Feline the Love

Happy Valentine’s Day to one and all! We love to feature stories of our readers and this month we were lucky to hear about Luna’s adoption love story!

If you're thinking about adopting, don't wait! The shelters are full of wonderful animals just waiting to complete your family. On these snowy days, there's no better time to introduce a lap cat (or dog!) to your family.

Adoption Highlight: Luna
 

Photo provided by the Storms Family

Luna was 5 years old when she was brought to a local shelter as a stray. The shelter staff knew she must have had an owner at one time since she was already spayed and front-declawed. She was adopted out almost immediately, but returned quickly due to the adoptive family's allergy situation.

That's when the Storms family found her. They hadn't been looking to add a cat to the family as they already had one cat, two crazy dogs, and two noisy young children. But when they saw Luna, they fell in love instantly.

What makes Luna a perfect fit for the loud and rambunctious Storms household? She's deaf! This sweet feline sleeps through the noisiest episodes of barking dogs and squealing children.

Now, at 9, Luna is an indoctrinated part of the Storms family who snuggles, cuddles, plays, and chirps (she's very vocal despite being deaf).

NEW YEAR NEW BEGINNINGS

Start the Year Off Right!
Change a Pet's Life Day is  January 24th, 2019. You can change a pet's life simply by adopting. We recommend contacting any of the wonderful local shelters and rescues to add a lovable fur-kid to your family! There are plenty of shelters to check out, including the Animal Rescue League, Brandywine Valley SPCA, Humane Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania SPCA.

Be Safe in 2019:

My Close Call

 

I generally try to keep the blog light and make sure that you have the best information available for pet-related events, products, and deals, but something happened recently that I feel I must share.

I figure I can view my start to 2019 as either incredibly lucky or incredibly unlucky. You see, January 2nd is the day my house did not burn down, and for that I am so thankful! I feel a bit unlucky when coming so close to what could have been a major disaster.

And since I encountered a defective product that potentially could have burned down my house, I feel a moral obligation to tell as many people as possible. While the most common causes of house fires started by pets is turning the knobs of the stove accidentally or knocking over space heaters, in my case particular case it was neither of those.  Of all things, it was a 18" x 18" pet heating mat that led to trouble. I'm sure many of you have pet heaters and heated pet beds. Who would think something on low heat could overheat to the point of melting through four layers of fabric?

In the winter, I cover an upholstered chair the cats enjoy with a chair cover, a blanket, and a heated mat to keep the cats cozy. Additionally, I place a lightweight pillow on top of the heater as my cats love to be extra comfortable.  A few hours after plugging it in, my husband went downstairs to our TV room and smelled something unusual. It turned out to be a pillow and 3 layers of fabric melting. This pet heater was just a few weeks old and also had an "overheating" protection mode built in.  Needless to say, it completely overheated and never automatically shut down. Thankfully, no one was hurt and my cats are fine. Thank goodness!

Prior to this incident, the pet heating mat seemed to be in good working order. I had no indication that it would malfunction. I ask that if you use a pet heating mat, that you check it frequently and don't leave it on when you're not home! If you're interested in knowing the specific model of pet heater, please email me and I'll be happy to share specific information. 

In conclusion, be extra careful with items that generate heat! It's cold here on the East Coast and using pet heaters, heated blankets, and space heaters are very common.

Although it seems like common sense, it's always good to be extra cautious and follow these basic tips for pet heaters, heated blankets, and space heaters.

1) Never use unattended
2) Unplug from outlet when not in use
3) Inspect item regularly for safety
4) If you smell unusual odors from product discontinue use
5) Keep cords tangle free and do no pinch cords
6) Follow cleaning instructions
7) Avoid using extension cords
8) Read your instruction manual carefully. Make sure to follow recommendations.

Feline Fun with The CAT BALL®

Cats Love The CAT BALL®

The CAT BALL® is a modern cat bed that's a must-have for any cat owner and the company's goal is to create wonderful, unique, high quality beds for your cats. (But they don't mind if dogs use them!) 

Our own house is owned by four picky felines and we can honestly say our cats adore them.  We've even gone so far as to given them out as presents to our cat-lover friends.   We love this product so much that we just had to talk to its creator to find out more! So we interviewed Jennifer Boaro, the creative mastermind behind The CAT BALL® and here's what we learned.

TH: You have the cutest cat models.  Tell me something unique about them that would surprise me.  Do they have any quirky habits?

JB: We have two cat models, Retro and Tink. They are both cross eyed, blue eyed, lynx point kitties and sometimes people get them confused. That would be easy to do at first, or if you haven't seen many photos, but the two cats look really different. Here's the scoop:

• Retro: He's big. Like people are surprised how big he is. He stalks around the house smoothly, confidently, and with his bold tabby stripes and twitching tail, he looks like a miniature tiger. We got him as a kitten through a Craig's List post. A cat breeder made a mistake, and the result was a litter of half Angora, half Siamese kittens. His coat is short, smooth, shiny and sleek. He's so beautiful, and he inherited the full range of Siamese vocalizations. 

• Tink: Tink is tiny, she's almost half of Retro's weight. Her head is like a little Satsuma tangerine and her eyes are really crossed and weird. Tink walks around with a head tilt, rotating her head up so she can look up at us from the inside corner of her eye, and it's really charming. We aren't sure about her history, as we adopted her from the Purrfect Pals cat shelter, after she'd been found wandering the streets of Everett, Washington. Tink has a fabulous coat. Her fur is a medium length, and has an unusual puffy, silky texture. She's an absolute delight to touch. Tink is the boss of this house.

TH: I noticed you feature Zen by Cat on your website. Zen by Cat sounds like a wonderful group heading FIP Research. What has inspired you to work with the Zen by Cat organization?

JB: Zen By Cat is a neat organization! Their founder, Peter Cohen, reached out to us with a proposal to work together.  If you use coupon code FIPWARRIORDONATE on our site, we give a 20% donation to Zen By Cat to help fund research for FIP treatment.  Did you see the video of Peter's amazing house? He's done an incredible job!


TH: Your shark novelty bed might just be the most popular novelty creation, as I've seen it featured on My Cat from Hell.  What inspired you to create the shark bed?  How did it make its way onto the show and into Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin's book?

JB: My husband would like you to know that the shark Cat Ball® cat bed was his idea. When I moved in with Chris, he did not have pets, but he understood that I required cats, and he soon found himself enjoying the kittens I brought home. Chris also likes sharks, and watches the Discovery Channel Shark Week shows every year. After getting the kittens he asked me if I could make a shark Cat Ball® cat bed, and I sat down to figure it out. The final product that we make now has changed very little from the first prototype, and it's very popular. People like feeding their cats to sharks. Eventually a producer for My Cat From Hell reached out to us to request product for the next season of the show, and they told us that there was a family with an ocean theme, so it made sense to give a shark to them. I'm so glad that we did, because the ocean themed cat room that they created was incredible!


TH: The Cat Ball has been so popular that I'm sure you've met your share of celebrities!  Is there a favorite experience that you'd like to share?

JB: We have encountered some celebrities, and it can be really interesting to see who buys cat beds. My favorite celebrities are the feline ones! 


Read more about the Cat Ball® on their fabulous blog or follow on their instagram, facebook, twitter, and pinterest pages.

Special CAT BALL® Promotion

Now you can save 10% off
your next CAT BALL®  with the coupon code:

ADOPTLOVE

Featured above: special edition Strawberry Cat Ball

Jackson Galaxy's Cat Camp 2018

Cat Camp is next weekend and we want you to know all the great things happening May 5th - 6th.    Tickets now on sale.

PETCO FOUNDATION NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR

OF JACKSON GALAXY’S CAT CAMP

Sponsorship Will Expand Extensive Cat Adoption Area to the Public

New York, NY - Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp is excited to announce that the Petco Foundation has come on board as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, taking place May 5th and 6th at the Penn Pavilion. Petco Foundation’s partnership will enable Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp to raise even more awareness for animal advocacy non-profit groups, senior and special needs cats by graciously funding admission to the event’s adoption center, making it free to members of the public for the weekend.

The official line-up includes special presentations from cat experts, rescuers, and advocates who will speak on a range of topics such as fostering kittens, behavioral issues, cats and social media, special needs animals, and much more. Meet-and-greets with notable cat community celebs include Lil BUB, Hannah Shaw aka Kitten Lady, and the Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy. There will be breakout workshops with NYC community cat experts and nationally recognized rescue professionals, panels on using social media for feline welfare, a Drag Bingo Fundraiser hosted by Goldie Lox and Ona Louise, and an exhibition area featuring the cutest, coolest, cutting-edge cat gear for both cats and their humans of all ages.

The Petco Foundation will also be on site at the event to film event goers sharing their personal stories about the everyday actions they take to help save cat lives across the country. These stories will be shared during the Foundation’s annual “Be a Lifesaver” campaign, which celebrates the individuals and organizations working to create a lifesaving nation.  

“I came up with the idea for Cat Camp while fostering a tiny kitten named Tia, whom I later adopted. Tia was less than 9 ounces at 10 weeks old, and the journey to save her inspired me to learn how we can do more for cats everywhere,” said Cat Camp co-founder Christina Ha. “I’m thrilled to be working with the Petco Foundation to bring stories to light about all the Tia’s all over the country. Our goal is to empower individuals to save lives - if we all do a little bit together, we can accomplish so much as a community and we are so proud to be doing this with the Petco Foundation.”

“At the Petco Foundation, we believe that it takes all of us to create a lifesaving nation for animals, which is why we are proud to support Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp efforts to inspire more people to take lifesaving action on behalf of cats nationwide,” said Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation. “From inspiring others to helping more cats find loving homes in the event’s adoption center, we can’t wait to see the lifesaving impact of this gathering of passionate feline advocates.”

The second annual 2018 event will span two floors within the Penn Pavilion, centrally located across the street from Penn Station on 34th St and 7th Ave, and will take place on Saturday May 5th and Sunday May 6th.

Please visit catcampnyc.com for full details, tickets and information.

2018 Saturday Schedule

Doors Open from 10am-6:30pm

Presentations

*All Access Tickets Required

• 10:30-11:30am: Special Needs Panel: Heartwarming stories about the relationships between people and their special needs cats. Featuring Mike Bridavsky & Lil BUB and Lauren DiPaolo of @littleman_mika

• 12pm-1pm:  Big Cat Rescue: Leading the Battle to End Big Cat Abuse with Jennifer Leon

• 1:30pm-2:30pm: Little Kittens, Big Issues: How to Save the Tiniest Felines with Hannah Shaw aka Kitten Lady

• 3pm-3:45pm: (Trap Neuter Return) TNR 101: Lessons on Getting Started

• 3:45pm-4:30pm: TNR Panel - Stories from real people about TNR featuring Will from @flatbushcats and Sterling from @the_original_trapking and moderated by Hannah Shaw @kittenxlady

• 5pm-6pm: Cats vs. Dogs: How are they different, how are they the same, and can they co-exist peacefully in a home? featuring Jackson Galaxy and Zoe Sandor

Breakout Events Sponsored by Tomlyn

*Accessible with Shopping & All Access Tickets

• 11am-12pm: Ask the Cat Expert with Ingrid King

• 12:30pm-2pm: Ask the Vet with Tomlyn

• 2:30pm-4pm: The Scoop on Litter Box Issues with Beth Adelman

• 4:30-6:00pm: TNR Roundtable: Meet and Mingle with TNR Heroes

Meet & Greets

*Special Tickets Required

• 10:30am: Hannah Shaw Meet & Greet sponsored by PetAG

• 12:30pm: Lil BUB Sponsored by Halo

• 3pm-4pm: Jackson Galaxy Meet & Greet Sponsored by Litter Genie

 

Special Events

*Available to all, Limited Seating

• 4:30pm-6pm: Drag Bingo Fundraiser with Goldie Lox and Ona Louise

2018 Sunday Schedule

Doors Open from 10am-6:30pm

Presentations

*All Access Ticket Required

• 10:30am-11:30am: Fostering Saves Lives: A Panel Discussion featuring Nikki from @myfosterkittens

• 12pm-1pm: The Story of Lil BUB: Caring for a Special Needs Cat from Space with Mike Bridavsky and Lil BUB

• 1:30pm-2:30pm: Using Social Media to Help Feline Welfare: A Panel Discussion

• 3pm-4pm: Telling a Cat's Story through Images by Andrew Marttila

• 5pm-6pm: The Power of You: Keynote by Jackson Galaxy

Breakout Events Sponsored by Tomlyn

*Accessible with Shopping & All Access Tickets Unless Specified

• 10:30am-12:30pm: Cat Cafe Owners Unite! - Mix, Mingle, and Share the stories that only other Cat Cafe owners would understand with Adam Myatt aka Cat Man of West Oakland.

• 1pm-2pm: The Business of NonProfits - Learn how to turn your passion into a successful operation with Lee Domascewec of PhoenixFire Strategic Consulting

• 2:30pm-3:30pm: Peaceable Kingdom: Techniques to Increase the Success of Multi-Cat Households with Mikel Delgado

Meet & Greets

*Special tickets required

• 10:30am: Hannah Shaw Meet & Greet Sponsored by PetAG

• 12:30pm-1:30pm Jackson Galaxy Meet & Greet

• 2pm: Lil BUB Meet & Greet Sponsored by Halo

 

Special Events

*For Participating Adoption Groups Only

4:30pm-6pm: Drag Bingo Fundraiser with Goldie Lox and Ona Louise

* We are not responsible for changed or cancelled events.  Please check with the organizer for the latest information.
 

Philly's Premier Pet-Friendly Living!

Live Better at AVE

Finding pet-friendly housing can be challenging and we've found an ideal place for all of our pet lovers to call home. Check out the numerous AVE Living locations in the Greater Philadelphia region. They offer premier pet-friendly options with impressive resort-style amenities.

Enjoy a lifestyle of comfort and convenience with unparalleled amenities and high-touch service.

· 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom spacious apartments · washers and dryers in residence · walk-in closets · dedicated resident service team on site 7 days a week · no security deposit, application fee, or amenities fees · brand new amenity space · weekday club breakfast featuring Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea · stylish cafés · 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness centers · resort pools · business centers · executive conference rooms · seasonal bike share · grilling stations · locations right off Route 202, close to I-476 and the PA Turnpike · minutes to train stations · nearby downtown areas with shopping, upscale dining, and trendy night spots
 
AVE is pet-friendly! Mention this post to receive a complimentary pet goodie bag. Lease within 3 days of touring and your pet fee will be waived.

*Offer is for a 12–15 month lease commitment and contingent upon an approved application.

Follow AVE Living Downingtown and Malvern on Facebook! #livebetter

AVELIVING.COM

Vote for Us as Philadelphia's Best Pet Photographer!

BEST Pet Photography

It’s always a great day when you receive word that your business is a contender for Best Pet Photography in the Philadelphia region, and that’s what’s happened to us! Just a week ago, Philly A-List informed us that we’re in the running to be named Best Pet Photographer, and we’re looking for your help in making it happen.

Have we photographed your pet? Do you follow along on Facebook and Twitter? Do you read our monthly eNewsletters chock full of special offers and information on local pet happenings? Then get online and vote today for Tanya Hopkins Photography as the best pet photographer in the Philadelphia region! ! (Psst. Even if you answered ‘no’ to any of those questions, good news. You can still vote.)

Voting ends December 3rd, so there’s plenty of time for you to get your vote in and spread the word to friends and family. But, really, why wait? Each vote can only be counted once, so after you send in your ballot, you won’t be able to vote again. We'd love nothing more than having the honor of the #1 spot on Philly A-List's Top Pet Photographers

Ready to go? Click here to place your vote! On behalf of Tanya Hopkins Pet Photography, thank you for your recognition of our hard work! No one loves photographing pets as much as we do and we hope that love shines through in each and every photo we take.