About Feline Opines

Writer, entrepreneur and lover of felines (and all furry creatures). You can learn more about me and my connection with felines in my story, All My Children Wear Fur Coats, In the 2016) issuer of Chicken Soup For the Cat Lover's Soul, My Very Good, Very Bad Cat. Feline Opines was awarded a Muse Medallion in 2018 from The Cat Writer's Association. The Felines have a book called "Felines Opine on God" available at Amazon & Barnes and Noble and a cozy mystery will be released soon.

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 11/01

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Feline Opines

Hi There Folks,

Alberto here bringing you my Wednesday mewsings from around the web. I hope you enjoy this week’s picks.

Purrs & Head Bonks,

Feral Cats From California Get Work, New Lives In Colorado-The Denver Post

The feral cat population in California is exploding (estimates are 3 million). The weather is warm and food is fairly plentiful but feral cats don’t have great lives and don’t live very long either. Many California feral cats are euthanized but these kitties, if spayed/neutered can thrive if they’re given jobs as rodent control. And there are some dedicated folks in Colorado and at the Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, a feral cat rescue are doing. So far they’ve made three trips from California to Colorado in the “Meowgic School Bus” giving felines a ride to their new work locations in barns, homes and businesses in Salida, Golden and Fort Collins Colorado. What a wonderful way to give feral kitties a home and a purrrrrpose in life!

Cats at Weddings – Pinterest

I have previously reported on weddings that included beloved felines or cat-themed weddings. Little did I know you could search “cats at weddings” and find such a treasure trove of photos. So humans, fear not. You can find all kinds of ideas to include your beloved kitty in your future wedding preparations.

The Real Felines of New York – I Can Haz Cheeseburger?

I will never understand why you humans are so interested in “housewives” from so many cities. I guess Jim Tews felt the same way so he started a page that features kitties from around the city. Not only are the photos great but you can really get a glimpse into the life of the kitties in the Big Apple, for instance, there’s Scout from Astoria who has suffered under the city’s regulations, “I went to culinary school. I tried to open my own pastry shop, but I quickly found out I was up against a bureaucracy that was beyond my comprehension, and pretty intolerant. I had everything in place, but the health inspector shut us down as soon as he realized my staff was all cats.”

Rescued Feral Kitten Named D.O.G. Helps Train Support Dogs – Little Things

This story combines two things I love, cat adoption and working cats. Support Dogs Inc, in St. Louis recently added a feline member to the team. He’s a former feral kitten named D.O. G (pronounced “dee-OH-gee”) who has become one of the best training tools they have. He trains the dogs to sit still, not to get up or react to him (and not to bark). D.O.G. is purrfectly fit for the job because he’s fearless and he stands up to all the dogs no matter their size. Way to go D.O.G and thanks to Support Dogs Inc for giving this feline a home and a job!

True Heroes, Men Who Save Cats From Trees – BBC News

There are some mighty tall trees in Washington state, but Washington felines, take heart because you have Sean Sears and Tom Otto from Canopy Cat Rescue. I say two paws up for these great humans! (You can see them in action by clicking on the link to the video below).

http://www.bbc.com/news/av/embed/p05ll77q/41824821

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 10/25

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Feline Opines

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Hi There Folks,
Alberto here with my favorite feline tidbits from the web.
Enjoy!

Siamese cat with blue eyes

Modern, Architect-Designed Outdoor Cat Dwellings for Charity – Design Milk

gray tabby kitten in fancy cat condo
Architects pulled out all the creative stops when they designed, built and donated unique and functional outdoor dwellings for cats. Even celebrities got into the act and they decorated and auctioned off food bowls to benefit local shelters. Thirteen cat-tastic dwellings were created this year. Which one is your favorite?

Miniature Furniture Designed Especially for Cats – Maxim

felinebed
Once you have that condo purchased and set up, you’re going to need to furnish it and there’s a Japanese furniture manufacturer, Okawa City who can handle the task. Purrrsonally, I’m a fan of the kitty sized bed and the matching nightstand and lamp. Check them out and watch the video of felines enjoying their new furnishings.

Paddles, The “First Cat” of New Zealand – HuffPost

paddles the yellow and white first cat of New Zealand

I attempt to stay away from purrrlitical things here but my love of working cats forces me to report on purrrlitical felines. Paddles will be New Zealand’s “First Cat” when his human, labor party leader Jacinda Ardern becomes Prime Minister. And that’s not the only thing unusual about Paddles, she has opposable thumbs so I’m thinking she will be typing her own purrrlitical announcements on her Twitter account @FirstCatofNZ

The Camping With Cats Instagram Page is Purrrfect – Cheezeburger

gray tabby camping in winter If you follow me Wednesday meanderings you know I love to feature adventure cats and this week I hit the jackpot! There is an Instagram page with camping cats (a few that I’ve featured in past Walk Through The Web Wednesday posts). I am inspired and am looking forward to having my human providing me with a little adventure in the snow this winter!

German Man Planning to Open Sweden’s First Cat Cafe – The Local

yellow and white tabby at Stockholms first cat cafe

Dirk Lüders visited cat cafes all over the world and decided that Sweden needed one too. The Cat Corner will be open soon and will be more focused on the “cat” than the “café” part and he hopes to raise awareness about the problem of homeless animals in Sweden.

So he started work on The Cat Corner and hopes to open the country’s very first cat café in the coming months. According to figures from the cat charity Svekatt, there are 150,000 homeless cats in Sweden and 30,000 in the Stockholm area alone, and those numbers are growing. The café will allow people who can’t have cats to enjoy feline time and will work with local shelters to get cats adopted.

Methinks it’s time for my humans to plan an international cat café trip..but wait, that would mean they’d have to a cat sitter for The Tribe of Five so maybe they’ll have to go one at a time. In the meantime, the humans will just have to follow this cat cafe on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Linky Party, October 21, 2017

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Feline Opines

Five cats in hats celebrating Linky Party

Hello Folks,
Lily here. It’s my turn to be the Linky Party host and I couldn’t be happier. I had my purrrrsonal assistant purrrruse all the linky participants from last time and I picked my three faves. ‘Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Purrs & Head Bonks,
LilyLogo

Scratching Post Secrets Revealed Week #2 – ChirpyCats

I loved the scratching post sticky notes and who knew that this is a thing with felines? I recently saw that Bear Cat (Momma Kat and her Bear Cat) is quite fond of the stickies and now ChirpyCats are promoting them as well. Well sheesh, I’m always the last to get on the trend bandwagon. I was so inspired by this post that I put a sticky on the floor for Alberto. Maybe now he’ll quit spitting all over my furry little blue mouse!

Like Cats and Dogs – Travels With Barley

dog and white cat

I loved this story about how a dog and a cat are best buddies. Makes me think that maybe the Tribe of Five could get along with a canine if the humans decide to do such a thing. Of course there would have to be a meeting. A very lengthy meeting!

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Welcome to the Pet Blogger Showcase!

This is the place for you to show off your favorite family friendly pet related posts, find other great posts to read, show some love to other bloggers and maybe be featured on one of the host blogs!

Meet the Hosts Behind the Showcase

Pet Faves– Living the pet lover lifestyle

Heart Like A Dog– The good, the bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs

Felines Opines– The world from a feline point of view

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat– The humorous and touching tales of a formerly homeless, yet always extraordinary, feline and his Momma, who’s just along for the ride.

About the Pet Blogger Showcase

Twice a month, On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, you have the chance to link up one of your blog posts to the linky party link-up. Then visit 3 other blogs that joined the party and leave a meaningful comment. Feel free to share with your followers on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. Then each week the hosts will feature their favorite 3 posts from the previous Linky Party on the new party post.

Pet Blogger Showcase Rules

Share a pet specific post, past or present, from your blog in the linky below (be sure to link to your post page and not your home page). Family friendly posts only. (We love reading about other topics and niches, but posts that are not pet related will be deleted this includes any posts that don’t mention pets even if they are on a pet blog or if the post could pertain to pets.)
Spread the Love! Leave a quality comment(more than just a few words) on at least 3 other posts from the linky party. Tell them why you love their post, encourage them, share on social media.
Check back for the next linky party to see if you are featured on one of the hosts’ blogs.

*Note: By adding your post to the linky party you are giving the hosts permission to use an image from your post if your post will be a featured post on their blog to help encourage people to click through to your post. The image may be used individually or as a collage.

That’s it! No need to RSVP. No need to bring a covered dish. No need to add the linky to your post. No need to include a button. Just come join the party and PAWTY ON!

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list..

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 10/18

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Feline Opines

546cd8fc-571d-40dc-9c00-c8eb9b6fbc2a-180-00000000e573caec

Hello Friends Furry, Feathered and Otherwise,

It’s time to purrruse my favorite findings on the web. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Siamese cat with blue eyes

Handsome Cat and Climber Duo Camp Across the World in One Sleeping Bag – People

man and his black cat camping in the snow

You all know I have a penchant for adventure cats and aspire to be one myself one day soon so naturally I couldn’t pass up this story. Simon and his human JJ Yosh have been adventure pals from the day they met.

Yosh said he started training Simon the day he came to live with him at a few weeks of age. Yosh is always outdoors and he wanted to enjoy his adventures with Simon and now the 17-month old feline explores the beautiful Colorado scenery where he lives and he and his human also explore other areas of the world. Simon has his own Instagram account and he’s become a world-famous adventure kitty. Simon, you’re my hero!

Stop the mewsic: A cat festival is coming to London – Time Out London

London CatFest

Once again our friends across the pond prove that England is one of the most feline friendly places. The newest event will take place in July 2018.

The event will be held at The Oval Space in east London. Attendees will see cat videos, enjoy tasty vegetarian street food and visit the Meow Parlor to visit with adoptable shelter kittens.

There will also be a “Cat Lit” section where readings will be done from “Homer’s Odyssey” now before you wonder what feline connection this book has it’s about an abandoned blind kitten.

Now if you plan to go, you are encouraged to wear feline themed clothing (you know like my favorite shirt that says “real men love cats”. There will even be a “Glamour Puss” beauty bar and of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without cat art.

If you don’t think you can wait until July, you can always visit London’s Cat Cafe (Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium) in the meantime.

Nathan the Beach Cat loves to swim in the ocean -Trending.com

black cat swimming in the ocean

First, let me begin by telling you that Nathan is a “she”. This little kitty was dumped on a highway in Australia in a box. Her humans, Rian and Melissa came to her rescue and the rest, as they say, is history. The family started taking her on their beach adventures and it was clear early on that this kitty was a lover of the water. She has so many adventures on the high seas that she’s now started her own Instagram account.

I’m quite impressed with these adventure cats and wonder if having black fur makes you a bit more adventurous than other felines.

Distillery Cat Wanted: Must Be Affable, Brand-Boosting, Cold-Blooded Killer – The Salt

DistilleryCat

A few months ago I featured an article about Ricky, the distillery cat who has done such a fantastic job, the distillery is planning on hiring more felines. Well, who knew that cats had a long history of working in distilleries?

This article features some of the more well-known distillery employed cats such as Towser the Mouser of Glenturret which is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Towser killed over 28,000 mice during her 24-year career earned her a place in the Guinness World Records.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this popular job for cats, you’ll love this article.

Clapham Common: Every advert at Tube station replaced with pictures of cats – Evening Standard

cat photos replace advertisements in English Tube station

Once again, the British prove that they are feline fans! People who travel through

Clapham Common station now can enjoy photos of cats rather than advertisements. Citizens Advertising Takeover Service (CATS) decided they wanted to give passengers a break from the deluge of advertising and raised 23,000UKL to give the station a complete kitty makeover.

A total of 68 advertisements in the station were replaced with photos featuring felines from two rescue organizations, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Cats Protection. The clever folks of CAT also marketed the concept to cat owners, who donated 100UKL to make their felines famous. One gentlemen flew to England just to see his kitty’s photo displayed at the station.

James Turner, who spearheaded the campaign said, “We hope people will enjoy being in the station and maybe think a bit differently about the world around them. “Instead of asking you to buy something, we’re asking you to think about what’s really valuable in your life. It might not be cats, but it’s probably something you can’t find in the shops.”

Well I say two paws up for this idea and think we should think about something like this in the good old US of A!

According to the Daily Mail, owners Rian and Melissa serve as Nathan’s lifeguards. The couple adopted the kitten earlier this year, after she was found abandoned in a box by a highway.

A Blustery Day

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Feline Opines

Hi folks,

Oliver here. It’s fall in my neck of the woods and it’s quite the job being Chief Leaf watcher!

Black Cat Awareness Month, Part 1

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Feline Opines

Hi Folks,

Oliver here. The feline human was telling us that the month of October is Black Cat Awareness Month. We didn’t realize that some people don’t like black cats and that there are many wrong ideas about these fabulous felines. The Tribe of Five decided we wanted to support our ebony feline friends and, since I am the closest Tribe member to being a black cat, I won the job of official spokespurrson. I hope you enjoy my first post about these amazing cats and I hope you would consider adopting a black cat!

Our Beloved Buster

BlaxkCatBuster

I’m beginning this series with a tribute to a former member of The Tribe of Five. I never got to meet him but Tucker and Jasmine knew him (they moved all the way from sunny California to our home here in the Inland Northwest with him). They told me he was a great guy, sweet, loving and funny. The humans still get misty eyed when they think about him. So here’s to Buster, a very handsome and well loved black cat.

An All Black Cat Cafe in Japan

BlaxkCatCatCafe

There are many cat cafes in Japan but this one only features black kitties. Each cat has a distinctive collar to identify them. What a cool idea. I wonder if anyone will be opening an all “black and white cat cafe” soon?

Black Cats and Sailors

BlackCatShip

Sailors enjoyed having cats on board as the cats would keep the mice away from their food supplies. They also felt they were good luck and British sailors chose black cats to sail with them as they believed the would guarantee them a safe return home.

Well, those are my first “Black Cat Facts”. Stay tuned for more information about these pawsome felines.

Purrs & Head Bonks,
OllieHead

Oliver

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 10/11

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Feline Opines

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Hello There,
It’s my favorite day of the week when I purruse the wonders of the web for fabulous feline tales. I hope things are going well for all my friends out there. It’s getting a bit chilly in our neck of the woods but I must say, Oliver and I enjoy sitting on the window sills and chasing leaves as they flutter by us.

I hope you enjoy my news tidbits for the week.

Purrs & Head Bonks,

Siamese cat with blue eyes

Policewoman Has Rescued/Rehomed more than 60 Cats & Kittens – Metro UK

policewoman rescues kittens and cats

My humans have always had great respect for those who serve and protect us but I’ve always been a bit ambivalent, until I heard about Officer Gretchen Byrne that is, she is a REAL Hero!

This officer is not just a crime fighter, she’s a cat saver and whenever she can she rescues cats. She started her rescuing mission a few years ago when she couldn’t bear the sight of cats scavenging for food on her beat.

Many of the shelters where she lives in South Florida are full so she decided she’d do what she could for the feral cat population. (If it wasn’t for good folks like Officer Byrne, shelters and our humans, The Tribe of Five might have been relegated to finding our meals in trash cans!)

This lady is amazing, she fosters kittens, brings grown cats to her home to get them in shape for adoption and works to find every feline a furever home. The Tribe of Five give you a two paws up salute Officer Byrne!

To Costume or Not to Costume – Halloween

I am not a fan of felines in fancy dress (hence my expression when the humans tried to stuff me in a dinosaur costume last Halloween), but I know there are some felines out there who enjoy a bit of dress up so I will put aside my own opinions for those of you who enjoy this holiday.

Cats & Dogs Doing Halloween Better Than You-Daily Mail

Tuxedo cat in baked potato Halloween costume
Oh the indignity of these photos. I have always held the Tuxedo cat in high esteem, there’s something about that elegant black and white coat that screams class…..until you put a Tuxedo in a baked potato outfit. People, Please!!!

Pet Faves Picks, Halloween Costumes For Your Pets – PetFaves.com

Gray Tabby in a doctor Halloween costume

These folks not only share some costume ideas, they provide links so you can purchase the purrrrfect feline Halloween outfit. If I had to choose, I think I’d go for the rather dashing doctor costume!

Dublin’s First Cat Cafe – Lovin’ Dublin

black kittens at the Dublin cat cafe

Georgina O’Neill, a feline loving Dublin business woman, inspired by the many cat cafes in Japan, decided to bring the concept to the Emerald Isle. Not only can you get a cuddle from a kitten but you can sip complimentary coffee during the process. The female human is very bummed that this cafe wasn’t open the last time she visited Ireland. We urge all you humans to life up your Guinness and wish these kitties the luck of the Irish, Sláinte!

Artist Lesley Anne Ivory brings Manx Cats to Isle of Man Post Office Stamps-Isle of Man Post Office

manx cat paintings on stamps
The Manx cat is celebrated on these beautiful postage stamps by Lesley Anne Ivory. The amazing art work on the stamps displays some of her favorite things, cats, flora, fauna and quilts. If you are a lover of cats, quilts and flora and fauna too, you can order these stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office.

The Human Opines..on DOGS??

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Feline Opines

Hello Friends,
So this happened. Evidently, the female human weighed in on the subject of canines? Really? We were shocked and a bit amused but after having the male human read the questions and answers to us, we had to agree, she made sense!

We don’t do this often but here you go, some great advice about canines at Pet Wellness Advisor, “The Biggest Mistakes Dog Owners Make”

Purrs & Head Bonks,

Night

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Feline Opines

We love to purrruse the web with the female human, we find all kinds of interesting things. Case in point, when we went over to visit our friend Purrseidon we learned about a new, creative blog and we just had to join in.

JNW’s blog is doing a Halloween challenge all month. Today the theme is “Night” so I insisted the female human post my pawsome night photo at #JHC. You should sashay on over and enjoy the blog.

Purrs & Head Bonks,
Oliver

It’s Linky Party Time! 10/6

Posted on October 7, 2017 by Feline Opines

Five cats in hats celebrating Linky Party
Hi There,
Oliver here. It’s pawty time again and I’m hosting this one. When #TheTribeOfFive was deciding which blog post of ours to feature, I stretched out and contemplated for quite a img_0097-1 while. I finally decided that we wanted to highlight our “Let’s Talk About Adoption” post, even though it was for Remember Me Thursday on Sept. 28. Pet adoption is a big deal in our house (all five of us are rescues) and besides, you get to see the awesome kitten pictures of each of us (and a tribute to Miss P. and Buster who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge).

But enough about us, here are my three picks from the last party, enjoy and please join us in the Linky Party Festivities, all species of pets are welcome!
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Oliver

Arrrrr – Erin the Princess Cat

I always love to read about the goings on in Erin’s regal residence and this story had me enthralled. Seems Erin found herself on the high seas with quite a cast of characters. This is what happens when you take International Talk Like a Pirate Day too seriously!

A Beautiful Tribute To Zoe – 15andmeowing

zoe

We love the felines at this wonderful blog. They took the time to send love and condolences to our friends at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life on the loss of their beloved fur kid Zoe. The Tribe of Five sends our love and prayers as well. Say hello to Miss P. and Buster Zoe!

Sister Saturday with Dolly – Brian’s Home

long haired gray and white tabby cat
I love to read the updates from the female felines at this blog. Dolly is one pretty kitty and the two sisters here at the Tribe of Five are thinking a “Sister Saturday” would be a good idea on our blog as the brothers seem to take over the blog writing!

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Welcome to the Pet Blogger Showcase!

img_2985-1 This is the place for you to show off your favorite family friendly pet related posts, find other great posts to read, show some love to other bloggers and maybe be featured on one of the host blogs!

Meet the Hosts Behind the Showcase:
Pet Faves– Living the pet lover lifestyle
Heart Like A Dog– The good, the bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs
Felines Opines– The world from a feline point of view
Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat– The humorous and touching tales of a formerly homeless, yet always extraordinary, feline and his Momma, who’s just along for the ride.

About the Pet Blogger Showcase

Pet Blogger Showcase Rules

Share a pet specific post, past or present, from your blog in the linky below (be sure to link to your post page and not your home page). Family friendly posts only. (We love reading about other topics and niches, but posts that are not pet related will be deleted this includes any posts that don’t mention pets even if they are on a pet blog or if the post could pertain to pets.)
Spread the Love! Leave a quality comment(more than just a few words) on at least 3 other posts from the linky party. Tell them why you love their post, encourage them, share on social media.
Check back for the next linky party to see if you are featured on one of the hosts’ blogs.

That’s it! No need to RSVP. No need to bring a covered dish. No need to add the linky to your post. No need to include a button. Just come join the party and PAWTY ON!

Powered by Linky Tools

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…