Catymology

Our latest guest cat lives at The Tacky Horse, a tack shop in Ohio that amanuensis' niece visits frequently. We don't know the cat's name or even whether it is male or female, but from the look on its face, it's a very satisfied cat! Shop cats are usually very happy, especially when the shop sells feed that attracts lots of tasty little rodents. You can find more working cats at the Shop Cats site.

Visit the Friday Ark at Modulator.

Labels: guest cats

Yo, cats and catted ones! Darcy here.

Bouncing around the interweb this morning, I decided to check out a new local phenom that's popped up in my neck of the woods. I'm talking about the Daily Mole, a darn good mash up of all things cultural, political, and downright weird. The big brain behind the Mole is Steve Perry, a writer of some repute and impeccably eclectic taste . Today, Steve posted about LOLcats, and embedded this video.



Man, I am amazed to find out that the original creator of LOLcats was named Aloysius. How coincidental is that? When ol' Katz gets back from his regular Tuesday gig, where he pretends to be simply a cat, I'm gonna have to have a little talk with him about this Aloysius dude.

Meanwhile, I'm outta here!

Darcy X

Labels: lolcats

Ever since I came to live here, the table beneath this window has been so full of stuff that there was not a square inch left over for a cat to perch. (Okay, I admit that it takes more than an inch for a cat of my ample girth!) I had to resort to some serious whining, but my humans finally got the message.

Finally, I've found room to perch in front of the window. It's a decorating miracle because--as you know--every view is better with a cat in it!

Monday update: the hard-working cats at This, That, and the Other Thing have posted Carnival of the Cats #192!

This will be the first year since I came to live with my humans that we will spend Thanksgiving together. I'm so excited that I've been leaving my scent on all of the furniture.

I plan to spend a lot of time showing off my gorgeous, fluffy tail.



But of course my real interest is just the same as always. When can I go outside?



May all cats and catted ones have a happy and safe holiday! And don't forget to visit the Friday Ark.

Labels: Thanksgiving

Did you know that the great American poet Emily Dickinson wrote a poem about the leopard?

Civilization--spurns--the Leopard

492

Civilization—spurns—the Leopard!
Was the Leopard—bold?
Deserts—never rebuked her Satin—
Ethiop—her Gold—
Tawny—her Customs—
She was Conscious—
Spotted—her Dun Gown—
This was the Leopard's nature—Signor—
Need—a keeper—frown?

Pity—the Pard—that left her Asia—
Memories—of Palm—
Cannot be stifled—with Narcotic—
Nor suppressed—with Balm—

Emily Dickinson

In this poem, Dickinson identifies with the captive female leopard. In her own habitat, the leopard is regal--dressed in satin and gold--and she is conscious. In captivity, under the frown of a "keeper," the leopard is diminished, but not broken. She still remembers her glory (the palm), and retains her feline dignity.

Like many of Dickinson's poems, this one can be read on several levels. Perhaps the leopard is the unconventional--the poetic impulse itself--wild and untamed. Or perhaps Dickinson saw the leopard's captivity as a symbol for slavery.

Look for more poetic beasts at Modulator's Friday Ark. The Carnival of the Cats will be at Pet's Garden Blog this Sunday.

Labels: poetry, wildcats

Personally, I don't like to climb. I don't climb trees. I don't climb fences. I just like to stay on the ground and wait for prey to fall into my mouth. A table is high enough for me! (Maybe my pear shape has something to do with it?)

But you never know when you are going to fall. So it's time for a public service announcement: here's an instructional video, courtesy of National Geographic, that shows how cats fall safely and live to tell about it. Isn't it great that scientists have studied feline aerodynamics so closely?

Stay safe out there, and visit the critters at Modulator's Friday Ark. Oh, and the Veteran's Day edition of the Carnival of the Cats is at Justin's Random Thoughts this Sunday!

Labels: video

Today, bloggers all over the world will post their wishes for peace. Although I am a predator by nature, I am purring for peace today. Humans, hear my purrs! And may the Great Cat bless you all.

To learn how to make your own Peace Globe, visit Mimi's blog.

Labels: Dona Nobis Pacem

I got a dare from Anastasia, who wrote

I Dare You All to Dress Up Your Staff. Dress up your humans in the most ridiculous, silly, weird, comical, insane, funny, humiliating, splendid, outrageous outfit you can imagine, post their picture on your blog and put your name and the link to the post in the Mr. Linky box below.

Fortunately I had a picture that just came in over the transom: this is amanuensis' niece Lee all dressed up to re-enact her heroic rescue of Moses. Moses is cooperating nicely, and the horse, Zoe, seems totally unphazed. The humans who ride their horses during hunting season have to wear these ridiculous orange vests so that other humans--the ones with guns--won't mistake them for deer. They have to wear helmets, in case they fall off the horse and get bonked on the head. The whole costume is silly, but it's certainly improved by the presence of a cat!

Labels: dare, guest cats