THE NEWS IN THE PALMS

 

Why Adopt a Maine Coon Cat?

 Ten Reasons Why You Need to Adopt a Maine Coon Cat Now

If you’re seeking to adopt a cat then you may be trying to decide on why get a Maine Coon cat. Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world today. Whether you have a friend who has a Maine Coon cat, or you’ve simply viewed photos or videos online, this amazing cat breed can bring happiness to your life. 

Adopting a cat is as serious as adopting a human child, so you need to carefully consider your reasons why you want to shop, not adopt. If you already have a few cat rescues, then good on you! Now you can find the cat of your dreams who will get along with all your other furry or hairy companions. While there are dozens of pure bred cat breeds out there, there are also shelters full of cats too. We can assist you in finding your reason why you want to adopt the wonderful Maine Coon cat breed.

If you’re puzzled and uncertain how to start your cat adoption journey, here are ten reasons why you should get a Maine Coon cat. 

Why Adopt a Maine Coon Cat or Kitten?

Just what is so special about Maine Coon cats? They appear to get a ton of recognition in cat magazines, on cat social media websites, and at competitive cat shows. This cat can grow up to twenty-five pounds, though there are records of them being up to fifty pounds in weight. These cats can be up to 14 inches in height, and 40 inches in length. If you have young children, your main concern will be if this cat is safe around children. Perhaps the concern is because the Maine Coon cat is so large. It’s uncertain how they were initially bred, perhaps with Siberian forest cats, or Norwegian forest cats, then brought to the USA by settlers. The cat’s thick coat make them survive the harsh winters more easily. And since the cat is descended from a mix of house cat and wild cat, you may be wondering why you should get a Maine Coon cat. 

Here are ten reasons to help you learn about what is so special about Maine Coon cats. 

1. The Maine Coon’s Beautiful Coat Pattern

The Maine Coon cat has some beautiful coat markings. Their fur is of medium length, and can also be long-haired too. Their coat is super soft and silky, with some variations. This does make them a bit more difficult to care for, but that’s some of the fun of having a cat. Their long-haired coats are also much easier to care for than a Persian cat, so might be a better choice if you don’t want to do hours of grooming every day. Their fur length can be longer on their stomach, and they may have a mane of fur around their necks. Their fur does get thicker in the winter, then sheds before the summer. Brown tabby is their most common coat pattern colour. 

2. Their Wonderful Personality

Despite their appearance, Maine Coon cats generally have a calm and gentle demeanor. They are also highly intelligent, which may be a part of how they recognize that they will thrive with a family if they are cooperative. And due to their intelligence, they are easy to train. This is not the type of cat that hisses or swats at you, though there may be an exception. If you have young children or other pets, the Maine Coon cat will be relaxed around others. They’re also quite loyal to their families. 

3. A Fur Coat That Protects Them

Maine Coon cats evolved to survive harsh conditions on the sea, and also on land. If you live in a wet or colder than expected part of the UK, Europe, or the world, then this may be the right cat for you. They have long fluffy tails, and more fur on their tummies. This helps to keep them protected from snow or icy surfaces. They can take their long fluffy tails and wrap them around their face and shoulders to keep themselves warm. They also have extra-large paws, with some of them being polydactyl, with extra feet. Their ears have long tufts of fur at the top, with extra tufts of fur growing from between their toes. 

4. The Maine Coon’s Amazing Size

This type of cat is too big to be a lap cat, so if that’s what you want, you may have to choose a different breed. This is one of the largest cat breeds in the world today, with the exception of the Savannah cat. Male cats can weigh up to 18 pounds, while female cats cat weight up to 16 pounds. There are some exceptions, as this breed has been recorded to up to fifty pounds (though likely overweight). Including the tail, their bodies can be 38 inches in length. They have solid muscular bodies and can defend themselves quite well against predators (though you’ll want to keep your family member inside). 

5. Their Method of Communication

If you want a quiet cat, you’d best look elsewhere. The Maine Coon cat is quite vocal, and they enjoy having chats with their humans. These extremely vocal and highly sociable cats have no problem in telling you what they want. They have a wide range of sounds that you’ll soon learn to understand. These sounds can vary from howling or yowling to trilling, chirping, meowing, and other loud vocalizations. They also enjoy when their humans participate, so you’ll be able to have a good conversation back and forth. 

6. The Maine Coon Cat’s Love of Water

Cats generally hate water, so it can be surprising when your cat climbs into the shower or bathtub with you. And that’s what can happen when you adopt a Maine Coon cat. They love the water, whether it’s joining you in the bath, or going for a walk outside in the rain, or hopping into a lake. They have this wonderful fascination with water. This adorable trait is believed to come from their ancestors, who had to get used to long ship journeys from Europe to America, then back again. Back then these cats would spend a lifetime on these ships, controlling the rodent population so that the human food chain was kept safe. 

7. They Don’t Need a Special Diet

One of your concerns when adopting a cat may be if this cat breed requires a different type of diet than your average house cat. The truth is no, they don’t. They can eat the same crunchies and wet food and treats that other cats can eat. The difference is that the Maine Coon cat does need more food, as they are not only bigger, but also can expend more energy. They’ll also need to be fed more often throughout the day. They are as simple to feed as your usual house cat though.

8. Maine Coon Cats Are Extremely Affectionate

One of their most notable personality traits can be how affectionate these cats are. They are very gentle, and have a calm demeanor, but they are also not afraid to express their affection to their family too. You can expect to be greeted when you arrive home from work, and have your cat rub around your legs, and hop on top of you in the chair to give you a big hug. And it doesn’t matter if the cat is male or female, they’re both big cuddlers.  The more you encourage the cuddles, the more that they’ll be willing to cuddle up to you, particularly in bed at night.  

9. They Love to Play

Sometimes you adopt a cat and they aren’t too playful. But that isn’t true for the Maine Coon cat. These cats love to play as they’re highly energetic. They’ll have fun with your other pets in the household, or by themselves. But you should also join in on the fun and toss their toys around. They’ll have fun, and maybe even bat that toy back at you, or carry it back to you in their mouth. You should dedicate time each day to spend with your cat. You’ll both have fun together, and playing together will help you to both bond more quickly. 

10. They Love Going Outdoors

Maine Coon cats love going outdoors, but you should only allow them monitored outdoor visits. The good news is that these cats are easy to leash train, and will enjoy a daily walk outdoors. Rain or snow will not stop them, they’ll still want to go out! If you build a catio for them, this will provide them with some fresh air while you take a break. And since these cats are so calm, they’ll do well in your local parks, even if there are other people or animals around. 

Hopefully the wonderful ten reasons listed above will assist you with deciding why you should get a Maine Coon cat. You’ve now learned what is so special about Maine Coon cats, their size, traits, and personality, and how they can be the perfect pet for you or your family. Your male or female kitten or adult cat will quickly settle in, and you’ll be so happy to have a furry new family member! 

If you’ve enjoyed being taken away by your working day for just a few minutes then please donate a Ko-Fi to me! It would be greatly appreciated, and I can keep on creating entertaining content for you! 

Send from here: https://ko-fi.com/melanied

A Guide to How a Dog's Comfort Affects Sleep & Behaviour & How to Fix Dog Insomnia & Irritability

By Mel Dawn, Author of Just One More Purr 

Click Here to Buy Book

The Impact of a Good Night’s Sleep Among Dogs

Every creature on the planet requires a good night’s sleep to recharge and feel happy and alert for the day ahead. While we seem to focus a lot on our own sleep needs, often we forget that our dogs need a good night’s sleep also. Has your dog ever woken irritable and on edge? Have they barked a lot during the day, chewed on things they shouldn’t have, and generally been a nuisance? In a way they’re like young children who didn’t have a good night’s rest. Dog sleep is just as important for them too. 

Not only does a dog suffer when they don’t sleep well, but their human owner does too. This can frustrate and annoy the pet owner and make them wonder why their dog is behaving badly throughout the day. And unfortunately, many pet owners abandon their pets instead of trying to find a solution like they would if their own human children weren’t sleeping well at night. 

You may think you’re doing your best to help your dog sleep at night. But are you really? Have you placed big dog beds in a quiet spot in your home? If you have more than one dog, each should have their own bed. Yes, they may decide to sleep with the cat, but it’ll be because they want to. 

A dog really needs a quality memory foam dog bed, or if you have a smaller breed, a memory foam dog sofa for the living room. These types of beds support their bodies, as well as keeping their spinal columns in alignment. A dog’s spinal column is just like a human’s. If it ever goes out of alignment, it’s a costly visit to a chiropractor to get it fixed, as well as pain medications. It’s best to prevent this condition from happening in the first place. 

Buying a high-quality memory foam dog bed today means that money can be saved in the future. A dog who sleeps well is a healthier dog. It’s just like when humans don’t sleep well, eventually it leads to health conditions and expensive medications. They might even lose their jobs at work, or have their relationships affected by people who don’t understand.

So, why not ensure your dog gets a good night’s sleep by buying them a good doggy bed!

What Are Typical Dog Sleeping Habits?

In order to find the best dog beds for your family you’ll need to have a good understanding of your dog’s sleeping habits. For example, a large dog that rolls around a lot will need a larger dog bed, while a smaller dog would be happy with a dog’s couch. Let’s learn a bit more about choosing the best dog beds for large dogs and smaller breeds too. 

You’ll need to observe your dog over the next several nights. What kinds of sleeping positions do they have? They may sleep on their right side or their left side. Some dogs like to sleep all curled up in a ball, much like a cat does when they sleep. Some dogs like to sleep all sprawled out on their tummies, while others sleep on their back with paws in the air. If your dog sleeps with you in the bed, do they sleep on the end? Or perhaps they like to snuggle right up to you in spoon position?

When you observe these patterns, see if there is a reason for them. For instance, a dog with an old dog bed too small for them may sleep curled up. A larger dog may favor one side because he doesn’t like the tough hard exterior shell of a dog bed. A bed may be too hard so a dog may sleep on their tummy.

You’ll also need to observe their behavior regarding their dog beds and their dog sleep. Does your dog sniff their bed and then go and sleep somewhere else? It may be stinky!

Did you know they have waterproof dog beds? You can place a clean dog blanket on top, then remove and wash once a week. As dogs age they may experience small accidents. In order to keep your home smelling fresh, you can easily wash their blankets and not have to worry that urine smells will permeate your waterproof dog bed.

If your dog paws their bed or circles it several times, it may be time for a new dog bed. It may not be soft enough for them. 

If your dog has a really good sleep in their bed, they may have the right one. But if they seem to continually wake, this is a sign that not only is the dog bed in a busy part of your home, but that perhaps they need something a bit more comfy.

Why We Need to Focus On Dog Sleep Importance

We’re always worried about our own sleep but we forget that our beloved pets also need to sleep well too. While cats naturally sleep 16 hours a day anywhere, dogs have certain needs that must be met. Dogs can suffer from poor sleep, just like humans can. And it’s not simple to tell a sleep-deprived dog to stop chewing your slippers, stop barking all day long, or to not pee on the floor. They are simply acting out because they’re not feeling 100%. So, how do we ensure that a dog has a good night’s sleep?

It can seem simple to let a dog sleep on your bed at night. But they’ll only get as good a sleep as you do. If you tossed and turned all night, chances are your dog will too. The best solution is a large pet bed. 

If your dog sleeps well at night then you will too! And you’ll both be able to live happily together. Your dog will adapt to your schedule, so they’ll be ready for a walk once you get up in the morning, and ready to go to bed at night when you do too. 

A pet bed should be placed in a quiet spot away from the busy traffic of your home. Dogs don’t need to have their own rooms – after all they love to be with their humans – but one of the best dog beds can be placed against the wall where no one will trip over it in the night should they get up to use the bathroom. 

If your pooch is one of the smaller breeds, a dog pillow will be just right. Otherwise, a luxury pet bed will help them to sleep at night. You may be surprised to hear that some of the best are memory foam pet beds, after all, memory foam is great for the human spinal cord too!

With a soft comfortable pet bed that supports your dog’s body your dog will be able to have a good night’s rest. And nothing is better than having a happy and healthy dog so you can make the most of your days together. 

How a Dog Sofa More Than Complements Your Living Room Decor

The first thing you may think when purchasing a dog couch is whether it complements your living room decor, but your first consideration should really be your dog. If you have an elderly dog, you may need a special old dog sofa for them. After all, when your dog is happy then you will be too!

Have you ever bought something for your cat, only for them to turn their noses up at it? So, back to the store it went. The same goes for dogs.  When you buy them a good dog’s sofa, you want it to be soft and comfortable, but also to be supportive of their body frame.

The best dog sofa will give your pooch a comfortable sleep, during night or day. They’ll wake up refreshed and ready for a new day with you. They shouldn’t be waking up with aches and pains, so why would you make them sleep on an old blanket or that cat bed the cat no longer wants? 

Just imagine the look on your dog’s face when you open up that box. It’s a large dog sofa for them! They’ll be so excited to try it. Don’t be surprised if at first they seem to be sleeping a bit longer in it. They’re just trying to catch up on their rest.

So, besides the best dog sofa, what should you look for in a dog couch? For one, ensure it’s the right size for them. Not only do you want to choose based on width and length, but also depth. A lighter dog doesn’t need as much depth as a heavier dog. A bigger dog breed needs greater thickness so it doesn’t feel like they are sleeping on the hard floor.

Most of the dog sofas on our site come in colours to complement any type of decor. A dog sofa will fit well with your living room suite, like it’s a part of your room. And your dog will love how they can hang out with the family while they take a well-deserved rest from being a dog all day long. 

How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Dog Bed for Adult Dogs

If you’re ready to toss out your dog’s old blanket or doggy bed, now is the time to find the best dog bed to help your dog get a good’s night rest. As dogs age they can have trouble getting to sleep, just as humans also suffer from insomnia. Whether you have an adult dog, older dog, or special needs dog, they need a comfortable dog mattress that supports and comforts their body. Your dog may be a small, medium, or large dog breed but they can benefit from an orthopedic dog bed. 

You may never have heard of orthopedic dog beds before. But they are much better than simply allowing your dog to sleep on the floor. After all, they suffer from sore joints and muscles just like we do. And they are members of our family. So, good orthopedic pet beds are a necessary luxury for them. Besides, you’ll save on vet bills in the longterm, just like when you feed them a healthy diet!

The orthopedic pet mattress is gaining in popularity. Most pet owners want their dogs to be happy and comfortable when sleeping, with as few disturbances as possible. While some owners allow their pets to sleep on their bed at night, a dog may wake you up, or you may wake them up. Then, no one gets a good night’s rest. 

But if your dog has a good orthopedic pet mattress, you can tuck it into a corner of the room where they can have a good sleep.

If you’re wondering how to choose the best orthopedic pet bed mattress, or orthopedic pet sofa, it’s important to choose one that fits your dog’s breed size: small, medium, or large. Too small and your dog may ditch it for the floor. Too big and your dog may not feel secure. 

Measure your dog at rest to have an idea of which orthopedic dog bed to order. Then check the dog bed measurements. 

Some pet owners also like to coordinate a pet’s bed with their room decor, but this should be second to finding the right size for your pup.

When your dog has their comfortable orthopedic dog bed they may never leave it again! You may be a bit jealous of their memory foam pet bed and want to get one too!

REVIEW OF THE PURR SHOP – OR – HOW I LEARNED TO SHOP LOCALLY INSTEAD OF BEING SCAMMED

 by Mel Dawn

Review: 5 out of 10.

Finding a new umbrella to buy can be a challenge at the best of times. I received one in my FabFitFun box last spring. It was only a month before it broke. I then purchased one from Home Depot. It’s small and compact, which is great, if I can find that trigger point to get it to stay up. So, let’s say I was super-happy when I saw a purple cat umbrella online at The Purr Shop. 

Initially, I saw The Purr Shop advertised on Facebook. But since there are so many scammers out there, I proceeded with caution. I only found 2 Better Business Bureau complaints. Not bad, considering that FabFitFun has over 2000. I even discovered that they’re located in the USA (or so I thought!)

So, I went ahead and ordered my new umbrella, along with some other goodies. The other goodies were great, by the way. 

The umbrella, not so much. 

I ordered a Purple Cat Umbrella, but not only did I not receive the correct colour, I received some sort of terrible cheap knockoff umbrella. 

Please refer to the photo above from their site. The brand I received is not even right. In the photo online, the purple umbrella says "Rechap" for the brand and has a silver inside, and mauve outside. The one I received says "Like Rain". I can see a blue umbrella on the site but the one I received looks nothing like that and even the sleeve isn't tagged.

As you can see from the photo, I didn't receive the correct item at all.

Normally I'd be fine with a blue cat umbrella, but not only is this not the brand as advertised on the site, but it's some cheap knockoff. The umbrella is made from some sort of cheap garbage bag plastic that I can poke my fingers through.

Also, the plastic totally smells really really bad. I've placed it outside. I'm sure that it wouldn't pass any North American guidelines for plastics manufacturing. I've never even smelled anything this bad.

I ended up putting the umbrella outside for a week. Then I contacted The Purr Shop. No response, but not a surprise considering their BBB reviews. I discovered that both their addresses listed online are actually for UPS Stores. So, this is a company located in China that has faux USA addresses. Sad. 

I took it to Paypal to dispute the cost. After all, why should I pay for junk? They ruled 50/50. So, in order for me to get a refund, I must return it. Since it cost me about $30 CAD, and would cost me $20 CAD to send back, I decided to just keep it.

Fortunately, the plastic smell has greatly dissipated. 

Let’s hope I can get a few years’ usage out of it and hope it doesn't break.

Lesson learned – Shop local from meow on!

PS: Check out my cat care book here: getbook.at/ameowzon 

Good Mews! Cat Care Book Success

Buy Here

Just One More Purr Cat Care Book: Terminal Illness & Chronic Illness Support for Cats & the Humans Who Love Them

MORE PURRS PLEASE!

by Mel Dawn

SHOP HERE: ON AMAZON!

Preparing my books for shipping this week!

A cat care book for cats and the humans who love them. This handbook treats the natural stages of life with lightheartedness and humour at a time when you may be stressed out or unhappy with your chronically or terminally ill cat. Learn coping strategies to help you look after your kitty, including how to spend quality time together, so you and your beloved cat can live a happy and furfilling life.

Provides support for cat owners with sick cats, cats with illness, cats with chronic illness, and cats with terminal illness. Mental health support for cat owners. Palliative care tips and cat health tips for cats. 

Just One More Purr: Chronic and Terminal Illness Support for Cats and the Humans Who Love Them is for everyone who loves their cats and wants to assist them through difficult times. 

This e-book edition contains additional content.

"After reading this book I feel like a whole mew person." ~Meowster HideC

10 Ways to Help Your Writer Friends

Hi Friends! If you don’t already know, I have written a book—The Aquaria Chronicles! This book is about 200 pages long. Within it are three smaller books and one short story. It’s for young adults or adult readers who enjoy the fantasy/paranormal/pre-apocalyptic genres. Hopefully you’ll have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. But I do need more people to read it, and that’s where I need help from my friends.

Here are 10 things you can do to help me out. You can also use them to assist your other writer friends in getting their books read. Every little thing adds up, and we certainly appreciate the efforts you have made. Each thing you do adds up over time, and creates a domino effect.

1. Buy the digital e-Book on Amazon.

2. Buy a printed copy when you have the chance. From conventions, bookstores, or directly from your writer friends.

3. Join our street teams, and then post an honest Amazon review.

4. Mark the book as to-read on Goodreads, then complete your review after you’re done.

5. Enter any giveaways offered and promote them to your friends.

6. Share your writer friend’s posts about their books. 

7. Participate in any online release party activities.

8. Add book links to your own blog or website. Let us know, so we can promote your site in return. 

9. Ask your local library if they’ll carry the book, The Aquaria Chronicles by Melanie Dixon.

10. Request the book from your local bookstore. 

Thank you so much for your work. Thank you to CL Flors (Progeny) for the idea for this post. 

Horoscope for the Taurus Cat

Most compatible sign: Gemini owner.
Features of your Taurus Cat: Taurus cats are broad chested, with a fluffy mane of fur. Your Taurus cat is loyal and deeply bonds with you. She is loyal to one owner, but the other hoomins are her friends. You're her entertainment value. She'll spend a bit too much time lolling around, and not so much at playing. She loves to cuddle, and be brushed, and have her tummy rubbed. She's not easy to anger, but when she does she'll draw blood. She loves having company, and will hang out with your friends. She is suscetible to liver disease. Her demeanour is chatty, and she is set on routine. She'll learn a variety of tricks, and try to please her human. She can be stubborn, but she can also be patient when the human has to give her medicine. She's happy indoors, and will be pleased staring out the window, when she's not staring at you. Her staring may be a bit creepy at times, particularly when it's done from around the door in the middle of the night. A Taurus cat can be the perfect companion to a human who needs some attention.

2015 Horoscope: Your cat has had a rough year, but with the impending fall weather, your cat will perk up and start getting stronger. She'll become more vocal and active. You may have been worried about Christmas, but your cat is going to be ready for it, and may even knock a few balls off the tree this year.

I See Cat People

There are cat products available for purchase in nearly any shop nowadays. You can find Grumpy Cat merchandise, or the latest books on Nala Cat, or Maru the Box Cat, and Homer the Blind Cat. There's also a wide variety of general cat merchandise, from wallets, to jewellery, and clothing.

Last month I took a trip to Steveston, in Richmond, BC, Canada. You'd think the area would be inundated with Once Upon a Time merchandise, as that's where the TV show is filmed, but no. The only place I saw Once Upon a Time merchandise was at the local tourist office and museum.

Instead, I found tons of cat merch. I couldn't leave without buying a few items, but most had to remain on the shelf. Here's some photographs of What the Cat Saw. Meow!

A kitty bookmark, but who wants to take it out of its cute packaging?

These kitty bottle openers will have you smiling too!

Because we all love cat butts!

The other side of the cat butts coin purse.

Liar liar furry pants on fire!

You too can be as pretty as me with your very own cat compact.

Cat fabric for your arts and crafts.

Kitty cat cross stitch kit.

Kittys on the keys needlepoint project kit.

Cat picks for food or hair?

Cat pillow.

Tiny kitty cat post it notes.

Kitty purse.

A blue kitty scarf.

A pink kitty scarf.

T-shirt or night shirt? Doesn't matter, when I held these up, a little old lady saw them and bought all four! I should have earned commission!

Another of the shirts that I inadvertently sold.

Back view of another shirt.

Front view of the shirt.

A kitty princess t-shirt.

Some cute cat socks that I found at the local crafts shop.

None of these items are for sale, but I do have a few cat items for sale in my own Catews shop. Please do stop by for a visit!

The Real Reason There is a Skyrocketing Cat Population in Canada: Crazy Cat Lady or the Truth?

Before you say, "Great, it's not the humans' fault after all, it's the squirrels' or the truck drivers'", it's still the human's fault.

In 2011, over 600,000 cats did not find homes in Canada. Of that number, most have likely been euthanized.

My theory as to what happened is as follows.

For thousands of years humans were content to be born as humans, hunt and gather food, tend to the crops and raise their families. Somewhere around Victorian times humans became too smart for their own good and they knew it.

Humans started demanding basic human rights that were constantly taken away by their employers. They started abusing each other and demanding stuff for free. They wanted the government to look after them, but they didn't want to pay the taxes.

Humans sat down and had a good hard look at the world around them. They looked at their pets whom they loved. "I want to be a cat," they said to each other.

"If I can't be a cat in this life, I want to be a cat in my next life."

Tomorrow, those human souls become kittens via reincarnation.

By now you realize that your odds of finding a good kitty home are next to nil.

And once again, the cat overpopulation is still the humans' fault, just like it has always been.

SPCA Cat Report:
http://www.spcans.ca/documents/news/CFHS_CatReport3.pdf

Finding Isabel - Day Two of the Countdown to Queen Victoria's Birthday

Tabby cats were popular with the Victorians so today I'll tell my tabby stories. 

Today is Isabel's ninth birthday. I bought her a new kitty blanket, some treats, and made her a fascinator. 

She's only lived with me for two and a half years. It took a while before she came into my life. 

My entire life I had cats, except for an extremely long 14 years of renting apartments. In 2004 I adopted a tabby, but in the summer of 2009, the unthinkable happened. For her last year she rapidly declined, until I learned she had cancer. By the time we knew, she was already in her final days. I had become so attached to her in only five short years. I was devastated by her vet bills on my part-time income, and totally devastated in my heart. I knew I would adopt another cat one day, I just didn't know when. 

Several months passed. I graduated from college and found a better job. Not a day went past that I did not think of her. My boyfriend T drove me around to all the local shelters. I viewed hundreds of cats, but in my heart none of them were as special to me as Cristobel had been. 

"Leave the carrier in the car," I told T, at Katie's Place Cat Shelter in Maple Ridge, BC, November 2009. "I won't find a cat here either." He didn't listen to me and brought the pet taxi inside anyway. 

We spent two hours looking at cats. I wanted one around two years old, so I would have her for a long time. The staff helped me narrow down the cats that I had seen online. They didn't think a feisty young tabby was the right cat for me, so the hunt continued. They weren't going to let me leave without a cat in that pet taxi!

Discouraged, none of the cats really stood out for me. It was going on the third hour when I knew I wouldn't find one here either. The hunt for a cat would continue. I was taking this adoption seriously, and we had to be right for each other.

Finally, I decided to look at the older cats. There was nothing else to do on that day but go home anyway. I looked at 100 more, even the ones in the hospital area. 

I entered what must have been the last room of the shelter. All these cats were older, around 6 or more years. Not the right age, but I was just looking. 

And then I turned and I saw a gorgeous black, brown and peach tabby sitting on top of a tall scratching post. She had the sweetest expression on her face as I stroked her. She had the softest fur, her ears were rounded, and she seemed quite gentle. This was the cat I had been waiting for months to adopt!

She was named Cherub, like an angel, but she looked like an Isabel to me, so Cherub became her middle name. We brought her home and she cuddled up to me on that first night. There were no issues settling in, she immediately knew she was home.

That is how I found my kitty angel. Happy Birthday Isabel!