Silver Linings

So I'm letting you into a secret here, but Alison has seen the artwork for Be More Cat and she's super impressed. She says the illustrations are brilliant and really bring the book to life. It's obvious that her favourite pic is the artist's portrayal of me and Honey. I have to say we look pretty cute! Hopefully we'll have some samples for a future post on this blog, but at the moment we're still at the development stage.

The kittens are settling in, although I'm beginning to wonder what goes on in their sweet little heads. Alison got them lots of lovely new toys, but their favourite game involves dipping paws into the water bowl and then throwing it over each other! They wouldn't be such fans if they'd had water therapy like I did after the attack. I mean seriously! Who in their right mind thought chucking a cat in water would help it walk?! The only positive thing I can say about that is that I got lots of cuddles and cat treats afterwards. 

 

Yes, we're still super cute and a little bit bonkers

One thing we kitties have come to understand over the years is there's always a silver lining to everything. Deliveries are a perfect example of this. Honey hates post, she hates anyone coming to the door with parcels, so when things are delivered she high tails it on top of the welsh dresser. But this silver lining is a particularly sparkly one, because where there are deliveries there are empty boxes! And boxes are Honey's best friend. She hides in them, plays in them, sleeps in them and prepares plans for world domination in them! I have to say I kind of agree. Nothing has more potential than an empty box.

I may look innocent but there's a lot going on behind these whiskers!

With this in mind, my Be More Cat tip for today (along with save your boxes, you never know when you'll need them) is..... look for the silver lining. It might not be obvious at first, but it's there, hiding in the shadows like a tiny catnip mouse!

My family and other animals

My Family

You're allowed in my presence now

Let me introduce you to my family. Here's Honey. She's a tad grumpy, loves her food and is frightened of most things, including her shadow. She's been with me since the beginning and we were re-homed together. She's a bit of a princess, but then aren't we all?

The New Guys

These two vagabonds rolled up two weeks ago. Not sure about them yet. 

I know I'm cute, you don't have to tell me!

The little grey and white one is Ziggy and the other tearaway is called Diego. He's one to watch. He's already secured the best sleeping spot in the house, as you can see from this

picture.

I wonder if anyone will spot me!

Honey is not impressed at all. The jury's out for me. I'd kind of like some playmates and they do seem like fun. Alison wants me to like them but I'll let her stew a bit longer. Best to keep your cards close to your chest, particularly when tuna treats are the 'get along' bribe of choice!

The Scamp

This is Scamp. She lives down the road but often swings by to say hello. I thought she was a friendly sort, but turns out there's a pot of peppermint in the front garden and she's hooked!

 

Mmmm I love you peppermint!

 On other book news, Alison tells me that Be More Cat is scheduled for publication in September 2017. A bit later than we first thought, but perfect timing for all those seeking Christmas presents. Great for crazy cat lovers, crazy cats, and those just searching for something a little crazy!

On that note my Be More Cat tip for today is simply this:-

Although it's essential to have your own space, it's also good to have the option of a playmate or two for those moments when a piece of fluff becomes a game of cat and mouse. Make time for fun and fun will make time for you.

Welcome one and all!

Welcome to my new blog 'Be more cat'. 

'Look into my eyes!'

My name is Minnie otherwise known as Mins, The Minster, and Minnie Moonbeam. I live with my human Alison who is helping me write this. We've called it 'Be more cat' after Alison's new book which comes out this Spring thanks to the lovely people at Quadrille publishing and was inspired by me and also my sister Honey's antics. 

'Post attack - sore but determined'

You see it's not always been straightforward and Alison and I have been on quite a journey in the last few years, since I was attacked by a dog in the back garden. My tummy was badly torn and my spine was broken, so it's left me with special needs. I'll never be able to walk, run or jump again, but please don't feel sorry for me. I can still move at speed, as Alison will tell you! I've developed my own way of moving which she call's 'skidaddling'. I shuffle on my bottom and I can also climb. I do still jump, sometimes from a great height which seems to cause lots of sharp intakes of breath, but I do it superman style and always seem to land ok. Now this might seem embarrassing, but it's important you know. I tend to dribble sometimes, but that's because of the damage done to my bladder. It means there's always a mop and bucket on hand and lots of washing

but I like to keep my human occupied. She gets easily bored without me giving her things to do. We have fun though, lots of it, and I love my life.

Alison says my super feline skills have made it easier for me to adapt and I think she's right. Like all fellow kitties I believe the key to success in everything is in the art of being flexible, adventurous and living in the moment. That's one of the reasons she wrote her book.  She wanted to tell the world how being more cat could make you humans a happier, healthier bunch. 

We decided to do this blog together. I give her the words and she writes them because my paws can't cope with fiddly computer keys. Every day, or few days depending on what else I have in store for her, Alison will add my musings along with a 'be more cat' tip. We'll also update you on the progress of the book so that you'll be ready to pounce, when it becomes available. As any cat will tell you it's always good to be on the ball and ready to leap when an opportunity like an open fridge,  presents itself.

In the meantime my 'be more cat' tip for today is simple - go with the flow. 

If things become challenging (as they did for me) don't fight it. Move with it in your own way. Learn to skidaddle and you'll see that nothing is insurmountable, even your favourite armchair!

xxx