Category Archives: cats

23

Tabocracy in Action: 2-Month Update

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Sgt Stripes is holding his first press briefing of the Thomas Tabby era. Things have not been going as smoothly as they had hoped, and there were a lot of questions.

Sgt Stripes: Greetings everyone. Welcome to the Tabocracy. I know that there are a lot of questions. Unfortunately, Thomas is not available this afternoon to take your questions directly, but I hope to be able to address your concerns. I would like to open the floor to questions.

Beagle Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

Beagle: I’m Freddie from the Woofington Post. What happened to Remy, the Golden Retriever. I thought he was going to be the “outside voice” to make sure cats didn’t run everything solely for the benefits of other cats. We haven’t seen him since Thomas took office.

Sgt Stripes: Unfortunately, Remy has been sidelined with hip dysplasia. He recently had surgery and is healing well. We hope to have him back sometime next month.

500+ Golden Retriever Pictures [HD] | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Beagle: So there is no dog representation at the moment?

Sgt Stripes: We don’t want to replace Remy. He’s part of the team.

Sea Otter Fun Facts | National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Otter: Sally from Mustelid Mirror: Is it true that Thomas has not had his first meeting with the humans yet? What is the delay?

Sgt Stripes: We wanted to make sure we have a strong case before we make any requests. Additionally, the humans have been sick with whatever gets to them in the cold weather. There’s been a lot of runny noses and coughing. Extremely unpleasant to be in the same room.

Otter: Follow-up question. What are the first things Thomas will present?

Things You May or May Not Know about Tuxedo Cats - Heartland Cat Rescue

Sgt Stripes: Of course, we can’t guarantee what the humans will want to talk about. However, we are asking for bowls of water and kibble available at all parks and public spaces. One of Remy’s requests is for an end to leash laws. They are antiquated and unfairly enforced, mainly on dogs.

Tuxedo Cat: Clarice from KittyTown Courier. Do you have any idea what the humans will be bringing to the table? There’s a rumor that they will be asking for cuddle guarantees.

Sgt Stripes: There has been some talk of trying to find middle ground between the humans desire for cat affection and the cats’ natural inclination to be in control of all inter-species relationships. We are hoping that we can reach some sort of agreement on social interaction.

Tuxedo Cat: Is that strictly a human-feline issue?

Sgt Stripes: We believe so. Dogs do not seem to have the same need for personal space as we cats do. It’s a shame that the humans seem to want to be in control. No cat will allow that.

Mice : Got Pests? : Board of Pesticides Control: Maine DACF

Mouse: Edgar from Rodent Review. We smaller animals have an issue with Thomas’ security team.

Sgt Stripes: I’m not sure what you’re referring to. Snoops is in charge of security.

Mouse: Snoops is rather aggressive in protecting him. There is a problem with all of you cats. You see my type of creature as a toy or even a snack.

Beyond Barn Cats: How to Keep Mice and Rats from Feeling at Home in Your Barn | Stable Talk | Farnam

Sgt Stripes: I don’t think that’s a fair accusation. We are working to make everyone more comfortable.

Mouse: We would like to see a smaller “prey” type animal on your team.We are not comfortable being represented by a predator type animal.

Sgt Stripes: I will take your concern back to Thomas.

Fun Rabbit Facts - Vets on Parker

Rabbit: Jonathan from Meadow Happenings. Where is Thomas? We rarely see him since the election.

Sgt Stripes: He’s dealing with some personal issues. He should be back soon.

Rabbit: Is it true that he’s separated from his wife because she’s tired of him never being home? Is that why he hasn’t met with the humans yet?

Sgt Stripes: I’m not in a position to answer those questions.

Snoops: Okay, everyone. No more questions. The briefing is over.

 Pictures courtesy of Google Images

36

Sgt Stripes: Why Does Gypsy Act So Weird?

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Sgt Stripes here. You guys know that I really like Gypsy. We were upstairs together. And now that we have free run of the house, she’s the only lady cat who doesn’t hiss at me. We still nap together sometimes. But since we’ve been downstairs, I’ve noticed something kind of weird about her.

She REALLY likes to have a special spot that’s hers.  The spot changes sometimes, but she always needs to have a spot of her own. I decided that we’re good enough friends, that I could ask her about it. (I hope she doesn’t hiss or whap me.

Sgt Stripes: Hey, Gypsy. Can I ask you something?

Gypsy: Sure. What is it?

Sgt Stripes: I’m your favorite cat here, right?

Gypsy: I guess. Angel tried to starve me, and Onyx hisses at everyone. Snoops is OK, but she doesn’t understand why Mr Google always confuses us when he sends “Similar Shots” to the humans. You shared your space and kibble upstairs, so I like you.

Sgt Stripes: You’ve been nice to me too. But there’s one thing I don’t understand about you. The rest of us pretty much hang out in different spots around the house. But you always have a specific place to sit and sleep. Why are you so attached to a certain spot?

Gypsy: I move around. I always go to the kitchen for breakfast.

Sgt Stripes: Yeah. But then you go back to your spot. Right now, if you’re not eating or using the litter box, you only stay in the spot where the Christmas tree used to be.

Gypsy: I cuddle with Mom on the love seat. And sometimes I sleep with you on the love seat.

Sgt Stripes: I guess that’s true. Maybe you are changing. But remember when you would only sleep in the plant? Mom had to bring your food to you there. You’d get out, eat the food, then go back to the plant. And before that, you would only stay on the stairs. The weirdest spot was when you wanted to sit in the litter box all the time.

Gypsy: That was only a couple of weeks.

Sgt Stripes: But why did you want to do it at all?

Gypsy: I feel safer if I have my own spot. It has to do with how I was raised.

Sgt Stripes: What happened?

Gypsy: My first humans kept me in a cage. And they didn’t feed me very well.

Sgt Stripes: That sounds awful. How did you get out?

Gypsy: They decided they didn’t want me and took me to a shelter. It was very traumatic.

Sgt Stripes: What happened with your next humans?

Gypsy: They were a lot nicer. But they had other cats who didn’t like me. They said I was the problem, and put me in a room away from the other cats. I was just hissy because I was so stressed out. But at least they fed me and were nice to me.

Sgt Stripes: Then you came here?

Gypsy: Yes. But when Angel, Onyx, and I arrived, there were already three cats here: you, Snoops, and Kommando. So Angel and I were put in a separate room. It was a lot bigger than I room I had been in, but it was really hard. Angel and I don’t really like each other.

Sgt Stripes: She hisses at me all the time. I don’t think I’d want to be locked in a room with her either.

Gypsy: And she kept eating all the food. I lost a lot of weight.

Sgt Stripes: That’s when you came upstairs. I remember that. You were tiny.

Gypsy: It was really weird having that much space. Onyx wasn’t excited that I was up there, but you were pretty nice. You only tried to play pounce a few times.

Sgt Stripes: You really weren’t much fun; you wouldn’t run away. But you were nice to hang out with.

Gypsy: Thank you. I was really comfortable up there. Then we were allowed to go downstairs if we wanted. It was so much space. I had never seen so much space. It was really intimidating.

Sgt Stripes: You haven’t been back up since we were allowed downstairs.

Gypsy: No. I’m still adapting to the downstairs. I even went out on the porch a couple of times. I discovered that I do not like snow.

Sgt Stripes: You should definitely stay inside. I was outside before they adopted me. Inside is definitely more comfortable. No rain or snow.

Gypsy: I think I like it here. Food, treats, and cuddles on demand. And I even have a cat friend. Thanks, Sarge.

29

Cat Council: January 2025

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Snoops: I called this council meeting to discuss how the integration of our household is progressing.

Sgt Stripes: I haven’t seen any fights or fur flying.

Gypsy: There’s still some growling and hissing.

Angel: That’s just you.

Gypsy: It is not. Besides, I need to keep you away from my food. You did try to starve me last year.

Angel: It’s not my fault we didn’t get enough food when we were staying in the sunroom.

Gypsy: You are almost everything we got.

Snoops: Ladies, that’s old news. You need to move on.

Gypsy: What’s your excuse with Sgt Stripes? You growl at him every time he walks by.

Snoops: We have a history. He tried to eat Kommando Kitty when he moved in.

Sgt Stripes: I didn’t try to eat her. I was just trying to play.

Angel: Snoops has a right to keep him at paw’s length.

Sgt Stripes: It’s gotten better. Snoops hasn’t growled at me in two days.

Snoops: You seem to be slightly less annoying.

Sgt Stripes: We all eat breakfast together now.

Angel: Except Onyx. She thinks she’s too good for us.

Onyx: I don’t dislike you. I just don’t see any point in coming downstairs. I have everything I want upstairs.

Sgt Stripes: She does come down for treats sometimes.

Angel: Not since she started getting extra treats upstairs from the blonde kid.

Snoops: We really don’t see much of her.

Onyx: Well, I am pretty busy with my new position. I am the upstairs reading coordinator for the bedtime books for the small humans.

Gypsy: I thought you were an emotional support cat.

Onyx: I am. But since you and Sgt Stripes decided to stay downstairs, there really isn’t another cat to supervise.

Snoops: And we all know the humans need supervision. Especially the little ones.

Gypsy: That reminds me, we need to talk to Thomas Tabby. He’s supposed to be the liaison with the humans. We got that automatic litter box for Christmas and it still isn’t plugged in.

Sgt Stripes: They said something about a cat urinating in the electrical outlet that it was supposed to be plugged into. They want to put it in the utility room where one of the old litter boxes is.

Angel: I don’t want an electric litter box. That sounds scary. What if it eats one of us?

Sgt Stripes: They said it had been tested and is safe. I can’t believe that was our big Christmas present.

Angel: The toys were pretty cool.

Gypsy: I found out that Mom didn’t finish Prince Arthur’s blanket in time for Christmas. So I claimed it.

Snoops: Who’s Prince Arthur?

Sgt Stripes: You know. He lives with that woman who comes here to see our human brother.

Snoops: That’s right. I have enough trouble keeping the cats here straight. I forgot there was another cat involved with things. At least he doesn’t live here.

Angel: We do seem to be at cat capacity. At least I have a good sleeping spot next to the heater.

Sgt Stripes: And we do have a lot of places to snuggle up in.

Snoops: So everyone is pretty content? Meeting adjourned.

25

Brrr! It’s Getting Cold in Cheeseland

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Greetings. Sgt Stripes here. You might remember that we live in Michigan. And it’s getting cold here. According to Weather Kitty, it’s supposed to be under 0 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the weekend. I’m not really sure what that means, but Weather Kitty has an advisory. I remember when I lived outside that this time of year was when I had to find someplace protected to stay.

The other four kitties came from shelters. They spent some time outside too. We are all really happy to be inside where we don’t really have to worry about it. It’s an old farmhouse, so it’s not really airtight. (Thank goodness, or we wouldn’t have mousies and bugs to chase.) Angel has a favorite spot right next to the baseboard heat.

I REALLY like my electric tummy-warmer. (Mom says it’s called a bed-warmer. Whatever. And Onyx has her fuzzy blanket. Angel and Snoops rely on human heat a lot of the time. Gypsy likes to sleep under the plant light where it’s warm. It seems like most of the cats we know don’t really like the cold. I thought I would ask Mr. Google about cats and cold weather.

Mr Google says that cats get cold easily. We started out as desert dwellers and have a high body temperature. (Higher than humans). We usually feel the cold before the humans do. (I don’t know about that. Mom and Blondie get cold a lot.It’s why we have so many blankets laying around the house.

Some cats get cold quicker than other cats. Older cats and kittens get cold faster than adult cats. Skinny cats and cats that come from a warm climate get cold quicker than heftier cats and cats from cold climates. But even with all the variations, all cats get cold eventually.

The first sign of a cat feeling cold is that they will look for the warmest spot available. We will curl up into a tight ball. Some cats cover their noses with their tail. If it keeps getting colder, cats start to shiver. Cats can develop hypothermia where their body temperature begins to drop. This is a very dangerous stage.

It is important to avoid getting hypothermia. Cats need to be inside if possible when the temperatures drop. If you’re feeling cold, tell your human to let you inside immediately. If you can’t go inside, your human can provide thick bedding for you to hunker into. A bowl of warm water is also helpful to a cold cat.

Remind your human that what is okay for them isn’t warm enough for you. (They always forget that with sweaters and jackets and whatever, they don’t really feel the temperature. Here are some guidelines (all temperatures are Fahrenheit):

  • Small cats, older cats, and kittens are uncomfortable below 50 degrees
  • Cats who have lost a lot of weight or have arthritis can be uncomfortable under 60 degrees
  • Cats can get frostbite and hypothermia below 32 degrees
  • All cats should have a sheltered place to stay if the temperature gets below 45 degrees

All of this is not to say that all cats hate the cold. Some love to go outside for a bit and come back in to warm up. A lot of us get thick winter coats that help with the cold. Black cats absorb more heat from the sun. And some breeds come from cold climates. These kitties have developed traits to help them survive in cold weather. Here are 8 cat breeds that originated in cold climates and are able to tolerate cold weather better than most.

Siberian Cats | Pet Spotlight | Appearance, Personality & History

Siberian Cat – These cats have an ultra-plush three-layer winter coat that they shed in the summer. They are friendly and affectionate. As a bonus, they are also hypoallergenic.

Kurilian Bobtail Longhair - TICA - The International Cat Association

Kurilian Bobtail – They have a semi-long coat with a pom-pom tail. They are very loving and gentle as well as independent and intelligent. These cats are superior mousers.

Norwegian Forest Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Norwegian Forest Cat – These cats have a water-resistant, semi-long coat. In the winder they have a thick, fully undercoat to keep our the cold. They are good-sized kitties, weighing up to 20 pounds. They are loving and independent. (Our human grandparents had a Norwegian Forest Cat. She sat in front the of the head registers in the winter and in front of the air conditioning ducts in the summer. We all aspire to her status in the house.)

Fun Facts About Russian Blue Cats | ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance

Russian Blue – They have a short, dense double blue coat which is tipped with silver. Russian Blues are independent but gentle and playful. They are considered low-maintenance and adapt easily to changing circumstances.

Top 5 Reasons Maine Coon Cats are Awesome - West Park Animal Hospital

Maine Coon – These cats have heavy, water-resistant coats. Additionally they have large, muscular bodies. The combination makes them well-suited to being outside in the cold weather. They can weigh up to 25 pounds, but are extremely gentle. They are excellent hunters,  highly adaptable and very attentive to their humans.

How to Identify a Turkish Angora Cat: Guide with Infographic - Catster

Turkish Angora/Turkish Van – They have extremely soft fur and solid bodies helping them be comfortable in the cold.  They are active, intelligent, and social. And they love water. (Although probably not outside in the winter.)

Selkirk Rex Cat Breed Information - Vetstreet | Vetstreet

Selkirk Rex – These kitties come in both short-haired and long-haired versions The short-haired version has a dense, plush curled coat. (Some people have compared them to teddy bears.) The long-haired ones look a bit like a wooly sheep. They are fairly large and very muscular. They are easygoing and cuddly.

Breed Spotlight: Scottish Fold | MetLife Pet Insurance

Scottish Fold – Similar to the Selkirk Rex, Scottish Folds can be either long-haired or short-haired. Their fur is extremely plush and dense. They have sturdy bodies with natural padding to keep our the cold. All Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears; approximately 50% will fold 18-24 days after birth. It is a natural mutation and has not resulted in increased ear infections.

As we write this, I’m lying on a couple of sweaters,   getting sleepy. I think I’ll just stay here and watch the cold through the window.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

28

Mingling at the Kit Kat Club

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Hi everyone. It’s Gypsy Katt. You may recall that Cheeseland is now living in a Tabocracy. Thomas Tabby has started his job as a liaison to the humans. One of his promises was that he was going to try to promote inter-species activities. I’m going to tell you about my experience with inter-species speed dating. I tried it out so I could report on it. (Just for the record, I am a very happy single lady cat.)  Sgt Stripes tagged along to watch. He sat at the bar with a cup of catnip tea.

I didn’t really know what speed dating was.The event was sponsored by the Kit Kat Club. It’s a rather elegant place that’s a popular spot for weddings and other receptions. The way that it worked was that we were given a card with the names of the animals we would be “dating”. Each “date” lasted for 5 minutes before we changed partners. At the end, we would decide which of the partners we would like to interested in meeting again. If there were any matches, we would get their contact information.

Capybara sensation: Why a rodent is winning hearts of millions of TikTokers | Trending - Hindustan Times

I ended up with two cats, a guinea pig, a couple of rabbits, three dogs, a mouse, and a capybara. The capybara was up first. He was very nice. However, he was a vegetarian who spends a lot of time in the water. I don’t think we had much in common. Not only that, he was huge. I decided to pass on him.

Siamese Cats: Facts You Should Know About This Breed

Next, I was paired with a Siamese. He was extremely attractive, but seemed to be very conceited about it. I don’t know if he was nervous or what, but he talked nonstop for the entire 5 minutes. I don’t think he even asked my name. He was looking for a life partner to start a family. That is not me.

GROOMING Rabbits and Guinea Pigs ...

The guinea pig was pretty cute, but had extremely long hair. It was hard to see his eyes. He is new to the area and is mainly looking for friends. I thought there were better places to do that, but he was very charming. Another vegetarian. I wasn’t sure about dating someone who looks so much like prey.

36 The Mouse Spot and other cuties ideas | cute animals, cute mouse, animals beautiful

Speaking of prey, the mouse seemed terrified. I’m not sure why he thought that going to a dating event sponsored by a club for cats was a good idea. I tried talking to him, but all he could do was squeak. I’m pretty sure he thought I was going to eat him.

The two rabbits disappeared before I had a chance to talk to them. That left a cat and three dogs.

Tuxedo cats: 10 fun facts you need to know | PetsRadar

This cat was an elegant tuxedo cat. He was well-spoken and polite. I was starting to think that I might want to know more about him when he started talking about his kittens. I asked where their mother was. He said that she was still with the kittens and wouldn’t mind him seeing someone else. Another pass.

Labradoodle: Your Ultimate Guide to Curly Companions - Articles Factory

Then things got a little strange.One of the other ladies was a cute labradoodle. She had been talking with one of the dogs (who was supposed to be seeing me next.) They seemed to really be getting along well. When the buzzer went off, they were still talking. The next dog in line walked over,

Is the relationship between your dogs in trouble? — LOMA Behavior and Training

The first dog didn’t move, so the second dog, a large German Shepherd, growled at him. The first dog, a border collie, didn’t move. The German Shepherd lunged at the border collie, and they started to fight. Several other animals joined the fight.

Sgt Stripes jumped down from the bar and helped me get out of the building. I do not recommend inter-species speed dating. 

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

20

New Year’s Resolutions, Cat-Style

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Greetings. Snoops here. Apparently humans do something called Making New Year’s Resolutions this time of year. I don’t really understand why Wednesday is going to be a different year from Tuesday. I think it has something to do with using up all the pages on the calendar.

Of course, cats are perfect so we don’t need to make promises about exercising every day or drinking less coffee. And some cats are less perfect than others; they just can’t see where they need to improve. So we decided to help each other identify slight flaws that could be worked on. Each cat came up with one suggestion for every other cat.

Angel

Gypsy: You still need to apologize for all the food you stole from me when we were together in the sunroom. You could offer to share your food with me.

Onyx: You seem to be spending a lot of time on my human’s lap. I think you should resolve to spend more time finding somewhere else to lounge.

Sgt Stripes: You were really nice to me. We even hunted together. I think you should try harder to play with me. I think we could be buddies.

Snoops: I like you best of all the invader cats. But I don’t like to eat all of my food at the same time the way you guys too. You could try not to eat my scraps until you find out if they really are scraps.

Gypsy

Onyx: You should stop sleeping in the plants. You smell like dirt.

Sgt Stripes: You’re my favorite of the invader cats. You should spend more time with the rest of us. We could be best friends and spend lots of time playing.

Snoops: You seem really nervous a lot of the time. You should find something that will help you relax. Maybe some catnip tea.

Angel: You need to get over what happened in the sunroom. And stop trying to steal my breakfast.

Onyx

Sgt Stripes: You kinda seem to have a bad attitude. Like you think you’re better than the rest of us. Maybe you should try meditation or something.

Snoops: You kinda mess up the rhythm of treat time. Maybe you should try flavors other than dairy. Mom always has to get out a separate bag for you.

Angel: You think you’re better than we are because your human came with us. You could willingly share her once in a while.

Gypsy: You seem a little arrogant. You should try hanging out with the cats sometime, not just with your human.

Sgt Stripes

Snoops: I am the empress kitty here. Quit pouncing on me.

Angel: You’re a really nice kitty. I like it when you just hang out with us. You should try to get your exercise somewhere else.

Gypsy: We were buddies when we were both upstairs. You should try to do more shared naptimes. It’s cold now. Work on getting a cuddle buddy.

Onyx: I don’t really know you. Maybe you could stop eating all those revolting flavors of treats so they only buy the good ones.

Snoops

Angel: I think you should resolve to find a new napping buddy now that Kommando is gone. I volunteer to be your new partner.

Gypsy: You seem to be really tense sometimes, just like me. I think you need to find a new napping spot. And maybe take some vitamins.

Onyx: I don’t think you understand my esteemed position in my previous household. I think I am due more respect here.

Sgt Stripes: You need to chill out and relax. Sometimes you look and sound really mean.

Cats On New Years Calendar Art Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures

Free New Year Clipart - New Year Graphics

23

Welcome to Tabocracy

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Note from the Editors: The voters have spoken. Thomas Tabby was elected unanimously to be the Liaison to the Humans in Cheeeseland. Remy the Golden Retriever was gracious in defeat offering to help Thomas any way he could. Below is his first press conference.

Golden Retriever Dog And Tabby Cat Sleep Peacefully Generative AI | Premium AI-generated image

Thomas: Thank you everyone. I appreciate your confidence in me. I’m excited to get to work improving our relationship with the humans. Before I take any questions, I have a couple of staffing announcements to make. First, I have had a long conversation with Remy about concerns that I will be too cat-centric in my policies. I believe that his concerns have some merit. I have asked him to be part of our core team as we move through the process.

Are Golden Retrievers the cutest breed ...

Remy bounces onto the stage, obviously excited.

Remy: Thank you, Thomas. I am looking forward to giving an outside perspective to this very feline-leaning community. I’m not just here for the dogs. Anyone who feels they aren’t being heard is welcome to send me a message. You can find me on Chitter @reallyremy or email me at remy.retriever649@cheezland.com.

Thomas: Thank you Remy. I look forward to working with you. The other addition to my staff is someone you all know. I’ve asked Sgt Stripes to be my spokestabby. I’m still working full-time in addition to my unpaid liaison duties. Stripes will make sure you have someone to give you answers.

Sgt Stripes lands on the stage with a graceful leap.

Sgt Stripes: I am honored by Thomas’ trust in me. I will do my best to communicate effectively. I’m on Chitter @tabbylove or email sgt.stripes0909@cheezland.com. I am also happy to take your concerns to Thomas. He is a very busy kitty.

Thomas: Thank you both. I think we’ll have a great team. Does anyone have any questions?

Cat And Fish GIFs | Tenor

Reporter 1: As a cat, are you going to be focusing on “cat problems?”

Thomas: I’m not really sure what you mean by cat problems.I ran on a platform of improving all animal relations with humans. I am a cat, but I represent all of you.

Cats Bad at Nabbing Rats But Feast on Other Beasts | WIRED

Reporter 2: Does that mean you will address the “vermin issue,” meaning the reality that humans think that some animals should be eradicated?

Thomas: Regarding some of the “less popular” animals, I intend to talk to the humans about the ways that we can all peacefully coexist. At the very least, we need to find a way to share the space we have. It is never acceptable to try to eliminate whole groups of animals.

Hilarious Photos Of Cat Falling In Love With A Heater During Cold Weather Will Make Your Day | Bored Panda

Reporter 3: What will be the first issue you address after you take office on January 1?

Thomas: I want to have the humans help us drastically reduce the number of homeless animals. I’m not talking about the animals who enjoy living in nature. There are an alarming number of animals who have no real home. They at least need shelter in the cold weather.

Homemade Cat Treats

Reporter 3: That seems extremely ambitious. Shouldn’t you start with something a little more realistic?

Thomas: Well, my daughter thought we should ask the humans to put treat dispensers on every corner. Maybe we should try that.

reporter cat – The BleuPrint

Everyone laughed. Several reporters held up their hands with questions.

Sgt Stripes: I’m sorry. That’s all the time we have right now. If you would like to send us specific questions, we will do our best to give you answers.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

28

Cheeseland Election: At the Polls

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Hello, everyone. This is Angel with the latest on the Cheeseland election.The closer we get to the election, the more excited the voters are. In fact, some say the emotions are a little too high. We’ve been hearing stories of arguments erupting at stores and school parking lots.

Right now, folks are gathering for a big Tabocracy rally at Chene Park. Let’s check in with our ace reporter, Sgt Stripes.

Angel: Hey Stripes! How’s it looking down by the river?

Sgt Stripes: This is going to be huge! There are hundreds of cats and other supporters here to hear the final speech before the election. There’s a lot of energy here. There are kibble vendors, kiosks selling Thomas Tabby drinking bowls and glasses, a fellow over here with Thomas Tabby signed posters.

Enlist Your Rock Star Team to Help You Rebuild from COVID-19 - Practice Life

Suddenly Sgt Stripes jumps back as a group of dogs race past. He follows them to the edge of the crowd where they join a larger group carrying “Vote for Remy” signs.

Sgt Stripes: Apparently we have some voters from the other side. I’ll see if I can talk to them.

10 Photos of Happy Cats To Brighten Your Day

Sgt Stripes starts to approach the group just as Thomas Tabby takes the stage. A massive purring sound greets him.

Thomas Tabby: Good evening everyone. It’s great to see so many of you. The time is now for a Tabocracy.

Heckler #1: It’s not a Tabocracy. You cats just want to run everything!

Heckler #2: Yeah. What are you going to do for the other animals?

Cat speaker on the podium" — image created in Shedevrum

Thomas Tabby: The first thing we need to do is to get the humans to understand the animal perspective. That will make it better for us all, not just the cats. I will set up meetings with the humans and include a variety of animals to get the best outcome. I would be happy to have Remy on the committee. HoH He seems like a good dog.

Heckler #1: Good dog? Good dog?! You’re making him sound like your pet. Show him some respect!

Polluted Pets | Environmental Working Group

Thomas Tabby: I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I simply thought he would be a good representative for the doggo perspective. I want to include as many animals as possible to make Cheeseland a better place for all of us.

Heckler #1: How big is this committee?

Heckler #2: And how many are cats. I bet –

My Dog and Cat Are Fighting – Help! - PD Insurance NZ

Suddenly there was a loud hissing as a Maine Coon jumped on the heckler. Someone tried to pull her off, Before long, there was a huge fight on that side of the crown. Thomas Tabby tried to calm things down.

Thomas Tabby: Calm down, everyone! We’re trying to find a middle ground so everyone wins. The humans are never going to treat us as equals if we fight like this.

Guard goose - Wikipedia

Unfortunately, the crowd was too loud to let anyone hear what he was saying. He waited while the security geese removed everyone who had been fighting. A much smaller crowd was able to listen to the speech Thomas had prepared.

Sgt Stripes: Well, that was unfortunate. At least no one was hurt.

Angel: Remember to vote everyone.

You can vote here

‘Pictures courtesy of Google Images

Voting courtesy of SmartPolls

29

Onyx Katt: Black Cats and Halloween

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Hello! It’s Onyx here. Halloween will soon be upon us, and as you know, this pawsome holiday is often associated with black cats. To celebrate, I’m going to tell you some things that relate the two together! 

  • Black cats are often thought to be signs of bad luck. This, in combination with our dark coloring, have led people to see us as spooky figures. (This is totally unearned. The only spooky thing about black cats is how adorable we are.) 

  • Ancient history has a lot to do with black cats symbolizing Halloween. In ancient Egypt, cats of all colors were considered divine symbols. Cats also have a place in Greek mythology, most noticeably with Hecate, the goddess of magic, sorcery, the moon, and witchcraft. Because of this, cats are thought to be the pets of witches. 

  • In 1233, a written publication called “Vox in Rama was issued by Pope Gregory IX. In this document, black cats were declared an incarnation of Satan. This led to an inquisition of black cats, and this quickly spread all over Europe. 

  • Because of their association with Satan and witches, black cats were seen as a threat to the Church in the 13th century. Cats also were partially blamed for spreading the plague, further solidifying the church’s disdain for them. 

  • Black cats are often victims of abuse and cruelty during the Halloween season. Therefore, it’s important to keep your black cats inside and away from doors and windows, if possible. 

  • In France, Spain, and Germany, black cats are thought to carry curses. However, in Japan and Egypt, cats are seen as signs of good luck and worshiped. 

  • Black cats become popularized as Halloween figures in the United States with the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony. The pilgrims distrusted anything related to witchery and sorcery, including black cats, and actively persecuted them. 

  • Black cats were regularly burned at the stake, especially on Shrove Tuesday, in the United States. 

  • Even in modern day, many communities sacrifice black cats leading into Halloween. This cruel practice, while lessening, is still concerning, particularly in Wiccan communities.

  • Perhaps a bit ironically, October 27th is Black Cat Day, right near Halloween. While black cat owners rejoice at their beautiful panthers, other, less desirable beings use this as an excuse to adopt out, or find, black cats and torture them .

And there’s the scoop on black cats and Halloween! I’m wishing you all a very happy Black Cat Day (it’s my favorite day of the year!) and a safe Halloween!

Happy Halloween Kitty cross stitch pattern

22

Cheeseland ManCat Roundtable

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Greetings everyone! It’s me Sgt Stripes. You are all aware of the problems I’ve been having getting along with the lady cats in the house.I decided to get together with some of the male cats in Cheeseland to see if they had any advice. I invited several to the Curdled Cow Tavern for a bowl of cream.

Sgt Stripes: Hi guys! Thanks for coming. I’m trying to figure out the best way to get along with the ladies in my house.

Tigger Tiger: You better be careful. You know the ladies can be a little moody. You need to make sure that you’re not making a move on one of their “off” days.

Sgt Stripes: What kind of move would I be making?

Dexter: Here, watch me.

Understanding Feline Behaviour: Why Do Cats Hiss Explained

Dexter approaches a beautiful Manx sitting at the bar. Sgt Stripes can’t quite hear what he’s saying. The Manx turns to Dexter and hisses. Dexter slinks back to the table

Sgt Stripes: I appreciate the effort, but I already know how to get them to hiss at me. I want to be friends and snuggle buddies. Maybe share an electric blanket.

Tigger Tiger: As I was saying, you have to pick a day when the lady is in a good mood.

Sgt Stripes: Well, there are four of them. I would think that at least one of them would be in a good mood on any given day. How can I tell?

Bobby: Try to walk up casually and start a conversation. Don’t get too close. That really upsets lady cats.

Sgt Stripes: What do I talk about?

Bobby: Watch me.

trivia | Adventures in Cheeseland

Bobby approaches a small cat who is standing by herself. He asks her if she lives nearby, and she nods. He asks her if she’s been to the tavern before. She starts into a long explanation of how she was new in town and didn’t have any friends and told him how lovely his friends look. She talks nonstop for several minutes. Bobby looks at the table, hoping someone will rescue him.

Sgt Stripes: I don’t know about that. I’m not sure that any of my lady cats would be interested in that kind of conversation. Besides, I already know all that stuff about them. And your friend is beginning to look a little desperate.

Cat Hunting Behaviour - zooplus Magazine

Shawn goes over to order more cream for the table. As he’s waiting, he sees a large moth. He catches the moth in his mouth. Several cats congratulate him on his hunting prowess. Shawn offers his prize to a kitty at a nearby table. She takes it politely, but her boyfriend glares at Shawn who returns to the table with the cream.

Shawn: You see, Stripes? Ladies love gifts.

Sgt Stripes: I don’t think that would work for me. Snoops is a better hunter than I am. And I don’t think the rest of them really understand what to do with a fresh mouse. I don’t really have that killer instinct.

Gavin: You have four ladies in the house? Which one do you want to pair up with?

Sgt Stripes: I don’t really care. I just don’t like being hissed at.

Gavin: Well, who do you want to be the mother of your kittens?

Sgt Stripes (embarrassed): I don’t want to mate with them. I just want them to spend some time with me.

The other cats at the table look at each other and then at Sgt Stripes.

Tigger Tiger: Well this is embarrassing. We thought you wanted dating advice.

Sgt Stripes: Oh, no. I’m perfectly happy being single. Do you have any friendship advice?

Tigger Tiger: I don’t really know how to help you. You just need to be patient. They’ll probably come around eventually.

Sgt Stripes: So playing pounce with them probably won’t make it happen sooner?

Tigger Tiger: That is probably not a good idea.

Sgt Stripes: Rats. Thanks for meeting with me, everyone.

Guess I’ll go home and get some treats. The humans all like me.

Non-Sarge pictures courtesy of Google Images