Cat-Friend vs Dog-Friend I'll admit that it took me awhile to get around to watching this video because I expected it to be just another boring dog people vs cat people comparison, but instead of focusing on the personality traits of people based on their species preference, it paints a funny and (generally) accurate portrait of what life would be like if your human best friend pulled a Freaky Friday with your feline one.
Life with Monkey Fans of the Bravo TV show 'Flipping Out' know that the show's star, designer/house flipper Jeff Lewis, can be an obnoxious jerk sometimes, but that he also has a soft side when it comes to his furry family members. During last night's Season 6 finale, a collective sob could be heard across the nation (or Twitter, at least), as the Jeff Lewis Design team had to say goodbye to their beloved cat, Monkey. The blue-point Himalayan was Lewis's first feline, given to him by his previous partner Ryan (yeah, remember him?), and the aging kitty's health was shown in rapid decline this season due to a myriad of escalating issues. Knowing that his time was coming near, Jeff brought his boyfriend Gage, housekeeper Zoila, and best friend/assistant Jenni along to the vet so they could all say one final goodbye. The end result was a heart-wrenching look at the process of letting go of a pet, and one of the "realest" things I've witnessed on reality TV in awhile. I know I can't be the only one whose heart broke into a million pieces watching Jeff stroke Monkey while telling him he loved him and thanking him for being his cat. Anyone who has ever lost a pet could relate to the cast's pain last night, and cried right along with them. In the exclusive Bravotv.com clip above, Jeff can be seen reflecting on his relationship with Monkey, and breaking down while talking about loving him unconditionally. If you're really in the mood to torture yourself, grab a box of tissues and click here to watch the full "Goodbye Monkey" clip as it aired, but I will warn you again that it's very, very sad. RIP Monkey! You had a great life filled with lots of love, and will be forever missed. Jeff says goodbye
Sebnem of Shebbo Design is someone I would categorize as one cool cat lady. In 2009, the Istanbul native ditched her corporate career to pursue a passion for painting, except instead of sticking to canvas, she transforms unexpected items into gorgeous pieces of art that can be displayed and worn. Her shop stocks an impressive array of great gift ideas, including jewelry, painted bags, natural stone art, mugs, and more, plus she's happy to take on custom portraits of the favorite feline in your life! The self proclaimed "cat-mom" creates all of her items with love and care, and considers her darling kitty, Pasha, to be her business partner.
Enter To Win! Tuxedo Cat Bracelet Sebnem has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance towin a hand-painted tuxedo cat bracelet from Shebbo Design! 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 Wednesday, December 5 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open worldwide! One entry per person, please. Good luck, and be sure to check out Shebbo Design, and follow Sebnem on Facebook and Twitter for all of her latest deals and designs! (If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)
Delicious necklaces to nom! Juicy Couture isn't offering up any feline-inspired wares this holiday season, but that's not stopping the luxury brand from cashing in on the cat fashion craze. Their homepage is currently dedicated to an accessories story featuring blinged out felines modeling rhinestone jewelry, but who can focus on pink purses and pavé hearts when there's pretty kitties to admire? Via Juicy Couture
Elsewhere, don't forget to enter for your chance to winone of 25 limited edition Fancy Feast holiday ornaments! They're super cute, so you don't want to miss out! rumi This week's featured feline has a story that's as beautiful as her pretty little face!
Samiksha writes:
Meet rumi, our engagement cat. She is named after the Persian poet because she is full of love. In 2008, my partner and I decided we would get married. We were against buying expensive wedding rings, but my fiancé insisted that he wanted to spend that money nonetheless for the engagement. So we found an inexpensive, though beautiful, engagement ring from the estate section of a local jewelry store. Being the cat lady that I am, in place of expensive rings and a huge wedding, I requested an “engagement cat.” Off we went to our local humane society. When we met rumi there we fell in love and were surprised she had been at the society for so many months already. rumi is the sweetest, most gentle and friendly cat we have ever met, and everyone loves her. My now husband jokes that if we ever get a divorce we have to cut rumi in half. He never used to be a cat person, and tries to put on a macho air by claiming he still does not like cats, but he really has a soft spot in his heart for our six year old rumi. In fact, my husband is her favourite—she sleeps alongside or on top of him whenever he’s on the couch, while he pets her. He has also come to terms with the fact that I love cats (especially rumi) a little bit more than I love him :) Other interesting facts about rumi: -She enjoys playing catch while she is hidden under something, like a slip-covered chair. From our end we see fabric-covered cat arms grabbing at the toys. Truly a sight to behold! -Her favourite toy lately is parachute cord. It drives her nuts that she can’t get her claws or teeth to grab hold of it! She runs all over the house for the cord. -There is not one day that passes when rumi doesn't hear how much she is loved. -Rumi is missing one fang! Sometimes her lip gets caught on the other fang and it looks like she is scowling. -She likes talking with us especially when we talk with her. -She adores being brushed and petted, which makes her purr. Her coat is extremely soft—everyone comments about it! -She loves cat grass and insists on being hand fed individual cat grass blades, which we hold horizontally for her to chomp on. I hope you enjoyed learning about our very loved little girl rumi. Special thanks to Samiksha for sharing her gorgeous rumi with us this week!
*** Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm always accepting 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!
The turkey's (nearly) gone, and it's time to get your shop on! Scoop up these awesome deals for yourself or the cat lover in your life, from some of my favorite feline-centric shops on the web! Have a deal I missed? Let me know in the comments! The Feltery All cats and animals on sale for $10 on Black Friday through Cyber Monday Heidi Shaulis Paintings 50% off from 9am to 5pm EST on Black Friday Use coupon code blackfriday50 at checkout Kate Funk's Etsy Shop 20% off on Black Friday and Cyber Monday Black Friday use coupon code BLACKCATFRIDAY at checkout Cyber Monday use coupon code CYBERKITTY at checkout Flora Davis Cat Hair Jewelry 20% off BLACK-cat-FRIDAY through CYBER-puss-MONDAY Use coupon code BLACKCAT2012 at checkout Doodlecats 10% off on Black Friday Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout Shop Miss Ella 20% off until November 30 Use coupon code PercysBlackFriday at checkout Messy My 15% off until November 30 Use coupon code GIFTSALE at checkout Pussies on Parade Free shipping and a free set of 4 magnets with each order from Black Friday through Cyber Monday Mark Poulin Jewelry and Marmar Superstar 10% off until November 26 Use coupon code CATSPARELLA at checkout Hey Kitty Kitty Storewide sale through Cyber Monday, with some items up to 40% off. All orders placed during this time will receive a free randomly chosen 1" pinback button featuring designs by artists such as Gemma Correll and Susie Ghahremani. Studio Legohead Custom Pet Portraits 8 x 11 inch Custom Portraits for $120 (normal price $140)
8 x 11 inch Custom Portraits with background for $150 (normal price $170)
Black Friday through Cyber Monday Contact info@studio-legohead.com
RCTees 15% off cat merchandise on Black Friday
Use coupon code Catsparella15 at checkout
Magic Bean Buyer
30% off from Black Friday through Sunday 11/25
Use coupon code blackcat at checkout
Cathy Peng Art & Design
25% off all regularly priced merchandise from Black Friday through Sunday 11/25, except for address labels. Discount does not apply to shipping.
Use coupon code BLACKFRI25 at checkout
My Zoetrope 25% off from Thanksgiving through Sunday 11/25 (midnight EST)
Use coupon code MEGAFUN25 at checkout
Yummy Pancake
10% off through Cyber Monday
Use coupon code CROWDSMAKEMEGRUMPY at checkout Snoop Catty Catt 20% off on Black Friday Use coupon code CATSPARELLA at checkout Whimsy Kitten 20% off through Cyber Monday Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout Alisa Harris Free shipping in the continental US and 1/2 off international shipping on two cat themed mini comics through Monday at midnight Pretty Snake Free shipping in the U.S. on Cyber Monday Use coupon code CYBERCATS at checkout
Brooklyn Cat by Miri Shilo 25% off all items in the shop on Cyber Monday Use coupon code MONDAY25 at checkout I Want To Draw A Cat For You Purchase a cat drawing as a gift on Cyber Monday and use the coupon code TASTYTASTYPICKLES at checkout to receive a special coupon code AFTER the holiday season for your very own FREE cat drawing. You'll get an email in early 2013 with a coupon code for a free cat drawing that you can keep for yourself! Georgia's Gifts Cyber Monday Special! 20% off all Laurel Burch Cat Handbags & Scarves Locketship Free domestic shipping and 30% off bracelets and earrings on Cyber Monday (through midnight PST)
