I Have Cat - Part 3

Cat Woman Wednesday: Canadian Edition

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Tamar

Today’s Cat Woman Wednesday features Amy Paul, the talented young lady who designed the iconic I HAVE CAT graphic of Petie atop my head. She’s a self-described cat lady and she’s not shy about it, “They’ve treated and been there for me more than most humans, so I believe they deserve more than a hidden love!” Today she’ll share the story of how she became the sexy-hot cat woman she is today!

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 Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | Tagged Cat Woman Wednesday | 12 Comments

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.” Continue reading →

Posted in Cats, Reviews | 19 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.

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

Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | Tagged Cat weight loss | 34 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. Continue reading →

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. Continue reading →

Posted in Cats, Tamar | Tagged Christmas | 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. Continue reading →

Posted in Cats | Tagged Christmas, 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. Go to Tabby’s Place online gift catalog and select what you’d like to give. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Cats | Tagged Christmas, 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? Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews | Tagged Christmas, Last Minute GIfts, wine | 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 Cats, Reviews | 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.