Mollie Hunt's Blog, page 44
August 31, 2018
Lynley Cannon’s FRIDAY FELINE FACTS & FANCIES, Empathy
Lynley Cannon, star of the Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery series, is often referred to as a crazy cat lady herself, but when it comes to the feline species, this sixty-something cat shelter volunteer knows her stuff. Check here each Friday for instructive and intriguing information on our favorite subject: cats!
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Cats know when their people are feeling poorly and may volunteer as a companion, sleeping nearby until they are better. Some cats even sense when a person is about to die and remain close as they take their final journey.
Cat’s Paw, Chapter 28
Check out more of Lynley Cannon’s kitty tips, tricks, and facts preceding each chapter in CATS’ EYES, COPY CATS, CAT’S PAW, and CAT CALL.[image error]
Artwork by Louis Wain
August 24, 2018
Lynley Cannon’s FRIDAY FELINE FACTS & FANCIES, Chronic Kidney Disease
Lynley Cannon, star of the Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery series, is often referred to as a crazy cat lady herself, but when it comes to the feline species, this sixty-something cat shelter volunteer knows her stuff. Check here each Friday for instructive and intriguing information on our favorite subject: cats!
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Chronic Kidney Disease, the progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function over time, is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats. Advancement of the disease may be slowed by diet and care, and symptoms may be relieved so the cat is comfortable, but CKD has only one outcome which must, for the sake of both cat and companion, be faced with courage, love and grace.
Cats’ Eyes, Chapter 22
Check out more of Lynley Cannon’s kitty tips, tricks, and facts preceding each chapter in CATS’ EYES, COPY CATS, CAT’S PAW, and CAT CALL.
Artwork: Old Cat Sleeping, by Jeffrey Yount
August 17, 2018
Today is BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY
Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!
Can you believe it? Some people don’t appreciate black cats. Some even think black cats are bad. That’s because there is a myth in our culture that equates black cats to black magic, and we all know black magic is nothing to fool around with.
But black cats are not evil but just cats whose color is black. They are gorgeous, sleek, stunning, attractive, sensual and cute. Artists appreciate those qualities and have used the black cat as their modle (and muse) for thousands of years. Here are just a few.
Anyone can appreciate black cats after looking at this wonderful artwork. [image error]
A black cat in an easy chair, by Angie Rozelaar, PlanetCatStudio.
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“Black Cats In Paris” by Atelier De Jiel.
[image error]Watercolor of a black longhair cat by Endre Penovac.
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Fantasy cat art by Raphaël Vavasseur.[image error]
Samantha Battersby, “Claws and Effect.”
[image error]A street cat by Tadashige Nishida.
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Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day from our home to yours!
August 16, 2018
WE HAVE A WINNER!
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Dear Margo,
Congratulations! Tyler drew your name in the Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy giveaway!
I’ve sent you an email. Please watch for it in your inbox.
Please let us know which of your 6 cats enjoys it the most, and tell us if they reach the Secret Level!
Thanks for participating,
Mollie
Thanks to everyone who entered the Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy giveaway. I wish everyone could win, but alas, there can be only one.
Even if you didn’t win, I hope you consider purchasing this great toy. I’ve been using it with the cats every day for a play session, and when I went out of town, my catsitter left it out for the cats to entertain themselves. Even with all the activity (and a couple of known cardboard-shredders in the family) the box still looks brand new.
I understand that any toy is a gamble when it comes to cats, but if they are at all food-reactive, this toy will work for them.
Thanks to Andrey and Cat Amazing for reaching out to me and providing the toy for us to try out. So much fun!
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August 14, 2018
Still time to win CAT AMAZING EARTH-FRIENDLY CAT PUZZLE TOY
There are still two more days to enter to win!
The great folks and felines at Cat Amazing would like to give away a Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment in the comment section of this blog to be entered. Contest will be open through August 15th. Winner will be chosen (by a cat) soon after that. Sorry but US residents only do to shipping costs.
#catamazing
@catamazingtoy
[image error] Tyler loves his Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy!
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See what cats really think! Read my review of the Cat Amazing puzzle toy here.
August 10, 2018
Lynley Cannon’s FRIDAY FELINE FACTS & FANCIES, Russian Blues
Lynley Cannon, star of the Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery series, is often referred to as a crazy cat lady herself, but when it comes to the feline species, this sixty-something cat shelter volunteer knows her stuff. Check here each Friday for instructive and intriguing information on our favorite subject: cats!
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Most have heard of the Russian Blue breed of cat, a breed known for their luxurious gray-blue coat and gentle temperament, but did you know there are also Russian Whites, Russian Blacks, and Russian Tabbies? All three breeds were originally derived from the Russian Blue.
Cat Call, Chapter 27
Check out more of Lynley Cannon’s kitty tips, tricks, and facts preceding each chapter in CATS’ EYES, COPY CATS, CAT’S PAW, and CAT CALL.
Artwork: “Captain Grey” by Lisa Howarth
August 6, 2018
LUX: TERESA SPEAKS OUT
Something amazing happened a few weeks ago. Teresa Barker, Lux’s original human-mom left a comment on one of my blogposts. Teresa is the woman who gave Lux up through Jackson after Lux scratched her baby and terrorized her family in 2014. She is the beginning of the story, and though she declined to do an interview with me, she did approve my sharing her comments in a blogpost.
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This is what she wrote:
(My comments are in bold)
Teresa Barker
Jul 26, 2018
“So for those of you out there who do not know, I was the one who raised Lux since the very day his mother gave birth to him in my apartment! I kept him and his mom. He was the only one out of the litter I did keep. He was tiny and a bit feisty then, but all for good because he was still in the sack left there when I came to his rescue. I chose to keep him after weeks of dropper feeding him, and if not for me, he probably would have been left for dead by his momma. Now I don’t know if mom cats can tell if something is wrong with their kittens, because she was great with the other three— just not with Lux, so I had a soft spot for him and kept him.”
That’s an interesting question: Did Lux’s mother know there was something different about him right from the start?
“He was great over the years, my best friend who always slept right next to me. A year before all this happened, I had my son’s grandma passing away, and I moved in with her several days out of the week to take care of her. I was staying in two places, but I would always come home to Lux every day or so and give him food and water and check on him and play with him. Then I ended up pregnant, and shorty after that, my son’s dad and I moved into an apartment together. Of course I took Lux with me, and he took his dog that was given to him when his mom (my son’s) grandma passed away. The cat and the dog were fine together— me and my son’s dad were not getting along very well though. He was constantly yelling at me to get rid of Lux. He didn’t like him. I, of course, refused.
“Lux never acted like this until after my son’s dad moved in, so I’m not exactly sure what all took place or what happened other than that day, but it makes me wonder if, when I wasn’t around, something else was going on. Needless to say my son’s dad and I are no longer together.”
Here is another insight. Was something happening while Teresa was gone that she didn’t know about?
“…Then he started attacking me when I walked away, and I didn’t like it. It scared me… he didn’t use to do that. I wish I had read the signs better; maybe I could have prevented some of what happened, but I’d just had a baby and was trying to please everyone around me…
“I lost my best friend. Even Jackson new how painful it was for me to give Lux up, but I didn’t do it because I didn’t want him— I did it because I felt in my heart that it was the best thing for him right then. I was juggling too much as a new-time mom and dealing with the stress of everything else…
“I think about Lux every day. I named him Lux because it meant light; he was white and black, and I wanted his name to complement his lighter colors. He was my best friend, and he is truly missed.”
I love finally knowing how he got his name!
“I just wanted to finally put my side of the story out there… I really feel people got the wrong impression of me. Lux was my world, I tell ya. He was a great cat, and there’s always two sides to every story. I’m not sure who to blame, but I know I was a great owner, and he was a great cat. What people don’t understand is I had Lux for 4 years, and he never once used to be like that. It truly makes me wonder, looking back, if something else was going on when I wasn’t home; however I can’t attest to that because I wasn’t around. I don’t even like to think about that because it’s awful. I will say I miss him and I love him and I still carry him in my heart every day.
I’m sorry, Luxie. You truly were the light of my life.
Love you, Lux!”
………………………
I am so moved by Teresa’s bravery, coming forward and telling her story so heartfully. People can be quick to judge, and when, during my first weeks of caring for Lux, he was nothing but sweet, I admit I did a little judging myself. As a shelter volunteer, I run into people all the time who basically don’t know how to interact with cats. It’s not their fault; no one is born with feline intuition— I earned mine through many years of work and study.
I just assumed the family was responsible for Lux’s outburst.
Then out of the blue and with no warning whatsoever, Lux attacked me! I had to change my preconceived notions fast! In the past 4 years, vets, behaviorists, and a cat psychic or two have been trying to unravel what goes on in that sweet cat’s mind when he suddenly turns into a monster. So far, we still don’t know it all.
Again I want to thank Teresa for allowing me to present her story.
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August 3, 2018
Lynley Cannon’s FRIDAY FELINE FACTS & FANCIES, Lost
Lynley Cannon, star of the Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery series, is often referred to as a crazy cat lady herself, but when it comes to the feline species, this sixty-something cat shelter volunteer knows her stuff. Check here each Friday for instructive and intriguing information on our favorite subject: cats!
Millions of cats are lost each year; less than 2% are ever returned to their family. Of those, most have tags or a microchip.
Copy Cats, Chapter 17
Check out more of Lynley Cannon’s kitty tips, tricks, and facts preceding each chapter in CATS’ EYES, COPY CATS, CAT’S PAW, and CAT CALL.[image error]
Artwork: Winter Window Tabby Cat, by Rachel Armington
July 31, 2018
CAT AMAZING EARTH-FRIENDLY CAT PUZZLE TOY – PRODUCT REVIEW & GIVEAWAY
#catamazing
I don’t often do product reviews because I’m first and foremost a fiction writer, but every once in a while I come across a product that inspires me. The Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy was such a product.
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I was approached by founder and CEO (Cat Entertainment Officer) Andrey who had located me through my blog. I enjoyed his lighthearted, cat-centric communications, and consented to try the toy in my home. He sent me the Cat Amazing toy free of charge, with the understanding that I would give an honest review.
From the very first email, I loved the fun cat videos, the colorful graphics, and the eco-friendly design of the puzzle itself, but it’s not about me. What would the cats think?
The Players:
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Little: the Matron
Little came to us as a rescue and foster success when she was two. Now, ten years later, she runs our world. Sometimes the other cats forget that, but she is quick to remind them of her seniority.
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Tyler: the Wild Child
Tyler was thought to be 18 when we adopted him, but if that’s the case, he’s the most active super-senior I’ve even met. When Tyler isn’t napping, he’s running, jumping, chasing, or playing.
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Blaze: the Newbee
Blaze, at ten, should be set in his ways, but since he only came to us recently, he’s still testing the waters. Timid but naturally friendly and affectionate, he accepts whatever comes his way with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude.
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When the big box containing the Cat Amazing puzzle toy arrived on our doorstep, there was a flurry of curiosity from the cats. Within the cardboard was a cutely-designed envelope box with the picture of a cat on it. The clowder may have been more interested in the packing carton, but I loved the graphics and couldn’t wait to put the toy together.
I watched the online video as suggested in the instructions. It was easy to assemble the Cat Amazing, and I probably didn’t need to consult the website, but as with the box design, the site was filled with fun and attractive images. The information was presented in an attention-grabbing way, and before I knew it, I’d read the whole thing. I especially loved the staff bios, including cats!
Once the Cat Amazing was assembled, I was ready to add the treats. Tyler only likes freeze-dried chicken, where Blaze and Little prefer Temptations, so I had both handy. Since Tyler had been “helping” with the assembly, I started with a piece of FD chicken in the beginner side, and sat back to see what would happen next.
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That took about three seconds: one for Tyler to smell the treat; one for him to stick his nose in the holes; and a final one to grab it out with his paw. Success!
Cat Amazing has three levels of difficulty: beginner, intermediate, and top-cat, each a different color. I dropped another treat in the green beginner area and one in purple intermediate. This took Tyler a little longer, but soon he had both pieces retrieved and munched. His antics had attracted Blaze who decided it was his turn. I added a sprinkle of Temptations and waited.
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Blaze eyed Tyler, then gave a warning bat, telling the older cat these treats were for him. Tyler relented: they weren’t chicken so he didn’t really care.
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It took Blaze some time to get all the treats, but he was relentless. He was adorable, peeking into a hole, then reaching in with his white-gloved paw, repeating as necessary until he got the desired results.
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Soon came Little! She paused, waiting for the boys to step aside, then attacked the toy with all paws and claws. When she figured out it would take finesse to play this game, it wasn’t long until she was crunching a Temptation or two.
Three cats; three distinctly different approaches to play. As promised by the Cat Amazing crew, it was great fun for me to watch them learn. We have yet to try the Secret Level, but give them a day or two and they’ll be at that one as well.
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The winner has been Tyler, who won’t leave Cat Amazing alone as long as there is even the promise of a treat inside. He quickly progressed to the yellow “top-cat” level which keeps him occupied for ages. He will get his face down into one of the larger holes, then push the toy all over the floor with his nose!
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Here is a video from Cat Amazing of a cat doing the same thing! How cute is that!
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Summary:
What I liked:
The pretty box and graphics
The ease of assembly.
The sturdy construction of the toy.
The earth-friendly composition.*
Their continuing interest.
The absolute fun of watching the cats.
*
Reinforced cardboard, durable, 100% recyclable, 30% post-consumer, and printed with metal-free ink. Huge fun – tiny pawprint.
What the cats liked:
The mental and physical exercise of getting the treats.
The treats.
Did I mention treats?
But wait, there’s more!
CAT AMAZING SUPPORTS SHELTER AND RESCUES!
Cat Amazing will send an Enrichment Kit to your favorite shelter or rescue. Check out the Cat Amazing Shelter & Rescue enrichment program
CAT AMAZING FOR VETERINARIANS at a special price.
Cat Amazing provides:
Mental stimulation & engagement of natural feline instincts
Healthy activity through play and foraging
Slowing down eating for better digestion & weight management
GIVEAWAY!
The great folks and felines at Cat Amazing would like to give away a Cat Amazing Puzzle Toy to one lucky winner. Just leave a comment in the comment section of this blog to be entered. Contest will be open through August 15th. Winner will be chosen (by a cat) soon after that. Sorry but US residents only do to shipping costs.
#catamazing
@catamazingtoy
July 29, 2018
CAT CAFÉ COVER REVEAL & A SNEAK PEEK
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Cat Café
A body is found on the floor of the cat café, and all the black cats are missing!
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Sixty-something cat shelter volunteer Lynley Cannon always seems to find more trouble than a cat in catnip, but this time it’s not about her. Someone is targeting very senior citizens, and when Bea Landrew, owner of the Blue Cat café turns up dead, Lynley’s mom Carol could be next.
Handsome Detective Devon is looking for a link between the victims when he makes a different sort of connection— with Lynley! It’s been a long time since the cat lady had romance in her life, but while her mom is in danger, the case comes first.
Is this killer seeking justice or vengeance? With murder as the outcome, the results are the same.
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Thanks to everyone who voted on the three cover background colors for my upcoming Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery, Cat Café. And the winner is…
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~Spring Green~
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I think this color goes perfectly with the beautiful cat art, “Coffee, Tea, or Me,” by Leslie Cobb.
The painting was done by Leslie in 2014, without any connection to Cat Café. Here is the real story behind this piece:
“Maude was an elderly, sick cat found as a stray and taken to Oakland Animal Services. A rescue group called Cat Town pulled her from the shelter and placed her in a foster home where she could recover. I saw her photo on Facebook and adopted her. Unfortunately she had a number of chronic health issues, and as a result, we only had ten months together. But I’ll never forget this lovely cat and I’m grateful to Cat Town for giving me the chance to love her.”
*Leslie Cobb comments that “Cat Town, the rescue group from which I adopted Maude, founded the first cat cafe in the U.S. That’s why Maude is pictured in a cafe setting. The oak-leaf design behind her was chosen because that cat cafe is in Oakland, CA.”
And now for a taste of Cat Café:
Prologue
The body was found lying face up on the floor of the Cat Café. Rojo, the large brown tabby, sat astride it, his copious bulk resting firmly on the solar plexus. Had the person been awake, the weight might have proven uncomfortable. The body was past that however; no attempts had been made to move him, no squirms or reprimands. Thus Rojo had settled in for the duration.
A young cat shelter volunteer with magenta hair and a mad penchant for all things feline found the corpse. Her job was to check in with the café cats every Friday morning, so her presence wasn’t unusual. Nor was it unusual for the demised, one Bea Landrew, to have been there at that early hour—the matron queen of cats often showed up at the crack of dawn to spend quality time with her clowder before the customers arrived. Everything was as it should be except for Bea’s state of health and the fact that sometime on that sunny Portland morning she had keeled over dead after drinking poisoned Morning Thunder tea.
Stay tuned for a Cat Café publish date, pre-order sales, and blog hop book launch, and possibly a physical launch or two.
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