Tag Archives: pets

The Furry and the Restless- Episode 2 The Cardboard Coup

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Banner sitting proudly in the cardboard box, blissfully unaware he’s about to spark a feline power struggle

Scene 1: Banner’s Brief but Glorious Reign

Banner discovered The Box with the wide‑eyed optimism of a cat who believes the universe occasionally gifts him nice things.

He stepped in, sat tall, and lifted his head like he was posing for a Renaissance portrait.

Banner’s internal monologue:
“Yes. This is perfect. I am perfect. The Box is perfect. Everything is going great for me personally.”

For a shining moment, Banner was the Prince Regent of Cardboard, blissfully unaware that his reign had an expiration date.

Scene 2: The Return of the True Monarch

Balboa reappeared — not running, not pouncing, just materializing like a villain entering stage left.

His eyes narrowed.
>His whiskers stiffened.
>His soul whispered:

Balboa’s internal monologue:
“I leave for FIVE MINUTES and this is what I come back to? Treason.”

Banner, sensing the atmospheric pressure drop, executed a graceful, drama‑free exit — the kind that says, “I was done anyway.”

Scene 3: Consolidation of Power

Balboa climbed into The Box with the solemn dignity of a king returning to his throne after a brief and embarrassing coup.

He inspected the corners.
>He checked the flaps.
>He sniffed the air like a monarch detecting betrayal.

Balboa’s internal monologue:
“I can still smell him. Unacceptable. I will be filing a formal complaint.”

Then he sat — tall, tense, and deeply unimpressed.

Scene 4: Banner’s Hopeful Interlude

Banner retreated to the top of the cat tree — the highest point in the land — and gazed down upon the cardboard kingdom like a tiny, fluffy general surveying the battlefield.

His tail twitched.
>His whiskers quivered.
>His little cat brain began swirling with plans.

Banner’s internal monologue:
“Okay… okay… hear me out. What if I… take back the box? Not now. Later. When he’s sleepy. Yes. A surprise insurrection. Brilliant.”

From his lofty perch, he looked almost regal — if “regal” included the occasional distracted blink and the faint hum of a single orange cat brain cell working overtime.

He knew Balboa ruled the cardboard empire.
He knew any rebellion would be short‑lived.
But that didn’t stop him from dreaming.

For now, he plotted.

Scene 5: The King’s Return (and He Is Not Amused)

Balboa eventually arrived to reclaim the new box, too.

He settled in with the expression of a king who has discovered someone sat on his throne without permission.

Balboa’s internal monologue:
“This kingdom requires constant supervision. I am surrounded by fools.”

He sat alert, annoyed, and fully prepared to defend his cardboard empire from future uprisings.

🐾 The cardboard kingdom is secure… for now. But in this house, the next coup is always just one box away.

 

Bald Is Beautiful (But Not for Cat Furniture)

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Banner and Balboa exploring the new cat tree 2023

🐾 The Balding Cat Tree Chronicles

When Inspiration Hits at the Worst Possible Time

There are days when I can’t think of a single blog idea, and then there are days like today — when I’m running late, haven’t even finished my coffee, and suddenly inspiration hits me right between the eyes.

The Shocking Discovery

I walked past the cat tree and froze.
Not because a cat was dangling off it like a circus performer.
Not because someone had knocked it over again.
No.
Because the thing is bald.

 

I’m talking down to the plywood, like a bar of hotel soap that’s been used by every guest since 1998. The once‑fluffy carpeting is now a memory, a suggestion, a rumor. If you squint, you can almost imagine what it used to look like.

Gratitude… Sort Of

Now, logically, I should be thrilled. If Banner and Balboa are scratching the cat tree, they’re not scratching my furniture. That’s a win. A victory. A tiny miracle. I should be doing a celebratory lap around the living room.

But here’s the thing:
Cat trees are not cheap.
And being on a fixed income means I can’t just stroll into PetSmart, point at the deluxe model, and say, “Wrap it up, boys.”

The GoFundMe That Will Never Be

So naturally, my brain — helpful as ever — whispered,
“Maybe you should start a GoFundMe for a new cat tree.”
Don’t worry. I’m kidding.
(Probably.)

The Boys Take Credit

Meanwhile, Banner and Balboa are standing proudly beside their handiwork like tiny contractors who just completed a major renovation. If you ask them, the exposed wood is a design choice. Very modern. Very minimalist. Very ‘we did this on purpose, Mom.’

Balboa even sat on the top perch, surveying the room like a king on a throne made of splinters. Banner, of course, immediately tried to chew the corner, because why not add dental work to the list of future expenses.

Turning Chaos Into Content

So here I am, running late, staring at a cat tree that looks like it’s been through a war, and thinking, “Well… at least it’s a blog post.”

And honestly? That’s the joy of living with cats. They destroy things, they cost money, they shed on everything you own — and somehow, they still give you something to laugh about on a Tuesday morning when you’re already behind schedule.

Stay tuned. The boys are already eyeing the curtains, so I’m sure Part Two is coming.

 

Introducing MeoWant-A Cat Centric Partnership

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MeoWant Joins the Family

I got invited to be an affiliate for Meowant, a company that leans into the techy side of cat care — think automated litter boxes, smart cleaning systems, a sleek pet fountain, air purifiers, and a grooming kit. If you’re someone who loves automation and gadgets that make pet care easier, they’ve got a surprisingly robust lineup. Check out the full line up here

A must have litter box for your cat. Makes cleanup a breeze

Around here, we’re still using our trusty old fountain (it has a few good years left in it), and automated litter boxes aren’t the best match for Banner’s… creative output style. But plenty of cat households swear by automated setups, and Meowant has several options for people who like their pet gear on the high‑tech side.

For now, I’m giving them a cozy little spot in Dusty’s Picks — a soft hello while we see where the partnership goes and whether their catalog grows into something that fits our home even better down the line. In the meantime thier web page has lots of cute cat pictures. Check it out here.

 

National Cat Lady Day: I Was Born Ready

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Long live the Cat Ladies. Endorsed by the Feline Nap Authority.

 National Cat Lady Day

Today is National Cat Lady Day, which is really just a polite way of saying “the cats were already in charge, but now it’s official.”

Banner and Balboa have graciously allowed me to observe the holiday by:

  • Providing snacks on demand
  • Serving as a heated lap accessory
  • Accepting that every chair is a cat chair
  • And remembering that I am merely the staff

If you, too, have ever canceled plans because a cat fell asleep on you, congratulations — you’re celebrating correctly.

Long live the Cat Ladies.
Endorsed by the Feline Nap Authority.

 

 

A Day in the Life of a Cat‑Owned Human

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No one sulks better than Balboa

The Nighttime Opera & Ribcage Choreography

Some days, I swear Banner and Balboa hold secret meetings to plan my downfall. Today was one of those days.

After a night of absolutely no sleep — Banner performing his midnight opera and Balboa practicing his interpretive dance across my ribcage — I thought I’d grab a nap. A simple nap. A human right.

But no.

The Recliner Betrayal

The power went out for TMLP’s pole work, which meant my recliner was frozen in the upright position like a stubborn monument. So I crawled back into bed, hoping for ten minutes of peace.

That’s when the chaos began.

Chaos Begins: The Water Fountain Crisis

Banner immediately launched into a full‑volume monologue louder than anything he does at night.

He was deeply offended that his royal water fountain had gone silent.
Back and forth he went, inspecting the spout like a tiny plumber.
A single tap on the bowl confirmed his suspicions — and he still wouldn’t take a sip.

The Feline Olympics (Bed Edition)

Balboa turned the bed into a racetrack, sprinting back and forth like he was training for the Feline Olympics. Nothing I did calmed them. Not petting, not bribery, not pleading with the universe.

1st Nap attempt: Denied.

Bathroom Acoustics: Banner Discovers the Tub Echo

I left the bathroom door open. After all, it wasn’t night time and it’s usually open during the day. Big mistake. Banner redirected his efforts from the water fountain to the medicine cabinet. Then he resumed his serenade in the tub. Cries echoing throughout the apartment.

Balboa Adds Counterpoint

Balboa moved to the headboard, racing back and forth and joined in with counterpoint meows.

 

2nd Nap attempt: Denied.

The Printer Incident: Balboa’s Sneak Attack

Later, once the lights came back and I was trying to work on the printer, Balboa pulled his final stunt of the day: he snuck onto my chair just as I was sitting down.

Squash.
One startled human.
One flattened panther‑cat.
Zero apologies from the guilty party.

Ultimate Sulk Fest: Balboa, Wronged Panther‑Cat.

No one sulks better than Balboa

Life With Cats: Zero Peace, Maximum Love

And so it goes.

Life with cats: no sleep, no naps, no personal space… but somehow, still worth every chaotic minute.