Cats are pretty silly and hilarious sometimes. I try to keep my shenanigans to a minimum so Roommate won't have time to catch it on tape. That could prove to be embarrassing and reputation-damaging in the future.

Luckily, the cats featured in this video don't have qualms about acting goofy in front of the camera... Here's your daily laugh:

If you didn't laugh at least once after watching that vid, you might need a hug because your stress runs too deep! OR you might even need a cat of your own; Studies have shown that people who have feline roommates have less stress!

Adopt a kitty from your local shelter today!

Wow, it's that time of year already! I'm not ashamed to admit it, Halloween scares the hairpants right off of me. I get the feeling I'm not alone... All the knocking and doorbell ringing, strangers coming to the door demanding candy, monsters roaming freely, and a general feeling of creepiness is what Halloween means to a lot of scaredy cats, myself included.

It's no wonder we're scared- Halloween is a dangerous time for us cats. We could dart right out the front door when it's opened for candy-demanding strangers, we could eat candy and get sick, we could even be abducted by cruel humans wanting to be mean to us to celebrate. Yikes!

Here are some tips I found online to help you get through this year's festivities:

Celebrating Halloween can be a blast for humans, especially kids, but may not be too much fun for cats. This time of year with jack o' lanterns, witch's costumes, ghosts, ghouls and trick-or-treats can be upsetting, dangerous and even deadly for your much loved pet cat. Here are some tips to follow for your cat's safety and protection during the Halloween holiday.

Black Cats and Halloween

Black cats are particularly at risk around the night of Halloween. Unfortunately there are sadistic people around who think it clever or cool to harm, torture or even kill cats, particularly cats that are black.

It makes no sense to hype up the problem, it doesn't happen often but there is a danger. Why do these sick people want to harm cats at Halloween? Who knows the workings of a sadistic mind but the mythological association of witches, cats and Halloween probably has plenty to do with it. Real witches (Wiccans) would not harm cats, many are cat owners themselves.

So what can you do to keep your cat safe from these cruel twisted people? Keep your pet, black cat or not, safely indoors on the days leading up to Halloween. A cat out on the street at this time is not only at risk of being abducted, but also at risk of being scared and panicked by children wearing strange costumes, who may shout at your cat without meaning it real harm.

Keep your cat indoors at Halloween and keep it safe! 

Halloween Candy and Cats

Halloween candy is designed to rot the teeth of humans not the teeth of your cat. But there are other dangers in feeding your cat Halloween treats, please remember that chocolate can be poisonous for cats.

Other candy treats can contain plastic sticks (lollipops) that can be harmful, even deadly, if swallowed by your cat. Cellophane and foil wrappers also are potential hazards that could get gulped down along with the Halloween candy.

If you worry that your cat may feel left out of sharing the Halloween goodies, why not have supplies of healthy and safe cat treats to hand. 

Jack o' Lantern Safety

The house lights dimmed and an eerie glow from a spooky face crudely carved into a pumpkin. Nothing sets the mood for Halloween better than a jack o' lantern. But please be careful where cats are concerned, don't leave your pet alone in a room with a lighted candle, it could be knocked over too easily by a curious cat. Not only could your cat get seriously burnt but a house fire would ruin more than just your Halloween holiday fun.

Halloween Costumes Not Cool For Cats

Dressing up your cat, or kitten, in a Halloween costume may amuse you but it is unlikely that the animal will enjoy it.

If you must dress your cat in a costume please make sure that it is safe, it doesn't constrict your cat's movement in any way, doesn't hamper vision or restrict breathing. There should be no small accessories that your pet could possibly chew off, swallow and choke upon. 

Halloween Strangers and Cats

You may want to keep your cat in a room away from your front door when folks come trick or treating. An unusual amount of strangers, especially strangers in Halloween costume, could scare your cat into bolting outside. The coming and going of people and the general hubbub of the evening can over excite pets and cause them stress related tummy trouble.

Your cat may appreciate a quiet room to chill out in and avoid Halloween strangers.

© copyright best-cat-art/Cats and Halloween.

I’m all for keeping public areas clean, but testing dog excrement to hunt down irresponsible owners seems a little over-the-top, don’t you think?

Here's a link to the full article.

APA hosts 18^th Annual Canine Carnival

The Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA) is hosting its 18^th Annual Canine Carnival on Sunday, October 5, 2008, at Tilles Park in Ladue from 10am to 2pm. 

The event, which is sponsored by The One Hope Network and Purina ONE^®, is the place where “the dogs play the games and win the prizes!” 

The Canine Carnival features events such as canine games, contests, pet photos, vendor booths and the Carol House Furniture Pooch Parade.  Event proceeds benefit the homeless animals at the Animal Protective Association of Missouri.

Who:   Animal Protective Association of Missouri

What:  18^th Annual Canine Carnival

·         Dog and people games including Lucky Puppy, Cheeseball Toss, and the Steak Walk game

·         Contests including Best Bark, Best Trick, Best Costume, Best Kisser

·         Activities including pet photo buttons, face painting, Speedy Dog Challenge and pet sketch artist.

·         Children’s Area, including pictures with a Clydesdale

·         Vendor booths

·         Carol House Furniture Pooch Parade

·         Adoptable pets looking for new homes

·         Admission is free and tickets for games and activities can be purchased at the event

Where: Tilles Park in Ladue (corner of Litzsinger and McKnight, one mile south of Hwy. 40 and McKnight)

When: Sunday, October 5^th, 10am-2pm (Registration begins at 9 a.m.)

...and a spoon, and CHOPSTICKS!

OK, now I've seen it all. After yesterday's rant, I was looking online for talented cats... cats whose talents go beyond doing lowly dog tricks... Cats that have actual skills!

Check out the video below for the most unbelievably skilled cat I've ever seen. Ever. This is pure insanity.

OK, how? HOW?! Did you notice the cat also walks on a leash? Sheesh!

**Am I the only one who's going to have nightmares about "This is the way we wash our paw, wash our paw, wash our paw..." ?

Date: October 4th
Location: Purina Farms in Grey Summit, MO
Tentative schedule:
10:30 AM Agility Course Inspection
10:55 AM National Anthem
11:00 AM Incredible Agility Competition (Small & Large)
12:00 PM Incredible Diving Dog Competition
12:45 PM Incredible Jack Russell Hurdle Racing
1:30 PM Demonstration
2:15 PM Incredible Head-to-Head 60-Weave Pole Racing
3:00 PM Incredible Freestyle Flying Disc Competition

Who does he think he is?

You know cats, if you want to do dog tricks, that's just fine with me. However- if you continue allowing your roommate to put it on video, well then I can't be responsible for the consequences.

Why would this make other cats angry, you say? Well, my friend, don't you think YOU readily doing dog tricks will cause humans to expect the same behavior out of the rest of the feline world? We've worked hard on our collective reputation for being completely indifferent to the humans that slave for us.

A lot of humans have been clawed nearly to ribbons for trying to bend us to their will.

Don't make it so we have to go through all that ugliness again to establish our dominance and superiority simply because you're willing to humilitate yourself for a treat. Or at least keep it behind closed doors and off the internet. Thank you.

I admit it. I'm a cheater. When Roommate's Boyfriend comes home on leave from the Army, I cheat. I can't help it, it's just something that happens. I'm just drawn to him... I like him better.

Boyfriend is home with me all day, while Roommate leaves me to do god-knows-what. (She says she's "working", but cats know there is no such thing.) It always happens the same way, sometimes we'll play all day with that shoestring I love, sometimes he'll brush me to my heart's content, sometimes we just sit around and watch TV together... Then, before I know it, I'm sleeping on his side of the bed!

I know! I feel horrible about it because Roommate is the one who feeds me, gives me fresh water and empties the litterbox. But she's also the one that takes me to the vet and gives me baths. Boyfriend would never do those things... He understands me. Sorry, Roommate!

Apparently this isn't such an uncommon occurrence. Veterinary behaviorist Terry Curtis says it's usually us pets, not you.

Click here to read more case studies (it's not just me!) and find some tips about how to counteract the problems.

Meanwhile, I'll be patiently waiting until November 20th, when Boyfriend and I can be together for always.

I found this product on ActiveDogToys.com.  They have lots of other cool stuff for pups, like the Hunk 'O Meat...

 The Tennis Dog...

Or the Wiggly Giggly Bone...