Japan's Cat Island

What could be better than a garden with felines? How about an island full of both? There are actually several tiny "cat islands" in Japan. The video above shows one that has become a booming tourist destination for day trips to visit kitties. On Aoshima Island, cats outnumber human residents by six-times!

What do you think? Is a trip to these islands on your bucket list?

A Japanese Bobtail, photographed May 1 2003 on the island of Miyajima Japan. Photograph by Toby Woodwark.

See-saw-ing with island cats. Photo by Torne (https://www.flickr.com/photos/_torne/20969198604)

A Garden Companion

Rob Chambon, a landscaper in Bicknell, Indiana, USA, shared his story about his cat Ashley. “I lost my former cat Cabbie back in July of 2015 (see her story here). That loss devastated me. About a month later, a friend of mine, Clarence, and his wife suggested I come see a stray cat that had parked itself at their house during this same period. I'll never forget that first moment when I saw Ashley. Sitting on Clarence's front porch, Ashley simply jumped into my lap and put her sweet little head right under my chin, and that was it for me. I decided right then and there she was going home with me. I had found the right pet to replace the giant hole in my heart when I lost Cabbie." 

   "Now, looking back at the year and a half that I've had Ashley with me, I can honestly say that she is the absolutely perfect cat for me. Ashley is so loving and sweet. She always captures the heart of all who let her sit on their lap and experience her amazing sweetness. Ashley prefers, for whatever reason to sit high on my lap or sometimes my chest so her head is either right at my chin, or resting on my shoulder. She is a very laid back kitty, and her preferred spot inside my home is on the arm of my couch, where she sleeps peacefully till I awake in the morning." 

   "Ashley is very vocal in the mornings. She meows many times when I first get up, following me everywhere I go till I take the time to hold her and pet her. Ashley loves attention, back rubs and belly rubs, and she loves to be held. Any time I talk to her, Ashley meows right back to me, as if she is answering me. It's uncanny, but I swear sometimes I think she really understands me. Ashley is a very faithful companion, following me out to my woodland garden where she passes the time waiting on me to finish my garden chores or a simple walk. Afterward, when I begin to leave the garden, Ashley knowingly trots along in front of me, leading the way back to my lake cottage each and every time. She seems to sense when I am ready to head home. I feel so lucky and blessed to have such a sweet and lovable cat like Ashley in my life. She's not only company to me, but she is my constant, loving companion.”

The Orange Shrub-cat

This orange shrub-cat meme is one in a long line of potted cats. He is a undeniably and sweetie and it is not surprising that it is being spread far and wide.

Someone named "the southern dandy" commented on it: "The orange shrub-cat requires many pets to grow big and strong. Contrary to other shrubs, this shrub is deeply adverse to being watered."

It has been shared thousands of times in Reddit and is now making it over to Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook - without attribution.

I cannot trace the original post to give them credit. Please comment below, if you know this cat, the owner, and/or the photographer.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

My Garden to Table in Pottstown, PA, shared this photo of their cat and some Hpapy Cat Farm seed packs. They wrote: "Best find at today's #seedswapday was @Happycatfarm Really looking forward to taste testing these beauties! Sprite is a 4-year=old rescue we got (with his sister, Melody) when we moved to the farm. He's smart, engaging, and overall a very happy cat. "