March Meow Madness Sale

Spring is just around the corner!  In Philadelphia, PA we are finally having some snow relief and enjoying lots of sun this weekend.  This is the Rittenhouse Square Park in Center City Philly.  A large park that is very pet friendly and attracts people from all over the Philadelphia area.  A great place to bring your Kondo and set it up for your pet to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air while you relax.  No leash, no chance of running away, no jumping on people.  Very convenient!

We are making room for a new shipment, so we want to pass along a savings incentive!

Check out the Kritter Kommunity website for our March Madness Sale.

Road Trip 2010, next stop Florida!

Room rate is $89 for up to 4 people with NO pet fee or deposit, and may be reserved through the hotel’s central reservations at 1-800-266-9432. All rooms have a coffeemaker with real half & half, micro/fridge, & wet bar. One-bedroom suites (true suites with doors) are also available for $109. For an additional $10 per person per night, you can include the restaurant’s full hot buffet breakfast (regular price $16 per person). You must CALL the hotel directly at 904-940-8000 to get this breakfast rate. If you need to cancel your reservation, be aware that if cancelled within 72 hours of arrival, you will be charged one night’s stay. Our block will be held until 2/5/2010, so please get your reservations in before then. Check-in 4 PM, check-out 12 noon. This is a non-smoking hotel. If you have any trouble with reservations, please call the hotel directly at 888-740-7020 between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday, when their sales staff is available.

Food will be available at the showhall via concession and at the hotel’s excellent restaurant, there are also numerous restaurants surrounding the hotel and elsewhere in the area. In addition to the resort’s golf courses and dining/entertainment complex with its IMAX theater, the hotel is about 15 minutes from ‘old city’ St Augustine, and is one exit north of the St Augustine outlet malls.

This is the hotel’s first cat show and it is a BEAUTIFUL site. Please be sure to confine spraying males (and females!) and clean up after yourself and your cats so we will be welcome here again. CATS MUST BE CONFINED WHEN UNATTENDED IN ROOM. Florida Sun Cats has elected to follow the TICA Hotel Guidelines for exhibitors who lodge at the show hotel. Entry in this show, and lodging at the show hotel, shall constitute an acknowledgment by and consent of the exhibitor to these procedures.

Please make every effort to leave your room in the condition it was found, or better. Tipping housekeeping staff doesn’t hurt – happy housekeeping staff don’t complain to management! Trash bags (& litter) will be available for your convenience. If you have a problem you can’t take care of yourself, please let show management know and we will do whatever we can to help. The condition of your room reflects on the entire cat fancy, and it only takes one mishap to lose a hotel (even a whole chain) forever.

Transportation: Most major carriers fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). If you will be flying in, alert the entry clerk and we will try to provide transportation to/from the show hotel, if at all possible. Limos, taxis and car rentals are available at the airport, but can be pricey (usually about $45 each way)… however airport shuttles are starting to operate in the area & may be available at the time of the show. The showhall is about an hour’s drive to the airport, so please leave plenty of time for your departing flight (we recommend flights leaving 6:00 or later). The show hotel is easily accessed from I-95.

Show Hours: Check-in will be from 8:00 to 9:00 AM Saturday. Judging will begin promptly at 9:30 AM on Saturday, 9:00 AM Sunday. Advertised show hours will be 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday. Please plan to remain in the show hall during advertised show hours. We need our gate!

Show Rules: TICA show rules will be strictly enforced. By entering, exhibitors agree to abide by the decisions of the judges and show committee. Official show rules, registration information & forms may be obtained from TICA, P.O. Box 2684, Harlingen, TX 78551 or viewed on their website at www/tica.org.

Payment: By entering the show, you agree to pay all fees whether you attend the show or not. Fees must be received no later than the closing date of 2/19/2010. The club reserves the right to require payment in cash or money order. Unfortunately, due to the irresponsible behavior of some exhibitors, we must require that all payments be received by the time the catalog is printed and NO PAYMENTS OF ANY KIND WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. Entries belonging to exhibitors on TICA’s Temporary or Permanent Suspension lists will not be accepted. Florida Sun Cats, Inc. will pursue any debt owed us to the extent of TICA show rules and Florida law.

Registration: With the exception of cats competing in the Preliminary New Breed, Advanced New Breed, and New Traits classes, registration with TICA is not required to compete. However, to be scored for TICA titles and annual awards, cats must be registered before their second show.

Health: This is a non-vetted show. Any cat showing signs of illness, parasites or fungus will be escorted from the show hall, along with any cats owned, housed or agented by the same exhibitor. All entries should be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calici and distemper (panleukopenia) at least two weeks prior to the show, and should test negative for feline leukemia and FIV (”feline AIDS”). Florida law requires any animal over the age of 4 months be vaccinated against rabies within the last 12 months (be prepared to show proof)! TICA show rules require all claws, front and back, be clipped prior to judging.

Grooming spaces: These measure approximately 22 inches x 22 inches x 44 inches.

For Sale: Sales cages will be available to exhibitors. TICA rules allow no more than two kittens or one cat benched in a single cage. No kitten under 3 months of age will be allowed in the showhall (be prepared to show proof of age), and no kittens or cats may be confined to carriers during show hours. Florida requires health certificates accompany any animal sold in the state. If you are bringing cats or kittens to sell, Florida Sun Cats, Inc. strongly advises you familiarize yourself with the applicable statutes, and takes no responsibility for your failure to do so.

Supplies: Cat litter will be available, but please bring your own litter pan! Each entry will be assigned a single cage, approx. 24″ X 26″ X 24″. For the protection and safety of your cat and those around you, please bring suitable covering for sides, top and bottom of the cage.

Clerks: Are indispensable! Ring clerks will be reimbursed one day’s entry fee per day clerked, plus lunch, soft drinks and a marked catalog, not to mention our undying gratitude. Requests for specific judges will be honored to the extent possible on a first come, first served basis and are subject to change. Currently licensed TICA clerks will be given preference. Trainees and assistants are always welcome. Clerks and trainees will be given preferential benching if we know in advance that you will be clerking!

Awards: Rosettes will be awarded in accordance with TICA show rules. Donations to our rosette fund are greatly appreciated! If you wish to sponsor any special awards, please contact the show manager.

Clerking School: We will hold the school right after judging on Saturday night. If you would like to attend, please let Laurie Patton know. There is no charge for the school but she needs to know how many will attend. Any new clerks are also welcome for a refresher.

FINE PRINT: NEITHER FLORIDA SUN CATS, RENAISSANCE RESORT, NOR TICA MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR LOSS, THEFT OR DAMAGE TO ANIMALS, PERSONAL PROPERTY, EXHIBITORS OR THEIR GUESTS.

Please indicate whether you accept or do not accept all of the following by clicking on the appropriate button below:

1. I will enter my cat(s) at my own risk, subject to the conditions in the Show Rules of THE INTERNATIONAL CAT ASSOCIATION and will abide by the rulings of the Show Committee.

2. I am at least 18 years of age. If you are not 18 years old or older, a parent or guardian must complete the on line forms.

3. I understand that transmission of one or more of the E-Mail Entry Forms accompanying this flyer constitutes an agreement to pay for my entries even if I fail to bench.

4. I will pay Florida Sun Cats covering the entry fees for this show within 24 hours of submitting the form(s) to the designated Entry Clerk.

Questions related to the show (including directions, problems with the show hotel, etc.) should be addressed to show management / entry clerk as identified on the flyer. If you have technical problems with this form, please contact the SE Region Web Master.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Hey Animals! We wanted to take a moment to say thanks for being our pals.  Twitter has been so much fun for the Kritter Kommunity, and it is because of paws like you.  From the Kritter Kontests, #FollowFridays, #WoofWednesdays and #Pawpawties….. your tweets brighten our day all year round.  But today we want to recognize that and just give you a big *NOSETAP*

No matter what you do this weekend or how your spend your V – Day, please know you are in our thoughts and hearts!

We hope your weekend is warm and special and filled with much love.

No matter what you do or how you spend your February 14th, know that you hold a special place in our hearts and purrs.

Much love, xoxoxoxo

Lisa, Madi and Abi

Funny Cat Movie

A Very Funny Cat Movie!

Grab your popcorn and chill out.

“Black Cats”, by Ruth Corsaw

Black cats are pretty special. It seems they are usually the most outgoing, talkative of cats, the guy with the most laid-back cooperative temperament. This is true both with human interaction and with other cats. So, it is quite likely a black cat could be your best friend!

Cats of all kinds have been included in legends and myths, but the black cat has been the subject of more superstitions than most! Generally a black cat has been considered good luck. Such as in the English fishing villages of Yorkshire, where a black cat was thought to bring good fishing and a safe return for the fisherman. Black cats have also been the subject of many books and plays. Cats have played an important role in civilization, above and beyond just being our friends, black cats even more than their lighter colored relatives.

While cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, there have always been black cats, even though it is a recessive gene that causes the coloring. That means that both of a black kitten’s parents had the gene for black. So the black gene in cats must have a reason to exist, or it would have disappeared many, many years ago.  It also is sex linked.  Like with calicos almost never being male, there aren’t any blue-eyed male black cats, while it does show up in female black cats! It turns out that black cats may be more resistant to disease, in which case that recessive gene is literally a life- and species saver! It is also true that animals with white skin are more prone to skin disorders and deafness. So maybe that black gene is more important than we might think.

There are only two true colors for cats, all the other color ”combinations” are caused by a mixing of those two genes. Those two colors are Orange and Black, and White is a lack of color.

Tortis are black cats with an “over-spray” of orange, which probably explains why most Tortis are such happy-go-lucky characters!

There is even a breed of all black cats. The Bombay cat was a cross between a black American Short Haired and a Sable Burmese. These cats are noted for a muscular body with shiny black hair and copper colored eyes.

Every cat I have ever “owned” picked me. Not the other way around. One of those was a black and white “tuxedo” cat, and another was a Torti. These two were the most outgoing and friendliest of all the cats I have ever had. They were the ones to greet every new visitor, come looking to play with me, and the least to be upset by anything out of the ordinary..

So, if you’re looking for a new addition to your family, please be sure and check out those black cats. They may be a little harder for you to notice, as a black cat does tend to blend in better with most backgrounds. But once you get to know them, they are the ones with the personality!

-Ruth Corsaw

Follow Me on Twitter!

Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square Snowstorm 2/6/2010

…. but that didn’t keep the Kritters away!

These canine cuties are having a ball at the Rittenhouse Square Park.  Their parents are enjoying the snow too, everyone is bundled up and taking it all in!

Toby and Lucas were sporting their adorable, warm sweaters today at the park.  Check out little Lucas hamming it up in his new paw booties!  Don’t let those toes get cold little guy!

Lucas in his booties!

Toby the Poodle in his new red sweater, how cute!

Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia PA

Feline Fancier Cat Show in Edison, NJ

Wow, what a fun show!  The Kritter Kommunity, LLC road trip 2010 made it’s first stop at the Feline Fancier Cat Show in Edison, NJ.  What a great time!  There were so many pretty & handsome show kitties to observe.  They all loved being brushed and seem to really enjoy the attention when it was their turn to show off their Catness!

Tabitha

Many of the cat show folks stopped at the Vendor stands on their way into the Show or during breaks, we met so many fun people and many kitties left with a brand new Kondo to enjoy at home.

To our most pleasant surprise, there were also some canine cuties running around and they were just as cute as their feline friends.  This little guy loved the camera and the camera loves him!

There were also a host of other pet vendors at the Show who had some really neat products.  One of our favorites was a double barrel Kitty Kondo that came from Arubacat Cat Furniture.  Arty Mithchell was there showing off his fantastic patented designs; they really are made with the best quality we have ever seen.

Across from us was The Cat’s Closet from Fredricksburg, Va.  This mobile cat store had such a variety of cat products, it was nearly impossible to leave without taking home so feline treats.

And we cannot forget our friends from Angel P.A.W.S. that came with many kitties who need homes.  Their cats were just as precious and adorable as the show kitties, and many of them got adopted thanks to the hard work of the volunteers for this non – profit organization.  Hats off to you all!

Okay, next stop…………….  will be posted shortly!  Come back to see where the Kritter Kommunity, LLC is landing next.

KRITTER KONDO!  Cuz pets need sun too!

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* SquashingThe Red Bug * Sunday at the Kritter Kommunity

Today has been very exciting to say the least.  Mama brought home a jar full of toys with RED BUGS in the middle.  I love  pushing these little balls around with my nose, then I put it in my mouth and gently squish it.  All this gravy comes out in my mouth and it make my eyes water.  So then I spit the ball out and do a little dance around it, planning my next attack.

You see, inside the juicy ball is a RED BUG that I am desperately trying to get to.  I love the way this bug tastes and so it is my goal to get to the middle.  Problem is, that little ball is always on guard, squirting strong tastin’ gravy in my mouth.  But I will pat it with my paw, pat it hard….steady now!

COME HERE YOU LITTLE BOOGER!

I can’t resist, I am going to take a big chomp at it!   AGH!!!  It makes me jump and dance around it tastes so funny.  But I am not giving up…. I am going to get to that RED BUG!

It is very bouncy, this little ball…. makes me CRAZY!  Oh great, guess where the ball bounced?

Straight into Mama’s Shoe!

I am gonna’ go in after the ball.  I have to get that RED BUG out of there!  This is so much work though, I am really starting to miss some of my other Toys!

My Duckie never bounces into shoes!!!

PHEW I finally got that ball out of there!  I am exhausted, I wish I had my bed here to take a nap.  I guess I will just collapse right here on the floor.

Hey this shoe is pretty tasty too!

What is all that noise, and where is my Sister Abi????

HEY!  She figured out how to break open the ball and get the RED BUG out!  HUMPH!  She is not so great, I wasn’t really trying anyhow.

What’s that you say?  I have no idea what an Olive is…. where do you get such a word?

-Madi The Cat

Tweeps that are Hoping for Haiti……

Hello friends……… we recently turned the T.V. on and have been watching Hope For Haiti and the new developments that are taking place.  It is, to say the least, heartbreaking.  Reading many tweets over the last few days, it is obvious many of us are experiencing great feelings of helplessness, sadness, and fear for victims of this astounding tragedy .  Tonight the Kritter Kommunity would like to dedicate Kritters That Twitter to Helping Haiti through your voice. Leave a comment for the Haitians… a prayer, warm wishes, inspiration….. anything you want to say to help you cope, loved ones cope.  This post is dedicated to Helping Haiti through you.   For every comment left the Kritter Kommunity will be donating $1.00 to HopeForHaitiNow.org.  This will continue until midnight EST tonight; please Tweet it around and let your friends know!

Although the monetary donation will be extremely helpful, it is the good words we collectively leave that will bring about the efforts and compassion needed at this time.   Let’s get our paws polished and start typing.   Twitter has been such an amazing platform for bringing animals and people together to do good for many causes.   It is a place where tweeps from many countries, backgrounds, political beliefs, and faiths come together to release the stresses of the day, find comfort and have a laugh.  Tonight I would like to dedicate to Helping Haiti…. please leave a comment, as short or long as you want.  Let’s make a difference together.  I am going to leave a comment on behalf of the Kritter Kommunity now.

Much love xoxoxo

Lisa, Madi and Abi

After much