Whiskers arrived to grace our home many years ago when I was a police dispatcher. Our Animal Control Officer had picked him up and was sure he was a Maine Coon cat. Rather than take him to the shelter, he gave him to me to foster until the owner could be found. No one ever responded to the ads we placed, so Whiskers became a much-loved part of the Syufy household. He was a glorious longhair brown tabby with a huge fluffy tail. Everyone loved him, from our Afghan Hounds right down to our youngest child.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

Today I am giving thanks for Whiskers and for many other cats who have given unconditional love for my family throughout the years. You are encouraged to share your thanks for cats you have loved, past and present. Just click on the link at the bottom of the article linked in the title, or click here and fill out the form. You may upload up to two photos per entry. Comments are disabled on this blog post to encourage sharing with the form. However, if you'd rather comment here, go to this blog and post your thanks there.

This is 2-year-old Dagny, who was adopted from the local shelter back in October. For years, I had wanted to adopt an adult cat in need of a home. I had criteria in mind when I went to the shelter. Specifically, I wanted a male orange tabby.

My mind was only changed when I walked by Dagny's cage and she ran up to the door, trilling and rolling around and generally putting on a big show. As I was spending time with her, the shelter worker told me that . . . read the rest of Dagney's story

Dagney certainly made a compelling case for being Jenn's choice for a forever home. That, plus Jenn's desire to pass by the kittens and adopt an adult cat were all I needed for choosing Dagney as my Cat of the Week. Of course her astounding beauty also played a large role. :-D. You may submit cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information.

Follow me on Twitter

It's remarkable that we only have one day set aside officially to give thanks for our blessings. Perhaps I feel that way because I've reached the age where I no longer take the bounty life has given me for granted, and now give thanks every day for my blessings. Since Thanksgiving is only a few days away in the U.S., I thought it would be appropriate to spread our thanks over a period of time instead of waiting for the "big day." I'll start, then add more thanks as the days pass by, and I encourage my readers to contribute.

I'm thankful for Tabby's Place, my favorite cats sanctuary, and for Jonathan, Angela, and all the volunteers and staff that give a loving home to special needs cats.

I'm thankful for organizations like The Animal Rescue Site, and FreeKibble.com, along with their sponsors, who make it easy to help feed shelter animals on a daily basis.

I'm thankful for the many cats who have passed through my life, leaving the imprint of their unconditional love. Shown here is Shannon, who gave us 19 wonderful years.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

Your turn now.

The well-toned upper body of a healthy cat will give the impression of supple strength, which in movement translates to speed, agility, and grace. To see a cat crouched down on the hunt for prey, and moving in a slow motion "crawl" is poetry in motion. His frame is aligned perfectly, and every muscle, tendon, and bone move in tandem.

This is Part 2 of a multi-part series on Signs of a Healthy Cat. Knowing what a healthy cat looks and feels like to the touch can help us spot any changes that may require veterinary attention. Learn more about the upper body of a healthy cat, including the shoulders, rib cage, front legs, feet, claws, and coat.
_{Photo Credit: Photo is Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons}

Part 1: The Head of a Healthy Cat

Follow me on Twitter