On the Go with the Sleepypod® Go Bag

We're in hurricane season in South Carolina. Luckily for us, we've never had to evacuate because we live in the middle part of the state. Last year, when Hurricane Irma came through the state, we were concerned we would need to evacuate, but luckily, it turned more westward. We had some bad wind and rain, but we were okay. Three years ago, we had a 1000-year flood and streets within 2 miles from us were covered with water. Once again, we were lucky because we are on higher ground. All of this started us thinking what we needed to do in case of an emergency, especially in preparation for the girls.

"Pet travel is on the rise thanks to pet-friendly hotels, attractions, and workspaces," say Michael Leung, Sleepypod® co-founder and lead product designer. "Since pets rely upon their owners for everything from food to protection, getting to a destination is not without challenges."

Wordless Wednesday

Brulee and Truffle helping out in the office

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Our good friend, Deb Barnes, began Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day in 2015 in memory of her beloved cat, Mr. Jazz. This day is set aside for everyone to remember all of those fur children who've gone before us who've touched our hearts and lives in some way.

Cats in my lifetime - Praline, Muff, and Beignet

Even though I'm in my sixties, I've only lost three cats in my lifetime...

Happy Birthday Brulee

It's hard to believe 7 years have passed, but today is Brulee's 7th Birthday!

Brulee - 7 years old - August 27, 2018

I remember still being in shock on the day Brulee was born.

Sunday Selfie

Brulee's Sunday Selfie among all of the stuffies!

Brulee and the Stuffies

Brulee fools me all the time when she sleeps on the guest bed among the stuffed cats.

Remembering Beignet

Today is a sad day as we remember our little mancat, Beignet, who left for the Rainbow Bridge much too early. 

Taking Your Cat to the Vet

August 22 is recognized as Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. This doesn't mean that it's the only day to take your cat to the vet, but a reminder of the importance of taking your feline to the vet for wellness checks in addition to time when they are ill or injured.

Brulee being examined by Dr. Mary Keisler at Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) state that 83% of cats visit the veterinarian before their 1st birthday, but over 50% never return unless they are sick or in pain. With regular healthcare, your veterinarian can often detect conditions that may affect your cat’s long-term health.

Sunday Selfie

Mom Paula found out she has a spondylothesis in her lower back and she's trying to take it a little easier with the use of heat and cold. She begins PT this week. While resting the afternoon of the diagnosis, Truffle climbed onto the bed with Mom Paula and rested beside her with her paw on Mom Paula's arm. She stayed there a long time and it was the perfect selfie!

Truffle and Mom Paula

 
When Truffle decides to sleep next to Mom Paula, she insists on one of her paws touching Mom Paula.

Finally...A Use For All That Fur - Pet Tolerance Test

Truffle and Brulee were pretty healthy cats the first four years of their life. Beginning in 2015, Brulee was rushed to both Cherokee Trail Veterinary Hospital and the South Carolina Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Care with respiratory issues several times and it's occurred 1-2 times a year since then. Persians tend to have respiratory issues because of their brachycephalic faces and small nostrils. Brulee and Truffle are both considered "doll-faced" Persians and not "extreme-faced" but Brulee has much smaller nostrils and a flatter face. After Brulee's respiratory issues, Truffle began having some problems with her eyes. The vets think it could be either the herpes virus or allergies. Brulee also tends to sneeze throughout the year, but she's not sick!

Brulee's sample of fur that was submitted for the Pet Intolerance Test

Together on Tuesday

Mom Paula loves waking up to this view in the morning. No matter how bad she feels or what is happening, seeing Truffle and Brulee first thing always brings a smile to her face and warmth in her heart.

Truffle and Brulee resting with Mom Paula

There's been a lot of sadness in the Cat Blogosphere this month. We've lost a lot of our feline friends to the Bridge and others are ill. 

Caturday Art

It's Caturday and time to celebrate and have a little fun. It's also time to get creative with your photos and produce some Caturday Art.

Brulee and Truffle using the Picasso effect in LunaPic

For our Caturday Art creation, we used the Picasso effect found in LunaPic. The photo above is of Brulee and Truffle behind their Sleepypod® Air carrier which is located in the living room. 

Eating with Jackson Galaxy

Everyone knows we are pampered Persian cats and have grown accustomed to being catered to. This doesn't stop when we are eating.

We've talked a lot about the challenge of feeding Truffle and Brulee because of their flatter faces. We've reviewed several bowls that successfully helped with whisker stress, especially for Brulee. 

International Cat Day

Today is International Cat Day (aka World Cat Day) and is a celebration which takes place on August 8, every year. It was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.  World Cat Day is celebrated on February 17th in much of Europe and on March 1st in Russia.

Truffle and Brulee reminding everyone that every day is cat day!

Of course, Truffle and Brulee want to remind everyone that every day should be Cat Day! 

Sunday Selfie

Do you wonder what Brulee and Truffle are saying to Mom Paula as they look at her from behind their Sleepypod® Air?

Brulee and Truffle dare Mom Paula to take them back to the vet

June and July were pretty rough for both Brulee and Truffle with illnesses. 

Wordless Wednesday

Truffle staying up late with Mom Paula