Feeling Safe in Her Sleepypod®

We received  a Sleepypod® Mobile Pet Bed  for our honest review.  We were not compensated for these comments.  We only share products we believe in and use ourselves and all opinions are our own.  Sleepypod is not responsible for the content of this post.

We definitely live in the South where people can shoot off fireworks in our neighborhood.  When Truffle was a kitten, she used to sit at the window and watch the fireworks all night long.  In fact, both Brulee and Truffle sit in front of the window for hours on their first New Year's Eve with me. For some reason, about a year ago, Truffle began to get spooked with loud noises.  She can usually be found under the bed now when there are fireworks or loud cracks of thunder.  Last night, people began shooting fireworks and Truffle started getting restless again.  This time, she climbed into her Sleepypod® Mobile Pet Bed where she felt more comfortable.  We've already shared the details about the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed in a previous post and wanted to show you that it's used all the time at home.

Truffle feels safe and secure in her Sleepypod® Pet Bed

Memorial Day 2016

We pause today to honor and remember those (man and animal) who gave their lives for our freedom.

Graphic courtesy of Zoolatry

This IS My Happy Face - Sunday Selfie

Truffle is a beautiful cat with gorgeous green eyes and lovely silvery fur.  However, she also has that stereotypical Persian scowl.  Can't you tell she's happy about interrupting her bird TV for a Sunday Selfie?  Hop over to The Cat on My Head for more Sunday Selfies.

Hurry up and get this over with.

This photo also shows Truffle's eyeliner eyes, which is a standard for silver shaded Persians.  One thing Truffle has that isn't standard for the breed is a black nose.  We think it makes her unique and more beautiful.

Giveaway

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for a Sleepypod® Air pet carrier.  Giveaway ends June 3, 2016.

Caturday Art

For today's Caturday Art blog hop, we went to Photofunia and chose the drawing and pastel options. Truffle wanted to pose beside her Sleepypod® Air.  Mom Paula wishes she was talented enough to actually draw us like this graphic.  Don't forget to visit Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty to see more Caturday Art designs.

Giveaway

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for one of our lucky readers to win their own Sleepypod®Air. Giveaway ends June 3, 2016.

Travel Anywhere with the Sleepypod® Air - Review and Giveaway

Presenting the Sleepypod® Air

FTC Disclosure:  We received a glacier silver Sleepypod® Air in exchange for our fair and honest review. We were not compensated for our review and all opinions are our own. Sleepypod is not responsible for the content of this post.

We can finally share the secret we've been keeping for the past few weeks.  We are proud to present the Sleepypod® Air to our readers.  We know many of you are familiar with the Sleepypod® products because of their attention to safety in all of their harnesses and carriers.  Every Sleepypod carrier and harness includes the Pet Passenger Restraint System (PPRS) components and features to improve pet passenger safety.  You can see the Sleepypod Air Crash Test on YouTube.

Brulee thinks the Sleepypod Air is both beautiful and safe

The Sleepypod Air not only meets Sleepypod's strict safety standards and high quality materials and color selection, but is offers an innovative solution to the numerous conflicting airline size restrictions put on pet carriers by providing size versatility through flexibility.  The unique design of the Sleepypod Air allows it to contract in size to fit below most airline seats during takeoff and landing when pets must be under the seats.  The Sleepypod Air can be expanded to allow your pet the largest possible space below an airline seat.  Watch the video from Sleepypod see how the Air is assembled, adjusted for flexibility, set up in a car for safety, and general information.

Video courtesy Sleepypod®

Photos courtesy Sleepypod®

We haven't traveled in a plane before, but the Sleepypod Air is also designed to safely carry us to the vet (when needed) in the car.  We're scheduled to visit the vet in a couple of months and we're sure the vet will like that the entire cover can be unzipped to allow easier access to us.  Truffle tends to get pretty nervous in the car and at the vet.  Unfortunately, Mom Paula needed to turn our traditional carriers upside down in order to get Truffle out. Truffle also likes enclosed places to feel more secure.  She can easily see outside the top end end, but others can't easily see her, so she feels safe.

Key features of the Sleepypod® Air

As soon as Mom Paula put the Sleepypod Air together, Truffle immediately went inside. Mom Paula was able to zip her up with little problem.  We do recommend that if you have a cat who is difficult to put in a carrier that you have the Air already zipped except for the end to make it easier.  If your cat (or dog) wears a collar or harness, there is a latch you can connect to the Air to help if she tries to escape when the carrier is unzipped at the airport or the vet.

Truffle is comfortable in her Sleepypod®  Air

The Sleepypod Air comes in 6 different colors to satisfy anyone's taste.  We received the Glacier Silver from Sleepypod because we thought the silver and black would match our silver fur wonderfully.  We love the limited edition Robin Egg Blue, but don't know how long it will be available.  Whatever color you choose, you'll be satisfied with the style, color, safety, flexibility, and convenience of the Sleepypod Air.

To read more about the Sleepypod Air and other Sleepypod products, visit them on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Giveaway for a Sleepypod Air for one of our readers at https://t.co/kLRK417cDX. Ends June 3. @sleepypod #ad pic.twitter.com/EwxaQtfifd

— Sweet Purrfections (@Truffle_Brulee) May 27, 2016

Giveaway

We're excited to announce that Sleepypod is allowing us to host a giveaway for one of our lucky readers to win a Sleepypod® Air (Retail $169.99).  Winners will make a first and second choice of color.  To enter the giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter below.  No purchase necessary. The Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18+ years old.  Void where prohibited.  Giveaway will run from May 27 and will end June 3 at 11:59 pm ET.  One winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter and notified via email and have 48 hours to claim his/her prize; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Watching Bird TV

Truffle using her hypnotic stare to get the birds to come closer

We love it as the days are getting longer because it means the front blinds can be opened when Mom Paula gets home from work and we can see outside longer.  We had some birds build a nest on our front porch, but they are gone now.  There was also a bee nest, but it is also gone.  We need something else to attract the critters onto our front porch.

Wordless Wednesday

Brulee

Can You Keep a Secret?

Can you keep a secret?

We have a secret that we're eager to share with you.  Mom Paula made us stay quiet for a couple of weeks, but we're ready to burst with the excitement of this product.  If you look really hard behind us, you may be able to see what we can't wait to tell you.  We have an exciting review and giveaway for our readers, especially those of you who travel a lot.  Stay tuned...

Time to Make Me Beautiful

It's a full time job keeping Truffle and Brulee beautiful.  Not only is there the daily ritual of combing us, but we need eyes cleaned, toenails clipped, mats removed, bottoms trimmed, and sometimes little bottom baths.  Mom Paula is going to share a post in the next few days about what she does to keep two Persians looking beautiful and believe us, it isn't easy.

Time to help me stay beautiful

Sunday Selfie

We thought we'd go a little old fashioned for our Sunday Selfie today and post in black and white.

Brulee and Truffle

You can see more Sunday Selfies by visiting The Cat on My Head.

Halo Liv-a-Littles® Protein Treats #ChewyInfluencer

We think everyone who reads our blog knows how much we love treats.  Mom Paula hides treats in almost every room in the house.  She thinks she's trained us to come when she shakes the containers or bags, but we've really trained her to give us a treat whenever we want one.  One of our favorite treats is the freeze-dried variety.

Brulee and Truffle waiting for Mom Paula to open the container.

Disclaimer:  As members of the Chewy.com Blogger Outreach Program, we received the Halo Live-a-Littles® as compensation in exchange for our fair and honest review.  Chewy is not responsible for the contents of this post.  Sweet Purrfections will only share products and information that we believe are of interest to our readers.

The Halo Liv-a-Littles® Protein Treats are freeze-dried protein treats for both cats and dogs. They come in a plastic container with a screw-on lid.  Mom Paula says this is the best part because we can't get into them as easily, even if they are knocked over on the floor.  We like the container because it keeps our treats fresh.

Truffle and Brulee have trained Grandma Faye to feed them Halo Treats

The Halo Liv-a-Littles treats are available in five different flavors:  chicken, wild salmon, beef, farm raised rabbit, and New Zealand lamb liver. We received the chicken flavor, but would love to try the other flavors, especially the rabbit and lamb.   Some of the pieces are quite large and Mom Paula needs to break them into small pieces to make it easier for us to eat.  Truffle loves them so much that she'll choke trying to eat them so fast, so smaller pieces are safer for her.  Mom Paula can make one piece last for 4-6 bites if she breaks them up small enough.  Mom Paula likes to save the left over crumbs and sprinkle them on top of wet food to encourage Brulee to eat it.

Brulee reaching for her Halo Liv-a-Littles treat

The Halo Liv-a-Little treats are available at Chewy.com and range from $8.49 - $11.39 in price.  The containers last us quite a while when we break the pieces up.  We love to shop at Chewy.com for all of our food, treats, and litter (they have toys, too).  2-day shipping is free when you order $49+ and the customer service is excellent.  We also love their boxes and Mom Paula usually leaves them out for a few days before breaking them down.  We're thankful to Chewy for allowing us to try these treats and we'll definitely order more of them.

Room for Three

We like to keep Mom Paula in suspense as to where we will sleep each night, but we do have a general routine, depending on the weather (and our moods).  When it's really cold outside, we cuddle close to her in the bed and she can barely move.  When the nights get warmer, we try to find a cooler place to sleep.  When we hear Mom Paula beginning to stir in the morning, we join her on the bed.

Brulee and Truffle watching Mom Paula get ready in the morning

Mom Paula:  It amazes me the routines Truffle and Brulee have worked out concerning their sleeping arrangements on my bed.  When we have the colder temperatures, Truffle will sleep on my left side touching my thigh all night.  Brulee will sleep on my right side, but on her Peggy Blankie.  You should see me trying to crawl out of the bed in the middle of the night when nature calls and I'm trying my best not to disturb the girls sleeping.

Brulee resting on her pink Peggy Blankie

When the temperatures get warmer, the girls seek out cooler places to sleep.  Truffle likes to sleep under my bed because there is an AC vent near the floor at the head of the bed and it's really cool under there.  Brulee will either sleep in the guest room on the bed underneath the ceiling fan or in the hallway outside the bathroom because the AC vent blows air from underneath the sink and it goes right into the hallway.

Truffle sleeping next to my leg

Truffle and Brulee are unusual for cats because they don't wake me up in the morning.  I've never fed them first thing in the morning, so that may be the reason.  However, I do keep a treat bag in the nightstand and once I wake up, I open the drawer and both come running.  If I stay in the bed a little longer, both will settle next to me, but on opposite sides.  I love these special moments in the morning when there is room for three in the queen-sized bed.

Where do your cats (or dogs) sleep at night?  Do you have any special rituals?

Work It Girl!

Truffle looks like a large kitty in photos, especially with all her fur.  She only weighs about 7 pounds and is a very petite Persian.  She doesn't have the Persian cobby body like Brulee, but when she walks, she literally struts!  I call her Miss Priss!

Truffle strutting her stuff

Is Your Cat at Risk for Kidney Disease? #AskYourVet

We go to the vet every year for our annual checkup (and sometimes in between if needed). Our vet mentioned last year that when we turned 5 this summer that she wanted to do some baseline bloodwork.  Other than a couple of upper respiratory infections, we're pretty healthy.  We want to make sure we're staying healthy, especially with our kidneys.

Dr. McKinnon examines Brulee

This post is sponsored by Pet Health Network® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help create awareness for the importance of the IDEXX SDMA™ kidney screening test for pets, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Pet Health Network® or IDEXX is responsible for the content of this article.

1 in 3 Cats May Develop Kidney Disease

Image courtesy of IDEXX

Did you know that 1 in 3 cats are likely to develop kidney disease in their lifetime?  Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of suffering and death for cats (similar to heart disease for humans).  As cats age, their chances of developing kidney disease increases.  It's scary to know that more than half of the cats over age 15 have kidney disease.  Cats are experts at hiding signs of illness and once the disease is diagnosed, the kidneys have lost most of their function.  My first cat, Muff, developed Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) at 17 years of age. She was already at the point of having 6 months to a year to live by the time the diagnosis occurred.   

Muff developed Chronic Renal Failure

IDEX SDMA™ Breakthrough Screening Test for Kidney Disease

I've only had four cats in my life and one has already died from kidney disease.  I hope that I can beat the odds with Truffle and Brulee and avoid them developing kidney disease. IDEXX SDMA™ is a breakthrough new test that screens for kidney disease.  If your vet administers this test for your cats, kidney disease can be diagnosed months to years earlier than previously and allows time to do something about the disease.  The great thing about the IDEXX SDMA™ is that it can detect kidney disease when much of the kidney function is still intact and give your vet and you the opportunity to take action quicker and allow your cat the best chance at a healthy, happy, and long life, even with kidney disease.  

Dr. Strom examines Truffle

Ask Your Vet for the IDEXX SDMA™ Kidney Screening Test

I received the notification last week from the vet's office that it is time for Truffle's annual examination.  Truffle will be five years old next month and it's time for some baseline blood work and tests.  It's important to monitor her health so she can live a long, happy, and healthy life. The IDEXX SDMA test is available to all veterinarians in the United States and Canada. Currently, approximately 2 in 5 veterinarians in the U.S. are already including IDEXX SDMA in their routine testing (and most at no added cost).  I'll make sure to ask Truffle and Brulee's vet if they are performing the test.  I want to provide the best possible care for my girls and earlier diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease allows me the chance to give it to them.  I want to have as many years as possible with my two beautiful girls.  

To learn more about IDEXX SDMA and to stay updated, follow Pet Health Network® on Facebook.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pet Health Network®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Where's Truffle?

Mom Paula began collecting some special Persian stuffed kitties after Grandma Faye bought the first white one for her on the first Valentine's Day after Mom Paula's separation (and impending divorce). That was 20 years ago and she's slowly collected some different Persian kitties.  Little did she know that 20 years later, she would have two very real white (and silver) cats.  Can you find Truffle among the flufflies?

Where's Truffle?

Mom Paula gave the big fat brown kitty to her great niece for her first Christmas!  We hear that Zoey slept with this kitty when she was a baby.  We hope so, because Mom Paula loved that stuffed kitty.

Pesky Critters

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post and there are no links to preventative medication included. There are some brand names mentioned in the post that I've used on my cats.  The opinions expressed are my own.  

It's that time of the year when it gets warmer in the South and those nasty critters come out that can bite us and cause problems.  Even though we are indoor kitties, we receive a monthly topical treatment for fleas, ticks, and heart worms.  Truffle hates getting this treatment and Mom Paula has to sneak up on her to apply the treatment.

Truffle hates this monthly treatment

Mom Paula:  When I got my first cat over 40 years ago, I thought that if she was an indoor only cat that she wouldn't get fleas.  Little did I realize how wrong I was.  Somehow, we got an infestation of fleas in our house one year with Muff.  The fleas were so bad that we could see them hopping on our legs when we'd walk through the house.  We had to get her out of the house so the exterminator could fumigate the house.  Muff was taken to the vet and given a "dip" so we could get rid of the fleas on her.  We didn't let her wear a flea collar (which was the standard then) because she was known for getting her foot stuck in the collar and we were afraid she'd get in trouble with a collar while we were at work during the day.

Mom Paula's first cat, Muff

I want to share a humorous (at least it is now) story about the several hours we had to get Muff out of the house.  My ex-husband was a band director, so we took Muff to the band room and put her in one of the practice rooms while Randy and I did some school work.  We stayed there for several hours to allow time for the extermination to be safe to go back home.  When we went to get Muff to take her home, she was no where to be found.  We knew we hadn't opened the door and we were becoming frantic.  There were shelves in the practice room where school instruments were located.  We looked on every shelf and still couldn't find Muff.  Finally, we noticed a slight hole in the ceiling and wondered if Muff had gotten in the ceiling.  Randy climbed up into the ceiling and finally found Muff.  As Randy was climbing around in the ceiling to get Muff, he stepped through the ceiling and almost fell through.  Luckily, he was okay and we were able to retrieve Muff.  We took her home and slowly, the flea infestation was gone.  I can't believe that when I was giving Truffle and Brulee their monthly treatment last night, I remembered this story since it occurred in the 80s.

Praline 

I had another flea infestation with Praline.  I came home after a business trip and I could see the fleas crawling on Praline's belly and I was getting bitten.  Praline was also an inside kitty and I couldn't figure out how the fleas came inside.  I honesty think the pet sitter brought some fleas indoors from some of the animals she was looking after that week.  Praline got sick shortly after this infestation and the vet thought she had something called flea fever.  She was already a senior kitty at this point and the vet recommended she be put on a monthly topical treatment of Advantage.  Honestly, I only gave it to her during the warm spring and summer months because of her age.  I never found anymore critters on her.

Brulee and Truffle

When I was talking to the breeder about bringing Truffle and Brulee home, we discussed the flea treatment.  I told her I'd given Praline the Advantage and she recommended I give the girls something like Revolution because of the danger of heart worms.  I knew dogs had heartworms, but I'd never heard of cats getting them.  Terri (a vet tech) explained that heartworms came from mosquitoes and if one got in the house and stung the girls, they could develop heartworm disease.  Heartworm disease if a very scary situation for our pets and can potentially be fatal.  The disease is caused by worms that can grow to a foot and live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels.  Heartworms can be transmitted by the bite of a mosquito who has bitten an infected animal.  We have a lot of mosquitoes in South Carolina with our warm moist climate and they do get indoors.  Cats are an atypical host for heartworms and the heartworms don't usually survive to the adult stage in cats.  Even though cats don't usually have adult heartworms, the immature worms can cause a condition known as heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD).  The medication used to treat heartworm infections for dogs cannot be used for cats, so prevention is the only way to protect them.  When I found out this information and knew how frequently mosquitoes flew into my house, I chose to begin Truffle and Brulee on Revolution.  At first, I only gave it to them during the warm months, but their veterinarian recommended year-round since we have more warm days than cold days in SC.  Truffle really does hate the medication and realizes what it is before I even get near her.  The vet say it could burn a little bit since there is some alcohol in the medication and the smell is pretty strong.  I don't have anyone living with me to assist with the application, so I have to put the applicator in my pocket and sneak up on the girls.  Truffle is first because she'll take off running as soon as she smells it.

So far, there have been no pesky critters on the girls, so I'll continue to treat them monthly.

National Straw Hat Day

We've seen those photographs of some of our cat friends actually wearing hats and we can't believe they are doing it.  We would never allow Mom Paula to put anything on our head and it stay long enough to get a photograph.  So, we went to our trusty photo editing software and found some great southern straw hats to wear today in honor of National Straw Hat Day.

Brulee and Truffle in their fancy straw hats

You can see more Sunday Selfies by visiting the Cat on My Head.

National Disaster Pet Preparedness Day - #PetPrepared

Truffle reminds everyone to be #PetPrepared in case of a disaster

This post is sponsored by Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love® Initiative and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping Promote National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, but we only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Today is National Disaster Pet Preparedness Day.  Earlier this week, we shared some helpful tips from the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program ensuring safety for your pets in case you experience those unfortunate disasters. We encourage you to visit our post to get more information.

We encourage you to set up your own “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. A Pet Go-Kit should include at a minimum

• first aid supplies and guide book; 
• a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; 
• a safety harness and leash (or a carrier); 
• waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; 
• a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; 
• information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; 
• comfort toys; and 
• a blanket.

We are purring that you'll never need this kit.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.

Sleeping Through Friday the 13th

Truffle thinks she'll avoid any bad luck today by sleeping through the day.  We hope you have a very lucky day!

Sleeping through Friday the 13th

Southern Kitties Are #PetPrepared For Disasters

Recently, we experienced a 1000-year flood in South Carolina.  Hundreds of residents near us were displaced from their homes along with their pets.  We never thought about a natural disaster occurring so close to us, but we had homes surrounded by water within 5 miles from our house.  We saw photos on the TV and Internet of animals who were trapped in their homes, found roaming around the streets, and ended up in shelters.   Some pets were already in shelters, but were displaced again because the floods destroyed the shelters. This is a scary thought to us because South Carolina has a history of natural disasters: tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, ice storms, and earthquakes (yes, we are on a fault line).

Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® Disaster Relief Network is poised and ready to help at a moment’s notice during a disaster.  This network helps to ensure that all of the animals, though stressed and upset, have proper nutrition to keep them healthy until they can be reunited with their owners. From the stories we heard during the South Carolina floods, people barely  had time to evacuate their human families from their homes and unfortunately many were separated from their pets.  It is important to have a plan in place that ensures the health and safety of your pet in times of crisis.  Hill's® established the first-of-its-kind national network in 2013 as an extension of it's Food, Shelter & Love program to quickly respond with shipments of pet food to communities impacted by disaster.  Since 2013, the Hill's network has delivered free pet food to more than 60 different shelters and veterinary clinics across the United States in response to 25 major incidents.  

Emergency workers rescuing animals after a disaster
Photo courtesy of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc.

May 14 is FEMA National Pet Disaster Preparedness day.  We admit that we've been a little slack in being prepared, but realize this is the perfect time to make preparations for those unexpected emergencies.  The Hill's Disaster Relief Network recommends these Seven Tips to Ensure Your Pet's Safety in an Emergency.

1. Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that contact information is up-to-date. 
2. Prepare a “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. Your Pet Go-Kit should include the following: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
3. Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information. 
4. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when they are frightened. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster. 
5. Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet - friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
6. Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
7. If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe - keeping.

Are you prepared?

Hill's has designed an informative checklist to help each of you put together your own Pet Emergency Go-Kit.  We recommend that you assist your humans in organizing your Go-Kit and we hope you never need to use it. 

Graphic courtesy of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc.

The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program is based on four pillars:  Volunteer, Donate, Choose and Adopt.  Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has already provided over $280 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters, 365 days a year helping over 8 million pets find a new home.  If you'd like more information about the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, visit their website.  You can also follow Hill’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.

Wordless Wednesday

Giveaway Winner of PetSafe® Flitter Cat Toy

Congratulations to Summer!  We'll be in contact with you by email to get your information.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where Did It Go?

A bug found its way into our house yesterday when Mom Paula came home.  We had a blast chasing it all over the house.  Mom Paula has no idea where the bug is and she says she doesn't even want to know what happened to it.  MOL

I know there was a bug right there!

Surveying Her Domain

Brulee loves to climb to the top of the cat tree and survey her domain around her.  She also feels a little safer this high because Truffle doesn't usually climb as much as Brulee does. This is very surprising because Brulee has the cobby Persian body which doesn't lend itself to climbing and jumping.

Brulee from the top of the cat tree

I thought this was an interesting photo because of the lighting in the background.  You can truly see her wonderful green eyes and her fur horns standing out.  The light in the background also shows off her silver fur.  She always gives me that look when I dare interrupt her when she's in the top of the cat tree.

Giveaway

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a PetSafe® Flitter Cat Toy.  The giveaway ends May 10 at 11:59 am.

Happy Mother's Day

We thought we'd share those first special moments when Mom Paula met us and we chose her to be our human mom.  Mom Paula was able to visit Truffle at the cattery three different times before Truffle was old enough to come live with her.  Each time Mom Paula visited, she stayed for at least 3 hours so Truffle and Beignet could get used to her.  Truffle immediately picked out Mom Paula and would go off by herself when other visitors came to look at the kittens.  Truffle knew her mom was already chosen and there was no need to be friendly with anyone else.

First kiss from Truffle (2011)

Mom Paula was only able to visit Brulee two times before she came to live with us.  Since Truffle moved in the 4th of September and was about 12 weeks older than Brulee, we wanted to make sure Brulee could move in as soon as possible so Truffle would accept her.  Brulee was about 10 weeks old when she came to live with us.  Brulee wasn't as "loveable" as Truffle was, but she knew who her human mom was because she literally reached out and touched her on the first visit.  Mom Paula had visited with the newest kittens for her traditional 2.5-3 hours and had played with a kitten who looked like Truffle and the little male kitty.  Brulee was sleeping off by herself and as the time neared for Mom Paula to leave, Brulee walked over and laid beside Mom Terri and let her rub her belly.  Mom Paula reached over to her and said, "so, you wanted to come over and say hello before I left."  Brulee looked at Mom Paula and took her floofy little paw and reached over and tapped Mom Paula on the hand as if to say, "don't forget about me."  Brulee stayed on Mom Paula's mind the entire 2-hour drive home and for four days before Mom Paula decided that Brulee had chosen her.  The rest is history.

Brulee chose Mom Paula at the last minute (2011)

Mom Paula:  Just a little background.  I've grown up with pets.  The first twenty years of my life, I was owned by a Collie, a Cocker Spaniel, and two Pekingeses (I know I have photos somewhere, but can't find the photo albums).  When I got married, I wanted another pet, but my husband (now ex) was afraid of dogs (don't know why), so I convinced him to let us get a cat.   I told him that she would be indoors and not exposed to the dangers outside.  Muff lived to be almost 19 years old and died one month before my divorce.  I always wanted human children, but my ex-husband changed his mind about having children once we were married and he stated he would leave me if I ever got pregnant.  It hurt terribly, but I didn't want to lose my husband, so I agreed with his decision.  Upon the acceptance of this, I became more close to our cat, Muff, and could truly understand the special bond between a human and fur child.

Mom Paula and Muff (circa 1978)

When my ex-husband chose to leave me, he took Muff with him.  As much as it pained me, I let him take her because she'd been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) and only had 6 months to a year to live.  I thought it would be easier to lose them both at the same time.  It was very hard to come home to a lonely house for 1 1/2 years to no one.  I would pull up in the driveway at night and open the door expecting Muff to meet me.   Muff was part of my life for 17 years before she left.  I realized for the first time in my life that I was alone in the world with no children:  human or pet.  I was by myself for 1 1/2 years before deciding it was time to bring another furchild into my life and that's when Sweet Praline stole my heart.

Praline was a "love bug" from the beginning (December 1995)

Praline was a love bug from the beginning.  From the first moment I met her, she immediately kissed me, snuggled into my arms, began purring, and fell asleep.  It was love at first sight and she was exactly what I needed since I was going through a divorce after 21 years of marriage and had also lost Muff.  You can read more of Praline's story from her remembrance day post.  Sweet Praline stayed with me for 15 1/2 years and she'll always be remembered.  I'd become the mom of a special fur child and my heart was fulfilled with unconditional love for all those years.  During that time period, my divorce became final, my ex married his mistress, and she became pregnant.  If it weren't for the love of Sweet Praline, I think that announcement would have devastated me because I finally realized that my ex-husband would have that special human child that I always wanted and would never have. Praline became my life and I knew then that I was a Human Cat Mom!  Praline gave me the best kitty kisses and would purr so loudly when she was stroked or groomed.  She brought some love back into my life that I had lost and helped to heal a broken heart.  That's why I always say that she was my heart kitty.  When I lost her, I knew I wanted to be a mom again, so Truffle and Brulee came into my life about 6 months later and the love and laughter continues.

One, big, and happy family with Brulee and Truffle (November 2011)

My life has been fulfilled with some wonderful cats the past 40 years and I'm proud to say I'm a Human Cat Mom!  I'm also an aunt to three wonderful nephews and two nieces.  They're all grown now, but they received a lot of attention and love from me and I treasured my time with them.  I'm extremely lucky that my mom is still alive and able to do things with me.  She'll turn 80 years old next month and she just had major back surgery.  I guess I'll be a little more in the mom role while helping her to recuperate.  But that's okay, because my mom has always been there for me.

Paula and Faye (May 2015)

We hope you enjoyed our little Sunday Selfie history of Mom Paula's Mother's Day experiences and emotions.  Happy Mother's Day to everyone, whether you're the mother of a human or a fur child.

You can see more Mother's Day Sunday Selfies by visiting The Cat on My Head.