Whip up a Cute Patchwork Cat Quilt Block
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.
Holiday Cats Picture Gallery
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
Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats
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
Wordless Wednesday: Feral Cat Christmas
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
More Wordless Wednesday
About.com Cats WW Archives
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Poll: Vote for Your Favorite Caption for This Picture
I've chose my favorite 10 captions for the list, and it's time for my readers to vote. There are no awards for the winner except lavish praise and "bragging rights." Take a look at the photo below, then vote for your favorite caption. Votes will be tallied and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.
>BR> Photo Credit: © Keith Vassilatos
Cat Breed of the Week: Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau breed, while perhaps not the oldest recognized cat breed in registries, is believed to stem from the oldest domesticated cat. The original African Wild Cat, is thought to be the cat originally domesticated by the Egyptians, over 4,000 years ago. Today, the Egyptian Mau is the only naturally-occurring spotted breed of cat. To add to its historical distinction, the name "Mau" literally means "cat" in Egyptian. This striking cat fully lives up to these honors, and then some.
You may submit a photo of your own Egyptian Mau cat to illustrate the linked profile, and for future use in an Egyptian Mau photo gallery. Please observe the details requested in the Photo Submittal Guidelines.
Seasonal Safety for Cats
Ahhhh . . .the holidays. The tempting flavors of Christmas cookies and pumpkin pie, the fresh scent of pine perfuming the air, the twinkle of lights and delicate glass balls . . .the thundering crash of the tree as kitty tries to climb it.
Yes, the holidays can be a challenge when you have a cat in the family, particularly a rambunctious kitten. But with a little judicious planning and a healthy application of common sense, you and kitty can not only survive the holidays, but enhance the enjoyment for the whole family. Check out these dos and don'ts for surviving the winter holidays with your cats.
Jaspurr enjoying his tree
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Human Food for Cats?
Not. A. Good. Idea. Certainly a sliver of turkey or chicken from your dinner plate won't kill a cat, but you're helping him develop bad habits by feeding him table scraps. What happens when Aunt Phoebe comes for dinner and Simon jumps on her lap to scarf up her meal?
However, the main reason I'd discourage feeding cats "people food" is that there are a number of foods that are toxic to cats. You may have forgotten that the gravy slathered over your Thanksgiving turkey used broth that was flavored with onion, among other things. Learn a number of other reasons why giving cats human foods is not a good idea.
Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Joe Biafore
Cat Picture of the Week: Jimmy Jet
It was a few weeks before Christmas, a very dark and wet time here in the Pacific Northwest. A kind lady had just rescued 3 young and obviously sick kittens and brought them to our local clinic. It was quickly determined that one of the kittens would need immediate surgery to remove his infected and painful eyes. So the email appeal went out for a foster home for the kitten after surgery.
As anyone who fosters animals knows, there is something in your heart that kicks in on finding out you are about to receive an animal that needs your loving care. The anticipation of an opportunity to provide this care for an animal brings out the very best in us. Dog crates or cat condos are brought . . . read the rest of this remarkable story.
Photo Credit: © Randi E. Golub
I have no words to express my feelings when I saw this photo and Randi's recounting of Jimmy's story. His photo was submitted in November for the Special Needs Gallery, but I knew in my heart it belonged here. 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.