Ruby’s Reflections: what’s in a name?

Ruby's Reflections| 39 Comments

tortoiseshell cat in pink cat bed

Did you know that I’m a trendsetter? I didn’t, either, until one day last week, when I was sitting on Mom’s lap while she was reading a press release about the Top 10 Trendiest Cat and Dog Names. I couldn’t believe my eyes. What? You think I can’t read? Think again! Anyway, here it was, in black and white: the name Ruby made the top 10.

At first I was a little miffed. Don’t get me wrong, I love my name, but I thought I was unique and special and that no other cat in the whole world has such a beautiful name! I know Mom didn’t pick my name because it was trendy. Mom is too cool for that – she doesn’t do things just because they’re “in.” But then I thought it’s actually kind of flattering that so many other people named their cats Ruby. Just because of me! How amazing is that!Continue Reading

Allegra’s Baby

Allegra's World| 63 Comments

tortoiseshell cat with catnip toy

Allegra has a very special toy. It’s not fancy; in fact, it’s an ancient toy that actually belonged to Feebee, who has been gone for twelve years now. She dug it out of the toy basket one day, and apparently decided that it was going to be her “baby.” It’s a soft, plush little stuffed mitten with a tail that has a pompon at the end. She never actually plays with it, but yet, it’s clearly very special to her.

She picks it up and carries it around the house, chirping and singing and sometimes yowling. It sounds a bit plaintive, a sad little cry, as if she had lost something. The first time I heard it, I thought she’d hurt herself! As soon as I look for her when she does this, she drops the toy and stops, which is why I haven’t been able to get a video of her with the toy.

Amber had her own version of this special toy: a green and tan fuzzy mouse that I got for her when she first came to live with me. For the entire ten years that she was with me, that mouse was her special “baby.” Like Allegra, she’d pick it up, carry it around the house, crying and yowling. Amber would often sleep with her “baby,” something I’ve not seen Allegra do. Continue Reading

Sunday Purrs: Possibility

Sunday Purrs| 9 Comments

grey-long-haired-cat

I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities. –  Whoopi Goldberg

Guest post by Angie Bailey

As humans, we sometimes make choices based on beliefs that are self-limiting and rob us of the radiant joy we so generously deserve. Dwelling in possibility and opening ourselves to unlimited good can definitely feel a little un-comfort zone-y, but relaxing and embracing our divine infinite potential is a sure-fire key to real happiness.

One of my favorite quotations comes from inner peace guru Wayne Dyer. He talks about “having a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.” This means that, even if an outcome looks differently than we expected, we stay in the flow and meet it with gratitude and grace, knowing there is always possibility at every turn. And later, we are usually grateful for the turn of events.

I observe my cats doing this very thing.Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: Ruby Gets a Visit from the Vet

Ruby's Reflections| 8 Comments

kitten cute cat tree

Boy, do I have a story to tell today! I know Mom loves me, and everything she does is for my own good (or so she tells me), but sometimes, you have to wonder about these humans.

The other day, I was snoozing on Mom’s lap, all nice and cozy, just loving my life and being close to Mom, when the doorbell rang. Allegra and I ran to the top of the stairs to see who was coming to see us. I always let Allegra go first. She’s the official greeter, and with very few exceptions, I’m a little shy around new people. Mom seemed happy to see the woman who came in, and Allegra ran down the stairs to greet her.

I wasn’t so sure. I had vague memories of that woman. She’d been at our house before, I just couldn’t remember when. Mom invited her to come into the living room, and she and Mom sat down and started talking. Then it hit me: of course! The last time she was here, I wasn’t feeling so good. Continue Reading

Allegra and Ruby have a secret

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 8 Comments

tortoiseshell cats table

Hi, everyone, it’s Ruby! I had to wait until Mom left for a little while to get on the computer. She told Allegra and me that we couldn’t write anything until after our big blog anniversary next week, because she doesn’t trust us not to spoil the surprises she has planned. But it’s just so exciting, you have no idea! It’s so hard to keep quiet!

Allegra: Ruby! Get away from the computer. You know Mom made us promise not to say anything to anyone!

Ruby: I’m not saying anything. I’m just typing away on this keyboard…

Allegra: Come on Ruby, you know better than that. Everything we write on here is read by thousands of people.

Ruby: Really? That many?Continue Reading

Sunday Purrs: Energy Vampires

Sunday Purrs| 30 Comments

vampire cat teeth yawn

Cats are extremely sensitive to the energy around them, and, because of the deep bond between cat and human, they sometimes even take on their person’s problems. Due to the shared energy in such a close relationship, energetic imbalances are shared as well. Sensitivity to energy varies among people, but we’re all affected by it, whether we’re aware of it or not.

Have you ever felt completely drained after spending time with someone? Have you ever had an unpleasant exchange with someone, and just couldn’t seem to let go of the residual bad feelings? You’ve just encountered an energy vampire. They’re the complainers, nay-sayers, passive-aggressives, and doomsday predicters in your life. Like vampires, they feed off the life force of others around them, and they would love nothing better than to turn you into one of them. Misery loves company.Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: Ruby “Meets” Jackson Galaxy

Ruby's Reflections| 1 Comment

cat-watching-my-cat-from-hell

Hey guys! I’m famous! I made an appearance in Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy’s most recent newsletter!

I encourage you to read the entire issue of Jackson Galaxy, The Cat Daddy, and if you’re not already a subscriber, you should subscribe! In addition to my adorable self, you’ll also find Jackson’s position on declawing, which I applaud wholeheartedly, helpful hints on reintroductions, information about his upcoming book, and some really cool toys!Continue Reading

Sunday Purrs: Living an authentic life

Sunday Purrs| 17 Comments

Ruby-tortoiseshell-cat-face

The authentic self is the soul made visible. –  Sarah Ban Breathnach

Life is a series of conscious choices. Every moment present us with an opportunity to choose to be authentic. Merriam Webster defines “authentic” as “true to one’s own personality, spirit or character.” To me, living authentically means making choices that are in alignment with my value system. It means taking responsibility for my life, and for my choices.

It’s easy to blame things outside ourselves when life isn’t going the way we want it to, whether it’s the governemnt, the weather, or other people. We can’t control everything. Life happens, and trouble finds everyone at some point. Life is not meant to be perfect. But we can control how we react to life as it happens to us, and by making conscious choices, one moment at a time, we eventually create an authentic life for ourselves.Continue Reading

Nutra-Thrive-Cat

Ruby’s Reflections: Tooth Brushing

Ruby's Reflections| 11 Comments

tortoiseshell-cat-belly-cute

Hey you guys – it’s Ruby! It’s been too long since I’ve written something here!

I’m having the best winter. Normally in the winter, our windows are closed most of the time, but it’s been so mild here lately that there have been many days when Mom could leave the windows open for part of the day. Allegra and I enjoy the breeze wafting in while we sit on our window perches. We both love the one in the bedroom, because on sunny days, it’s in the sun almost the entire afternoon.

Since we both love that perch so much, we alternate between it and the bed. We’re good sisters! I know Mom wishes that we’d just figure out how to cuddle on it together, but if you ask me, that’s a little too much togetherness. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister, but I love her just fine at a slight distance.Continue Reading