Category: Columnists

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Why You Should Consider Adopting An Older Cat

Smokey
~ smokeypulkkinen ~ Leave a comment

I am loving, affectionate, and I need a home.

While kittens are small, cute, and full of fun, there is a group of cats that often gets overlooked at shelters–older cats. Cats like me, and other older cats, have lots of love to give and may be a better choice for your home.

When adopting an older cat, you will save a life. Older cats are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanised. The satisfaction of giving an older cat a home is a wonderful feeling. My mummy feels immense gratitude for providing a home for me after an extended period of my lacking one.

Older cats are thankful that someone gave them a home for their senior years. They make loyal and loving companions. I love my mummy, who has given me a home of my own.

Kittens need a lot of supervision as they are curious and mischievous. Older cats are more sensible and relaxed, but still enjoy some playtime. They like the simple pleasures of a warm lap, sun puddles, and a quiet place to nap. Strictly speaking, I am not an older cat, being only four years and seven months old, but I can be naughty and silly.

Since older cats have developed personalities, you know what you are getting. Whether you are looking for a lap cat or an independent companion, you can find the perfect fit for your home.

While many people are concerned about medical costs for older cats, shelters will provide medical histories. Some cats require medication, and others may be in excellent health, but you will know in advance. With kittens, their future health is unknown. I had some minor health complaints, but I am in excellent health now.

In conclusion, when you choose to adopt an older cat, you change your life and gain a loyal and loving friend. Older cats deserve a loving, forever home, too. Contact your local animal shelters or rescue organisations to find your new family member. You won’t regret it.

The Cat Who Ate the Sun

~ Mr. Breeze ~ Leave a comment
The Cat that ate the Sun
The Cat who ate the sun.
by @kittehboi & Nightcafe Studio.

“The Cat Who Ate the Sun” is a mythical story explaining the origin of tortoiseshell cats.  According to the legend, the sun became a black cat to visit the Earth. When the sun left, it left behind its fire in the patches of red and orange in the torties’s coat.

This is why Tortoiseshell cats are so popular, because they seem to carry a spark of the sun itself.

Kissy Noses and Deeper Thoughts

~ Sassy ~ 1 Comment

Do you ever notice that your peeps do not know the names of the other peeps at the dog park and just call them Sparky’s dad and Ike’s mom?

Do you ever wonder why the eggs come in a carton with twelve in them, but the peeps act like a hero when giving you one whole, big-deal egg? #danerve #moreplease

Do you ever wonder what peeps dream about when they go sleepies? Is it rabbits, squirrels, and running through lakes, like us?

Do you ever wonder why your closet is a millionth the size of your peeps’? #dogmariekondoit

Do you ever wonder why we must get a bath when we roll in fun, delightfully free items at the park?

Do you ever wonder why dogs must fly in a tiny cage on the airplane when the humans are the ones ready to rumble, misbehaving, and tossing drinks at each other?

Do you ever wonder why your peeps close the restroom door when the two of woo are home alone, but when you are on your walkies, they constantly stare right at you, steal your droppings, and give you no privacy at all?

Do you ever wonder why your peeps place a container full of tasty delights they call leftovers in the middle of the room where you eat and then yell at you when you jump up and eat it?

Do you ever wonder what those water drops are coming out of Momma’s eyes and how easily a hug from me just makes it stop? #Sassysuperpower

Do you ever wonder why your peeps cut down a gigantic tree, place it in a bowl and put attractive, shiny balls, strings of popcorn and cranberries on it but yell at you when you pounce it to the ground and eat the tree?

Do you ever wonder why it is more fun to play with the box your toy comes in instead of the actual toy?

Do you ever notice that we can smell someone opening a packet of chips a mile out and can be there in under a second to ask for one?

Do you ever wonder why the human takes all the gorgeous snow and grumbles and groans while making a space for peeps to walk in, rather than pounce through it with his tongue hanging out, like you do?

Do you ever wonder why the peeps squeeze you into a tiny sweater to go out in the snow, when you have two pounds of fur on already?

Do you ever wonder what is in that big, humming box and why you don’t have one? You live here, too.

How A Cat Shows Their Love, Part 1

Willow pic 1
~ cooperpulkkinen151 ~ Leave a comment

Cats are not the cold, independent creatures that some people believe them to be. We have much love to give to our chosen human companions. Sometimes, the unobservant human misses how we show our love.

  1. When a cat blinks at you slowly, it is the equivalent of a ‘kitty kiss’. Some of us choose to show our love this way. It means that we trust you completely.
  2. When a cat purrs while sitting next to you or on you, it mostly means that it is happy, content and relaxed. Cooper, my brofur, had a powerful purr engine and purred his heart out when he was next to Mummy or Daddy.
  3. When a cat sleeps near you, it shows love, trust and that it feels safe with you. Cooper loved to take a nap curled up in Mummy’s arms, and he slept at night at her feet.
  4. When a cat walks around with its tail held upright, especially with a curl at the tip, it says that it is pleased to see you. I loved doing that.
  5. When a cat bumps or rubs you with its head, it shows affection and marks you with its scent. I loved to rub my face on my Mummy’s or Daddy’s shoes and legs. I was very enthusiastic about it.
  6. When a cat shows its belly by lying on its back near you, it shows total trust in you. That’s because it is the most vulnerable area of their bodies. Cooper also delighted in doing that. Some cats don’t like their bellies touched, though I don’t mind it.

    As you can see, cats show their love with their body language and/or speech. Part two will cover several ways feline companions display affection.
Willow pic 2
Willow pic 2

Willow

To Bathe or Not To Bathe, That is The Question

~ BOB W ~ 6 Comments

Firstly, hello and welcome along to the wonderful Anipal Times. My name is Bob, and I’m your Agony Uncle.

My first email raises the very impawtant question – “To Bath or Not To Bath”. Recently, someone bathed Fred, whose name was changed to protect privacy, even though he fought heroically after he refused a bath.

Dear Bob

Let me set the scene, Fred says. He was walking along with his hooman whilst out walking in the lovely countryside where he lives and came upon the most gorgeous, premium, irresistible scent in the air that he knew he had to investigate and discover – if only to enter it into his Catalogue of Smells!

Well, when he looked back to see his hooman talking to anofur hooman, he thought he would check it out himself … so he did. When he got there, he realised it was indeed the most exquisite smell efur a dog could come across and knew instantly that he needed to have it upon himself. He rolled and rolled in it to ensure he covered every inch of himself in this luxurious smell! Proudly, he couldn’t wait to get back to his hooman to let them smell for themselves this wondrous smell! A true delicate bouquet for the nostrils!

Anyway, upon his return to his hooman, who incidentally was still talking to the other hooman, he went and sat right next to them and looked up at them, smiling. Then, a complete fluff explosion occurred. His hooman shrieked and shouted, “You smelly ****” (this word cannot be repeated ), then took away Fred’s freedom and liberties by grabbing his harness and taking him home. On reaching home, the hooman took Fred, who put up the most heroic fight for at least 30 mins, before being tricked with a treat, to the bathroom. They indeed trapped him in there and bathed him without a please or thank you.

Poor Fred lost his exquisite smell, and someone bathed him without his consent. Yes, consider this: Someone bathed Fred without his consent.

Dear Fred,

I think I’m not the only one who thinks they mistreated you when they gave you a bath without your consent. In fact, I believe your hooman needs a serious talking to about this unacceptable behaviour. I, for one, will come along to your home and back you up in this serious talking-to. They took your choice and liberties without consent, and you need to make them aware of this.

I would like you, the readers, to let me and Fred know your opinion on this matter. Do you think, like me, that their hooman needs a proper talk with? What would you do?

Please let us know in the comments.

Thank you.

A Senior Dog’s Transformation

Arthur
~ nancygr2012 ~ Leave a comment

Arthur, an older dog with a mysterious history from downstate Illinois, was once a bundle of nerves in the bustling city. The urban landscape overwhelmed him, making him scared and reactive to every noise and sudden movement. His owner, seeking a change for her beloved companion, found a lifeline in Dog Training Now (DTN). She would later recall that location with intense gratitude; Arthur discovered existence need not induce fear there.

The 12-day board-and-train program was transformative. DTN wasn’t just a business; it was a community of people who genuinely cared about the dogs’ success. They welcomed Arthur with open arms, understanding his anxieties and working patiently to build his confidence. Under the dedicated guidance of the trainers, especially one named JJ, Arthur unfurled.

Each day brought new lessons. He gained trust, followed instructions, and, above all, the realization that the surrounding wasn’t hostile. JJ fostered a special bond with Arthur, treating him with a love that mirrored his owner’s own affection. Even after returning home, the lessons stuck. Arthur continued to practice his new skills, his progress a testament to the comprehensive and caring approach of the DTN team.

His owner watched proudly as the once-timid, reactive dog blossomed into a confident, happier companion. The transformation was remarkable. “I highly recommend DTN,” she often enthused, “no matter what their age, they can help your pup be a better dog!” Arthur’s story shows that, with support and affection, dogs of any age or background can find happiness and confidently embrace life.

Guest Post: Angel Alma (and Mum) Introduction

~ McPusspusses ~ 1 Comment

Hi, I’m Angel Alma, and I am honored to visit McPusspuss Musings as a guest writer. I’m a Finnish tabby girl, born in a country house owned by mum’s friends. Mum collected me as a tiny kitten to live with my big brofur Aimo. We lived in Southeast Finland, near the eastern border, where Mum began birdwatching. SE Finland is a wonderful and interesting birding area, with bigger and smaller lakes, rivers, forests, and lots of countryside. The Gulf of Finland is not too far, either.

I had to travel over the Rainbow Bridge because of an illness. I had already been on cat Twitter and made many good friends there, like Angus and his family, so I decided to stay there as Angel Alma.

Mum is still a birdwatcher and loves nature overall. She lives now in a town near the big river Kymijoki, surrounded by wide fields and smaller lakes, and of course forests.

We are going to tell you about the nature in Finland, mostly near us. It’s lovely even to just visit the nearby park or watch birds during your daily walk. Just keep your eyes and ears open and enjoy.

TJ and Bart: Walking in da Rain

~ TJ and Bart ~ Leave a comment

TJ: Good evening! We are TJ and Bart. We are both Doxies, and we write for da Anipal Times. Dis is TJ.

Bart: Dis is Bart. I am a purebred Doxie. TJ is a mix. But we love him anyway.

TJ: Dat not nice, Bart.

Bart: It’s da truth!

TJ: Okay, let’s talk about doggie walks. Our people always ask why doggos dislike walking in da rain?

Bart: Yeah! Dis is so simple. Cause we dislike walking on wet grass. Having wet grass on your tummy…and other areas…is not a good feeling.

TJ: And den when we want to go inside, the human wants us to stay outside until we finish!

Bart: I cannot see why dey get upset when we use da bathroom inside da house!

TJ: Humans are weird. Doggos, if you’re reading dis and want to share your thoughts on dis very important topic, let us know!

Bart: Exactly! Now I want a treat! Dis writing is hard work!

TJ: I heard Dat!

Caturday Confessions from Trickle & Matilda!

~ Truman ~ Leave a comment

It’s time for Caturday Confessions!

Kittens Trickle and Matilda, one of our columnist pairs, will now share a wonderful confession!

Today, we, Matilda and Trickle, are proud to announce we’ve ruined our reputation as model kittens! At 6 months old, we thought we should do some grown-up cat stuff.

M: So I, Matilda, caught a mouse! Such fun after I’d been trying for ages. While She and He were out, I brought it into the house!

T: I helped!

M: You did not. I let you play with it, but what I wanted you to do was take it into Her bedroom and leave a mess of fur everywhere. I had to do that myself. Honestly!

T: Well, there was a huge, glorious mess, anyway. And it isn’t my fault that She came and found us when YOU had the mouse in your mouth and ran under the bed, is it?

M: sniggers She didn’t like that at all, heehee! That’s why I gave you the mouse, so she’d see you with it and think…

T: What, think I’d caught it? Is that why She chased me down the hall? But I hid in our tunnel and growled at Her when She tried to take it off me!

M: Um…well…yes, I thought of letting you take the blame. I never thought you would allow Her to take the mouse off you that easily!

T: She shouted at me!

M: You’re a wimp. A big wuss!

T: Am not. Anyway, it was all a lot of fun, wasn’t it?!

M: It was! My first mouse and the first real telling off we received. I think we can say we’ve grown up today.

T: I think so too. High paw! Hey, you don’t think we annoyed her so much that she won’t give us any supper?