Eighth Cativersary

Eight years ago this week I brought Shelley (formerly "Little Gray") home from the East Harlem ASPCA. She was 20 months old, very underweight, timid, and FIV+, the last of which might explain the "owner surrender" notation on her adoption papers. Shelley was so freaked out upon arrival in my apartment that she first tried to escape by climbing up the chimney, then spent the next three days cowering under the sofa. Today she's a healthy ten pounds, the friendliest cat I've ever worked for, and spends her days growling at pigeons and ensuring that the elderly German shepherd across the alley doesn't even think about climbing the fire escape. As I like to do on this date, I encourage you to visit your local shelter and consider adopting an adult cat. At this writing there are dozens of adult cats up for adoption at the East Harlem shelter.

RELATED: The ASPCA has a fantastic "cats over three are free" program for adult cats: "The Free Over Three adoption package includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Adopters will also receive a certificate for free follow-up veterinary care at the ASPCA Animal Hospital within 14 days of adoption, a pet carrier and literature about cat behavior." The APSCA also supports a no-kill coalition of animal shelters all over the New York City area.

Seventh Cativersary

Seven years ago today I brought Shelley home from the East Harlem ASPCA. She was 18 months old, very underweight, timid, and FIV+. And she was so freaked out on the first day in my apartment that she tried to escape by climbing the chimney. Today she's a healthy ten pounds and the friendliest cat I've ever worked for, if also the quietest. As I like to do on this date, I encourage you to visit your local shelter and consider adopting an adult cat. At this writing there are 84 adult cats up for adoption at the East Harlem shelter. I'm partial to the Seinfeldian Seven.

RELATED: The ASPCA has a fantastic "cats over three are free" program for adult cats: "The Free Over Three adoption package includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations and micro-chipping. Adopters will also receive a certificate for free follow-up veterinary care at the ASPCA Animal Hospital within 14 days of adoption, a pet carrier and literature about cat behavior." The APSCA also supports a no-kill coalition of animal shelters all over the New York City area.

Sixth Cativersary

Six years ago today I brought Shelley home from the East Harlem ASPCA. She was 18 months old, very underweight, timid, and FIV+.  Today she's a healthy ten pounds and the friendliest cat I've ever owned, if also the quietest. As I like to do on this date, I encourage you to visit your local shelter and consider adopting an adult cat. At this writing there are 44 adult cats up for adoption at the East Harlem shelter. I'm partial to the attitudinal Harrison.

Raise A Paw If You're For Obama

The JMG household has voted unanimously. How about your own families? I'm seeing lots of frustration in my Facebook feed.

Morning View - Sunbeam Cat

Rabbit Bites

Thinking I'd give Shelley a break from Whisker Lickens, I picked up a bag of treats that I thought were normally meant for rabbits. Flipping the bag over at home, I realized that the treats are made out OF rabbits. That's very different. Shelley, as it turns out, does not care for ground up bunnies. But woe be to the stray fly that enters this apartment. Silly cat. Silly me.

Happiness Is A New Scratch Box

Today Is Take Your Child To Work Day

Also known as "Get Off The Damn Keyboard Day."

Fifth Cativersary

Five years ago today I brought Shelley home from the East Harlem ASPCA. She was 18 months old, very undersized, timid, and FIV+. She's the quietest cat I've ever owned, other than the occasional questioning chirp she rarely makes a sound. But she's also the friendliest. Sit on my sofa and she'll be in your lap in ten seconds. And many times a day she's on her hind legs, front paws on the armrest of my chair, begging for space on my desk. I love when she does that. As I like to do on this date, I encourage you to visit your local shelter and consider adopting an adult cat. At this writing there are 56 adult cats up for adoption at the East Harlem shelter. I'm partial to Cathy, she looks fun.

Sunbeam Cat Don't Give A Shit

Daily Grumble

- "Is it cold in here?"
- "How was your breakfast?"
- "Where did I put my glasses?"

She never answers. I'm turning into a crazy old cat lady.

Grouchy Sunbeam Cat is Grouchy

Put The Kitty On The Record

Yes, yes I do totally want a Cat Scratch turntable. Even if Shelley never touches it. Want.

Afternoon View

Fourth Cativersary

Four years ago today I brought Shelley home from the East Harlem ASPCA. She was 18 months old, very undersized, timid, and FIV+. Today she's a chubby little lap snuggler and every visitor's instant pal, despite the stern look she's giving us above. As I like to do on this date, I encourage you to visit your local shelter and consider adopting an adult cat. At this writing there are 64 adult cats up for adoption at the East Harlem shelter. I'm partial to tough guy Felix.

Irish Eyes

Protesticat

SRSLY, Close The Window

Do Not Interfere With The Burrowing

Cat Loaf

Photo by Dr. Jeff.