Independence From Old Litter Day!

Yep, you read that correctly!

On July 4, 2017, Eastside Cats dumped out all old litter, and scrubbed down the litter pans.  After they dried off in the blazing, hot sunshine, the pans were repositioned in their locations and filled with brand new litter.  In addition, fresh puppy pee pads were attached to the walls surrounding said pans, and litter mats were shaken out and replaced.

Four litter pans, which seemed appropriate for July 4.  Liberation!

The oval pan in front holds a full 50 lbs. of litter!

Parlor Pan

Upstairs Pan

The SmartCat Ultimate Litter Mat!

Two indoor cats, and four pans you say?  Years and years ago, we had an issue with Chuck guarding the litter box (we had two, but they were side by side).  Poor Angel couldn't go, and she had exactly ONE accident.  We learned to put pans in different areas.  That problem was solved.

Then, Chucky developed constipation, and he avoided the pans for going #2.  We didn't know what his issue was, so I set out seven different pans, and filled them with different litters.  Once we discovered that medicine and food changes were the solution, I winnowed it down to three pans.  But Chucky started to urinate up the walls, so I found a big, oval pan to round out the situation.  He still aims 'high' once in awhile, therefore the puppy pee pads.

I discovered The SmartCat Ultimate Litter Mat years ago, and bought two.  Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed or given anything for free for my opinion!  The litter falls through the mesh, and you simply shake the thing out.  Nothing in the world keeps all of the litter off of one's floors, but this litter mat works well enough.  One side is tan, which matches well with the hardwood; the grey side is used between the two pans in the front room.  They are big too; 24" x 36".  I recommend them!

New Cat Stuff

A kitty nightlight

Okay, I will admit that I've had the kitty nightlight for a while, but I had forgotten to post about it!  It was made by a local artist, but I've heard that he doesn't make them anymore.  More's the pitty.

"Warm Whiskers" neck wrap

A kitty on your shoulders!

My good friend BG gifted me with this wonderful cat neck wrap, and it's both microwaveable for warming one's achey muscles, AND for cold, if you place it in the freezer first.  The accompanying card has www.warmwhiskers.com, but that website doesn't seem to be working.  However, I found these items selling from other websites, so you can find one of your own.

Patty simply LOVES it when I lay on the deck with him!

Since I've already included a photo of myself, I just had to add this photo of Patty snuggling up with me yesterday afternoon.  He licked my head and face, dug his claws into my scalp, and tried to nibble on my earbud wires.  But he will NOT step inside when I open the door...at least not yet, anyway.  

Oh Canada! Happy 150th!

July 1, 2017 is Canada's 150th birthday!  To help celebrate our wonderful neighbors, here are some fun country and cat facts:

Official Logo

Map of Metro Detroit, Michigan and Metro Windsor, Ontario
Eastside Cats is in Mount Clemens, Michigan, near the top of this image
We are north of Canada!  How 'bout that?

Look at how much territory Canada covers!

Photo of a Canada Lynx
Look at that wee tail, and the long back legs!
Wow!

Photo of Sphinx cat
from Cattime.com

Did you know that Sphinx cats originated in Canada?  Read this:

"The hairless Sphynx is an example of the cat breeds that come about accidentally. A genetic mutation brought about the birth of a hairless kitten to Elizabeth, a black and white domestic cat in Toronto, Canada. Elizabeth’s owner recognized that Prune, as the kitten was called, was unique and set about trying to reproduce him. He, along with other hairless kittens that were born in the mid- to late 1970s, was bred to furred cats, including the Devon Rex. The gene for hairlessness is recessive, so while some of the offspring were hairless, others had fur." from Cattime.com

So, wishing Canada and it's cats, a very Happy 150th Celebration! Some of us will NEVER FORGET what Canada and Canadians did for travellers who were stranded during the 9/11/01 U.S. attacks, which grounded flights and left an awful lot of travelers in Canada. People opened their homes, the schools, restaurants, and just plain HUGGED everybody!  So, here's a big hug (and a smooch!) right back atcha, Canada!

And now stand, for the Canadian National Anthem!

English version

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.                                                                                  
French version                                                                                                                      
O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Now, drop that puck and let's play hockey!