Lily Opines on Her Likes & Dislikes on Friendly Friday Fill Ins #114

Happy Friday Furiends!
I’m doing the fill ins this week. It’s great fun! Our furiends 15andmeowing and Four-Legged Furballs are hosting this blog hop. In case you don’t know, a blog hop is when you hop on over to a hosting site and add the fill in answers from your blog. If you’re not feeling like hopping this week, we’d love to hear what your fill ins are and you can opine about them in our comments section.
Purrs & Head Bonks,

LilyLogo

Here are this week’s fill in questions:

1. I tried  __________________ and I liked it.
2. Am I the only one who ___________________?

3. _________ is my hero/heroine.
4. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be _______

Here are my answers:

1. I tried wearing the  Female Human’s jewelry and I liked it.
cat with jewelry
2. Am I the only one who sleeps better with a cuddle buddy?
siamese cats cuddling together
3. Our local police/sheriff/fire department people  are my heroes and heroines. (And I like to help them)
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4. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be stinky sardines in sauce. When The Male Human serves this delightful dish it’s a celebration! I eat so much I have to stretch out on the sofa to recover from my food stupor!
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Walk Through The Web Wednesday 7/18

siamese cat on a leash walking through a garden

Hello Furiends,
It’s Albert, walkin’ the web and looking to bring you unusual news and tidbits of the feline variety.

I hope you enjoy this week’s offerings.
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Siamese cat with blue eyes

8 Cat Themed Pregnancy Announcement Ideas That Are Cute & Hilarious – Romper

tabby cat in pregnancy announcement picture
This is a pawsome article. When  you humans have your little human kittens, it’s really nice if you let your feline in residence purrticipate in the announcement and these humans did just that.

Now including a pet in pregnancy announcements is not really new, but what is new is that the felines are getting their five minutes of fame now (usually the humans include the canines). I love this idea and, if any of you humans out there have done this or are planning on doing this, please let us know. We’d love to feature your pics!

10 Science-Backed Tips for Getting a Cat to Like You – Mental Floss

human petting a gray cat

Folks, I just want to tell you that this Mikel Delgado is one smart human! She received her Ph.D. at UC-Berkeley in psychology studying animal behavior and human-pet relationships. So I say, you humans should pay attention to what she says!

There are a lot of great tips like letting us felines make the first move (we hate being rushed), pay attention to how we felines greet each other, we often approach another cat in a nose to nose way. You can simulate this by bending down and offer a finger tip toward the cat’s nose…and let us decide how we’re going to respond. And for goodness sake people, if you get a negative response, BACK AWAY and don’t force it! Chances are we’ll come around soon. And I beg you, please share this with your friends who are clueless about cats!

Retired Math Teacher Finds Solution to Help Save Local Cats – 3WEARTV.com

homeless cat gets help in Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Paws Up award by FelineOpines.net for humans who do amazing things for catsThis human gets our  Paws up award. When she saw the massive population of stray and abandoned animals, she used her math training to devise a systematic approach to do something about it.

Sara DeMonbrun said, “I’ve been an animal lover all my life and I couldn’t bear to see these little cute little animals running around without a home.” She started an organization called S.O.C.K.S (Save Our Cats and Kittens). She recruited three people at the beginning to help her. Through Sara’s efforts as well as her husband and volunteers the number of animals being euthanized in Fort Walton Beach, FL has been reduced drastically. Today, Sara is dealing with Parkinson’s Disease but she’s still focused on her mission to save as many cats as she can.  To keep Sara’s legacy going, S.O.C.K.S. has begun Sara’s Angel Tree where people can sponsor a leaf in tribute to or in memory of their own favorite feline.  Watch the video of this wonderful place.

CatCon 2018 – The Feline Event of the Year!

CatCon 2018

Oh my whiskers, I sure wish I didn’t hate travel so much or I’d head right on over to Pasadena, CA on August 4 & 5! There will be all sorts of celebrities there, even Moshow the Cat Rapper! You humans can arrange for a meet and greet with him. Lil Bub will there along with other pawsome feline celebrities. There will also be some fantastic classes that help humans understand how to care for their felines and some wild and wacky ones too like, Engineering for Cats: What Cat Care and Airplane Design Have in Common. Aerospace engineer, cat-enthusiast and author Mac Delaney conducts this workshop that takes you through how to improve your cat’s life with some of his amazing DIY projects.  Humans, get yourselves to CatCon!!!

KFC taps cats to hawk chicken – QSR Web

cats in KFC commercial

I’ve always been a believer that cats are the best salespurrsons and now it appears KFC has seen the light as well.  Can cats sell chicken? Well KFC is testing this as they built a giant automated “Colonel-esque3” cat tower and featured it in a livestream event  on Facebook. This event took place yesterday 7/17 from 2 to 6pm Eastern Time on the Super Deluxe Facebook page.  I certainly hope these kitties received the regular Screen Actor’s Guild payment!

 

 

Alberto Opines on the Tour de France

Mainzer cats in bike race

Hello Furiends,
Alberto here. I am feeling the need to opine about this thing you humans call the “Tour de France” because it’s kind of  a big deal around our house, especially with the Male Human. He gets up , feeds the Tribe and manages to get to the place he calls “work” to watch the Tour by 5:00am. Now this early schedule is of no consequence to me as I’ve had my breakfast and morning head scratch and I know there will be more petting after my early morning nap when the Female Human finally appears from the bedroom.

Tour de France 2018You may be asking, “Why is the Male Human so crazy about this ‘Tour de France’ thingy”? I think it’s because he likes to hop on his metal machine with the two skinny wheels and torture himself frequently, like those Tour humans. I find this kind of exertion baffling and so does the Female Human. She has her own metal machine with not so skinny wheels and a basket in the front. She has floated the idea of putting one of us in the basket but her lack of coordination and tepid attitude toward her own machine has me less than enthusiastic about the prospect, especially since she has been known to run into parked cars and mailboxes.

My Connection

img_1787But I digress. I have some interest in the Tour de France because I am named after a famous Tour de France rider (now retired) named Alberto Contador.  I am sure you can see the resemblance., he’s a lean mean biking machine and I am a lean, mean feline machine!  I must say however, I am a bit dismayed by my namesake’s comment upon his retirement, he said, “I’ll gain weight and you’ll make jokes about it.”  I want to say “Alberto, don’t let yourself go! Have you seen my brother Oliver?! ” I’m happy to report he’s kept his lean physique so far. If you want to learn more about Alberto (the human) you can watch this video on Youtube, The Best of Alberto Contador. If you want to know more about Alberto, the feline, just subscribe to our blog.

 

Alberto’s Fun Facts About The Tour

  • Those pedaling humans use a lot of water, more than 42,000 water bottles will be used this year.(I wonder what size litter box they need for so much water drinking)
  • The average cyclist will burn around 4,000-5,000 calories during each stage of the Tour (about 123,900 for the race). That translates into eating 252 McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. (Note to the Female Human, you may want to consider a little more peddling on your metal machine!)
  • There are 3.5 million watching the Tour de France on television around the world. (I’ve watched a little of it on our big black box, it’s definitely not as fun as watching birds and squirrels on the upstairs balcony).
  • The first winner of the Tour de France was Maurice Garin. He won in 1904 but was later disqualified for cheating after he was caught taking a train in the Alps. (This feline says “kudos” to him for his ingenuity!)

Garin_M2

Still Not Sure…

Fat Ronaldo soccer player
Although I will respect the Male Human’s obsession with this Tour de France thingy I still don’t get it. From this feline’s point of view it’s far too much work  for too little reward. I will say though that it’s pretty cool being named after a famous cyclist and much better than being named after say,  the soccer player “Fat Ronaldo”!

 

Oliver Opines on Friendly Fill Ins # 113

Hello Folks,
Oliver here. I’m doing the fill ins this week, I hope you enjoy them! You can join the blog hop by visiting our friends 15 And Meowing or Four-Legged Furballs. If you just want to opine on our blog, you can always leave your fill ins in the comments of this post.
Purrs & Head Bonks,

black and white cat Oliver

 

This Week’s Fill Ins:

1. As a child, I feared ______________.
2. Friday the 13th _____________________.

3. I think _________ is my best quality.

4. You can’t go wrong with _________.

My Answers:

1. As a child, I feared starvation. I was the runt of the litter and felt like I never got enough to eat. (I realize that you’d never guess that to look at me now!)
oliverundertable

Me as a kitten

blac,kand white cat on the dining room table

Me today

2. Friday the 13th is a day to celebrate the beauty of black cats. This is Buster. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge before Alberto and I came to live with the Humans but I hear he was wonderful.
Black cat in the garden

3. I think my luxurious fur coat and the heart over my eye are my best quality.

black and white cat with a heart over his eye

4. You can’t go wrong with a great profile shot in your portfolio.
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Oliver Opines on Friendly Fill Ins Week 111

Hello  Furiends,
Oliver here. I’m doing the fill ins this week and I hope you like my answers. You can join this blog hop by going to visit one of the hosts, our furiends 15andmeowing or the good folks at our-Legged Furballs. You’re always welcome to opine about your answers in the “opining” section (comments) of this blog post.

Have a wonderful Independence Day!
Purrs & Head Bonks,
black and white cat Oliver

The Fill In Questions:

1. Fireworks ______________________.
2. My favorite 4th of July picnic food is _____________________.
3. I begin every day with _________.
4. _________ is the best thing since sliced bread.

My Answers:

1. Fireworks  are a tool of the devil.  Neither I nor any of the Tribe of Five like them. I run and hide when I hear them.
black and white cxat hiding under red and white rug
2. My favorite 4th of July picnic food is anything with beef in it; hamburger, hot dogs, you name it, I love beef and I rarely get any people food but it doesn’t stop me from hanging around when the Male Human is cooking meat on the upstairs grill. Note that I am presenting my cutest begging pose while keeping a close eye on the Male Human while he cooks.
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3. I begin every day with a little bonding time with the Humans. They always say good morning, feed us our soft food breakfast and give us attention before they leave for that place they call “work”. I have no idea what that place is and we felines do not have the word “work” in our vocabulary.
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4. Celebrating our country’s birthday is the best thing since sliced bread.
I am quite a purratriotic feline and even ran for Purresident! You can read about it on our website.  Will I run again in 2020? Only time will tell.

black and white kitten runs for president

Alberto Has His Whiskers in A Twist

Hello Furiends,
A few weeks ago The Female Human went to the Cat Writer’s Association conference and we graciously allowed the Male Human to accompany her. The deal was, they would bring home our prize if we won and she’d learn how to be a better assistant to the Tribe. Imagine my dismay when I found out that the trip wasn’t always work. I am beside myself. Tell me what you think about this betrayal.
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Alberto
Siamese cat with blue eyes

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 6/27

siamese cat on a leash walking through a garden

Hello There Furiends,
It’s that time again for me to sniff out some of the less publicized and more interesting feline related postings on the information highway. IO hope you enjoy this week’s finds.
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Siamese cat with blue eyes

Why Cats Make The Best Drinking Buddies, A Treatise – Vinepair
cats make good drinking buddies

Please understand that I am not promoting over imbibing for you humans. I am a cat of moderation and think you humans should be the same. I do have to say this article is clever, even if it does take some digs at us felines. But I say, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re going to be pretty miserable. After the author says that “cats are grumpy, they really only care about themselves, and boy, do they judge you. ” He redeems himself with, ” Once they’re on your side, however, they’re loyal. Feline camaraderie feels infinitely more meaningful than its barking equivalent.”

Cats love computers at Lakeland SPCA – Fox 13

CatsComputers

I love stories about the creativity of humans when it comes to shelter kitties. This was a new one and it’s great. The good folks at the SPCA of Florida discovered that a warm laptop and the glow of the screen captivates felines. They decided they’d play kitten friendly videos on laptops and the results were purrfect.

The kittens watch videos like “Barnyard Buffet” where mice run through pieces of cheese, birds flutter by and bugs are all over the screen. The kittens are reacting with the videos and their environment is enriched greatly.  Human experts say that the visual stimulation is good for the cats and that they love the computers because they are a nice place to snuggle and warm up.  When Oliver and I were kittens, we had an iPad mini to play with and we loved the Friskies app Jitterbug Maybe you humans should start donating your old laptops to your local shelter.

Cats on Catnip-The Amazing Photos of Andrew Martilla – Insider

andrew Martilla cats on catnip photos

Photographer Andrew Marttila is a photographer famous for capturing the awesomeness of us felines. His latest project is  “Cats on Catnip,” which allows you humans in to the realm of feline nip addiction. Now I realize I said earlier that I am a feline of moderation but I forgot to mention that does not include catnip! Each member of The Tribe of Five has a different reaction to nip but we all agree, Tucker can be a mean drunk!

Does Having A Cat Reduce Stress? Science Says A Feline Friend Can Definitely Help You Chill – Elite Daily

cats reduce stress in humans

You humans keep on debating this issue and I decided I’d put this issue to rest because science has proved it!  For instance, a 2009 study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that having a cat can — get this — reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack by a third.  Professor Adnan Qureshi, a researcher from the University of Minnesota who led the study, told The Telegraph that even he and his team were amazed by the numbers in their findings. He also said that he believes that “stroking the pet could cut the level of stress-related hormones in the blood.”
So can we put this ridiculous argument to rest finally? Cats are good for your health humans. My Humans think insurance companies should offer a discount for those who live with felines.

Only a Few More Days to Celebrate June as Adopt A Cat Month

June is adopt a cat month

I’m sharing this ad from our local Panhandle Animal Shelter.  All of The Tribe of Five were adopted and Oliver, Lily and I came from Panhandle Animal shelter. Please consider giving a feline a furever home this month. If you’re in doubt, just ask our Humans. They love their furry family! I’m sharing pics from our feline family album. Now go adopt a cat!

June is adopt a cat month, black and white and siamese kitteen

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Female Human Opines

Oh good grief. Evidently someone gave the Female Human the opportunity to talk about Feline Opines, the Home to Home program and other stuff. Seriously??!

If you want to hear the Female Human opine on the Humarian podcast, here’s the link (although The Tribe of Five is far more entertaining.

Purrs & Head Bonks,

Siamese cat with blue eyes

The Female Human Opines on the Humarian podcast.

 

Walk Through The Web Wednesday 6/20

siamese cat on a leash walking through a garden

Well hello there my furiends! It’s Wednesday again and time for me to bring you the internet gems I’ve discovered.  I hope you enjoy this week’s web wanderings.
Purrs & Head Bonks,
Siamese cat with blue eyes

Feral cats put to work at Newport News Shipbuilding – 13 NewsNow

Newport News shipbuilding helps feral cats

Those of you who follow my Wednesday posts know that I’m a sucker for a working cat story. This is one with a bit of a twist. Instead of a shelter looking to find “jobs” for their felines, a company has taken the feral cat issue into their own paws.

There are hundreds of cats there but all are treated with love and care. This is a win-win situation for humans and felines. The cats are well fed, taken to the vet when needed and the shipyard has no rat problem.

The shipyard has one person who oversees all the cats and they also use the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) method as a human way to control the population. In the event kittens do make an appearance, they have fosters on standby who prepare the kittens for adoption. The shipyard has their own adoption program.

Paws Up award by FelineOpines.net for humans who do amazing things for catsNow if only more businesses would partner with feral cats and take care of them like the good humans in this shipyard it would be a wonderful thing. The Tribe of Five is so impressed with the work these humans we are giving them our “Paws Up” award.

 

 

Cats Owner is Away in Navy-and she has the most heartwarming reaction to his photo – Fox8.com

cat looks at photo of her owner who is away in the navy

So many times when our Humans come home from a trip, the first thing they ask is, “Did you miss us?” Well of course we did but we felines often get a bad wrap regarding our emotional attachment to our humans.

Well our furiend Yuuki has provided video evidence of the human/feline bond. She often meows and stares at the photo of Max, who left seven months ago for the navy.  Yuuki has lived with the family for about a year and is named after Max’s favorite musician.

Yuuki will be one happy cat as Max’s mom has a one day visit with her son and she’s taking Yuuki with her. Humans. never underestimate our love for you.

Russia’s ‘Psychic’ Cat Achilles Correctly Predicts the World Cup 2018 Opening Match Winner – HuffPost
Update

Russian cat Achilles correctly predicts Russia's world cup win

In last week’s Walk Through the Web Wednesday, I reported on the Russian cat Achilles was chosen to predict the winner of the World Cup matches. Well now he’s being called the “Psychic Achilles” because he predicted Russia would win…and they did!

And if you’re thinking this was a lucky one-off for Achilles, this isn’t his first rodeo. He  correctly predicted the outcomes of three out of four Confederations Cup matches played in St. Petersburg last year, including the opening and final matches, according to Tass.

Cat biographies for pet-sitter are truly riveting literature – Mashable

cat bios for pet sitters

Evidently the human who wrote this finds it amusing that her mother leaves a bio for the pet sitter. I was a bit incensed at the frivolity with which this writer approached the issue of cat bios for the cat sitter. IMHO this should be something every human does for their felines. Our Humans have a 7-page booklet for our cat sitter (it’s updated regularly and it includes photos).  I have included the first section of our cat sitter bio. cat sitter bio

 

Used hoods become winter homes for shivering stray cats – DESIGNBOOM

used hoods keep feral cats warm in the winter

This is another “Bravo Humans” report. Stray cats of south Korea have received little attention or support and the number of homeless felines continues to rise to unprecedented proportions. This sad situation prompted a national petshop chain ‘Molly’s Petshop’ to design a collaboration to bring an affordable, eco-friendly solution to cats in need in the winter.

Hood Houses for stray Korean catsLocal Good Will and other thrift stores collected hoods and other padded clothing and these items were then turned into amazing cozy homes complete with roofs, beds, bowls for water and food and finally, a weather proof, tent shaped cover.  Molly Customers received these Hood Homes and they distributed them in their local feral colonies.

Molly’s pet shop/e-mart saw a 1,254% increase in sales for stray cat food  awareness of the plight of strays was raised to over one million people in just two weeks time, and most importantly,  over 2,000 stray cats were provided with a warm shelter, food and water, during the middle of December, in Seoul.

So Humans who’s going to take on this project in your area?  We had to give the good people of Molly’s Pet Shop, their customers and all those who helped collect items and design these warm feline lodgings a Paws Up Award!

Paws Up award by FelineOpines.net for humans who do amazing things for cats