Nipheads

JOY, GRATITUDE & CATNIP

Sparks/Awww Mondays

 

A sleeping orange tabby cat lying on catnip with an overlay of the quote, "Joy is the simplest form of gratitude," by Karl Barth, as well as a torbie cat lying in the background.

 

Cooper Murphy is all nipped out in this photo.

Dad Tom got some catnip plants on Caturday and gave the kittens some sprigs on Sunday. Cooper Murphy and Raleigh quickly took over the nip, and this was the result. Audrey waits in the background for a turn with the nip that would never come to pass.

The Spark is a rather simple one, but appropriate I think. The author, Karl Barth (1986-1968), was a Swiss Reformed theologian. Barth was featured on the cover of Time magazine on April 20, 1962. According to BibleHub, the “article highlighted Barth’s lifelong commitment to doctrinal clarity and moral courage. It covered his resistance to Nazi ideology in the 1930s, when he stood with the Confessing Church against state control of the gospel.” Additionally, “it touched on his monumental work, Church Dogmatics, which sought to set Christian teaching under the lordship of God’s self-disclosure.” 

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. It began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

Cooper Murphy and Audrey will be participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop hosted by Sandee at Comedy Plus. To join them there, click on the Awww Badge.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow your two favorite tabbies, Periwinkle and Stinky, will be waiting for you to join them on their latest adventure. You’ll be able to find them at Friends Furever, as Periwinkle will be in charge of the itinerary. She always plans something fun, which means you do not want to miss the opportunity to join her and Stinky. I know they will be looking for you.

Our Angel Sawyer continues to live through these adventures as his alter-ego Stinky, and it would mean so much to Mom Sharon, Noelle and myself if you would continue to follow our two fun-loving, cartoon tabby cats.

Thanks for stopping in to see us today. We always appreciate your visits, comments and support.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCXCIV

World Cat Domination Day

Stinky is pretty excited for today’s adventure, as today is a day that is all about cats. Stinky is thinking to himself: It’s Cat World Domination Day, a holiday created by Janiss Garza for her now angel cat, Sparkle’s 10th birthday back in 2012. For centuries, we cats have been treated like royalty and gods … just as it should be, and a day to celebrate that seemed like a great idea.

Stinky talks outloud to himself: “Some individuals do not realize just how smart we are. My mom knows better. She is certain we could dominate and take over the world, but we’d rather be waited upon with humans catering to our every whim and need. Hmmm … guess that actually is domination. Way to go cats!”

Stinky realizes there has been a lot of celebrating lately at the home of Kitties Blue. Callista Jo’s birthday was June 20 and Kizmet’s was just yesterday, June 23. But today is for all cats, including cartoon ones like Stinky and Periwinkle.

While Stinky is contemplating how he and Periwinkle might celebrate, he sees the teleportation tunnel begin to vibrate. A moment later Periwinkle comes tumbling out with a whoosh. Stinky rushes to help her up, and the two tabbies spend several minutes paw hugging and whisker kissing.

Stinky’s Health Update

When they finish, Periwinkle asks Stinky, “How have you been doing since you started getting your phenobarbital transdermally? Any seizures?”

“I have only been getting it that way for a few days, and I did have a seizure in the living room after Mom and Dad went to sleep Saturday night. Getting my noms without meds in them is terrific, but I cannot say I am enjoying this new delivery system. I do not like being picked up and held by my humans. But I am getting treats afterwards,” Stinky replies. Stinky continues, “Dad got really frustrated with me a few nights ago, as he couldn’t catch me. Thankfully, Mom remained calm, and eventually the deed was done. But I don’t want to talk about that anymore.”

“Alrighty then. I do want to tell you, however, how sorry I am to hear about the most recent seizure.” Periwinkle gives Stinky a big paw hug and then asks, “So what’s on the agenda?”

“World Cat Domination Day.”

“Yippee, a day just for us,” exclaims Periwinkle as she claps her front paws together. “How are we going to celebrate?”

Celebrating

“Kitties Blue have been acknowledging this special day every year, but they really have never done anything to actually celebrate. They have always thought with seven to nine of us in residence at any given time that they dominate everyday. And, they would be right. That, however, is not how it is for every cat,” Stinky replies.

“That’s very true, Stinky. So let’s brainstorm some ideas for ways humans can spoil their cats treat their kitties like the royalty they are.”

“We can take turns coming up with ideas. And, let’s do ladies first.”

“Mmmm … okay,” replies Periwinkle. “I am going to begin with your favorite thing.

TREATS

“Treats are essential and a terrific way to reward a cat for good behavior. Not that we cats ever get into trouble.” Periwinkle looks directly at Stinky and snickers but doesn’t say anything. Stinky gives her the stink eye, and adds. “Most treats are high in calories, so humans should not overfeed.” Stinky giggles after saying that, as everyone knows he is addicted to treats. “Treat puzzles are good idea for those who tend to over-indulge,” adds Periwinkle.

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats enjoy treats and treat puzzles.

 

CATNIP

“Not all felines are nip heads. Some do not like or respond to catnip, but it also is a nice treat for one’s cat(s) that do. If you have a place to grow it, your kitties will be delighted. But if not, many good brands of dry can be found in stores and on-line,” advises Stinky.

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats enjoying catnip.

 

TOYS

“Both interactive toys, such as wand toys and red dot (laser) toys, and ones we can play with by ourselves, like springs and catnip-filled ones, offer entertainment and help us expend energy to keep us fit. This is particularly important for inside kitties, which can become couch potatoes,” advises Periwinkle. Stinky giggles, and says “Oh, just like Calista Jo!”

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats enjoying toys.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

Stinky tells Periwinkle, “This can include toys, but also cat trees or beds in front of windows for bird and critter watching. Bird feeders are a nice way to ensure something to watch. TV and YouTube also have lots of videos just for cats. Kizmet likes watching and participating in sports on TV as well. Computer games for cats can be fun. Kitties Blue even have their own iPad.”

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats watching other critters.

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats watching TV and playing on an iPad.

 

ATTENTION

“Some of us like being pet or groomed, enjoy chin scratches, hugs and even belly rubs but on our terms. So, do not try to force your feline into accepting your attention when they are not in the mood. You could get scratched or bitten,” advises Periwinkle. “My humans know I do not really enjoy any of those things, as hands frighten me. I do allow my mom to kiss me on the head,” comments Stinky.

BOXES, BAGS, BEDS AND CUBBIES

“Humans should provide lots of these. We kitties like to feel safe and secure. A heated bed is nice, especially in the winter time and for senior kitties,” remarks Stinky.

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Collage of cats in beds and boxes.

 

Some Important but Maybe Not Fun Stuff

“Stinky, I think we should mention some practical things as well,” remarks Periwinkle.

“Good idea. Even royalty require the necessities.” responds Stinky.

FOOD

“Felines should always be provided with quality food. It is important for humans to remember that we are obligate carnivores. Also, nothing is more frustrating than an empty noms bowl. If you have ever wondered why we cats think our bowl is empty after we have only eaten the food from the very center, here is the answer. Our vision is not that great when items are right in front of us. We have a blind spot below our nose and chins. And our vision in human terms is only 20/100 to 20/200,” reports Periwinkle.

“Yikes, I wonder why we can see a little speck of a bug when our humans can’t?” muses Stinky.

“Stinky,  I know the answer to that. Some of the reasons are that we have superior motion detection, enhanced low-light vision and a wider field of vision, including better peripheral vision,” replies Periwinkle.

“Wow, Periwinkle, you are a smartypants. Thanks for clearing that up,” enthuses Stinky.

WATER

“Always make certain your kitty has lots of fresh, clean water available in several places around the house and on the catio if they have one. Fountains are best, but some people may not be able to afford them. Whether it is a bowl or fountain, make sure it is glass, ceramic or stainless steel. Many kitties are allergic to plastic,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

CLEAN LITTER BOXES

“Humans don’t like dirty, stinky restrooms, Stinky, and we cats are no different. I know you have lots of litter boxes in your house and some remove waste automatically. How’s that working out?”

“Good, those who like them use them, and those who don’t use the regular ones. Raleigh keeps throwing the litter out of one of the auto ones which gets Dad frustrated, but as you know, Raleigh is his own man.” Periwinkle nods her head and giggles.

VET VISITS

Before Stinky can even say anything, Periwinkle pipes up, “Yikes, Stinky, you have got to be kidding me!”

He replies, “Okay, I don’t like going to the vet, either, which is why I have the reputation of being a PTU Pooper, but if we are going to stay healthy and dominate, those annual visits are important, especially if like me, a kitty has health issues.”

“I guess you are right, but I do not think we need to say any more about that,” says Periwinkle.

In Conclusion

“You know, Stinky we could go on and on telling our readers all the things that are important for cats to continue in their exalted roles as head of their households. And other than those extra treats and possibly the catnip, felines deserve and should expect nothing less from their humans than the things we mentioned.”

“That’s correct, Periwinkle. Humans are here to do our bidding at all times. Even if we had opposable thumbs, we wouldn’t use them. Cats have been revered and waited on for more than 10,000 years, and that is exactly as it should be. After all, cats rule, and humans should never forget that. So, let’s go find my mom or dad and get some treats.”

“I’m right behind you.”

“Periwinkle, we have to stay inside today to have our treats, as we are under an extreme heat advisory. I hope that’s okay.”

“No problem, Stinky. I do see a few of your fursibs have decided to join us.”

“They heard me say treats. I should have whispered!”

 

Periwinkle Stinky Cat World Domination: Two cartoon cats and three real cats enjoy treats at a kitchen island.

 

The End

Supporting Characters in This Post

Angels Giulietta, Lilly Olivia and Mau”ricio”.

Astrid, Audrey, Cooper Murphy, Lisbeth, Raleigh and Sawyer.

If you are unfamiliar with any of these Kitties Blue, click on “The Felines” from the menu at the top of this page.

Periwinkle, Stinky and Stinky’s fursibs will be joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you would like to take part, click on the Happy badge.

NIP GNAWING NONSENSE

Caturday Art

Cooper Murphy had been gnawing on some nip just before this photo was snapped. It is the green blob that he is holding in his paw behind his right ear. We used to grow nip in pots that were available to the kitties to much on freely. But Cooper Murphy would lie on top of the catnip and destroy it, so now they have to depend on Dad Tom (usually) or myself to cut some for them.

 

Large ginger cat gnarling on nip and getting up to some nonsense in art framed in pink and gold.

 

Please do not tell Cooper Murphy that to create today’s art I used the “beautiful girl” effect from Painnt. To that I added the XOXO filter from piZap at 75 percent. And, of course, the frame is from favpng.

Here is a jigsaw for all the puzzle fans out there.

preview120pieceGinger Tabby Cat Art

Cooper Murphy will be participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. To join him on the hop, click on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Oh boy, time again to think about snapping a selfie for tomorrow’s blog hop. I am certain you are not surprised to read that I do not have a candidate to be your host. I will be spending today, as I often do on Caturday, stalking the gang until I corner at least one of them and bribe or coerce them into agreeing to snap a selfie. So, I will also tell you to come by here tomorrow to see which of the suckers … err, I mean adorable Kitties Blue will be the subject of our selfie.

Thanks for joining us today. We look forward to seeing all your smiling faces again tomorrow.

 

New E-Mail: KittiesBlue@thecatonmyhead.com 

DAZED & CONFUSED & FILL-INS

Feline Friday

 

A grey cat looks a little dazed and confused as she chews on a lion head catnip toy.

 

When it comes to toys, the ones from Cat Lady Box are always favorites, especially when it comes to Kizmet. This little lion head has seen quite a bit of action and not just from Kizmet. I’ll be sharing photos of some other of the Kitties Blue and the toy in future posts. If Kizmet looks a little dazed and confused, it’s due to the excellent nip in these toys.

Kizmet will be joining the Feline Friday blog hop hosted by messymimi’s meanderings. Click on the badge below if you would like to join the hop.

Friendly Fill-Ins

The Friendly Fill-Ins blog hop is hosted each Friday by Ellen (15 And Meowing) and Lorianne (Four-Legged Furballs). They publish the fill-in sentences on their blogs each Thursday. To join the hop, click on the badge at the left.

My faithful helper, Sawyer, gave me some assistance again today, as did Astrid. I am always grateful for any help I can get. We all used teal italics for our fill-ins. Any explanatory information is in parentheses.

1. I am so not looking forward to being off the Peloton for a while after I get my new knee.

2. Astrid: The juice from black beans is surprisingly delicious.

3. I need a welcome sign at my front door that says, “Don’t even bother to knock if you don’t like cats.” (I guess that wouldn’t be very welcoming.)

4. Sawyer: I would give up treats if it meant that I could be free of having seizures. (If you believe that, I have a bridge I can sell you.)

Thank you for dropping by today. If you missed yesterday’s post, something pretty amazing happened, and so you might want to check it out. The link is below this post.

We’ll be looking for you again tomorrow when we share some Caturday Art and celebrate Astrid and Lisbeth’s birthday.

 

 

 

CATNIP COMA

Caturday Art

 

Two cats are in a catnip coma atop a table in an "artified" photo in colors of aqua, blue, pink, purple and yellow.

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A few weeks ago I shared some Caturday Art of Calista Jo passed out on the catio table, after imbibing in some homegrown nip. It was in the post, “Nip-Induced Nap.” Today, I have both Kizmet (on the left) and C.J. (again) on the right. I guess our homegrown nip is pretty good stuff!

I used Painnt to create my art. This is the Desigual effect, which I tinkered with to the point that I am unable to tell you exactly what I did. To that I added the Flower Power filter from piZap as well as a frame from the favpng app.

And, of course, there is a puzzle. I hope you enjoy it!

preview112pieceCatnip Coma Cats

The girls will be participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by the lovely Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. You can join them there by clicking on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last Sunday of the month. Two-thirds of 2023 is nearly behind us. I absolutely do not know where the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years go. Though, whenever I look in the mirror, I see every one of those moments in time on my face and body. So what does that have to do with Sunday Selfies? Absolutely nothing! It’s just how I’m feeling as I finish this post. Hope it’s okay I shared that with all of you.

As far as Sunday Selfies go, your host has been identified and the selfie already snapped. I won’t have to chase any of the Kitties Blue down today. That’s always a relief. But I am not giving any hints as to which of the Kitties Blue it is. You will have to stop in to find out.

Thanks so much for joining us today. See you mañana.

 

 

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NIP-INDUCED NAP

Caturday Art

Some kitty indulged in a bit too much nip.

 

Nip-Induced nap: Art rendering in the colors of blue, rose and yellow of a dilute tortoise shell cat sleeping on a table with a pile of half-eaten catnip.

 

That’s Calista Jo in a nip-induced nap on the catio table after imbibing some fresh, home-grown catnip. You can see the remnants of the nip in the foreground. C.J. wasn’t too happy that she had her photo snapped while she was exposing her ample belly. She is the second largest of the Kitties Blue weighing in at just under 17 pounds. I always find it hard to believe that the tiny kitten whom Astrid (currently just over six pounds) towered over has grown into this behemoth. (Please don’t tell her I said that!) C.J. does have a tendency to throw that weight around. She can be really hissy and a bit of a bully, especially when it comes to Lisbeth.

But Calista Jo loves me. She must sleep as close to me as she can every night. If she could crawl under my skin, she would.

To create the art, I, of course, used Painnt. This is the Galle effect. To that I added the Curved Light filter from piZap at 70 percent. As per usual, the frame is from the favpng app.

And, here’s the puzzle.

preview120piece
Dilute Tortoise Shell Cat Sleeping After Catnip

Calista Jo is joining the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by the lovely Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. If you’d like to do the same, click on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Tomorrow’s the day when we all put our best paw, fin, wing or whatever appendage is appropriate for your species, forward and share a selfie. No one here is leaping at the opportunity to be your host, but I am certain I’ll coerce on of the Kitties Blue in time to go live at midnight ET on Sunday.

We know that some of you enjoy taking a selfie, which is the only reason we’ll be back tomorrow for week #468 of this hop. Maybe, we’ll even get some newcomers participating.

So, all the Kitties Blue hope you have a terrific Caturday and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

 

WHERE’S THE NIP? & A SPARK

Awww Mondays

 

Ginger tabby with his tongue out tasting a basil plant.

 

Cooper Murphy was disappointed to find this was not catnip but basil.  Kitties Blue do have a live catnip plant, so life is still good.

Coop is joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the Awww badge.

 

Sparks

 

Speckled petunias in purple and white and red and white with the following quote: "We must welcome the future, remembering that soon it will be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible," by George Santayana.

 

Being sad over the loss of another kitty friend, I was looking for a Spark to represent how I am feeling. I didn’t find anything that expressed that, but this quote did speak to me. I have used one of Dad Tom’s photos from our anniversary trip to Hope and Glory Inn to display it.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Normally, I would be reminding you that Periwinkle & Stinky would be having a new adventure tomorrow and that you could find them right here enjoying it. However, our two fun-loving tabbies, along with myself, think that an adventure tomorrow would not be appropriate, and none of us feel we would enjoy it much. With Periwinkle’s real cat brofur, Raz, recently flying off to the Bridge, Periwinkle and Stinky have decided to take the day off to spend some extra time with Friends Furever‘s Mom Sharon, Noelle and Reesie. You can find them back here next Tuesday, most likely getting into some mischief and definitely having fun.

Thanks for understanding.

 

 

 

A NAPPING, UPSIDE DOWN BLEP

Wordless Wednesday

 

Tabby kitten on her back napping with her tongue out (blep) in a collage of three photos.

Audrey is participating in the Wordless Wednesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the badge below.

Looking Back

Today is the day when I share a link to a previous post. This one, “Nip Heads“, is from August 17, 2022. I must apologize for the quality of the photos. They were scanned from the original photos taken with a film camera.

If you like this past post, Kitties Blue and I hope you’ll leave a comment on it.

 

MY CAREGIVERS ARE QUIRKY

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Last week I missed Teddy and Angel Sammy’s poetry challenge, which I don’t like to do. I am back today with another altered inspirational photo. This time, I had a little help from Astrid.

 

quirky caregivers are two ladies with hair to the floor and a tortoise shell cat

 

The poem’s structure is a bit different. It consists of rhyming and off-rhyming couplets with the title, which is also the first line, rhyming with the last line.

My Caregivers are Quirky…

Look at that ridiculous hair.
I think mice must be living in there.
When the ladies are sleeping each night,
I root through to see what I can find—
Tidbits from breakfast or dinner,
The toy I lost sometime last winter.
If I get cold, I can burrow deep within.
And, though, I’ve never reached any skin,
I can still feel safe and stay warm
Knowing I won’t come to any harm.
You may find my mistresses a bit different,
But to all my needs they are ever vigilant.
I wouldn’t trade them for a mound of tuna jerky.

© Janet Buickerood Blue – 5/18/2022

If you think you’d enjoy writing some poetry check out Two Spoiled Cats on Thursdays for the following week’s inspiration photo. You can pop over there by clicking on Angel Sammy’s badge. While visiting, please read Sammy’s poem. He is a masterful poet.

 

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is also the day Kitties Blue and I share our thankfuls with you.

  • Misty May has been on medication for hyperthyroidism for three weeks. She had bood work on Tuesday, but we haven’t gotten a report on that yet. Nonetheless, Misty May, Dad Tom and I are thankful that her weight has increased from 4.56 pounds to 4.88 pounds.
  • Dad Tom, Sawyer and I are thankful Sawyer hasn’t had a seizure in nine days. Fingers and paws are crossed that he can stretch that out for at least a few more days.
  • All the Kitties Blue are thankful their very own, quirky caregivers are celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary.

 

quirky caregivers in this photo are the Kitties Blue mom and dad on their wedding day in 1973.

 

  • All the Kitties Blue are delighted their two pots of catnip from last year came back this spring, and the plants are already big enough that they can enjoy the occasional sprig.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. If you would like to participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful. Then enter the URL from Brian’s badge in your browser.

Thanks for your support and friendship.