It's Cat Week!

Martha Stewart and PetSmart recently teamed up to develop a new line of products for cats, adding to the wide selection of Martha Stewart pet supplies already available at PetSmart. To celebrate the launch, I'm dedicating a week's worth of posts to the mystery and wonder of cats - and a very exciting giveaway that will see one reader receiving one of the new cat products from PetSmart! Stay tuned for details on that soon!

Among the new additions to the PetSmart line are cat-friendly feeding bowls and mats, a well-designed bed and an array of cat toys, all made exclusively for Pet Smart stores and PetSmart.com. Martha, who has five cats, tested the products with her pets at home and is very pleased with their quality, practicality and style.

Here is a list of the new cat products. Click here to learn more.

FEEDING:

-- 3-Piece Bowl Set or Double Feeder: Cat-sized feeding bowls are made of non-skid melamine with separate stainless-steel bowl inserts. Designed with shallow wells for a cat's sensitive whiskers, these durable, lightweight bowls also make clean-up easy. An air-seal lid helps keep food fresh, and the convenient hand grip means fewer spills.

-- Feeding Mat: This generously sized silicone mat catches food, while a lipped edge prevents wet, messy spillovers.

-- Can Cover: Any can of uneaten food can be easily resealed for refrigeration with this universal can cover. Each silicone lid fits three different can sizes, so the cat food will stay fresh until the next feeding.

-- Food Scoop: This food scoop, made of enamel-on-stainless-steel, makes portion control simple when measuring dry cat food.

-- Food Jar: This airtight container keeps dry cat food fresh and is pretty enough for the countertop. Made of smooth, sleek ivory melamine with 'Cat Food' lettering in blue.

BEDDING:

The 2-in-1 bed features fish-patterned, burnout fleece and is fully machine washable. This cozy, innovative bed comes in gray or brown and will be available in October.

-- 2-in-1 Bed: Pops up to create a hooded space for sleeping and playing out of view and collapses into a classic bolster shape.

TOYS:

Ten unique toys ensure fun and safe playtime for cats. Arriving in September, the cat toys are expressly designed to address different types of play and include independent toys to encourage play and exercise and interactive toys to provide bonding time for the cat and pet parent.

-- Dangle Toys: Dangling designs are great for independent or interactive play. These catnip-filled toys stimulate a cat's natural curiosity with their varied textures, animal faces and exciting smells.

-- Jingle Toys: These catnip-filled toys with jingling bells are great for independent or interactive play. Jingle toys are available in a variety of animal faces.

-- Knitted Toys: A toothsome crochet-knit construction makes these toys great for independent or interactive play. Knit toys are catnip-filled and come in a variety of textures and animal faces to arouse the cat's natural instincts.

-- Teasers: Teasers provide all-day entertainment with bright colors and soft materials that will keep the cat engaged and curious. For long-lasting independent play, a teaser or "fuzzy" can be sprayed with catnip oil.

November's Special Pet Guide

One of the most interesting features of the November, 2010, issue of Martha Stewart Living is the special section at the back of the issue devoted entirely to pets. The back cover of the magazine is actually the front cover for this 23-page special pet guide. This is the first time Martha Stewart Living has devoted a full section to pets, and the first time the editors have designed the magazine to be two-fold with a front and back cover.

The section is primarily dog-centric (that's Martha's Chow-Chow Ghenghis Khan on the cover) but there are some tips for lovers of other forms of pets as well. There is a "Great Finds" section with favourite pet products selected by the editors, a "Good Things" section with crafts and DIY ideas, an article on adopting from a shelter and a Q&A with pet expert Marc Morrone. But the piece de résistance is a section devoted to dog breeds, photographed by Robert Clark in New York City. Most of the 75 dogs that were photographed over a three-day production period were competitors in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held annually since 1877. The dogs are so beautiful and the spread was so expertly photographed by Clark. I really enjoyed this section. You will be able to see behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot by clicking here.

Martha Stewart Pet Costumes + Contest

Who says Fido has to miss all the fun on Halloween? The new Martha Stewart pet line at PetSmart has now added costumes to its roster of pet-care products. Ranging in price from $11.99 to $17.99, the costumes are durable and most of all comfortable. Below is a selection from their gallery.

I was also notified by PetSmart today about a contest that could see your pet starring in a 2011 Pet Smart commercial. Join more than 7,500 pets that are in the running for the grand prize by submitting a photo of your pet dressed up in Halloween garb to the PetSmart Facebook site. Martha entered Francesca and Sharkey today! Entries will be accepted until October 27th and there are also over $3,600 in gift cards and cash prizes to be won. The grand prize winner, voted by Facebook fans, will be announced on November 1.

Martha and Chiggy

I absolutely love these photographs of Martha with her first cat, Chiggy, who was adopted from a shelter. I love the intimacy they convey, the vulnerability and the softness of the light. It's my guess that the photographer was likely Andy Stewart or her father, both of whom were wonderful amateur photographers. Martha looks to be in her late teens.

Review: A Man For All Species

Pet keeper, Marc Morrone, was nearly murdered in his home by Smiley the monkey. Emily the python nearly strangled him to death in his pet store. And a wild porcupine chase through an airport hangar left him covered in quills. Such are the adventures of an intrepid (dare I say revolutionary) pet expert with an unyielding passion for animals – even the ones who may sometimes misunderstand his intentions! Trust me, Indiana Jones has nothing on this guy!

We, of course, know Marc through his multiple appearances on the Martha Stewart Living television program and the Martha Stewart Show over the years, not to mention his spots on Martha Stewart Living Satellite Radio and on various other television and radio programs. He has become the pet expert, unrivalled in his knowledge of the art of keeping our pets happy and healthy.

His new book, out on March 23^rd, is called “A Man For All Species”, and he is indeed that. From birds to reptiles to insects, to all manner of mammals and marsupials, he has become the go-to source for anyone with questions or concerns about how to raise their pets.

The book is a marvellous read! As an animal lover myself, I could not put it down. Throughout most of it I felt as if I could actually hear Marc’s voice articulating the words. The tone is conversational and informal, filled with hilarious and fascinating anecdotes about his adventures in petkeeping, from his childhood days to the present, populated with all kinds of characters and creatures along the way. While the style may be casual and humorous, the content is rich with information and overflowing with knowledge.

There is a chapter, for instance, on kosher pet care! Marc has become more or less the only pet expert in America who has studied kosher pet keeping methods, including which animals are not considered kosher pets, what to do with your pets on Jewish holidays and how to feed pets in a way that does not violate kosher house rules. Marc explores it in detail and it’s truly fascinating!

Marc has had many animal adventures over the years. Several stand out as highlights, including the aforementioned altercations with some of his antagonistic lodgers! Others are more touching, but all of them are engaging and reflective of a man with a deep passion for what he does and the animals he raises.

It was a passion that began in his childhood when Marc’s parents encouraged him to keep all manner of found animals on their front porch and in their basement, in little aquariums and cages, from turtles to insects to birds.

Marc and Martha pose on the set of her television studio with two of their favourite birds. Coral Ann, Martha's favourite cockatiel, resides at Marc's pet store, but she is clearly 'Martha's bird' and she is not for sale. Harry, on Marc's shoulder, will not interact with any human other than Marc - a strong bond of friendship forged over many years. Two of Martha's kittens are added to the mix.

It was that same passion that led Martha Stewart to call him up one morning after watching him on television. Struck by the wide assortment of animals Marc had with him, all cavorting happily together on camera, she was also in awe of his knowledge. It wasn’t long before Martha had him on her show and quickly made him into the resident pet expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

In speaking with Marc these last couple of months, I’ve come to understand just how much he adores Martha, who writes the foreword to this book. There is an entire section of the book devoted to Martha and his work with her, something he is very, very proud of.

Marc went to Martha’s trial in 2004, rarely missing an opportunity to support her in her difficult time, and really impressed upon me how wonderful she has been to him.

In the book, Marc shares numerous ‘Martha moments’ with his readers, including taking a long walk with Martha along the roadways of Bedford, identifying bird life together. He recounts conversations they’ve had washing dishes together after a dinner party at Cantitoe Corners, when Marc exclaimed how perfect the long, shallow sink would be for turtles. “You know, Marc,” Martha said to him in a serious tone, “I’ve never thought of this sink that way before, but you’re absolutely right!”

Marc even broke one of his hallmark rules for Martha: eating lunch. Marc never eats lunch. Not only does he not have time, he is just not that keen on midday munching. But one day Martha insisted on taking him to lunch on her way to Lily Pond Lane and Marc took her to his friend’s diner. By Marc’s own admission, the food was terrible that day but Martha happily ate her lunch, all the while sharing stories and planning more shows with Marc, demonstrating an elegance and focus he has admired in her for years.

There are tales of Martha’s pets, too, and plenty of memories of the segments he did with Martha on her television programs – the good, the bad and the ugly!

You’ll learn about the animal export/import business in America (something Marc is an expert in and something I knew very little about) and hear all about his famous store, Parrots of the World, which Marc boasts is the cleanest pet store in the world. Most of all, you will be entertained in a fun and informative way. You will definitely learn something from this book and you will come to adore Marc, whose passion for what he does shines on every single page.

UPDATE: Marc just informed me that he will have a half-hour show of his own on Hallmark starting next fall called Petkeeping, part of the new roster of shows being developed by MSLO for the cable channel.

The Animal Knits Bible

Knitting for the grandkids is one thing. Knitting for your pet turtle is quite another. But if you've got a special animal in your life and a talent for knitting, then this book by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne is an ideal guide to pampering your pet with yarn. Pet Projects, The Animal Knits Bible is a creative collection of knitting projects for animals - all kinds of animals, from dogs and cats to bunnies, hampsters, horses, birds, turtles, even fish! (There are instructions in the book on knitting a lily pad that floats on top of the fish tank!)

Coats, collars, caps, covers, cushions, scarves, tents and animal toys are all included in the 33 ingenius patterns contained in the book. There are also helpful templates and detailed, illustrated instructions at the back of the book to help you achieve the desired patterns and master some of the more complex techniques.

Best of all are the photos by Diana Miller. Warmly lit and beautifully styled, the photographs are timeless in their presentation. And the animals look utterly adorable, as you can see below.

The book is just $12 at Amazon. It's part of my collection!

How could anyone resist a cover like this?

The photos by Diana Miller are as gorgeous as the animals they portray.

These knitted balaklavas are designed to muffle loud noises, such as fireworks.

An Elizabethan collar.

His and Her sweaters.

A hampster den.

A bird-cage cover.

A tortoise tent.

A horse blanket.

Helpful templates at the back of the book simplify the projects, such as this one for a pattern on a cat cushion.

Funky Pet Portraits

In art school, I had the opportunity to meet some extraordinary new people. I also had the rare opportunity of experiencing my art training with my best friend at my side, Katie Sonnichsen, who has been a neighbour and friend since my early adolesence.

Today, Katie is actually a firefighter, working in Markham, a region just outside of Toronto, which is quite a change from the artistic path she has pursued her entire life, including having worked at some of the best illustration and animation studios in Toronto.

But it seems you can't take the art out of the artist! Between fighting fires, Katie has found time to set up a small and very successful artistic venture painting "funky" portraits of her clients' pets. She has been profiled in various newspapers and television shows and the testimonials from her clients are always glowing. Her website, funkypetportraits.com, showcases numerous examples of her excellent pet portraits, which range in price from $50 to $300, depending on the size of canvas that is chosen by the client. Below are some examples of Katie's work. To contact Katie, visit her site.

The 'funk' element of Katie's pet portraits can be found in her use of vivid, vibrant background colours and the names of the pets written on the canvas.

Katie has an amazing talent for creating realistic elements in her work, from the shine on the fur to the sparkle in the eyes.
No pet is off limits: cats, dogs and rabbits too! She's also done hampsters and mice. She has yet to do a reptile or fish.

Here is Katie, being funky!

Good Things for Pets

I've decided to name this week "Pet Week." I have no idea why, since I have no pets of any kind. I have, however, been extremely drawn to animals of late, especially big, rambunctious dogs, and thought I'd devote a week to pet themes. The first "chapter" is a compilation of adorable pet crafts from Martha Stewart Living over the years. See the gallery below.

I always had a pet growing up. There was Oliver and Stanley: two cats we adopted from a shelter when I was about 7 years old. There was Gracie, a third cat who joined the team. When I was older, we got Bailey - a big chocolate Lab - and adopted Reggie, a dozy Basette Hound, as a companion for him. I also had, rather shockingly, a pet piranha for three years. His name was Fred and he had a large, octogonal tank right beside my bed. He was a big fish and ate a profuse amount of goldfish, which were sold as "feeder fish" at the local pet store. (Creepy, I know. It was a phase.)

I'm sure that when I live in a less cramped and urban space, a big dog will join our family. Animals add fun, companionship and activity to daily life. You can find all the instructions for these projects, and more, at the Pets section of marthastewart.com.

Personalize your pet's collar with creative name tags. Always make sure to include your home phone number in case your pet decides to run away from home!

Why should babies get all the attention? Announce the newest addition to your family with a handmade card.

Take a pointalist's approach to labeling. Use transfer paper, a creative font and a fine-tipped paint applicator to "dot" the name of your pet onto the bowl to achieve a vintage, enamel look.Many vacationers take their dogs with them on their travels. To ensure your pooch's safety, create a temporary tag for his collar that includes the dates you are in town and the phone number and address where you are staying. I would also include the dog's name.Evening is the most popular time for dog walking. Make sure you and your companion are seen in the dusk by neatly applying stitching reflective fabric to your dog's collar and leash.

Martha's French Bulldogs, Sharkey (foreground) and Francesca look totally chic in their little coats. The coats are lightly padded for extra warmth and are water resistant for drizzly days. Get the how-to at marthastewart.com.

Give your cats exercise and fun with these handmade feather toys. Made of wool felt, they're simple to create. Adding a small bell will add to their allure.

Martha's Himalayans love the tree-trunk post she created for them at Bedford. They can climb, scratch,play or rest on the trunk, giving them a natural element to explore while adding a rustic note to the interior.

This little pug looks quite at home on his mattress, which is simply made with dishtowels sewn over a foam insert.

ASPCA to Honour Martha

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has selected Martha Stewart as the recipient of its Presidential Service Award. It will be presented to Martha by Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO, at the 12th annual ASPCA Bergh Ball on Wednesday, April 23, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Martha was selected for embodying the values of the honour's purpose, Sayres noted. The award recognizes individuals who have made an ongoing commitment to animals and have gone above and beyond to support animal welfare and encourage awareness. Martha said: "My life has been greatly enriched by the many pets I have cared for over the years. I am deeply committed to the values the ASPCA embraces and am honoured to be receiving this award."