B is for Birthday: How to Throw a Party for Your Cat

Cats like parties too and even if you don't know their exact birthdate, you can celebrate their adoptaversary. However, there are a few things you should know before getting out the rabbit jelly and Tom and Jerry Ice Cream.

Party Paraphernalia: Go to an expensive shop and spend loads of cash on birthday items like party bags, toys and games. The next day, throw it all away because the only things your cat was interested in were the cardboard boxes it all came in.

Party food: Go to an expensive fishmonger's and butcher's and spend loads of cash on top quality fish and meat. Take hours lovingly preparing it. The next day, throw it all out because your cat has filled up on spiders and woodlice and turned his nose up at it.

Invitations: Go to an expensive stationer's and stock up on gold-embossed cards with a picture of a mouse on them. Take them home to write out to all your friends and neighbours. Half an hour later, throw them all away because your cat has shredded them in a fit of pique.

Music: Spare no expense in hiring a top band. When they turn up install them in a marquee in the garden that cost an arm and a leg to hire. Ten minutes later ask them all to go home because your cat hates the noise and is hiding under the garden shed and refuses to come out.

Gifts: Go to an expensive emporium and spend half a day and a month's wages picking out a state-of-the art cat toy. The next day dismantle it and put it in the attic because, apart from one sniff, your cat has shown no interest in it whatsoever.

Birthday Cake: See under Party Food.

Guests: Do ask everyone in the world you want to impress - your boss, your mother-in-law, the new neighbours - and then hide away from them for the next five years because your cat dumped a half-chewed mouse at their feet and then threw up all over their shoes.

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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A is for The Amazing Acro-Cats

So here it is, my first post in the 2020 A to Z Blogging Challenge. I hope you find it interesting. Introducing the letter A! 

Those of you who have tried to persuade a cat to do anything other than what he wants to do will be in awe of Samantha Martin whose moggies, The Acro-Cats, put on shows for the public.

Cats playing musical instruments, riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, pushing each other in little trolleys and walking the tight-rope, what's not to like? Judge for yourself in the video above.

One amusing reviewer said: "Their music sucks and each song sounds like their previous one, but my son's band music sounds exactly the same. At least it's much more pleasant to look at cats rather than teenage boys in leather pants."

As you'd expect with a troupe of cats, not all of them are well-behaved and it seems they tend to lose interest and occasionally wander off into the audience, which all adds to the appeal.

The shows include a performance by the Rock-Cats which, not surprisingly, are billed as "the only cat band in existence". At Christmas you can expect to hear songs like A Cat in a Manger and Catnip Roasting on an Open Fire.

My sassy, grumpy cat Toffee is also taking part in the A to Z Challenge. Take a look here: www.notsosweettoffee.com

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020

I will be taking part in the A to Z blogging challenge this year. I haven't done this for quite a few years and although it's quite hard finding time to write a new post every day as I work as well, it is a lot of fun! The challenge begins on April 1.

My alter ego Toffee at www.notsosweettoffee.com is also taking part.

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

My theme will be Cat News and Views.

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How To Prevent Cats Killing Birds

Nature is nature, but I’m sure many cat owners feel a little guilty if their pet kills a bird. But cats and birds can live relatively harmoniously in our gardens with a few simple measures, says The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). 

Baby birds in particular are vulnerable from predators like cats, but with some minor interventions, the number of chicks killed can be minimised.

The wildlife charity is keen to tell cat owners what they can do to avoid chicks being caught  and is offering the following advice:

• Put a bell on the cat's collar. An RSPB study shows this can reduce predation of birds by 41%. The collar should have a quick release buckle and fitted properly.
• Make sure cats are well fed and cared for. This may encourage them to stay close to home and be less likely to wander
• Keep your cats indoors around sunset and sunrise and after bad weather – birds are most vulnerable at these times as its when they are most likely to come out to feed.
• Take your cat indoors if a fledgling is in the garden, until its parents lead it away
• Avoid putting food on the ground for a few weeks where cats are known to catch birds. Use a bird table or higher ground where cats cannot reach it
• Place spiny plants such as holly or an uncomfortable surface around the base of the feeding station to prevent cats sitting underneath it
• Position nest boxes where cats cannot reach them or sit close to them (preventing the parents birds from getting to the box).

An RSPB wildlife adviser, said: “People are often surprised that the RSPB is not against owning cats and firmly believes that cats and garden birds can exist side by side quite comfortably with a bit of sensible pet ownership and taking a few simple measures.

“Baby birds are extremely vulnerable and it is very upsetting if you discover the remains of one that has been eaten by a cat so by fitting a bell, keeping them indoors for the most risky times of day and raising your feeding stations, you could avoid distress for all.”

One RSPB member said: “I have a young cat that is extremely active and I also have two feeders, a water bath and a bird table which is full of all sorts of birds.

“Of course my cat is a hunter and does what comes naturally to him from time to time but if I try and feed him at dawn and dusk, this is inevitably followed by a sleep which is the other thing that comes naturally to him!"

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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The Working Cat Program

We ailurophiles often forget that there are many cats who don’t want to live in a house being spoilt with soft cushions, food on demand and endless cuddles!

There is a whole army of feral cats who are so used to living outside that they wouldn’t cope well with a domesticated environment.

Now many animal shelters allow these to be working cats who can thrive outside of a domestic situation. After all, it is in the cat’s nature to control rodents so these cats are adopted by businesses, farms and other properties with a rodent problem.

Working cats are a cleaner alternative to toxic pesticides, they’re less expensive, safer and more effective.

All the cats want in return is safe shelter, regular food, clean water and basic health care — otherwise, they’ll mind their own business and take care of your pest problem in the process. Some of these cats may become a little more social in time if they get used to lots of people around, but mostly they keep to themselves and just show up for dinner.

The cats are usually fixed, microchipped and vaccinated with the adopter sometimes, but not always, paying a basic fee.

It may take a short period of time for the cat to settle in and be effective, but rats are intelligent, and word spreads quickly that your property is no longer a safe place for pests. Before long, the mere presence of your feline employee will be enough to keep most rodents away.

If you are interested in getting a working cat, put Working Cat Program into a Google search to get more information.

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Toffee has finally done it. She has written a no-holds-barred exposé of her life. Prepare to be AMAZED, prepare to be SHOCKED, prepare to be ENTHRALLED.
(Left is the paperback, right is the Kindle version).

            

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Cat Gatecrashes Concert

It could have been a catastrophe when one little cat decided to gatecrash a live orchestral concert. But the little cat was given a welcome by the musicians and the conductor. After greeting a few orchestra members, the musical moggie settled down on the front of the stage to listen to the performance.

He first wandered into the strings section where the cellists and violinists said hello and managed to avoid being shooed from the stage by one musician.

He eventually ended up on the podium with the conductor before deciding to lie down and appreciate the music.

Have a look at the hilarious video below.

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If you are a cat lover - especially a lover of the grumpier members of the species, this is the book for you. Written by Toffee who, despite her name, is the least sweet cat you can imagine. The world according to Toffee exists to serve her and woe betide anyone who forgets it. Paperback on left, Kindle version on right.

            

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Perdita Finds A Home

Who remembers Perdita, the cat lovingly branded "a jerk" by an animal rescue centre (story here)?

The grumpy cat has found a forever home, the North Carolina rescue centre reports. Perdita is happily (if that's the right word!) settled in Tennessee with a couple identified only as Joe and Betty.

She may have a new name, Noel, but the "challenging" personality that made her a social media star remains. 

The rescue centre said: “Joe and Betty adore her and she tolerates them," adding that the stroppy cat refused to pose for the traditional adoption photograph and instead ran from the room growling.

The rescue centre received 175 applications to adopt Perdita since introducing her to the world 10 days ago with descriptions of challenging behaviours including “lurking in dark corners” and “staring into your soul until you feel as if you may never feel cheerful again”.

Her dislikes included Disney movies, kittens and the colour pink and she was described as a master of deception.

“We thought she was sick,” said the centre. “Turns out she’s just a jerk.”

The rescue group hopes to capitalise on the publicity by finding homes for other animals in its care, including Edgar, a rotund orange tabby who shares an affinity for “reaching out and touching someone”.

Perdita’s internet stardom looks set to continue, with an Instagram account set up to chronicle the next chapter in the life of the fractious feline. Here: https://www.instagram.com/perditas_journey/

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Cat Who's 'Just A Jerk'

If anyone adopts Perdita the cat from a North Carolina rescue centre, they will know exactly what they're getting.

Believing that honesty is the best policy, the centre describes her as "the world's worst cat". Her adoption ad on Facebook says, “We thought she was sick. Turns out she’s just a jerk.”

The honesty tactic has helped get  pets adopted in the past and the centre  hopes it will  work for Perdita, too.

According to the post, the feisty feline likes “staring into your soul until you feel as if you may never be cheerful again.” 

She dislikes “the color pink, kittens (yuk they are so chipper), dogs, children, the Dixie Chicks, Disney movies, Christmas and last but NOT least… HUGS.”

“We thought if we highlighted her personality in a humorous way, the person with a personality to match hers can adopt,” said the centre's Amber Lowery. 

It's a tactic that seems to be working. So far the centre has received many requests to adopt Perdita.

Perdita doesn't hate everything. Her likes include: "Jump scares (her specialty), lurking in dark corners, being queen of her domicile' and fooling shelter staff into thinking she's sick."

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Are You A Cat Whisperer?

Are you a "cat whisperer"? Can you read feline facial expressions? It turns out most people are unable to decode feline emotions, but there are a few people who excel at deciphering how cats are feeling.

These cat whisperers are generally women and those with veterinary experience and - surprisingly -  it makes no difference whether they own or even particularly like cats.

Professors Lee Niel and Georgia Mason, from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, investigated the extent to which humans can decode cat emotions from their facial expressions. They recruited 6,329 people from 85 countries for their study, showing them 20 videos which featured cats in either a negative or positive emotional state.

In the negative videos, for example, the felines were showing signs of avoidance by withdrawing from an object or person or fleeing to a hiding spot. In some, they were struggling against physical restraint or being denied opportunities like going outdoors.

The cats in these videos were also growling or hissing or had health problems, such as malaise or physical pain.

In the positive videos, the felines had sought out favorite spots or interaction with people, such as being petted.

None of the videos depicted obvious facial expressions, such as open mouths or flattened ears, although all the videos focused on the cats' eyes, muzzles, and mouths.

Most participants performed poorly at the facial recognition tests, with the average score being barely above the chance average — 11.85 points out of 20.

However, 13% of participants were significantly successful at identifying the emotions, scoring more than 15 out of 20. Women were more successful than men and younger participants more successful than older, as were people with professional experience of cats, like veterinarians.

Professor Niel said: "The ability to read animals' facial expressions is critical to welfare assessment. Our finding that some people are outstanding at reading these subtle clues suggests it's a skill that more people can be trained to do."

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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How To Keep The Cat Off The Christmas Tree

Does your cat attack the ornaments on the Christmas tree? If so, here's a clever hack that solved the problem for one woman - and it may work for you too.

Irene Olocco, from Italy, placed a "force field" of tangerines around the tree to stop her cat  Jojo Grassojo from clawing it.

She figured that as most cats hate the smell of citrus fruit this would repel the evil intentions of Jojo Grassojo!

'My cat is afraid of tangerines, so I've created a force field' she said.

She posted a picture on Facebook and cat owners were very impressed by her tip. The post, which has since racked up more than 52,000 shares was deemed 'adorable' and 'genius' by Facebook users.

Most cats hate a strong citrus smell and so it is a natural deterrent.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Candy The Stowaway

Going on holiday? Have a cat? Then let this story be a warning to you!

Nick and Voirrey Coole, from the Isle of Man in the UK, were excited about their trip to New York but didn't realise that another member of their family had tagged along for the ride.

They realised something was wrong when airport staff at the Isle of Man airport started giving them some strange looks as a bag passed through the scanner.

It seems that their cat Candy had decided to tag along  by hiding in one of their carry-on bags.

Can

“It must have looked quite unusual on the scanner. At the point at which they scanned it, they were all scratching heads and they were all looking at each other,” said Nick. He said he couldn't quite work out what was going on.

“They were looking at us so bizarrely,” he added. 

It turned out that Candy had hitched a ride with her human parents by curling up in one of their bags. 

Thankfully, the airport security team eventually found her and helped the couple hand over Candy to some friends and continue on to their destination.

“The second they realized it was a genuine mistake, and we had actually brought our cat through airport security, at that point, they just laughed and they were fantastic,” Nick said.

He later thanked his friends via Facebook for picking up Candy and also the airport security staff for helping get her home so they could catch their flight.

Now they are enjoying their holiday in the Big Apple to celebrate Nick’s 40th birthday.

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Cats Take Over Underground Station

In this consumer age how lovely that a group of cat lovers has raised money to totally redecorate an underground train station with pictures of cats.

Clapham Common Station in London has no commercial advertisements at the moment because a group calling itself The Citizens Advertising Takeover Service (CATS) started a crowdfunding campaign to raise enough money to put up their own pictures.

Instead of adverts for cars, creams and Christmas presents, there are now more than 60 pictures of cute cats and kittens.

The cats featured are from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home or from Cats Protection, the UK’s largest feline welfare charity, and are in need of loving homes.

‘Wouldn’t it be great not to worry about the holiday we can’t afford, the car we don’t need, or the body we don’t have? Imagine a world where public spaces made you feel good,' said organiser James Turner.

‘This isn’t a clever marketing stunt for a pet food brand, or a guerrilla campaign for a new TV series. The people behind it are volunteers who raised the money on Kickstarter. We want to inspire people to think differently about the world and realise they have the power to change it.’

Have a look at this book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!

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Amazon's Best Kept Secret