"Looks like someone left the kitty making machine on overnight, and now we have a cat-astrophe on our hands!"
The Winnipeg Humane Society has come up with a bit of viral marketing genius for their latest adopt-a-cat campaign! Modeled after a late night commercial you'd expect to see for cars or furniture, the adorable spot is really aimed at moving out shelter cats. Pitchman Andy Hill, a real life furniture salesman of Kern Hill Furniture Co-op, also located in Winnipeg, implores shoppers to give these kitties a forever home. No matter what you're looking for - girl cats, boy cats, used-to-be boy cats, new models with that new kitten smell, cute cats, lazy cats to cover up the hole on your couch - they have it all, and more (including a one of a kind cat that looks like a pig!).
Unfortunately, the Midnight Madness event itself isn't real, but you can stop by the Humane Society during normal business hours to pick up your preferred model today (no trade-ins!).
Today we have a good old fashioned Caturday roundup, with not one, not two, not even three - but FOUR, yes four dazzling felines who will make you kick your paws up and pawty like it's 1999!
First up, we have a submission from the land down under!
Miss Miah had her Mom Jannie fire up the computer so she could personally type me a little note with her own two paws! Let's sit back and learn a little more about this chatty kitty.
Miah paw-types:
"My name is Miah and I live in Melbourne, Australia. Every day is a Caturday for girls as good looking as me! (Ed note: True!) I start my day by walking around Mummy's head at 6am and getting a cuddle from Daddy. I then get served Fancy Feast Royale in a silver bowl before hanging out with my friends, the Fluffies (a family of cats from two doors down), on the kitty kat superhighway (the brick wall at the back of my garden). In the evening I sit on Mummy's lap and make her watch Keyboard Cat.
Everyone thinks I should be a model because I am ridiculously good looking. I have to say that I agree. When I mention that I'm seven no one can believe it because I am just so good looking and slim."
It sounds like Miah lives quite the charmed kitty life! And with her ultra-long whiskers and azure diamond colored eyes, she's the next Cindy Cat-ford for sure! Seven-years-old, you say? Why, you don't look a day over three!
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Next up, reader Chris writes in from Germany:
"Here are two of my (five) little ones: Bonni (left) & Luna (right). They always want to be close to me which gets a little cramped on my desk when I want to work (okok play) on my PC. :)
But don’t we just love them for that?!"
Indeed we do Chris, indeed we do! I must also note that immediately after receiving this email I got another one from the same address requesting catnip and tuna, so I'm wondering who really did the typing here! I love sweet Bonni doing her best innocent kitty "paws up" pose, and Luna is just keeping the keys warm for you! Who doesn't want to bury their nose in that marshmallow tummy floof?
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And last, but certainly not least, Karen wrote in telling us: "Daisy can't wait for Caturday!"
Well, she sure looks comfy in her posh little bed! It's true that napping all week is tough work for kitties, and Caturday can't come soon enough! Get this pretty lady a catnip-tini, stat!
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Very special thanks to Jannie, Chris, and Kathy for submitting pics of their gorgeous cats this week! With all of the snow we've been getting on the East Coast, I just want to hibernate in my apartment with a bunch of warm kitties, and these four lovelies do the trick!
Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm looking for submissions for my weekly Caturday post! Email your best kitty pics to catsparella@gmail.com, and include the cat's name and anything else you'd like to add. I can't wait to hear from you!
New images emerged this week of Cartoon Network's ThunderCats reboot, scheduled to debut later this year. The show's producer, Ethan Spaulding exclusively told MTV.com:
"We decided that it would be best to keep the core character traits of all the characters - specifically their colors - so at first glance you can tell who each one of them is. We really kept that core spirit of all of the characters and just updated them with a little more realistic armor, and some of the '80s aspects - like Lion-O's exposed midriff."
For a basis of comparison, here's a look back at the original "ThunderCats" crew:
And here's an additional new leaked image from the London Toy Fair:
Cheetara 1985 vs Cheetara 2011
The newer cast is decidedly younger looking, and as many have pointed out, have more of an anime look (Spaulding also revealed that the original show was actually done in Japan).
I'm not so upset about Lion-O, but I have some concerns about my girl, Cheetara. It looks like she lost a lot of weight, got an awful haircut, and replaced her happening catsuit with a tiny (new) cleavage bearing top.
I'll tune in for purposes of pop culture pussycat reporting (and for the thrill of reliving part of my childhood), but beyond that, only time will tell if the new ThunderCats are really on the move!
Meet Pumpkin, one of two felines that played the role of Hermione Granger's cat and magical familiar, Crookshanks, in three Harry Potter films, beginning with her star-making turn in 2004's Prisoner of Azkaban. The 10-year-old red persian, a former rescue, now lives a life of luxury with her trainer/owner, Donna McCormick-Smith on the Isle of Man, one of the British Isles in the Irish Sea.
"Emma and Pumpkin 'got on brilliantly'"
McCormick remembers Pumpkin's time on the Harry Potter set fondly, recalling that she had her own dressing room (in the shape of a travel crate), was fine having fur balls added to her coat in hair and make up, and got along swimmingly with all of her non-feline co-stars. In fact, Pumpkin was so happy, "her contented purring caused problems for the sound crew."
Since starring in the blockbuster films, Pumpkin refuses to eat regular cat food, instead preferring roast lamb and chicken. Also in true diva form, "she developed a taste for sparkling water after a shortage of still water on the set one day."
So what's next for the four-legged celebrity? While no longer involved with the Harry Potter film franchise, McCormick hopes that the well-trained pussycat will continue to book acting gigs on the island she now calls home.
Tales of Terror was a 1962 horror film starring Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, and Basil Rathbone. Billed as a "Trilogy of Shock and Horror," the film consisted of three short sequences, all based on Edgar Allan Poe stories: "Morella", "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar", and "The Black Cat." On one auspicious day in 1961, an open audition was held in Hollywood to find the perfect cat to play the part of the the eponymous feline. Fortunately for us, photographer Ralph Crane was on hand to capture every glorious moment!
(Click images to enlarge)
Cats lined up from miles around for a shot at superstardom
Whether your sweetheart is human, or of the furry variety, I've compiled a list of 10 thoughtful, cat-related gift ideas under $20.00 that will show your honey how much you care, without breaking the bank this Valentine's Day!
Want to really drive your kitty wild this Valentine's Day? Dress her (or him) up in this alluring red feather boa collar, and watch the sparks begin to fly! The soft, fluffy collar attaches with a silver magnetic clasp, so it's easy to put on (relatively speaking), and provides quick release in the event of a collar hang-up. It's also worth nothing that the seller, Whiskerkisses, is a member of Etsy For Animals, and donates 10% of the proceeds from sales towards helping animals in need. It doesn't get much sweeter than that!
Chocolate is the #1 ultimate best thing in the world (right??), and is pretty much expected (if not demanded) on Valentine's Day. Give your favorite cat blogger honey bunny the ultimate chocolate fix with these sinfully delicious confections, courtesy of the gourmet artisans at Moonstruck Chocolate Co. Each box comes packed with 1 Extra-bittersweet Black Cat Truffle, 2 White Milk Chocolate Mouse Truffles, and 2 Brown Mocha Mouse Truffles. The kitty truffle even has a little pink heart shaped nose!
Your cat may not be able to enjoy traditional chocolate treats, but that doesn't mean they can't get in on the action! Pamper your precious feline with these creative, hand-crocheted chocolate covered strawberry catnip toys by Lucky Cat Crochet! Each one is stuffed with squishy filling, a jingle bell, and potent organic catnip. Va-va-voom!
Bring a little love and luck into your Valentine's life with these sweet handmade, fabric brooches by Necocoa. Measuring 1.5" across, they would look purrfect pinned to a favorite coat or totebag!
Let your kitty know you're always there with these adorable ID tags by Ebonypaws! The aluminum tags are available in various sizes and colors, and the back can be customized with your personal information.
As the description says, "Cupcake kitty looks cute, but yummy at the same time!" You may not want to eat them, but give your sweetie some sparkle with these adorable earrings by Kuma Crafts. They come topped with icing and sprinkles, a delicate bow, and a single Swarovski crystal bead for some added glam!
Our friends at Nip and Bones have set up a Valentine's Shop with treats for cats and dogs, and my favorite pick are these 'Cute Kitty' heart cat toys! I love how they put a spin on traditional candy conversation hearts, and not only are they super cute, but they're also filled with "captivating crinkle material" for double the fun!
Keep Calm and Love Cats Archival Print - The Lobster Pot, $11.99
It seems like just about everything has made its way on to a "Keep Calm" poster these days, and cats are no exception. I chose this 8x10 print because it's the perfect reminder that the soothing purr of a kitty can bring you to a state of meditative bliss.
Maybe it's because I have iPhones on the brain lately ever since it was announced that they're finally coming to Verizon, but I'm crazy in love with this kitty case by FeltLlang! Handmade with felt, and precisely stitched, let your friend or honey carry your love around with this wonderful little piece of art.
Human Heart Organic Catnip Toy with Treat Hiding Ventricles - Bixbies, $7.00
So maybe Valentine's Day isn't for you, or your cat has a bit of bloodlust. Really give them a piece of your heart with these macabre human heart catnip toys by Bixbies. Machine stitched and "filled with a premium kitty crack blend of organic catnip", these anatomically correct curiosities make the perfect anti-Valentine's Day gift. Also available: Human Heart Catnip Toy Complete with Blood Spray (also pictured).
