Living in Kitty Paradise

I'm a big fan of surrealism so was pleased to come across this artist who depicts cats in a surreal way. This painting is "Cats Paradise" by Remedios Varo.

"Remedios Varo Uranga was one of the few acknowledged female surrealist painter," according to her WikiArts entry. "She combined mystical beings and utopic machines together to give birth to her unique and enchanting style. The artist adopted mysticism and the occult as her main theme, and dismissed Christian and religious symbolism"

Varo used cats and cat-like creatures in many of her paintings. What they symbolize is open to interpretation. To me, the cats are happy and relaxed in their own little world. The kittens are having a blast playing with the string toy and you just know that long tower ramp is a hit with all of them too.

What do you think? Does this painting speak to you? Or many your cats enjoys viewing it and can share their thoughts?

Image source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/remedios-varo/cats-paradise-1955

How to (responsibly) let your cat outside

Last April, the Washington Post published an article titled, "How to (responsibly) let your cat outside" -- as you can imagine the comments section was in an uproar and very anti-cat. Few people read past the headline. The article itself was actually very balanced and discussed leash-training your cat (as I have easily done) and featured an image from iStock.

The article's author, Colleen Grablick, writes about her cat’s experience and shares research on outside cats. She discusses:

- Letting your cat choose what it wants. All cats have unique personalities and needs, just as we humans do. Your cat should indicate its interest (or not) in outdoor exploration at its own pace,

- Go gradually. Take your time and be patient. Do as much or as little as your cat wants. Don't rush it or push your own agenda on the cat.

- Take precautions such as surpervising them at all times, checking for fleas and ticks, providing water and shade on hot days, etc.

Grablick also talks about the catio, sunroom-like spaces, or other outdoor enclosures to give the cat a safe taste of outdoors. 

Wear Your Green for St. Gertrude!

Here is an update of one of our most popular posts:

Thank you to the Crazy Cat Ladies Community on Facebook for letting my know about Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, who is the patron saint of Cats AND Gardening. 

This year, we have brand new art depicting St. Gertrude by Washington Gardener Magazine intern Skylar Drew!

The 17th of March is her Saint's Day, which she shares with St. Patrick. "Fine weather on her feast day meant it was time to begin spring planting." This may also explain why we think of St. Patrick's Day as the traditional day for early spring crop sowing -- especially peas and potatoes -- even though St. Pat has nothing to do with gardening.

She lived from 626 to 659. According to Catholics Online, "Gertrude was a mystic, (who was) gifted with visions. She befriended the Irish saints Foillian and Ultan." You can read more about her life here and here.

Let's reclaim the day for St. Gertrude and wear your green proudly in memory of her love for gardening and for cats!