish they were because I love watching a couple of cats curled up together. Yesterday I caught Phoebe and Cosmo sort-of snuggling. This is about as close as they get, but I'll take it.

Do your cats snuggle?

Photobomb Cat Strikes again!

The other day we took down the Christmas decorations and, just like when we put them up, the nosy cats had to inspect every tub and climb inside every basket. Phoebe immediately claimed a gold holiday basket and I moved in my with camera to grab an adorable shot. Just at that moment, Cosmo decided to drop a huge photobomb. Phoebe was not amused.

Incoming photobomb!

Phoebe isn't great at hiding irritation

Finally, the perfect shot.

Sleep-Standing Cats are the Best

One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is when cats fall asleep standing up. It's even better when they start weaving back and forth. Phoebe did the sleep-standing thing yesterday and -- lucky me -- I had my trusty camera handy.

Midnight Butt-Sniff: Denied!

Hope you were on the receiving end of lots of New Year's kisses (or butt sniffs) at midnight! Me? I was asleep around 10:00.

Hypnotized By Spotty Paw Pads

I love it when cats are lying on their side and all four of their feet are gathered up together, sometimes perfectly stacked. Last evening Phoebe was lying in my lap and I couldn't stop staring at her spotty paw pads. They were hypnotizing me, I tell you!

Here, you must see for yourselves.

Look!

And look closer!

Foiled Again!

Last week, my kids and I spent an afternoon making holiday treats. One of the goodies required the unwrapping of individuals ROLO chocolate and caramel candies. As usual, Phoebe was around to supervise and follow each little square of foil with her eyes as it came off the candies.

Divatown Called

Because I write and blog about cats, I take a crapload of kitty pics. Occasionally my cats oblige and look at the camera when I need them to, but usually, I get a giant "NO."

Hey, Phoebe: Divatown called -- they want their mayor back.

"No."