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Friday, June 30, 2017

June's Bounty of Bloopers

Meows from Mudpie!

It's been quite awhile since we did a post of bloopers and outtakes, and Cod only knows we have plenty of them!

Since toys are my favorite things in the world, and it brings Mommy such joy to watch me having fun, she's constantly picking up the flashy box when I start playing. The results usually aren't pretty though because "blurry tortie" is my middle name.

These pictures were taking during the unboxing of this month's CatLadyBox. I told Mommy to delete them because they're embarrassing but she found them so funny that she saved them. I gave her permission to use them on a blooper reel only.




This picture from our Eazee Pet review earlier this week cracks Mommy up too. It's a blooper that we actually ended up using in the post as our giveaway graphic. (If you haven't entered there's still time!) Here it is in it's original form...


And lastly, guess who's blurry again?


Thursday, June 29, 2017

Kittydelphia is Coming!!!


Philly cat lovers, get ready…the first-ever Kittydelphia is coming! The three-day pop-up shop event and celebration of all things feline is happening Friday, July 7th through Sunday, July 9th at Gravy Studio & Gallery in Northern Liberties (910 N. 2nd Street).

Kittydelphia will feature cat artists, local cat-centric merchants, appearances by area celebrity cats, gift basket raffles, and lots more. All donations and raffle proceeds will benefit PAWS — Philadelphia's 100% donor-supported no-kill shelter, which will have adoptable cats on-hand at the festivities.

Kittydelphia is the brainchild of Laura Kicey, the artist and designer behind Olive & Rye Cat Art — custom cat portraits, plus cat-themed art, apparel and homegoods — which is named after her beloved calico and tortie kitties adopted from Philly PAWS in 2014. Olive and Rye's antics are seen daily on their popular Instagram @oliveandrye.

(Don't even get me started on how much I love those two cats...and their humom's artwork!!!)

Among the merchants and vendors appearing alongside Olive & Rye Cat Art at Kittydelphia are Polydactyl Cats (whimsical cat toys designed and handmade by Randi Warhol); Xenotees (hand-printed shirts, totes and other apparel crafted by Noelle Burke in her Philadelphia studio); and Kawaii Kitty Cafe (Philly's first cat cafe, located in South Philadelphia and partnered with PAWS to foster adoptable cats). Kittydelphia will also feature art prints from The Dancing Cat, feline bowties from Cherished Paws Gems, cat cookies from The Dark Side Cookies, and more.

Kawaii Kitty Cafe (759 S. 4th Street) will also be hosting Kittydelphia-related festivities that weekend in the cafe area, though reservations are still required to enter Kawaii’s cat room.


Three extremely delightful feline guests are scheduled to appear at Kittydelphia: Turbo Two Legs, a dapper Instagram celebricat who has rear-leg paralysis but lets nothing slow him down and is a terrific spokescat for adopting special-needs animals; Sophie the Model, an aspiring meowdel and outspoken ambassador for black cats; and Miss Raspberry, a beautiful 4-year-old Persian cat with an unforgettable face who's also quite the social media darling. Their humans will happily speak about the joys of rescuing/adopting cats and/or living with pets with disabilities.

If you're crazy for cats, you definitely won't want to miss Kittydelphia! Visit kittydelphia.com for updates!



RSVP on Facebook and visit Kittydelphia on social media:

Instagram: @kittydelphia
Twitter: @kittydelphia
Facebook: Facebook.com/kittydelphiashop

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

4 Reasons We're Using the Eazee Deshedding Tool This Summer

Ah, summer. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, lawn mowers humming in the distance, cat fur floating in the gentle breeze...

This post is sponsored by Eazee Pet.

Last summer was Mudpie's first with me, and I was absolutely stunned by the amount of fur that little girl shed throughout the season! This year I decided to get a leg up on the situation by brushing her daily through the spring as well and so far the fur isn't flying too badly (yet). Her fur feels so much softer and healthier after a good grooming session too, and I love the bonding time it gives us because she really seems to enjoy it.

Over the past few weeks we've had the opportunity to try out the new Eazee Deshedding Tool by Foolee and have been extremely impressed. Here are just 4 reasons why Mudpie and I *both* recommend it without reservation:



Safer & Gentler

Mudpie has dry skin accompanied by a touch of dandruff (which ends up looking more prominent because of her dark fur). At her last vet appointment I was advised to give her good, rigorous brushings to remove the dead skin cells, and while the metal deshedding tools we've been using work great I was worried about hurting her. The accompanying tortie chatter during every grooming session also made me think she might be uncomfortable.

To prevent nicking delicate skin, the comb on the Eazee tool is plastic with smooth, rounded teeth, meaning no sharp edges to scratch you or your pet. When I brush Mudpie now there's not a peep of protest...and as you can see in this second video she was so relaxed she even laid down so I could continue!



More effective

The Eazee deshedding tool is designed to remove 100% dead hair without snagging live, healthy hair. I was surprised to learn that 30% of the hair many metal grooming tools remove is actually live hair!

It comes with two different combs: one for daily grooming of thin or thick hair (you can also adjust the deshedding comb depth for either short or long hair by simply sliding the button) and another for more intense grooming.


Easy to use

The tool is made to fit perfectly in your hand, and to dispose of the collected hair you pull the top button back to eject. (I should note that it's much simpler than my video portrays. It's not easy holding a camera with one hand while brushing with the other!) It's constructed from materials with anti-static properties so the hair will slide off.

More stylish

The Eazee deshedding tool comes in six vibrant colors, including: red, pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Mudpie chose pink to match our blog colors :) It's available at fine pet stores nationwide, and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee!


There's no doubt that this is a tool we'll be using for many years to come, and one lucky winner in the US is going to have an opportunity to try one of their very own this summer! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below!

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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Eazee Pet. We are being compensated for featuring this content but all opinions are our own and we never recommend a product we don’t fully believe in.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Mudpie Interviews...Wizard from Connie di Marco's Zodiac Mystery Series


From the publisher: The stars predict a wedding-day disaster, but San Francisco astrologer Julia Bonatti never expected murder

Julia Bonatti is alarmed by the astrological signs looming over Geneva Leary’s wedding day, but nobody asked Julia’s opinion and being a bridesmaid means supporting the bride no matter what. Even with the foreboding Moon-Mars-Pluto lineup in the heavens, no one’s prepared for the catastrophes that strike: a no-show sister, a passed-out wedding planner, and a lethal shooting in the dead of night.

With anger and grief threatening to tear the Leary family part, Julia is determined to understand how such a terrible tragedy could occur. As she digs deeper into the family’s secrets, her astrological insights will lead her to the truth about a criminal enterprise that stretches far beyond the California coast.


Welcome, Wizard! Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself and how you came to live with Julia? 

Thank you for inviting me, Melissa. I’m honored to be appearing on your site.

I adopted Julia a few years ago. I was a delightful little kitten who was separated from my mother and brothers and sisters and got lost in downtown San Francisco. I was terrified, but I found shelter in an old theater in North Beach. Julia’s grandmother, Gloria, was sewing the costumes for a production and Julia was helping her out. That’s how I met her. At first, I did my best to hide in the rafters and find food when I could. Everybody thought the theater had rats. I was totally insulted when someone in the cast spotted my black tail and screamed. She thought I was a rat! Can you imagine that? I am the bane of any rat’s existence!

It was Julia who finally caught me. I struggled to get away but she wouldn’t let go. She fell in love with me of course. How could she not? I’m gorgeous and sleek and all black. She really needed me because she was so alone after her fiancĂ© died. In fact, I can take the credit for bringing her back to life. It was a very good thing for Julia that I agreed to stay with her.

What's a typical day like for you?

Well, I like to nap a lot and eat twice a day with treats too. Julia buys me the very best cat food she can find. She knows I wouldn’t be happy with anything less. I have my own special spots around the apartment. There’s Julia’s bed of course, my bed really. I have a little hearth rug in front of the fireplace. And I like to sit in the client’s chair when Julia’s working on astrological charts. She needs my input sometimes.

One of my favorite spots is our neighbor’s roof. We live on the second floor and I can hop out my kitty door from the kitchen, and jump from our landing on to our neighbor’s one-story roof. It’s a nice spot to scratch my back and bask in the sun. Julia worries about me when I do that, but I’m fine. I know what I’m doing.

Julia and I like to watch movies together. She likes old sci-fi movies from the 50’s with mummies and werewolves and things. I like them too. I sit on her lap and stick my nose in her popcorn. If she’s busy working on the computer and hasn’t been paying enough attention to me, I climb on her lap or lay on the keyboard. But I usually try to behave when her clients come to the apartment.

What's it like to live with an astrologer? Do kitties have astrological signs too?

I like it a lot that Julia works at home. She’s around most of the time, except when she’s running around the city trying to solve a murder. That I don’t like! I want her to be home with me all day. Sigh. I really have to struggle to be understanding.

And yes, of course we have astrological signs. I happen to be a Taurus, one of the most wonderful signs of the zodiac. Julia’s done my chart and keeps an eye on my transits. I’m steadfast and loyal. I’m sensual. I’m big and strong and I enjoy the very best of everything, like expensive food and crocheted comforters to sleep on. I like to sleep with Julia. I purr a lot and that helps her sleep. I don’t know what she’d do without me in her life.


Tell us about All Signs Point to Murder, the second book in the Zodiac mystery series you star in.

Well, I wasn’t very happy when all those things were going on. Julia was a bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding and she was so busy getting things ready, she was totally neglecting me. She was worried about my being all alone in the apartment, so she took me to her grandmother’s house for a few days. It was nice, but it wasn’t the same as being home, even though I got lots of treats and her grandmother didn’t want me to leave.

When we finally got home, Julia was in and out, in and out, for days, trying to solve a murder. She got herself into a lot of trouble. I saw her when she came home and I was very worried about her. I let her know. I crawled on her lap and kneaded her tummy until she felt better. She really is a lot of work sometimes!

With a name like Wizard do you have any magical powers that enable you to help Julia solve the mysteries she becomes embroiled in?

Well, I’m telepathic of course. I pick up all sorts of vibrations and smells. Julia’s finally getting to the point where she can read my thoughts. I just have to look at her and she knows what I want. But best of all, I can let her know which clients I like and which ones I don’t. Unfortunately, she tells me to shush, they’re still her clients even if I don’t approve of them. She reminds me we need the money to buy my very expensive cans of Fancy Beast!

Can you give us any clues as to what's next for you guys?

Oh, more murders and more adventures. I prefer to stay close to home, not like Julia, but I’ll keep the homefires burning as they say.

There’s a man in the next book, Tail of the Dragon, who has his eye on her. I don’t think I like him. So I had to let her know right away. I am very jealous. I gave her a good view of my backside to let her know what I thought of another man in her life! I wouldn’t tolerate that at all. If worse comes to worst, I might have to find someone else to adopt, even though I’m very happy at home and adore my mistress. But if she has another man in her life, I might just run away. What do you think? Would Julia be upset if I did? I’ll have to ponder that . . .

About the Author: Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries from Midnight Ink, featuring San Francisco astrologer, Julia Bonatti. The first in the series, The Madness of Mercury, was released in June 2016 and the second, All Signs Point to Murder, available for pre-order now, will be released on August 8, 2017.

Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the national bestselling author of the Soup Lover’s Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. Some of her favorite recipes can be found in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

Author Links:



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Saturday, June 24, 2017

Cat World Domination Day #CaturdayArt

Meows from Mudpie!

Did you know that today is a very special day? It's Cat World Domination Day, a day for us kitties to celebrate our world domination!


Truthfully, I already dominate my little corner of the world - I get whatever food I want, my litter pan is always spic and span, I can nap anytime and anywhere I like, Mommy is always at my beck and call. I am loved, worshipped, and adored. I accomplished this in a very short period of time too, and all it took was my natural beauty, adorableness, and loads of tortitude!!!

Sadly, I know that for many cats life is not like mine. They are alone, scared, abandoned, abused, hungry, and unloved. That's why in honor of Cat World Domination Day, I envision:

* A world where everyone appreciates the pawsomeness of the world's most perfect animal - the cat.

* A house for every cat, and a cat for every home.

It's quite simple, really...don't you think the world would be a much happier place if everyone lived by my philosophy?


Don't forget to visit Summer's blog today to join in all the fun and festivities. She's giving away the most pawsome prize package EVER!!! (Actually, forget I said that. Don't even bother visiting, nothing exciting is going on over there. Fewer entries means a better chance for us to win! HA!!!)

Just kidding, Summer!

Visit more artsy kitties at Athena's Caturday Art blog hop!


And now our weekly answers (answered by Mommy) for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and McGuffy's Reader!

1. A recurring dream I have is actually, nothing I can remember! I dream a ton but hardly ever remember it when I wake up.

2. Turn a pumpkin into pumpkin pie. Sorry, I'm already counting down the days until fall!

3. The humidity and incessant rain is driving me crazy!

4. Lately, I have been spending as much time inside as possible because of the icky weather.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Unboxing June's Meowloha CatLadyBox


The theme of June's CatLadyBox was "Meowloha"...here's what was inside!

Featured Cat Lady Artist Eve Furchgott: The artist lives in Hawaii, and this particular print is titled "Ti Party" because the plant behind the cats is a ti plant, which is used to make tiki skirts (among other things!)


Hula Cats Beach Roundie (CatLadyBox exclusive): I'm not a beach person (at all) and I had no idea what a "roundie" was before this box. Turns out it can be used as a beach blanket, swim suit cover-up, a tablecloth. We'll most likely be using it as a throw blanket on the bed come fall! The "Tahiti Kitties" artwork by Denise Avery is just purrfection. For an item I knew absolutely nothing about, this has become one of my favorite things ever!


Cat Silicone Ice Tray: Because who doesn't need cat-shaped ice cubes in their life??? Mudpie is asking for a tray of tunasicles too ;) 

Meowloha Surf Tank Top (CatLadyBox exclusive): Sun, surf, and cats...what else? Love the vintage look to this tank top.



Hula Girl and Pineapple Catnip Toys (CatLadyBox exclusives): Is it just me or are the cardboard tags attached to the cat toys getting to be just as cute as the toys themselves? I cut them off and use them as bookmarks! The pineapple is Mudpie's new favorite thing...she bops it around on a daily basis. She's just crazy about toys that are stuffed, round and feathered.


Not a subscriber yet? Visit CatLadyBox today!

Interested in purchasing individual items from past boxes? You can do that too!

Disclosure: I receive a small discount on my CatLadyBox subscription as a thank you for my monthly review. Regardless of compensation received, we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

The Rescued Interviews: For the Love of Pounce

Meows from Mudpie!

As you all know, I've been interviewing the kitties featured in Rescued Volume 2, the second anthology of rescue cat stories compiled by Janiss Garza (of Sparkle Cat blog fame). June's spotlight is on Pounce, a clever little guy who sought out helpful humans when he found himself in need. Sadly, Pounce was called to the Bridge shortly after the book was released.

Since Mommy knows how therapeutic it can be to write about a beloved pet after their passing, we decided to ask his wonderful human if he'd like to share some favorite memories of Pounce. And since a portion of the book's proceeds this month are going to Pounce's designated rescue, Chicago's Felines and Canines, we can't think of a better time to buy a copy in his memory!


Guest Post by Pounce's human, Marshall Bowden

Writing about my friend Pounce is really difficult right now, but it is something I want to do because he was such an extraordinary cat, and because telling his story in the anthology Rescued 2 was incredibly important to him, and to me.

Sadly, Pounce passed away quite suddenly on April 26, 2017, just a little more than a month after Rescued 2 was published. He had cancer somewhere that had quietly, without drama, metastasized throughout his chest. He kept it a secret, just as he had his dietary indiscretion before being rescued. The first sign was that day, when I noticed his respiration was rapid and shallow. The cancer was widespread. There was nothing left to do but say goodbye.

What I want to tell you about, though, is what a thoroughly happy cat Pounce was and how he brought me happiness every day that we spent together. He was truly indefatigable, there was no "off" switch to Pounce. He devoured his life, eating it up and pulling others into his orbit. When I sat on the couch, he would run up my legs and launch himself onto my chest, his face right in front of mine. He might greet me with his familiar war-cry, or he would sit in silence as I began to rub his head, and then he would begin purring.


Inevitably, he would fixate on my reading glasses, often left on or pushed up onto my head as I dozed over some magazine or my phone. My greatest sensory perception of Pounce, that no amount of time will ever erase, was of his hot breath against my temple as he came in to gently grasp the frame of my glasses in his teeth and pull them off. If I successfully thwarted that effort, he would simply start reaching up with his paws, trying to grab them. When I close my eyes and sit quietly, I can still feel that breath on my skin. Those moments now seem like the greatest gift that he left me.

Pounce had a kind of slippery walk. His back end didn't always do what he wanted it to when he turned a corner or landed from a jump. His back legs weren't weak, but they weren't quite right, either. X-rays of his hips and legs all looked pretty normal. The theory was that he had sustained some mild neurological damage from absorbing minerals from the phone wire he had eaten. It was never really a problem for him, his back end would just occasionally shimmy out of control a tad. I said that he had 4-way hips, after the Tom Tom Club song "The Man with the Four Way Hips."

Pounce loved to spend time at the window of my apartment. My kitchen window looks out on a city playlot. Besides the various equipment for children to play on, it has grass and trees around it, and it attracts a lot of birds and squirrels, and once even a possum. Pounce didn't really care about the kids or the dogs that people brought to run and play there, or the birds. These were all pleasant diversions, but they didn't merit his full attention. The two things that Pounce cared about out there were squirrels and leaves.


The squirrels were his obsession. As soon as he latched onto one, his eyes would follow it all over. No matter where the squirrel went, Pounce would watch. He could sit, motionless, watching for more than an hour if the squirrel didn't leave. Sometimes there were multiple squirrels, and that really put him into overdrive. He incited another of my cats, Scout, to become interested in the squirrels also, though it was not nearly as serious an endeavor for him. But there they were, a couple of rescue cats sitting in the window and sharing an interest, growing older together. It made me very happy.

The leaves were another thing altogether. When the leaves turned autumn colors and began to fall from the trees in earnest, swirled by the wind into a chaotic twister, Pounce would fairly dance back and forth along the windowsill, calling loudly as if announcing, "It's fall! It's fall! Look at the leaves falling!" He poked a little hole in the screen trying to get to leaves that had fallen onto the outer window ledge. I pulled a couple of leaves inside for him to smell and investigate. He dutifully sniffed them and played with them a little, but of course there was no wind and so they held no real interest.

Pounce was just too big a soul to contain. He was friendly towards every cat that came through my home over the years, and if they weren't friendly back, he gave them their space. On the day I brought him home from the shelter I dutifully set up my bathroom for him to stay in during his acclimation period. He periodically scratched at the door and called out all day, wanting to come and join the party. When it was time for bed, he was merciless in his assualt on the door as well as my sanity. Finally, I let him out, crawled into bed and shut off the light. All was quiet.


When I awoke the next morning, everything was fine and Pounce was one of the cats. That was Pounce. No acclimation necessary, thank you.

I know that Pounce is out there in the universe now, and I will think of him when I see squirrels running next door or when I imagine that I feel that hot breath on my face as I doze off, but especially when I see the leaves dancing around, falling from the trees in the autumn.

Don't be afraid, he would say. Don't be defeated. The seasons change but life continues, ceaselessly, and it cannot be contained. And I know he's right and I'm glad he's out there, a part of all of consciousness.

But right now, I still really miss my friend.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

When Good Girls Get Grumpy

Mudpie is the sweetest cat you will ever meet, but she has her grumpy days just like the rest of us do, and the #1 thing that puts her in a bad mood is the summer heat (just like her Mommy). 

She's a chatty tortie anyways, but when she's overheated she could give Grumpy Cat a run for her money. The least little touch, even when I simply walk by her, I get griped at. 

Don't believe me? Don't say I didn't warn you...



Happy Summer Solstice!

NOT.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Tortie Shorties on Tuesday


Welcome to this week's edition of Tortie Shorties on Mystery Monday!

We hope you enjoy our choices.



From the publisher: Vintage cookware and cookbook collector Jaymie Leighton has agreed to help her sister clear out the house of a deceased older neighbor, and she’s thrilled at the prospect of discovering antique kitchenware and other treasures—until she opens a vintage trunk in the cellar and finds the remains of a teenage girl with a cleaver buried in her skull. When the body of a second girl is found just days later in a nearby river, the clues all indicate that the crimes are connected—and that the culprit’s motives are hidden in the past.

Jaymie just wants to cut and run, but the victims were both high school classmates of her sister when they disappeared, and that makes Jaymie the perfect person to help the local police investigate the killings. As she dredges up old memories and even older rivalries and jealousies, her list of suspects grows. But Jaymie knows she’ll have to whittle it down to just one, and fast, because someone has decided to cut their ties to Jaymie—in the most fatal of ways . . .

Tortie Shorties Review: This has been a favorite series of mine from the very beginning, and I was heartbroken to learn it was one of the victims of it's publishing company's recent purge of cozy mysteries. I couldn't have been more delighted when the author announced that she'd be continuing the series on her own. It's been an agonizing wait for Leave It to Cleaver, but a wait that was well worth it because this is my favorite in the series so far!

I always love with a mystery delves into the past, and the fact that this one took me back to my childhood years of the 1980's made it even more special. The back and forth from modern-day to decades ago is seamless and the story flows at a fast pace. I found myself completely engrossed in the characters' lives, both those I've come to know and love over the course of the series and the new ones we're introduced to, especially the tragic teenage victims. I had my suspicions about the killer before Jaymie did and enjoyed watching the clues stack up that proved I was right.

The other central theme of Leave It to Cleaver is sisters Jaymie and Becca's double wedding which leaves the series wide open to new adventures. I'm not usually a fan of weddings taking place in cozy mysteries but this was different because it was the central characters getting married. It brought happiness and hope to a story of lives taken too soon and so much lost promise. In short, one of the best cozies of 2017.



From the publisher: Ten-month-old Keiki thrives on each test of her growing abilities, but strange new yearnings mystify and distract her. What's a good-dog to do? She doesn't want to let the girl down.

Lia Corazon has only three days left to prepare Keiki for the police dog test. There's more than the dog's future at stake. Success will save Lia's dream of rebuilding her North Texas dog kennel. Failure means a lifetime of living her grandparents' dreams.

When a training exercise takes a deadly turn, Lia sends Keiki to protect a young girl, but who will protect Lia? There's a killer on the loose and he'll burn anybody who gets in his way.

Tortie Shorties Review: This is the second prequel to the popular Lei Crime Series focusing on Rottweiler pup Keiki's training for her future as a police dog. In this installment Keiki stumbles upon a dead body during a training exercise. A young witness runs off in fear when the police are called and Lia gives Keiki the command to go find and protect her. Then a fire breaks out and puts all their lives in danger while a killer still runs loose.

This is a novella but it's more action-packed than some full-length books I've read! Told alternately from Keiki and Lia's points of view, I enjoyed a glimpse inside the mind of a puppy during training. Lei, the star of the Lei Crime series, makes a brief appearance, and the revelation of a connection between Lia and Lei was a twist I look forward to seeing play out in the next novella. A short, suspenseful story perfect for summer!



Disclaimer: As members of the Amazon Associates affiliate program, if you click on our links and buy something Mudpie gets a little money for her piggy bank! I received review copies of both of these books from the authors in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.

Monday, June 19, 2017

A Box With A Story

Meows from Mudpie on one of the happiest days of the year for us kitties...International Box Day!!!


My very first review as a professional kitty blogger came just a couple weeks after I moved into my forever home when I received a Purr Packs box in the mail. (I'm so sad that the subscription service has been discontinued because it was a totally pawsome box!) In it contained my all-time favorite animal print mousie who I lovingly refer to as my Baby, and at the bottom of the box was a horizontal cardboard scratcher that I've done my nails on every single day since it arrived.

Geez, was I ever that tiny???

Needless to say, after nearly two years it's been pretty much falling apart at the seams (and leaving miniscule cardboard crumbles all over the living room floor), so a couple weeks ago Mommy finally found a replacement insert to fit the outer box decorated with cute kitty faces.


I was ecstatic! I was going to have the best looking claws in the neighborhood! I couldn't wait to hop in and start scratching!

Then less than a week later I lost my breakfast on it.

Luckily my puke was thick (is that TMI?) and Mommy was able to scoop it right up with a paper towel, and then she removed the insert and put it in the bathroom window to dry and remove any lingering odors.

What was I doing while she was busy cleaning up my mess? I took a nap in the empty box!


Sunday, June 18, 2017

Deep In Thought #SundaySelfie

Meows from Mudpie!

It sure has been a sad week to watch the news, hasn't it? On Tuesday night we went to bed after watching breaking news about the horrific tower fire in London, only to wake up on Wednesday to learn about the assassination attempt on a group of Republican congressmen.

Sure makes me happy to be a kitty and not a person harboring so much hate in their heart.


Speaking of the London fire, have you heard about Pancho, the sweet kitty who was rescued from the building and is now providing comfort to other victims in a nearby church? I'm purring like crazy that his humans are found unharmed so they can be reunited quickly. It's devastating to think about how many animals were probably left behind in the chaos and lost their lives that night. Of course our hearts hurt for the human victims too, but it's the animals who are always forgotten.


We also want to wish all the wonderful cat daddies out there a very happy Father's Day! Last year Mommy wrote a post about my grandpa titled The Making of a Cat Guy. I think it's a pretty sweet story that you would enjoy reading if you missed it the first time (or would like to read it again!)


We're joining our friends at The Cat On My Head for the Sunday Selfies blog hop.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Caturday Art

Meows from Mudpie!

It seems like whenever Mommy takes a new favorite picture of me, I like to gussy it up for my Caturday Art project. I'm not sure why...it's not like you can improve on purrfection ;)  

This week I applied the "Floating" effect in LunaPic, then transferred it to PicMonkey where I played with the exposure and added a frame. It turned my autumnal tortie colors into a summery, pastel work of art!


Visit more artsy kitties at Athena's Caturday Art blog hop!


And now our weekly answers for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, hosted by 15andmeowing and McGuffy's Reader!

1. I challenge everyone to do something for an animal in need this week.

2. I regret disposing of um...not a whole lot! A trait I inherited from my mom is the inability to throw stuff away, but that's all changing! Last week I filled two big garbage bags with clothes I hadn't worn in years and brought them to Goodwill. Now I look forward to going through the rest of the house and gradually clearing out all the clutter. I've been inspired!

3. I have a difficult time admitting when I've made a mistake or could have done something better. I have a tendency to get defensive even by well-meaning, constructive criticism. Definitely something I need to work on.

4. If I were given a psychic power, I would like it to be the ability to communicate with spirits. My favorite paranormal show is The Dead Files.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Fun Feline Finds: Lime Crime's Kitty Bundles

There's nothing I love more than shopping for cool cat-related stuff, especially when some of the proceeds go to cats in need!

Lime Crime, the cult makeup brand with over 3 million Instagram followers, recently launched Kitty Bundles, purrr-fect Diamond Crusher, Velvetines, and Unicorn Lipstick pairings benefitting Kitty Bungalow, a non-profit cat and kitten rescue based in Los Angeles.

Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats specializes in rescuing feral street kittens and turning them into cuddly lap cats. Twenty percent of proceeds from Kitty Bundle sales will be donated to help fund the nonprofit's mission to bring feral cats from "hiss to home."


As a certified 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free company, this cause is near and dear to the makeup brand's heart.

"Lime Crime HQ is full of animal lovers," explained Lime Crime CEO Doe Deere. "Members of the Lime Crime team actively adopt and foster furry friends who need love. Everyone at our company is committed to creating animal-friendly cosmetics for everyone. It's an important part of our culture and a cause we're most passionate about!"

The Kitty Bundles Include:

  • POUNCE (MSRP $12) featuring Unicorn Lipsticks, Varsity and Pom Pom.
  • PURR (MSRP $32) featuring Metallic Matte Velvetines, Lana and Happi.
  • BITE (MSRP $32) featuring Velvetines, Fetish and Polly.
  • MEOW (MSRP $29) featuring Diamond Crushers, Lit and Cheap thrill.

Kitty Bundles are available exclusively on LimeCrime.com. To learn more about Kitty Bungalow's mission, volunteering, or adoption please visit KittyBungalow.org.


Even if you're like me and only wear make-up on rare occasions, it's never too early to start thinking about the holidays!

If you have a fun feline find you'd like us to feature, shoot us an email by clicking on the Contact tab above!

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Heatstroke in Cats: 6 Tips to Keep Kitty Cool on Hot Summer Days


A Guest Blog by Gary Le Mon

Your cat's favorite pastime may be curling up in a pool of sunshine, but she is as susceptible to heatstroke as a dog or human during hot days. Check out these six easy tips to learn how to keep your cat cool in summer:

Give a cooling wipe down. Many cats will not mind if you wipe them down with a damp paper towel or facecloth. The moisture on their fur cools them off. Do this in front of a box fan or open window for added comfort.

Have a supply of fresh water. Do not be the owner with the dusty water bowl. Change the water several times a day to keep it fresh in the heat. You can also place several containers around your property so that kitty does not have to look for one when she is feeling the heat. If you are out for the day, you can add some ice to the water before leaving.

Create air flow. You can use a box fan or open window to let a draft cool down your furry friend if he needs some relief on a hot day. Place a frozen water bottle in front of the air source if you do not have air conditioning. However, frozen gel packs could be toxic for your pet. Do not leave them lying around.

Raise the pet bed. If you elevate your cat's bed, air will circulate and cause a cooling effect to keep body temperature down. Placing it in a drafty room or near a box fan will double the effect.

Provide shade. Make sure there are lots of shady areas for your cat to stretch out. Many cats will seek out cool places like basements and rooms with heat-resistant hard flooring. If it is safe, let your pet have access to these rooms in hot weather. Closing the blinds will also create a dark, cool environment.

Avoid car trips. Cats are just as vulnerable as dogs to the heat trapped inside a car. Never leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day, even with the windows cracked. It is not safe.

Use these tips to create comfort for your cat during hot days. This will provide a better environment to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

If you suspect your cat has become overheated, check for the following symptoms of heatstroke:

  • excessive panting
  • lethargy
  • drooling
  • fever
  • vomiting
  • collapse

If your pet has any alarming symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away for assistance. Remember the six simple steps above to help you avoid a dangerous situation.

How do you keep kitty cool during the dog days of summer?

Bio: Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural home remedies for dogs and cats. He is certified by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board, a member of the American Herbalists Guild and the American Botanical Council. Founder and chief formulator of Natural Wonder Products, Gary, now retired, dedicated himself to caring for animals and the formulation, testing and distribution of Earth-friendly, 100% natural veterinary-naturopathic medicine.

Photo Credit: flickr creative commons/KeithJustKeith

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

5 Reasons We Give Wellness® Complete Health™ 4 Paws Up #HealthyMeetsHappy

As pet parents, establishing a relationship with pet food brands that you can trust, and that are willing to evolve and make changes to their formula based on our cats' nutritional needs, is so important. It seems like not too many years ago there weren't all that many cat food choices on store shelves. Today a visit to the pet store can be overwhelming with new recipes and textures being added on what seems like a weekly basis. Our pets have to trust us to make the right decisions for them, and it's an even bigger deal because they end up eating the same thing almost every day!


This post is sponsored by Wellness® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share the availability of Wellness Complete Health and NEW Complete Health Grain Free Cat Food available at PetSmart, but Fully Feline only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Wellness or PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Because of their long-standing history of providing wholesome food that feeds our pets' souls, sustains their lives and protects their bodies, and their mission to help us provide our fur kids with a healthy, happy, long life through the power of natural nutrition, Wellness® will always be a staple in my pet food pantry. Better still, the Wellness® Complete Health™  line of dry and canned food has been reformulated in many cases, and readily available at your local PetSmart®! After a few weeks of trying out these new recipes we wanted to give you our thoughts on why we give the Complete Health line four paws up!


All Wellness Canned Food is Carrageenan-Free

My mom suffers from a good amount of heartburn and indigestion. She's always been prone to stomach trouble but as she's gotten older it has steadily become much worse, and since she's developed heart issues as well any discomfort can be concerning. We decided to start keeping a list each time she ate something that didn't agree with her and it didn't take long for a pattern to emerge - offenders such as chocolate milk, soft serve ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese - all contained carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from red seaweed. Edible seaweed, that should be healthy, right? WRONG! Carrageenan has been linked to a multitude of digestion issues stemming from it's ability to activate an immune response that causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many serious diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, even cancer. If carrageenan is capable of doing that much damage to our bodies, imagine what it's doing to our cats!

Truth be told, carrageenan isn't even an ingredient I would've thought to look for if I hadn't been a member of the pet blogging community where it's frequently discussed. Since it's an additive in many pet foods containing gravy (and I freely admit that I pay closer attention to what Mudpie is putting in her perfect little body than the humans in my life), it's something I've educated myself about and red flags go up when I see it listed. Because Mudpie isn't a huge fan of wet food but does love gravy, it's comforting to know that healthier options exist.

Added Source of Hydration

Cats don't have a strong thirst drive, so finding ways to keep them properly hydrated is extremely important. If they don’t get enough water, they can be susceptible to a host of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems and more.

Wellness realizes cats are picky and often don’t drink enough water, so they’ve launched Wellness Complete Health wet cat food to add extra moisture into their diet. The line features 5 different textures (Gravies, Sliced, Morsels, Minced & Pate), sure to please all palates!


Grain Free Complete Health Dry Food

There are three new options in the new Grain Free Complete Health line: deboned chicken and chicken meal for adults, salmon and herring meal for indoor cats, and deboned chicken and chicken meal for kittens. Each is formulated with carefully chosen ingredients, plus added omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

Terracycle®, the Wellness Recycle Program

Wellness is dedicated to long-term sustainability by embracing and supporting recycling efforts. They are the first US-based pet food company to partner with upcycle and recycle leader TerraCycle® to help eliminate waste. Anyone can sign up for free for the Wellness Recycling Program through the TerraCycle® website and earn points for gifts or cash to your favorite school or nonprofit (such as animal shelters!) All dry food packaging from Wellness Complete Health, Wellness Complete Health Grain Free, and Wellness Core products can be recycled, and shipping your Wellness pet food packaging to TerraCycle is free!

Catisfaction Guaranteed

If your cat doesn't like the new Wellness recipes, simply return the unusued portion back to PetSmart for a full refund. Now that's the sign of a company that truly cares about their customers and believes in the quality of their product!


In celebration of the Year of the Cat (which should be every year as far as we're concerned!), why not commit to providing your precious pet the optimum in cat nutrition? Visit PetSmart® to check out and purchase your cat's favorite Wellness® Complete Health and Complete Health Grain Free recipes today!


For the latest news coming from our friends at Wellness, visit them on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wellness®. The opinions and text are all mine.