It's hard to believe this little guy is going to one day be a big lion with a beautiful mane and all! Right now, he's just a cute little kitten mewingroaring away.
Other videos from this person say this this little guy's twin died, and that they separate them from their mother to hand-raise before they are old enough, and then they are reintroduced to the pride. From the sounds of the people oooohing and coooing over him, it sounds like he's getting lots of love!
P.S. I know it's coming, so I'll beat it: Of course Cute and all of us don't condone lions living in un-lionlike environment. I hope this is a nice, safe, healthy, well-meaning zoo. So assuming all of that, isn't this guy super cute!? :)
P.P.S. Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you have a happy, healthy, cute year to come! Give all your kitties and doggies and bunnies and birdies and ferrets (everyone!) a huge smooch at midnight from me! And smooches to you all, too! 2011 has been fun... now let's make 2012 the CUTEST YEAR EVER!
Mylo is just a cat... and he's doing cat stuff. What!
Mylo has a Facebook page, too, if you want to keep track of all the cat stuff he does. You can follow him here.
P.S. In the last couple seconds of Mylo's video, there is a little bit of a bad word. Last couple seconds. So cover young kitten's ears before that. ;) That's it though. The rest is totally safe and silly!
Two precious rescue animals, one tiny and one big. One kitten and one pit bull.
Guess which one is the "bully" of the two and which one is the sweet, gentle, nurturing one? You know the answer... ;)
P.S. It's time to announce the winner of the Bat World Sanctuary bracelet... Congrats to Lin, who was comment #29. She said she didn't care what color she got, because either one was for such a great cause. :) I'll ask her to pick now that she's won. Hehe. Thanks for helping me support them, everyone!
With a belly full of kitty milk, Ohagi the sweet little kitten is cuddled up for a nice, relaxing cat nap. I wonder who he's talking to in his dreams... a squirrel? Another kitten? His mommy?
Their other videos say they found this precious bundle all alone and without his mom. They rescued him and kept him safe and sound until he grew big and strong.
Here he is all big and strong and happy in his home!
When I saw the first Lil' Drac baby bat video, I immediately fell in love, and I think a lot of you did, too. Yesterday they put out a new, updated video of our little bat buddy -- he's all grown up, and just as cute!
Now he can fly all on his own and eat solid food... and he still loves to rock, which melts my heart.
His story is so touching and beautiful to me. What an amazing place and amazing people at Bat World Sanctuary to give such loving care to such little creatures!
P.S. At the end of the video, they say you can buy a wristband to benefit Bat World Sanctuary... I am going to buy one for one of you! Kind of like a giveaway, but I'm buying, because it's such a great cause and I'm in love with what they do. If you want to win one (you can pick black or pink!), just say which one below in the comments. I bought a pink one for myself! :)
I'll announce the winner tomorrow and order it right away so they can help more baby bats!
P.P.S. Pimp and Moo thought this was cute enough to stand in for them on Two Cats Tuesday today (and they're pooped from all the holiday festivities). They'll be back next Tuesday!
When it's cold outside, it's important to grab your favorite blankie and bundle up into a burrito to stay warm. Sometimes it might take a little work to get your favorite blankie into bed and wrapped around you, but it's all worth it in the end when you're nice and toasty!
Let this doggie show you how it's done. He does this every day when it's cold out...
Merry Christmas to all of you from me, Pimp and Moo! The boys want to show you what is probably their best Christmas portrait ever. There's even a video of behind the scenes and how it all went down...
We got your festive right here.
And here's the video. Seriously, these boys melt my heart. They are so perfect. They just crack me up! (The music in the background is my favorite Cuban Christmas song... I'm half Cuban!)
When it comes to cats and boxes, no box is too small to at least be given a fair shot. Even if just one paw fits, it must be tried.
Nevermind the floof overflow here, this itsy bitsy teenie weenie box appears to somehow be a perfectly comfy fit for Rara the cat!
P.S. Happy Christmas Eve, Cuteheads! (And happy holidays for anyone not Christmasing!) I am going to spend the day with family... and I am making the cutest little Santa hat mini brownie cupcake things. If they come out as cute as I hope they will, I'll post a picture and share! Smooches to you all of your pets!
When the folks at Lucky Duck Rescue discovered five abandoned kittens on a cold winter day, they knew just what to do to keep them warm. They put them in with Harry the duck in his clean, cuddly dog bed.
And within a few days, Harry had figured out what he needed to do, too...
Lil' Drac is a baby fruit bat that was abandoned by his mother and is now being hand-fed and raised at Bat World Sanctuary.
I have to be honest, I had no idea this video would be so adorable. I've seen it going around and I haven't watched it yet, but today I did -- and I'm so glad! Lil' Drac is one of the cutest, sweetest little critters I've ever seen. Wait till you see him rock...
And the people at Bat World Sanctuary as so gentle and loving with him. I hope he grows up big and strong! (And I hope they post updates!)
Stewie the cat is the most excellent babysitter ever! Poor baby Connar is crying and crying, but Stewie knows just what to do.
A little soft paw and some tender, loving forehead rub will calm Connar right down and lull him into a blissful sleep. Have you ever seen anything more precious?
NOTE FROM CUTE: I have a little holiday miracle working for a beautiful black cat in a high-kill shelter in Georgia! If you've been following the Cute's Facebook page, you've seen that I've kind of become smitten with Kain, a big boy who the shelter director was begging someone to save. He is sweet and kind, and I hope we can get him out of there!
One look at his picture and I knew I had to try! So I've been sharing him and networking... and an angel in the form of an old high school friend's mom said she has a rescue in Georgia and she'd be willing to foster him! We've been working non-stop for almost two weeks getting the details together and it looks like he'll hopefully be saved!
Today Kain is going to the V-E-T to be combo tested for FIV and FeLV. If he does, she'll be able to pick him up right after Christmas (she's out of town and in Florida now). If not, she can't take him because she has no way to keep him separate from her other kitties.
Please think good thoughts for him that he tests negative for kitty cooties today! :)
Update: 12 noon - Argh. Kain tested positive for FIV. They said it was a "light test" and I'm not exactly sure what that means. FeLV was negative. I guess he will go back to the animal control now and hopefully we can figure something else out. Maybe they can re-test again later. Sometimes the tests are very sensitive, I guess. I'm so bummed, you guys! Anyone know of somewhere or someone that could take a gorgeous, big, wonderfully friendly "lightly" FIV+ cat?
Updated update: 12:45 pm - My friend said she'd live to try another cat from there since she was planning on taking in Kain and has the space! So... there is some good news. :) One lucky cat will still get a holiday miracle out of this!
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp and Moo are modeling their silly cat Christmas hat. I found this gem at a store called Scooter Knits on Etsy. It looks like they're all sold out of everything now, so you'll just have to enjoy the boys in theirs!
She makes custom-knit hats and things for cats. And I think some other stuff, but with nothing in the shop for reference, it's hard to remember. Here's her Facebook page.
When I stumbled upon her stuff, I knew the boys needed one of these silly cat Christmas hats right now! We are Santa Paws after all, right?
Oh hai! My hat sticks up high!
Moo was a pretty good sport about the hat. He didn't mind it so much as he just refused to sit still for even one second so I could get a picture. He's a goofy ball of energy!
Pimp on the other hand... He is so funny with this stuff. So funny. I could have made a whole album from his photo shoot. He breaks my heart and all I want to do is hug him because he just sits there and waits patiently for me to get it over with. After 12 years of dressing up for holidays, he's learned it's easier to cooperate and it'll be done quicker.
I will not give you the satisfaction of sticking my ears up!
So let's just pretend they're elf ears, OK?
Elf ears... and one is really tiny.
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la. Where'd my other ear go?
OK, enough.
And I did take it off right away, of course. And both boys got plenty of treats. And I got plenty of pictures. Merry us all around!
P.S. Today is the LAST DAY to donate to Santa Paws Drive! Just a little reminder. Thank you for all your support and donations this year!
A kitten in the hand is worth... at least what? Like a squillion dollars? Elebenty in a bush?
P.S. Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to donate to Santa Paws Drive!
P.P.S. We're having an informal fun party on Twitter tonight to celebrate our success and thank everyone who has supported us and donated! From 7-9pm Eastern search hashtag #santapawsdrive -- lots of prizes, the elves will be present, and lots of fun!
I have no idea how this cat guy held out so long, but resistance is futile when you're talking about a kitty that wants attention!
Jessie the cat is relentless -- he does the soft paw, the two-legged beg, even looks at the camera person like "What gives?!" Looks like it was worth all the begging -- the cuddles and attention seem pretty good!
I have no idea how in the world they taught these dogs to do this, but it's amazing. And adorable.
One by one, they each bark out the notes to Jingle Bells. I almost didn't think that last guy was going to chime in there for his last little part... but he did great!
Someone get this kitty a boombox and a sweet pair of kicks! He's got some of the best breakdancing moves I've ever seen!
Sometimes the beat just gets under your fur and there's nothing you can do but dance. Either that, or that darn tail just won't stop teasing him again...
This silly bear had me giggling out loud. I love the expression "Oh hai!" and this is exactly it! Like a nosy neighbor waving over the fence or something...
NOTE FROM CUTE: Don't forget TODAY is the last day to donate toys and treats for Santa Paws Drive! Santa will be doing final ordering and shipping the packages full of Christmas off to the shelters soon!
Our six Santa Paws Drive shelters have a total of 554 cats and 95 dogs (at last count). Our ultimate Christmas wish is for them to find homes, but let's do what we can to send them the best Christmas ever!
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp and Moo are doing a very important job... Quality control for the Santa Paws Drive toys!
We got a huge shipment in and I was inventorying everything to make sure it was there -- and having the hardest time telling Pimp and Moo these toys aren't theirs! We have plenty of toys (way more than two boys need, actually) and these are for the Santa Paws Drive shelters!
By the way, these aren't even all the toys. There were a TON of cat toys that didn't make it in the picture that I have here -- and we're still taking donations! Don't forget we have six shelters full of doggies and kitties that we're splitting this between. So the more the merrier!
There were four huge boxes like this stuffed with toys! This is what happened right when I opened them... Pimp waltzed right over, hopped on and sat like he was making claim!
And then I had to tell him they weren't his. He is not a needy kitty, our Santa Paws Drive shelter kitties are! But that didn't stop him from trying to make off with a catnip felt cube...
Then it was Moo's turn to inspect. Have you ever seen so many plush doggie bones?! Moo hasn't either. In fact, I don't think he's ever seen a doggie bone of any kind...
He was better about not trying to steal any. He just kind of sniffed around and gave his paw of approval.
So I started counting, and as I was taking everything out of the boxes and piling up what I'd counted, this is what I ended up with:
I'm king of the toy mountain!
Have you ever seen so many toys in one place? It was so awesome! The picture does it no justice. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated already!
(If you haven't checked out the raffle yet, you should! We have over $1,000 of amazingly fabulous pet products you could win. Tickets are only $1 and all proceeds go to the shelters as cash donations!)
Let's make the mountain of toys even bigger and send these special animals the best holiday ever!
Four brave kittens tackle the stairs for the first time ever! Three are pretty sure-pawed and make their way up like naturals (way to go, kitties!), but their tiny tuxie sibling isn't so sure...
Poor little thing can't quite muster up the courage. Slowly but surely, though, he makes his way up to his brothers and sisters cheering him on at the top! Yay, kitties!
NOTE FROM CUTE: Check out this pawsome giveaway I have going on over on my Catster blog right now! Click on the picture to head over and enter to win your very own Cat Ball! Moo loves his!
Gita the German Shepherd and Yasu the Bengal kitten are the best of friends. Yasu thinks that means they can share toys, so he went ahead and decided to play with one of Gita's favorite stuffed bones.
Gita had other ideas though, and decided to take her bone back -- in the most gentle, sweet, big doggie love way.
Peefer the cat has the most gentle wake-up tactic I've ever seen with a kitty. When it's time for breakfast in the morning, he gently taps his daddy's hand.
If his daddy doesn't wake up right away, Peefer gives him another few taps, then a few more. That is probably one of the cutest little feelings to wake up to!
With a belly full of milk, this little kitten is full and happy and settles in to cleaning herself. She's just getting the hang of it, so it's pretty much one of the cutest kitten grooming sessions I've ever seen.
Watch this, and I promise that in just 2 1/2 minutes your world will be a happier, more peaceful place. Mine is. This kitten is just what the doctor ordered! I think I'll watch her all day...
NOTE FROM CUTE: A tremendous thanks to all of you for helping with voting for Santa Paws Drive in the past couple days. I am so grateful for all the support! We unfortunately didn't win the big prize, but they did do something incredibly generous... Yesterday they announced they were giving the two runners up each $1,000 for their organizations, even though we didn't win the vote!
YAY! The Santa Paws Drive shelter animals' holidays just got a lot happier!
Some people delicately remove each piece of tape and gently remove paper. Others act reserved, but move quickly. But Chip the Christmas Cat... he isn't shy about his wrapping ripping. He wants his present out of there now!
It's a no-holds-barred fight to the finish, complete with bunny kicks, teeth shredding and claw grappling. This must be the BEST PRESENT EVER!
NOTE FROM CUTE: Thank you all for voting so far for Santa Paws Drive in the Facebook poll yesterday! We still have some time to vote, so if you haven't yet (a vote is a click in the actual poll, not just a comment left on their page), please head over and take a second to click and vote here! Santa Paws Drive is behind, but let's try for a comeback!
I think the official poll started about 11 a.m. ET yesterday, so it should be open till around then today. They said it was 24 hours. Thank you!
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp and Moo are feeling very poetic and wanted to share some haikus they wrote. Who knew they were so talented?!
Pimp gets to share one first, because he's the oldest:
Gimme treats now or else You won't ever sleep or rest Meow meow NOW!
Moo wrote this fine piece of prose:
O hai there, it's Moo Cuddle purr headbutt leg rub Boxes make good beds.
Is there anything these two can't do? :)
P.S. I need a one-second favor from you all if you don't mind. There is a poll going on over on Facebook and my Santa Paws Drive needs your vote! If we win, it would mean a lot of extra money would be donated to our special needs shelters this year! It only takes a second -- head over to Facebook to see where to vote (please and THANK YOU!).
Making biscuits is a very important skill for kitties. Most of them get really good at it, but side-by-side and do Synchronized Kneading is a very advanced, very well-practiced event. These two have it down pat!
Moo is stellar at Solo Kneading, by the way. Sometimes I joke that I don't even need fabric softener because he loves to "soften" my warm, clean laundry as soon as it comes out of the dryer!
NOTE FROM CUTE: Don't forget I need you to vote for Santa Paws Drive on the Fancy Feast Facebook page tomorrow! It's a 24-hour poll between three organizations, and the winner gets the 4 wedding gowns used in the Fancy Feast "Love Story" wedding commercials! Then we can auction them off and raise even more money for the special needs shelter animals this Christmas! I'll remind you tomorrow, too, but mark your calendars, please! And thank you. :) MUAH!
It's the age-old game: A kitty, a small space and something either shoved in or out of the small pace, just out of paw-reach. Most kitties give up after a while and go find another toy... but not this little one!
He uses his head and outsmarts his box fair and square!
'Tis the season to take all the Christmas decorations (a.k.a. cat toys) out and make the house a giant kitty playground for the holidays! This video is what most homes probably look like...
My favorite part, and it's not even really decoration-related, is the big cat sitting his pudgy butt in the box. Wait for it. You'll see!
This video also really good because at the end it lists all the dangers and things to be careful of with cats and Christmas decorations. You can make your home festive, but make sure you keep it safe, too!
NOTE FROM CUTE: Thanks so much for everyone who came out to our Santa Paws Drive Twitter party last night! In case you missed it, here is the post I wrote about all the exciting news and announcements we made. Two big things: We unveiled our raffle prizes for this year ($1 a ticket and we have over $1,000 in pet prizes!) and I need your help voting on Tuesday! Click here to see why. I'm SO excited!
NOTE FROM CUTE: I have some exciting Santa Paws Drive news to share today! We'll be letting the cat out of the bag (hehe!) tonight at our Twitter party from 7-9pm ET. If you can come, use hashtag #santapawsdrive to follow along and join in!
If not, we'll also be sharing on Facebook, too. RSVP to the event here so you can find out!
We'll be unveiling our raffle items for this year (over $1,000 in awesome pet stuff, and all proceeds go to the Santa Paws Drive shelters!) and making a really fabulous, fun announcement... that I'll need you help with! ;)
P.S. It's officially December and Thanksgiving has passed, so let's get festive! If you can spare a dollar or two, the special needs shelter kitties and doggies could surely use it. Donate at our site: www.santapawsdrive.com
Tuxedo loves her new sister, and doesn't mind sharing her favorite cat bed with her... even if she doesn't have fur and doesn't meow or purr. Her new human sister is still just as comfy to cuddle with!
Sometimes you hear stories about little kids and cats not getting along, or babies not being nice to kitties, but I bet these two will grow up to be the best of friends.
When Simba the cat wants a midnight snack, he helps himself just like anyone would... Trot over to the fridge, open it up, stare and what's inside and grab some leftovers.
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today's let's have a little betting game, shall we?
I just put up my Christmas tree. It is a little one with lots of character, and I think she's perfect. Her name is Stella. (I like to name everything.)
Moo's new favorite place to hang out is just behind and slightly underneath it. I'm sure you can see where I'm going here...
Stella is full of pretty, sparkly and shiny ornaments, or as Moo will likely think: cat toys.
Let's all guess how long this tree will go without Moo breaking an ornament! I'm not going to tell you how it went down last year, because that would be like insider trading or something and give you an unfair advantage.
Put your guess in the comments, and when one breaks, we'll see who is closest without going over. I'm not sure what the prize will be yet, but I'm sure I'll come up with something!
Sometimes I know I'm doing something silly and my two cats must think I'm ridiculous, but as it turns out, our pets think we're ridiculous even when we're doing things that we think are normal!
I really wish they could speak English. I bet if Pimp could talk, he'd have some very important things to say. If Moo could talk, I think he'd be one of the kinds that just ramble on and on and never really get anywhere. He's a goofball!
Here are three videos created by The Shelter Pet Project. The first one I've seen going around, but I hadn't seen the other two before. I literally LOL'd at all of them! "Poop already!"
I wonder if Pimp and Moo think about about me on the computer all the time like that girl on her cell phone? And all the meowing coming out of this thing with all the videos!
Mr. Marbles got to play in the snow for the first time ever, so naturally he had to make snow angels!
Kitty snow angels are very different from people snow angels, it seems. The cat ones are more of a flop flop flop motion, which makes a giant blob of an "angel." And it is beautiful, of course. Good job, Mr. Marbles!
P.S. Can you all believe I've never seen snow? I think I'd probably plop down and make a snow angel first, too! :)
At only one month old, this bouncing bundle of baby elephant joy is already 251 pounds -- just the right size for splish-splashing in mud puddles and having the time of her life!
She and her mom, Christie, live at the Hogle Zoo in Utah, and this is her first mud bath.
Some fun elephant facts: Baby has a lot of growing to do... her mom weighs 7,900 pounds! Also, she carried her for an incredible 22 months. That's a long time! I guess something this cute is worth the wait!
Just a tiny little tap in just the right place uncurls a rolled up sleepy kitten in just a few seconds!
P.S. Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving yesterday! If you're going to be one of those crazy people Black Friday shopping, don't forget to get a little something for your pets! :)
P.P.S. Why not get something from them from someone who isn't a big chain store? Cute's good friend who runs NipandBones.com is having 15% off everything with code BLACK15, plus free shipping on orders over $100! Check out the email she sent today!
Happy Thanksgiving, Cuteheads! I hope each and every one of you has a day filled with loved, surrounded by family, friends and pets.
Today (and every day!), I'm so thankful to have met all of you through this blog. I have become close to many of you, and hope to become closer the rest of you as time goes on.
Thank you for coming here every day and sharing your love for animals with me. And thanks for letting me share Pimp and Moo and all the parking lot kitties with you. We're all one big happy family here!
Here's to many more Thanksgivings, and even more things to be thankful for!
Oskar the blind kitten is playing with toys for the first time! He was born without formed eyeballs, but that doesn't stop him from "seeing" the toys with his other senses.
His new parents gave him his first toys ever -- bells with balls in them -- the day after they adopted him. It took him just a few seconds to figure out how to play with them, and then he was off to happy kitty playtime just like any other kitten.
If you didn't know, you might not even know he was a blind kitten! My heart is a giant puddle watching this video. I'm pretty sure I literally melted. So much awwww!
P.S. You might remember Oskar from his other super cute video that was going around not too long ago - Blind Kitten vs. Hair Dryer!
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! I know it's not quite Thanksgiving yet, but I wanted to take today to say how thankful I am that I have Pimp and Moo in my life! And, I wanted to tell you guys about what makes them each so special.
The boys are both sweet and adorable and loving, but they definitely have their own little quirks and differences. It's what makes them so unique!
Pimp purrs louder than Moo. Like a dull roar. You can hear him across the room. Moo has a delicate little purr that only ramps up when he's really, really happy.
Moo is a bigger cuddler than Pimp. Unlike most cats, with Moo, cuddle time can be your idea or his. If you start it, he's all for it! Pimp like to cuddle, too, but not as exaggeratedly and it has to be his idea.
Pimp has stripes and Moo has spots!
Moo only likes crunchy treats. For some reason, he can't eat the soft ones. It's kind of cute to watch, they just kind of fall out his mouth. Pimp loves ANY treats.
Pimp likes to drink water from the bathroom sink and will sit there for hours waiting for me to notice he wants it on. Moo only drinks from his kitty fountain.
Moo likes all toys, especially wand toys and stuffed animal ones that are almost as big as he is. Pimp only likes toys that are mice.
Pimp has to have a tiny bite of everything I eat. He begs. (I only give him stuff that is OK for kitties, of course.) Moo couldn't care less about people food.
Moo like to be in boxes. Pimp likes to be on cat beds.
Pimp is a people cat and the first one to greet anyone new at the door. Moo is the first one to hide under the bed if someone who is not me comes in.
Moo doesn't care for canned food. Have you ever heard of such a thing?!
Pimp has giant lion-sized paws. Moo's paws are tiny and dainty. Really, "dainty" is the best way to describe them.
Pimp comes when I shake the treat bag, open the pantry where the cans are kept, open the refrigerator, shake out a vitamin or Advil (I guess it sounds like treats shaking?), rustle the deli meat wrapper... You get the idea. Moo comes when I call him.
And I know I'll think of more ways they are different and add them as the day goes on!
So how are your kitties different? What makes each one so special? Let's all share in the comments!
A good massage is an art form, and I don't think this cat has quite mastered it yet. He's having a bit of a rough time balancing on his doggy buddy's back.
He's giving it a good shot, though, and the doggie is clearly enjoying his massage (how cute is the roll over at the end?), so he must be on the right track!
P.S. I have a fabulous giveaway going on over at my Catster blog right now -- we've giving away a super-deluxe, huge PetFusion Cat Scratcher Lounge! Pimp and Moo got to test one out, and they give it all paws up! Head on over to enter to win!
I knew owls were cute... but I never knew they were THIS cute.
The main, cuddly lovely owl in this video is named Spring. He loves to be petted! I think I melted just watching him and how happy he is.
Spring and the other owls here are all from the I Falconieri delle Orobie in Italy. (I'm honestly not sure what that is, but they have a Facebook page and a website if you want to see more pictures and things!)
Thanks to Cute's friend, Carol, for sharing this cute lovely owl video!
For the longest time, Pimp was an only child. Then Moo came around and turned our world upside down.
That little menace just bullied his way into my heart and Pimp's favorite spot on the bed -- and life is so much better now that it was before!
That's why we love today. It's National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day, sponsored by P.A.L., or Pets Add Life. Because they do add life to our lives. Lots of it.
I can't imagine only having one cat now. In fact, today Moo had to go on a little staycation for a couple hours. My landlord was going to come by to drop off the lease for next year and check the place out, and I'm only supposed to have one cat. So, I packed Moo and his food bowls up and he went to stay at a friend's for a couple hours.
And I was miserable! And secretly, Pimp was, too. He tries to act like he doesn't like Moo, but I know he really does. He enjoys the company and having another cat around. I'm gone all day for work all the time, and this way they at least have each other around!
Plus, Moo keeps Pimp in shape and young. They chase each other around the house like crazy! Sometimes I think I have buffaloes instead of cats. I wonder what the people below me think.
No matter! Pimp is burning calories, thanks to Moo, and that makes his life better! Some reasons why you should get a pet a pal: --They get more toys! Twice as many even, if they're lucky. --They get more treats! Pimp always picks up Moo's scraps. --They get more exercise! It takes two to chase. --They get more love. Sneaky Moo loves to give Pimp a little lick every now and then. --They get more company. There's always a best friend around.
Pimp would not like me sharing this... but I have proof that they love each other.
P.S. That is our old house... and our old couch! That was before I discovered the wonders of microfiber. ;)
So what are you waiting for? There is somecat or somedog in a shelter somewhere just waiting for you to bring them home so they can make both you and your pet's life better!
This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership, which is nice, of course, but I would have done it anyway! :)
This tiny kitten has a big comfy box, padded and cozy with plush towels and a bed, but there's a whole big world out there just waiting to be explored!
And so he plans his great escape. Carefully at first (it's tough being so little!), but then he gives is one strong, brave big-boy push...
When you call this house, chances are you're not going to hear "hello" when the phone is answered. What you'll probably hear is "meow!" instead.
Whenever the phone rings, Fred runs right over to answer it. Sure, maybe he just doesn't want to hear that darn ringing noise anymore, but it's more fun to think that he's answering the phone!
Daisy the Curly Cat is one of my favorite cats in the cat-blogging world, and she very smart, too! In this video, she shows off her new trick -- she rings a bell for treats!
Her Mommeh, as she calls her, taught her that every time she dings the bell on the counter, she gets a treat. She is very good at her trick, and it is fun that she also shows how she learned it!
I think if I taught Pimp this trick, none of us would ever get any rest around here, what with the non-stop dinging...
Also, yesterday I sent a little email out thanking everyone who contributed to Bully's surgery. I was so touched by all the support, that I can't begin to tell you all how much all your comments and kind words mean to me.
In my email, I mentioned that I had gotten a plaster pawprint of Bully's little foot, and that I have four of these now from parking lot kitties that we've helped to the Bridge. They are all very special.
Someone asked if I would share a picture with her, and I did. But I also thought you all might like to see, too. Kitty paws and noses are my favorite part, so I love having these as a tribute.
I posted one of these pictures on our Facebook page this week, and here's the rest of the set in a slideshow!
Every single time I sit out on my beach balcony, Moo is just dying to get out there with me. I don't let him, because it's not screened in, but sometimes I'll take him out holding him and sit in the chair so he can get the fresh breeze.
Poor thing, huh? This is what I look at every day I work from home!
Chef is a military dog who is now retired and living a happy, easy life. This is his first time ever meeting a kitten!
He has no idea what he's supposed to do with him at first, but you can tell how gentle and sweet he is. This particular kitty was adopted out, but Chef does have a kitten sibling of his own now, and they love each other very much.
In the video, you can notice how Chef's tail is docked. It says he was injured in active duty and they had to remove it. Chef is a hero!
Harry the cat is just lounging around with him human baby sister, Penelope. I think he might actually be trying to teach her to roll over! He is a good brother.
If people can jump into the arms of the ones they love, kitties can, too!
I'm pretty sure that I could teach Moo to do this. Sometimes I think he might already. He loves to get on the bathroom counter and kind of lean way forward while I'm getting ready. I usually get nervous he's going to jump on me and scratch, so I get closer. But maybe we'll try the flying cat hug trick next time!
Mama Hippo and her baby swimming around with each other at the Valencia Zoo in Spain. For such big creatures, doesn't it look like they are light as feathers in the water? It's like they glide around.
I could watch this over and over again. So very peaceful.
Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp and Moo want to show you the bottoms of their feet. They know I love their little paw pads, and they think you will, too!
On a serious note, I really want to thank all of you for your nice comments and generosity yesterday when I had to help Bully to the Bridge. I was completely overwhelmed by all the caring, and it makes me love all of you, and this blog, even more. Without the Cute, I would never have had the chance to "meet" most of you.
I am going to total up Bully's expenses and email everyone today or tomorrow. Yesterday was a rough day, and I didn't want to think about too much. Thank you again. Reading through all the comments was so heartwarming and helpful. I really appreciate all of you. --Dorian
Most of you know I feed the parking lot kitties at my office. They get vet care, too, if they need it. But up until now, it's never been anything major.
We've pulled teeth, given them Revolution, antibiotics for bites... Little easy-to-handle things. But this week, for the first time, I had to make a real life-or-death, expensive decision, and it really made me think.
I have always said that cost is not a factor when it comes to my kitties. If Pimp or Moo ever needed ANYTHING, I'd sell my car, max out credit cards, whatever it took. They are that precious and important to me.
But a cat in a parking lot? Where do you draw the line?
Last week, we noticed Bully, my favorite cat in the parking lot, wasn't eating. Actually he was slowly eating less and less, and we were getting concerned. So we decided to take him to the vet.
On Thursday, the day we were going to take him, he was nowhere to be found. Not normal. He is a fixture, and always there. We looked, we searched and finally found him late in the day, looking sad and miserable in a bush. He looked like a person looks when they have the worst flu ever. Just miserable.
So off to the vet he went. He had a fever... and something in his stomach. The vet could feel it and it seemed big, but needed an x-ray to see what it was.
Hi. I'm Bully and I'm anything but a Bully.
Turns out Bully had eaten something with a claw. (We think it was an iguana foot.) It was inches long, stuck high up in him, clogging him up and causing his intestines to become very inflamed. He got antibiotics and doctor's orders to watch him and see if he starting eating in the next few days. Sometimes it can take a couple weeks for cats to pass things like this, he said.
And Bully had to pass this... or else it would mean surgery that could cost thousands of dollars.
He went to our friend's house (who also has Stubbie still). He didn't eat Friday. He didn't eat Saturday. He wasn't going to do this on his own. Sunday morning his other parking lot mom, Kelly, talked to the vet.
We had to make a decision: Either put him to sleep or pay for expensive surgery.
Now, if this were Pimp or Moo, it would not even be a question. But for a cat from a parking lot... who is going back to the parking lot after the surgery? The decision wasn't so clear.
But I couldn't just let a cat die because he ate something. A great cat. A friendly, loving, perfect cat who I am pretty sure is Daddy Meow's brother. (They both have big heads and similar dispositions. I have always thought that.)
If we can save him, should we try? He doesn't have to die. After the surgery, he should bounce right back -- the vet said it's usually very successful and cats go right back to normal. The surgery would cost between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on what he sees when he actually goes in there to get the claw thing out.
In the end, we decided that we don't have thousands of dollars, but we do have huge hearts and we owe it to Bully to do what we can to help him. He's having surgery today.
I know some people will think it's crazy, but it's the only decision I could live with. And I know most of you aren't the people who would think I'm crazy. You guys get it.
I don't usually like to ask for money, and I struggled with even putting this up, but if anyone would like to chip in to help out with the costs of Bully's surgery, I've set up a Chipin where you can contribute. I know times are tough for many, so please only give if you can spare it.
We made this decision, and we'll find a way to pay for it.
And Bully is going to make it. And every single time I look at him, I'm going to know we made the right decision, because he'll still be around giving me that look and rubbing my legs and being the first one in line for the pile of food.
Here's a video of him I took Sunday when I visited. I told him we were going to fix him all up.
Please think of him today. I don't know what time the surgery will be, but I'll update as soon as I know when it is and how it goes.
P.S. I'm posting this on both of my blogs today, because it's the only important thing to me right now. If you've already read it over there, thanks for visiting both. I'll tell Bully you said hi. :)
Update 9:30 a.m.: Bully is at the vet. He's going to get blood work done and another x-ray to see exactly where the claw thing is now. As long as the blood work checks out, he'll have surgery early afternoon. The vet did warn us that he is an anesthesia risk (Bully is probably 10-ish years old), but that's normal for older cats. Once he goes in, he'll call us if he sees anything that he thinks he can't fix (it is a claw, and sharp, so hopefully it hasn't injured him inside). Everything crossed that surgery goes well for our little man! I'll update as soon as I hear anything else. Also, you all are amazing. I am so touched. I don't even know what to say. Thank you. :)
Update 10:10 a.m.: Well, the vet called. He did another x-ray and saw something that was obstructed by the claw and bones before. Turns out the claw thing has moved down a little, but the vet is seeing something else there and he thinks it might be an abdominal tumor. Please no cancer! :( He is going to try and get some of the cells and check it out so he can know for sure. High white blood count is high, which is not a good sign. I'll keep you posted. This isn't good. :(
Update 10:41 a.m.:The doctor says the tumor is inoperable and he thinks that it is that, not the claw thing, that is causing him to not eat and feel bad. The claw is actually moving along in him. His white blood cell count is really high and his red really low. I'm so sad. I'm heading over to be with him now and we're going to help him to the Bridge so he can go peacefully. :(
I'm going to close the Chipin. He does have expenses from his two trips to the vet and all this testing. I'll see what that is and get back to you all. Thank you.
Update 11:50 a.m: Bully passed peacefully to the Bridge surrounded by love from his three parking lot mommies petting him, talking to him and kissing him. He loved us, and we truly loved him, too. We asked to have a private cremation and we're going to spread his ashes back home, here in the parking lot. We lost a very special cat today.
Since the baby goat dancing a couple days was such a hit, here is more baby goat. This one (in my opinion) is ever cuter... because he's playing with a cat!
Pepperjack the baby goat and Macy the cat are just horsing around on the stairs a little. It's like a cross between a game of chase and a boxing match, with a little hopping and headbutting thrown in, of course. Goats.
Now I want a baby goat even more.
Thanks to Cute's fabulous friend, Vicki of Bunny's Blog, for sharing this cute baby goat video!
Milo the cat is the new guy in town, and this is his first time meeting Niko, the resident hedgehog.
Milo is a curious kitty, so of course he tries to "pet" him, and quickly learns Niko is a little spiky. The video says that Milo was cautiously tapping a hair brush the next day, too, because it looked spiky like Niko!
Now the two of them are used to each other and get along. It even says Niko goes running full hedgehog speed at Milo and the two of them play!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: See the Santa Paws Drive widget over there on the right side? Santa Paws Drive is officially started again! It's my annual toy and treat drive for shelter pets (think "Toys for Tots" but for cats and dogs). This is our third year and we decided to focus on shelters that help special needs pets. Read all about it at santapawsdrive.com and spread the word!
Who doesn't love a baby pygmy goat dancing for joy? Little goats love to hop for some reason, and from what I've seen on my favorite goat blog, they love to hop on things that are high off the ground, like spools and stumps.
I guess they like to be on top of the world! (Which makes sense, since Quaver the baby goat is at the top of the Cute list today!)
Thanks to Cute's Facebook friend, Julienne, for sharing this cute baby goat hopping video!
If this is how episodes of Tom and Jerry had gone, I'm not sure we would have found them so entertaining as kids... but they would have been really cute!
I wonder if this kitty looks out the window at the birdies in the trees and just sees them as a bunch of friends he'd like to snuggle up with, too?
Even the best moms need a little break every now and then, so it's important to have a good babysitter.
When you're a farm cat, the best babysitter around is a brooding hen. They'll sit on and warm up almost anything apparently... even wiggly, fuzzy, adorable kittens!
Today is a big day around here. It's Halloween (the boys can't wait to show you their costumes!) and it's also Moo's birthday! What a great way to start the week!
Pimp and Moo's Halloween costumes this year are probably the most adorable ones I've ever gotten them. They are deluxe and a little wild. What do you say we go on a little safari...
Oh hai! Elephant Moo here. I have a TRUNK!
Moo is an elephant! The costume is really so ridiculous. He has giant ears, a trunk and tusks. Moo had to be the elephant because there was no way Pimp was going to handle all that stuff on his head.
RAWR! I am a fierce tiger. Can't you tell? Rawr, I say. Rawr!
Not very intimidating, is he? That tiger costume makes him look like an adorable stuffed animal and I just wanted to hug him the whole time he had it on. Don't you just want to snuggle him?
Whoa! It's like a jungle on our couch! Tigers and elephants and kitties, oh my!(Moo thinks Pimp looks ridiculous.)
We are kind of flat, but that's only because we have these ridiculous costumes on. But don't worry, we got yummy treats right after!
And now on to Moo's birthday! I figured enough was enough already with the Halloween costumes, so I didn't make him wear a birthday hat, but he is getting lots of extra love and smooches today!
Can you all help me sing to him? Let's do it in the comments! I'll start.
1. Adorable fluffy kittens 2. Cat guy 3. Kitten hugs (How sweet are these babies?!) 4. Did I say adorable fluffy kittens yet?
NOTE FROM CUTE: Be sure to come by tomorrow to see Pimp and Moo's Halloween costumes! Tomorrow is also Moo's birthday! It's going to be a wild day over here.
Whoever heard this pug and decided he sounded like he was singing the Batman theme song is an absolute genius. Because he really is! And the video they made to go with it cracks me up.
Thanks to Cute's friend, Melissa, for passing along this silly pug sings the Batman theme video!
And now all of the sudden I'm mad that Pimp and Moo aren't going to be Batman and Robin for Halloween. Maybe next year...
La la la... I'm just a kitty walking through the yard. Lovely day out today. The birds are chirping, the sky is blue, the grass is -- WHAT THE?! What in the world? Where did that cat come from?
I love how the cat just walks away like, "OK, um, that never happened. I'll just walk away slowly now."
Note from Cute: SO excited! This year's Santa Paws Drive officially starts taking donations on Tuesday, November 1. It's like Toys for Tots, but for animals! I started it three years ago with some bloggie buddies, and we hope this year is better than ever! You can read more at SantaPawsDrive.com.