And They Both Purred Happily Ever After

02/21/2012

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Bruno and Solomon, Finally In A Forever Home

 

They are the first same-gender cats to officially marry.We told you about them last year, when their wedding prompted headlines everywhere. Two sweet adult male cats, devoted to each other, and in need of a permanent home. Their shelter, Ollie's Place, in New York, wanted the boys adopted together, as splitting them up would break their hearts and spirits. But many adopters who would have chosen ONE of them were not up for taking BOTH. And so, they waited.

Until now. Just this week, a kindly woman opened her home and her heart to the boys, welcoming Bruno and Solomon to their real forever home. Everyone who's heard of this development suddenly feels the need to blink back tears of joy.

Two big beautiful boy cats, ready to give a lifetime's worth of affection, at last secure in the knowledge that they're beloved. For Solomon and Bruno, it's proof that happy endings are not an endangered species. And in shelters and rescue groups, every waiting cat and kitten takes new hope from their story, knowing that their wait can be rewarded in the most wonderful way. May Bruno and Solomon enjoy a long and happy life together, bound by love and human generosity.

On the Catwalk, It's Haute Cature

02/02/2012

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In Vogue, Feline Fashions

If you dressed your cat up for Halloween, he or she may finally be close to forgiving you for that kitty-size Shrek costume, or your attempts to transform a calico into a clown. While some cats may tolerate being costumed, most choose to celebrate Halloween by collecting treats in return for no tricks.

 Yet a pair of felines in Japan do not hide under the bed when it's time to don cat clothes. They actually enjoy being dressed in their best, every day. A quirky fun book called "Fashion Cats" features wonderfully posed pictures of feline supermodels named Kotaro, a handsome tabby-and-white fellow, and snowy white Princess Prin, glammed up in wedding attire, bow ties, tiaras, capelets and bunny ears, to mention a few (even an "Anne of Green Gables" outfit that all cat kindred spirits will love!) Their sweet-faced expressions show patience and wonderment in a round-the-calendar collection of exquisitely detailed costumes. Nothing off the rack for these kitties. 

Why would two cats display their love of "haute cature" so vividly (and without shredding their attire, hissing like teakettles in a struggle over a sleeve!) Somehow, these two are naturals at getting into that runway vogue. Fashion designerTakako Iwasa, who adopted Princess Prin in 1999, said she received a "message from the universe" a year later. The message for 2000 was "Do something this year!" Her something was to start desiging clothing for cats, launching a hugely popular website called Cat Prin - Tailor of a Cat. She also taught tailoring classes for those who wished to outfit their own cats. She and Kotaro and Prin all found their way to "The Cute Show," the most perfect venue possible for whimsically outfitted cats), and the book (VICE Books, $12) featuring her collection followed. It's a glossy 60-page volume that will cause every cat parent to oooh and aaah (and many cats to say, "Hmmph! I am NOT dressing up in a powder-blue cape and beret, no matter how chic you think it is!")

Princess Prin herself believes all cats should channel their inner divas, advising those who read "Fashion Cats" that she came from a distant world called Planet Prin, and that her flowing gowns and sparkly tiara confirm her place as royalty. Prin's advice to all cats: "Why don't you become a princess [or prince] too?"

Of course cats all believe they're already the princes and princesses of our homes and hearts, no matter what they wear (or don't), and a browse through "Fashion Cats" will give them, and you, a vicarious visit to the ultimate catwalk.

Cat Correspondent Seeking the Scoop!

10/31/2011

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Reporting from the Feline Front

You may recall the cool competition of last spring, a chance to be named an official Cat Chow Correspondent for Purina. The winner would get a year-long, paying gig, interacting with other cat-parents, learning what's happening in the world of felines, and in general, hanging out in the most cat-friendly places to find exciting stories to tell.

The nationwide search brought plenty of hopefuls (and everyone who entered received freebie coupons, much appreciated by their cats eager to chow down on the results). And the ultimate winner Andy Senor, Jr. (aided by his elegant Siamese cat Buster) began his reign in May, ready to meet with fans and make new friends. Andy, whose very busy life includes working as an actor, director, photographer and writer, told Cat Scratchings that he entered the contest because "it seemed like a fun, light-hearted idea, creating Internet content featuring me and my cat."

Andy, who kept a food blog while on tour for a year with the musical "Rent,"  was thrilled when he was chosen, and described the partnership with Purina as a perfect fit for "the three of us, including Buster." In fact, Buster was a prominent part of the action for a photography session at Andy's tiny home in the west Greenwich Village are of New York City. "The photo shoot was a first for Buster, " Andy said. "It's a good thing he is people-friendly, with all the crew people who were stuffed into my apartment. But we continue to plan for other encounters." You can follow both Andy and Buster on Facebook and on their Twitter account, @tellmecattales.

Andy enjoyed an appearance at BlogPaws, the conference of animal bloggers, where he "met a lot of interesting cat people and bloggers who shared amazing stories with me. The coolest thing about being the Purina Cat Chow Correspondent is how I've taken an interest in people's relationships with their cats, " he said. "I tell them what I'm doing, and they get so excited, they express love for their pet instantly and unapologetically. I instantly relate to their loving side, and we connect. I had no idea how moving it would be for me to realize the difference pets make in people's lives, and what they tell about their experiences. I couldn't wait to share their experiences on Facebook." 

Andy said he is interested in "the story that wants to be told, particularly about how cats enrich the lives of their people," and added that he is particularly fascinted by the topic of "therapy cats," which has gotten his attention -- so we'll be curious to see what he finds.

As for Buster, he's the cat who's got it made. Andy and a good friend share him, as Buster stays with Andy three weeks and with his friend for one. "I got the better end of the deal," Andy said. Like many Siamese, Buster thrives on giving and getting affection. "Buster is a lover, who loves people, loves sitting and sleeping on your lap, and following you around," said Andy. "He plays with you even if you're busy doing something else, and is also very good at entertaining himself."

Andy said that he is not an expert on cats, "I am only an expert on my love for my own cat. I would like others to see me as a safe space, where their expressions of love for cats is always welcomed."

Not-Quite-Live from N.Y., a Cat-Chat Show!

09/29/2011

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Who Needs Regis?

Lights, cameras ... cat hair! Unlike the morning frenzy surrounding soon-to-retire talk show host Regis Philbin, the countdown to air time for Kim Timon does not include trading jokes with Kelly Ripa. Kim's co-host is a handsome brown tabby named Douglas, adopted by Kim and his wife Geri. Their set is not a massive Manhattan sound-stage, but a smaller studio with an inviting, homey feel that inclues cute cat-themed decor and props---hey, it could be your Aunt Peggy's dining room! And for Kim and Douglas, their programs are always totally feline-focused -- no one's promoting an action flick or perfume line. "Purr 'N' Tell: The Show About Cats," really is just about ... cats. (The Timons' other cats, also rescues, are a gorgeous red tabby named Oliver and Jillian, a sleek tuxedo. Both are loyal viewers, not a bit jealous of Douglas's on-camera role!).

 Produced by Geri Timon since 2003, the commercial-free New York cable show features a half-hour of topics and guests, such as veterinarians, artists specializing in cats,cat cartoons, authors, or organizers of cat rescue groups. Well-known cat photographer Guy Powers offered hints on taking great photos of your cat (always a challenge, since some cats like to pose, and others aim for that out-of-focus quality!), and author/animal behavioral expert Arden Moore chatted about cat care. Gertrude Barron of The Worthy Pause (spotlighted in Cat Scratchings) was a guest too.

Even the Timons' own vet, Dr. Jenifer Saver, made an appearance, and upcoming segments will include an interview with Ada Nieves, the pet fashion designer (we know her from Animal Planet fave "Underdog to Wonderdog."). Victoria Stilwell, the super-trainer of "It's Me or the Dog," recently talked with Kim at the American Pet Products Association trade show for a future spot. Geri often posts video from field shoots and past shows on YouTube, so those who live outside the viewing area (Long Island Cablevision, Manhattan Neighborhood Network) can enjoy the program too. With Douglas delivering 'color commentary,' each episode wraps with a helpful note about the battle against feline obesity: Kim reminds viewers "Don't give in, keep your cat thin!"

  How did Geri, who grew up preferring dogs to cats, and Kim, who volunteered at a local cable access station, become the hard-working force behind a talk show aimed at cat enthusiasts? Kim, reviewing the original potential programming needed so that Four Village Studio could keep its government-access status, impulsively asked Geri if she'd like to produce a show about cats. At the time, Geri and Kim had recently welcomed Douglas, who joined Oliver and the late Abigail (a celeb in her own right, Abigail, then called Calliope, was featured in the book "The Dog Who Rescues Cats: The True Story of Ginny," about the kindly Schnauzer-Husky mix who came to the rescue of more than 900 cats, stray, abandoned or disabled. A superb, inspiring tale!). With three cats in the mix, and both Timons volunteering regularly at a local animal shelter, it all seemed meant to be: Cats rule, at home and on the air! Their first program was taped on Oct. 27, 2003.

Since then, viewers and visitors have flocked to the show, which airs, as Geri put it "like a Hallmark special," with much-anticipated original episodes about a dozen times a year, and rebroadcasts in between (you can catch one Thursday Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m., on 4VS-TV, and check for updates on the show's Facebook page.). Just in time for the holidays, in December, Kim and Douglas will do a segment with a luxury pet grooming salon -- hmm, maybe a kitty-spa visit is this season's purrfect gift.

  Although Kim and Geri work full-time jobs that keep them busy in addition to their TV work, and there are no advertisers to help with the cost of putting PNT on the air, they're committed to the show. While you're awaiting the return of  Animal Planet's feline-favorites "Must Love Cats" and "My Cat From Hell," both busily taping new seasons right now, give a look at "Purr 'N' Tell: The Show About Cats," and offer a big paws-up to the Timons family (including Douglas, of course.) for keeping cats on the radar.

All photos courtesy of Geri and Kim Timon/Purr 'N' Tell: The Show About Cats

 

 

Design for Living, Feline-Style

09/27/2011

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 Tracking Kitty-Friendly Furnishing Trends

 

When dedicated cat-parent Kate Benjamin went looking for stylish, modern products for her cats, hoping to enhance their lifestyle while keeping a trendy vibe in her home, she was repeatedly frustrated. "I couldn't find a single on-line resource that brought everything together into one place," she said.  And instead of just finding cat-friendly furnishings, Kate discovered an alternative career. "I decided to create Moderncat.net as a collection of my findings."

She quickly realized many other design-conscious cat owners were seeking the same kinds of things, as they latched onto her blog. "My cats are my children, and I have a background in design, so the two are my passions," Kate said, and she's even added her own Moderncat Studio, where she develops and  concocts hand-crafted, modern cat items of her own design. A portion of the Monderncat Studio sales goes to a different cat-related charity every month, allowing buyers to give their own cats something fun, and help distant kitties in need. Kate said her ultimate goal, throughout all she does, is to "help improve the lives of cats."

And cats have helped Kate too. The success of Moderncat has enabled her to leave her day job and focus on making it the go-to resource it's become since its inception four years ago. If you live with a cat or two, you've probably signed up for Kate's always-fun email alerts, entered her many cool giveaway contests, or even admired some of the international cat furniture that hasn't hit the U.S. (even as our cats wish it would!) just yet.

"I love sharing information about a new product or idea with the readers, and new things are coming out all the time," Kate said, who's always on alert for fun finds.  She ferrets out the newest, cutest, coolest-of-the-cool, and also alerts readers to "copycats" that mimic the originals but are not quite the real deal. Working from her gracious Phoenix home, she's pretty much a one-woman band, handling advertising, helping blog readers track down products, supporting cat welfare and animal rescue, and serving as her own IT-support team. Her nine resident cats, all rescues, "make wonderful product testers and models," she said. "They are my inspiration, and I'm constantly observing their behaviors and needs, looking for products or design ideas to keep them happy and healthy and active. They also have the very important job of holding down the desk while I'm working."

Kate said she designed her home "to accommodate the cats while at the same time keeping it serene and inviting for people. The idea is to show you can live with cats and still maintain your sense of style." Her 1100-sq. foot condo includes a catio, which gives the cats extra space to explore while staying safe, and a breath of fresh air in nice weather. She's also installed climbing shelves and perches that are both decorative and feline-functional. "Lots of scratching surfaces keep their claws off the furniture, and soft, stylish beds give them places to nap. People often remark how calm and comfortable the cats seem, and I think that's because they know it's theirhouse, and I've accomodated them."

Kate's home was recently featured on the magazine program "CBS Sunday Morning," as an example of a cat-friendly abode that's also fashion forward. When the camera crew arrived, trailing cables and equipment, "most of the cats hid for the first part of the day," Kate said. "But once they got used to the commotion, the braver ones came out and showed off quite a bit."

Check out Kate's blog at Moderncat.net, and ask your cat to look over what's new, all guaranteed to add that purrfect touch for your home.

Photos courtesy of Kate Benjamin and Giulio Sciorio