Periwinkle sat by the Teleportation Tunnel waiting for Stinky's arrival. She had a lot planned for the day and hoped he would be on time. No sooner did she think that when the Tunnel began to shake and, with a WOOSH, Stinky popped out right into her waiting paws. They giggled, whisker-kissed and paw patted. After a while she said, “Stinky, do you know what makes this week extra special?" Stinky gave his whiskers a wiggle. “Is it because I came to visit you? Because EVERY day with you is special!”
Smiling, Periwinkle leaned over and gave him a big whisker kiss. “Oh, you're definitely one of my favorite reasons to celebrate! But it's also National Cat Week! A whole week to celebrate us and remind everyone how wonderful we are.”
“Wonderful? We're AMAZING!” Stinky declared, giving his paws a proud little pat. “We're cuddly, clever, entertaining, and excellent at reminding humans when it's time for dinner!”
Periwinkle giggled. “That's certainly one of your special talents!” She went on to say, National Cat Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the cats who share our homes, brighten our days, and make our lives more interesting. Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. Some are playful explorers, some are champion snugglers, and others prefer to supervise everything from a comfortable chair. And, of course, every cat deserves love, kindness, and proper care!"
“Let's make a list of ways our pals can celebrate us,” suggested Stinky.
“Excellent idea!” replied Periwinkle. “Let's share some important kitty wisdom!”
Seven Ways to Celebrate Cats
1. Give Your Cat Some Extra Attention.
Spend time playing with your feline friend, offering gentle affection, or simply sitting together. Remember, every cat has their own idea of the perfect way to spend time with you!
2. Make Playtime Special.
Feather toys, toy mice, and interactive games can help cats stay active and entertained. Always choose safe toys and supervise play when needed.
3. Create a Cozy Cat Corner.
A soft bed, a sunny window perch, or a quiet hiding spot can make a cat feel safe and comfortable. Every kitty deserves a little place to call their own.
4. Check Those Food and Water Bowls!
Fresh water, nutritious cat food, and clean bowls are important parts of keeping cats healthy. And please remember that treats are best enjoyed in moderation! Stinky sighed but agreed.
5. Keep Up with Cat Care.
Regular veterinary checkups, dental care, grooming when needed, and a clean litter box help keep our feline friends feeling their best. The tabbies rolled their eyes and said how they hate the PTU but agreed.
6. Help Cats Who Need a Home.
Consider supporting a local animal shelter or cat rescue. Donations of food, litter, blankets, and other requested supplies can make a big difference. Fostering or adopting can also change a cat's life!
7. Spread the Love!
Share a favorite cat photo, tell someone about your feline companion, or help educate others about responsible cat care. You never know who might be inspired to help a kitty in need.
Stinky nodded. “Maybe National Cat Week can remind everyone to do something nice for a cat who needs a little extra help!”
“Exactly!” said Periwinkle. “We can celebrate our own happiness while remembering the cats who are still waiting for theirs.”
The two tabbies decided that helping other cats was one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate.
“Here's our challenge for all our friends!” Periwinkle announced.
“Choose at least ONE special thing to do for a cat this week,” Stinky added.
"Whether it’s giving your kitty extra playtime, donating supplies to a rescue, helping a neighbor care for their cat, or sharing tips on responsible pet ownership, every little bit helps."
“And don't forget to tell us what you did!” Periwinkle said. “We love hearing about friends who make the world a kinder place for animals.”
Stinky leaned in for another whisker kiss with Periwinkle.“Do you think we should celebrate National Cat Week with a special snack?”
Periwinkle smiled. “Of course we can. But first, let's finish our Adventure since we have more to do.” Stinky knew Periwinkle liked to combine things, so he didn't question her.
Periwinkle explained, "October 27 was a special day when many people remember their beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It's called The Day of the Dead for Pets.” Stinky said softly. “You mean the kitties, doggies, and other animal friends who aren't with their families anymore?”
" Day of the Dead for Pets is connected to a beautiful Mexican tradition called Día de los Muertos, which means Day of the Dead,” Periwinkle explained.
“It's a time when families remember and honor loved ones who have died. They celebrate the lives of those they miss by sharing memories, displaying photographs, preparing special offerings, and gathering together.”
Stinky tilted his head. “So it's a way to remember the happy times we shared with someone we love?”
“Yes!” Periwinkle replied, giving him a gentle whisker kiss. “And October 27 has become a popular day for remembering our beloved animal companions. Some people believe it's a special time to welcome the memory of their pets back into their homes and hearts. The traditional Mexican observances of Día de los Muertos are generally celebrated on November 1 and 2. Remembering pets on October 27 is a more recent observance associated with the larger tradition, and customs can vary from family to family. Even though it was last week, I thought it would be nice to remember some of our Angels."
Stinky agreed that it was a great idea. First, they shared Periwinkle's fursibs. First row, top left: Angel Allie, Angel Raz, Angel Cubby; Row 2: Angel Tamir, Angel Ellie, Row 3 Angel Clifford and Angel Sniffie
They also shared Angel Sawyer (Noelle's love) and Angel Mauricio (Angel Allie's husband)
and Angel Raz's girlfriend, Angel Madi.
Stinky looked thoughtful. “Periwinkle, doesn't remembering a pet who died make people sad?”
“Sometimes it does,” Periwinkle replied gently. “When we love someone very much, we miss them when they're gone. It's perfectly okay to feel sad.”
She paused before continuing. “But remembering someone can also make us smile! We might laugh about a silly adventure, remember a comforting purr, or think about the way our pet always seemed to know when we needed a little extra love.”
Stinky nodded. “So we can miss them and still be happy that they were part of our lives?”
“Exactly! Day of the Dead for Pets reminds us that the love we shared doesn't disappear just because our beloved friend is no longer physically beside us.” Stinky smiled, remembering his fursibs Sawyer and Mau. He then asked, "Now can we have a snack?" Periwinkle said they would be having a snack as the next part of their Adventure.
"Today would be Angel Raz's 12th Gotcha Day. I thought it would be nice to celebrate it together. For our friends who never knew him, click HERE to see his first post. This was his PetFinder photo...
Together, Periwinkle and Stinky made a card...
After enjoying some of the delicious cake, the tabbies settled down for a quick nap. They spent time whisker kissing, paw patting and saying "I love you" to each other. When they woke up, Stinky visited with Periwinkle's Mom and fursibs. Before long, it was time for him to enter the Teleportation Tunnel to head home. One more whisker kiss and a WOOSH, and he was on his way. Periwinkle found a sun puddle to relax and remember all their special angels.
