Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy, sunshine in my eyes can make me cry.

Sunshine on the water looks so lovely, sunshine almost always makes me high.

If I had a tale that I could tell you, I’d tell a tale sure to make you smile.

If I had a wish that I could wish for you, I’d make a wish for sunshine for all the while.

~John Denver~

Harley always reminded me of sunshine with her mottled fur coat and golden/green eyes – a beautiful mixture of tortoiseshell and calico cat with a sweet white bib and mittens. She is gone, but she will always be my special ray of sunshine and for that I am grateful. Read more

Jazmine models an Imperial Cat “Easy Chair” scratcher we got back in 2014 that was from their Scratch ‘n Shapes line. It still remains a household favorite with all of the cats.

There is no shortage of cat related paraphernalia in my house – from the practical to the silly to sublime and everything in-between, my cats are living the blessed life of luxury and I don’t take any of it for granted because I know there are millions of cats in the streets and in shelters that may never know a day of such pampered comfort.

Everything serves its own unique purpose and the cats all have different viewpoints on what they like, and don’t like, but all of them agree that the high quality and functional scratching products from Imperial Cat are on the top of their list of meow-worthy favorites. That’s why I was so excited when the folks at Imperial Cat, on behalf of Adopt a Shelter/Rescue Cat Month, approached me with a giveaway opportunity to help local shelter cats that aren’t as lucky as mine, that might need scratching pads to bring them some love and comfort.

Ingeniously created using re-purposed scraps from other Scratch ‘n Shapes products, the Adopt-a-Cat Scratcher Donation Program features three Scratch ‘n Bits package sizes of individually unique scratchers that are ideal for use in shelter cages, cat rooms or foster homes:

15-20 Small Scratch ‘n Bits – $35.00

10-13 Medium Scratch ‘n Bits – $40.00

4-7 Large Scratch ‘n Bits – $40.00

Each package size includes shipping (Continental U.S. only) and I love that not only are these products earth-friendly, but they are affordable too! It’s hard enough as it is for these sweet kitties – can you imagine being stuck in a cage or a in room without something to scratch on? Scratching is instinctive to cats – not only does it help them to alleviate stress, but it also allows them to stretch and tone their muscles. So for $40.00 or less, you can improve the health, happiness, and well-being of a shelter cat! And we want shelter kitties to be as happy and stress free as possible, as it will only make them more social and easier to adopt in the long run.

So please, if you can find it in your heart, pick up a set or two of Scratch ‘n Bits for your favorite shelter – if you can’t, the good news is that you have an opportunity to win a small-sized set for a U.S. shelter or rescue of your choice. Just mention in the comments which shelter you would like to win a set for by Monday, June 22, midnight, EST and after a random drawing, I will announce the winning shelter on Wednesday, June 24.

If you are not familiar with Imperial Cat and their full line of Scratch ‘n Pads, Scratch ‘n Shapes, Cat ‘n Around, Snack ‘n Treat, and Neat ‘n Tidy products, please click here for full details. All the products are clever, environmentally friendly, safe, functional, stylish, fun, sturdy, and made of high quality materials. I love Imperial Cat for all those reasons, but also for sentimental reasons that go above and beyond, because were it not for a chance meeting with them at the Global Pet Expo in March of 2014, our beloved Jazmine would have never been. Via a rescue effort from Florida Little Dog Rescue of Saint Cloud (yes, they help the occasional rescue cat), Jazmine was taking up residency at the Imperial Cat booth, waiting for adoption. The moment Dan and I locked eyes with her, the rest as they say, was history.

This was Jazmine (previously called Empress) at the Imperial Cat booth at Global Pet Expo. She was sitting on a Scratch ‘n Shapes Easy Chair like being at a massive trade show was the most natural thing in the world!! How could we not fall instantly in love with her?

Ever since we brought the Imperial Cat Scratch ‘n Shapes Easy Chair home, it has been a favorite with all the cats. Seen her is Mia sitting like she is waiting for her chauffeur to drive her to a grand gala…

The Scratch ‘n Shapes Easy Chair also came with a removable ottoman – Zee has claimed both items as his own…

I love the creativity the Imperial Cat products provide – seen here, Zee is using the Scratch ‘n Shapes Easy Chair as a fort where he can take cover to protect all his toys he has captured!

Other than a Scratch ‘n Shapes Easy Chair that I was given in 2014 at the Global Pet Expo and the everyday love, joy, and companionship that Jazmine gives me, I was not compensated for this post. I am sharing the Adopt-a-Cat Scratcher Donation Program because I believe all shelter and rescue cats deserve to be happy and healthy.

Wise Cat Lesson #1 – If there is a sun puddle to be found, always take the time to nap in it…

I’m always one of the first on board to champion looking at our cats to teach us wise lessons. You know, like taking the time to just relax, step away, and chill from all the stresses of everyday life with a wonderful nap in a sun puddle like they do. I’m also the worst at taking my own advice and tend to overwork myself to a frazzle sometimes. So, when I do relax, I’m often the polar opposite of my typically restrained, reserved, and logical persona. In other words, sometimes I go to the extreme and seek out entertainment like reality TV and way out there funny shows like South Park and Family Guy to just let my mind completely unwind. The same is true when I read. Most of the time I like to read assorted genres of novels that are 2 inches thick and take days to finish, but then there are the times I just want a quick read filled with fun, snark, sarcasm, and humor. And cats. Read more

Kizmet is the purrfect spokescat for Purrk! Playfuls – he LOVES his Deep Sea Bug Toy and knows Chester will love his too!

Well, here it is – it’s officially New Years Eve and we are thrilled to be able to end the year with some good news! Concatulations to Amy Orvin and her cat Chester – they are the winners of our Purrk! Playfuls silvervine cat toy giveaway (Deep Sea Bug) and we just know Chester will love, love, love his new toy!

Thank you again to Purrk! Playfuls for such an entertaining giveaway – our cats are definitely hooked on the feline silvervine and thank you to all of you – we are so grateful for your love and support and hope you have a safe and peaceful New Year’s Eve. We also hope you will take a minute to stop by the blog tomorrow – we will be sharing a special post along with some wonderful family photos of our Christmas festivities that we think you will really enjoy.

Until then, peace out…

There was a time, many moons ago when I had control of my life and knew what day of the week it was at all times. Morning, noon, and night came with regularity and I used a calendar to help me mark the passing of time. I always loved calendars (with pictures of cats, naturally) and would use them to jot down special milestones and then when the year would end, I would save the calendar amongst other precious mementos collected throughout the year like greeting cards, letters, and photos. Read more