Catsparella

Cat Vs Human "Cat Ladies Unite" Tote Bag Giveaway!

2012-02-13T15:30:00.001-05:00

Remember a few weeks ago I gave you the scoop on the new Cat Vs Human line of totes and tees for the discriminating cat lover? Well since then, Yasmine (creator of the popular webcomic of the same name) has jam-packed her shop full of even more cat-tastic goodies, including designs in a wider range of kitty colors, a "Cats > You" line, and my personal favorite - A Cat GENTS Unite tee!

Enter To Win!

Cat Ladies Unite Tote

Yasmine has generously offered one lucky Catsparella reader the chance to win a stylish Cat Ladies Unite Tote Bag of their very own!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.).

The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Monday, February 20th at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to everyone, so our international friends can participate, too! One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to visit the Cat Vs Human shop for more designs (European fans can shop here), and check out the website for all of her latest comics and news!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me at catsparella@gmail.com.)

Adele's Grammy Winning Album Cover Gets Catified

2012-02-13T13:06:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the luminious Adele, who swept the Grammys last night with six awards, including wins for Record of the Year ("Rolling in the Deep") and Album of the Year ("21").

While six golden gramophones may seem like quite an accomplishment for the talented British singer, the real prize was having her multi-platinum album cover catified by the folks at I Can Has Cheezburger!

Woman Battles Cat Food Cravings On TLC's My Strange Addiction

2012-02-13T10:43:00.002-05:00

Cat Food Is Delicious - My Strange Addiction

In case you were too busy watching the Grammy's and missed it, TLC's My Strange Addiction returned last night, with the story of a woman who is addicted to eating cat food.

Mary, 48, calls the experience of crunching on a cat treat, "A burst of flavor in your mouth." Her strange addiction began five years ago after a painful divorce left her spending all her time at home with her three cats (thanks for helping to dispel the crazy cat lady myth there, Mary). She became instantly hooked, to the point where she began consuming a staggering 900 treats A DAY, and an estimated one million since her addiction began.

The cat food connoisseur keeps the treats in her car, in her purse, and by her bed, and some days replaces human food with cat food altogether. Although she is unemployed, she spends $200 a month on kitty food for herself, and her craving recently escalated to enjoying wet food, too. She contends that the gag-worthy liquid at the bottom of the bag reminds her of chicken soup "just like Grandma used to make," (whose Grandma??), and figures that the food is healthy because it has vitamins in it (saying she has a 17-year-old cat to prove it).

Mary's brother and close friend understandably become concerned about the effect her diet is having on her health. They urge her to see a doctor, who warns her that the ingredients in cat food are made of byproducts, carcinogens, and antibiotics that could eventually kill her. After a brief physical examination, the doctor concludes that she is probably anemic, and says her elevated blood pressure could indicate the onset of kidney problems. As treatment, she is advised to return to a normal diet, and start visiting a therapist to get to the root of her problem.

At the therapist, Mary admits that much like an alcoholic, hiding her addiction has left her feeling even more lonely and isolated. She agrees to enter a 12-step program, and an optimistic update at the end of the episode indicates that she has stopped eating cat food, and now seeks out her "crunch" from healthy foods, like vegetables.

Not to make light of the situation - but who is thinking about Mary's poor kitties, here?? My cats gets mad enough when I won't share my own food with them, so I can't imagine how they would feel if I started hoarding their treats for myself.

My Strange Addiction airs Sunday nights at 10/9 c on TLC. You can watch more clips from Mary's episode, which also includes a woman who is addicted to smelling moth balls, here.

It's Caturday!

2012-02-11T01:18:00.002-05:00

Welcome back for another edition of Caturday, where we catch up on the week's latest cat news, and get to meet some of your amazing kitties!

This week, Cee Lo Green introduced the world to his Purrfect pussycat, cat shaped pizza rocked the catosphere, a game crashing tabby became a Twitter sensation, Shironeko debuted his life-sized plush, we explored Tokyo's Calico Cat Cafe, met Murkin, the kitten loving pup, got caught up in China's cat currency controversy, dug up a vintage copy of Catmopolitan Magazine, gave Charlie's favorite box an extreme home makeover, and virtually interacted with the foster kitties of the Friskies Plus Playhouse!

Also, I started pinning my little heart out on Pinterest, so if you're a member, please feel free to connect with me here!

Ollie

This week's featured feline is a handsome orange boy with big golden eyes, who stole his mama's heart right from the start!

Eva writes:

"I would like you to meet Oliver aka Ollie. He is going to be two on St. Patrick's Day. He was adopted from the SPCA, after being there for all of three hours. He had come in from a foster home the morning of May 19, 2010. The room was empty, but the moment he heard voices, well mine, he went to town trying to get my attention. He climbed the cage door yelling his orange head off - I can just imagine what he was saying: "Are you my mom? Take me out of here, now!" LOL.

His two sisters were sitting in the back of the cage in their litter box; Poor things. He was impossible to ignore - besides I have a weakness for orange cats. He was put into my arms and clung like velcro. I wanted to see his face, but no, he wanted to snuggle. I loved him already.

Ollie had been a tiny terror, a little thief, and a comedian. The terror part has subsided now that he is almost two. His favorite activity is stealing anything he can carry. The other day I found one of my lipsticks in my boot (I was wondering what the heck was in there as I was struggling to put it on..)

He is a nonstop talker, and he likes playing with water in the sink (I have a video clip on Catster of Ollie in the sink getting very wet).

He loves his brothers, Milo and Teddy Bearz, but he likes hanging with Mom the best. He is my little supervisor. Whatever I am doing - cleaning the house, making the bed, cooking - Ollie is always underfoot! And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Special thanks to Eva for sharing her beloved bundle of fur with us this week! If your kitty would like to befriend Ollie on Catster, you can check out his profile here!

p.s. Looking for even more Catsparella? Check out my weekly columns over on Catster!

This week:

Seven Dreamy Travel Destinations for Cat Lovers
Cat Chic: The Cat’s Out of the Bag This Season
Cat Chic: Kitty-Themed Clothing Without a Tapestry Vest in Sight

***

Want to see your cat(s) on Catsparella? I'm always taking submissions for my weekly Caturday post! Just email your best kitty pics to catsparella@gmail.com, and include your cat's name and anything else you'd like to share! I can't wait to hear from you!

Extreme Makeover: Cardboard Box Edition

2012-02-10T13:57:00.003-05:00

I have partnered with Apartment Guide to serve as an Official Apartment Guide Pet Blogger! As an official blogger, I will be sharing articles filled with tips for living on a budget. This month, we're focusing our “How-To Guide for Living on a Budget” program on DIY projects and how-to tips.

Every cat owner knows you can buy your kitty the most expensive, beautiful cat bed in the world, but at the end of the day, there's nothing like a good old fashioned cardboard box.

The cardboard box DIY remodel is the least expensive, low-risk craft of all because no matter what, you know your cats will love it. Every time we go to Costco, Charlie and Priscilla get a gift back in the form of a brand new box, that we pick up for free. Their most recent acquisition was a box for Hoody's Peanuts, purrfectly constructed to have a comfy napping spot on top, and a cozy cave underneath.

Before: The Hoody's Peanut Box. Functional, but not exactly the pinnacle of modern cat style.

After: With the help of some scrapbook paper and glue (not to mention my own blood, sweat, and tears) - The House that Catsparella built is complete!

I started by covering the exterior of the box with patterned paper, before adding little details like the feline fence post (inspired by this), shuttered windows, and flower boxes. The roof is made out of an extra piece of cardboard I had laying around that I decorated with paper shingles (it's taped to the top of the box with the help of a flap), and I topped if all off with a cozy fleece mat for an extra dash of comfort and style. The entire project cost me less than $3, and that's only because I insisted on using fancy scrapbook paper.

The possibilities for taking your cat's favorite box and elevating it from brown cardboard bleak to cat house chic are practically endless. The basic instructions are: Find whatever you have laying around the house (paper, markers, glue, etc.), and get going!

If you're looking for more inspiration, three of my favorite projects I've come across are the DIY Cat Rocket Ship from Apartment Therapy, the Cardboard Cat Tank from Instructables, and the Cardboard Cat Playhouse from Martha Stewart. Of course, Pinterest is always your friend when it comes to design ideas, and Petfinder has a great board dedicated to DIY kitty projects to further help you along.

Do you have any favorite do it yourself projects you've put together for your cats?

***

Whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers how-to tips for making the most of a space for you and your pet on a budget on http://www.movingtoday.com and http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog.

Like Apartment Guide on Facebook at facebook.com/ApartmentGuide, follow them on Twitter @AptGuide, and "circle" them on Google+ for real-time tips and updates on making the most of your space and living on a budget.

Do you prefer a cozy night in or a night out on the town? No matter your preference, enter Apartment Guide's Night In or Night Out Sweepstakes for a chance to win your perfect evening. Enter today to win! Visit www.Facebook.com/ApartmentGuide to submit your entry.

(NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends @ 9:00 PM ET on 2/14/12. Must be a US legal resident of the 50 US or DC and 18 years of age or older. Sweepstakes subject to full Official Rules available at www.facebook.com/apartmentguide. Void where prohibited.)

Disclosure: Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. have partnered with bloggers like me as Official Apartment Guide Bloggers. As part of this program, I have received compensation. They have not told me what to purchase or what to say about the products used, and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

China's Cat Currency Controversy

2012-02-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Chairman Mao...or Chairman Meow?

The cutest currency controversy ever has erupted in China, where microbloggers are claiming that three cats are hidden in the 100-yuan note, right next to the image of Mao Zedong.

While a blown up picture appears to reveal a trio of felines, The People's Bank of China were quick to refute the allegation, stating, "Someone imagined the patterns as three cats and drew the profile with a marker to mislead the public."

The bank maintains that the actual patterns were inspired by lacquerware dating from the Warring States Period (476-221 BC). Further backing up their assertion, antique expert Zhang Yang told the Beijing News the pattern is typical of decorations during that time, and that artifacts with cat images from that period have never been found.

Banknote expert Yuan Yinlong was quoted as saying, "The ancient elements in today's fifth-generation 100-yuan notes reflect the wisdom and culture of the nation."

A wisdom and culture, apparently, that does not include cats.

Via The Daily What / Shanghai Daily

Vintage Catmopolitan Magazine Gives Real Ladymag A Run For Its Money

2012-02-09T16:44:00.002-05:00

Sex, Drugs, and Fashion - So goes the 1987 issue of Catmopolitan Magazine, another hilarious parody by author Ilene Hochberg.

Much like the real Cosmopolitan, Catmo delves into topics such as getting your claws into Mr. Right, infidelity, weight loss, and shopping. Next to advertisements for brands such as Estée Longhair, Clawnique, Maidenfur, and Espurrit are articles on "Cathletics and Feline Fitness," "Colorful Collars To Catch His Eye," "The Cat's Out of the Bag - He's Been Pussyfooting Around," and more.

I scanned some of my favorite highlights from the mag below - If you missed my previous post on Vanity Fur (featuring Hissy Miyake and Purry Ellis!), you can check it out here.

Click on any image to enlarge.

A cat lingerie spread!?

"Paws To Catch Your Breath: Cathletics and Feline Fitness"

Stick-On Krazy Kat Klaws - A precursor to Soft Paws Nail Caps, perhaps?

Flea Jeans

Roundup - What Gives Me Pangs Of Guilt? Answer: "Nothing"

Cat diet product promises a slimmer physique caused by the rapid shedding of fur -"Get slim without dieting. Don't give up a single meal or treat. Don't even move a muscle."

Cool Cats of California Swimwear

Hiss?

Purrzazz styling mouse and gel by Clawrol (What's going on with those pants??)

Must Have Cat Paw T-Shirt Invites People To "Touch Your Pads"

2012-02-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

Cat's Hands Shirt by SCOPY - $75, YesStyle

Cat paws are a popular topic over here at Catsparella. I mean, what's not to love about pretty pink paw pads and squishy jelly bean toes?

The Cat's Hands T-Shirt by SCOPY takes my admiration for kitty feet to a whole 'nother (if not peculiar) level, with a pair of fuzzy white paw appliqués, reminiscent of those touch and feel books you had as a kid. The text of the shirt reads, "This t-shirt was (*has) reproduced the sense and touch and texture of cat's hands. For the one who really loves cat's hands! Please touch my pads!"

Perfect for those who enjoy dressing with a sense of whimsy, aren't bothered by the use of incorrect grammar, and don't mind inviting complete strangers to come and feel them up.

Kitten Painters Help Fund Animal Rescue

2012-02-09T10:17:00.001-05:00

<p><a href="http://video.dailytelegraph.com.au/2192537094/Paw-to-paint">VIDEO: Paw to paint</a></p>

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

A book once sought to answer the question of "Why Cats Paint," but the real answer is more simple than you think: For charity.

From the cats of Big Cat Rescue, to the kittens of the Fayetteville Animal Shelter in Arkansas, cats have been putting paw to paper to help raise money for their survival. The latest in a line of philanthropic pussycat painters comes out of Australia, where the mother daughter duo of Louise Clayton and Tegan Ellis have put their rescued kittens to work, creating mini-masterpieces that also help pay the bills.

The paint is completely non-toxic and safe for the cats, and no one is made to participate unless they want to. Visit the Rescue Cat Art Facebook Page for more pictures of the budding feline artists in action, and information on how you can get on a waiting list to pick up a piece of your own!

Via The Telegraph / The Daily Mail (Thanks for the tip, Holly!)

Meet Murkin, The Cat Loving Pup

2012-02-08T17:10:00.002-05:00

Adorable Kitten Tries To Steal Dog's Tongue

Murkin the dog is a former stray who was adopted out of a shelter in Santa Clara, Calif. His owners classified him as very shy, timid, and wary of strangers, until they worked with him to increase his confidence around new people. These days, the handsome boy is a "total love bug," cozying up to anyone who is willing to give him attention, treats...or both!

Murkin and his kitty crew

Murkin's eclectic range of interests include dog treats, naps, and long walks on the beach, but most of all, "he loves cuddling and snuggling with baby kittens."

I only posted two examples here, but if you have a few ~~hundred~~ hours to spare, be sure to head over to his official YouTube channel to watch countless videos showcasing this kind-hearted canine at work with his foster babies.

A Dog Sleeping With His Kittens

Hip hip hooray for Murkin the pup! Making a good name for cat loving dogs everywhere!

Via Murkin and his kittens [Official Facebook Page] / Cute Overload

Inside Tokyo's Calico Cat Cafe

2012-02-08T12:56:00.016-05:00

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

One of my biggest regrets (aside from getting food poisoning) about my 2010 trip to Japan is that I didn't get a chance to visit a cat cafe in Tokyo. While I wasn't a serious blogger at the time, and didn't know as much about cat culture, part of me feels that I should have subconsciously been aware of the phenomena, and found some way to partake in the experience.

I'm not sure I'll ever get the chance to return, but if I do, one of my first stops will be to the Calico Cat Cafe featured in this mini documentary by The Guardian. While the idea of paying to enjoy the company of cats - when you can do the exact same thing at home for free - may seem absurd to some, it follows the same line of logic that makes us pay $15 to go see a movie, when we could just as easily watch one from the comfort of our couch.

Aside from my Western fantasies, the Asian cat cafe craze has been bolstered in part by the fact that many urban dwellers are unable to keep cats in their small apartments, or are charged exorbitant fees for doing so. When forced to live this kind of cat-less lifestyle, the rent-a-pet model becomes less of a luxury, and more of a much needed service to the cat loving people of Japan.

When I've posted about cat cafes in the past, the question always comes up as to why there aren't any in the United States. It's unclear to me how Japan - one of the most fastidious and cleanest countries in the world - manages to make provisions for the cafes, while the practice remains roundly forbidden by the U.S. Department of Health. As an example, Matilda - the longtime resident feline at The Algonquin Hotel in New York City - was put on a leash in November after years of free reign, after someone made a complaint, and the health department suggested that "pets in food-service facilities are no longer commingled."

For now, the mystical cat cafe will have to remain a dream for many us, but hopefully one day we'll all be able to live in a world where tea with a side of cats is always on the menu.

Via The Guardian

Shironeko Debuts Life-Sized Plush Doll

2012-02-08T10:08:00.003-05:00

Who needs a Boo The World's Cutest Dog plush, when you can have your very own Shironeko, The World's Chillest Cat doll? Shiro, the Japanese export also known as Basket Cat for his penchant for sleeping in baskets and balancing them on his head, recently posted images of the life sized plush, that matches the 9-year-old cat right down to his squinty eyes and pink jellybean toes.

Given Shiro's zen like habits, I imagine owning a stuffed version of him wouldn't be much different than owning the real thing. According to his website, the plush will go on sale in March, but there are no details yet on its price, or if it will be available to fans outside of Japan.

Can you imagine if they started making these for all of the world's favorite cats? I'm pretty sure the sale of a Maru doll would crash the internet, and I don't think you'd ever be able to get it out of the box it was shipped in!

Via Shironeko Blog

Cat Crashes UK Football Match

2012-02-07T12:06:00.002-05:00

Cat on the pitch at Anfield

Last night's Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham at Anfield stadium almost ended in cat-astrophe, as a misdirected tabby threatened the halt the game. While the poor thing was probably very confused and perhaps a bit frightened, he didn't show it as he confidently bounded across the field to the amusement (and consternation) of players and fans. His energetic romp ended up being short lived, however, before he was peacefully scooped up by a steward, and escorted out of the stadium for non-payment.

The furry game crasher generated a flurry of support from fans, who immediately made #ThatCat a trending topic on Twitter. User @blakemharris tweeted, "Leave it to twitter, to already have #ThatCat Trending Worldwide! Talk about a cat that would get adopted (if it needs home,) with ease :)" while @RobertOmbonyo quipped, "#ThatCat Somewhere there are a bunch of cats watching TV laughing saying "look it's Dave... he made it to Anfield."

Naturally, someone also went ahead and created a social media account for the insta-celeb (@AnfieldCat), that has already amassed over 26,000 followers in less than 24 hours.

The real Anfield Cat might be dismayed to learn this isn't the first time a feline crashed the stadium in hopes of achieving footballing fame. In fact, he was beat out 48 years ago, when a black and white cat attempted the same dash back in 1964.

Via The Daily Mail, with thanks to @MogsTogs for the tip!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

2012-02-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

Kitty Cupcakes

Meow, meow, meow! These cheery kitty cupcakes by Jessica of Clarabelle's Cupcakes are sure to put a smile in your face! They were requested by a client's daughter who wanted a "random" mix, and it looks like she ended up with a purrfect assortment!

***
Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Shop Miss Ella Cat Heart Necklace and Percy Print Giveaway Winner!

2012-02-06T20:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Shop Miss Ella Cat Heart Necklace and Percy Print Giveaway! I used Random.org to determine the winner, and it selected comment #62 belonging to Adele Bee Ann who wrote, "I have a Percy cat too! But mine is Perci, we call her Perci girl :)"

For information on how to purchase Ella's adorable cat prints and jewelry, including the items featured in this post, please visit her Shop Miss Ella store on Etsy!

New Favorite: Friskies Plus Playhouse Live Stream

2012-02-06T17:30:00.002-05:00

This is the true story of ten kitties, picked to live in a house, work together and have their lives taped, to find out what happens when cats stop being polite and start getting real...The Real World: Friskies!

Ok, it may not be an official spin-off of the popular MTV reality franchise, but Friskies has assembled a similarly voyeuristic paradise for ten lucky foster cats and kittens who get to spend the next two weeks in luxury at the Friskies Plus Playhouse.

The two-room feline utopia boasts many impressive features, including a built-in aquarium and a touch screen-floor, where the cats can play Friskies Games For Cats (including the ever popular 'Cat Fishing') until their little heart's content.

The Friskies Plus Playhouse will be broadcasting live every day from 3PM - 6PM EST now through February 19th on Facebook, where viewers will have the chance to not only waste time while basking in the glory of live streaming cats, but also interact with them as well.

As I write this, I just finished wiggling around a toy for a playful tortie, an adorable white kitty, and a black kitten who delighted in my virtual feather stick waving skills. Truth be told, I waited about a half hour in a virtual queue for the opportunity that lasted less than two minutes, but it was still probably the best thing I did all day. If you miss any of the live broadcasts, Friskies will be uploading daily video highlights clips on their YouTube page

I'm also happy to report that these aren't just any ordinary felines. Each of the house's residents, who were chosen on a variety of factors including personality and age, come from MeoowzResQ Kitten and Cat Rescue out of Orange, Calif. Friskies hopes that by participating in the live stream, cat lovers will draw inspiration for playing with their own cats, and also help to find these furry babies a forever home of their own.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get thee to the Friskies Facebook page and click the Friskies Plus Playhouse tab to start watching these adorable kitties in action - right meow!

Moar Cheez, Plz! Cat Shaped Pizza Rocks The Catosphere

2012-02-06T15:31:00.002-05:00

I've seen a few cat pizzas in my day, but never one that so purrfectly embodied the essence of a feline in pepperoni, olive, and dough form.

Via Epic Ponyz

Cee Lo Green Introduces The World To His Purrfect Pussycat

2012-02-06T14:31:00.004-05:00

(Click here to watch if video doesn't load)

After a disappointing lack of cat themed Super Bowl commercials, one lucky kitty managed to purr its way into pop culture last night with an appearance on The Voice. Cee Lo Green - who wowed viewers with his performance during the halftime show, looked like a modern day James Bond villain as he stroked the hilariously grumpy looking Persian, named Purrfect.

In a clip released ahead of the show's premiere (seen above), Green reveals the kitty is very close to his heart, and that his furry friend will be a "secret weapon" in achieving victory this season on the musical competition show.

Purrfect is also angling to become a star in his own right, with a Twitter account and Facebook page, where you can follow the fluffy cutie's ongoing rise to fame.

I haven't been watching The Voice so far, but if this is the way it's gonna be, I'm going to have to start! #TeamCeeLoGreen #TeamPurrfect

Via Best Week Ever / Digital Spy

It's Caturday!

2012-02-04T00:12:00.002-05:00

Welcome back for another edition of Caturday, where we catch up on the week's latest cat news, and get to meet some of your amazing kitties!

This week, Steve and his stick figure kitties laughed all the way to the bank, Victoria Beckham gave a London department store a feline facelift, the secret world of photobombing space cats was revealed, cat breading was the hot new thing until it wasn't, kittens prepared for Sunday's big Kitty Halftime show, Jason Wu's Milu prepared to pounce into Target, and Cat Vs Human released a line of covet worthy kitty tees and totes.

Elsewhere, I revealed my purrfect Valentine's Day gift guide for cat lovers, overdosed on glittery cat rings, and told you how you can help Jackson Galaxy save shelter cats ahead of the release of his new book in May!

Also, don't forget to stop by to enter for your chance to win a Percy the Cat Print and Kitty Heart Necklace by Shop Miss Ella! I'm drawing the lucky winner this coming Monday 2/6, so don't miss your chance to get your paws on this sweetheart of a prize!

And finally, I'd like to take moment to welcome my newest February sponsor, Flora Davis! I first encountered Flora when I interviewed her about her line of cat hair jewelry back in June. Click here to check out her fabulous line of felted cat hair necklaces and earrings (made out of her beautiful cat Gaia's fur), and stay tuned to catch her appearance on the upcoming season of Must Love Cats on Animal Planet this April!

Penny and Pumpkin

This week's featured felines are a pair of tangerine colored tabbies who turned out to be the best holiday gift a girl could ever ask for!

April writes:

"Meet Penny and Pumpkin, my amazing Christmas present from my boyfriend! He insisted on naming one, so he chose Penny. Very suitable, and I came up with Pumpkin because she's a bit chubbier than our Penny and loves her food.

Originally, he decided to get me a kitten from his aunt who has an animal shelter, but when she told him they were best friends, sisters and should stay together, he decided to take both of them! They are so adorable, loving and playful!"

I spy a round little kitty belly

I love you, sissy!

Special thanks to April for sharing her sweet ginger babies with us this week! Also, hooray to her awesome boyfriend who recognized that these kitties belonged together, and took them to a loving home where they could be best friends furrrrever!

p.s. Looking for even more Catsparella? Check out my weekly columns over on Catster!

This week:

Cat Chic: 10 Furrocious Feline Fashion Designers

Cat Chic: Our Intergalactic Kitty Obsession

Cat Chic: Hotline Design Ink Celebrates Caturday in Style

***

Forget Madonna, Animal Planet's Kitty Halftime Show Is Where It's At

2012-02-03T16:41:00.001-05:00

(Image: Best Week Ever)

I don't have any meaningful investment in the Super Bowl, but as a New Jersey resident, and my father's daughter, I am morally obligated to root for the Giants. That being said, while I will be tuning in to watch the commercials, the real event I'm looking forward to is the Kitty Halftime show as part of Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl VIII.

Before Madonna even starts putting on her face, kittens from Animal Care & Control of NYC will be romping their way through a tiny stadium set of what's surely going to be the day's most entertaining spectacle. This year's festivities have the added benefit of a "tweeting" bird (har har), and a newly minted "piggy pepsquad" to help cheer on the pups from the sidelines.

The network recently invited BuzzFeed and Best Week Ever to get a backstage glimpse into what goes into the making of the feline extravaganza, and both came back with a slew of photos, tempting us with the adorableness that awaits (clearly my invitation got lost in the mail).

Puppy Bowl VII - 2011 Kitty Halftime Show

Puppy Bowl VIII airs at 3PM E/P this Sunday on Animal Planet, and if you can't wait to tune in, satisfy your cuteness craving by watching last year's installment above!

[The 30 Cutest Moments From The Kitty Half-Time Show]: Best Week Ever

[Puppy Bowl Behind The Scenes: Kitten Halftime Show]: BuzzFeed

Hello Kitty Celebrates Valentine's Day At Hooters Tokyo

2012-02-03T13:01:00.007-05:00

I'd never thought I'd ask someone to take me to Hooters for Valentine's Day, but if I lived in Tokyo, that would be just the case. Japan's first installment of the franchise, which opened in Akihabara this past October, is now offering a promotion through February 14th, where you can get a jumbo Hello Kitty parfait to share with your Valentine. The massive dessert comes in two sizes - "Volcano of Love" ($30) and "Rocket of Love" ($11), and the first 1,000 customers to take advantage of the offer will get a Hello Kitty x Hooters pin for free.

Sanrio is very strict about the use of Hello Kitty's image, so obviously they gave their stamp of approval on the unusual partnership. While we would never (ever, ever) see a promotion like this in the United States, Slate had an interesting article about the launch of the Tokyo restaurant last year, and how the prevalence of maid cafes in the region made the idea of a cosplay, or dress-up themed restaurant an easier cultural fit.

Crunchyroll writer Scott Greens muses, "Are things so tough out there that Kitty has to work at Hooters to make ends meet?" Perhaps, but more likely than not, the stint is just one more well-padded stop in her journey towards total world domination.

Something is conspicuously absent from this picture...

Via Crunchyroll / Hooters Tokyo

Jason Wu & Milu The Cat Prepare To Touch Down At Target

2012-02-03T10:56:00.009-05:00

Jason Wu for Target commercial

Hours before the big game starts on Sunday, there will be a battle of another kind going down at Target locations across the country, when their limited edition collaboration with designer Jason Wu is scheduled to hit stores.

What's so special about this collection, you ask? The last Target designer launch for Missoni in September crashed the retailer's website and sold out of stores immediately. Fashionista is reporting that fashion editors are already hawking some of Wu's goods (including the Milu the cat scarf and tote) on eBay, and while they note that the level of excitement isn't quite as high as it was for Missoni, it's still sure to be a sell-out. If you can't make it to a store, you can always shop online - But as someone who lives within proximity to about a million Target stores, I feel obligated to be there bright and early (you're welcome to say hi, but get out of my way - jk!).

Milu Scarf, $19.99

Obviously, Target has their market down pat, because every show I watched this week teased me with their adorable cat-themed commercial during the breaks. As the official "spokes-cat" of the collection, Milu also appears at the top of the Target website, and they plastered the glam kitty's image on the side of a building in TriBeCa.

Is Milu a real cat? I was unable to get a direct reply, but it appears the elegant black feline is, at least in part, inspired by Jason Wu's own cats, Jinxy and Peaches. Wu recently told Fashionista that the gorgeous little tabbies (seen here) are the "loves of his life."

Milu Shirt, $19.99

Milu Cream Tote, $39.99

So, what's our game plan on all of this, ladies? I've never fallen for the hype of one of these collections before, but Milu has got me going gaga. We know that the launch will include (at least) three cat related items - a scarf, a tote bag, and a t-shirt. If my local Target opens at 8 a.m., am I gonna be the only dummy standing outside at 7? Seasoned fashionistas, please assist in sharing your shopping tactics for the big day!

2/5 Update: Check out my haul! I wasn't able to get the scarf, but I scored the t-shirt and tote!

Update #2: My scarf is on its way thanks to Janine & Cree!

Stylish Kitty Lovers Wear Cat Vs Human

2012-02-02T16:54:00.001-05:00

Yasmine Surovec, the insanely talented illustrator behind the popular Cat Vs Human comic, recently released a line of must have tees and totes for the fashion conscious cat lover. Whether you're looking to express your cat lady pride, or show off your sense of humor about some quirkier kitty habits, Surovec has the purrfect piece that's just right for you.

Head on over to the Cat Vs Human store to shop the entire kitty collection, that comes in a plethora of colors in both men's and women's sizes - minus the cat lady shirt, natch!

Cat Ladies Unite!

Bow Tie and Tabby

Litter Box Slumber and Puffy Calico

Pre-order Or Tweet About Cat Daddy To Help Jackson Galaxy Save Shelter Cats!

2012-02-02T13:45:00.004-05:00

Have you been watching My Cat From Hell? If not, you better get on the boat, because there's only two episodes left, and I promise if you are a cat lover, you don't want to miss them. This season has taken us on a roller coaster of emotions so far - from the sadness (oh, that poor cat!), to contempt (how are these people allowed to own a cat?), to relief (thank god I don't have a cat like that), and finally, to happiness (omg! Jackson is a miracle worker! This is the best show ever!).

Galaxy is one part cat behaviorist, one part (human) relationship therapist - facilitating everything from marriage proposals, to baby making. Also worth tuning in for? Jackson's cat fashions, including the amazing hot pink shirt he wore last week (I am so serious), to his array of cat jewelry, including this rocking kitty pendant. I also enjoy catching glimpses of his guitar case-turned-cat-supply-container, freshly painted (I think?) with a pair of piercing feline eyes.

We also get more of a peek at the softer side of the Animal Planet star this season, and the heavily tattooed, pierced rocker will have you tearing up right alongside him. No critic of the show could ever deny Galaxy's authenticity as a cat lover, who is deeply invested in the well-being of these cats and their families. I only wish we could clone a million of him to help every needy kitty in the world.

Pre-order Jackson's new book to help cats in need!

As he told me when we spoke before the premiere of Season 2 of the show last month, Jackson has a book coming out on May 10th called, Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean. The book is described as one part memoir, one part cat care manual that chronicles Galaxy's life with Benny, the original cat from hell - and his struggles with, and recovery from addiction.

If you pre-order the book anytime between now and May 10th, the publisher, Tarcher Books, will donate $1.00 towards the cause of saving shelter cats. The chosen recipients of this donation - no doubt hand selected by the Cat Daddy himself - are Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals in Kanab, Utah, Stray Cat Alliance, the Los Angeles, California based organization dedicated to building a no-kill nation, one stray at a time, and Neighborhood Cats, a New York City based non-profit dedicated to helping feral cats and the people who care for them, and to ending pet overpopulation.

To make your pre-order count, simply purchase the book online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or Books-a-Million, and email a copy of your receipt (photos and scans are fine, too) to CatDaddyBook@gmail.com.

Priscilla donates 5¢, looks good while doing so. Easy peasy!

Tweet for the cause!

In addition, if you tweet a picture of your cat using the hashtag #CatDaddy between February 1 - 29th, Tarcher will donate 5¢ for every tweet! That can add up to a lot of kitty kibble for something that will only take a minute of your time, so get those cameras snapping, and help spread the word!

My Cat From Hell airs Saturday nights at 8PM E/P on Animal Planet. If you've missed any episodes, you can download Season 1, and all four episodes that have already aired of Season 2 on iTunes (Season 1, Season 2) or Amazon. For more information on Jackson Galaxy, please visit his website at JacksonGalaxy.com.

10 Cat Themed Gift Ideas To Make Your Sweetie Purr This Valentine's Day

2012-02-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

When it comes to Valentine's Day gifts, I only have three requirements. They have to be pink, they have to be red, or they have to be chocolate. And while chocolate cats are often expensive and hard to find, pink and red kitty paraphernalia is not. It is in that spirit I present to you some of my favorite, girly feline themed V-Day finds - the effects of which are proven to be more potent than anything that silly cupid could ever deliver in his arrow.

Limited Edition Red Bow Cat Mask - $19, Naomilingerie

Be sure your sweetie gets caught up on their beauty rest with the help of this chic satin sleep mask. It's guaranteed to either scare your cats, or make them meow with delight.

Personalized Custom Kitty Cat Portrait - $28, My Zoetrope

Michelle will illustrate a purrfectly precious portrait of you and your beloved that will still be around long after the roses have wilted, and the jelly hearts have gone stale.

Retro Valentine Cat Heart Plush by Jane Foster - $20, Jane Foster Designs

Real kitties aren't always up for a full-blown cuddlefest, but you can always snuggle up to these adorable plush cat pillows with a retro modern twist.

Personalized Kitty Cat Necklace - $49, Fingerprince

Personalized gifts are the best, because they show creativity and forethought that a last minute box of Russell Stover's just can't beat. Pay tribute your love (human or feline), with a wearable piece of art that's sure to become a sentimental favorite.

Valentine's Day Cute Kitty Tote Bag - $15, Pretty Snake

"Why, yes. I always happen to carry around fake flowers and vintage kitty figurines in my tote!"

Hand Crocheted "I Love My Black Cat" Coffee Cozy - $14, Table Top Jewels

Is your loved one a certifiable cat from hell before they have their morning cup of joe? Get them this adorable handmade cup holder that will keep their paws from getting burned, while keeping their beverage nice and hot!

Catnip Valentine Hearts (Set of two) - $6, Brumbys Yarns

In addition to Valentine's Day, February is also Cat Appreciation Month. If you're reading this, you probably have cats who are loved and appreciated every day of the year, but why not treat them to this bit of handmade sweetness that they will love tossing around until it gets lost under the fridge?

Cat Stripe Cheeky - $8, Topshop.com

Has your Valentine been more naughty than nice this year? Treat 'em to this eyebrow raising pair of kitty cat undies that also have tiny paw prints running up the front!

Love Cats 8 x 10 Print - $18, Cathy Peng Art & Design

Inspired by the famous "LOVE" sculpture by artist Robert Indiana, Peng's take on feline affection will appeal to cat lovers everywhere for its clean lines and adorable aesthetic.

Extra-Bittersweet Black Cat Truffle (Box of 18) - $67.50, Moonstruck Chocolate Co.

Truth be told, I prefer milk chocolate over dark, but if someone bought me a box of these, I would marry them. Immediately.