17

Halloween Party, Cheeseland Style

Mama Cat was waiting at the corner when the school bus dropped off her kitten, Chloe and Zoe. They started talking as soon as they got off the bus.

Chloe: Mama, Mama! Guess what?

Zoe: She’ll never guess what.

Chloe: It’s really exciting! It’s the first time the school has ever done it.

Mama Cat: What is the school doing?

Zoe: We’re going to have a Halloween party!

Mama Cat: What’s a Halloween party?

Zoe: Everyone dresses up. And we have candy and cake and treats!

Chloe: And apple cider!

Zoe: And games!

Chloe: And a prize for the best costume!

Mama Cat: That sounds like a strange party for young animals. Whose idea was it?

Chloe: I don’t know. Doesn’t it sound like fun?

Zoe: I almost forgot. There’s going to be a haunted room too with all kinds of scary stuff.

Mama Cat: Why would you want to be scared? Your fur gets a puffy.

Chloe: But nothing bad is going to happen. We’re at school.

Mama Cat: You said you need to dress up. Like in fancy party clothes?

Zoe: No, Mama. Like something else. Like a dog or a chipmunk.

Chloe: Or a human.

Zoe: We want to go as bears or lambs. We want to be fluffy.

Mama Cat: You’re already naturally fluffy.

Zoe: And we like being fluffy. So we don’t want to do something dumb like being a bumblebee or something.

Mama Cat: Where are you supposed to get these costumes?

Chloe: They said that Gargantua and Nibbles are both good places online. Or you could make them. They have them at Dash-n-Go too.

While the girls were doing their homework, Mama Cat called her friend Sylvia.

Mama Cat: Sylvia, did your kids say anything about a Halloween party at school? What’s going on?

Sylvia: What I heard is that it’s another one of those goofy ideas about improving relations between animals and humans. Humans children love Halloween.

Mama Cat: Human children also love running around and shrieking loudly. Do we have to do that too?

Sylvia (laughing): I certainly hope not.

Mama Cat: The girls said they were going to get candy and cakes and apple cider. Cats don’t like any of those things.

Sylvia: Maybe you could suggest something more cat-friendly.

Mama Cat: Why should I have to suggest that. The school is for animals, not humans. They should know animals don’t like that stuff.

Sylvia: Except for the dogs and raccoons. They eat pretty much anything.

Mama Cat: That is very true. Maybe I need to talk to the Principal, Mr Phelps.

The girls spent the evening after dinner looking at costumes online. Mama Cat hadn’t realized how many costumes for cats were available. They narrowed the choices to a bear, a lamb, and a beaver. After the girls were on the bus the next morning, Mama Cat called Mr Phelps.

Mama Cat: Hello, Mr Phelps. I’m Chloe and Zoe’s mother. I wanted to talk to you about the Halloween party you are planning for the school.

Mr Phelps: Of course. What would you like to discuss?

Mama Cat: The refreshments don’t sound very cat-friendly. We really don’t like sweets. I was hoping that you could add something a little more cat-friendly. I’m sure there are other animals who won’t be eating candy or cake.

Mr Phelps: We are trying to provide an exotic experience by copying the human party as closely as possible. We are providing lunch that day as usual, so no one should be spending the day hungry.

Mama Cat: I’m not worried about my girls going hungry. I just think that there should be some treats there that are appealing to everyone.

Mr Phelps: I appreciate your perspective. Unfortunately, we have a budget for the party and don’t have the money to get special treats for everyone. Your children are welcome to bring their own snacks, if you’d like. We would love to have enough to share, if that’s possible. And we’re still looking for parent volunteers, if you’re interested.

Mama Cat: Thank you for your time, Mr Phelps.

Mr Phelps: My pleasure.

Mama Cat wondered how the conversation got so far off-track. She didn’t understand how it started out with wanting to change the party to her being responsible for providing treats for all the cats at the school. She decided that she would volunteer, just to keep an eye on things.

Next week: The party.

Pictures generated with Gemini AI.

32

Treats for the Perfect Kitty Halloween

Cute Black Cat Halloween Wallpapers - Top Free Cute Black Cat Halloween  Backgrounds - WallpaperAccess

Greetings from Snoops and Kommando Kitty. We are sure that some of your humans are planning Halloween parties this weekend. And more holiday parties will be coming over the next few weeks. We want to make sure that you are not forgotten when the goodies are prepared. (Some humans are amazingly selfish when it comes to their own treats and just will not share.)

Best Cat Costumes For Halloween 2020 | POPSUGAR Pets

Most of these treats are really easy to make, so don’t let your human tell you that they don’t have the time or energy. It’s the least they can do for you in return for all you do for them. These treats can all be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container or frozen for longer storage.

Gladstone Veterinary Clinic. Cat Treats

Kitty Kisses (from Kerrie Rageth at allrecipes.com)

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon catnip, 1 can cat food

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Combine catnip and cat food in the blender.
  3. Puree until smooth.
  4. Spoon into a small bag and cut a hole in the corner.
  5. Squeeze 1/2-inch “kisses” onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes.

Can Cats Eat Carrots? - All About Cats

Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats (from Tina Verrelli at epicuricloud.com)

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil; 1 1/4 cups flour (plus additional for rolling dough); 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional); 3/4 cup finely shredded carrot; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; cold water (as needed)

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Mix 1 cup of flour and oil in a medium bowl.
  3. Stir in catnip and carrots.
  4. Add in egg. Adjust consistency with water or flour if necessary. It should hold together but not be too wet and sticky.
  5. Roll or pat dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle dough with additional flour, if needed.
  6. Prick dough all over with a fork. Cut into 1/2-inch squares with a pizza wheel.
  7. Arrange squares on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake approximately 12 minutes (until they start to brown).

Pumpkin for Cats - How and When to Use It - PetGuide

Pumpkin and Salmon Kitty Bits (from Tina Verrelli at epicuricloud.com)

Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup oat flour; 5 oz. salmon, drained; 1 large egg, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. Break the salmon up with a fork, chopper, or blender.
  3. Combine 1 cup oat flour, salmon, egg, and pumpkin in a bowl. Mix by hand or with an electric mixer until a dough forms.
  4. Turn dough onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  5. Roll or pat dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with addition flour, if needed.
  6. Prick dough all over with a fork.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and cut into small pieces.
  9. Spread out the pieces and bake for another 15-20 minutes (until crunchy).

Our cat trying to steal cheese : r/AccidentalRenaissance

Tuna & Cheddar Whisker Biscuits (from Tina Verrelli at epicuricloud.com)

Ingredients: 1 can water-packed tuna, drained; 1/3 cup shredded cheese or finely grated carrot, 1 egg, 1 1/3 cup oat flour (plus extra for dusting); 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional); 1/4-1/2 cup cold water

  1. In a food processor or blender, mince the tuna and cheddar to a fine texture.
  2. Pulse together the egg, flour, and catnip.
  3. While running on low, add enough water to form a ball.
  4. Divide the ball into 4 smaller balls, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  6. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Roll each ball into a long “snake.” Cut each “snake” into to small pieces and roll into a chick pea-size ball. Flatten with a fork.
  7. Bake on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to desired texture.

Why Do Cats Like Fish?

Purr-fect Kitty Salmon Treats (from Tina Verrelli at epicuricloud.com)

Ingredients: 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 tablespoon oil, 6-8 oz. canned salmon, drained with liquid reserved, 1 1/2 cups oat flour, 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, 2 tablespoons brewers’ yeast, 1 tablespoon dried catnip

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Whisk together egg and oil in a medium bowl.
  3. Break up salmon with a fork and add to the egg mixture.
  4. Use mixer with dough hook to add flour, oats, yeast, and catnip.
  5. Slowly add salmon liquid until a stiff dough forms.
  6. Form into 1/2-teaspoon balls, press down onto parchment paper-lined with the tines of a fork.
  7. Bake 10-13 minutes until dry on top, but slightly soft on the bottom.
  8. Cool completely on baking sheet.

Fritz the cat wants to eat all of my cheese and crackers! : r/cats

Meow-ums Kitty Crackers (from Tina Verrelli at epicuricloud.com)

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil; 1 cup flour (plus additional for rolling dough); 2 tablespoons brewers’ yeast (optional); 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional); 3/4 cup shredded cheese or finely shredded carrot; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons cold water

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Combine oil, flour, and yeast in a medium bowl.
  3. Add in catnip and cheese.
  4. Mix in egg and add water 1 tablespoon at a time until a dough forms.
  5. Roll the dough into 1/4-inch thickness (dough may need to be wrapped and refrigerated for an hour if it is too soft to work with).
  6. Cut dough into 1-inch squares with a pizza cutter.
  7. Arrange squares on parchment paper-lined baking sheet and prick with fork.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes or until starting to brown.
  9. Cool on baking sheet.

5 Hidden Dangers To Cats on Halloween – Meowingtons

Ed. Note: Upon further review of these recipes, we would like to note that very nice treats may also be purchased from Chewy, Temptations, and other vendors. Purchasing treats rather than baking them does not indicate any lower level of love or devotion.

Happy Halloween! - Poorly Dressed - fashion fail

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

31

Holiday Season Overload?

8 Unexpected Things That May Stress Your Cat Out » Saint Francis Veterinary  Center of South Jersey

Whether you’re a party kitty or a more quiet feline, we’re at the point in the holidays where everyone can use a little stress relief. Especially those of you with stressed-out humans. We have some tips for relaxing below:

Lolcats - relax - LOL at Funny Cat Memes - Funny cat pictures with words on  them - lol | cat memes | funny cats | funny cat pictures with words on

Get away from it all. Take a break from the festivities and just be comfortable.

30+ Cat Yoga ideas | cat yoga, crazy cats, funny cats

Do some yoga. Find your inner peace.

Sleeping group | Cat hug, Sleeping kitten, Baby cats

Spend quiet time with friends. Just hang out and enjoy each others’ company.

InvoSpa on Twitter: "Who else loves this feeling? https://t.co/yXW8HmGwJT # meme #massagememe… "

Go to the spa. Let someone pamper you and feel your muscles relax.

Cute Cuddly on Twitter: "Funny cat memes.. that red dot! #catmemes  #funnycats #cats #funnyanimals #cuteandcuddlyau… "

Take a break from the red dot. Sure it’s fun to chase it, but have you ever caught it? After a while, it just gets frustrating.

Weird Cat Behaviors like Cats Drinking out of Faucets | Cat Health &  Behavior

Drink lots of water. All that party food is making you feel bloated and slow. You need to keep your sleek body and dance moves ready for New Year’s Eve.

Cat Memes - Meow Aum! - Part 12

Get ready to party. 2020 is finally ending. You don’t want to miss the big celebration.

Kick back and enjoy the weekend!!! - Vital Pet Health - Ask the experts

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.