“How nice it is to think that feline dreams, like our own, are painted with creative brush strokes from time to time. Perhaps my cats and I even share the same dream: a world where all kittens are wanted and loved, and where every cat has a safe, warm place to sleep…and to dream.”
~ Barbara L. Diamond ~
For those of you out there who are devoted fans of Ron Moore’s reimagined Battlestar Galactica series (which recently ended its 4 year run on Sci Fi channel this past spring), you know Tricia Helfer as “Number Six”, “Caprica Six”, “Natalie”, “Gina”, and a host of other cloned personas based on the Cylon model #6.
Well, did you also know that Tricia is an avid cat lover and a passionate advocate for animal rescue? I came across this PETA promo photo featuring Tricia with her cat, Mister Nix.
Mr. Nix isn’t the only cat that Tricia adopted, she has five others, as you can see by the photos at her official website, http://www.triciahelfer.com
All my cats here say TWO PAWS UP for Ms. Helfer!
“Two cats can live as cheaply as one, and their owner has twice as much fun.”
~ Lloyd Alexander ~
When we met for the first time
He wasn’t in the best of moods
Can’t blame the fella, I would be too
If I’d been cooped up in a pet carrier
For most of the 1100 mile trip she took
To begin a new life with me
She was soon quick to gently hint
Not to waste the flavorful water
Whenever I opened a can of tuna fish
But he would turn up his nose at my offering
Stalk off with a superior-than-thou ‘tude
Then when he thought I wasn’t watching
He’d come back and lap up every last drop
She didn’t grumble nor mumble
When he insisted on sharing her bed
His favorite spot is right under her left arm
That slinky, lanky furred body couldn’t possibly
Weigh more than six pounds dripping wet
I’m amazed at how little room there’s left for her
Oh, he has his precious moments
The way he steals milk from our cups
Dipping and licking one paw at a time
The way he sprawls on the corner of the bed
Lazily watching us dress for work
Then chases after her, batting at her legs
As if commanding her to stay home with him
He insistently demands his kitty treats from her
Often with loud meows if she’s slow
But he shows more than just a casual interest
In what I eat those days
He knows if he sits patiently enough
I’ll share some pieces of my meat with him
Its been almost two years now
His favorite places are now more numerous
He’s taken to jumping on her computer desk
When he wants her undivided attention
But he will occassional stalk close to mine
And accept short hand-to-cheek rubs from me
He still prefers hanging out on her lap
Or lays on the sofa above her head when she reads
And he still wraps his paws around her neck
When she picks him up and hugs him
He’s still very much a one woman cat
But I think he’s also accepted me as a friend
Since he knows now that I love her too.
©L. Kupfer
all rights reserved
“How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven.”
~ Robert A. Heinlein ~
This was a really great “Tip Of The Week” that I found in my mailbox this week, just had to post it here and share. For all you cat lovers that visit this blog, I strongly recommend subscribing to these tips!
Can Cats Love?
Originally published on July 21, 2009 from Cat Age Tips Of The Week
If your cat could talk, he’d tell you he loves you, right?
Maybe. It depends on whether you believe that cats are “solitary” creatures that only connect with people to get food in their bellies and a roof over their heads or you believe that felines are very capable of feeling and expressing emotions — including love.
A peek at the data shows some support for the pro-love side. Here’s what a few studies revealed about cats’ ability to bond with humans:
Cats share our brain chemistry. When stroked by their owners, cats in one study produced more oxytocin, a hormone known to trigger feelings of trust, warmth, and togetherness in humans and other mammals.
Cats are like kids. When with their owners, cats behave in much the same way as toddlers do with their moms: They feel confident exploring their surroundings. However, cats tend to be more guarded when in the company of strangers.
Cats miss us when we’re gone. Contrary to popular belief, studies suggest that cats — like dogs — can suffer from separation anxiety. Learn how to recognize symptoms of this in your cat.
The Proof Is in the Purring
What are some telltale signs that your kitty is craving affection and wanting to offer some in return? He greets you at the door when you come home, snuggles up and purrs on your lap, or offers body rubs and “head butts” (especially when you’re blue). If that’s not love, what is?
We live in Louisiana… so…yes, from June 1 to November 1 every year, all eyes turn towards the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the far tropics. We watch and we wait, and we pray that another year goes by and we are spared another Katrina, Rita, Gustav, or Ike.
With that being said, its very important for all pet owners to have an emergency plan in the event that evacuations are called for due to the threat of hurricanes. The Humane Society of Lousiana has a very good web page that can be used as a guide and a reference so that pet owners everywhere can ensure the safety of their pets.
We strongly encourage everyone to formulate a plan NOW… not when a hurricane strike is immediate.
A very good friend of mine who’s quite aware that I’m blogging about cats sent me this picture from the icanhascheezburger website… and it is SOOOOOOOO fitting, and made me laugh so hard, I just had to post it here.
I subscribe to the weekly Cat-Age tips of the week, and found this one in my email box today. I thought it was very well worth sharing. Please enjoy the reading and visit the Cat-Age website for more great CatAge Tips of the Week!
Cats Have Powers to Heal
Originally published on July 14, 2009
Cat-Age.com
Our cats make us happy. They calm us when we’re stressed, make us feel loved, and entertain us with their antics (except at 2 a.m.). But did you know that their special powers may also extend to improving our health?
It’s true. Here’s what the research says about how our pets — including cats — help watch over our well-being:
* TLC for your ticker: People with pets have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease than do people without pets, suggests one study. In fact, related research tells us pets can increase 1-year survival rates in people recovering from a heart attack and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
* Cancer recovery made easier: In a study of women recuperating from breast cancer surgery, most who owned pets reported feeling a greater sense of support and control over their illness and treatment.
* Mind and mood boost. In older populations, research suggests that pets may help chase away loneliness and reduce symptoms of dementia. And in a study of men living with AIDS, research revealed that those who owned cats reported fewer symptoms of depression than the men without a pet.
* Overall health protection: People in a study who owned either a cat or a dog suffered significantly fewer minor health problems compared with people who were not owners. Similar research found that having pets also meant fewer trips to the doctor.
“I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food which they take for granted–but his or her entertainment value.”
- Geoffrey Household -
