Testing The Cat - Literally

 

My Betty White rose bloomed bundles a day before it was supposed to rain, and my Oklahoma rose finally had its dark red flowers (instead of purple) so I had to make a bouquet to keep them from water damage. (I also gave clippings of the Betty White to a good 4 neighbors, and it still has buds on it...) Gotta love a rose bush! I'm hoping by putting the vase behind the dish rack the cat won't be tempted to knock it over. But we'll see!

The Canterbury Renaissance Faire

Coming to you from the Canterbury Renaissance Faire in Silverton, Oregon! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy this photographic journey! It was super, super fun!! Blogger doesn't upload albums, so click on the link to the google photos album I made.

Trophy Hunting is Just Not Good

In 2015 a lion named Cecil died. He was killed and and cut up by a hunter who wanted his head on his wall as a trophy. But this wasn't a wild lion. He was a protected, collared lion in Hwange National Park in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. With a rare black mane, he was easily recognizable, and was a symbol of pride for the country. Naturally, when the world found out how he died, we reacted with outrage.

All sorts of things were set up after that to help lion conservation. One of my favorite campaigns was through the 1928 jewelry company. They set up a line of jewelry in Cecil's honor that when purchased, part of the money went to lion conservation groups in Africa (see left photo).

Now tragically Cecil's Son, Xanda, another protected & collared lion at this same national park in Zimbabwe, has also been killed by a trophy hunter. Apparently the steps taken back in 2015 were not enough. You can read the full article by The Washington Post HERE

After my anger at this news died down, the question running through my head was simply, "Why?" I think part of the problem is that to many, the nostalgia of the culture of trophy hunting makes it appealing. We all fantasize about the past, but things change for a reason. (Plus I don't think God ever intended that any of his creations be slaughtered and displayed for sport.) As the above article mentions, some people just don't realize that now, most hunted species throughout the world are endangered, and that the more species die off, the more humans are at risk. They don't get that by killing the king of the pride, their actions will likely kill all of its offsprings. They don't understand that their one exotic adventure will fuel a black market of those just looking to make a buck, taking advantage of wildlife and humans alike. Or they simply don't care.

We need to somehow get rid of the nostalgia of this culture. Now I have no idea how that's going to happen, but I think if we all take a moment to tell someone why trophy hunting is just not good - if we send an email, make a phone call, show our children pictures - we'll be on the right track. Oh and by the way, you can still buy 1928's full line of "Justice for Cecil" jewelry :D Maybe now more people will do so in memory of his son.

The Best Cat Toys

Most cats will be happy with whatever toys you bring home for them from the pet store. But if your cat is like mine, a part Bengal feline who doesn't like catnip, those toys get old fast. Over the years I've brought home zillions of play things for my cat Scheherazade. I've learned that she wants to play indoors just as she would outdoors: solving puzzles, chasing bugs and rodents, etc. Here are the cat toys that meet with her energetic approval!

1) The Dragonfly Cat Toy - This is Zade's newest, and current favorite toy. I got it to replace a Petco toy that was worn, and really not that safe to play with... This toy was 3x the price of what it replaced, but it's so worth it!! It's safe & well made, easy to hold & control, and Zade loves its unpredictable movements! As the maker's webpage says, this is the number one toy used by professionals at cat shows. No wonder my picky kitty loves it! You can also find this toy on Etsy, and Ebay if you don't want to buy it direct.

2) Neko Flies - Until I discovered the toy above, Neko Flies were my go-to toy for when my cat asks me to play with her. Made to resemble the shape, color, and movements of all sorts of bugs and rodents, they grabbed her attention far more than the Da Bird toys ever did. Zade enjoys the dragonfly, the birbug, and their mouse toy.

3) The Cat Amazing Puzzle Box - This box is the best treat puzzle thing for cats on the market! Made out of cardboard (what cat doesn't love a cardboard box?), it has three puzzle levels for every cat's skills. Now my cat solved the hardest level the first time I gave her the box... But because it's cardboard, I easily used packing tape and duct tape to make the puzzle harder. Zade will 'solve the puzzle' for treats, and ping-pong balls alike. And if you're worried the cardboard won't last, think again. Mine's still going strong after 3+ years.

4) The Cat Charmer Wand (by Cat Dancer) - Of all of the toys on this list, this one is the cheapest & easiest to find. But it's still one of my cat's favorites. It's like string that doesn't wear and tear! Plus it's pretty durable, I've only had to replace it once or twice in five years. I use this toy most often when I'm sitting on the couch and Zade wants to play when I'm not really in the mood to give her my full attention...

So there you have it, the world's best cat toys (according to my cat)! Which one is your cat's favorite?