Poor guy. I cussed him out and now I feel bad. I'm like a sour patch kid. I can be real sour, then I feel bad and become overly sweet and kind.

One day I put a cheaper kitten on Craigslist. I put a few of the best pictures I could take of him on the ad. (Sometimes, when a kitten doesn't look too attractive, I will get the question "Can I have more pictures of it?" -as if his appearance will magically change with a new picture). 
So anyways, this day that I posted the ad, I had put in the ad that the pictures were current like from a day ago. Well, the ad got a huge response. I must've got 50 replies, and the majority of those replying were asking me for more photos. So what did I do? I went back onto Craigslist and edited my ad. On the first line I added in -in all caps; IF YOU ASK ME FOR MORE PICTURES I WILL NOT REPLY. (..or something to the sort). 
When people ask you for more pictures, 90% of the time they never buy, and they are basically saying, "I don't like the way the kitten looks. Can you make it look better?" I mean, that's just how it comes off to me, at least. IDK.

So anyways, about an hour later.... I check my text messages and the text reads. "Saw your kitten on Craigslist. Can I have more pictures" - or whatever. Well, the first thing I thought was... oh so these people read my ad where it says IF YOU ASK ME FOR MORE PICTURES I WILL NOT REPLY, and they are just straight up messing with me. So I replied back '"...what I replied".

Well, little did I know that they would take the time to put it as a review on Yelp. I mean they screenshotted our text conversation and everything. Cropped it, saved the image to their phone, and uploaded it to Yelp. That took lots of effort on their part. He must of really been hurt and that makes me sad.

What did I learn?  Have self control. Control your emotions and keep it professional at all times. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8

Let me just ad that anytime I get a bad review it's because I'm being rude to a male figure, like... "No Soup For You" type of thing. I've never gotten a bad review for my kittens, themselves. If that makes any difference to anybody.

I took three 8 week old kittens to the vet today. They kept insisting & even wrote down in their paperwork that the kittens were 6 weeks old. (Incisors have not come in yet) -they noted. 
They thought I was lying to them. 
 I was present on Christmas Day when these kittens were born, and have kept a log book as they age. so I know for a fact that they are 8 weeks old. You may have seen them on my website or watched them on YouTube.
Here's why this worried me... what if a customer took a kitten that they adopted from me, to their vet, and the vet tells them... "Well, hunny, that lady lied to you. Because these kittens are only 6 weeks old."
Last year I had a customer come back and accuse me of lying about her kittens age. She said that her vet told her the kitten's REAL age, and she believes him over me because he is more educated. I got so mad that I went and made a video about it. 
https://youtu.be/Lbt37qTM4Yw?si=ldBG1VyiNZHjg-D2

 If you are unsure of which kitten you want, you can schedule a time to come over and have an indoor (sit down) meeting with your favorite kitten(s). That way, you can see which one you like the best. These meetings will be held inside of my little kitten cabin/store, (which is on the other side of my driveway). You must request these meetings ahead of time so I can open it up, get the temperature adjusted, move the kittens that you wish to view, out there, etc..
​This option is only available for the kittens who are READY TO LEAVE.

If you do not specify that you want to have a sit down meeting with kittens, then I will probably just show you the kittens on my front porch. I only open up this store by request, or sometimes on Saturdays when I know I have a lot of customers coming over. 
This is not where I wanted my store to be placed, but "nobody" (men) never listens to me. Therefore, I rarely even use it. I had originally wanted it tucked in the trees on the other side of my house, where I would have easy access to it for every single customer. It would have been only steps away from my front porch. If I had known I was going to have to put my cabin on the street, I would have never even bought the stupid thing. Nevertheless, there it sits. So... for now I just use it whenever a customer requests it. (sigh) The struggle is real... 

 Today I added a few Ragdoll kittens to my website.
 Within minutes I get a hate mail from someone using my contact form. 
She says ..."Hey quit using animals for income".
​So I'm like am I supposed to do ALL this for free, because my vet bill alone is killing me. My body is disentegrating from hard nasty work taking care of the grossest things imaginable in this line of work. My eyes have seen some very animalistic things that would make you vomit and faint. You have no idea what it's liekt o spend your entire life being a cat slave, and then you smell like litter box dust from working all day so you can't go anywhere, and you get very lonely. I'm sorry I am so mad that I can't even type properly. 
​Anyways, something about Ragdoll customers, that bring out these karen devil women. Things will be going so smooth, then when it's Ragdoll time, oh boy, here we go. They think I am sitting around in a field of flowers with kittens and a telephone in my lap. I don't want to do business with them. I get flashbacks of getting detention hall in high school. Symptoms of Cat Karens = facebook addicts, husbands let them be the boss of the relationship, (think Hyacinth and Richard)  , grey /blond mix hair not past the shoulders as not to look like a witch, asks to see parents. God I hate that. It's like you are asking me to run a mile on the treadmill. I'm like... sigh,  hold my topo chico, Lord they are so mean, i dont want to deal with them, please God? Send them somewhere's else. 
Anyways, I tried to email the hatemailer back, and the coward left me a fake email. I was ready to debate. I was ready to look her up on google... Andrea Henderson? An apartment in Austin Texas? Hmm, that's about right. You paying rent in Austin? That means you are broke and mad. Unless she used a fake name> IDK, but I haven't got hate mail in like 7 years. The last Karen I got was that one lady , who went on Facebook and had all her friends write bad things about me. Since I'm not on Facebook, she screenshots it and sends it to me. Thats lady was evil. She probably petting her kitten she got from me right now, who is probably 1 or 2 years old now, and she's thinking dang, I got a good deal.  I'm barely holding myself up, but Im staying strong, and the devil sends this hater to email me HATE today to try and hurt me or break my spirit. All because she is broke and mad. Otherwise why is she stalking my website? Crazy lady.
Oh yeaha and everytime I answer my phone, I say HELLO. Then there is silence, and they are like ... I think I have the wrong number. I'm looking for Kittenberry Castle? Why? Am I supposed to say Welcome to Good Burger type greeting?
One time this lady said, "Can I speak to your mom?" Lol. 
Anyways, I got to go. bye.

Gloom, despair, and agony on me. What a horrible, hectic weekend. On Friday, we had power outages from a lightening storm. Lightening struck our transformer pole and made a loud bomb sound. Only about 3 of us on my street lost power. Even though it was around 6 or 7 pm in the evening, I was sweating and hot. We had no lights and no AC. They turned it back on around 1 am. Then we wake up to find that we ran out of Propane and had no hot water. We had to call the propane company and pay them for a full $200 inspection before they would even let us buy gas and fill up the tank.
Then, Saturday morning, the groomers came over, and after they were here about 30 minutes, it began thundering so loud. The loud thunder spooked the cats. One cat ran away from the groomer, and I had to corner him in the laundry room. Then he ran behind the washer. I had to move the washer. He ran out and started jumping, trying to climb the walls. I tried to grab him and say relax, relax. but when I tried to catch him, I got bit. SO BAD!!! Then I started shaking and crying in front of the groomers, not because the blood was dripping from my thumb, but because it shocked the living crap out of me, that my sweet cat would attack me. I have been bitten or clawed by a cat about 3 or 4 times, in my life, and every time it happens, I cry so hard because of the shock factor. It jolts my nerves or something. Needless to say, I paid the groomers and sent them on their way. I felt so disappointed that nothing really got accomplished. The cats who REALLY needed groomed didn't get groomed. They only groomed 2 easy cats who were just extras that I threw in, to make their trip out to my house, worthwhile.
Also, I forgot to say that on Friday, I needed to go deposit money in my bank to pay the groomers, because they only take credit cards. So I get ready to go to the bank, and SURPRISE.. my car wouldn't start!! Partially because I never drive it or go anywhere, and when I do go somewhere it's usually riding along with my husband. So my car has set there for a month, not being driven, and now it needs a new battery. Phew! I mean it was just one bad thing after another this weekend. Today, I just slept in and tried to recoup. I am taking antibiotics and pain medicine for my thumb. The cat bit me right through my thumbnail, where the nail meets the cuticle. (The most tenderest part). Yikes, it hurts so bad. Plus the cat climbed up my head and I have bloody scratches all on my scalp underneath my hair. What a fiasco.
Two cats got groomed, Blueberry and Tuggy. They are so used to grooming, that it doesn't scare them, at all. The other two cats who freaked were first timers. So looks like they will be getting sedated grooms from our vet, instead. 
In the midst of all of this drama, I had three customers to come pick up their kittens. These customers were very lovely and kind. I didn't give their kittens a bath before leaving, but they weren't too dirty. I felt bad because I always like to give the kittens one last bath just to sparkle them up for their new homes. But my thumb was on FIRE. I just let them slide. The customers seemed happy. The kittens that left this weekend were, Robin, Whiskey and Marsha. (All shorthair kitties). 
Anyways, during this weekend, I also had a cat go into labor who murdered all of her babies, and covered them up with cat litter. I won't go into gory details, but now she meows to nurse a stuffed animal. So while she nurses her fake baby, we are making arrangements to get her spayed. She turned out to ...not be a good mom, at all. So for those who were wanting Scottish Fold kittens next month. Sorry. Better look somewhere else. 
As for that male cat who scratched and bit me, he apologized. I knew he would, because he is a very sweet cat, who loves me so much. He just did not like the loud thunder, the groomers/strangers in his house, or the thought of being bathed and groomed, so out of fear, he forgot about how much he loved me, and he just freaked out.
​Later that evening, I opened the laundry room door, and checked on him. He came to me and cuddled me for a long time, as if he was saying... I am soooo sorry. 

One question I get asked over and over is this one, and so today I said to Bard, "Write an essay on on how to introduce a new kitten to your older cat."
Bard replied. I copy pasted. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
​
Sure, here is an essay on how to introduce a new kitten to your older cat:
Introduction
Bringing a new kitten into your home can be an exciting time, but it's important to do it slowly and carefully to avoid any problems. Cats are territorial creatures, and an older cat may feel threatened by a new kitten. By following these tips, you can help your cats get to know each other and become friends.
1. Prepare your home
Before you bring the kitten home, take some time to prepare your home for its arrival. This means creating a safe and comfortable space for the kitten to call its own. You can do this by setting up a separate room with its own litter box, food and water bowls, toys, and bed. Make sure the room is quiet and away from any major traffic areas.
2. Scent swap
Once you've prepared your home, it's time to start introducing the cats to each other's scents. This can be done by rubbing a towel on each cat and then swapping the towels. You can also place the kittens bed or blanket in the older cat's space, and vice versa. This will help the cats get used to each other's smells before they actually meet.
3. Let them see each other
Once the cats have had a chance to get used to each other's scents, you can start letting them see each other. This can be done by placing them in separate rooms that are separated by a door or gate. You can also let them see each other through a window. This will help them get used to each other's presence without feeling threatened.
4. Supervised interactions
Once the cats seem comfortable seeing each other, you can start having supervised interactions. This means being in the same room with them at all times and being ready to intervene if necessary. Start by letting them sniff each other through the door or gate. If they seem calm and relaxed, you can gradually increase the amount of time they spend together.
5. Be patient
It's important to be patient when introducing two cats. It may take some time for them to get used to each other. Don't force them to interact if they're not ready. Just keep giving them positive reinforcement and eventually they'll come around.
Here are some additional tips for introducing a new kitten to your older cat:

• Keep the kitten's energy levels down. A tired kitten is less likely to be aggressive.
• Provide plenty of hiding places for the kitten. This will give it a place to escape if it feels overwhelmed.
• Don't leave the cats alone together until you're sure they're getting along.
• Praise and reward both cats for positive interactions.

With patience and a little time, your older cat and new kitten will be the best of friends.
Conclusion
Introducing a new kitten to your older cat can be a challenge, but it's definitely possible with patience and a little planning. By following these tips, you can help your cats get to know each other and become friends.

If you have ever been to my home in the past year, then you couldn't help but to notice the yellow school bus in my front yard. We purchased this bus last year to be an emergency escape vehicle in case the SHTF someday. Our main concern being wildfires. First we thought maybe we could just strap 20 cat crates onto a trailer and flee. However, we came up with a better idea. We decided to buy a used school bus. We stocked it with several emergency cat crates, and other supplies. It may look atrocious sitting in the front yard, but it gives us "peace of mind" that at least we are prepared to evacuate our animals in case the need ever arises.
For the past week or two, I have been so disturbed by the horror stories coming out of Maui, in regards to the fires over there. I have no fingernails left, as I have been watching this guy, "Hawaii Real Estate" 's videos on YouTube. I hope his videos have not been taken down from YouTube because he exposed such revelations. Well, today, I discovered that he had posted a cat video, and so that gives me good reason to share it here, on my blog.
I am so sad and have been worrying about the people (and pets) of Lahaina. I also worry that if "it" could happen there, then "it" could happen here.
I was living in Austin during the 2011 Bastrop wildfires, but my husband was living right here in Bastrop County. He told me that many people had to abandon their animals and flee. So sad.
Well, anyways, I am sharing these videos with you. I hope that it will at least help to spread awareness. Please pray for the people of Maui and these dear people who are trying to help. 

Surf Cat Ranch
Save Maui Cats

Within the realm of the feline world, the standard image of a cat's paw, complete with five delicate toes, is ingrained in our minds. However, nature often veers from the expected path, and polydactyl cats emerge as a captivating testament to the unpredictable beauty of genetic variation. Polydactylism, the presence of extra toes, is a phenomenon that has intrigued cat enthusiasts for generations. 
Polydactyl cats trace their roots back to various corners of the world. One of the most notable associations lies in the maritime history of New England, where these cats were known as "ship's cats" due to their alleged prowess in navigating ships and catching rodents. The trait was thought to bring good luck, with stories of Ernest Hemingway and his polydactyl cats further adding to the mystique surrounding this genetic anomaly.
Polydactylism is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the development of the digits during embryonic growth. The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that even one copy of the gene from either parent can result in polydactyl offspring. The phenomenon is more common in certain geographic regions and specific breeds, such as the Maine Coon, American Polydactyl, and British Shorthair.
Polydactyl cats possess a unique and endearing physical attribute that sets them apart from their standard-toed counterparts. Their extra toes, often resembling thumbs, grant them a distinctive and sometimes comical appearance. The enlarged paws can give them a "big-footed" charm that many find irresistibly cute.
While polydactyl cats' extra toes may seem like a curious quirk, they can offer practical advantages as well. Some polydactyl cats exhibit enhanced dexterity, using their extra toes to grasp objects with surprising precision. Additionally, the larger paws can make them adept climbers and playful companions, engaging in interactive activities with gusto.
Polydactyl cats have earned a special place in various cultures and communities due to their perceived uniqueness and historical connections. As symbols of good luck or treasured companions, they have garnered attention and adoration worldwide. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, is renowned for housing a colony of polydactyl cats, many of which are descendants of the author's original pets.
Despite their charm, polydactyl cats are not immune to potential health concerns associated with their condition. Careful breeding practices can help maintain their genetic diversity while minimizing any adverse effects. Responsible breeding ensures the health and well-being of these unique felines while preserving their captivating physical trait.
Polydactyl cats stand as a captivating testament to the boundless wonders of nature's genetic canvas. These charming felines, with their extra toes and endearing quirks, enrich our lives and remind us of the diverse and unpredictable beauty that exists within the animal kingdom. As we appreciate their uniqueness and historical significance, let us also continue to care for and cherish these extraordinary cats, ensuring that their genetic legacy thrives in a world that remains fascinated by their enchanting extra digits.

The debate between allowing cats to roam freely outdoors or keeping them indoors has long been a topic of discussion among cat owners and enthusiasts. While there is an inherent allure to a cat's natural curiosity and desire for exploration, the safety and well-being of our feline companions are paramount. Here are a few reasons why keeping a cat indoors offers numerous benefits for both the cat and its owner, focusing on factors such as health, safety, environmental impact, and responsible pet ownership.
One of the foremost reasons for keeping a cat indoors is the preservation of its health and safety. Outdoor environments expose cats to a plethora of risks, including encounters with other animals, traffic accidents, and exposure to diseases. Indoor cats are shielded from these dangers, leading to longer lifespans and fewer instances of injury or illness. Additionally, indoor living minimizes the likelihood of contracting parasitic infections such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.
The great outdoors can be fraught with perils that put a cat's life in jeopardy. Predatory animals, such as dogs, coyotes, and larger birds of prey, pose significant threats to cats. Road traffic accidents are a sobering reality, with outdoor cats vulnerable to collisions with vehicles. By confining a cat indoors, owners ensure that their feline companions are shielded from these potential hazards.
Cats have been known to have a detrimental impact on local wildlife populations, particularly when they are allowed to roam freely. Their natural hunting instincts can lead to the predation of birds, small mammals, and reptiles, sometimes causing imbalances in ecosystems. By keeping cats indoors, responsible pet owners contribute to the preservation of local wildlife and the delicate ecological balance of their surroundings.
Cats that are allowed to roam freely outdoors can sometimes become a nuisance to neighbors by entering yards, gardens, or homes. Additionally, unneutered outdoor cats contribute to the proliferation of stray and feral populations, which can strain local animal shelters and create challenges for communities. Keeping cats indoors helps mitigate these issues and fosters a harmonious coexistence with neighbors and the broader community.
Indoor living doesn't have to equate to a dull existence for cats. With creative enrichment strategies, such as interactive toys, climbing structures, and designated play areas, indoor cats can enjoy a stimulating and engaging environment. Engaging with your cat through play and mental exercises not only keeps them physically active but also nurtures the strong bond between you and your feline companion.
While the allure of outdoor exploration is undeniable, responsible cat ownership entails prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our feline friends. The decision to keep a cat indoors is a thoughtful and caring choice that safeguards them from potential dangers, preserves local wildlife, and contributes to a positive community environment. By providing a sheltered haven within the home, cat owners ensure that their beloved companions can lead long, healthy, and enriched lives, surrounded by the warmth and care they deserve.

The realm of feline companionship is a tapestry woven with diverse breeds, each bearing its unique allure. Among these, the Exotic Shorthair Persian cat stands out as a beguiling blend of elegance and practicality. Its origins trace back to deliberate crossbreeding, culminating in a breed that marries the charm of the Persian cat with the convenience of a shorter coat. This blog post explores the captivating history and evolution of the Exotic Shorthair Persian cat, unraveling the tale of how these enchanting felines came to grace our lives.
In the mid-20th century, breeders set forth on a journey to create a feline that embodied the captivating allure of the Persian breed while alleviating the grooming demands associated with its long, flowing coat. The breeding program's goal was to preserve the Persian's regal appearance while introducing a shorter, more manageable coat. This aspiration led to the crossbreeding of Persian cats with American Shorthairs, a breed renowned for its hardiness and short coat.
The pioneering breeders, led by the likes of Jane Martinke and Pat Turner, faced numerous challenges in developing the Exotic Shorthair Persian. In the 1960s, they embarked on a meticulous process of selective breeding, striving to retain the Persian's desirable features while integrating the American Shorthair's genes for a shorter coat. The initial generations produced kittens with varying coat lengths and textures, leading to careful and methodical breeding to achieve consistency.
The visual transformation of the Exotic Shorthair Persian is perhaps its most remarkable aspect. The breed's hallmark traits—round faces, large eyes, and adorable snub noses—are unmistakably reminiscent of the traditional Persian. However, these features are elegantly juxtaposed against the backdrop of a plush yet manageable short coat. This synthesis of aesthetics and practicality not only created a visually captivating cat but also catered to pet owners seeking a breed that required less grooming maintenance.
The journey to establish the Exotic Shorthair Persian as a recognized breed was one of perseverance and dedication. The breed's distinctiveness soon gained recognition, and by the late 1970s, it was officially recognized by cat registries. Its popularity grew steadily, earning the admiration of cat lovers around the world who were drawn to the breed's endearing appearance and gentle temperament.
The Exotic Shorthair Persian's journey from a vision to a recognized breed demonstrates the dedication of breeders and enthusiasts who sought to create a harmonious blend of elegance and practicality. Today, these cats grace homes as beloved companions, their endearing personalities and distinctive appearance delighting those fortunate enough to share their lives with them.
The Exotic Shorthair Persian cat, born from the marriage of the Persian's opulence and the American Shorthair's practicality, stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise from purposeful breeding. Its history is a chronicle of dedication, innovation, and a quest to enhance the lives of both felines and their human companions. With its captivating features and rich legacy, the Exotic Shorthair Persian cat continues to enchant and enrich our lives, offering a unique blend of elegance and charm that remains timeless.​