Friday, March 31, 2017

Announcing Rescued, Vol 2: Special Edition!

Have you heard? 

Allie's rags-to-riches tale is featured in the recently-released anthology,
Rescued, Volume 2: The Healing Stories of 12 Cats, Through Their Eyes.

And beginning tomorrow, April 1 (no fooling!), you can purchase an autographed Special Edition of Rescued 2, featuring Allie on the cover.



Did we mention every Special Edition is autographed by Allie (and her ghostwriter)?

Each purchase during the month of April supports Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.
We'd love to put a copy in your hands.

Just click the PayPal button in our sidebar, and we'll send it your way soon!


***

 

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Thursday's Purrs: Aiden

This sweet boy is still looking for his forever family, so we're sharing his story again, in the hope that someone might see him and fall in love. 

A good friend of mine fostered him and told me he was so sweet that if she could have added yet another cat to her family, she would have kept him. 

Won't you please share Aiden's story? It's time for him to find his Happily Ever After.

***

"Hi my name is Aiden, and I am a 6 years old handsome boy at HELP Humane in Kansas City. I am currently in the market for a loving, permanent home."

 
I am very shy, but will warm up to you if you give me time, love and attention. This shelter is a wonderful place but I am under a lot of stress and frankly, I'm ready for a home of my own."



"I've been here for a while and can't wait to show someone all my love -- and to be loved in return. I would do best in an adult only household. (kids kinda scare me a bit!)

Come meet me at HELP Humane. I promise, you will be glad you did! If you promise to love me and take care of me - and never let anyone or anything come between us - I promise to do the same.

Purrs, Aiden"


Aiden's available for adoption today at HELP Humane, in Belton MO.

http://helphumane.org/

***

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Something NOT on a Stick Day


Remember this from Monday's post?


And this?

  
Well shortly after that, we saw something on Facebook.
And had to try it out.

We present:
Squirrel vs Slinky.
Mano a ... uh... Springo.


(Note: no squirrels were harmed in the making of this movie.)
(and he figured it out within 15 minutes.)





This premium channel just keeps getting better and better.


***

 

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

'Toon Tuesdays: Workout Edition




***
Toon Tuesdays feature animal (and sometimes human) humor created by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (Hallmark approved. Sorta.) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, March 27, 2017

Something on a Stick Day ...



... Squirrel TV style.


Do you have something on a stick, ready to go for tomorrow's holiday?



  
(not pictured: pratfall dismount)




Mowzers, wonder how much this premium channel cost mom?


***

 

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Picture Me This Photohunt

Created for friends, fellow bloggers and anyone who enjoys a creative challenge, Picture Me This is a weekly idea-starter for social media posts. Any platform, anywhere.

No following, no submitting required. And certainly no pressure!

We're just filling a void made when last year's Photohunt host went on hiatus.

This Week's Theme:




Be sure to tag your entry with #PMTphotohunt so others can find you.

If you tag us as well (@tonkstail on Instagram & Twitter, @atonkstail on Facebook) we'll be sure to like and share your entry.

Enjoy!

***

Friday, March 24, 2017

Allie's Fashion Faux Paws

The Fashionable Feline is always prepared ...



... to help straighten mussed hair.
(now if you'd just STAND STILL, Mother!)

***

 

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Thursday's Purrs: LaFonda

"Hello, and welcome to my little hideaway, here at KC Pet Project. They said I could hang out here until my humans and I made our love connection."


"Have you seen them anywhere? I'm hoping they swing by soon. I'd love to get our relationship started off on the right paw - today, even!

I'm a snowshoe girl with one stunning blue eye and a gorgeous mottled green one. Heterochromia, I hear that's called!

I'm a ten year old girl, just hitting her stride in adulthood. That means all that silly kitten-headedness is all behind me. But not the fun! Plus, I'm as sweet as sweet can be. At least that's what the nice volunteers here tell me.

All I know is that I love hanging out with people, and they seem to love hanging out with me. Win-win!

So here I am, waiting for The One (or Ones) to come and get me. Won't you please pass this along to my humans when you see them?

Thanks tons!
LaFonda"

Gorgeous Miss L is available today at the Main Campus of KC Pet Project.



http://kcpetproject.org/

***






Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Pet Poison Prevention

This week is Poison Prevention Week, and as the Northern Hemisphere blossoms into springtime and warmer days, we wanted to make you aware of a toxic substance you might not have considered.

As many of us know, pets can get sunburns too. Light colored and hairless breeds may be more susceptible, but any pink nose or eartip is susceptible to the sun's rays. But did you know that commercial sunscreens are toxic to your pet?

Faraday might not be hairless, but his light coloring makes him a bit more susceptible to the sun's rays.
Faraday might not be hairless, but his light coloring
makes him a bit more susceptible to the sun's rays.

The active ingredient in sunscreen - the thing that chemically blocks harmful UV rays - is Octyl Salicylate (or variants of it, such as Homosalate and Ethylhexyl Salicylate). When ingested, it breaks down into salycilic acid, also known as aspirin.

Aspirin is somewhat toxic to dogs, and extremely toxic to cats. Even one extra-strength aspirin can have fatal consequences.

Just say no to aspirin. It's extremely toxic to cats.
Aspirin: VERY toxic to cats.


That's because cats can't metabolize them. The reason why they can't is because the are obligate carnivores, or "hypercarnivores." This means that at least 70% of their diet comes from meat. So what's a sun-loving kitty to do if he wants to catch some outdoor time on the deck?

There are some products on the market that are marketed as "physical" sunblocks (as opposed to the chemical ones we mentioned above). These contain Titanium Dioxide which physically coat a surface and block out most of the sun's rays. There is probably not much risk in using a product with Titanium Dioxide because not that much is going to be absorbed through the skin, and it's inert if ingested.

However, be sure you read the label carefully.

Because Titanium Dioxide sunscreen are often paired with substances like PABA, Propylene Glycol and Zinc Oxide. And while Titanium Dioxide might be safe, these other ingredients are NOT.

PABA is only mildly toxic and will most likely only cause stomach irritation. But Propylene Glycol (an additive you'll find in the newer "safe" anti-freezes) can cause liver or kidney dysfunction if ingested.

There are a surprising number of sunscreens marketed for pets that contain these ingredients, so please be cautious when buying! Often it's safer to look toward baby products than pet products in cases like this.

Notice the bottle says SANS cream not TAN cream? Unless you're sure it's safe - just avoid.
Notice the bottle says SANS cream not TAN cream?
Unless you're sure it's safe - just avoid.

Or you could always make up your own.

Here's a recipe posted by Teri T, our friend and fellow blogger at Curlz & Swirlz:
Cat Safe Sunscreen Lotion
6 tbsp. almond oil or (3 tbsp. avocado oil and 3 tbsp. almond oil)
3 tbsp shea butter or (1 tbsp. shea butter and 2 tbsp. cocoa butter)
1 tsp. beeswax
1 tsp. soya-lecithin
2 tbsp. aloevera gel
2 tbsp. rose water
3-5 drops coconut oil (optional, for fragrance)

Melt the oils, butters and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat only until melted. Add the soya-lecithin, then stir till mixed. Remove from heat. Warm the aloe-vera gel and rose water.

While still warm, put water mix over ice, then drizzle in the oil mixture while stirring rapidly with a small whisk. It should creme quickly. Add coconut fragrance oil if desired.

Mix well. Store in a clean, airtight jar.

Here's to many safe and sunny spring / summer snoozes!

P.S. Did you know some skim milks contain Titanium Dioxide? They do it to make the milk look more 'milky white". I think I'm sticking with 2 percent. Ick!

source: Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 80, No. 11, 199

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

'Toon Tuesdays: Allie Agrees


Allie: Seriously. What could possibly be BAD about it?!? 
*** 


_____
Toon Tuesdays feature animal (and sometimes human) humor created by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (Hallmark approved. Sorta.) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, March 20, 2017

Springtime, Surprises, and Hot Chicks

Today's the day we welcome Spring to the northern hemisphere!

Maxie inspects the peach blossoms off our tree
Yep, our peach tree's in full bloom.

~ and we wish a happy Autumn to our friends Down Under ~

...and he highly approves of their smell.
...and Maxie is very glad to see Winter leaving us behind!

We've been away for most of February, and were utterly dumbfounded to discover we had been nominated by friends and readers for the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose awards this year.

Faraday: Does that come with a Bonito Flake Award? I'd like to thank the Acatemy ...
Does that come with a Bonito Flake Award? I'd like to thank the Acatemy ...
We're humbled and honored to have been selected by the BlogPaws Team as a finalist for best cat blog, along with three other very talented and delightful bloggers.


Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

One Hot Chick

As we mentioned, we were out of town most of February  --

Faraday: Well technically, we weren't away. The humans were.
And dad says it's because mommy is one hot chick.

Maxwell: Dood, seriously. TMI!

Allie: *sigh* What he said was she has a rare disease known as 'Man On Fire' disease. Or in her case, Woman on Fire.

photo: depositphotos
Photo used with permisison, courtesy depositphotos.com
Faraday: That's what I said, Allie. If she's on fire, she's HOT.

Maxwell: Wait, whut?
How's this gonna work again?
I thought we're supposed to keep our furs away from open flames and stuff ....

Faraday
: It's okay, Maxie.


I got this covered.


***

Not to worry, no fire extinguishers were harmed in the writing of this post. But we were at the Mayo Clinic for almost 3 weeks in February learning all about them. The good news is that Mayo has the only doctor in North America who specializes in hot chicks and dudes, so I'm in good hands.

Our hunt for an answer pulled us away from the blogging community far more than we would like. But we're so thankful for you, our friends and readers, who keep coming back for more silly antics, day after day.

So we leave you today with warm wishes for a wonderful Spring (or Fall) ~ and our heartfelt thanks.


***
Pee Ess: Don't tell the humans but we really didn't miss them at all, because Aunt Connie had a magical TREAT DISPENSER she operated for us while they were gone.

And Aunt Jen and Aunt Amy and Aunt Katherine and Aunt Sharon ALL came and visited us. EVERY DAY.

(no we're not spoiled, why do you ask?)

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Picture Me This Photohunt

Created for friends, fellow bloggers and anyone who enjoys a creative challenge, Picture Me This is a weekly idea-starter for social media posts. Any platform, anywhere.

No following, no submitting required. And certainly no pressure!

We're just filling a void made when last year's Photohunt host went on hiatus.

This Week's Theme:



Be sure to tag your entry with #PMTphotohunt so others can find you.

If you tag us as well (@tonkstail on Instagram & Twitter, @atonkstail on Facebook) we'll be sure to like and share your entry.

Enjoy!

***

Friday, March 17, 2017

Friday's BirdTV Channel

Maxwell: *grumbling*  This theater was supposed to have tiered seating.

"Hey you! Down in front!"

*sigh* Looks like I'll miss the opening credits ....






What's playing on your channel?

***

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Thursday's Purrs: Lilly

"Could I interest you in a steady companion? Someone calm and confident, with a lot of love to give? My name is Lilly, and I’m in the market for a human."



"I love nothing more than warm laps and great conversation. I'm the kind of cat you'd love hanging out with after the kids have gone to bed and you're looking to kick back and relax.

It's true, I don't mind kids - not one bit. I know that's kind of rare in a feline, so I thought I'd mention that straight out."


"My Felineality (feline personality)is Sidekick. That means I’m moderately brave in new situations and love nothing more in life than just hanging out with my favorite person or people, basking in a mutual lovefest.

Sound good to you? Then come on out to Wayside and let's hook up!
Purrs, Lilly"

Lilly's available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.


http://www.waysidewaifs.org/

 

***




Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Stop, Thief!

Seriouslies! Can you believe this?

*curls tail protectively around toy*
*curls tail protectively around toy*


What's a kitty got to do to keep his toys safe these days anyway, huh?
How'm I supposed to get all my daily naps in if I always hafta be on the alert for TOY THIEVES like this?



***




Tuesday, March 14, 2017

'Toon Tuesdays: St. Patrick's Day TMI




***
Toon Tuesdays feature animal (and sometimes human) humor created by the peeps over at Shoebox Greetings (Hallmark approved. Sorta.) - where our mom works, too!




Monday, March 13, 2017

One of our faves


Maxwell: (deep breath)
3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749445923078164062862089986280348253421170679821480865132823066470938446095505 ---

TAKE A BREATH, DOOD!

With a physicist for a dad? 
Yeah, you know we had to go there...

Tomorrow: Pi Day!
 ***
(this one was from 2015, but it still makes us giggle)
 

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Picture Me This Photohunt

Created for friends, fellow bloggers and anyone who enjoys a creative challenge, Picture Me This is a weekly idea-starter for social media posts. Any platform, anywhere.

No following, no submitting required. And certainly no pressure!

We're just filling a void made when last year's Photohunt host went on hiatus.

This Week's Theme:



Be sure to tag your entry with #PMTphotohunt so others can find you.

If you tag us as well (@tonkstail on Instagram & Twitter, @atonkstail on Facebook) we'll be sure to like and share your entry.

Enjoy!

***

Friday, March 10, 2017

A holiday made for Maxwell

We join our story, in progress.
Just a cat. On a ladder. Minding his own business.


Maxwell: *perk*  what's that, you say? Tomorrow is National Worship of Tools Day?


Well, I wouldn't say I worship tools.


I mean, that's a bit extreme, don't you think?


*scoffing sound*  Seriously. Worship Tools? Me? Don't be ridiculous.


Besides, I could give up playing with Papa's tools any time I wanted to.


...


...



 ... uhhm ... there's a ... Twelve Step Program, you say?



Happy National 'Worship' of Tools Day!

***




Thursday, March 9, 2017

Thursday's Purrs: Baby

"Would you do me a huge favor? Go cuddle up next to your human for me, will you?

(um, and if you're a human, give your furry family a squeeze or two)

I recently learned the hard way how life can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. You see, I lost everything - EVERYTHING - in a fire. My humans and I are now homeless."



"No cat expects to be 16 years old and suddenly end up in a kennel, particularly not when he has spent every one of those 16 years sleeping next to his people in their bed. But here I am.

My family isn't sure how things will turn out or what their future holds, so they thought it might be better if some kind human would take me into their home. You know, instead of any more traumatic upheavals while things are so up in the air.

Besides, I didn't come out completely unscathed. I suffered some burns on my paws, and some smoke inhalation. No worries -- I've healed well, and I've even settled in well, here at the shelter. But I'd sure love a cozy home instead. I miss cuddling with my humans every evening."


"I'm told I look and act much younger than my age, and I make friends easily.

Won't you please come in and see if we might make a good team?

Purrs,
Baby"

Baby's waiting to meet you today - at the Main Branch of Kansas City Pet Project.



http://kcpetproject.org/

***




Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Trouble with a capital 'T'

*spies sibling on chair*


*cut to closeup, unsuspecting sibling* 


*makes his move ....*


Maxwell: *groann-n-n*
C'mon, not again ....

Faraday: Seriouslies, Maxie, just look at it this way.
I'm helping you celebrate tomorrow's holiday.


Just get over it.


National Get Over It Day, Thursday March 9
How do YOU plan to celebrate?

***