Thursday December 10, 2009
I am almost as passionate about quilting as I am about cats, and a large number of quilts I've made in the past feature cats. Janet Wickell, our
About.com Guide to Quilting (who is also an avid cat lover), has created a colorful pieced cat block that simply meows to be created. Janet encourages your own creative add-ons, such as adding bows and bells for a Christmas quilt. I might even add a lace ruffle or two for variety.
This quilt block could be used for a lap quilt, a small wall hanging, a table runner, or for the more adventurous quilters, a lovely spread for a girl's bed. If you're pressed for time, you could just make one block, add backing, and stuff it for a potpourri holder or needle holder. (Keep it away from your cats, though.)
Advanced quilters might also be interested in Janet's Catching the View Cat Quilt, a gorgeous appliqued quilt featuring three cats looking out windows at the garden beyond.
Thursday December 10, 2009
Cats generally enjoy holidays, and Christmas and the other Winter holidays are no exception. Enjoy these pictures of cats lounging by (or in) the Christmas tree, sometimes dressed in Christmas finery.
Your own winter holiday photos are welcome here, including Hanukkah and Ramadan pictures. The only rule is "No Photoshopped cat photos." We want to see cats in their own natural holiday beauty. And please observe the Photo Submittal Guidelines when sending your photos to me. Pictured here is kitten Independence aka Indy, who was found as a tiny tot the day before Independence Day in 2004.
Photo Credit: © Dave and Tami Ballard
Wednesday December 9, 2009
Your garage can be a hotbed of danger for your cats, particularly in the winter season when we use antifreeze containing ethylene glycol, which is poisonous when ingested. cats have an unaccountable sweet tooth, and ethylene glycol is very sweet to the taste.
Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common forms of poisoning in small animals, and this is because it is so commonly found in households. Antifreeze poisoning typically happens when antifreeze drips from a car's radiator, where it is then licked off the ground and ingested by an animal. Your cat may also come into contact with antifreeze that has been added to a toilet bowl. This occurs in homes where the residents will use antifreeze during the cold months to "winterize" their pipes. Even if you do not take this action in your own home, it is something to be aware of when visiting other homes, or when vacationing at a winter residence. Please don't take chances with your cats' lives. Read this article by PetMD.com for About.com for more information on the symtoms, diagnosis, and treatment of antifreeze poisoning in cats.
More Reading About Cat Safety
Wednesday December 9, 2009
About this photo: Kermit is a longtime email friend and regularly shares his cartoons of his kitties with me. I was particularly touched by this one, which highlights the plight of feral cats. (Click on the photo for a larger view.)
Photo Credit: © K. Allen
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