It's Caturday!

Welcome back for another edition of Caturday, where we catch up on the week's latest cat news, and get to meet some of your amazing kitties!

This week, Simon's Cat returned in "Window Pain", cat breading got crafty with crocheted slices, a crying kitten was rescued after being mistaken for a ringtone, a graduate student presented a quirky collection inspired by cat lady style, we were moved by photographer Andy Prokh's touching images of his daughter and their cat, Around the World in 80 Cats introduced us to Knoxville Botanical Garden's resident feline, Kitty Roy, and we met Mimi, zen kitty Shironeko's new kitten sis!

Also, don't forget to stop by for your chance to win a $100 AmEx Gift Card from Apartment Guide! Last week's winner is going to use the extra cash to buy a new kitty condo. What will you splurge on if you win?

This week's featured felines are the luckiest little ladies in the world because they have a wonderful human mama who loves them with all of her heart!

Marcie writes:

These are my three wonderful furbabies, Mutiny, Bella, and Nala.

About a year ago, these three little babies were found abandoned on the side of a very busy highway where I live. They were barely 4 weeks old, and were much too young to be taken from their mother. They still had blue eyes, and were just learning how to play.

At first we didn't think Bella would live. She wouldn't eat, wouldn't meow, she just layed there. Realizing that they were much to young to drink milk from a bowl, I started to feed them with a bottle and goats milk. At first they resisted, but soon they were feeding all the time..even Bella started come around and started feeding.

It literally took blood and tears to keep these three little kittens alive for the first few days...and I soon became their momma.

Today, they are still with me. They are three beautiful ladies who have the strings to my heart. I have pledged to them to keep them forever and to keep them safe. I may not be able to do much for the other poor kittens and cats in the world that suffer everyday, but I can make sure these three will always have a happy, loving home with someone who loves them.

Special thanks to Marcie for sharing her gorgeous girls with us this week! Maybe she can't save every kitty in the world, but I'm certain that her love and devotion means the world to these precious cats. ♥

p.s. Looking for even more Catsparella? Check out my weekly columns over on Catster!

This week:

The 10 Cutest Cat Videos of All Time

10 Exquisite Cat Tumblrs You Should Follow ASAP

Cat Stuff to Die For: TratGirl's Pretty Kitty Journals

The Felt Kitty Necklace by Five o' Clock's is to Purr For

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Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm always taking submissions for my weekly Caturday post! Just email your best kitty pics to catsparella@gmail.com, and include your cat's name and anything else you'd like to share! I can't wait to hear from you!

Apartment Guide Pet Blogger Wrap-Up, Resources & $100 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway!

Over the past few months, I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger. As an official blogger, I have shared articles and ideas for exploring your space and city, as it relates to felines and kitty-cat style!

DIY Vintage Suitcase Cat Bed

Charlie and I have had a lot of fun writing posts during the series, in which I reminisced about moving into my first apartment with Priscilla, highlighted my Pinterest finds for pet friendly living, and challenged myself to update an unused space with a stylin' DIY Vintage Suitcase Cat Bed.

Charlie demonstrates the proper way to use the Apartment Guide iPhone app

If you're thinking about moving, be sure check out Apartment Guide's free resources, including mobile apps, moving checklists, the Apartment Guide blog, and more. They're also available to answer your questions on Twitter (just tweet @aptguide #OfficeHours), and all of their searches have menu options which allow you to narrow results down to the cat-friendly apartment that's right for you.

Enter To Win!

As a thank you to me and my readers for participating in this program, Apartment Guide has generously offered another Catsparella reader the chance to win a $100 American Express gift card! The last winner told me that she was going to buy her kitty a much needed new condo with the loot, but what you do with the extra scratch it totally up to you!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc). The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Friday, July 6th at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents aged 18 and up only. One entry per person, please.

(If you have trouble entering a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

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Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers how-to tips for making the most of a space for you and your pet at http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/.

Disclosure: Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. The winner of this giveaway will be randomly chosen and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

Introducing Mimi, Shironeko's Kitten Sister!

Shironeko and Mimi

It's been awhile since we last checked in with Shironeko, aka the cool Japanese kitty who is kind of like the low-key version of Maru. The prolific puss produces an impressive output of daily pictures and videos that showcase his activities, as well as his evolving fashion sense, which seems to include everything from flowers to funnels.

The biggest news lately out of Team Basket Cat is a tiny new addition to the tightly knit clan, who goes by the name of Mimi. Shiro's little sis is a ball of white fuzz, with two different colored eyes, and an adorable spot on the top her head. So far it looks like she and the zen master are getting along just purrfectly, with the 10-year-old cat having no trouble at all adjusting to his littlest new student.

Via kagonekoshiro

Last chance to vote! Nominations close TODAY! (Fri. 6/29)

Some Thoughts On Cat Lady Inspiration

Priscilla

One question I get asked a lot is, "How did you become a cat blogger?" And while the entire answer in itself isn't so simple, it all starts with one source: My beloved cat, Priscilla.

As many of you know, she is my first cat, purchased for $10 at a flea market eleven years ago from a woman whose cat had given birth in a barn. Her fate was to remain a barn cat, be sold to a local pet store, or something far worse. She was the only tuxedo cat in a cage of grey kittens, sitting in the corner by herself, while her littermates hungrily chowed down on some wet food for the first time (antisocial even then). From the second I held her, I knew she was mine, but at the time I had no idea that a decade later, she would be responsible for changing the direction of my life forever.

Priscilla is part of what inspired the name Catsparella, and it is she who is to blame for turning my love of cats from a passing interest into a full-fledged obsession. Catsparella's two year anniversary is coming up in August, and it's hard to believe that something that started as a form of creative expression, has led to extraordinary opportunities that I never could have imagined while working in Human Resources (I know) and thinking, "This is not what I'm supposed to be doing."

Charlie

I think about all of the incredible people (and cats) I have met along the way, which would not have been possible had it not been for this blog that I started from my bedroom with nothing but a cat and a dream (heh). Or rather, two cats, because when Charlie unexpectedly came into my life a few years after Priscilla, little did I know that this lovable black teddy bear would once again change my idea about the feline species, and give me that much more material to write about.

Pets not only add life, but they enhance it, and have the inexplicable ability to change it forever with a purr. In addition to rescuing one life at a shelter, you just might find that they are eager to return the favor. They are a source of unconditional love, comfort, inspiration, and motivation, and if that's not enough of a reason to consider opening your home to a furry family member, I can't think of a better one that is.

This year, I am once again proud to be teaming up with Pets Add Life (PAL), a non-profit campaign dedicated to spreading the joys and benefits of owning multiple cats, and increasing responsible pet ownership (although as everyone knows, cats own us, and not the other way around).

To learn about PAL, please visit their website and YouTube channel, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership, but it's no secret that I think everyone should adopt a cat!

Around The World in 80 Cats #16: Knoxville

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

The next time you find yourself in Tennessee, plan a stop at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum to spend some face time with resident cat, Kitty Roy!

Kitty Roy

The handsome orange kitty's story was recently featured on WBIR, where they reported on how the 10-year-old cat's presence has made him a popular staff member, and a social media sensation. In addition to patrolling the grounds, Roy (as his close, personal friends call him), enjoys napping, dropping in on weddings, and being dressed up in cute outfits.

The dapper tabby has also developed quite a following with the ladies, but as Grounds Manager Mathew McMillian explains, "Ray does have a female fan base, but he doesn't really know what to do with it."

Kitty Roy and Sage

In case you can't make it out to Knoxville, the botanical garden regularly posts pics of the puss on Facebook, where they also recently announced that he has been joined by a brand new grounds-kitty, named Sage!

Knoxville Botanical Garden is located at 2743 Wimpole Avenue, Knoxville, TN.

Via WBIR / Images: Facebook (Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum)

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Know of any cat-themed travel destinations, or have any cool kitty vacation pics to share? Drop me a line at catsparella@gmail.com!

Nominations close tomorrow, Fri. 6/29!

I Can Has Cheezburger Prize Bundle Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to enter the I Can Haz Cheezburger Prize Bundle Giveaway!

I used Random.org to determine the winner, and it selected comment #33 belonging to Marilyn who wrote: "We'd love to have the goodies!"

If you're interested in purchasing some cool ICHC loot of your own, don't forget to visit the Parkside Paper + Gift Shop, where as an exclusive to Catsparella readers, you can get FREE SHIPPING for the next month on any order of $20 or more using the promo code: CATSPARELLA ($20 total must be pre-taxes and you must use the code upon check-out).

Nominations can be made once a day through Friday!

Graduate Student Designs Cat Lady Inspired Collection

Alice Maughan, a graduate student at Kingston University in London, recently took to the catwalk to pay tribute to cat ladies in her presentation during Graduate Fashion Week. The 23-year-old designer drew on inspiration from her childhood cats, Lester and Jess, and also pieces that represent decor one might associate with feline loving women of a certain age.

"I wanted to take a light-hearted look at people's obsession with their pets," she says of the collection. "I've taken aspects of interior design and combined these with my hand-drawn cat prints to bring the secret world of the cat lady into the spotlight."

"There's a quilted box-like jacket that's reminiscent of plumped up furniture and cushions - the sort of thing you would be too worried to actually sit on in case you spilt your tea on it. I've also taken some vintage curtains and turned them into a dress complete with curtain pole. The cat lady cannot be separated from the home she preens and grooms."

While Alice doesn't currently have any kitties of her own, she hopes that will change once she becomes more established in her career. "I love cats and would really like to have one in my life again," she admits. "But my studies have been so intense, it wouldn't have been fair while I was at university. One day I'll have the time again, and a garden."

Via Kingston University

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

Kitten Rescued After Her Cries Were Mistaken For A Ringtone

Annie / Scottish SPCA

A man who believed he heard a cell phone ringing at The Royal Highland Show in Scotland this past weekend went to go investigate the noise, and instead discovered a kitten mournfully calling for her mama. The 4-week-old cat was stranded on top of a pallet of goods, where authorities believe she must have been dumped because she was too little to get there by herself. The man brought the tiny tabby to the Scottish SPCA booth, where she was taken in and named Annie. She is now being cared for at Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre at Balerno, until she is ready to be adopted.

Poor baby was probably so scared, but luckily the story has a happy ending! With a sweet face and a story like that, I'm sure she will be scooped up into a loving forever home as soon as she is ready.

If anyone has any information about the incident, they are urged to contact the animal helpline at 03000 999 999.

Via Scottish SPCA / STV Edinburgh

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

Cat Breading Gets Crafty With Crocheted Slices

In-Bread Cat Crochet Cat Costume, graciously modeled by McFluffypants

The in-bread cat craze has come and gone, but I feel like we're at the point now where's it's kinda hip again, in a what's-old-is-new-again sort of way. To wit, Etsy seller Yummy Pancake has made the meme more...erm..environmentally sustainable by turning it into an art. Simply slip the adorable, handcrafted In-Bread Costume on your kitty, and you'll never again have to sacrifice another peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the name of participating in online cat culture.

Via CatLadyDiary

Nominations can be made once a day though June 29th!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

Kitty Close-up

This week's cat cupcakes are a sweet kitty treat that were made in celebration of a 50th birthday. The eclectic batch featured all of the birthday girl's favorite things, including sewing, diet coke, and of course, CATS!

The cupcakes were made by Mel of bake-me-a-cupcake, who can also be found at facebook.com/thegrovecupcakery.

50th Birthday Cupcakes

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Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Nominations can be made once a day though June 29th!

Cat Friendly Princeton $100 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Cat Friendly Princeton + $100 AmEx Gift Card Giveaway from our friends at Apartment Guide! I used Random.org to determine the winner, and it selected comment #24, belonging to Ashley who wrote: "My kitty and I would love to win this :) Zorro could use a new kitty condo! Thanks for the chance!!"

Woohoo, congrats you guys! Enjoy your new condo, Zorro!

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

Simon's Cat In "Window Pain"

Simon's Cat in "Window Pain" (Disney Exclusive)

Simon's Cat creator Simon Tofield recently announced that he will be coming to America for the first time ever this week (yay!) to attend VidCon in California. As part of the event, Tofield will participate in Disney's "Tips for Telling Great Online Stories" panel, and even created a new Simon's Cat film exclusively for Disney in celebration of the special event.

Sadly, no Disney characters actually make an appearance in clip, but Simon's cat and his naughty kitten counterpart more than make up for it!

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

A Girl And Her Cat Images By Andy Prokh

Mind Games of Ozzy

Maybe in your internet travels you've come across the above image of a cat wearing Lennon-esque shades, but did you ever wonder where it came from? The popular shot is actually the work of Russian photographer Andy Prokh, whose impressive portfolio contains several images of a girl and her cat.

I was recently in touch with Andy's agent Slava, who tells me that the girl in the photos is Andy's daughter, Catherine ("Never noticed that she has word 'cat' in her name," she says), and their gorgeous British Shorthair kitty ("Umm.. It is Andy's cat. Lazy, furry.. Well, you know.

:-)")

There is something particularly sweet about the series that show the two interacting together, and I'm sure that when Catherine grows up she will cherish the images her dad managed to capture of the special relationship they shared.

Check out a few of my favorites below, and head over to Andy's online portfolio to marvel at more of his captivating black & white work.

Mittelspiel

First Solo Exhibition

Music Lessons

The Stage Manager

We Will Win! (Gamesters)

Misunderstanding

We Are The Cats

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

It's Caturday!

Welcome back for another edition of Caturday, where we catch up on the week's latest cat news, and get to meet some of your amazing kitties!

This week, Caturday is coming to you live from the BlogPaws Social Media and Pet Blogging Conference, right here in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah! I've been having a lot of fun over the past two days catching up with old friends, and getting to meet a lot of new ones, too!

In this week's news, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon designed cat-inspired shoes for a cause, ABC's Dan Harris adopted a Hovercat, Hanksy released his "Ferrell" kitty street art, Pretty Snake purred for pledges on Kickstarter, Henri, le Chat Noir went to the vet, Millie the security cat got a job at the toy factory, and Ethel sewed up 40 pink catnip kitties for 40 very lucky cats in her life!

Also, I have two awesome giveaways going on right now that you don't want to miss! Enter to win an I Can Has Cheezburger Prize Pack filled with goodies like a travel mug, magnet, postcard book, coaster set and more, or for your chance to win a $100 AmEx Gift Card from Apartment Guide! Yeehaw, that's a lot of kibble!

Christopher

This week's featured feline is a very handsome fellow, with an adorable nickname to match!

Nathalie writes:

This is Christopher alias Misterfurrrr. This sweet boy was rescued when he was just a kitten and now spends his days living a life of leisure, sleeping, eating, being groomed, an most importantly being his most handsome, perfect self. We love him so much!

Special thanks to Nathalie for sharing her gorgeous Christopher this week! With a life like that, who wouldn't want to be a cat?

p.s. Looking for even more Catsparella? Check out my weekly columns over on Catster!

This week:

The 10 Most Amazing Cat Videos

7 Le Chat Noir-Inspired Products

Love Metal: Outlaw Kitty Accessories by Watto

Bon Iver Frontman Designs Cat-Inspired Shoes for a Good Cause

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Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm always taking submissions for my weekly Caturday post! Just email your best kitty pics to catsparella@gmail.com, and include your cat's name and anything else you'd like to share! I can't wait to hear from you!

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

Henri, Le Chat Noir Goes To The Vet

Henri 3, Le Vet

Out favorite existential feline, Henri, Le Chat Noir, is back with the third installment of his groundbreaking series, documenting his ongoing battle with cat boredom. The video picks up right where the last one left off, with Henri insisting that nothing has changed, despite his sudden burst of internet fame.

The tortured tuxedo cat also gets a much needed change of scenery when he finds himself at the vet, but is once again disappointed when the doctor disregards his tortured meows. "I tell the doctor about my depressive state, and my growing disillusionment with the world," he laments. "But he just checks for gunk in my ears."

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!

Millie The Security Cat Guards Christmas Gifts At UK Toy Factory

Not even Catwoman herself will be able to burgle her way into Bandai's UK-toy factory this holiday season, at least not as long as Millie the Bengal cat is on watch! The pint-sized kitty crime-stopper, thought to be the first of her kind in the world, was hired for the position when she was found roaming the floor when interviews were taking place. Her "climbing abilities and loud purr" are credited with helping her win the role.

Millie's owner claims that she "always had a very vigilant personality and doesn’t mind long hours alone," continuing, "I’m not surprised she took up a career as a security guard – the toys are lucky to have such an attentive guardian."

Her silent charges include the Power Rangers line, and Thunder Cats (of course). No word yet on if wearing a tiny badge and t-shirt, as shown, are actually part of her daily duties, for which she is reportedly compensated in cat food and fish for her efforts.

Check out more adorable pictures of Millie at the source!

Via Metro UK

Nominations can be made once a day through June 29th!