Month: July 2016

Mews and Nips: Photos of Japan’s Cat Island

cat-island

Earlier this week, Business Insider, of all publications, featured a series of wonderful photos of the cats on Japan’s “Cat Island.” Aoshima is home to more than 140 cats, who outnumber humans 8 to 1. The island has become a bit of a tourist attraction, and people donate food for the cats from all over Japan. For more photos of the cats, please visit photographer Sayokoi Shimayamo’s photostream on Flickr.

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a recap: Continue Reading

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Review: To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me

to-catch-a-cat

I love memoirs about cats that change their humans’ lives. I’ve had a few of these life changing cats in my own life, so I know just how much these furry angels in disguise can impact our lives. In To Catch a Cat: How Three Stray Kittens Rescued Me, journalist Heather Green shares her story of how three stray kittens that showed up in her boyfriend’s yard not only led to her becoming involved in a world of trapping, vet visits and kitten taming, but also helped her find her place in the world.Continue Reading

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Review: Feline Sampler Box from The Creative Cat

creative-cat-feline-sampler-box

I’ve been a fan of animal artist and graphic designer Bernadette Kazmarski’s work for many years. I adore her notecards, she has created a beautiful painting of a dear friend’s cat as one of the most special gifts I was ever able to give to anyone, and she’s also done multiple design projects for me, ranging from holiday cards to book covers to banners. I believe Bernadette is one of the most underappreciated artists I know, and I’m delighted today to introduce you to one of her newest offerings: a Feline Sampler Box.Continue Reading

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Review: Katris Lynks

Katris-Lynks

I’ve long been a fan of Katris modular cat furniture. Katris is a system of cardboard shapes that you can arrange in endless configurations. Remember the computer game Tetris? You get the idea. Katris uses super dense paper for the construction of these sturdy pieces, and they also offer covers in multiple colors so you can make Katris part of your home decor.

We reviewed the original Katris system two years ago. Today, we’re taking a look at Katris’ newest offering, Katris Lynks.Continue Reading

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Feline Heart Disease: What You Need to Know

feline-heart-disease

Feline heart disease is far more common than most cat guardians realize, and it can strike any breed of cat at any age. What makes feline heart disease so challenging is the fact that cats rarely show the typical warning signs such as shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, coughing or weakness until the disease is quite advanced.Continue Reading

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Mews and Nips: Cats the Musical is Back on Broadway

cats-the-musical

One of the most beloved and most satirized musicals of the 1980’s is back on Broadway: Cats, which is currently in previews, will open at the Neil Simon Theater on July 31. I never saw Cats on Broadway, but saw the touring company in Washington DC, and I was charmed and mesmerized by the performance. The soundtrack is still a favorite, even after all these years, and “Memory” can still bring a tear to my eyes, no matter how over the top it may be. For more about the revival, visit catsthemusical.com. What about you? Were you a fan? Will you go see it again?

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a recap:Continue Reading

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Feline Innovations’ QuickSnap™ Replaceable Cat Scratcher makes Cat Scratching Beautiful

quicksnap-scratcher

This post is sponsored by Feline Innovations

If you’re tired of having to hide the fuzzy scratching post when guests come around, or are simply looking for cat accessories that will look amazing in your home, then the new QuickSnapTM Replaceable Cat Scratcher from Feline Innovations is for you!

This innovative scratcher is available on Kickstarter to the first 500 backers for a special “Early Bird” offer of $25. The scratcher will retail for $59.99, so this is an incredible deal! Continue Reading

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Gatos Ilimitados: Meet Cat Artist Adriana Gasperi

 Gatos-Ilimitados

This is a sponsored post

Adriana Gasperi is an international artist referred to as “Gatos ilimitados” for her unique and popular portrayal of cats. The artist, who lives in Venezuela, is recognized for personifying the cherished feline and its multi-faceted personalities. Her art combines her lifelong interest in painting and drawing and her proficiency in color, design, and computer programs. She adorns the faces and bodies of her subjects with colorful designs inspired by Indian and Mexican motifs. Her paintings have been shown in one-person and group exhibitions worldwide. They include those held at Galería Intramuros in Caracas, Venezuela, the Cat Art Show Los Angeles, and the Tokyo International Art Fair 2016, among others. Her paintings are in numerous private collections in Europe, South America and the United States.Continue Reading

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E-Cigarettes Are Toxic to Cats

ecigarettes-vaping-toxic-cats

We’ve previously covered the dangers of secondhand smoke for cats: cats living with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma than those in non-smoking households. Cats with five or more years of exposure to tobacco smoke were at more than three times greater risk of developing lymphoma. Studies also suggest a link between oral cancer in cats and exposure to tobacco smoke. Some smokers are now using electronic, or e-cigarettes, and it turns out that the vapor from these devices is highly toxic to cats as well, and can even be fatal.Continue Reading

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Summer Reading for Cat Lovers

summer-reading-cat-lovers

This post contains affiliate links*

One of my greatest summer pleasures is spending time outside with a good book. Whether it’s on my deck, in a sidewalk cafe, or a park, there’s just something about reading outdoors that makes one of my favorite pastimes even more special. I like to read a lot of different genres, but of course, a large part of my summer reading list is made up of cat books.

You can find plenty of suggestions for your reading list in the book section on this site. Today, I thought I’d share some old favorites that make for great summer reading.Continue Reading

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Mews and Nips: Britain Gets New Prime Minister but Larry the Downing Street Cat Remains in Office

Larry-Downing-Street-cat

Britain’s new Prime Minister Theresa May moved into the official residence at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday as David Cameron left the office, but one important member of Britain’s government is staying put: Larry, the brown and white tabby who moved into the residence in 2011. The official mouser is considered a government worker and will continue to live at the famous address even after his boss packs his bags. For more about Larry and the tradition of Downing Street cats, visit NBC News.

If you missed any of the stories featured on the Conscious Cat this week, here’s a recap: Continue Reading

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