Happy Halloween from Sophia

Well as Halloween winds down, Momma is ready for bed and all of us cats are snuggling down as well. We didn't have a too many human children Trick or Treating as the weather was frightful. The wind howled which is perfect, but it was snowing. How dreadful for the human children. My sisters and brothers stayed snug inside the house, and stayed away from the door when the human children came to the door. It was too cold to go and view the costumes that the human children wore. Momma wanted to dress Jekyll up but he wouldn't cooperate with her, to bad he would have looked cute in his rabbit ears. But no he just wouldn't have any of it. I climbed up on top of the cabinet and had a great view. Some of the human children were really scary, and I didn't want anyone to see me or try to get me. We still have lots of candy, but my mom said she will just take it to work for her employees, and we think that is fine. The human boy who lives here came home, he didn't go Trick or Treating because it was so cold, but Momma gave him some candy and told him not to make a pig of himself or he wouldn't feel good tomorrow, we all thought that was very funny. Well Momma is all snug in her bed so I think I will join her and snuggle down for a nice cozy nap. Happy Halloween from All of us here in the Catdom, Love Sophia.

My Big Black Cat.

This as you all know is Jekyll or Mr. Pees A Lot. He is a beautiful big black cat. Black cats have been throughout history called evil and associated with evil. Now look at all of these pictures and tell me that you see any evil in this guy. The only time he acts bad is when Jezz gives him a hard time or he thinks my little Sophia is a play toy. This big guy is delightful, okay at 3 am not so much when he sits on my head and tries to wake me up. The boy hates to hear the alarm go off. So peruse these wonderful pictures of my Big Black Cat. Happy All Hallows Eve. Happy Cats.

History of Black Cats.

The history of Black Cats as bad omens dates back to Babylonian and Hebrew mythology, which often portrayed them curled up similarly to another symbol of evil the serpent. In Greek mythology, a woman named Galenthias was changed into a cat and became a priestess at the Temple of Hecate. She became known as the "mother of witchcraft," and forever aligned sorcery with cats. Tales involving black cats abound in many countries. The Germans of Middle Ages believed that if a black cat jumped on the bed of an ill person it was an omen of death. And of course in this country the Christians who came here believed that black cats were associated with witches, and they would burn the black cat at the stake with a witch. It was believed that they could change themselves into other things. So through the ages black cats have been given a bad reputation. Black Cats as Good Luck Charms. Ancient Egyptians treated black cats as royalty, and killing one was a capital offense. Fisherman's wife's kept black cats for luck when their husbands went to sea to keep danger away. In Scotland a black cat arriving on a porch brings prosperity. So you see how they got the reputations that they did, but also in some cultures it was entirely different. Makes you wonder. I have a black cat and do not believe he is evil, okay he has his moments. But over all he is big and beautiful if not a little bit dorky.

10 Reasons your Cat hates you.

I found this on Pet360 and is wrote by Caitlin Ultimo. 1)You dress them up. 2)You give them stupid nicknames. 3)You pet them. 4)You stare at them. 5)You take them for walks like a dog. 6)You hold them for more than a second. 7)You hold them in a Lion King pose for a second or more. 8)You eat chicken or fish in front of them and don't offer them a bite. 9)You play with their paws. 10)You sleep in. Now I know for a fact all of the above can be true on any given day. Yes when I come home my kitties are glad to see me. But sometimes after I have been home all hell can break loose, and I of course can be the cause of it all. Jinx hates to be picked up period. Do not pick her up she will shove against you to be let down, and getting her nails cut require being picked up this does not make her happy. Sophia only tolerates it for two seconds, and Jezz loves to be held, the boys not so much. Do not pet Jekyll on the back, it makes his skin crawl and he will then lick himself. Nervous tick I guess. Do not even bother staring at a cat, it can get you evil looks and distain. At my house the only cat who cares what you are eating is Jezz, that is especially true if I am having cereal or Cheetos. She will sit and stare at me until I finish my cereal and then expect to get the leftover milk, I do save her some. Cheetos are her favorite, she licks the cheese flavor off of them, and yes I know cats should not have people food. At any given time I might have an evil streak and chase a cat around the house and when they stop to try and attack me I grab a paw, that usually gets me a swipe, and a scratch if I am not fast enough to dodge the paw. Also don't bother creeping up on a sleeping cat, it doesn't always end well. As for me sleeping in, forget it, Jekyll has an internal clock that says, Mom's alarm is about to go off, so I am going to sit on her head, this always wakes me before the alarm. So the author, who must be a cat person, hit it on the nose (don't do that either) with the "10 Reasons your Cat hates you." Happy Cat.

Coming Home.

The best part of coming home is that I know I will be greeted at the door by not one, not two, but up to five cats. You see I enjoy having someone at home who appreciates the fact that I do come home. After I drop everything in my hands I go around and pet each cat on the head, and if someone looks like they need a bit more, I give them a good petting or snuggle. I then listen to the chirps and meows that signal that they are hungry. So before anything else is done I give them their canned food. This they eat with gusto. If someone doesn't finish Jekyll makes sure that he checks each bowl for leftovers, and takes care of them in short order. After everyone is fed and happy, I check litter boxes take care of that, and then settle down with whatever I have at hand to do. Sometimes after a long day I just plop on the couch and turn on some show, and along with a cat or two I snooze, and them with me. If I am working on my blog of course my editor Jinx is on hand and in my face to make sure everything is up to her standards. Jezzabel likes to sit beside me and watch if I am playing a game and sometimes will sit in front of the computer as if to say "Look at Me". I often just let her sit and purr to her hearts content. A cat's purr I find so beautiful and love to hear a happy cat purring. To me it is very calming as well. As our day wears down everyone finds a spot to sleep, some with me and others elsewhere, that they feel the most comfortable. And each morning we start our day over, some check me out as I get ready for work, others wait by the food and water dishes for fresh food and water, then a whole brand new day starts, as I head out the door, saying be good I will see you later, and pet everyone as I go. I know when I arrive home they will be Happy I am Home. Happy Momma Cat.

Cat in a bag.

I am so amazed when you lay down a bag, and a cat almost always jumps in it. I have often wondered why. Is just a new space to check out or is it security. Maybe neither. At my house every bag or box that comes through the door is something that has to be sniffed, pawed and investigated to see where it has been or where it might go. Or is it for them. Now you know I bring boxes home for Jekyll, but recently I brought in a container that I had in my car to hold items I might need through out the week. I decided it no longer served a purpose and replaced it. So in it came, I set it on the table to use elsewhere, well when I can back from the bedroom, here sits Jekyll inside of it on the table, well I guess it got repurposed alright. It is now Jekyll property. No one else goes near it. Maybe he farts in it and it stinks, so everyone else just figures okay you can keep it. Sophia, Jinx and Phantom all have a great fascination with bags of any type, grocery bags, trash bags, paper bags and reusable. Paper bags are the best, they make noise when they jump in and if they are crouched down I just love to sneak up and scratch on the outside of the bag, makes them jump and then try and attack. Great fun. If you put something in the bag and shake it it's even more fun. Believe it or not they will try and chase something in the paper bags, and they don't have much room and it frustrates them a lot. Hey give a kid a paper bag and see how much fun they can have. All you need are washable markers, crayons and what not, then sit back and watch them create a masterpiece. Cats and children are a lot alike. They love to explore, and investigate everything. They get into everything, but when it's time to snuggle they snuggle and cuddle. So love your Children and furry babies, go give them a hug and a paper bag, take an adventure today. Happy Cats.

Lykoi Cats, Common questions answered.

As promised I looked up more information on the Lykoi Cats. I took these questions from the official website about Lykoi Cats. The questions are answered by Johnny Gobble who is a DVM and also the breeder of these unique cats. This question about cracked me up. Are they truly cats? Or a cross with a monkey/opossum? The breeder says he cracks up every time he hears this question. They are 100% cat. They are extremely unique looking, but that is what they "naturally look like." What do they feel like? The Lykoi feel very much like a typical "barn cat" (I believe he means most domestic cats). The hair is soft, and the skin warm to the touch, and the nose feels like rubber bands! How funny. What are their personalities like? The breeder likes to compare the Lykoi to a hunting dog. They are extremely loyal to their owners (slaves), very scent motivated, yes many cats are... but these guys go almost "on point" when they get a whiff of something. They can be clingy at times, but will amuse themselves if you are busy... as long as they are close enough to keep an eye on you. Do they get along with other animals? Definitely! Lykoi love both human and animal companionship and as long as introductions are done properly, they fit right in. Are there any known genetic health issues with this breed? This answers my questions I had in a blog about them. I am satisfied with the answer. The breeder say no, at this time we have found nothing. Although since the breed is a natural mutation from domestic shorthair cats, the Lykoi could share health issues in your common cat. The website is so informative and I found all of my questions answered. The amount of testing that was done on the founding cats, and I am sure no cat was harmed in the process, showed that these cats are "truly a natural mutation". So I look forward to learning more about them, so go check out the website. Happy Cat.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets.

Here are some handy tips for keeping kitty safe during Halloween. These apply to your pups as well. 1) Trick or treat candy is not for your pets. This includes popcorn or apples. 2) Don't leave pets outside on Halloween. 3) Keep pets confined and away from doors. We pass out candy outside to avoid that problem all together. 4) Keep outdoor cats confined if at all possible before and after the holiday for a few days, for their safety. 5) Keep pumpkins and decorative corn away from your pets. Granted pumpkin in small doses is good for your pet, once they have been carved they are not good, and only cooked pureed pumpkin is good for pets. 6) Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets, or small children. They now have fake candles for pumpkins, perfect. 7) Keep wire and cords from Halloween decorations out of pets reach. 8) Don't dress your pet in costumes unless they show that they are not uncomfortable in them. 9) Get everybody on board for the night and go over safety procedures when you have pets in the house at Halloween or any other holiday where you may have quests. 10) ID's please, just in case. If you have a pooch who loves to go trick or treating and is part of the festivities, please have them on a leash and have ID on their collar. So here's to a safe Halloween holiday for you and your furry babies. Happy Cat.

Black Pet Safety this Halloween Season.

This article is published by Patrica Khuly. Also I will add my own comments at the end as well. I wish it were a myth. Though dogs are usually not the target of Halloween season pranksters, blacks cats historically suffered abuse during this time of year. When it happens, its usually at the hands of those who consider burning, hanging or otherwise torturing felines an appropriate form of "celebration". The cultural drive behind this gruesome activity harkens back to the superstitions surrounding black cats as the harbingers of evil. Now my comments. So you can well imagine what I thought when I read this article. I am so appalled by the things that people believe in. Yes black cats are evil, about as evil as bunny rabbits. I have the most loving big black cat you have ever seen. Yes he does attack Sophia, but that is just cat ergonomics. I sometimes wish I was a witch, because I would certainly have lots of black cats, and would also turn a few ignorant people into little white mice for the black cats to chase to their hearts content. But really black cats have gotten a bad rap and that is very unfortunate. They are beautiful, and have either yellow or green eyes. I have seen a picture of one with blue eyes, and it was truly beautiful. Also at this time of the year, shelters and animal rescue's will not let black cats be adopted. Very Smart. So if you are thinking of getting a furry baby consider getting a fluffy black cat, after the Halloween season of course. Black cats are the least adopted cat, so sad. So here to all the big beautiful BLACK CATS of the world, I salute you. Happy Momma Cat.

Lykoi Cat "Werewolf Cats"

Today I stumbled upon an article about Lykoi Cats. Or "Werewolf Cat" Oh my gosh they are so beautiful. To see a picture of them just type in the name in your search engine. Here is the back story I got from Pet360, sorry I didn't catch the authors name. Discovered from a gene mutation in domestic shorthair cats, the Lykoi is reported to be the first type of cat specifically bred for its unusual features. They have a thin single coat and little to no hair around the nose, eyes, underbelly and paws. This specific trait, though found naturally in some cats, had not been purposely bred until Brittany and Johnny Gobble, a vet and practiced breeder, begin developing the Lykoi. After extensive testing of the two founding kittens from different litters with the same appearance, and after the testing proved them to be in good health, the Lykoi breeding program was born. It was found to be a natural mutation and does not come from a known disease or disorder. The name for the breed, Lykoi, is loosely derived from the Greek phrase meaning "Wolf Cat" and The International Cat Association officially recognized the breed in 2012. Alright, I of course have to interject my voice here, as always. I did look at the Facebook page of the breed, very pretty cat in a weird way I guess. Now one or two things in the article I have to comment about. Does not come from a known disease or disorder. In our crazy world what about the unknowns, this is something I want more information on. I could just accept the facts for what they are or dig a little more into the breed. I am always up for more information and to learn something new. How about you guys. So I will do some research this weekend so you can enjoy your families and friends, hey I have no life. Do know that I am not knocking the breed or the breeders of these beautiful creatures, I just would like to know more. So check back and see us around Sunday with that information, I find it's kind of fun to look around and see what is up in the crazy world of cats. Happy Cat. Jekyll I can type myself, yes I know you can type. Where's th4e editor anyway? Jinx!!!!

Total Lunar Eclipse Will turn the Moon Blood Red.

I always try and make this interesting, so of course I have to rely on finding other things going on in the world besides what happens in Cat Land. Yes that is like Zombie Land. I am the head Zombie, feels like it some days. Any way on to our story. Moon watchers like me, yes I howl at the moon, just ask my family, will be in for a treat on October 8, 2014. The "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse will rise during October 8th just before sunrise in North America. But that may not be the only color. Weather permitting it is possible to be able to see the blue in the moon's glow. This event will be the second of four consecutive total lunar eclipses in 2014 and 2015. this according to NASA. The 2015 dates are April 4, 2015 and September 28, 2015. This article is by Miriam Kramer at Space.com. So any one that would like more information just type "Blood Moon" into your favorite search engine and I am sure everything you need or want to know will pop up. I find the moon phases to be very interesting. This is especially true for how people and animals seem to react to it. Also in times gone by people thought that the Lunar eclipse was evil brought on by who knows. Something like end of days, you get it. Well if you have the opportunity check it out, you will enjoy it. Happy Cat.

Phantom not of the Opera.

Phantom is a very strange boy. He does balance nicely though. I found him on the back of the chair one day just being a vegetable, and not a care in the world, that is until Jezz jumped on the table and about scared him out of his fur. Now I know and you know that Jezz knew he was there, and this was a planned attack. If a girl could ever ask for anything in the world it would be peace in her own house. Now when you have more than one cat it is hard, everyone wants to be top cat. Phantom is a blue eyed charmer, and I fall under his charms a lot, but not Jezz. She will not, and won't adjust to the fact he lives here. Phantom has been here for over a year, and not once have the two of them ever considered friendship. This is the way, and I just have to deal with it. Happy Phantom, Not so Happy Jezz.

Jekyll and Hyde

Goodness knows I love all of my cats equally, and maybe one more than the rest. Also I try to give them each as much attention as possible. But recently Jekyll has turned into Mr. Hyde. He has been attacking everyone but Phantom. So you know what that means, he is a butt head. Sophia has been his target lately and yesterday he was casually walking by me as I was on the phone and next thing I know he is on top of Sophia and she is fighting for her little life, I drop the phone, sorry who ever I was talking to, oh wait I was on hold, and still was when I got back to the phone, and go rescue my little Sophia. And wouldn't you know it he just sat down in front of me to say hey what's up. So I scold him, he didn't care and then went on to check over Sophia. She was fine but clearly shaking in her little fur coat. So my docile Jekyll has turned into evil Mr. Hyde. I need to find that formula to change him back asap. Clearly he is trying to assert his authority around here. I have news for him, I can't let that happen. I need peace and quite when I come home and that means you may play nicely but no fighting. I think I may have to get him some Prozac. Hmmm do they make Prozac for cats, guess I better check on that. Right now he is in his box, I hope he just stick with it for awhile. I do now that he will be in my face at 3:15 am when he things I am to wake up tomorrow. It's my day off, but cats only remember that the alarm goes off at the same time five days a week and he doesn't care if I have a day off. Down Jinx I don't need an editor at the moment. It's been a long day and I'm off to dream land, we will be back tomorrow and on to new adventures. Tired Mom.