Amy Shojai's Blog, page 109
November 11, 2013
Monday Mentions: Hummingbirds, Dobies & Dreaming Big
Cats In Hats–really?! Image courtesy of http://imgur.com/a/Kzft4
It’s a week into NaNoWriMo and I’ve not written a single WORD on the next thriller, SHOW AND TELL. Yikes! Well, I have been percolating in my head, and working on the basic outline. For me it’s a waste of time to do anything until I have a better grasp of where it’s going. Oh, I know the premise, but need more than that.
Meanwhile, awaiting editorial feedback on HIDE AND SEEK, and that may give me more ideas for the newest story. As a reminder–you still have time until this Friday to VOTE on your picks for dog heroes and cat heroes. I posted the polls last week, and the contest heats up the closer we get to the deadline. You can choose up to three names for cat characters and three for dog characters, and the top two picks will be included in HIDE AND SEEK. Check out the details
, and for
Now–tell all your friends to vote as often as they like!
Writing Like Cats & Dogs! Turn Niche Writing Into A “Brand-New” Career
Niche Writing is designed for beginning to intermediate writers who wish to leverage special interest(s) to build author brand, generate content for blogs, articles, columns and books, (or use blogs for book content!) and more.
Last Saturday November 9 I held the first installment of a 2-part WEBINAR, and the second part is this Saturday November 16, 2013, 2:00-4:00 PM EST
You can still register! Attend this upcoming Saturday in person, or wait for your convenience–you’ll get both days/recordings/powerpoint presentations as on-demand events if you can’t be there in person. I love these Webinar events cuz I can wear my grungy clothes, don’t need to put on makeup, and the cat and dog can woof and meow along side me. Hope to see you there.
USE THE DREAM-BIG CODE FOR $30 OFF THE PRICE AT CHECK-OUT!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. There are some fun videos in today’s post. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Benefits to Researching Locales
Writer Beware–Going Out of Business Nigerian-Scammer-Spammer Style if it wasn’t so sad it’d be hilarious!
Interesting Take on CWA Conference
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Adopt A Cat Token & Help Pets! Petfinder has partnered with Hasbro creating a new Monopoly cat token…with a way to win big for pet shelters, check it out!
Does Your Dog Really Like You?
UC Davis Linear Accelerator for Pet Cancer this is very cool!
Cats In Hats one of my friends sent this fun photo collection!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
November 8, 2013
Vote for Name That Cat!
Image Copr. Florence Ivy/Flickr
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming cats who appear in HIDE AND SEEK, the sequel to my thriller LOST AND FOUND. There were 35 total suggestions for feline character names, me-WOW! I ended up choosing four or five of my favorites from your suggestions and then drawing the remainder out of a fish bowl. Two feline characters will be named based on your votes. (Check out ).
The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance copy of the book.
Just who ARE these kitty characters?
A sick cat that Shadow (the hero dog) tracks and saves after the kitty escapes from a car accident. The cat’s illness holds the key to the mystery plaguing area animals–and their people. What a legacy!
A mother barn cat befriended by a young girl whose cat-allergic mother won’t let her have a cat. When the cat’s “real” owner disappears, the little girl’s desperate need to rescue this “momma kitty” puts them in the bad guy’s path–will it be a happy ending for the pair?
Does your cat’s name embody the essence of these kitty characters? Love, devotion, fearlessness, stoic in the face of despair and smart as only a cat can be? Looks don’t matter, neither does breed or age or even sex–everyone knows that all cats are heroes at heart when they snuggle with us or bring smiles to our faces when we are at our lowest, so make your choice and follow your heart!
The poll below allows you to choose THREE (3) of your favorites. You can come back and vote again as many times as you’d like–and I hope you’ll encourage family and friends to champion your kitty cause and also vote.
DEADLINE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15TH!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!
November 7, 2013
Writing Like Cats & Dogs! Turn Niche Writing Into A “Brand-New” Career
A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP JUST FOR YOU!
Where: WANA Virtual Classroom
Dates: November 9, 2013, 2:00-4:00 PM EST
November 16, 2013, 2:00-4:00 PM EST
USE THE DREAM-BIG CODE FOR $30 OFF THE PRICE AT CHECK-OUT!
Class Description:
Niche Writing is designed for beginning to intermediate writers who wish to leverage special interest(s) to build author brand, generate content for blogs, articles, columns and books, (or use blogs for book content!) and more.
This fun PowerPoint two-part workshop (with SQUEE! cute pet pictures!) is structured in 2-hour lectures with time included for questions and answers, as well as brain-storming to figure out your individual writer-ly map for success. Students learn why niche writing is more important today than ever before. This workshop teaches writers how to create credibility as the go-to “expert” in their field, including:
Finding “it” topics
Writing columns, articles, essays, blogs and books
Finding markets and who to “pitch”
Research tips and finding experts
How and when to query
Are you a professional?
How to become an “expert”
Building your bio, focusing your brand
Marketing for writers
GO HERE to Register. Attend in your PJs, get the recording and listen later!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming HIDE AND SEEK!
November 6, 2013
Vote for Name That Dog!
Image Copr. Yulia Schoeman
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming dogs who appear in the forthcoming dog viewpoint thriller HIDE AND SEEK, the sequel to LOST AND FOUND.
There were 15 total suggestions for canine character names–and I’ve included them all for you to choose. Two canine characters, both “hero dogs,” will be named based on your votes. (Watch for Friday for the kitty poll picks!).
The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance copy of the book.
Just who ARE these canine heroes?
A therapy dog that lives at an Alzheimer’s unit. The dog belongs to the administrator but prefers to spend all his/her time with one of the patients, Molly Williams (Teddy’s wife, for those who read LOST AND FOUND). The dog stays by Molly’s side when she “wanders” and disappears from the facility.
A dog that Teddy Williams and his wife Molly had years ago, and is the reason why the therapy dog strikes such a chord with Molly.
Does your dog’s name embody the essence of these doggy characters? Love, devotion, fearlessness, great heart? Looks don’t matter, neither does breed or age or even sex–everyone knows that all dogs have the heart and soul and devotion of heroes, so make your choice and follow your heart!
DEADLINE IS FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15th!
The poll below allows you to choose THREE (3) of your favorites. You can come back and vote again as many times as you’d like–and I hope you’ll encourage family and friends to champion your cause and also vote.
Name That Dog! (Choose 3 Names)
Name That Dog! (Choose 3 Names)
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Don’t forget to vote for your NAME THAT DOG/CAT character choice in the forthcoming HIDE AND SEEK!
November 4, 2013
Monday Mentions: Cat Writers Edition
After the bag stuffing, we gather round and share who we are and what we do…and all about our pets, too!
We had a PAW-some time at the Cat Writers Association 20th Anniversary Conference! These are just a few of the pictures I managed to take–more surely to come. Next year join us in Atlanta with our new partner in furry fun: BarkWorld and MeowWorld Presented by the Cat Writers Association. You’ll get all the must knows about writing, publishing, blogging and social marketing (maybe with a dog or cat by your side!). Be sure and scroll down for a very short but fun video of the Halloween costumes at the Bag Stuffy Party.
Give away info–editorial guidelines, magazine samples and more.
Yep, my husband Mahmoud actually attended!
CWA VP Dusty Rainbolt with Zeki the kitty first aid assistant.
Arden Moore (owned by Zeki the amazing kitty!) presents a great session on succeeding on either side of the interview mic.
The always stunning Carole Nelson Douglas…all of us unwinding in an “after” party.
New CWA Council member (and official conference photographer) BJ Bangs…I caught her without her camera!
Past President Su Ewing enjoys a well deserved beverage and toast to a job well done!
MUSE MEDALLION WINNER! for the best Cat Behavior Book of the Year, meeee-WOW!
Honored to present the Shojai Mentor Award to longtime CWA member and incredible writer/journalist…and mentor…Darlene Arden, nominated by Layla Morgan Wilde
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. There’s a new SIMON’S CAT video below and don’t forget to check out the THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for the voting on NAME THAT DOG and NAME THAT CAT contest for the Hide And Seek thriller pet characters, too!
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
10 Common Fiction Forensics Mistakes
Amy’s Ebooks Talk Did you miss the CWA event? Attend the Webinar on Dec. 7 (after NaNoWriMo!) and use discount code GO-INDIE for $10 off
Further Info Here: http://wanaintl.com/event-registratio...
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Cat Cured of Chronic Oral Disease…With Kitty Stem Cells!
It’s Adopt A Senior Pet Month–Great Article from Catalyst Council
2012 Thrillerfest Panel
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
November 1, 2013
Ask Amy: Dog Uses Cat Litter Box
Today I’m at the Cat Writers Conference in Dallas, having a ball attending expert writing seminars and schmoozing with lots of cat (and dog) lovers. Last night at the opening event there were lots of BOO-tiful costumes displayed during the bag-stuffing party. Yes, had to don my wings!
Because many of us are bloggers, I learned a LOT about tips and tricks at past conferences. One of the best moves I made was switching from the “free” WordPress to a self-hosted site, and one of my blogging buddies recommended Blogelina to help with the transfer. Liked the job she did so much I became an affiliate…and just found out she’s running a $20 off special on a DIY service through Nov. 4, so wanted to give a heads up. Be sure to use the code SAVE20 at checkout to see $20 taken off the normal price.
Here at the CWA conference, such a gathering of pet professionals often results in some terrific discussions. For instance, I’m sure that the question, below, is not a unique one among my colleagues. But it sure did puzzle the pet owner!
How about you? Have your dogs ever shown unusual interest in the cat’s litter box? No, I don’t mean THAT WAY as in yucky treats, but wanting to potty there? Here’s the latest Ask Amy.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
October 31, 2013
Michael Palmer, We’ll Miss You…
Fans have lost a great writer, writers have lost a great friend, a family has lost most of all. The world will never be the same. Remembering Michael…
October 30, 2013
#HillsPet Disaster Relief Network Saves Lives
Can you find your cat to evacuate? Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Are you prepared for natural disasters? What about your pets? Living in Tornado Alley here in North Texas, it’s not unusual to suffer property damage from winds, floods, hail and twisters. Wildfires cause just as much pain and suffering, whether caused by an errant thunderbolt or the carelessness of a human. Across the country, these same issues plus mud slides, earthquakes, hurricanes and more can spell heartache.
There are many service organizations ready and willing to step in and help with disaster strikes. Since our pets ARE family members, those who embrace pets’ needs during these times of strife offer invaluable service not only to the animals, but relieve the stress of the people who love them. Very often, the first-line help comes from shelter programs located in or near the disaster site that offer help to displaced pets. Enter the Disaster Relief Network.
Pets affected by Hurricane Isaac in 2012 received help from Hill’s. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Last May, Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the formation of Disaster Relief Network through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love TM program. Hill’s already had a strong historical commitment to help shelter programs, and since 2002 has donated over $240 million worth of Science Diet® brand foods to nearly 1,000 animal shelters nationwide. After receiving requested feedback from participating shelters, improvements were made to the program so Science Diet® pet food is now available to any eligible US shelter at a significant discount, and our program remains open 365 days a year.
The Disaster Relief Network allows Hill’s to quickly distribute emergency pet food resources to participating shelters across the country. This formalized U.S.-wide network of shelters coordinates emergency pet food deliveries and is the first network of its kind. Food can be shipped within hours of a disaster. Learn more about the program here.
Disaster Prep for Pets
When Mother Nature throws a tantrum, you have no time to waste. Keeping your human and furry family safe can prove daunting unless you’ve made advanced preparations.
Watch weather reports. When weather turns ify, bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them. Know your pets’ favorite hangouts (and hiding spots) so you can find them quickly. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and up-to-date identification. If you have nothing else handy, use a felt-tip marker and write your phone number and name on the pet’s tummy or inside the ears.
Designate a “safe room” in the house to confine pets until the all clear. Many homes in North Texas don’t have basements or storm cellars. An internal room without windows, often a bathroom without windows, can be a good option. At my house, Seren gets stuffed into her cat carrier and placed inside the pantry situated under the stairs. It’s big enough that the humans and Magical Dawg can fit inside, too.
If you must evacuate, take your pets along. It may be days before authorities allow you to return home.
Red Cross shelters currently prohibit pets, except for certified service animals because often local and state health and safety regulations do not permit pets in disaster shelters. Find a hotel, friend, or other accommodations in advance that will let you bring your dogs and cats. Do it NOW, so you know who to call and won’t have to search out options during disaster.
Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, to the pet’s collar tags. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen. Write directly on a flat nylon collar or halter to make it easy for a stranger to read the information. Tape this same info onto pet carriers.
Use a RESCUE STICKER ALERT visible to rescue workers to let folks know you have pets inside your home. Make sure it includes the types and number of pets, and your cell number as well as your veterinarian’s phone number. If you leave with your pets, be sure to write “EVACUATED” across the stickers so rescue workers don’t waste time looking for them.
In addition to providing for human family members, have a “pet kit” ready to take along that contains a three-day supply of all the pet essentials. If easily packed, take an extra towel or blanket for each pet. Don’t forget sturdy leashes, harnesses, carriers or X-pens for safe confinement.
Most facilities will require your cats and dogs to be under your control, and may also require proof of current vaccination. Include a favorite comfort toy or treat, the pet’s food and can opener if needed, and don’t forget water—one quart per cat-size pet per day (more for big dogs) is a good rule of paw. One of the pheromone spray products for pets can help relieve the stress of being in a strange environment.
Have plenty of plastic bags and newspapers as well as containers and cleaning supplies to help deal with pet waste. Puppy training pads or Depends undergarments work well.
Prepare for the unthinkable, too. Include current photos of your pets in case they get lost, and bring a first-aid kit to care for possible injuries. Include disposable latex gloves, sterile dressings, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, eyewash, thermometer, and any prescription medications your pets need. You can find more specifics in The First-Aid Companion For Dogs & Cats.
Your evacuation kit should also include a cell phone, flashlight, extra batteries, battery powered radio, map of area, whistle/air horn to signal for help, and matches in a waterproof container. Keep a list of emergency numbers with your phone, including a pet emergency clinic number and shelters that may temporarily house animals. Keep your car tank filled with at least half a tank at all times.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information and relief for human victims of disaster, and also offers more information about pets. Petfinder.com also offers great disaster preparation information for owners.
Be ready for Mother Nature’s “what if” surprises now and prepare for the worst. Then pray that you and your pets will never need this information.
Find out more about Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love TM Disaster Relief Network at Hill’s website. To request assistance during an emergency, shelters can contact Hill’s at DisasterRelief@hillspet.com. And check out this very kewl “gotcha story” video.
Do you have a disaster story? How did you manage with your pets? What would you do differently today as a result? Do tell!
This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Disaster Relief Network, but I only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
October 28, 2013
Monday Mentions: Cat Writers, Bat Saviors & Garbage Musicians
This week I’m preparing for the 19th Annual Cat Writers Conference, to be held in my back yard (Dallas TX). After the seminar lineup on Friday, that evening I’ll be performing with my cohorts in a sampling of music from our new show STRAYS, THE MUSICAL. Hopefully I’ll soon have some audio samples up of the songs.
The next day on Saturday, I’m presenting a session on DIY E-Books for Writers. This will be the 6th or 7th time I’ve offered the seminar, and it’s constantly changing so each time I get to update the course. In the afternoon, I’ll be at a pet book signing event at BAM (see the poster image, above) where I hope anyone in the area will stop in to say howdy! We’re at the Books-A-Million, in the Grapevine Mills mall, in Irving, Texas. It’s right in time for holiday gifts, too, you can get a book paw-tographed. I’ll have several of my nonfiction pet books as well as the thriller LOST AND FOUND on hand, and I know several of the other authors also will have more than one title available.
Then Saturday night at the awards banquet, I’ll also be presenting the Shojai Mentor Award to the CWA member who has made a positive difference in another’s writing/publishing career. That’s the plaque–a cat being lifted to reach the shining star. Whew!
What’s your week look like?
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Don’t miss the BAT WEBINAR! Great video today of a surprising orchestra. Check out the THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Writers (& Artist) Unite! on NOT giving it away for free…
How Amazon & Goodreads Could Lose Big
8 Success Stories To Inspire from Colin Falconer. Trust me, you really want to read this!
Weird (Hilarious) Things Authors Do thank you to Darlene Arden for pointing this out
Jane Friedman On “The Age of the Algorithm”
Darknet of Publishing wow, who knew?
Need A Book Cover? Check it Out! some lovely options from Melinda VanLone
Twitter vs FB which one wins with kids?
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Train Guinea Pig to Detect Gunpowder! Animal training seminar at Wolf Park, what fun!
Why You DON’T Want to Be Fluffy’s “Guardian” an eye-opening read on the legality of the term
Free Noon Halloween Webinar on Bat Health from Morris White-nose syndrome is one of the fastest spreading, most devastating diseases to ever affect a wildlife species. But there is hope. Since the disease first became an epidemic on this continent, Morris Animal Foundation has been funding research to understand and contain white-nose syndrome.
Some of you know I’m a musician and this video really touched me. Thanks to Colin Falconer for sharing.
2012 Thrillerfest Panel
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
October 25, 2013
Black Cats, Kitty Myths & #Pet360 Halloween Contest
An early color mutation of wild cats was the solid black color–and also was apparently associated with cats being “friendlier.” Image provided by Pet360
This post is sponsored by Pet360. I am being compensated for spreading the word about Pet360.com, but I only share information that I feel is relevant to my readers.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the purr-fect time to revisit some of these feline myths. Take a look and keep a tally of just how many of these spooky cat tails—and tales—from around the world sound familiar even today. More of these cat myths can be found in Complete Kitten Care, too. 
Cats As Gods
Egyptians loved and revered all animals, and considered many to be emissaries of gods. The large wild cats including leopards and lions represented virility and power, but the common housecat came to be worshiped as a god of pleasure and happiness. Called alternately Bast, Bastet and Pasht, this human-shaped goddess (with a cat head) rose to prominence in the ancient city of Bubastis, and her temple cats (much like the one sleeping in your lap) were considered emissaries of the goddess.
The name “Bast” can be translated as “the tearer” or “the render” which referred to the goddess’s nightly battle with the sun’s mortal enemy, the Serpent of Darkness. Bast was symbolized by the moon—which waxed and waned like the cat’s eye—and each day when the battle was won, the sun rose again.
Egypt’s cats were protected and cherished by the priests, and each whisker-twitch and tail-dance was carefully interpreted as messages from the goddess. Because they were so sacred, other countries took advantage of the fact. The Persian King Cambyses II had his solders use kitties as shields, and because the Egyptians refused to risk hurting a sacred cat, they offered no resistance and the battle was lost.
Buddhist, Burmese and Siamese cultures had similar beliefs as the ancient Babylonians that cats served as sacred vessels for human souls to attain paradise. When a holy person died, the cat hosted the spirit for as long as the cat lived, and then carried the human soul into Paradise when the cat died. Wow, maybe that’s why my Siamese wannabe Seren-dipity has such a high-and-mighty c’attitude.
Cats in Japan were greatly honored and in AD 600 served as guards to precious manuscripts housed in pagodas. They believed a cat crossing the path was good luck. Cats were valued so highly in the 10th century that common folks weren’t allowed to keep cats. Only noble families were granted that privilege.
In early Ireland, a cat-headed god was worshipped during the 1st century AD. Black cats crossing your path was considered good luck during the Middle Ages in Britain, and a black cat was also supposed to be able to cure epilepsy. Scandinavia also celebrated animals in religion. Freya, the Viking goddess of love and beauty, rode in a chariot drawn by “the most affectionate of all domestic animals, the cat.”
Cats As Demons
The gods and angels of earlier religions become the demons of later ones. So since cats had been celebrated by early civilizations, they became the scapegoats of ‘modern’ religions.
A Medieval legend recounts that the Devil tried to copy God and create man, but only managed to produce a sorry, skinless animal—the cat. St. Peter felt sorry for the pitiful creature, though, and generously gave it a fur coat—its one and only valuable possession.
Hebrew folklore prompted the legend that cats steal an infant’s breath. The story may have stemmed from tales of Adam’s hated first wife, the vampire Lilith. She assumed the form of a gigantic ebony cat called El Broosha, and newborns were her favorite prey.
Cats became associated with witchcraft and the devil during the Middle Ages in Europe and suffered greatly. Tales of feline familiars were common. In Europe and early America, black cats became linked to the devil and evil and were feared, because black was the color of the night and darkness—hence the devil.
Why Cats Get Blamed?
Because of the cat’s unique sensory capabilities, feline behavior foibles have given cats a bad reputation. Cats were thought to influence the weather, especially storms at sea. Today we know that felines can detect changes in barometric pressure, silent earth tremors that announce future earthquakes, or yowling just before a loved one dies.
Superstitious people found it easy to blame the cat as a cause of disasters, rather than celebrate kitty’s unique detection skills at predicting such things. But that doesn’t make the cat’s mysterious abilities any less extraordinary. For even more insights read this terrific article Are Black Cats Really Back Luck? at Pet360.
Do your cats dress up for Halloween? Image Copr. JT Seimer/Flickr
Do you share your life with a black cat? Have your cats ever seemed “other-worldly” or acted in a spooky way? What kinds of ghostly Halloween-like antics have you and your cats (and dogs!) experienced? Will they dress up this Halloween, or prefer to go “au naturelle?” Do tell!
Enter the Pet360 Tricks for Treats Halloween Contest for $1,000 in prizes and 10,000 meals to the pet shelter of your choice! Click here to enter!
Check out the Howl-oween pet safety and costume tips in this TV segment, too.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
