Bengal, Kato-ConCATulations King Whiskers COTM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 18-Big Sur to Carmel
Big Sur Coast Highway to Carmel
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The Royal Feline Castle Train will be our guide through the Big Sur Coast Highway. We want to enjoy the spectacular scenery during the day, so after dinner on the train, we can all relax onboard for the night. Sip a cocktail in the lounge car, read in the library, gain a tree-top perspective of the landscape from the dome car or join furiends around the piano. Or simply relax in your cabin in the comfort of our sleeping cars until morning, when the breakfast bell chimes, signaling our journey is about to commence.

The stunning views of the Pacific Ocean right outside our windows make the perfect companion to our breakfast meal. Tables are set with crisp starched linens and fine china and glassware reminiscent of the glory days of rail travel.

Timing is perfect to enjoy a spectacular view of the California coastline as our train travels to our next destination of Carmel. We will be traveling the route that hugs the California coast, providing access to austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. Views include rugged canyons, towering redwoods, sea lions, and other marine life.

Big Sur's beaches are subject to generally cool weather. Sunny days are sporadic as a blanket of seasonal fog often hugs the coastline, dropping the temperature in the process. Private property and Big Sur's steep terrain make most of its coastline inaccessible to the public. However, several State Park and U.S. Forest Service beaches are open to the public all year. These beaches are recommended due to easy access and spine-tingling scenery.

The actual town of Big Sur has been a fertile area for artistic advancements. A variety of authors have immortalized the region with the written word. In the late 19th century, Robert Louis Stevenson lived briefly in the area, followed by John Steinbeck, Henry Miller, and Jack Kerouac, among others. Unlike many areas honored in literature, Big Sur remains relatively unchanged over the years.

John Steinbeck wrote, "Here at Big Sur, at a certain time of the year and a certain time of the day only, a pale blue-green hue pervades the distant hills; it is an old, nostalgic hue, it is a mystical phenomenon, or so I like to think, born of a certain way of looking at the world."

John Steinbeck's legacy is now synonymous with the Big Sur area. Known as Steinbeck Country, the cities of Monterey, Carmel and Salinas on the northern end of the byway brim with memories of John Steinbeck's legacy.

Our journey for now is almost over as we arrive to the city of Carmel.
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I posted some pictures on my page.

*Vote daily our beautiful COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/18/2013 01:19.49 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 17-Hearst Castle
San Luis Obispo to Cambria
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Check out time at the Madonna Inn is later than the usual hotel. But then the Madonna Inn has been anything but usual! We’ll have time for breakfast & a game of tennis on the pink tennis courts, or just relax & stroll the grounds.

Back aboard the Royal Train to continue up the coast of CA. We’ll enjoy brunch as our train glides out of the depot & begins its journey to the town of Cambria. Here we will detrain to the waiting Feline Motor Coaches & head to San Simeon, home of Hearst Castle. If we’re lucky, we might catch an odd glimpse of a herd of zebras grazing alongside the highway. These are descendants of animals brought to California for William R. Hearst’s personal zoo. But don’t worry; they are well cared for by the Hearst Castle grounds men.

William Randolph Hearst, an American newspaper publisher who built the nation’s largest newspaper chain, told architect Julia Morgan that he wanted to built "a little something" on the CA coast. Three decades later, Casa Grande (commonly called Hearst Castle) crowned La Cuesta Encantada, Hearst's "Enchanted Hill" above tiny San Simeon. It's a 165-room Moorish castle with 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools & walkways, furnished with Spanish & Italian antiques & art, flanked by three large guesthouses. In its heyday, Hearst Castle had a zoo, tennis courts & two magnificent swimming pools.

With a personal collection of ancient art, sculptures, furniture, relics & more, William Randolph Hearst amassed a collection that still rivals museums today, and used almost every square inch of the hilltop California estate to showcase it all.

Today Hearst Castle is a State Historical Monument, and we can all enjoy a glimpse into the Hearst's opulent lifestyle.

We’ll be taking the Hearst Castle Twilight Tour where costumed docents literally bring the Castle to life! Warm lighting & staff in 1930s costumes - women sipping martinis over their card game, reporters typing their days' stories in their bedrooms & lovers strolling the grounds - bring the massive house alive. We’ll wind our way through the Casa Grande’s social rooms, guest accommodations, the Office & Mr. Hearst’s own private Gothic Suite.

Hearst lived & entertained at San Simeon with his long-time girlfriend, actress Marion Davies. Their guests included Hollywood stars, politicians & dignitaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Charles Lindbergh & Winston Churchill. On the Hearst Castle night tour, as visitors, we can pretend we've received an invitation to come to "the ranch."

Unfortunately, there’s no restaurant at the Hearst Castle. We have snacks onboard the Feline Motor coaches to tide us over until we’re back on the train, where our exceptional fine dining awaits us.
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See pics on my page.

*Vote COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609*

~Vote Serj & Leah #196985 COTD Mon 6/17~

Hugs & a vote.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/17/2013 12:11.52 PM

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Hi Kato!
Thanks for the COTD concatulations and my 18th happy birthday wishes, the salmon and catnip treats were sure yummy! I had a great time at the pawty but now it's time to get some beauty sleep!! Hugs and purrs,

Come visit me, ~*~Sabrina ~*~.

06/17/2013 06:38.46 AM

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Hi K. Kato
How are things going for your family, especially your dear Mom? I hope your family is doing well. Everyone at my home is alright, except for one of our foster Bengals, Snowy, who has a bout of IBD. He gets prednisolone and amoxicillin twice daily. Mom and Dad have to dissolve the prednisolone in water just to get Snowy to take his medicine. Mom says Snowy is one champion pill-spitter-outer, MOL! The treatment appears to be working, because Snowy isn't vomiting any longer, and his diarrhea is going away, too. We might have a prospective foster parent coming to visit us on Tuesday. We're hoping she will adopt poor Mumbai, who is about nine years old.

Left you a vote and hugs,
Kaomi

Come visit me, Kaomi.

06/17/2013 01:23.04 AM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 13 –San Luis Obispo
Welcome To San Luis Obispo
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The Feline Castle Train takes us to the charming old city of San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1772, the city boasts numerous historic inns and theaters, and even a rare commercial building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Whether to soak in the ambience or some of the delicious wines produced in nearby Edna Valley, we'll find that San Luis Obispo is a perfect place to end the southern part of our California Coast journey.

San Luis Obispo was named the happiest city in America by author and researcher Dan Buettner. A weekend in this charming and scenic town, situated halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, can be whatever you want it to be: a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head north or south to picnic at one of the dozens of picturesque wineries. Head west for great beaches, perfect for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the birthplace and heart of this quaint town: the beautiful adobe-brick Mission San Luis Obispo. Kittens will revel in the plentiful fun activities, such as the Charles Paddock Zoo & the Morro Bay Aquarium. For a laugh or a gasp, stop in at the outrageously decorated Madonna Inn, where nothing in the garish décor is consistent except for an abundance of the color pink. All are welcome for a peek inside the lobby's men's room for more interior design surprises. Don’t laugh too hard because this is the hotel where we will be staying!

For over 50 years the charm of the Madonna Inn has been one of California’s landmark attractions and this will be our home for a few nights. The Inn offers very unique rooms, each decorated differently to suit many individual tastes...rock rooms, waterfall showers, rock fireplaces, European fixtures, and fine furnishings to name a few. Last year they added horseback riding, two pink tennis courts and a winter ice skating rink. The owner of the Inn said, "Anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It's more economical. I want visitors to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It's fun." Aiming to cater to a range of tastes, rooms were given unusual names such as the Love Nest, Old Mill, Kona Rock, Irish Hills, Cloud Nine, Just Heaven, Hearts & Flowers, Rock Bottom, Austrian Suite, Cabin Still, Old World Suite, Caveman Room, Elegance, Daisy Mae, Safari Room, Highway Suite, Jungle Rock, American Home & Bridal Falls to name a few. This should be a lot of fun!

So let’s settle into our rooms & meet for a nice dinner at the Madonna Inn’s Gold Rush Steak House. Tomorrow we’ll explore what San Luis Obispo has to offer.
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I posted some pictures on my page.

*Vote daily our beautiful COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/13/2013 02:35.57 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 12–Queen Mary
Aboard the Queen Mary -
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Before we leave, we must tour this fabulous floating hotel. Let’s all grab some pastry from the Starboard Bakery and enjoy our coffee while strolling the Promenade Deck before we begin.

On May 27, 1936, the Queen Mary departed from Southampton, England embarking on her maiden voyage. The Queen Mary had set a new benchmark in transatlantic travel, which the rich and famous considered as the only civilized way to travel. She quickly seized the hearts and imaginations of the public on both sides of the Atlantic, representing the spirit of an era known for its elegance, class and style. The increasing popularity of air travel helped signal the end of an era for the Queen Mary. By 1965 the entire Cunard fleet was operating at a loss and they decided to retire and sell the legendary Queen Mary.

Let’s go on the “Her Finest Hour: A WWII Tour,” for an in-depth look at the role the Queen Mary played in helping the Allied Forces win the Great War. Nicknamed the “Grey Ghost” after receiving a hauntingly stark paint job, the ship’s impressive speed and size made it an ideal troop hauler often carrying as many as 15,000 men in a single voyage.

With such a varied and intriguing past it’s not surprising that the Queen Mary has been voted one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America. In fact, some say the Queen Mary is one of the most haunted places in the world with as many as 150 known spirits lurking upon the ship. Over the past 60 years, the Queen Mary has been the site of at least 49 reported deaths, not to mention having gone through the terrors of war, so it comes as no surprise that spectral spirits of her vivid past continue to walk within her rooms and hallways. Among the ghosts reportedly still hanging around are a sailor who died in the ship's engine room, a "lady in white," and children who drowned in the ship's pool. Other phenomenon occurring throughout the ship, are the sounds of distinct knocks, doors slamming and high pitched squeals, drastic temperature changes, and the aromas of smells long past. These are but a few of the many reports of apparitions and strange events occurring at this luxury liner turned hotel. There’s no doubt the Queen Mary is full of mystery and lore.

Let’s unwind our adventure-filled day with dinner at the Chelsea Chowder House & Bar. There’s nothing better than a juicy steak or fresh fish after a day at sea (or at port). We can watch the sunset and revisit the memories of our exciting stay aboard the legendary Queen Mary.
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I posted some pictures on my page.

*Vote daily our beautiful COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/12/2013 02:53.38 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 11 – Los Angeles
Welcome to Hollywood!
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Let’s all climb aboard our Feline Motor Coaches & head for Hollywood. Our first stop will be to see the famous Hollywood Sign. You can see the Hollywood Sign from many places around Los Angeles, but a quick drive up Mulholland Drive or above the Hollywood Reservoir will reward us with a glimpse of living in the Hollywood Hills & some great city views, too.

Next stop, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We start the day by spending the morning on Hollywood Boulevard, following the path of bronze-and-marble stars along the Walk of Fame. Since 1960 more than 2,400 celebrities have been honored along the world's most famous sidewalk, but you'll need an old-timer to explain who a lot of the now-long-dead entertainers were.

Along the Hollywood Walk of Fame we’ll see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. It's sort of a tourist rite of passage to compare your hands and feet with the famous prints set in cement at the entrance court to Grauman's Chinese Theatre, a tradition started when silent-film star Norma Talmadge "accidentally" stepped in wet cement during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's King of Kings. Go ahead -- compare your paws to footprints left by Humphrey Bogart or Marilyn Monroe.

We’ll take a lunch break & walk down the street to Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood's oldest restaurant (since 1919). Part restaurant, part museum, this is where Faulkner, Hemingway, and Orson Welles derived liquid inspiration during their screenwriting days. After lunch, we can all waddle back to our motor coach, put in a ‘Best of the Beach Boys’ CD and slowly cruise the legendary Sunset Boulevard and The Sunset Strip.

This 1-hour drive takes us from sorta-seedy Hollywood to flamboyant West Hollywood, past the moneyed minimansions of Beverly Hills, winding our way into the secluded enclave of Pacific Palisades toward Malibu, and finally the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

We soon arrive at the Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1908 for passenger & cargo ships, the pier does a pretty good job of recapturing the glory days of Southern California. Buy an ice-cream cone at one of the snack shacks & stroll seaward past the wooden carousel, roller coaster, and arcades, then buy a ticket to ride the Ferris wheel.

From the pier, we’ll walk to the carnival-like stretch known as Venice Beach. For first-timers, this pseudo-bohemian scene is a bit of a shock to the senses: a surreal assemblage of street performers, musicians, musclemen pumping serious iron, apocalyptic evangelists, break dancers, stoned drummers, outlandish clothing—or lack of, and endless schlock shops. We haven’t seen it all until we’ve seen Venice! MOL!

Our paws should be tired by now. We’ll board our motor coaches & head back to our hotel for a leisurely dinner.
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I posted pictures on my page.

*Vote lovely COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Purrs & a vote.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/11/2013 11:47.08 AM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 10–Long Beach
Welcome to the Queen Mary -
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Relax on board the Castle Train after your sleeping rooms are assigned. Watch the scenery go by & listen to the rhythm of the rails. Keep a bag packed, because we won’t be sleeping here overnight yet.

We arrive to Long Beach CA in about 3 hours where we will be checking into the Queen Marry, our hotel destination for 3 days.

Once a world-class ocean liner, the Queen Mary Hotel offers guests unique accommodations & a wide array of attractions that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Each stateroom is unique with its own personality & offers a real glimpse into what transatlantic travel was like during the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. On Oct. 31, 1967, the Queen Mary departed on her final cruise, arriving in Long Beach, California, on Dec. 9, 1967. She has called Southern California her home ever since. The Queen Mary is now a floating Hotel, Attraction & Event & Wedding Venue, home to three world-class restaurants & an icon in Southern California. With an impressive history & tradition of excellence, the Queen Mary Hotel is more than a place to rest one’s head – it’s an entire experience. There’s a wide variety of things to do on the ship, but we’ll save that for our last day.

Let’s Visit Catalina Island -
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California's only coastal island retreat is a short trip away from Los Angeles & part of the same county, but it's surprisingly different from its mainland counterpart. Most of its land is preserved as a nature conservancy, surrounding the small town of Avalon where about 3,000 people live. Avalon is a small, walkable town centered on the small boat harbor & waterfront, with enough hotels, restaurants & activities to keep visitors happy.

The most common way to get to Catalina Island from the mainland is to take a ferry, but we’ll take the glass bottom boat. These large, comfortable vessels bring the undersea world right to you. During our trip we’ll visit the Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, where colorful fish & marine plants thrive among the kelp forests.

Upon arrival, we’ll walk along the waterfront from Casino Point to Lover's Point. Along the way, we'll see orange garibaldi fish swimming in the kelp beds & boats in the harbor, pass through the center of town & out again, to where the beaches are less busy & the views unobstructed.

Catalina residents drive golf carts because it's difficult to get permission to bring an automobile onto the island, but most visitors do it just for fun. We'll find rental places along the waterfront. While we've got wheels, let’s head up the hill to take in the vista from just below the Inn on Mt. Ada, run out to the Botanical Garden, then go across town toward the Zane Grey Hotel for a different point of view.

Time to head back to our hotel!
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See pictures on my page.

*Vote COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Vote JAKE#205858 for COTD tomorrow ^~^

Purrs & a vote.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/10/2013 11:53.04 AM

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HI Kato
***Vote Jake 205858 Mon June 10***
Handsome Jake and his fursister Katie were found outside a local Pet Smart by his future mom. One look into his eyes, and she knew the only thing she could do was bring them both home. Now, Jake is her personal protecter making sure to thoroughly check out anyone who comes into his home before he lets them near her. He also loves hanging out in the window and chatting with the birds as well as wrestling with his daddy. What he does not like is having his sleep interrupted and his nails trimmed. Can't say that I blame him there, BOL. Please paw on by his page 205858 and leave him a vote for his very own COTD badge. And please don't forget our current COTM candidate, the lovely Miss Dolly 222609. I know she would appreciate hearing from you as well as collecting your vote. Thanking you with purrs of catitude. Love, Queen Angel Callie & Sibs for the Catpaign & Mews room.

Come visit me, Angel My Valentine is Eddie, Smokey Vote Dolly 222609 COTM candidate for June, Angel Sassy Welcoming new Angels, Q Spunky 5/2013 & Q.Angel Callie 4/2010 Proud of my Baby Sister.

06/09/2013 04:53.25 PM

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Hi Kato
I just want to thank you for visiting me and celebrating my COTD and my birthday. Im so honored and blessed to have my dear furriends on CC. What a lovely surpurrise to see my photo in the winners window. Im such a DIVA and I think that I looked pretty good in the photo. (not bad for a 7 year old eh?) mol!!! I received so many gifts and so much food from all of you. Please come and visit and share it with me. Im sending lots of love, hugs, headbonks and kittylicks!! Thank you very much!! PS- I miss you my precious furriend!!Im so sorry that mom Betty isnt doing well. She is in our hearts and prayers

Come visit me, Gidget luvs Chase furrever.

06/08/2013 03:30.00 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 7 –San Diego
LA JOLLA & TIJUANA
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La Jolla, CA
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In Spanish, La Jolla means "the jewel," an apt name for a beautiful town ringed with blue waters. It's one of California's prettiest oceanside towns, and home to several of the state's best beaches.

La Jolla is popular with shoppers, romantics & outdoor adventurers who can surf, kayak, scuba dive & bicycle here. It's also a great foodie destination with some of San Diego's best-rated restaurants & a good place to go just to relax.

Beaches: When people say San Diego has great beaches, they really mean La Jolla has great beaches. La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores & Windandsea are not only the best in San Diego but perhaps the best in the state & La Jolla Shores may be California's most beautiful beach, with a wide, gently-sloping beach & panoramic views. A morning or sunset walk here is enough to relax the most stressed-out among us, and it's even better when the tide is going out, coating the sand with a mirror-like water layer.

We’ll go for a window-shopping stroll along Prospect Avenue & the side streets that run into it. With few chain stores in sight, we might just find something we can't leave without. To enjoy La Jolla at its scenic best, we’ll check the low tide times before we go, when the tide pools are revealed.

We only have a day, so let’s get back on the Feline Motor Coaches & head for Mexico!
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Tijuana, Mexico
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It's only a short drive from San Diego, but we'll feel that we've entered another world when we leave the United States behind & enter Tijuana, Mexico. This tour is a must for bargain shoppers & lovers of Mexican cuisine. All visitors to Mexico will be required to present a passport upon re-entry into the United States.
REMEMBER – Let’s all stay together while we are here!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Tijuana Cultural Center: The center is a multimillion-dollar showcase displaying exhibits about Mexico's people, events & culture, and is well worth a visit for the Mexican cuisine alone.

Shopping: The Tijuana terminal located on Avenida Revolucion makes it convenient to shop the many Bazaars & Boutiques. This is where we wheel & deal for shopping bargains. There are also ample opportunities to get your souvenir photograph taken with a Tijuana zebra (a donkey with black stripes) and cart. Good luck & be careful!

I hope you are all looking forward to riding the Royal Feline Castle Train next week, as we begin our journey up the CA Coast. My family & I will be returning to the Castle this weekend for some rest & relaxation. You are welcome to join us or continue your stay at the Hotel Del Coronado. Either way, we’ll see you back here on Monday!
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I posted pictures on my page.

*Vote COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

-Vote ACOTD for ANGEL TINKIE #18386-

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/07/2013 12:56.21 PM

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Hi Sweet Kato ♥
I'm so happy to hear that you're doing good, going for your fun walks and enjoying some nice weather, too.

We are so sorry to hear that your sweet Mom is having more sight and hearing problems. I'm sending feel-better hugs with love for her and please tell that we are keeping her in our prayers.

Have a good day, sweet friend.

Love and hugs,
Boo Kitty

Come visit me, ♥ Angel Lucy MEMORY PAGE ♥ & Boo Kitty ♥ Beloved Angel Winslow.

06/07/2013 11:39.52 AM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 6 –San Diego
The “Royal Feline Castle Train” -
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Our time is almost over in San Diego. I hope you have enjoyed its beauty & hospitality. Tomorrow we visit the picturesque town of La Jolla & its famous beaches. Lastly, we will cross over the border into Tijuana, Mexico, for some serious bargain shopping. This will give us one full day to enjoy our hotel stay on Coronado before we hop aboard the Royal Feline Castle Train to our next destination, L.A.! Let me tell you a little bit about the train.

Connecting San Diego through Los Angeles to San Francisco, the Castle Train offers a unique vantage on the California seascape. To get a closer look, you'd have to be on a surfboard! We can admire the Pacific views as we curl along the California coast. Our first stop will be in Long Beach where we will check into our hotel for 3 days on the Queen Mary.

The Feline Castle Train is 1st class, with exquisite fine dining & deluxe accommodations. The train's signature blue-and-gold rail carriages feature elegant lounge & dining cars, a dome observation car, and comfortable sleeping cabins. The interior is furnished in mahogany & brass, with rich upholstery. Our vintage train cars are an authentic slice of Americana, gliding over bridges & through tunnels in comfort & style.

Reminiscent of a scene from a glamorous 1940s Hollywood movie, the Feline Castle Train Dining Cars set the stage for exceptional fine dining experiences. Softly lit & intimate, the romantic atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxed. Your table, graced with fine china & fresh flowers, presents a personal view of the breathtaking vistas unfolding outside the window — a natural backdrop to complement every meal.

Best of all, our cuisine, prepared daily aboard the train, is truly superb. Essentially, the dining cars are regional restaurants on steel wheels. Hand-selected vegetables, herbs, seafood, meats & other ingredients are the freshest & finest available. The chef selects wines to complement the nuances of the evening's fare. The creative pastries served at Afternoon Tea & for dessert are freshly baked in the train's galley oven.

The Dome Car: Soak up the sun's rays or the starry velvet night in the dome car. The glass-enclosed dome car offers 360-degree viewing of the surrounding countryside & is equipped with a bar & library.

The 1940s-era Lounge Car is lavish with fresh floral arrangements, comfortable seating, and a full, professionally tended bar. Cocktails & light hors d'oeuvres are served here. Gather around the baby grand, where our kitty pianist plays your favorites.

Premier sleeping quarters are available to us on board the train & all cabins feature picture windows. So now you know what lies ahead for us next week.
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See picture of the train’s dining car.

*Vote our lovely COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609*

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/06/2013 12:32.05 PM

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Thanks K Kato
✰ Ay caramba (Spanish for Oh My Gosh) ✰

What a wonderful surprise, seeing my furry face in the COTD window this morning. Thank you for coming by my page to visit & to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week yesterday & for honoring me with my ➐th COTD today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

In appreciation of your furiendship, here is a goody bag just for you to join in my celebration. Inside it, you will find some Pawty Mix Beachside Crunch treats, a piece of my Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wild Delights cake, and a Mouse on Wheels toy. Hope you enjoy & thanks for coming to my pawty!

With Happy Happy Joy Joy royal purrs,
♕ K Casper Todd

P.S. Thank you for visiting me today. We sure do miss you here on CC. Keeping your family in our prayers.

Come visit me, ♥K Casper Todd♥ COTM August 2008, ♥Q MerryBelle♥ COTM December 2008 & ♥Q Sissy♥ COTM July 2008.

06/06/2013 12:07.18 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 5 –San Diego
Wonders Of Wildlife At The San Diego Zoo –
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Founded in 1916, the San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park, is an urban paradise for all ages. The Zoo is 100 acres in size and is home to more than 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species from around the world. It is also one of the few zoos in the world that houses the giant panda. We’ll spend 2 days monkeying around in the tropical oasis as we visit amazing habitats for animals such as gorillas, tigers, sun bears, flamingos, mandrills, polar bears, birds of paradise, giant tortoises, leopards and more. The observant visitor may notice that the zoo is also a botanical garden with more than 6,500 plant species, and some of its plants are more exotic than the animals.

It is viewed in several ways, first and foremost by walking along pathways, into aviaries, and through bioclimatic zones, but we'd have to walk about 3 to 4 miles to see everything, and some of the paths are steep. We can avoid the steepest climbs by using the moving sidewalks or take the Skyfari aerial sky ride to get up to the Polar Rim entrance and then walk downhill. Another option is a 35-minute Guided Bus Tour that gives a good overview of the Zoo. I chose the bus tour for all of us, in order to acquaint ourselves with the various areas where we would like to spend additional time.

Once our bus tour is over, we can grab some maps at the Visitor’s Center. It will be up to you to decide what you would like to see. Take a Panda Trek to visit the giant pandas and other animals that share their bamboo forest habitat. Go back in time through Elephant Odyssey to discover what animals used to roam Southern California and to see a herd of Asian elephants. Enjoy an aerial view from Skyfari or take the kittens to see animals up close in the Children's Zoo.

When is the best time to see the animals? There really isn’t any special time that more animals are in view, although many of the animals are “early risers” and may be a bit more active in the morning. In concern for the many endangered species that the Zoo houses at their facilities, they have built exhibits that mimic natural environments. Like natural environments, these areas give the animals plenty of room to hide. The ability to hide is important in the well being of many species, as we all well know!

We’ll meet back at the entrance at closing time. Have fun exploring!
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I posted some pictures of the SD Zoo on my page.

Visit the adorable Giant Panda's "pandacam" at http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/index.html.
(website info courtesy of Q. Cherish #17622)

*Vote daily our beautiful COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/05/2013 10:20.49 AM

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hello kato
it is good to hear from you..i am soo sorry you got banished to the bathroom..but it's a safer place to be when that ol' vacuum comes out..teehee..
i am sorry your mom is having trouble with ehr vision..maybe she could contact the "commission for the blind" like mom did to get her some magnification aids to help her in being able to read and to sue the computer. it sure does help mom..otherwise, she would have to learn braille and mom doesn't want to do that..yet..
glad you are still getting out on your walks with your dad..i hope your weather has gotton ncie..at least all our cold is gone but i think it's spring now here..we've had lots of rain..and mom's garden is finally taking off and growing..she was worried for a while..
i hope you are feeling good, too...be well..take care of your pawrents and come by when you can..jo jo

Come visit me, Princess's maia & lia VOTE DOLLY JUNE 222609, angel max - angel missy - angel tiger, K Sammy ♥ Pandy VOTE K.WHISKERS 277256 & Princess jo jo.

06/04/2013 08:10.45 PM

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Hi Kato
We wanted to say hi,how are you doing,we sure miss you.Tell mom we are thinking of her and hope she is doing ok.Sending lots of pawhugs,love,Spongie,Gang,Angels.

Come visit me, Angel Gypsy,RIP My Sweet Angel Baby,I Love You, Angel Buddy,Love,Miss You Sweet Boy, "The Gang",Spongie's Siblings,Love,Miss You Buddy, Angel Rambo,I love and miss you my sweet angel boy, K. SpongeBob-Hi,meet the wacking paw!!, Angel Muffy And Angel Blossie, together again & Bootsie,RIP My Angel,Welcome Sweet Buddy.

06/04/2013 03:16.20 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 4 –San Diego
“I Was Strolling Through Balboa Park One Day ...”
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Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest urban park with cultural institutions in the United States. Encompassing 1,200 acres, Balboa Park exceeds even New York’s Central Park in size. Home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens & the San Diego Zoo, the Park has an ever-changing calendar of museum exhibitions, plays, musicals, concerts, and classes—all in the beautiful & timeless setting of this must-see San Diego attraction. The museums cover topics including anthropology, art, aviation, natural science & technology.

Most of the buildings throughout the park are built in a richly ornamented Spanish-Renaissance style. The buildings here are beautiful enough to be considered attractions in themselves, but the real draw is the culture, history, science & arts held within their walls. We will be spending two days here & will try to explore as much of the park as time allows.

We’ll start by visiting a few museums. Our first stop will be at the Museum of Man, exploring the history of man through artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds. Next, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, a science museum, but with a very cool state-of-the-art planetarium. Later, a brief tour of the Air & Space Museum, where we can journey through the history of flight, celebrating aviation & space flight history & technology. And finally a visit of the Model Railroad Museum, housing the largest indoor model railroad displays in the world! All aboard!

Before lunch, we will spend time wandering the Botanical Gardens so we can have a picnic outside on the grass in front of the Reflecting Pool. If you look closely into the Reflecting Pool (or Lily Pond), you can see the tranquil waters move slightly from the movement of the Koi that fill the pond. Absolutely NO FISHING allowed! MOL! The view of the Botanical Building with the Lily Pond in the foreground is one of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park.

Let’s all stop by to see the antique carousel after lunch before we all part to explore the park on our own. The 1910 Park Carousel is a menagerie of animals & is one of the few in the world still offering the brass ring game for everyone taking the 5-minute ride.

We’ll stop at the Park’s Visitor Center & pick up some event schedules & maps. We won’t be visiting the San Diego Zoo until tomorrow, so let’s try to see as much of the park as we can today. We’ll all meet back for dinner at the Prado Restaurant in the House of Hospitality Center around 6 p.m. Keep your cell phones handy (just in case) and enjoy yourselves!
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I posted pictures of Balboa Park on my page.

*Vote daily our lovely COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/04/2013 01:20.19 PM

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Dearest K. Kato
Oh thank you K. Kato. How is your sweet mom? Hope and pray she is doing well. We've missed you both. Please take care.

Angel Sir Leo sends love and well wishes, too.

Hugs & Kisses,
Lady Dolly

Come visit me, LADY DOLLY MARRIED TO K. MIKE-VOTE ME COTM 222609, A. SIR LEO LOVES A. RHUBY- VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609, MIKE & DOLLY'S WEDDING ALBUM & RAINBOW ROSE MANOR, ****DOLLYS CATPAIGN BLOGS***************- *, A.RANI LOVES A. TEDDY-VOTE SIS DOLLY COTM 222609 & A. LILY ROSE LOVS K SYLVESTER, VOTE DOLLY COTM.

06/04/2013 12:28.11 PM

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Wander With Whiskers – June 3 –San Diego
Let’s Explore The Beauty Of The Hotel Del Coronado -
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During our visit to San Diego, we will continue our stay at the fabulous Hotel del Coronado. Our rooms for the week have oceanfront views & are mere steps from the Pacific Ocean. Let’s revisit the hotel & let me tell you a little bit about this National Historic Landmark that turns 125 yrs old this year.

With its iconic red turrets piercing an azure California skyline, Hotel del Coronado radiates with a confidence of gracious Victorian splendor that is without equal.

Built in 1888, this classic beachfront respite on the charming island of Coronado has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts. The hotel is ideal for those who yearn for a memorable vacation getaway. The resort’s enchanting island setting & classic architecture form the perfect backdrop for a romantic escape.

The Hotel Del has served over half of the U.S. Presidents who have held the office since 1891. It has also served dignitaries from around the world, including King Edward VIII of England who relinquished his crown so he could marry Coronado resident Wallis Simpson.

Hollywood has been making movies at The Del since 1901. In 1958, The Del was the backdrop for the comedy classic "Some Like It Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon. The resort has also seen a steady stream of celebrity visitors - from Charlie Chaplin & Humphrey Bogart to Brad Pitt & Madonna.

What Victorian resort would be complete without a resident ghost? Kate Morgan checked into the resort on November 24, 1892, & never checked out. Reports of ghostly happenings, all thought to be connected to the death of this beautiful young woman, have been circulating at The Del ever since.

The Crown Room, where we had the Coronation, is the same room where Charles Lindbergh & the San Diegans who built his Spirit of St. Louis celebrated the historic achievement of being the first to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. To the left of the lobby is the Ballroom with Ocean Views (for those of us who want to go ballroom dancing!). We can head downstairs to see a gallery of pictures & stories outlining the history of the Hotel del Coronado.

Finally, we can walk outdoors to the Windsor Lawn to enjoy views of the ocean & take some time strolling around the outside of this grand hotel. You can also take a walk along the nearly mile-long Coronado Beach, which you can access behind the Hotel Del.

We’ll be touring San Diego on our Feline Motor Coach tour buses, so let’s all meet in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. sharp. Your new room keys are at the front desk. Enjoy dear furiends!
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I posted some pictures of the “Del” on my page.

*Vote daily our beautiful COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

**Vote ~Puzzle # 256239~ for COTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/03/2013 11:13.13 AM

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Please Vote Puzzle #256239 COTD on Monday June 3rd
Puzzle’s Mom went to County Services to meet this handsome boy. She sat in the kitty room for a very long time hoping to make a special connection with a kitty but sadly she didn't find what she was looking for, as she was about to leave they wheeled in a cart of kittens and there in the middle of them was Puzzle. He didn't take his eyes off of her so she plucked him out and he instantly gave her Nose kisses and of course she decided he would go home with her that day. He still blesses her with this loving gesture every day. Puzzle #256239 is very athletic and likes to jump long distances, although he is not always successful, Mom hears an occasional thud but he shakes it off and tries again!! He loves to hunt the birds, bugs & lizards outside the sliding glass door, occasionally one slips in and mom ruins his game by pitching the offender back out. He also has a stuffed buddy that he carries around with him, chattering away to it the whole time. He loves to play with his favorite toys Kickaroos, Cat Dancers & Charmers. He is very laid back and loves his fursibs ButtonBlue, Add-A-Line, Blondie & his best playing buddy Lolapalooza Lili, although he does get disgusted with her dunking all of his toys in the water fountain. Please stop and give Puzzle #256239 your vote so that he may show off a shiny new COTD Badge.

We would like to Thank Queen Spunky #161265 who gave a wonderful two months of cat shows and travels. Please Stop by and Visit King Whiskers #227256 at the castle, we look forward to hearing more from this kind and caring leader. Please stop by daily and give your support to DOLLY #222609 on her quest to become our July COTM.

Thank you for your continued support of the CMR Special Recognition Campaigns and our outstanding candidates! These campaigns are chosen for families who are trying to help other CC members by visiting and voting. In appreciation, we are leaving you a Catnip Chip Ice Cream Bar. This is Mouse & Tucker with Mike #161232 & Mallow for the CMR page #46883.

Come visit me, COTM Scrapbook - Vote Dolly #222609 in June!, Angels Jezebel & Pierre, K. Mike **vote my sweet bride Dolly #222609 COTM**, Dame Mallow ~ loves Sir Oscar Jon, Angel Smokey & Dame Evie ~ loves Angel Shai.

06/02/2013 07:07.07 PM

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06/02/2013 07:03.21 PM

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Wander With Whiskers - June 2
California Coast Itinerary -
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We’ll be traveling via the Royal Feline Castle Train so we can all admire the Pacific views as we curl along the CA coast. This legendary Castle Train features domed observation cars, allowing us to see the sights while the train is moving, and comfortable, luxurious sleeping cars, along with numerous amenities. The Dining Car offers fresh cuisine served on real china & table linens, rivaling any fine restaurant.

Here is a brief breakdown of our CA Coast Itinerary:
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Week 1
San Diego. California’s second largest city, where blue skies keep watch over 70 miles of majestic coastline & a gentle Mediterranean climate. We will be staying on the charming island town of Coronado, visiting the resplendent & beautiful Balboa Park & the world famous San Diego Zoo. Time allowing, we will explore the picturesque village & beaches of La Jolla (The Jewel) with its beautiful coves & caves. For the adventurous kitties, we might spend an afternoon shopping across the border into Tijuana, Mexico!

Week 2
Long Beach-Los Angeles-San Luis Obispo. Begins with a leisurely morning cruise to Catalina Island, to stroll the quaint streets of the Mediterranean-flavored port town of Avalon. Of course, there's always plenty of reason to stop in Los Angeles. The home of the stars is also home to Hollywood, Malibu, and the people-watching wonder that is the Venice Boardwalk. Just remember to grab your sunglasses & watch for your favorite stars. After passing through the popular resort town of Santa Barbara, the train finishes its route in the charming old city of San Luis Obispo.

Week 3
Hearst Castle-Big Sur Coast Highway-Carmel-Monterey. Our first tour will be to the infamous Hearst castle in San Simeon. We’ll travel alongside the spectacular Highway 1 through Big Sur, designated American National Scenic Byway & California Scenic Highway, an honor reserved for highways that are so distinctive they are destinations unto themselves. Next, Carmel-By-The-Sea, famous for its European charm, white sand beaches & hundreds of shops, art galleries & restaurants. Lastly, a visit to Monterey, home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Week 4
Santa Cruz-San Francisco-San Jose. Santa Cruz is best known for its beautiful redwood forest & is home to the “Beach Boardwalk”, a popular seaside amusement park. Sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, San Francisco is famous for its natural harbor, lush parks, cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island & much more. Our tour ends in San Jose, the ‘Capital of Silicon Valley’. We will visit the revitalized downtown & stay at the fabulous Fairmont San Jose Hotel.
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I posted a map of our trip on my page.

*VOTE daily COTM Candidate DOLLY #222609!*

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

06/02/2013 01:07.28 PM

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Hi Kato!
Thanks for coming by. Always nice to see you, friend! Purrs - Bennie

Come visit me, Moonlight Memorial Moss Garden, Kiska ♥ Trampy, Bennie ♥ engaged to Sheba ♥, Viktor, Katya ♥ PoPo, Karamel' ♥ Sammins, Kuznetsa ♥ Eli & Koshka ♥ Abigail.

06/01/2013 10:09.54 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 31
CREATURE COMFORTS –(excerpt from Sarah Ban Breathnach)
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If you have pets, don’t just feed, walk, and ignore them. You invited them into your life, so open your heart. Pets need to be stroked, cuddled, caressed, indulged, pampered, and played with; dote on them & they’ll return the kind of devotion most of us can only dream about receiving from human beings. Talk to them & you’ll discover a trusted confidante who’ll never betray your secrets. Laugh at their silly antics–a sure stressbuster–and learn how to live by observing them. Cats are spontaneous, content to live in the present moment. They’re small, shedding, scratching, inscrutable Zen masters sent to teach us the paradox of undoing in a hectic world where things always have to be done. As the ball of fur presently curled up on my desk clearly demonstrates, the more naps you take, the more awakenings you experience.

Today, be grateful for the gift of sharing your earthly span with creatures who comfort. Animals are our spiritual companions, living proof of a simply abundant source of Love. None of us need feel alone. And if there is a gift, then surely, there must be a Giver.
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FINAL CATPAIGN DAY!
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Catpaigning for COTM has been an unbelievable month. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blogs about cats. My desire was to educate & inform you, as well as make you laugh, sometimes cry, and just proud to be felines.

My Mom & I both thank you for the heartwarming stories & words of encouragement that made my catpaign such a valuable experience. I owe a big thanks to the CMR crew (#46883) for coming by everyday to inspire me & for giving me the honor of being your May candidate. I’d like to say a special thank you to Boo Kitty (#154855) and her Mom Jane for the amazing royal pictography.

~ The Coronation will be held on SATURDAY, JUNE 1st at 9 A.M. (PST)/ Noon (EST) on the CMR Page #46883. ~

**Please visit Queen Spunky #161265 & let her know how much we’ve enjoyed her reign as our beautiful Queen for May!**
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To give you a sneak preview of what my reign as King has in store for all of us, I plan a sort of continuation of Queen Spunky’s fabulous tour of California, only we’ll be traveling via the legendary Royal Castle Feline Train up the California Coast. I will be posting an itinerary of the day-to-day events on Sunday. We will begin the tour early Monday morning & as luck would have it, my planned tour starts in San Diego at the Hotel Del Coronado, right where Queen Spunky left us!
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~ CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Bennie #208164~

**Vote ~Q.Sabrina Anne #175550~ for COTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks again for your furiendship & support throughout my catpaign. CC kitties are the absolute best! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/31/2013 11:41.24 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 30
…HAPPILY EVER AFTER
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I’m Saigon, one of the cats here at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and this is my story.

My whole world turned upside down years ago in a storm I’ll never forget. Everybody else around here calls that storm Hurricane Katrina. For me I only remembered how frightened I was with all that water everywhere. Nothing looked the same anymore, and I didn’t know where to go for help. Thank goodness somebody found me and pulled me out of that mess!

I ended up coming to Best Friends, where I admit I wasn’t ready to trust people in the beginning. You’d think it wouldn’t be so hard, seeing how it was a group of kind people who rescued me from the big storm in the first place. I don’t know why but I was still nervous. I found a place to hide way up high in my new room at Best Friends, and I’m afraid I stayed there an awful long time.

But here’s the thing about the incredible people who work at Best Friends. They never give up on you! They knew I was too scared to come down and say hello, so they took care of me from a distance. I’ll always remember that.

I sat up there watching my cat friends play with people all the time. One day I got to thinking …these people always took good care of me, and want only to make me feel better. They can’t be so bad, can they? I finally decided to give it a go. And you know what? I couldn’t believe what I had been missing.

These days, when the caregivers bring in the food, I don’t even want to eat until I’ve had a chance to say hello. They’re so nice to me.

I guess I can share one more silly detail. For the longest time, I used to watch the other cats in the room play with toys all day long. I used to shake my head at them. It’s kind of odd, maybe, but I was too nervous to enjoy toys. Well, I finally got the concept!

You see, the amazing people in my life have helped me feel so much safer, so much happier, that I finally felt up to trying out some toys of my own not long ago. And guess what? I haven’t stopped playing with them since.

So that’s my story. It started out a bit sad, but thanks to the good people who support Best Friends, I’m living “happily ever after.”
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Best Friends Animal Society runs the nation's largest sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals. Visit them at bestfriends.org.
(See Saigon’s photo on my page.)

^~^ Visit daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~A BIG CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Meiko #201282~

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support to my catpaign! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/30/2013 10:55.57 AM

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Hi Kato
I know you're offline, due to your dear Mom's health problems, so please don't feel you need to reply to this blog. I just wanted to stop by, and let you know that Mom and I are thinking of you and your pawrents. We are keeping your family and you in our prayers.

Hugs,
Kaomi & Mom Linda

Come visit me, Kaomi.

05/30/2013 01:27.56 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 29
CAT DREAMS – by Grace Tolson
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Have you ever wondered what the cat thinks as he sits with his paws folded under, eyes half closed, purring? Perhaps. Or with his tail flashing. I wonder does he dream of mice, of catching the worlds most ferocious mouse. Creeping softly on velvet paws, hush not a sound, closer ever closer, down on his belly, hiding in the long grass.

Now motionless he waits, patiently he crouches, not stirring, tail still, only the movement of his eyes shows that he lives. A sudden jump and he has won, he has caught the monster, holding it tight in his teeth. But the battle is not over yet, the monster will not give in, it wriggles and twists as it tries to free itself from the jaws of the cat, but the cat holds fast. But now he lets the mouse jump free then pounces and grabs it again, he tosses the mouse into the air and catches it as it falls to earth. He lets it go, paws slam it to the ground then he tosses it up again, this game he plays till the mouse falls limp. Limp and dead.

Is this the dream? Or is the dream of a bird gliding low, then snap and he holds it in his jaws. The bird struggles in its panic but iron jaws hold on. Cat the mighty hunter, would be a fitting dream.

Maybe the dream is of world’s far away, world’s lost in time, world’s only the cat knows. World’s where no human exists, world’s where the cat rules and all other animals bow down before him. Does he walk proudly through the jungle, eyes ever watchful, tail erect, head held high. Sometimes climbing trees often times chasing butterflies. Stopping to sit in a patch of sunlight, the sun warms his fur and he delicately washes his paws. Still the eyes are watchful, as a fly flirts with death and flits close as a paw flashes out to bat the fly. He misses, no matter twas only a game.

Now he stretches out, letting the sun warm more fur. His glossy fur, his coat of black shines beautiful in the sun. Night comes & cat awakes. Now he will wander his world, hunting small night creatures. Hush! There is a sound in the night, tiny feet scurry past, cat pounces & the creature is caught.

Is this what the cat is dreaming? Or is he dreaming of what might have been, of love perhaps, of a lady cat, of that which now can never be? Does he remember the feelings from before, does he feel them still? I ask him but he won’t tell. He closes his eyes, puts his head on his paws & sleeps away his day. For what else can a cat do, but be.
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We cats like to preserve that element of mystery.

^~^ Visit daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~A BIG CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Domino & Wilson #251796~

**Vote ~Meiko #201282~ for COTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support to my catpaign! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/29/2013 12:22.29 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 28
SHADOW KITTY – (A Thank You Note) - Anonymous
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Dear Whoever Left Me "Shadow”,

I work in public accounting and lead a pretty miserable life. We work horrible hours and I have almost no time to do anything else in life. One day after leaving work at one in the morning, upon heading to the parking lot, I noticed a box in front of my car. Scared of what was inside, I imagined it to be either a) a bomb, or b) full of baby kittens. Hesitantly, I gently tapped the box with my foot, nudging it knowing the chance of it being a bomb was pretty low. The box felt light - too light to be a box of kittens. In fact, no one meowed when it shook. So I took an even greater risk and peeked inside. I see a tiny baby kitten sitting inside with an empty water dish, soft pillow and warm blanket. Never having thought I would own a cat, I was about to leave the kitten there for someone else to find. However, it was approximately 35 degrees outside and with no food or water, the kitten would surely struggle through the night. So I placed the large box in my passenger seat and brought the kitten home with me.

The tiniest cat I have ever seen, she has the softest black fur, sweetest face and gentlest personality. On the box, in a child's handwriting an index card was scotch-taped to the side saying "Cat's home" and written on the box was "Shadow".

Whatever the circumstances were, since you packed the box with the water dish, pillow and blanket, I can only imagine how much you wanted her to have a good home. This note is a simple thank you, and letting you know she has a wonderful home now and she has brought so much joy into my miserable life. Things are starting to look up, and I will be making life changes soon and hope to find new employment. As far as I know, an angel left Shadow for me that night.
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MEMBER OF THE FAMILY – by Hope Harrington Kolb
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What would I do without you, my precious, furry friend?...
Part mischief, but all blessings, and faithful to the end!
You look at me with eyes of love; you never hold a grudge....
You think I'm far too wonderful to criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting your warm, soft fur would be.
I know you think you're human, but I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place if folks were more like you!

A few short years are all we have; One day we'll have to part...
But you, my pet, will always have a place within my heart.
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Cats are indeed a blessing.

^~^ Visit daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~A BIG CONCATULATIONS to our COTD King Leo & Mai Lin #245322~

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support to my catpaign! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/28/2013 12:20.34 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 27
Rescued Afghanistan Cat – (Yahoo News)
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Cats & dogs far from home often comfort our troops more than any civilian will ever know. Staff Sgt. Jesse Knott risked his life while serving in Afghanistan, but it's the risk he took for a cat named Koshka that's getting him attention these days.

Knott met Koshka on base in the Maiwand District of Afghanistan, where the feline worked as the unofficial mouse catcher. But despite his service, Koshka wasn't always taken care of.

"He was showing some signs that people weren't taking very good care of him," Knott told CBS affiliate WBTV. "I found paint in his fur a couple of times. And then people took clippers and shaved his back."

Concerned for the cat, Knott made room for Koshka in his office, even though soldiers aren't allowed to have pets.

Then, on Dec. 8, 2011, a suicide bomber targeted a military convoy near Knott's base and killed two of the soldier's friends. Knott said he was struck by depression and was crying in his office when Koshka came to comfort him.

"With tears in my eyes he locked eyes with me, reached out with his paw and pressed it to my lips, then climbed down into my lap curled up and shared the moment with me," he told the Clackamas Review.

That was when Knott decided that Koshka couldn't stay in Afghanistan.

"He pulled me out of one of my darkest times, so I had to pull him out of one of his darkest places," he said.

The soldier was unable to get his feline friend on a military convoy, so he forged a plan with a brave local interpreter who agreed to take the cat to Kabul.

Both Koshka and the interpreter were at risk - if the man was discovered to be helping an American, the repercussions could be deadly.

"The risk to him was immense," Knott said. "This is a cat with a purple collar and an American-brand cat carrier, going halfway across Afghanistan, going across God knows how many Taliban checkpoints."

But the interpreter got Koshka to the Kabul airport undetected, and Knott's family paid $3,000 to fly the cat to their home in Oregon.

Since Koshka's rescue, Knott has left Afghanistan and is now stationed in Washington state. When his military service ends, he plans to reunite with the cat that helped him through one of his darkest times.

"He was my saving grace," Knott said. "He kept me alive during that tour."
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Memorial Day is a time to be very proud of all who fought for us. It is a time for remembrance and celebration. Please Support Our Troops! (See picture of Koshka & Knott on my page.)

^~^ Vote daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Sadie #25475~

**Vote ~Leo & Mai Lin # 245322~ for COTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/27/2013 01:13.09 PM

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~Please Vote Leo & Mai Lin #245322 COTD Mon 5/27~
K Leo and his sibling Mai Lin are two of the most cherished members of our CC family. They are always on hand to congratulate kitties who are celebrating. They console those who are sad, and they support all of the catpaigns and special events here on CC. They are very active in the Mouse Hockey League, promoting good sportsmanship and enjoying friendly competition.

We all fondly remember Leo’s Reign as King, which he won on his old account, along with two COTD badges. Now he has joined his presence on CC with Mai Lin and the two of them are very good friends to all of us. It is most assuredly time for all of us to join together to honor these two wonderful kitties with their own shiny new COTD badge.

Also, please keep those COTM votes rolling for Whiskers (227256) so this handsome kitty, can proudly wear the June COTM crown as our King. Remember to let him know how much fun it’s been sharing his wonderful blogs about inspiring animals and his great health tips. (There have been some laughs and some tears, but his daily word for us has always been from the heart and always very interesting.) His catpaign has been inspiring, and we look forward to more insightful blogs from our very special friend Whiskers.
Please remember to stop in to visit our current COTM, Queen Spunky (161265) to let her know how much we’ve enjoyed her reign and her great excursions to some amazing places.

So, On behalf of the whole CMR team, this is Pete and the Girls, with Zaboo & NICE Crew, thanking you for your continued support of the CMR’s special recognition COTD campaigns & our remarkable COTM candidates. Hugs & purrs......

Come visit me, Q Trixie~PLZ vote COTM for DOLLY #222609 daily~, Fluffinella-PLZ vote DOLLY #222609 June COTM, Joseph-PLZ vote DOLLY #222609 daily in June!, Angel Sherman, K Zaboo-Catgrats new COTM KING WHISKERS #227256!!, Angel Cloudy loves Angel Oscar, Special Memories page & Patches~PLZ vote DOLLY #222609 daily in June~.

05/26/2013 08:42.04 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 26
Four Famous Cats of War– (petmed.com)
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Cats are often overlooked in the history of military animals, and for the most part, all of our famous wartime cats became so during the 1st & 2nd World Wars, when cats were still very much a part of the naval service - both here in the States & abroad. These were the days when it was essential to have a good ratter/mouser on board to protect the food stores. Like their human counterparts, some cats performed above & beyond their daily service. In other cases, the cats were not official members of the service, but they showed courage under fire, or assisted in the survival of troops on the ground. Here are four cats that stand out for their exceptional wartime actions.

#4 Crimean Tom
Crimean Tom was an accidental hero. In 1854, when British & French troops occupied the Russian port town of Sevastopol, Tom led the famished troops to caches of food beneath the rubble, which had been hidden all along the waterfront by the Russian defenders. Though not an official military cat, Tom was adopted as a mascot by the grateful soldiers & was taken along to England when the troops were called back.

#3 Tiddles
Tiddles, a born & raised ship cat, served with the HMS Victorious Royal Navy aircraft carrier in the early 1940s as the official Captain’s Cat. It can be assumed that he performed his duties ably, since he traveled over 30,000 miles during his naval service. He may also be one of the reasons for why the black cat is considered lucky in Great Britain.

#2 Able Seacat Simon
Able Seacat Simon (his official title), of the Royal Navy’s HMS Amethyst, began his career in 1948 as the Amethyst’s formal ratter. Simon performed his duties so well that he was twice awarded in 1949. The first after a particularly grueling incident with Chinese forces, Simon was awarded an Amethyst campaign ribbon for his valiant service. The next was the Dickin Medal for animal gallantry. Simon is the only cat to have received the Dickin Medal, and when he died, he was buried with full naval honors.

#1 Pfc. Hammer
Even today, a good mouser is still cherished. Pfc. Hammer proved his mettle when he decided to move in with the troops of a U.S. Army unit in Iraq in 2004, killing & chasing away mice that would have devoured or contaminated the soldiers' food stores. The men were so grateful for Hammer’s hard work & affection toward them that they made him an honorary member of their unit, and applied for & received help from Alley Cat Allies & Military Mascots to bring Hammer home to America after their deployment. He now lives in Colorado with his old comrade, Staff Sgt. Rick Bousfield.
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Let’s put up our paws for peace! =^.^=

^~^ Vote daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~ CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Lollapalooza LiLi #256238~

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/26/2013 12:14.22 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 25
Marines Rescue Cats In Afghanistan – (taildom.com)
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In Afghanistan, in the midst of war, many animals are lost and separated from their family. Many are found later by troops from the US, UK and Canada. Soldiers rescue these animals and get help from rescue groups that help them send these animals out of the country and to a forever loving home that they deserve.

Two US marine soldiers, Brian Chambers & Chris Berry, started a mission to help bring home the kittens they have befriended while serving in Afghanistan. With generous donations from cat lovers and animal rescue shelters, Kiki and Keykey, two lovely ginger kitties, have successfully made it home in the US.

Kiki and his fursister Bones were found by Brian Chambers, a U.S. Marine. “At only 3 weeks old, their mother had disappeared and they were left alone to live rough and fend for themselves like the other cats in this area. We looked after them both and they lived in a box in the office, after a week they were allowed to roam around during the day and sleep with us in the hooch at night.” Bones vanished a week after, along with Kiki, but Kiki eventually returned.

Kiki was injured badly on March 8th. Brian found him in horrible condition. “He was too frightened to approach me. I ran to find some wipes to clean him and I then realized how bad this wounds really were.” A vet came the next day and put Kiki on a course of antibiotics. Today Kiki has fully recovered.

“Kiki is a very playful adventurous cat who loves to explore and is very curious. He enjoys sitting on my shoulder, chewing on my hand and running up my legs. He hasn’t been put off by what has happened to him.”

Keykey was found by another U.S. marine named Chris Berry. “I found Keykey tangled up in c-wire one day in the beginning of the deployment. I took him in and fixed his wounds. He was extremely malnourished so I constantly kept an eye on him, until he was back to good health. He has been by my side ever since.”

Both Keykey and Kiki have arrived in the U.S. Kiki is currently living with Brian’s parents in Texas. Keykey is living with Chris’ parents in Michigan.

For soldiers who are on duty overseas, often time the only chance they get to cuddle is when they meet these stray animals. These soldiers are lonely and longing for love from their family and friends. The kitties are abandoned, lost and have nowhere to call home. When they find each other, they become best friends.
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Another good reason to support our troops! See the 2 pictures of Kiki, Keykey, Brian & Chris on my page.

^~^ Vote daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~ CONCATULATIONS to our ACOTD Angel Jason #228203~

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support to my catpaign! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/25/2013 11:16.49 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 24
What I’ve Learned From My Cats- by Sue Resnick
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We, as Human-Americans, think that we are so much smarter than our pets. But think about it — who gets a belly rub just by purring; or, tells us when it’s time to eat without ever wearing a watch? That’s right: “Feline-Americans” teach us…that they are superior.

1) Feline-Americans (okay, cats) keep us in the moment. Cats make us realize how ridiculous it is to carry a grudge. They may fight with their “fur peer” one minute over kibble, & forget all about the brawl 5 minutes later. They live in the present. No, they’re not stupid, nor amnesiacs. They just know that carrying a grudge isn’t worth it in life. They have 9 lives and still won’t waste any of them staying mad.

2) Cats teach us patience. If you have the chance, watch a cat scope out a mouse. The kitty won’t run & run after the mouse. Instead, he’ll wait & steady itself for a pounce. That teaches us not to waste energy on something that can’t happen. Just wait for the right moment, & you’ll get what you deserve.

3) Always look attractive. Did you ever notice how big your cat’s eyes get when you open the cabinets where you keep her treats? Or, how she adorably cocks her head when she wants you to pet her? Cats are like supermodels: they can get everything they want by looking beautiful. Next time you need your office buddy to finish a report for you, look pitiful, dewy-eyed & speak softly. They’ll say yes, just because you look adorable.

4) Felines also teach us the value of sleep. We humans don’t sleep enough. You never see a cat wondering if it’s bedtime; they just go to sleep—with no worries. You get into bed, toss & turn, while Kitty snurrs (snoring & purring at the same time). Learn from your cat: your problems won’t go away while you’re dreaming, but you can be anyone you want with your eyes closed (yes, your buddy dreams he rules the Kingdom of Cats, with you as a royal servant).

5) Cats teach us the meaning of unconditional love. Kitties don’t care if you’re a CEO or a dishwasher; they value your heart, not your wallet. Felines won’t judge you if you don’t go to the gym; they’d rather have you home, eating while they have a snack too. If you have a bad day at work, your cat still loves you. Cats don’t think any less of you; they will love you as you are. After all, they think so highly of themselves—they couldn’t think less of you.

6) Lastly, cats have taught us that being a cat is wonderful—if they have a wonderful human to love them. But, I would never tell my beloved cats that fact, because THEY are my boss ….Uh, wait, they are meowing for a treat in the kitchen…gotta go…!
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^~^ Visit daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~CONCATULATIONS to our ACOTD Angel Misty #62617~

**Vote ~Angel Jason #228203~ for ACOTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/24/2013 11:26.29 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 23
5 Tips for a Slimmer, Healthier Cat – (petmd.com)
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Being a fat cat might seem cute, but it’s really not good for your feline’s health. If your kitty is a little chubby or beginning to look that way, we have some simple tips to guarantee a slender, healthier version in no time. And best of all, if you keep following these tips, you won't have to spend the big bucks it takes to feed a fat cat!

1. Diets Are Not All Equal
The cat is a strict carnivore. That means a diet mainly consisting of "fillers" (e.g., corn and rice), is just empty calories for kitty. Do a little light reading during your shopping expedition, and start paying attention to the cat food labels. Meat should always be one of the first ingredients. Better quality food means less filler and that means a more svelte cat.

2. Wet vs. Dry Debate
Some people swear by dry food, while others won’t touch it. Ultimately the choice is up to you, but you’ll find more and more experts are leaning towards the wet food end of the argument. Less filler, more water content, and a happier, thinner cat can all be yours.

3. Portion Control
Try not to "free feed" the cat. If the food is left out all day for the kitty to help herself to, then she’ll snack whenever she feels like it -- even when she’s not hungry. Engage the hunter instinct. Leave the food for 15 minutes. If there’s still food in the bowl, put it away in the fridge for dinnertime.

4. Exercise
Play with your cat! Get her to run around and chase string, toy mice, laser lights (cats love them!), balls, and other fun toys. We don’t recommend taking kitty for walks unless she’s the type who enjoys it, though. But just 20 minutes of play a day can make up for it. Not only will this keep kitty from being bored and depressed, but it keeps her mind sharp.

5. No Table Scraps
People food is for people, not cats! Those little morsels are similar to us scarfing down a pizza. So, curtail table scraps from your cat's diet, and those treats designed for cats down to a minimum. But if Princess absolutely cannot go without her treats, try to find healthy options in the natural or holistic section of your pet store.

So there you have it. 5 simple tips to keep your cat in tip-top shape.
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Did someone say simple?! Okay, now drop and give me 50 push-ups! MOL! (See the funny cartoon posted on my page!)

^~^ Visit daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Annabella #256090~

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thank you for your support to my catpaign! I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/23/2013 12:01.43 PM

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Hi Kato
Thanks for stopping by to congratulate me on my May 19th COTD win! I had a great couple of days celebrating my birthday and my COTD honor. They were made even better because of friends like you who dropped by to celebrate with me--thank you!!! Hugs and Purrs, Wally

Come visit me, Wally-VOTE DOLLY #222609 COTM DAILY IN JUNE!, Angel Mickey-THANK YOU FOR MY COTD!!!, Priscilla-HAIL KING WHISKERS #227256, KING OF JUNE, BAC Central - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!, Angel PK - CROSSING REPORTER-RB SCOOP, Angel Gabby, HAYLEE LOVES OLIVER!!, Angel McFluff, Missy & Holly.

05/22/2013 07:51.22 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 22
MIDNIGHT & STAY AWHILE – by A. Knight
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“Molly’s cat died,” said Denise’s tearful voice on the phone. “Midnight was hit by a car.” Molly, Denise & I had been friends for 10 years & we all loved Midnight.

Denise explained Midnight had somehow gotten out of Molly’s house & a car had hit him. A neighbor had found Midnight, put him in a box & taken him to Molly. Molly & Midnight had been together for 18 years. My own cat had recently died from old age & I was crushed.

“Let’s go to her house & have a little funeral service,” I suggested. “I’ll pick up flowers & make a little cross with Midnight’s name on it.”

We decided to meet at Molly’s house. I stopped by the flower shop to pick up a bouquet of daises. There was a pet store on the way & I thought they might have an appropriate sympathy card. In the shop was a small gray & black kitten in a cage. It was too soon to get Molly a kitten. You can’t just replace one cat with another as if it were a broken dish. Not yet. The kitten tried to climb over his cage to reach me & did a back flip, making me laugh.

“He’s cute, isn’t he? I don’t know why no one has bought him yet,” the storeowner said. “I guess he is going to stay awhile.”

“Stay Awhile.” I smiled. He had just been named. “I’ll buy him & the cat carrier too.”

If Molly didn’t want a kitten, I would keep him. As I drove to Molly’s, the kitten meowed loudly.

“Be quiet, Stay Awhile, you’re going to mend a broken heart today,” I said, hoping Molly would accept the kitten. Denise & Molly were waiting for me.

“Molly, I know I shouldn’t have done this, but I saw this kitten & couldn’t help myself. I know he can’t replace Midnight, but if you don’t want him, I’ll keep him. His name is Stay Awhile,” I said.

“Stay Awhile? What a silly, delightful name!” She kissed the kitten’s nose. “Of course I’ll keep him. I couldn’t bear one night not having a cat in the house.”

“We should probably-you know-bury Midnight now,” Denise said.

We solemnly dug a grave in the garden & gently placed the box in, covered it up & placed the flowers & little wooden cross into the earth.

Suddenly, a cat leaped over the fence & landed at our feet.

“MIDNIGHT!” we all screamed. Molly grabbed the black cat & lifted him up. “It’s Midnight!” She burst into tears of joy.

“Molly, didn’t you look into the box the neighbor gave you?”
Molly replied, “No, I couldn’t stand to see Midnight dead!” We all laughed hysterically. Some poor stray cat just had a 1st class funeral!

I was thrilled I could keep the kitten! A day that started with tears ended in laughter, thanks to a cat who came to his own funeral & a kitten named Stay Awhile. I bought Stay Awhile to help heal Molly’s broken heart, but instead he healed mine!
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^~^ Vote COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^

~CONCATULATIONS to our ACOTD Angel Gypsy #114577~

^~^ Visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/22/2013 10:54.21 AM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 21
Top Reasons To Keep Cats Indoors – Part 2 (from cats.about.com)
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Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the hottest topics for debate, with both sides polarized to their own views. For those holdouts for letting cats roam free, consider more top reasons to keep cats indoors.

• Indoor Cats Do Not Get Hit by Cars. According to one source, more cats are killed by cars annually than are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters.

• Indoor Cats Are not a Danger to Wildlife. Let's face it; cats are predators, & left to their own devices outdoors, will eventually chase & kill birds, rabbits, & other small wildlife. Most of us would rather not see our cats cast in a killer role, & keeping them indoors will help protect wildlife to some degree.

• Indoor Cats Don't Get Lost. As outdoor cats widen their outdoor territories, they may become lost long enough to be "rescued" by other cat lovers, legitimate rescue groups, or picked up by animal control as strays. Statistics show that of "owned" cats turned in to shelters, only three percent are eventually relocated with their owners. Collars can break, & even microchips do not guarantee a cat will not be adopted & kept as an indoor cat by someone else. Why take the chance?

• Indoor Cats Are Not Stolen. “Bunchers” are people who sell cats to laboratories for animal experimentation or research. Their prime source of cats is on the street. Even a cat sitting on his front lawn is fair game for a buncher. Other people pick up cats for use as "bait" for training fighting dogs. Both categories of cat-knappers are the lowest of the low, but they are out there.

• Rarely mentioned, but equally serious, is the possibility of skin cancer from over-exposure to the sun. White & other light-colored cats can develop squamous cell carcinoma, a serious, painful disease.

I don't believe in wholesale statements beginning with, "If you love your cat, you'll do this & that for them." We humans feel different degrees of love for our cats & express our love in different ways. My stance on the indoor-outdoor issue is not "proof" one way or another of loving my cat more than the next guy, nor did my previous belief that cats deserve to be outdoors label me as a "bad" cat owner.

However, I do believe in personal responsibility for our decisions, & ultimately, our decisions may cost us the loss of a very good friend & family member. It's a matter of weighing the benefits against the risks, & being willing to suffer the consequences of our decisions.
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Remember that an indoor cat is always safer.

^~^ Vote daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^
Please keep her family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of beloved GM.

~ CONCATULATIONS to our COTD Rosie #252822~

**Our prayers go out to victims of the recent tornadoes.**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

I left a vote with purrs & hugs.

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/21/2013 12:43.34 PM

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A Word With Whiskers – May 20
Top Reasons To Keep Cats Indoors – Part 1 (from cats.about.com)
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Many cat lovers are now savvy that indoor cats are safer cats, while others still think that cats deserve freedom to run in the great outdoors. When humans domesticated cats, we took on the responsibility for their health & welfare. Part of that responsibility is to keep cats safe & in good health. For those holdouts for letting cats roam free, consider these top reasons to keep cats indoors.

• To Monitor Your Cat’s Urinary Tract/Bowel Health. With an outdoor cat, pet owners are unable to monitor painful attempts to urinate or poop. The first, a red flag warning for UTI or urinary tract blockage; the second, a red flag for constipation, bowel blockage or mega-colon.

• Indoor Cats Are Safe From Predators & Dog Packs. Outdoor cats are below predators in the food chain, & they are sitting ducks for owls, raptors, coyotes, & native big cats. Dogs running in packs will consider a cat fair game; even one large dog can easily overpower & kill a cat. Remember that some dogs are also bred to attack; they are not really to blame when their instinct takes over. Even with a full set of fangs & claws, the cat rarely has a chance when caught outside.

• Indoor Cats Don't Create Neighbor Problems. Even "well-bred" cats will venture into neighbors' yards when allowed to roam free. People who don't like cats will not tolerate cats using their gardens as litter boxes, & will sometimes resort to extreme measures to keep the cats out.

• Indoor Cats Rarely Get Abscesses From Fighting. Cats are very territorial & will defend their territory to the death, if challenged by another cat. At the very least, these territorial battles often result in abscessed wounds, which can be deadly if not treated in time. There's also the chance, of course, of cats contracting FIV from deep bite wounds.

• Indoor Cats Are Safe From Human Abuse. Freely-roaming cats are easy targets for gangs of youths with time on their hands, for cat-haters, who seek cats out for target practice, & for neighbors who would think nothing of killing a cat for trespassing on their property. Although animal protection laws are beefing up, prosecution will never bring a loved cat back to life.

• Indoor Cats Can Get Plenty of Exercise. Cats do get exercise, but they can get it safely with interactive toys, climbing towers, scratching posts, & other indoor toys; all much safer than running from dogs or fighting with other cats. Remember also that there are safe compromises for the outdoor experience.
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To be cat-tinued tomorrow…

^~^ Vote daily COTM QUEEN SPUNKY #161265 ^~^
Please keep her Mom & family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of beloved GM.

~ CONCATULATIONS to our ACOTD Chumley #192486~

**Vote ~ROSIE #252822~ for COTD tomorrow!**

^~^ Please visit CMR #46883 for daily mews ^~^

Thanks for your support! I left a vote!

Come visit me, K.Whiskers ♥ Talley *VOTE DOLLY COTM 222609 & saved blogs.

05/20/2013 12:14.15 PM

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hello kato
we am soo honored! without your love, support and furiendship, our breathtakingly pawsome COTD wouldn't have been possible.
THANK YOU SOO MUCH!
our COTD badge is dedicated to all our wonderful cc furiends..you are the BEST!
we're planning on being QUEENS today and have mom and sammy and jo jo wait on us. do you think it will work? teehee
thank you soo much for the salmon cuppy cakes and mice mints..yum!
we're hoping you had a day full of puffy white clouds and sunshine..maia and lia (sorry for the c/p)

ps..hope you and your mom are doing well..

Come visit me, Princess's maia & lia VOTE DOLLY JUNE 222609, angel max - angel missy - angel tiger, K Sammy ♥ Pandy VOTE K.WHISKERS 277256 & Princess jo jo.

05/17/2013 04:51.37 PM

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