Lexie Lee and a friend of mine like to play a boxing game. They have entertained me many times with their antics. Lexie Lee throws a mean left paw hook. She typically keeps her claws in, and they play until bored. But earlier this week, I guess she lost interest in playing by the “cat rules”.  My friend ended up with a major scratch—this time from a right paw jab! That reminded me of the time I got cat scratch fever but not from having fun.

I was visiting my parents on the farm. My mother let out a scream from the mud room.  My father and I ran from other parts of the house. Tom (their orange house cat) had gotten outside while my mother was sweeping. He ran into the garage and out the back exit. Several dogs lounging in the garage suddenly had excitement added to their day.

By the time I reached the scene of pandemonium, both my parents were screaming and the dogs were out of control. Tom was cowered along the foundation of the house. The dogs were trying to attack him. I made my way through the pack, and I reached down for Tom. He was petrified. He had never been out of the house or around these animals. He struck out at me with his claws, but I knew the only way to save him was to grab him. There was no time to find gloves. I held on with him biting and scratching me all the way back to the house.

My arms and hands looked like I had been mauled by a tiger. I had been bitten in my veterinary and grooming business, but nothing ever like this. The deep wounds were bleeding and incredibly painful. I scrubbed and scrubbed hoping to avoid cat scratch fever.

The next day I flew back to Florida and a day later I had a fever.

Thursday—Cat Scratch Fever—what is it and how to treat it

Bountiful Blessings!

“I love cats because I enjoy my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul.” –Jean Cocteau, 1889-1963, French poet, novelist, playwright, artist and filmmaker

CATS USA 2010, from the editors of Cat Fancy, is now available on newsstands. This annual publication is chock-full of 224 pages of cat stuff and a great idea for a stocking stuffer. The above quote along with an exquisite picture of a Persian cat is on page 224—suitable for framing.

 A few of the purr-fect articles include:

• Around the World with 21 Breeds (a creative article with beautiful photos and cats from the Cold Climate, the British Isles, Asian Distinction, and Out of Africa—can you guess your category breed?)
• Holistic Care for Senior Cats (this approach added almost 3 years to Tatianna’s life)
• Cat Communication (now I can never learn too much about what Lexie Lee really thinks of me!)
• Peaceful Coexistence (of interest to me since I want to peacefully add a second cat to my household!)
• Create a Cat-Friendly Garden (my backyard is a haven for stray cats and other neighborhood cats who just love to pass through and torment my indoor cat!)

All in all this is a fine publication to wile away a few hours with your favorite feline companion.

Bountiful Blessings!

Last week the service rep from my exterminating company shared a happy cat story. He knows I am a cat lover, and he adores cats as well. He was best buddies with Tatianna for many years and spent as much time petting her and talking to her as he did spraying for bugs! He always asks about Lexie Lee, but she sprints to the bedroom to hide under the bed when the doorbell rings.

Ken immediately announced, “We have a yard guard kitty.” A stray adult black and white cat had wandered into the company’s yard area where the trucks are kept. The cat had a long and deep gash in the neck area and a tattered ear. The cat was skinny and in bad shape. Over the past month the guys at the company have slowly nursed the cat back to health. The cat’s wound has healed, and its coat is shiny. As Ken put it, “Guard kitty now has a belly on him!” They discovered Guard Kitty is deaf, but the cat stays in the enclosed yard.

The guys have a ritual every morning of feeding the cat—Guard Kitty is waiting for them when they arrive to work. He brushes up against their legs asking for his food. I asked Ken what happens to the cat on the weekends. He said they leave extra food and water out and so far, that is working out—with a little left over on Monday mornings. I have a feeling Ken makes special trips there! The inside administrative staff has learned about the new resident cat. So now they are bringing Guard Kitty treats. What a difference a few caring souls can make for a homeless cat.

I just love happy endings!

Bountiful Blessings!

Lexie Lee

Today is National Cat Day—founded by Colleen Paige. The primary goal of National Cat Day is to facilitate shelter cat adoptions. I plan to celebrate the day by giving special thanks for the cat in my life—Lexie Lee. She really adopted me when she appeared in my “safe” yard following a hurricane several years ago. She has brought inexpressible delight to my life, day in and day out.

I am grateful that my fur friend is vibrant and healthy. She loves to play games like hiding under tablecloths and jumping out to surprise me. She greets me when I return home and likes to rub noses. She burrows down in the comforter and snuggles close to me. She lounges on my chest and gazes into my eyes. My muse snoozes on my desk or crawls into my lap while I write Catnip Connection. Wherever I am, Lexie Lee is there, too.

Today she will get some extra hugs and kisses from me. Playtime will be extended, and there will be an extra pinch of catnip! For further information, visit http://www.nationalcatday.com/

Bountiful Blessings!

Black Cat Cookies

One of my hobbies is baking. So if you are looking for a last minute Halloween recipe, here is one you may enjoy.  This is also a perfect cookie recipe to make with children. They will have fun decorating the cat’s face with candy corn and red-hots.

Ingredients

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
2. Insert a wooden stick into each cookie. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Pinch top of cookie to form ears. For whiskers, press a fork twice into each cookie or use a toothpick to make indentations. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from the oven; immediately press on candy corn for eyes and red-hots for noses. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Tips:  You can eliminate putting the cookies on sticks and serve flat. A tooth pick works well to make the whiskers. You can also use M&Ms for noses.

Bountiful Blessings!

Austin--I'm a Winner

Who says black cats are unlucky! Calling all black cats and their caregivers! CatChannel.com is sponsoring a contest between now and Halloween. Cat Channel.com is the Internet source for CAT FANCY magazine. This is your opportunity to show off your sleek, magical black cat. All you have to do is complete a simple entry form telling why you are lucky to have the black cat and upload a photograph. All photos entered in the contest will be displayed on a special CatChannel.com page during Halloween week. A winner, drawn at random, will receive a copy of Ask the Cat Keeper by Marc Morrone. The entry form can be found at:

http://www.catchannel.com/magazines/catfancy/beautiful-black-cats_contest.aspx

Now regarding Austin–I stumbled upon his adoring photograph on Best Friends. He is available for adoption, but he has several strikes against him. First of all, he is black. He is also toothless and has FIV and feline leukemia. He has been at Best Friends for six years. Let’s make Austin the winner I know he is and find a forever home for him to go to! Just look at those eyes! You can read more about Austin at http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?SR=True&N=4294967272+4294967274&Ntt=Austin&Ntk=All&No=0

Any ideas on how we can help Austin?

Bountiful Blessings!

You Caught Me

Superstitions have long been associated with black cats. In the Middle Ages in Scotland, a black cat that entered a house was seen as a harbinger of good luck. Cats in Japan have historically been revered as objects of beauty and black cats in particular considered good luck.

Black cats have also been the objects of fear and hatred. Witches and black cats have been inseparable in history. Anna Winkelzipfel’s witch trial in 1586 found her guilty of disguising herself in black cat skins and entering Jacques Porter’s room with the intention of doing him harm. There are superstitions about cats turning into witches and witches turning into cats. Some people believe that if a black cat crosses their path, it might be a witch in the guise of a cat.

As Halloween approaches, black cats may face danger. Sadly, I have heard too many malicious stories about the torture of black cats. Your indoor/outdoor cat should be kept inside for several days before and after Halloween. No exceptions! If you are planning a party or greeting trick or treaters, place your cats (of any color) in a safe room for the evening. You will not have to worry about your fur babies escaping through an open door or getting spooked by a scary costume. 

I Feel Lucky Today

Black cats are less likely to be adopted because of being associated with evil and of bringing bad luck. According to Kathy Covey, public relations and marketing manager for the Cat Adoption Team no-kill shelter in Oregon, “black cats are the last to find homes.” The shelter has creative Black Cat Adopt-A-Thons such as Black Cat Friday after Thanksgiving and Black by Tax Day in April! How about celebrating Halloween differently this year and adopting a black cat from your local shelter? Shelters usually restrict black cat adoptions around Halloween, so plan to adopt in November. 

I Can Fit In

Dear friends of mine have a household filled with amazing black cats. Not one, not two, but three!! You have already meet the adorable duo: Athena and Ares. Everyone was having so much good luck they just could not resist adding their third baby–Apollo! Can’t you see why?

I welcome your black cat stories.

Bountiful Blessings!

The Cat Writers’ Association sponsors an annual cat writing contest. I just learned last week that several of my published writings have won Certificate of Excellence Awards for 2009. These include the following categories:

• On-line Article:  Cat’s Mastery of the Present Moment
• Trio Blog:  Cats & Tinsel, Chip n Dip Cat, and Cats + Christmas Trees = Disaster
• Trio Blog: The Defender, My Hurricane Kitty and Lexie Lee Survives Hurricane Wilma

These entries next compete for top cat honors, the CWA Muse Medallion. Award winners will be announced at the CWA convention in White Plains, New York in November. For full list of winners, visit: http://www.catwriters.org/09coe.pdf

Bountiful Blessings!

Purr-fect Family Photo

Whenever someone asks me if I have any children, I respond: “I have a cat Lexie Lee.” Who do you consider your family members? My cats have always been treated as family—Noelle, Tatianna, Taittinger, Katarina, Marnie and Lexie Lee. The changing role of pets has expanded the definition of family. According to a 2006 American Veterinary Association study, almost 50% of households consider their pets to be family members.

A generation ago cats lived outside and slept on discarded and tattered blankets. Today, it is not uncommon for cats to stay in warm cozy houses in the winter time and to enjoy cool air-conditioned rooms in the summer heat. They sleep in our beds or luxuriate in down comforters. They hang out in kitty condos at home and vacation with us. They receive brightly wrapped packages at holiday time from family members including even from the dog. They have assorted cat toys to wile away the day.

Some cats even have birthday celebrations. Their irresistible photos adorn our desks at home and even the office. We carry pictures of them in our wallet, and sign their names along with the rest of the family on greeting cards. We worry about the food they eat. Our friends inquire about our cats, and we may even call upon them to babysit. We receive sympathy cards when our beloved companion passes on.

“Today I’m participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We’re celebrating the release of Therese Walsh’s debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese’s website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.”

I look forward to your comments. Do you consider your cat (or dog or other fur friend) a family member? Elaborate why and tell me how your pet is treated.

Bountiful Blessings!

Lacey Keosauqua State Park

My favorite season of the year is autumn.  I have several beautiful fall foliage scenes displayed on my Florida desk right now. Last weekend I filled my car up with mums after a shopping adventure at a local garden center. But it’s not quite the same as being in the Midwest this month. About a half-hour drive from the Missouri family farm, you enter the Villages of Van Buren. In this southeastern area of Iowa, you step back in time in twelve unique communities:  Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Cantril, Douds, Farmington, Iowaville-Selma, Keosauqua, Milton, Mt. Sterling, Pittsburg and Stockport. Each village is more charming than the next, and the fall scenes are spectacular.

The annual Scenic Drive Festival is October 10 and 11. Each of the little villages has a full weekend of varied entertainment including trash and treasure sales, pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts, antiques, maid-rite lunches, black kettle ham and beans lunches and other activities from the 1800s.

From 1944-46, my mother taught high school in one of the Van Buren villages, Keosauqua. She was the Senior Advisor, and the prom was held at a historic stone building in Lacey Keosauqua State Park. The above photo reflects the winding drive through this beautiful park that we have visited. In March, my mother enjoyed showing the family around Keosauqua. The home where she rented a room is still there and in great shape. The old brick high school is also in operation. In fact two of her students attended her 90^th birthday party in 2008. Keosauqua was a very special place for my mother.

This summer I frequently took a break from cleaning out my mother’s home after she passed away by escaping to Van Buren County. I ate lunch at Bonaparte’s Retreat several times. The handmade breaded tenderloins are the best. This restaurant is a precursor to today’s Cracker Barrel. Hand painted rose plates, (mother’s favorite flower), jumped out at me at an antique shop in Bentonsport. Of course, the plates are now in my home! The coconut meringue (the real stuff) pie in Farmington is worth a stop!  I am so intrigued with the whole area. Although I am not at the Scenic Drive Festival this year, I am there in thought and can almost taste the maid-rites!

For further information, visit http://www.villagesofvanburen.com

Watch for a special blog posting on Tuesday, October 13!

Have you ever been to the Villages of Van Buren? If so, which one is your favorite and why?

Bountiful Blessings!