Good graphics, a great photo, and a catchy, relevant slogan are wonderful tools to help get cats adopted. With the current popularity of the NetFlix series, “Orange is the New Black,” this cat-centric spin is sure to get some attention!

If you’re part of the cat world, you’ve probably heard it a thousand times – there are millions of cats in shelters waiting to be adopted. With June being Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, you’ve probably heard the message a thousand more times via assorted social platforms. Adopt a Shelter Cat Month is a great concept, but what exactly does Adopt a Shelter Cat Month mean? Cats don’t magically get adopted just because we bequeath a special month to them. Read more

This was me last Friday, firmly planted on the couch with Mia and Zoey on my legs to begin my Orange is the New Black viewing marathon. Some people actually watched all 13 episodes in one day. I am a bit more reserved – it will take me about 7 days…

Having binge watched nearly all of the new episodes of Season 3 of the NetFlix megahit, Orange is the New Black, that was released a mere 6 days ago, it dawned on me just how quickly time has gone by. We live in an age where we can literally watch an entire season of a show in one day if we want to. Remember the olden days, that cumbersome era in time, about two years ago, when we’d have to wait an entire week to watch a show before we could watch the next episode? Torture… just how did we survive back then? 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.

Rescued – The Stories of 12 Cats Through Their Eyes edited by Janiss Garza is the kind of heartfelt and inspiring book that offers hope and humanity in a world where far too many cats are living in the streets and shelters, without the benefit of a warm, loving, and safe furever home. For those cats that are lucky enough to be rescued, they each have a unique story to share and often the road from rescue to residency is a long and difficult journey filled with trepidation, mistrust, and reservations. Read more

I was given the opportunity to share a guest post about Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death, and Beyond as written in the voice of my dearly departed cat, Mr. Jazz, on the Kitties in the City blog site. Kitties in the City is a beautiful and informative blog that was created by the talented, award-winning author and pet expert, Stacey Ritz, who is also my dear friend and the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501(c)3 feline welfare organization based in Greene County, OH. Advocates 4 Animals (A4A) is one of my favorite rescues and Stacey gave me the option of having the post go up in late May or early June. Being that June is Adopt a Shelter/Rescue Cat Month and it also marks the one year anniversary month of the unexpected passing of my beloved rescue cat, Harley, (June 24), I knew I had to pick the June date. Read more