georgiasgifts-catblog

Hello Kitty “Ambassador of Cute”

February 20, 2012

I had no idea how impressive Hello Kitty (aka Kitty White) is on the global front! A few years ago the Japanese tourism ministry appointed Hello Kitty to represent the country in China and Hong Kong. Officials hoped that tapping into this fan base would bring more travelers to Japan and tourism has definitely grown since then.

Now EVA airlines (based in Taipei) has introduced three new planes with Hello Kitty designs inside & out. Shown here is the Apple plane. Apples are a main theme in the Hello Kitty world.

At check-in you get Hello Kitty boarding passes and bag stickers. During the flight are various themed goodies and the flight attendants are decked out with Hello Kitty aprons. If you are an extreme fan, there’s even a website for the airlines in chinese-language.

Usually this is not my style of cat art, but I really like Hello Kitty! I do have to admit that I didn’t care too much for it when I was younger, but have become attached to it as I “matured”. (Not sure what that means about me.) I find the colors and the Japanese design influence very appealing. I’m not really a collector, but I do have a few pieces of jewelry and trinkets with the motif.

There are a multitude of products out there but one of my favorite Hello Kitty items are the plush designs by TY. Are you a collector? What are your favorites? Don’t be afraid to admit it, I did!

Leave a Comment » | Cat Decor, Cat Jewelry, Cats In The News, Plush Cats | Tagged: cat collectors, cat jewelry, cute cats, EVA airlines, Hello Kitty, Kitty White, plush cats, Sanrio | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Beware of Cat Crossing

February 6, 2012

There’s two distinct camps when deciding if a cat should be an “indoor only” cat or one that comes and goes. Many believe it goes against the cat’s nature to keep it inside, when it should be outside hunting, climbing trees, chasing bugs and so forth.

For me, it only takes seeing a pile of fur at the side of the road to know which camp I’m in. And I don’t even want to think about coyotes having a tasty meal. In my opinion if a cat is raised inside, with lots of playtime, healthy food and a warm, dry bed then that cat has a quality life.

Driving around in residential areas at night I am always on the lookout for cats trying to cross the road. Sometimes my headlights catch their glowing eyes but many times I just see a dark shape sprinting to make it across. I cringe knowing it’s only a matter of time for that cat NOT to make it. And I get angry at owners that let the cat out in the first place, putting it in harm’s way.

This debate could also include the subject of spaying and neutering, but I’ll save that for another day. Also don’t get me started on declawing a cat!

Which “camp” are you in?

Cat Crossing Sign

4 Comments | Our Cats, Spay & Neuter, Indoor Cats | Tagged: spay and neuter, outdoor cats, Indoor cats | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Our Cat Has A New Hobby

January 24, 2012

Our Russian Blue cat, Dessa, had never paid much attention to our television. Even when I Love Cats was on she only gave it a passing glance. Of course one has to take into consideration that our old, outdated set was not the optimum viewing to attract a kitty’s attention.

Then finally, to both mine and the cat’s delight we purchased our brand new beautiful flat screen tv. We settle in one evening to watch our favorite shows, sitting on the couch with the cat curled on my lap as usual. All of a sudden Dessa is at full attention staring at the screen. We are watching a nature show about leopards and tigers. Next thing she does is run over to the screen to get a better view, her head following the big cats motions. When one moves off the screen view, she sniffs along the side of the tv looking for it. We laughed so hard as this was completely new for her to do.

The first time this happened, of course my camera was in the other room. But I managed to get a couple of shots on another night of her watching tv as you see below. This might be old hat to many readers but you have to agree that it’s always fun to watch.

Do you watch tv with your cat? Do you have some favorite shows? Please share!

Russian Blue cat watching TV Russian Blue Cat watching TV close-up

6 Comments | Cat Humor, Our Cats, Russian Blue Cats | Tagged: Cat Humor, cats watching tv, cute cats, Russian Blue | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Vintage Cat Valentines

January 12, 2012

Vintage Cat Valentine Card

Last week I went to an auction just to look around and I was stunned by a group of items being auctioned. Someone had amassed a huge, huge collection of antique or vintage paper valentine cards from the early 1900′s. There were even some dated as far back as the Civil War days!

The first printed paper Valentines cards made in the US appeared around 1840. These were not ordinary cards - many were stand-up with bases or three-dimensional with fold out layers. Also popular because they were easy to mail were honeycomb paper puffs which opened up to form balls, bells or hearts.

The collection at the auction had many of these various styles and were in very good condition with the colors still vivid. I’m not sure why they were so enchanting. Possibly because of all the history behind them? Because they were reminders of how sweet and simple life used to be? They could be called “corny” sentiments, but I prefer to see the “romance” of them.

Cupids, hearts and roses were the theme of most of them, but there were also cats and kittens which I favored, of course. I am now thinking of starting a new hobby - my own collection of vintage Valentines of only cat styles. And I don’t mean the ones made the last few decades which are only copies of the same artwork style. While they might be cute and whimsical, I want to find authentic cards, ones that were delivered to a sweetheart from a nervous suitor, or fancy embossed fold-outs meant to impress.

I’m on to a new quest, but I also have some great gift ideas on my website for your cat lover valentine. Check out the vintage look on some great pendant necklaces with matching earrings. Jewelry always makes a good impression on Feb. 14th!

Leave a Comment » | Cat Jewelry, Valentine Cats, Vintage Cats | Tagged: cat jewelry, cute cats, paper cat valentines, Valentine Cats, vintage cat art | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

December Ups & Downs

December 26, 2011

December is a mixed bag of emotions for me. And probably for many of you as well. There always seems to be a time crunch between shopping, errands and parties - what happened to those days growing up when waiting for Christmas was agony? Would the day EVER come?

This year December brought sadness to me and my family. My mother passed away on the 18th. Although we knew it was coming soon, it’s never easy to lose a parent. There was comfort was being together with my siblings as we kept vigil during the long day and evening and hopefully eased her journey. Any although my husband could not make the out-of-state trip, I heard and felt his support by phone.

For our family the December “downs” include 3 different members that have passed years ago during this month , but the “ups” include 2 birthdays we get to celebrate. I’m honoring all of them this year.

Another comfort right now is having a warm ball of fur curled up in my lap. It could be because of the cold weather and that she is always searching for a cozy spot, but I like to think she wants to be near. If my kitty only knew how much she relieves my stress and heartache by my stroking her soft fur or maybe, she does!

Leave a Comment » | Our Cats | Tagged: comfort cats, Indoor cats, Russian Blue, soft fur | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Cats Rule!

November 29, 2011

I ran across a blog post today that I really related to. Have you ever thought about all the little things you do either for your cat or because of your cat? The routines, habits and sleeping positions we follow- did we start these, or did the cats?

Nothing tells it better than this post from Catster: http://blogs.catster.com/the-cats-meow-a-cat-and-kitten-blog/13-little-things-i-do-because-i-have-cats/2011/11/28/?v=1

The author mentions 13 things she does, but then read all the comments! I’m sure you will relate to many of them just as I did and want to add your own story to the list. Some will make you chuckle and shake your head and then realize it’s true, CATS RULE!

I have to admit, one of my favorite things is when I come home and my kitty greets me at the door. Of course, she gets a head scratch, some loving words and a little treat. Again, who is the trained one here?

Leave a Comment » | Cat Blogs, Cat Humor | Tagged: cat blogs, Cat Humor | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Creative Cat Blog

November 6, 2011

I know there are a lot of cat blogs out there to read. Some really stand out because of their humor, photos and creativity. My own blog is still in it’s “growing stage” and hopefully will become one of those that stand out.

One blog I subscribe to is very creative, written from the cat’s point of view with great pictures. I wanted to pass it along to you so you can also enjoy it – http://housecatconfidential.blogspot.com/

Go there and meet “Fin” and get some good chuckles. (Then be sure to come back & visit my blog : )

2 Comments | Cat Blogs, Cat Humor | Tagged: cat blogs, cute cats | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Does This Cat Look Happy?

October 27, 2011

"I dare you to try & put the rest of that costume on me"

Many people like to dress up their pets for Halloween so the “whole family” is in costume. Or maybe they want a cute photo to share with friends.

Dogs tolerate this pretty well but you sure can’t say that about cats! You might have a sweet, docile kitty that will put up with the extra attention for a while, but most will not cooperate. Be prepared for some growling, hissing and maybe some scratching – so have that camera at the ready!

"Any second, I'll get my chance & I'm gone!

This tabby looks like he’s had just about enough! You can see it in his eyes, relax your grip for just a brief second and he’ll be long gone. And luck finding him for a while.

"I know, I'm so cute"

Now some kitties seem to actually like the dress-up. These cats know the rewards they will get for a few annoying minutes- extra treats and lots of attention!

According to the National Retail Federation the most popular pet costumes this year are:

Pumpkin

Devil

Hot Dog

Bee

Cat

At least one of that group will be an easy one for you & your kitty’s Halloween portrait!

"Oh no, not this again!"

2 Comments | Cats in Costume, Halloween Cats | Tagged: cats in costume, cute cats, Halloween cats | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Retired Whimsiclay Ceramic Cats

October 16, 2011

To help my collectors of Whimsiclay ceramic cat figurines by Amy Lacombe, I have compiled a list of the recent retired pieces. You can see the list on my website by clicking here.

I have also included the cats that are low in stock at the manufacturer and will be retired when they have sold out. Some of the styles are on my site and some are not. I have included them for your information.

You might have noticed several styles on my web site that are currently out of stock. Many of these are due to production problems and unfortunately won’t be back in my inventory before the Christmas shopping season. I’m hoping the company will work out their issues and next year will bring a batch of brand new cat styles plus a re-stocking of these out of stock styles.

Retired Ceramic Cat, "Punkin Candy Dish". One of my favorites!

Leave a Comment » | Amy Lacombe, Ceramic Cats, Whimsiclay Cats | Tagged: Amy Lacombe, cat collectors, cat figurines, ceramic cats, holiday cats, retired cats, whimsiclay | Permalink
Posted by ggcats

Whimsiclay Holiday Cats-Older Styles Are Hard To Beat!

October 4, 2011

To survive a manufacturing company must always have new styles coming out and also retire some pieces to keep the line in demand. The Whimsiclay cats I sell on my website usually have new designs about twice a year ( although this year it’s been less).

The holiday cat figurines are always cute and sell well. Several older styles and a few recent ones have been retired or in some cases, just out of stock for the rest of the year. Luckily, a couple of my very favorites are still around and I think are hard to beat. Check out Rudy and Sparkie, shown below. If you like them don’t put off purchasing from my website or anywhere else as this could their last season.

Rudy cat with reindeer cap and bells on his tail.

Sparkie, tangled up with Christmas lights.

1 Comment | Cat Decor, Ceramic Cats | Tagged: cat decor, cat figurines, ceramic cats, Christmas Cats, holiday cats, Rudy cat, whimsiclay | Permalink
Posted by ggcats