I Have Cat

Will The Real Petie Please Stand Up

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Tamar

Imagine my surprise upon seeing Paul and Joe’s 2012 Spring Collection. After doing a double take, my first thought was that I should have trademarked Petie – or at least the image of him on my head!

[Pete, is that you?]

The resemblance is uncanny. But while the grey tuxedo gracing the new eye shadow is a feminine feline – as evidenced by her eyelashes and white “tights” - Petie prefers sporty ankle socks.

The two darling kitten-themed limited collections were launched this month in honor of the brand’s 10 year anniversary. It seems founder and designer Sophie Albou is “completely obsessed with cats.” Sadly, I was unsuccessful in obtaining a photo of Sophie’s feline companions.

The collections runs the gamut from nail polishes ($14), to blush sticks ($28) and pressed powder ($42) with kitty-themed design/packaging and names like “Siamese, Please,” and “Cat-Flight.” And don’t worry, I checked and Paul and Joe do NOT test on animals (yay!).

[The other lady in the house must assess the new acquisition]

Just go to b-glowing now to place your order now, and it will ship on February 1st.

Be sure to read the adorable product descriptions like this one for the blusher stick “The creamy cheek powder glides onto skin smoothly to contour the face and cheeks for a flawless complexion. Feeling feline-like? draw three ‘whisker lines’ onto the cheek and blend evenly with finger tips. Super cute!

["Cat I eat it?"]

I would review the product except I think it’s too cute to actually use. Which Paul and Joe limited edition product is your favorite? I think we all know where I stand.

Now back to the fact that they co-opted my Petie. Well, they do say imitation is the highest form of flattery. Right?

Posted in Cats | 17 Comments

I Have (Less) Cat

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Tamar

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time you know that my chunky monkey Petie Pork Chop could stand to lose a few pounds. This was made painfully clear to me when I found myself leaving the vet’s office over a year ago with a complimentary measuring cup and tape measure in hand.

Though a public statement was never issued, so as not to put any unnecessary pressure on him (myself), Petie has secretly been on a diet since October 8, 2011. It was my intent today to ask you to join me in celebrating his (my) achievement of the loss of 1.5lbs bringing his weight down to 18.5lbs. But sadly it cannot be so.

On what should be a joyous day, I’m here to tell you that Petie’s weight loss may very well prove to be the beginning of his undoing. Has his ego gotten to big? Is he demanding imperfect kibble shapes be removed from his bowl or that he ride in cabs rather than public transport? If only that were the case.

This past Tuesday, after returning from an early morning training session, I opened the apartment door and witnessed the horrific tableaux pictured below.

Note Kip's genuine look of guilt and shame during the reenactment. Method actor.

Disclaimer: this photo was taken during a reenactment of the events of the morning of January 10th based on a non-scientific investigation of the scene.

Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | Tagged Cat weight lost | 19 Comments

Farewell 2011

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Tamar

I’ve left my NYE post until the last-minute, and I’m running late to my friend’s dinner party so I’ll have to keep this short. I will do my best to write a proper post with my wishes for the new year etc within the week.

As 2011 draws to a close there are three defining moments that come to mind.

The first, a joyous one. The celebration of my 40th Birthday. I purchased a ball gown, had my hair and make-up done, hired a photographer and threw myself a big bash! It was the perfect evening. Actually, it was the perfect celebratory weekend I jokingly refer to as my three-day Indian wedding! It was one of the most joyous times I can remember. I was truly surrounded by love.

The other two markers of the year for me are solemn ones. The 10th Anniversary of 9/11, and the freak accident that took the life of Suzanne Hart a few short weeks ago.

Barely a day has passed since December 14th that I haven’t thought of Ms Hart. A single 41-year-old, she worked in the New Business Department at Young & Rubicam, one of original Mad Men-era advertising agencies that maintained its Madison Avenue address. She walked into the elevator at work on an unremarkable Wednesday morning not knowing it would be her last day on this planet.

Young & Rubicam is where I began my advertising career so many years ago as a member of the New Business Team. I rode those very same elevators. I currently work in New Business at an equally prestigious agency. She so easily could have been me. Or one of my friends.

I won’t call it a resolution. But in the New Year, I want to do a better job of recognizing what is good in my life. To recognize what I have rather than focus on what I “could of” or “should of” have. To appreciate the people in my life who love me and who are there for me. To feel like I did on my 40th Birthday more than just once a year.

Love to you all. I’m so grateful for my family and friends, and for their good health. The friends I’ve been fortunate enough to have in my life for 20+ years and those I’ve never even met in the flesh. The animal loving friends and those who don’t necessarily understand my love of cats, but who respect my love for them.

Happy 2012 to you all. And may we all be here next year to ring in 2013.

Tamar, Kip, Petie and Haddie (and Max in the bedroom who finally made a New Years Eve poo!).

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Tamar

And if you don’t celebrate Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays! I’m a little emotional thinking about those Christmas mornings so many years ago. My sister would creep into my room and wake me at some ungodly hour to go see what Santa had brought us.

My Mom, being as health conscious as always, tried to convince us that what Santa really wanted was a tall glass of water with carrots and cottage cheese. My Dad, on the other hand, felt Santa would appreciate a tumbler of scotch after a long night of gift delivery. Nice try.

This year, my parent’s surprised us with the most beautiful tree ever. We weren’t even expecting one given the work it takes to put up and take down. I literally squealed for joy like a small child when I saw it.

I hope you were all good this year, and that Santa pays you a visit (I don’t think Santa is visiting me, my parents are already in bed! ha!).

Remember, gifts don’t always come in boxes (unless they are Maru!). They’re our cat(s), family and friends – both “real” and on FB – who are with us all year round. Take the day to recognize them and tell them how much they mean to you or just hug them (but not too hard!).

Thinking of my fur-babies at home but know they are in good hands.

Good night everyone. xo

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Gifts in a New York MInute: Pet Owners

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Tamar

When I first began my affair with cats (or realized I had one), I created four simple single-cat-lady tenents by which I vowed to live. The very first of which was “No public display of cat-photography.”* Thanks to artist Cindy Jerrell and her quirky pet portraits, that rule didn’t last for long.

If you have pet owner of any kind you still need to shop for - cat, dog, hamster, duck, mouse, goat, rabbit, gerbil, bird - a gift certificate for a custom portrait by Cindy at Hot Dog Digital has you covered.

By using the code HADDIE at check out, I HAVE CAT readers receive 15% off the retail cost of a custom gift certificate ($49)! 24 hours after purchase the lucky receipiant receives a cute e-certificate alerting them of their gift.

Here are a few more of Cindy’s original portraits along with customer testimonials. I wonder if she’s ever done a gold fish… Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | Tagged Last Minute GIfts | Leave a comment

Gifts in a New York Minute: The Charitable Cat Lover

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Tamar

Now that you have gifts for the wine-lover on your list all sorted, it’s on to the do-gooding cat lovers.

Do you have someone on your holiday list who loves cats but can’t have one because of allergies or building regulations? Maybe a friend who recently lost a kitty companion, or one that’s just plain old cat crazy? We have the perfect last-minute gift for you. A gift from Tabby’s Place!

Tabby’s Place is an amazing cat free cat sanctuary in New Jersey if you don’t know about them, read my post from last year. They have great gift options you can pick and purchase in a flash. Give the gift of virtual cat adoption (starting at $12/month) – you can even select the kitty – or make a donation in the name of a beloved pet ($25+). You can even purchase and give virtual gift baskets and supplies!

Here’s how it works. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Cats | Tagged Last Minute GIfts | 6 Comments

Gifts in a New York Minute: The Wine Lover

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Tamar

Each day for the coming three days, I’ll feature Christmas gifts you can get and give in a New York minute! Today we’re featuring the perfect last-minute gift for the wine-lover on your list.

I recently received my second wine shipment from The California Wine Club, after having convinced Jon Boring (son of founders Bruce and Pam) that cat owners spent a lot of time at home with their cats drinking copious amounts of wine. At least I do.

As you can see from the photo above, Kip has a very refined palate and appreciates the intensity of Tulip Hill’s 2009 Cabepulciano on the nose

Do you have a wine snob (or wine drinker) on your list? If so, you still have time to gift them with monthly deliveries of California wines. The Premiere Club is only $49.45 and includes shipping and handling (anywhere in the US except Utah).

Your recipient will receive 2 bottles of wine for as many months as you select (from 1 month onward).
You can customize the gift to be 1 red and 1 white each mont or 2 bottles of the same white or red.
Have wine delivered each month, or to make it last longer, every other month.
Wine notes included with each delivery.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. If your recipient doesn’t enjoy one of the wines they have received, they get a replacement bottle – no questions asked!

Read my first post for more details about the California Wine Club. You can send the recipient of your gift an ecard or print out a post card from their website letting them know all about your generous gift. And don’t forget, you can receive a 10% discount through 1/31/12 by using the promo code ihavecat at checkout!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Last Minute GIfts | 2 Comments

Felines Need Nice Plates Too (well maybe bowls)

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Tamar

In my early 30s, having navigated many a registry for engagement, wedding shower, wedding and baby shower gifts, I decided enough was enough. For my Birthday that year friends and family received an email with a link to my Crate and Barrel registry* and a note that read “single people need plates too.”

Well, your cats also deserve more than paper plates and mismatched orphan bowls. Plus, they don’t look very pretty should a friend or suitor drop by.

So today I’m sharing a few of my favorite pretty and practical cat bowls and water fountains from ModaPet, Modern Cat Designs and Pioneer Pet. Plus, IHC readers get a special 30% discount code for the Raindrop Fountain, and a chance to win a ModaPet bowl so read on!

ModaPet describe themselves as an “US based company with Italian influenced design,” the pairing of form and function. And I have to agree. I love the color options (you’d think they were glass), shape and practicality. Key features: Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 50 Comments

10 Reasons Having Multiple Cats Is Good For Your Relationship

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Tamar

Today’s post was written by the beautiful (inside and out), talented, animal-loving high-school-teaching Sarah Menzies of Sydney Australia. Some of you will remember Sarah from the Cat Man Monday post about her boyfriend Dan. Sarah writes a blog, The Purr Diaries where she is currently raising funds for a local no-kill rescue the,Cat Protection Society.

When I read Tamar’s recent post “The Human Benefits of a Multiple Pet Household,” I got to thinking that it isn’t me that needs convincing to get a third cat (I hate even numbers) but another member of my household. So I compiled my own list titled “Benefits of a Multiple Pet Household for Boyfriends!’ (And by multiple I mean more than 2!)

While the list below is directed at a certain someone I live with, I’m sharing it with you in the hopes boyfriends – and husbands – everywhere will come to understand the necessity of an additional cat for the well being of their relationship.

Sarah & Dan's lucky kitties Ollie (back) and Bosco (front)

Ten Ways Your Boyfriend (or Husband) Will Benefit From a Third Cat Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | 29 Comments

Feline State of Mind

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Tamar

Asked to describe a cat’s personality recently, I rattled off a list of attributes not thinking much of it. Upon reflection however, I realized I’d described the average New Yorker.

Curious to see how far the similarities went, I compiled a list the likes of which you’ve never seen before (and affirmed why I live in NYC – with cats).

20 Traits Shared By Felines and New Yorkers