To that end, there’s a plethora of terrible vegan fare to be had. Enough to turn off even the motivated vegetarian/vegan. So I try to review the good, bad and ugly when it comes to vegan foods I encounter. Enjoy!

While at Whole Foods today I came across Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style non-meat meat substitute and decided to give it a try. I used it in my vegan lasagna tonight. Verdict: If you like to eat do not ever – NEVER ever – purchase this product.  It smells and tastes like chemicals, and has a sticky consistency for which I can imagine the 80s phrase “grody to the max” was coined.

I’m not alone in my opinions. Blogger “No Meat Athlete” captured the Gimme Lean “experience” perfectly.

“So we used Gimme Lean for tacos, and the only thing I could say was ‘Gimme something different to eat.’  I’d sooner eat no tacos than eat these again.  The meat-substitute was slimy, weird tasting, and I won’t even start on what Erin thought it resembled in the pan.”

I’m truly shocked the same folks who make Smart Ground make this I-can’t-even-call-it-food product.

Next up, Veggie Patch Meatless Meatballs. Verdict: While not offensive, cannot be described as good.  I’ll take Trader Joe’s meatless balls any day (though I know they are quite high in sodium).

That’s all for today folks. Feel free to share your vegan food finds and horror stories.  I’m all ears. Let us learn from your mistakes!

[Max in my bedroom - look at those huge paws!]

 For those of you who are not familiar with Max, he’s a senior kitty dumped at the ACC (NYC kill shelter) after 14 years with a family due to “allergies.”

After living in my bedroom for about a month, he found a forever home – hopefully his last – with Bob, an older gentleman in Yonkers who lost his cat a few years ago.

[Bob and Max meet for the first time]

Today I received an update on how the two of them are doing from their neighbor Karen (my spy!), a wonderful woman I met when she herself adopted two of my foster babies.  My heart burst when I read her note:

“So I called Bob before going upstairs. I walked in the door and Max was sitting on the couch watching TV with Bob. I walked over and said hello. He got up and came to me. He let me pet him for a few minutes then went back to where he was sitting. I sat down next to him on the couch and he let me pet him. When he was done he jumped onto the floor and sat next to Bob. All is well!!!”

People often ask if I feel a sense of accomplishment when my fosters find forever homes. The truth is that I don’t.  It’s just something I do without giving it much thought. I see it as a very small way I can do my part for the kitties.

But when I dropped Max off with Bob a few weeks ago, what Bob said to me as he closed the door has stayed with me.

“Max is my family now.”

He probably said it to reassure me that Max would be all right. But in that moment it hit me. Two old men found a companion that day.

[ I love the photograph above of Max in Bob's kitchen. When I let him out of the carrier he sauntered right over to the kitchen, stood by the two empty bowls and looked up at Bob like "Where's the food dude?" The look on his face is priceless. Someone said it looked like he was telling me he'd be okay. That I could go home.]

I miss my bedroom cat – as I fondly took to calling him – but it warms my heart to think of them on the sofa together watching TV at nights.

Unexpected Valentine (2011): On meeting single straight met at pet writing and blogging conventions.

Felines & Valentines (2010): Checking out the online dating options for animal lovers.

Enjoy, and I hope all of you are having a lovely evening whether you’re spending it with 2 or 4-legged friends. I’ll work on getting out more so I have fun bi-pod guy stories to share!

My cats are partial to carpet-covered scratchers. And if you’ve check-out the options lately you’re probably wondering – as I am - if the carpet industry severely over-estimated the demand for beige shag carpeting.  As far as variety goes we’re talking light blue, brown and purple.

If that works with your decor you’re in luck. If not, Square Cat Habitat has come to the rescue with sleek modern wall and floor scratchers. Keep reading for a product review, discount code and a chance to win a Square Cat Habitat scratcher by sharing your cats very own fiber art.

If you’re cat has done damage created artwork in your home (by scratching a rug or piece of furniture)  send a photo of the masterpiece to me and you could win an Itch Scratch or Lo Scratcher for your home!

To qualify you must:

• Live in the US (Sorry, I know I need an international giveaway and I promise I’ll work on it!).
• Send ONE photo to ihavecat(at)gmail(dot)come by 5pm EST Wednesday February 15th.
• One entry per household.

In the meantime, everyone can receive a 15% discount on any Square Cat Habitat product (they have cat shelves and trees too!) by entering ihavecat at check out from now through March 9th. REMINDER: Other Valentine’s Day discount codes available for hot pink IHC-endorsed items here.

If you’re wondering how my cats did with the new scratchers see for yourself.  I used treats as a lure but Sean Hamilton, founder of the company - did I mention most of the cats on the website are his?- also suggests rubbing cat nip behind or on the insert itself.

A few folks have asked how the inserts have held up and if the velcro really keeps them in place. At the start of the video above, Kip is able to pull the insert up a bit in one corner. It’s because I didn’t insert correctly. You have to be sure the velcro strips match up. I haven’t had any problem and after 3 months the current inserts still look pretty good.

I like the fact that the base is permanent and only the inserts are replaced. A bit more eco-friendly, and it allows you to have fun with the colors and textures. And the wall units are easy to install. The ones for the floor have small plastic “stoppers” so they don’t slide around.

For those of you wondering who Henry the Feline Fiber Artist is, I felt compelled to include a photo of the cat and his art.

I leave you with a gratuitous photo of Penny, one of my former foster kittens, using the Lo Scratcher as a bed.

In the the spirit Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing my latest bright pink cat accessory finds from ModaPet, KatKabin, Sturdi Products and Three Sassy Sisters Store. They’re cheerful, modern and most importantly -  kitty approved.  And, with special discount codes you can gift that special cat(lover) in your life.

Three Sassy Sisters – Toys and Collars

Between the two of them, founders Becky and Jessica have 4 cats (and a dog). Their toys are made using eco-friendly, up-cycled materials like discarded sweaters and filled with recycled water bottles – you’d never know it!

These ladies have generously offered free shipping in the U.S. from now through 2/14 using IHAVECAT at check-out. Place order by 2/7 to guarantee delivery by VDay! They do ship internationally but the code is not applicable (sorry guys!).

KatKabin – Cat House

I was a tad worried that Petie – weighing in at 18.5 lbs – would not make it into the KatKabin but my fears were unwarranted.  He took to it immediately and now shares his hiding time between it and the Pei Pod!

The KatKabin comes in an array of colors and styles for both indoor and outdoor use. Use code REFE7HLU at check out through 3/1/2012 and save 10% off your purchase!

Sturdi Products – Cat Carrier

I’ve been remiss not profiling the Sturdi carriers before today.  I use mine all the time (it’s black but maybe if I play my cards right I can get a pink one?!).  Why do I love it? Because it’s:

• Super lightweight
• Has an adjustable fully padded shoulder strap so when you carry your cat he/she doesn’t tilt to one side (you can make the outer strap longer and the interior one shorter)
• Squish-able so you can pile stuff on top of it for storage and it will pop right back into shape!
• Has safety clips to secure zippers so kitty can’t break out

Place your order now, and get free shipping!

ModaPet – Cat Bowls

I’ve sung the praises of the ModaPet bowl before. It comes in an array of colors but my favorite is the newest “Some Like it Hot” bowl in – you guessed it – hot pink (for only $14.95).

I like that it has a non-skid bottom, a wide whisker-accommodating design and is made of food-grade BPA-free plastics that’s dishwasher safe!

My latest pink obsession has nothing to do with the kitties. I’m talking the adorable pink frosted mini cupcakes I received from my sweetheart of a fan Carolyn Schellhardt – who hails from Omaha, Nebraska – as an early VDay gift.

Thanks “Auntie” Carolyn, I’m constantly touched by your thoughtfulness.

HAPPY EARLY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND YOUR KITTIES!

XOXO

PS – Did you notice that the “Petie Palate” at the top of this post is actually comprised of Petie’s fur and nose? 

My name is Amy Paul. I live in Nova Scotia Canada and have one fur child Miles. I’m in my third year of college for art and do photography, painting and drawing, but my main focus is on graphic design. I have always had a passion for cats and art and I am in my version of heaven when I get to mix the two.

I have been a cat lover all my life thanks to my mom. It all started in my first home when a very pregnant cat (that we later named “Mama”) had many litters of little baby kittens. My dad never wanted cats in the house so mom would leave food outside our back door and groups of kittens would come to eat. Mom would catch them, spay/neuter then release them but she could never catch Mama, who continued to have babies.

Soon more and more kittens and cats joined the party and we became known as the cat-house. Though my dad was still not a huge fan of cats, he was forced to deal when I chose my first kitten. “It’s just one cat Dad!”  My mom let me keep her and name her. I immediately fell in love with Whiskers.*

Next came Toby, my mom’s cat. I wasn’t there for the conversation mom had with dad but I imagine it went something like this: “But Ames has one! Just one more to keep me company while you are at work!” Dad being the loving, softy he is, gave in. “BUT NO MORE AFTER THAT!” He said. Little did he know that none of us would have the choice when it came to our third cat Stripes.

Stripes literally walked into our house one day and decided he was never going to leave. He hid so we couldn’t shoo him out (not that we really wanted to) and eventually became our third kitty cat. So, since the beginning of time and forever more I will continue to be a crazy cat lady. We now have four cats: Whiskers, Stripes, Miles and our latest addition, Dizzy. Whiskers will always be my best buddy but tends to be more Mom’s cat now. Stripes and Dizzy are hers as well.

Miles is my first fur child. She was named after one of my dad’s favorite Jazz artist, Miles Davis. She is my little girl to take care of forever and I love her more than anything in the world! Miles is an active one-and-a-half year old kitty who loves to play.

She is also a brat. Somehow it makes me love her even more but she is a true female. She tries to make me jealous by running towards me as if she’s craving my love, but at the last second will run  to my boyfriend and dramatically cuddle him while never dropping eye contact with me. She knows her name but refuses to answer to it unless she feels like it. I know she loves me though. As I write this she is giving me a bath and occasionally bating at my fingers.

I occasionally harass my friends by forcing them to look at cat pictures, getting them to add Miles on face book or telling them numerous stories about my girl. I also actively engage in posting cat pictures on LOL cat sites. Miles is even on stickers, in a calendar and on greeting cards!

I’m a cat lady for life and am excited whenever I get to incorporate cats in my work. I absolutely do not limit my graphic designs, photography or art to cats but will always enjoy doing them!

=^^=

Epilogue:  Toby sadly passed away last year of liver cancer. We had him cremated and he’s in our home still! And Mama many years later was finally caught and fixed and eventually she just stopped coming around one day.

The lovely and talented Amy Paul is available for project work. So give her a holler if you need some design work (cat or non-cat related!). You can reach her at amypauldesign(at)gmail(dot)com.

*Amy would like me to clarify that Whisker’s fur is wet in the above photo. She didn’t always look like that, but she wasn’t a big fan of photographs so there weren’t many to pick from.

 =^^=

[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?

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.

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

After the shock of seeing Petie defy the laws of physics wears off, I ask you to direct your attention to the plastic bin behind him. Note the dislodged lid. Yes my friends. It seems the loss of 1.5lbs has resulted in making Petie mobile. Too mobile. I fear the next weigh-in. Though wishful thinking hopes the activity will off set the additional calories he’s been ingesting?

I guess the case of how a very large and heavy glass vase of wine corks ended up finding its way to my kitchen floor from the top of my fridge can now be closed. But in all seriousness, I’m thrilled about Petie’s weight loss but we still have 1.5lbs to go before his initial weight goal of 17lbs.

Evidence found at the scene (note the tear revealing a now-empty bag of Temptations)

Petie began his diet after his vet Dr. Maeda of West Chelsea Veterinary (she’s so awesome she literally has groupies) suggested we try prescription food. This would entail a shift from free-feeding to twice-daily meal times. Something I was not looking forward to.

Dr. Maeda suggested Hill’s Science m/d formula. When I asked why she’d selected that brand in particular, she cited their professional nutrition consult services. ***NOTE: I know the subject of pet-food is a very personal one and there are many strong opinions on the matter. I do by no means claim to be an expert nor do I intend to suggest that Hill’s Science is right for every pet.  This post is intended to convey my personal experience only*** After her conversation with the nutritionist I received an email with the following weight loss plan.

[Trying to divide one and 2/3 cans of wet food into 2 portions is no easy task]

Admittedly I haven’t been consistent with Petie’s work outs (unless Cat-flexing counts) and it seems he’s been helping himself to treats.  Wouldn’t it be nice if our physicians had nutritionists they could call to customize a weight-loss plan for us?

I’ve often heard companies like Hill’s Science criticized because they have corn in their foods. Well, it seems they were listening because late last year they launched the Hill’s® Science Diet® Ideal Balance ™line of corn-free dry cat and kitten food.  To be clear, Science Diet is the Non-Prescription line of food from Hill’s Science. These specific products are not made for weight-control.

Sorry the giveaway is over, but the folks at Hill’s are offering a rebate worth $12.99 on a purchase of Science Balance so check it out! Offer good through 12/31/12!

Your kitty now has a chance to try it – for FREE!  The first 20 people to email ihavecat(at)gmail(dot)com telling me who they’d give the food to – their cat, a neighbor’s cat, a feral etc –  will receive a 15 lb bag ($49 value) of corn-free Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dinner!

And…GO!

*************

NOTE: This is not a sponsored post nor was I asked to write this post. I was given the codes to distribute as I saw fit and I thought it made the most sense in the context of this post about Petie.

Full disclosure: After my physician prescribed Hills Science for Petie I met one of their Education Specialist at the most recent Blog Paws conference and was ultimately invited to visit their headquarters in Kansas. I was quite impressed by the facilities and every one I met seemed to have great respect, love and concern for the well-being of cats and dogs (their own and those at the campus).

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.

xo

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

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