CatnipAlley studio blog

Summer Sun, Winter A/C

2011-07-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

Silly Ollie. He sits where he can feel the sun and the air from the vent at the same time. It's a rough existence.

Looks like somebody needs a cheeseburger . . .

2011-07-07T15:51:00.002-05:00

Crazy Cat vs Tennis Ball

2011-05-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

Take a Chance on "Unadoptable"

2011-05-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

This is Miss Peanut, a nine pound tortoiseshell Manx who's large and in charge. She mows down cat grass like a lawnmower, loves to lick your toes, and insists on scooting her water bowl to the middle of the floor. It's hard to imagine that she's unadoptable, but since she's had chronic bronchitis most of her life, no rescue agency would ever consider trying to find a home for her. Even the so-called "no kill" shelters put animals like this down without ever attempting to find homes for them. I took her in after my mother died, and even though I've never adopted an older cat before, it's been an absolute joy to have her in my life. My other cats aren't too thrilled with the idea, but Peanut is too busy living large to care. And her bronchitis? She hasn't coughed a single time since I moved her to my smoke-free home. All she really needed was the same love and care every other pet needs. So take a chance on "unadoptable." And if you need to smoke, take it outside.

New Widescreen Lookout Post

2011-05-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

I've upgraded my cat's favorite lookout spot to a widescreen format. (Gotta keep up with their ever widening booties.) This old dresser was in my mom's house for years. Hideously painted with a red and black fake wood grain. After some serious dusting, patching, and several coats of "bittersweet chocolate" paint from Benjamin Moore, it's looking a whole lot more presentable. Now all it needs is a nice fluffy pad for the top.

Coming Soon

2011-01-26T16:12:00.000-06:00

Check out this cool kitty ball I found on the Refined Feline website. It won't be available until February, so no pricing yet. It's made of poly rattan to be washable and withstand clawing. Sweet.

Blog Header Problems

2011-01-22T11:14:00.002-06:00

What's wrong with my headers?? I designed a sharp new header, loaded it up, and it looks like CRAP! It looks great in Photoshop and is exactly the same size and resolution as all the others I've designed. Tried going back to the old header, and now it looks like crap, too. Ugh! Stupid technology. >:(

Now THAT'S Funny!

2009-06-05T16:21:00.001-05:00

See LOL cats every day at icanhascheezburger.

Cat Angel Yard Sculpture

2009-05-25T15:09:00.002-05:00

How sweet! This little cat angel sculpture is weatherproof and waterproof. Available from What on Earth.

Cork Pet Cat

2009-05-25T15:03:00.002-05:00

I've seen these cork pets as dogs before, but hadn't found a cat until recently! From Uncommon Goods.

A Seasonal Funny

2009-05-25T14:59:00.004-05:00

Visit icanhascheezburger every day for more LOL cats.

A Great Idea, but . . .

2009-05-25T14:47:00.005-05:00

I love this idea of this Clevercat Top Entry Litter Box. I'm tired of cleaning litter off the floor, and it would keep my cats from peeing out the door of their front-load boxes. (Yuck!) But frankly this looks too small for my cats. It's only 20 x 15 x 15. I have two cats that are over 15 pounds now. Plus it looks like a big plastic bin, which can be purchased for a LOT less money. My biggest litter box is in need of replacing, so I'm seeing a DIY project in my near future!

Cat Fighter Jets

2009-05-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

A Local Hazard for LOL Cats

2009-05-13T07:25:00.004-05:00

One of my recent favorites from icanhascheezburger.

Indifferent Kitty Print

2009-05-13T07:19:00.003-05:00

I spotted this cute little print at Barker & Meowsky. Printed on 8x10 acid-free paper and fits nicely into a standard 8x10 frame. "Where everyone pretends not to know your name," unless it's chow time!

Big Box & Maru

2009-05-02T08:37:00.002-05:00

Miele Sucks (In a Good Way)

2009-04-26T07:54:00.004-05:00

I've been through three vacuums in less than ten years trying to get the pet hair off my carpet. An ancient Kenmore canister (a great vacuum, may it rest in peace), a Hoover upright (inherited, and it never picked up fur to begin with) and a Vax bagless (aka "duct-tape-vac") that literally fell to pieces. I knew it was time for a REAL vacuum! No more bagless or uprights for me, and it had to have an electric rotating brush. After watching the YouTube video Miele vs Kenmore, I was sold on the Miele brand. I had planned on buying the Callisto with my tax refund, but a local dealer offered me the higher model Aquarius for the same price. We've had it for a month now, and we are VERY pleased with it! It really does make cat hair disappear! And (bonus) it's very quiet and the brush fits under the bed, couch, and other furniture quite nicely. My house hasn't been this clean in a long long time!

Nom nom nom . . .

2009-04-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

No Pooping!

2009-04-17T16:44:00.004-05:00

This simple yet eloquent sign is from the Wireless catalog. Made of metal to withstand the weather (and the poop).

Curious Cat Sculpture

2009-04-17T16:39:00.003-05:00

This curious cat has found something fascinating! I found this great metal cat sculpture in the Signals catalog. Made of cast aluminum with an aged finish. Ready to pounce right into your home!

Cat Clock with Pendulum Tail

2009-04-17T16:31:00.002-05:00

I saw this new cat clock in the Wireless catalog. It's kind of an updated KitKat clock. Battery operated, made of wood composite and metal. Sweet!

Another Generous Helping of Cute!

2009-04-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

Two Thumbs Up for the Ultimate Scratching Post!

2009-04-11T08:29:00.003-05:00

I looked at cat scratchers for a long time before deciding to try the Ultimate Scratching Post. My cats are quite large . . . okay HUGE . . . and like all cats, pretty rambunctious. They needed a scratching post that would take a lot of scratching as well as full-body assaults, and not flip over on the floor. The Ultimate Scratching Post has turned out to be a great investment. Not only is the sisal fabric holding up to Kiki the razor-claw-shredder, but the base is wide enough to withstand my half Norwegian Forest cat Peeps' attempts to tackle it and throw it to the ground. We've had it for over six months now, and it hasn't been damaged or flipped over yet! Now if only I could have my couch covered in that sisal fabric . . . Available at many retailers including Petco and Drs. Foster and Smith, but I found the best price on ebay. (Yes, this is the seller I purchased it from. Also thumbs up!)

Cosmic Kitties!

2009-04-11T06:51:00.004-05:00

Gotta have these Gocco Cool Cosmic Cat Coasters from Kerry Beary's etsy shop! She has lots of other great retro prints and paintings available, and take a look at her website as well. Those are some cool cats!

Lolspeak Bumper Stickers from Cafe Press

2009-04-07T13:29:00.004-05:00

Cafe Press has some great lolspeak bumper stickers including "Got Kitteh?" Less than $5 at the Cafe Press website.

Cats vs Laser Pointer

2009-04-07T13:27:00.000-05:00

Featured Etsy Shop: 9 Lives Photography

2009-04-04T07:55:00.002-05:00

Now this is a great cause. And what beautiful photos! The 9 Lives Photography etsy shop features cats who reside at the Chicago animal shelter Felines, Inc. The 9 Lives shop sells note cards and other items featuring photos of the shelter cats to raise money for their continued support. Visit Felines, Inc. , the 9 Lives blog, or submit your favorite cat portraits at their cat-nipped blog by clicking the links in this text.

Catnip Body Pillows For Your Spoiled Kitty

2009-04-04T07:24:00.006-05:00

These great kitty body pillows are available in the Kitty of Mine shop on etsy. They are made from recycled fur coats (including mink), they come in a number of different colors and sizes, and each one has a refillable catnip pocket. It's the ultimate accessory for your big spoiled kitty! Their kitty Zoe is featured in all their photos, and she enjoys every size and style they make!

Little Wubba Family

2009-03-22T07:25:00.003-05:00

Peeps little wubba family is growing. I got her another cat wubba at PetSmart, and she immediately started washing it like it was a new kitten. Every afternoon, she takes all her wubbas into the dining room and hugs, naps, cleans and plays with them for several hours. She's a good wubba mom.

Wilber the Cat

2009-03-22T07:21:00.001-05:00

Catnip Mice Rule!

2009-03-22T06:44:00.004-05:00

Catnip mice are still the ultimate feline toy in the universe. These bright colored toys are now back in stock in the ReFabulous shop on etsy.

Retro Modern Pet Beds

2009-03-22T06:28:00.003-05:00

Check out this ultra cool retro modern pet bed on the likekittysville shop on etsy. Made for cats or small dogs up to 24 pounds. See their wonderful gallery of previous purchasers or order a custom bed at likekittysville.shutterfly.com.

Catnip Fortune Cookies

2009-03-22T06:03:00.002-05:00

Talk about lucky cats! These catnip fortune cookie toys from Jake & Micah are too much fun! Each toy includes one of eight different fortunes like "A long and peaceful nap is in your future." Made of all cotton material with polyester fiberfill and organic catnip. Catnip Sushi Maki, Catnip Wontons and several other food-themed toys are also available.

Pet Art Goes Green at Mod Dog

2009-03-07T13:24:00.003-06:00

This cat art print is truly green! (And I don't mean the color.) It's available in three sizes and printed on tree-free 100% cotton paper, with archival non-toxic ink. You can even customize it by adding your pets name or choosing a different ink color. Other cat images and numerous dog images are available, too. All prints are signed and dated by the artist. From Mod Dog. Check out all their cool stuff!

Ninja Cat

2009-03-03T16:33:00.000-06:00

Etsy Find - Kitty Egg Molded Crayons

2009-03-03T15:53:00.003-06:00

How much fun are these??? And wouldn't they be too cute in an Easter basket! Individually custom molded, and made from non-toxic wax crayons. See their selection on Etsy.

Wubba Smack Down

2009-02-22T13:36:00.003-06:00

Peeps thinks the new wubba toy is her baby. She puts it by the food bowls so it can eat, by the scratching post so it can sharpen its claws, and occasionally attempts to groom it. Ollie likes to tease her by getting too close to it. You can see the imminent smack down.

Metro Bowl - Yum!

2009-02-14T17:19:00.002-06:00

This Metro pet bowl is sweet! From Barker and Meowsky. Available in mars orange or peri blue.

Please Don't Try This At Home

2009-02-14T17:17:00.002-06:00

Caboodle Is On Our Wish List

2009-02-14T17:13:00.003-06:00

We're definitely putting this on our wish list! It's called Caboodle, and unlike most corrugated cat furniture, it's actually affordably priced! It's $29.95 and they accept Paypal payments. Sweet!

A Funny from icanhascheezburger

2009-02-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

Control-A-Cat . . . yeah, right!

2009-02-14T17:06:00.007-06:00

This is too funny! A gag gift, of course. Very affordably priced at Think Geek. "Eject fur ball" is my favorite! Click on the pic for a bigger view.

The Best Superbowl Commercial Ever!

2009-01-31T10:04:00.000-06:00

Friskies Blog: All Things Cat, All Week Long

2009-01-31T09:55:00.004-06:00

This is my blog discovery of the week. Friskies Cat Blog. Check out this week's Friday Matinee. It's hilarious! (I'll definitely be adding this blog to my favorites list.)

Great Flickr Set

2009-01-31T09:51:00.003-06:00

I discovered a great photo set on Flickr. It's ideas for cat habitats complete with shelves, cubbies and places that cats love. Take a peek!

Funny DHL Commercial

2009-01-25T09:13:00.000-06:00

Adopt a Cat Kliban T-Shirt

2009-01-25T09:06:00.002-06:00

Still popular after all these years! Kliban cat t-shirts are available online from Crazy Shirts. They have lots of great designs including this Adopt-a-Cat design.

Kong Wubba Tested and Approved!

2009-01-25T08:20:00.003-06:00

The studio cats have officially tested and approved the Kong Wubba Teaser for cats. We got the hot pink one from PetSmart for about $6. It's basically a catnip-infused fabric octopus (wubba) on a string with a telescoping plastic wand. The wand, string, and wubba are ALL popular with the gatos. Peeps is currently chewing on the stick while Ollie hops up and down on the wubba. Available in various colors and also a wooly version called "hugga wubba." I did not see it on the PetSmart website yet, but Amazon is offering the wubba teaser, the hugga wubba, and even a wubba mouse! Meow-za!

A Generous Helping of Cute

2009-01-17T16:19:00.001-06:00

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-01-17T16:17:00.000-06:00

What a Dweeb

2009-01-17T16:03:00.003-06:00

Ollie loves to cram himself into little spaces. Especially if they're too small for him. I've been rescuing him for almost ten years now. Stuck between pieces of furniture, behind major appliances, wedged between the ductwork and the basement ceiling. I come home from work, hear his familiar desperate scratching, and grab the oven mitts (so he won't scratch me) to go pull him out. (Sigh.) Here he is cramming himself between the bathtub and the sink. Better keep those oven mitts handy.

Cat Butt Magnet Set

2009-01-10T10:54:00.005-06:00

What a great gag gift! This Cat Butt Magnet set is from the What on Earth catalog. Many different breeds are represented, plus there's a real hairball magnet included with each set! (Just what I always wanted!)

Where is the Snooze Button?

2009-01-10T10:46:00.005-06:00

I completely agree with the cute saying on these ceramic mugs! Although I'm wondering where the snooze button should be located. Head? Bootie? One boot and they'd be off for another 15. (Aaah.) These mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe. Available from the What On Earth catalog.

Music Cats Love: While You Are Gone

2009-01-10T10:33:00.002-06:00

Keep your cats entertained while you're out earning money to buy them more stuff with this CD from Bradley Joseph. "Music Cats Love: While You Are Gone" is available online at Amazon and Patina. A collection of calming music and soothing sounds for the cats we love. Including selections such as "King of the House," "Twisted Whisker," and "Rainy Day Cat Nap." It's getting great reviews on Amazon and you can listen to samples there as well!

Hibernation In Progress

2009-01-05T15:00:00.002-06:00

Now that Christmas is over, Peeps is attempting to sleep through till Spring. Z-z-z-z . . .

Cat Salad

2009-01-05T14:54:00.002-06:00

I've been playing with the macro lens on my camera. Click on the photo to see the full size details of Ollie chomping his new cat grass.

Purr-vana

2009-01-04T14:59:00.003-06:00

Is there anything better than a clean pillowcase on a sunny day?

New Years Diet Resolution

2009-01-04T14:52:00.004-06:00

I need to add some extra servings of "cute" to my diet this year!

Slinky Cat Video

2009-01-04T14:46:00.001-06:00

Cheeky Cat Food Bowl

2009-01-04T14:35:00.002-06:00

How cute! This cheeky cat food bowl is from UK based reallylindabarker.co.uk. Call 0845-330-2880 or e-mail info@reallylindabarker.co.uk for information on international shipping.

Cat Person T-Shirt

2009-01-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

I just might have to have this Cat Person shirt for myself. No one can have too many t-shirts! Available in size small to XXL at Target.com, along with a variety of other cat and dog-lover shirts and gifts.

Burrow Bed for Small Pets

2009-01-04T14:19:00.002-06:00

This burrow bed is getting great reviews at Target.com. Sized for cats or small dogs, the cover is removable for hand washing. Available online only, not currently available in stores.

Home Office Security

2008-11-10T17:53:00.001-06:00

Christmas Shopping? Bah Humbug!

2008-11-02T20:29:00.002-06:00

I'm trying to get excited about Christmas shopping, but I just can't find the mood. I think I'll take a cue from this furry fellow and sleep on it a while longer. (See new funny felines every day at icanhascheezburger.com.)

Adirondack Pet Bed

2008-11-02T15:17:00.003-06:00

How CUTE! This adirondack pet bed is from The Company Store. It has a weather resistant finish so you can put it on the porch. The bed comes in white or chestnut, and the cushions are currently on sale and come in 8 different colors.

Simon's Cat "Let Me In"

2008-11-02T13:21:00.001-06:00

How to Alienate Your Cat in One Easy Step

2008-11-02T12:43:00.003-06:00

That's right, Halloween is over so it's time to roll out the Christmas duds. Nuff said.

Petmate Litter Locker

2008-11-02T12:25:00.007-06:00

I haven't tried this yet, but what a great idea! It works very much like Diaper Genie. You open the top, scoop in the "clumps," turn the round handle, and they're sealed inside layers of plastic. Viola! Once the containment ring is full, you throw it away and put in a new one. I've already seen some outrageous prices for this system. QVC wants $54 for the locker alone. ACK! Walmart has the best price at $22.94. It's reasonably priced at PetSmart and Petco as well. Walmart has the best price on the refill cartridges at $7.94 each. I did notice that they have Litter Locker (black and white) and Litter Locker Plus (blue and white), but they're both exactly the same size and take the same refills.

Ginger for President

2008-11-01T17:09:00.000-05:00

Halloween Hazards

2008-10-18T09:43:00.002-05:00

Tisk, tisk. This looks like more of a "trick" than a "treat." It's just wrong on so many levels. (Sigh.) If you just can't contain yourself, the feline rainbow wig and a variety of other costumes are affordably priced from PetSmart.com.

A Very Odd Couple

2008-10-18T09:05:00.003-05:00

An October Funny

2008-10-18T06:56:00.001-05:00

See lots more cat photos with funny captions at icanhascheezburger.com.

New Baobab Cat Tree

2008-10-18T06:50:00.003-05:00

This is the new Baobab Cat Tree from Square Cat Habitat. It looks pretty sweet! I can just picture my cats fighting over the top spot now. Available in bamboo or laminate, with your choice of insert color. Made in the USA.

Cute Cat Magnets

2008-10-18T06:43:00.003-05:00

These cat magnets are new from Three by Three. They make the world's best magnets! Set of four, in two different color combinations: black/stainless or orange/white. Order online from fridgedoor.com.

Funny Cat Pic

2008-10-09T07:05:00.003-05:00

We can all use a laugh these days! See lots more funny cat pics at icanhascheezburger.com.

Over-the-Door Cat Climber

2008-10-09T06:57:00.003-05:00

This over-the-door climber is nice looking in addition to being cat-friendly. It's made to hook over any door 79 to 82 inches tall, and has an available extension to accommodate taller doors. Available at catlivin.net.

Cat Friendly House

2008-10-09T06:46:00.002-05:00

This amazing house is designed for cats and the people who love them. Built with scratch resistant cat-friendly materials, and complete with lots of perches, windows, open-air cat walks, and a special litter box space in the bathroom. For more photos and a link to the original site (in Japanese) go to moderncat.net. It's definitely worth a look!

Kliban T's from Crazy Shirts

2008-09-30T10:43:00.003-05:00

Crazy Shirts has a great collection of Kliban cat t-shirts! They specialize in shirts that are dyed in unique ways. They're dyed with things like wine, money, volcanic ash, chile or coffee. My favorite is the chocoholic cat dyed with chocolate. (Yum!) Some are available in kid sizes, too.

My Little Furry Linebacker

2008-09-30T09:33:00.003-05:00

Peeps is working on her winter coat and practicing her hibernation mode. She'll be three years old on October 16, and she's still getting bigger in a sideways direction. It's like having a furry linebacker running through the house. I wish I could harness her energy!

The Allure of Denim

2008-09-30T09:11:00.005-05:00

Ollie loves to sleep on denim. I'm not sure why, but he's not picky if it's clean or dirty. "Ahhh, denim, my good friend. Let's have a little nap." It makes him happy.

Stinky Shoes Beware!

2008-09-30T08:57:00.004-05:00

Return of the Poofballs

2008-09-23T13:07:00.003-05:00

Twice a year, this plant makes one of the strangest flowers I've ever seen. It shoots out a stalk that makes wave after wave of little green poofballs. Even though it's kind of odd looking, it makes me feel victorious that I actually got a houseplant to make a flower!

Cats and Clean Laundry

2008-09-23T13:00:00.004-05:00

Why are cats so attracted to clean laundry? Mine are so anxious to get to the clean sheets that at least one of them gets made right into the bed every week. They tunnel their way out the side once they've "furried" things up again. I wonder what would happen if they made dryer sheets that smelled like catnip. (?!?!) Something tells me that laundry day would take on a whole new meaning!

Mapping of the Cat Brain

2008-09-23T12:57:00.002-05:00

This is still one of my favorite cat cartoons! Click on it for a larger image.

Dog Walkers T-Shirt

2008-09-23T12:48:00.002-05:00

If I had a dog, I would have to have this shirt! But this is exactly why I don't have a dog. I don't want to carry a little bag of poo poo home with me. See, my cats and I have an agreement. When they need to poop, they just head on down to their special box in the basement. I don't have to know that they're pooping and I don't have to be there. I'll just show up later when the litter has achieved maximum clumping and scoop away anything that offends me. With very few exceptions, this arrangement has worked out pretty well.

Sleepypod

2008-09-17T14:19:00.012-05:00

This Sleepypod pet carrier is pretty swanky. You can even buy a special warmer to put in it. It looks very cool, but their claim that it can be used as a bed AND a carrier seems like a pipe dream if you have cats. I could only use it as a carrier once. After that, it would be, "I don't think so, Dayna. YOU sleep in it." One trip to the vet, and it would be reduced to being just a cool carrier.

Hookmaker

2008-09-17T14:19:00.002-05:00

What a cool idea! These teacup hooks would be great in a kitchen. Very affordable from Design Glut.

Harvest Feather Wreath

2008-09-16T08:28:00.002-05:00

This Harvest Feather wreath is from Smith and Hawken. (I'm sure my cats would just LOVE to get their claws into it!) Made of dried magnolia leaves, turkey and pheasant feathers. Take a look at their beautiful variety of wreaths.

My Latest Project

2008-09-14T10:23:00.005-05:00

This is the latest large project I'm working on. Linda Myers' Quilt Sampler XIV "Jane's Quilt Garden." I've been working on it for about three months now, and I'm hoping to finish it soon. As you can see, Kiki looks perturbed that it isn't done yet. "This project again? When will it be finished so you can play with me?"

Quest for Domination

2008-09-12T10:24:00.002-05:00

Peeps tries in vain to get rid of Ollie once and for all.

Almost Time!

2008-09-12T09:02:00.002-05:00

This is the time of year I really miss having a private yard. It's almost time to plant bulbs. All the new catalogs are showing up in my mailbox filled with beautiful pictures! This Purple Swirl Crocus Mix is available from High Country Gardens.

Meowie Owie!

2008-09-11T16:37:00.002-05:00

I spotted this Cat Bottom Pencil Sharpener in the What On Earth catalog. Oh my! Apparently, it meows in protest as you sharpen. (Wouldn't you???)

Asian Influence

2008-09-11T11:22:00.006-05:00

This is just one of many wonderful designs by artists Peter and Patricia Tyber. This Luck Fat Cat Welcome Plaque is available on their tyberkatz website.

Fall Sowing

2008-09-10T14:14:00.004-05:00

The housepainters have done a fine job of getting paint on all kinds of things that weren't supposed to be painted. The mailbox, the screen doors, the trash cart, and naturally all of our outdoor plants. We can't have the kitties eating paint-covered catnip, so it's time to sow a new crop. They love their salad!

Cat Art Prints

2008-09-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

These great prints are by artist Penny Feder. Cat II (left) and Cat I (right) are both available on Art.com.

Pet Tags from Wireless

2008-09-09T11:48:00.004-05:00

These cute pet tags are from The Wireless Catalog. Made of lead-free pewter.

A Funny For Cat Lovers

2008-09-09T11:45:00.007-05:00

September Sun

2008-09-07T09:17:00.008-05:00

Ollie loves to stretch out in the sunny spot on the landing of our staircase. He's too big to fit in a windowsill, and he prefers a nice piece of freshly vacuumed carpet anyway. (Ahhh! Clean carpet. . . z-z-z-z)

Seller Spotlight: PurrPrints

2008-09-07T09:00:00.005-05:00

This minimalist Floppy Cat art print is available at the PurrPrints online etsy store. Too cute!

Daisy Dog Studio Bowls

2008-09-06T14:21:00.006-05:00

These cute pet bowls are from Daisy Dog Studio. Available in three sizes and ten color combinations.