Hello There Folks!
How are things in your neck of the woods? It’s finally fall here and it’s getting chilly in our neck of the woods and we love the cooler temps!

One of the side effects of cooler weather is that snuggling increases at our house. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m pro snuggling but sometimes my brother Oliver chooses the wrong venue, like when I’m in a cat bed that is clearly made for one CHONKY feline (you know, sometimes you just want to be alone) but Oliver has no respect for purrsonal space.

And just to prove that Oliver’s disrespect of my purrsonal space is an ongoing issue, note the photos below.

Despite my please Oliver refuses to find his own bed. Please note below, there is a cat tower with not one, not two, not three, not four but FIVE areas for a feline to find rest. Sigh. I believe I’m fighting a losing battle. Lily seems to have the right idea, she finds a soft blanket and burrows in it. Neither Oliver nor I would dream of disturbing her because we would be recipients of the whacky paw!

Well, that’s it for our update. I hope you’re having a great week and that you’ll enjoy my news items this week.

Anonymous Donor Pays Adoption Fees for Black Cats at Arizona Humane Society

Black cats, are often overlooked by potential adopters in shelters. That’s why an anonymous donor is sponsoring adoption fees for black cats and dogs ages 1 year and up at the Arizona Humane Society.

According to AZ Central, the anonymous donor is a cat lover. They adopted their own feline friend, Jean Valjean, from the humane society. They hope to honor their own fur baby by sponsoring other people’s intentions to adopt.

 “Spoiler alert,” the post read. “They’re not spooky at all! In fact, in many cultures (Japan and Scotland to name a few), black cats are actually considered good luck.”

Black cats are common targets for folklore and superstition. There’s the belief that crossing a black cat’s path means bad luck. Some associate the pets with the devil or witchcraft. Many connect these felines to Halloween.

Some shelters actually put the adoption of black cats on hold until after Oct. 31 due to fear that the cat will be abused in Halloween rituals. They do not allow black cat adoptions at our shelter during Halloween time.  While it’s important to note that not all black cats face potential risks during this holiday, some shelters opted for a cautious approach. But I’m here to tell you that black cats are wonderful! I wish I would have known our Angel Buster but The Human has told me many wonderful stories about him (and he was a CHONKY boy like me!)

International Black Cat Month is also being celebrated during the month of October.  Special adoption drives, events, and social media campaigns are organized to showcase the elegance and affectionate nature of these ebony-colored feline friends.

If you’ve never had a black cat in your life, get yourself down to the shelter and give one a furever home!

Shelter Shares Comforting Response to Owner Who Left Cats at Rescue with Note Asking for Help

Oh meowza, this broke my heart when I read it!

A North Carolina shelter found a pair of cats outside Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, along with a note written on one of the felines’ carriers.

“My name is baby, my mom can’t take care of me anymore. Please find me and my sister our next home. Thank you,” the note read.

The shelter posted a message to the cats’ owner on Facebook , wanting to reassure them that their beloved animals will be well cared for by its staff.

“Such a heartbreaking message, written on a cat carrier and left in the shade of our play yard,” Brother Wolf wrote, alongside photos of the two cats and the owner’s note.

“To the person who left them… They are safe with us, and thank you for trusting us with your cats you so clearly loved; we understand you didn’t have another choice, and we hope you are ok.”

The cats, named Junebug and Magpie, according to NBC affiliate WHNS, were listed for adoption. Both felines have unspecified special needs, the outlet reported. If you know anyone in that neck of the woods, please let them know there are two wonderful felines waiting for a furever home.

This story touched a nerve with The Human. She has seen the effects of women, fleeing abusive relationships that have brought their cats and dogs to the shelter so that they would be safe. This breaks our hearts as no one should have to be separated from the one creature that loves you unconditionally and comforts you in your hardest times. This is why The Human was so excited to read about the new initiative Purina has launched. The article is below.

Purina Purple Leash Project

Nearly a decade ago, a Purina associate read about the difficult decision many abuse survivors with pets are forced to make: stay with an abuser or leave a beloved pet behind. It seemed unfair that pets, who may be the only source of unconditional love and support for a survivor, weren’t considered. So, Purina decided to help.

Since then, Purina helped one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the U.S. to become a leading voice and shining example of pet-friendly sheltering. We also helped create the PAWS Act Coalition in support of the Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act, which helps domestic abuse survivors and their pets by advocating for federal resources.

Today, our goal is to help ensure at least 25 percent of U.S. domestic violence shelters offer pet-friendly services by the end of 2025. We’ve already provided grants to 39 shelters across the country, and every state now has at least one pet-friendly shelter, but our long-term goal is to fundamentally change the landscape of domestic violence services for survivors with pets, so no survivor has to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pet.

Two paws up for Purina! Please check out this amazing project and if possible, support them in any way that you can.

Where Can You Find the Oldest Cat Door on Earth?

Guess what, cat doors are not a thing of modern days, they have a long history.

The origin of the cat door or cat flap, which allows us felines to come and go without endless scratching on doors, isn’t clear. So how do we know where the oldest cat door is?

One contender is the Exeter Cathedral in Devon County, England, a church built over the course of several hundred years starting in the 12th century. Cathedral historian Diane Walker tells Hyperallergic’s Rhea Nayyar that a cat door there dates back to 1598. Records from the Exeter Cathedral that year show a bishop named William Cotton paying carpenters to carve a cat hole in the door to a large astronomical clock. We like that Bishop!

According to Walker, the reason was because the clock’s gears would have been lubricated with animal fat, which attracted mice, and the cathedral’s cat served as pest control. Hah, so cats have had jobs for centuries!

This particular clock has special cultural significance in England, as some have suggested it to be the inspiration behind the nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock.” The cats that came through the flap in its door actually got paid for their work, according to bookkeeping records by the cathedral. The cats, or more likely their owners, received a food stipend for keeping rodent numbers down.

It’s possible, however, that another English building has the cathedral beat.

BBC’s History Revealed magazine reported in 2014 that Chetham’s Library in Manchester boasts a centuries-old cat door; the library itself posted about the door on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 2013, calling it “medieval.” Chetham’s Library was first established in 1653 and eventually hosted Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels during the time they spent in England. It’s the oldest public library in the country, and has operated continually since it was established.

The building that the library inhabits, however, dates back even further—to 1421, according to the library’s website. It housed a college of priests and is one of the most complete medieval buidings still standing in northwest England. 

If the cat door was constructed back in the early years of the building, in the true “medieval” period which historians often say ended with the fall of Constantinople in 1453, then it might take the crown from Exeter Cathedral. 

Cat doors would continue to pop up throughout history. A long-held rumor alleges that Sir Isaac Newton created doors for a cat and kitten in his rooms at the University of Cambridge, where he attended school and later worked. The story is told by mathematician John M. F. Wright in his 1827 memoir about his time at Cambridge, a century after the death of Newton. The myth has persisted, though even Wright admits that its accuracy is questionable. 

There’s also the Madonna della Gattaiola, or the Virgin of the Cat Flap, at the Church of San Giorgio in Tuscany, Italy. This painting of the Virgin Mary from the 15th century, which was painted on either an organ door or an ornate table, depending on which version of the story you hear, was repurposed as a barn door by a parish priest who carved a hole for cats.

So there you have it, cats have been appreciated and thought about for centuries and we’ve also been getting our way for that long as well.

How My Cats Provide Me Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis

I’ve covered reports of the health benefits of cat ownership in many of my Wednesday segments but this story isn’t a scientific conclusion, it’s the heart warming story of a young woman who receives real help for her rheumatoid arthritis. I’m going to give you the article3 written in her own words.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can often be challenging, painful, and lonely. However, for me, finding solace and relief in the form of my cats has been a game-changer. So much so that my house currently has five cats living in it. These furry companions have not only brought immense joy and love into my life, but they have also played a significant role in managing my RA symptoms. Some people prefer dogs, that’s fine, I love dogs, but kitties hold my heart.

All my cats have different personalities. Big Man is a large ginger who’s a big softy, Abigail is a Russian Blue who is timid, Logan is a tabby with a wild streak, Penelope is tiny and sassy, and Pliskin, a one-eyed Maine Coon, is shy but sweet. I have a particular fondness for Big Man, but I treasure all my kitties.

Their mere presence soothes me. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or in pain, just being with my cats helps calm my mind. Their purrs and gentle nature create an environment that reduces the stress of RA.

Living with a chronic condition can sometimes make me feel isolated, but my cats always provide comfort. They seem to sense when I need a cuddle or even just a comforting meow, making the challenges of RA more bearable.

I’ve observed that my cats can often detect when I’m in discomfort. When my joints act up or when I’m feeling particularly stressed, they come close, offering warmth and a calming vibe. It feels like they understand when I need their support.

Beyond just emotional comfort, they also encourage me to stay active, which is essential for managing RA. Their playful antics, whether chasing a toy or just being their cute selves, spur me to move. Sometimes, I even dance around the house with them. Of course, any cat owner knows this is on their terms.

Their needs have also brought routine to my day, essential for RA management. Their feeding times, grooming, and play sessions are not just about them but remind me to prioritize my self-care.

Having cats while living with RA presents challenges. The litter box can be cumbersome, they occasionally wake me up, and yes, sometimes they’re a little too playful. But the benefits? They far surpass any drawbacks.

My cats are more than just pets; they’re my lifeline, especially during RA flare-ups at home. Their calming presence, steadfast companionship, intuitive pain-sensing, encouragement to stay active, and instilled routines have enhanced my quality of life despite RA’s challenges. If you’re grappling with RA or another condition, a furry friend might offer unexpected comfort and support. Proudly, I’m a “crazy cat lady,” and I wear that title with pride. 

I hope all my feline furiends are helping their humans to feel better!