Playful Kitty Puzzle: Cats of the Victorian Era

Cat Lovers Unite!

This Caturday we are celebrating the era that made house cats who the pampered pets they are today! During Queen Victoria’s reign in Great Britain, the treatment of domestic animals became a concern, the first Cat Show (or Cat Fancy) was held, and cat lovers all around the world made their fascination with cats known. Persian cats were considered quite fashionable as Queen Victoria herself owned 2 of them.  Now, around 150 years later, cats are one of the most common pets in the world!

To play choose one of these options:

1. Click on the image of the puzzle and print it from your browser.
2. Right click on the image. Select “Save As” and save the image to your computer. Print as an image or place it onto a word document to print it.
3. Download the PDF version of the puzzle and print from Adobe Acrobat. Click the following link to use the PDF version: Cats of the Victorian Era Word Search.pdf

Want the Answers?

Just send us an email at robinsplayfulkittles@hotmail.com with the subject line “Cats of the Victorian Era” and we’ll send you the answer key.  🙂

Thoughts on Cat Photography

Part of making a really cool cat blog is taking (and sharing) great pictures of cats. I am by no means a professional photographer; I have hand tremors and  I use an out-of-date little point-and-shoot camera that is in desperate need of replacing. However,  I have found some things that really work for me and some things that don’t.  Perhaps some of the pawsome photographers out there can add to this conversation (by all means do), but here are some of my discoveries:

Lighting makes all the difference in the world.

Digitally brightened photo of Manna with fixed “red-eye”.

I find that if I can take a photo of the cats with natural light, that  photo will turn out better than one taken with the the lamps in my apartment doing the lighting.  If natural light isn’t available, the lights have to be as bright as possible (without being blinding).  Photo editing programs can help to brighten a photo, but there is definitely a difference between a well-lit photo and a photo brightened by editing.  Good lighting also helps because  then you don’t need to use the flash.  Whenever I have to use the flash I spend tons of time editing “red eye” and/or sorting through photos to find one with the cats’ eyes open.

Naturally lit photo of Manna, no lighting or eye corrections.

Try to see the cat’s point of view.

Cinco not realizing that I had placed a milk ring and a fuzzy ball on his head.

When I’m taking photos, I’m usually on my knees or crawling around on the ground to get as close to their eye-level as possible. Not too many interesting photos happen when I’m hovering over their heads. Photos that are taken straight on at the cats are a lot easier to use with an article if you ask me.

Get in the action.

Manna playing with a catnip candy cane.

Action shots are adorable! They make the cats look alive and playful – it gives them personality. Many times when I do a photo shoot with my cats, I am playing with them with one hand and taking photos with the other hand. Lucky for me, my little camera has a setting for taking action photos so they don’t look too blurry. I use this setting all the time because of my hand tremors (if I don’t it will look like a took my photos during an earthquake).

Take lots of photos.

A Manna selfie fail. Try, try, again.

It is rare that I get the photos I want in the first few shots. I just keep taking photos until either the cats have had enough or I’m just sick of taking photos. For my Wordless Wednesday shoots it is not unusual for me to take 100 photos. Then I just choose around 5 of them that turned out well to use. The more photos you take, the more likely you will get a few really good ones.

Add your own interpretation.

I knew I’d seen that expression somewhere before…

Cats don’t pose. No matter what great idea you have for your photo shoot, expect it to go awry. I just add a few elements to my “scene” and I see what the cats decide to do with them. I don’t force anything. The cats will do whatever the cats want to do. If some scene elements are not getting a good response, I replace them and try again. Adding catnip is helpful, but then they may just get busy licking the cat nip and refuse to look at the camera.

After the photo shoot, I add my own interpretation to the photos. This is a creative process. I look at what I’ve got and I say something like  “hey, Cinco and Manna look like crime-fighting super heros” or ” This is like  one of those slow, dark film noir scenes” or “hey! Manna looks just like Jack Nicholson in this photo.” Some interpretations are more creative and some are more reality based.

Cinco starring in Niptoon Noir.

Super Cinco attacks the Red Dot with his Super Raspberry.

A question for you: What qualities do you think make a great pet photo?

Cats In History: The Victorian Era

The prize winners from the first cat show in 1871.
Image courtesy of http://www.harrisonweir.com

Chances are, if you are reading this, you like cats.  You may even have a cat or two (or three, or four, or…) living with you.  When you think of domestic cats you probably imagine small, furry creatures who are supposed to live in people’s houses and be treated as a member of the family. You might even think that the idea of a cat living outdoors, on the streets is sad or somehow wrong.

People haven’t always thought that way about cats. From the Middle Ages until the Victorian Era, cats were viewed as “useful animals”, but not widely viewed as pets. Humans kept cats around to control rodent populations and that is pretty much it. Cats were expected to live outside and wander the streets, fending for themselves. During these times, people had little regard for animals in general, treating them more like things than living, breathing, valuable creatures.

Treat Me Like A Queen

One of Queen Victoria’s cats.
Image courtesy of http://www.Eurofancy.de

The Victorian Era changed everything for cats. Queen Victoria had been very isolated during her childhood due to the schemes of her mother. Animals and dolls were the only companions that she had. Perhaps this is why Queen Victoria would become an avid animal lover and advocate for animal rights. She concerned with the treatment of domestic animals.  Queen Victoria funded school prizes for essays written about kindness to animals. She spoke out publicly against the practice of vivisection (doing experiments on live animals) calling it “a disgrace to a civilized country.”  In 1840, she gave her official patronage to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (thus it is “royal”).  However, she did show a bit of hypocrisy with her love of hunting sports.

Queen Victoria owned many pets (she especially loved her dogs). Most notably, she owned 2 blue Persian cats that she was fascinated with. Some say this was because of a work put out by Charles Darwin regarding his observations of the different types of cats he had seen. He had noted that most of the cats he observed looked very similar (other than different coloring) with the exception of Persians and Manx.

The British people followed the Queen’s lead and fell in love with cats. Discovering different breeds of cat soon became of great public interest. Having pet cats that were lavished with affection caught on like wildfire. Some people began to personify cats so much that they would clothe them to keep them from being immodest.

Showing It All Off

The 1st Cat Show in 1871.
Image courtesy of http://www.Squidoo.com

Artist, illustrator, and animal lover, Harrison Weir, organized the first ever cat show in 1871. This was an affair for the upper class and aristocrats to show off their beloved cats and compete for a prize. The allowed breeds included: Black, White, Tabby, and Longhairs. The public couldn’t wait to see all the different types of cats. The show would have 170 entrants and more than 20,000 visitors! A second show was created to include the cats of the “working class.” “Cat Fancys” as the shows were known quickly spread around the globe.  The first Cat Fancy in the U.S. was at Madison Square Garden in 1895.

Harrison Weir had been considered very knowledgeable about breeding animals. In 1892 he published a book called Our Cats and All About Them. The book talks about the different breeds he has identified, caring for cats, cat shows, and some humor. The entire book can be read online for free and there is also a free audio book version. To view them click Our Cats book online or Our Cats audio book.

Other Victorian Cat Lovers

There were a number of famous cat lovers throughout the Victorian Era that helped our view of cats to become what it is today.  Here are just a few of them:

• Louis Wain – An artist and cat lover that drew anthropomorphic cats (standing up right and behaving as humans) .
• Louis Carroll – Author of Alice In Wonderland.
• Beatrix Potter – Author of Peter Rabbit
• Thomas Hardy – English novelist and poet
• Mark Twain – American author and humorist
• Henry James – American/British author
• Alfred Tennyson – Poet Laureate of Great Britan and Ireland during Queen Victoria’s reign
• John Keats – English romantic poet

2nd Cat Show 1871
Image courtesy of http://www.harrisonweir.com

8 Cold Weather Tips for Cat Owners

Brrrr! It is cold out there! Pretty much everyone in the USA is seeing some extremely low temperatures. Even Miami is only at 65°F according to the Weather Channel, which is quite chilly in a city known for heat. Those of us up here in Michigan and our friends in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and upstate New York would love just to get back into the positive.

USA Temperature Map
Image courtesy of the Weather Channel

If we’re cold, that means our kitties are cold too. Thick fur does provide them some protection from the cold weather, but it doesn’t keep them from suffering in extreme temperatures.  Cats, just like humans, can suffer from hypothermia and  frostbite. Here are 8 tips that will help you to make sure your cat stays safe and well during the winter season:

1. The best tip available: Keep your cats indoors. Keeping your cat indoors with you is the best way to know that your cats are receiving the same protection from the elements that you are.
2. Keep cats a safe distance from open heat sources. Cats are heat magnets and will get as close to a heat source as they can.  To avoid any potential burns, watch cats around open fire places, space heaters, and wood burning stoves.
3. Bang on the car’s hood before you turn the engine on. Even if you keep your cat indoors, there may be a neighbor’s cat or a feral cat who has decided to keep warm under the hood of your car. The fan blade in your engine could cause serious harm or death to any animals tucked away in there.
4. Watch for signs of frostbite. Frostbitten skin will be pale, cold to the touch, lacking sensitivity, and may be glossy. Just like in humans, signs of frostbite will begin at the extremities and areas of the body that are the least insulated (ears, tail, pawpads, etc).  This can set in very quickly! The ASPCA estimates that pets can not withstand exposure cold weather for more than 10 or 15 minutes.  If your cat gets frostbite, use WARM water (not hot) to warm the area gently and go immediately to the veterinarian.
5. Clean up and properly store antifreeze. Cats like the taste of antifreeze, but it is very toxic to them. If your car leaks antifreeze or you spill any from a container, make sure that it is properly cleaned up. Keep antifreeze bottles tightly closed and stored where cats can’t easily get to them.  If you think your cat has ingested any antifreeze, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s poison control line right away (888-426-4435). Note that there may be a $65 consultation fee for calling the ASPCA.
6. If your cat must go outside, towel off their body when they return indoors. Try to dry them and remove any salt or ice melting chemicals from their paws and belly. You don’t want the cat to clean those things off themselves and ingest potentially dangerous substances!
7. If you bring the cat on a car ride, do not leave them out in the car! We’ve all gotten into a car in the winter and noticed how much it can resemble a refrigerator with seats.  It can get really cold, really fast. Don’t take the chance that your kitty will end up with hypothermia or frostbite.
8. If you see any animal cruelty in your area, report it. Neglect is cruelty. Letting an animal freeze to death is cruelty.Most states have laws regarding the proper treatment of animals in cold weather. If a neighbor has left an animal outside in the elements without proper food, water (not frozen), and shelter (large enough to fit in and lay down comfortably but small enough to retain body heat), it counts as cruelty.  First try calling your local police and they may be able to offer their assistance or direct you to the proper authority. Another option is to contact your local animal shelter and report the situation to them.

Stay safe and warm everybody! Cuddle up with your kitties 🙂 A post on helping feral cats in the winter is underway.

Cinco staying warm inside a blanket.

7 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from My Cats

Cinco and Manna are more than just animals that live with Dave and me; they are family, they are our furry children, they are our companions, confidants, and friends. I love that bumper sticker that says “Who rescued who?” It can be hard to explain to someone who hasn’t ever bonded with an animal, but pets like cats and dogs provide as much support for us as we provide for them.

Over the years I have learned a lot of very interesting life lessons from my cats. Sometimes the lessons I learn from the cats are funny and sometimes not so much – sometimes they are really deep. Obviously the cats can’t really buy me gifts from Christmas or my birthday, but they have given me a lot of precious jewels with these truths.  I don’t know if this will reveal more about the cats or more about me, but I wanted to share a few of the lessons I’ve learned with everybody.

Just a quick note – Cinco, Manna, Dave, and I are a Christian family (we go to a non-denominational church) and of course these statements come from our point of view. It isn’t my intention to offend anyone of a different faith. 

Lesson #1: Nothing here on Earth truly belongs to me.

Obi Wan posing in a window.

God made everything and it all belongs to Him.  He gives and takes away as He pleases. This isn’t as negative of a lesson as it sounds. It is actually quite freeing. It was incredibly hard to let go of Obi Wan (the cat that was with us before Cinco came along)when it was time for him to be put down.  When it finally sank in that Obi wasn’t something that was mine to keep, but that he was more of a wonderful loan, it was much easier to come to a place of acceptance. When Cinco and Manna came into our lives, we saw them as so much more than just pets. He and Manna are two of the most priceless works of God’s art and they are on loan to our family!

Lesson #2: God provides exactly when you need it.

3-week old Manna with a milky face.

This lesson is actually where Manna got her name from. Manna is the name of a food that God miraculously provided the Israelites while they were wandering in the desert. Manna had been abandoned at 3 weeks old and somehow ended up on the front porch of my Dad’s trailer. Dad was ill-equipt to deal with a baby kitten like Manna (he tried to feed her adult kibble).  It just so happened that Dave and I had been planning to adopt another cat right around then.  We were able to take her to the vet and get her everything that she needed. It wasn’t long after that that Dad’s trailer park got condemned and everything was torn down.

Lesson #3: Never underestimate your the good done from your acts of kindness.

You may think that what you’ve done is a small thing, but it may be much bigger to the person on the receiving end. I didn’t know when I got Cinco that I was not just rescuing him from homelessness, but also from a rescue lady that was performing strange acts of cruelty on the cats (giving them homemade vaccines and such). The relief in coming to my peaceful apartment with people who did nothing but dote on him must have been astounding. What Cinco didn’t know is that I was still very fragile from the heartache of loosing Obi-Wan and feeling very unlovable.  Of course, just in the nick of time, here comes Cinco – who never leaves my side.

Cinco and Robin 2006

Cinco and Robin 2013

Lesson #4: Life is funny and God has a sense of humor – go with it.

Cinco performing his duties as Toilet Inspector.

Cinco is a giant male cat, but he sounds like deflating balloon. When Manna was a little kitten, she pooped down my sister’s cleavage. Manna also fell in the toilet and couldn’t get out. Cinco sits in the window and growls at people walking by. Both of my cats snore. Every now and again Cinco has little territory battles with Dave over me. There are way too many funny moments to list. Finding the humor in life is very important to me.

Lesson #5: Change is hard for everyone.

Cinco being very upset about a visit from cousin Cuddles.

Don’t believe me? Try moving the litter box. As difficult as cats take change, people are the same way on a different scale. Some changes are easier than others. Upset anyone’s schedule and you are sure to see them get frazzled. The cats yell at me whenever I make a change in my schedule.

Lesson #6: Being a good leader isn’t always about being right.

Cinco and Manna enjoying their chair.

Sometimes you have to decide what your goal in working with other people (or cats) is. Do you want compliance to an ideal you had in your head or do you just want the job done? My cats won’t scratch scratching posts, but they always scratch this white chair of mine (that I found for free).  I decided to let them have that chair. They don’t scratch anything else now. I intend to train them to scratch a post (I think I just need a taller one for Cinco), but I have saved my other furniture in the mean time.

Lesson #7: Your past experiences can shape your future experiences.

For example, Manna often drinks out of my glass if it is lying around unattended. I don’t worry about this because I only ever drink unsweetened iced tea or water. However, Dave left a glass with a little bit of Diet Coke in it unattended one day. Having experienced nothing but water and slightly flavored water (iced tea) coming out of glasses, she reached her paw in to get taste. The look on her face when she licked that paw was priceless.  She shot me the angriest look I think I have ever seen from her. Humans do this kind of thing all the time too. We become so used to things being one way that when we run into something that we are unfamiliar with it causes fear or anger.

Manna helping herself to my iced tea.

16 Black Friday Deals Worth Purring About

The Black Friday deals are here!

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Happy Black Friday shopping!