Catshark Attack!

Sometimes Finny seems to think he's a shark. He's white like the great whites, has sharp teeth, is a fast hunter, and likes to sneak up on people and get their toes.

"This is my shark face!"

Unknown to many people, there are a family of sharks known as catsharks, and no, tiger sharks are not included in this family group. A popular internet video has taken the term "catshark" literally by photoshopping the face of a cat onto a great white shark as it leaps up out of the water.

Finny and these catsharks have a lot in common, even though sharks are fish and cats are mammals. Catsharks are usually less than three feet long, are carnivorous, enjoy tropical and temperate regions, have cat-like eyes, enjoy eating fish, and are usually tan, brown, or orange-ish in color.

Practicing his "angry shark face."

Even though Finny will never get to be a real shark, he will keep trying. Maybe he can have a shark Halloween costume next year!

~RL

Finny's Fantastic Fedora

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat turned 55 this year. Nearly everyone remembers the classic story about two children who are cured of being bored by a strangely human-like cat wearing a tall red and white hat.

Wikipedia image.

The Cat has inspired movies, TV shows, and sequential books. Besides the media, The Cat in the Hat has inspired culture. There are Cat in the Hat costumes, events, and memorials.  Additionally, of course, the book inspires children to read--which was Dr. Seuss' initial purpose in creating The Cat.

Finny, with a bit of help from his "dad," has also been inspired by Dr. Seuss' cat. The Cat wears a tall, red and white stripped hat. Finnegan Chase has a hat--a short, tan hat (that suspiciously resembles an invisible ankle sock).

Pampered Whiskers began in 2007. Their blog states that the organization was created "with the goal of bringing smiles to the faces of pet owners while helping out animals." Pampered Whiskers sells collars, holiday items, picture coffee mugs, note cards, and hats for pets and pet owners.

Finnegan wants the "little devil" hat.

Part of the money from each sale goes to help animal rescue groups. The list of charities Pampered Whiskers supports is listed on their website. If you choose to order an item for yourself or your pet, you can choose which organization you want Pampered Whiskers to donate to.

Think Finny could be the next Cat in the Hat?

~RL

The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side of the Window

Every day, multiple times a day, Finnegan tries to convince me to let him outside. Whether he is lurking at the front door meowing his head off, jumping at the back door, or staring earnestly out the window, Finny does his best to slip outdoors when we are least expecting it.

Since his front feet are declawed, Finny does not have a good way to defend himself if he were to be attacked by another animal outside. Where we live is also close to a busy highway, and it would be easy for Finny to wander off and get lost or be hit by a car.

With so many dangerous variables against him, Finny is not allowed to traverse outside without a human accompanying him. Thankfully, other animals share these same problems and retailers have discovered an item to solve the issue of taking pets outside safely: leashes.

Yes, Finnegan Chase walks on a leash. Surprisingly, Finny does not mind wearing his leash and harness since it allows him to visit the outside world and nibble on some fresh grass.

There are many different types of harnesses and leashes to choose from for your pet. Petsmart sells a variety of pet walking accessories, so I will use their stock as examples.

Leashes:
- Nylon leashes. These are light, versatile leashes that are very affordable. Nylon leashes are appropriate for both dogs and cats because they come in various sizes and lengths for small or large pets. This is Finny's leash of choice.
- Leather leashes. Leather makes a strong leash, but it is significantly more expensive than nylon.
- Retractable leashes. Retractable leashes are nice because they do not get tangled up easily and they allow animals to roam further than traditional leashes would allow them to. However, these leashes are not as strong as leather or nylon leashes and the mechanics of the retractable handle can be broken easily (especially if you are trying to walk a very strong animal that jerks against the leash a lot).

Harnesses:
- Strap harnesses. These harnesses are highly adjustable and inexpensive. This type of harness works best with a pet that does not pull or try to run away while on a leash because it is easier for an animal to wriggle out of a strap harness.
- Padded harnesses. Padded or mesh harnesses are better for cats and small dogs to use because it is nearly impossible for a pet to escape from them. They are less adjustable and cost more than strap harnesses. This is Finny's harness of choice.

"Okay, take me back inside now. It's cold out here."

~RL

Green with Envy

On June 23, 2012, I got married.

While my husband, Haydon, and I were still dating, he and Finny had a good relationship. Finnegan would climb up onto Haydon's lap and purr contentedly, happily enjoying the attention and treats he recieved. However, this all changed the day his new "father" came home to permanently live with us.

It was during this time that I learned that my precious Finnegan had a jealous streak. Whenever I was spending time with my husband, Finny would demand my attention as well, usually by jumping up onto my lap or yowling until I left what I was doing and paid attention to him. I had heard of cats becoming jealous upon the arrival of a new baby or another cat, but over a husband?

As you might remember from my first post, Meet Finnegan, Finny is a Flame-point Siamese cat. FPS cats have a very distinct personality, which includes a strong desire for attention and socialization. This explains why Finny became so jealous when I was paying more attention to my husband than to him.

Eventually, after months of forced interaction, Finny and Haydon eventually made nice--just like Finny and Samwise eventually did.

~RL