Thursday, November 10, 2016

#Feline Foraging Devices--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


My feline photos this week are action shots. Indoor cats are more susceptible to health problems such as obesity and diabetes because of their sedentary life style. An eat and sleep pattern is not necessarily a healthy one. Also, cats are natural predators who tend to eat many small meals throughout the day. When I read about "foraging devices" for cats, I knew I had to obtain one...or two...for my furry crew. The package arrived this week, and the "fun" began.

 The devices I ordered are round or oval in shape.  They have an opening to deposit dry food or a favorite kibble treat. The holes on the sides are adjustable to control the amount of food that dispenses when the ball is rolled across the floor. You can make your own by cutting holes in an empty water bottle.
Paddy was the first to master puzzle. She immediately smelled the kibble inside and figured out the secret to dispensing it. 




Zoie Joy watched from afar then took her turn at rolling the device. 






Halo remained rather aloof, signaling that she preferred to be served her meals on a glass plate, although she was curious enough to give the ball a chance to satisfy her hunger.

The novelty may wear off, but hopefully in the process, the cats will become adroit enough to quickly dispense kibble when they are hungry between wet food feedings. For now, the kibble toy seems to have been a worthwhile investment, a way to provide some natural instinctual opportunities to forage for their food...and get a little exercise in the process.        


*******************
The holidays are growing nearer and shopping, decorating and choosing or crafting gifts will be our focus for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special ebook lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






***************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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Monday, November 7, 2016

Providing Winter Shelters for #Cats by Karen Rose Smith


It's that time of year to think about shelters for outside stray cats.  We've been feeding a feral stray sibling pair since fall of 2015. They came running into our yard with their ears clipped so I knew they had been neutered and spayed.  When they began coming regularly, I decided to attempt to socialize them.  Hubby dubbed them Bonnie and Clyde because they ran together.  

The socialization process has been exceedingly slow.  A year later, they come regularly for wet food twice a day.  Clyde stays around our property most of the time.  But Bonnie is flighty and goes off on her own to be reunited with him at times during the day.  I don't know where she goes.  We tried confining them in the basement one night when Clyde's paw seemed to be hurting, but they ran out like the devil was chasing them the next day and didn't return for a few more days.  They were even wary about eating.  The thing about ferals is that they want to retain their independence.  

A year later, Clyde especially will rub against my legs at mealtime. Now and then if I don't move too fast, he'll let me pet him a few strokes.  But they are still not ready to be handled or brought inside. We've taken care of strays before.  It's not easy to "let go" and give them freedom but that's how they are happiest.  

The best scenario this year would be to let Bonnie and Clyde stay in the basement on terrifically cold or bad weather nights.  But as you know, cats don't often cooperate with humans' intentions.  So what my husband and I are going to do is give them options.  Hopefully they'll choose one or two.


We have a patio sunroom that we keep open throughout the year. For winter, we put a shelter and a heated bed inside in one area, a heated pad in another. ExtremeWeatherHeatPad 



I lay thermal heat pads on the furniture in the sunroom.  Outside over the years we've added different types of shelters.  Those closest to the house have low wattage heat pads inside.  Among them are an igloo and cedar shelters.  If you'd like to consider making a shelter yourself from a cooler, here is a link.  

DIY Shelter




FerralVillaShelter



Ally Cat Allies has pages of prebuilt and DIY shelters to examine, many with instructions. AlleyCatAlliesShelters


One caution about multi cat shelters. Feral and stray cats don't usually like to share.  Our sibling pair might be an exception.  But roaming loners like their own spot to stay safe, rather than sharing a shelter.  And sometimes a stray would prefer to have the whole property to himself or herself.


We use straw bales as buffers and protection for the shelters against the elements.  Since the flowers are gone and plants don't provide much cover, the bales are also useful on the patio to break the wind. 

Straw is the preferred bedding if the shelter doesn't have a heat pad. Hay, used as animal feed, gets soggy. Straw is sturdier than hay, usually a golden color. Moisture rolls off of it rather than sinking in. Towels and carpet become damp and mildew.  Cats can nest in straw and it keeps them warm with their body heat. 

 Also important in winter are heated water bowls. We notice the strays drink more water in winter than summer because it's harder to find a water supply.  Here is one option we use but many kinds and brands are available.


Keeping these stray fur babies safe is a challenge. Hopefully they'll take advantage of our hospitality.

******************

Read about Caprice De Luca, her family
 and her penchant for solving murders in 
the Caprice De Luca Mystery series.


Staged To Death
Deadly Decor
Gilt By Association
Drape Expectations
Silence of the Lamps
Shades of Wrath--December 2016



****************
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

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Thursday, November 3, 2016

A #Feline Field Trip--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



Late one afternoon this week, after Bonnie and Clyde--our outside furry visitors--finished their evening meal, they disappeared rather quickly. I asked my husband if he knew where they went and he pointed to the field at the end of our property and said, "They went on a field trip." 

 We watched the duo as they explored the large field which the owner had recently mowed. They scouted the area, occasionally bounding after something that caught their attention. 

 After 15 minutes, we decided to let them to their adventures and headed back in the house. We watched through our windows that overlooked the field. They were certainly enjoying their excursion and we anticipated a souvenir. We were not disappointed because our field camera caught Bonnie returning to the patio with said souvenir in her mouth.


Later in the week, we decided to take our inside felines on a "field" trip of their own. I wanted to clean out a closet in a room that is not normally accessible to the cats. So together we ventured into the unfamiliar space.

 Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington and Halo immediately followed me as I began the big cleanout. Zoie did some initial exploring, then settled to watch the proceedings. Halo was a little more inquisitive but also eventually settled to enjoy the new surroundings. 

Paddy was the most curious and constantly in the midst of the disorder--emptied boxes, packing supplies and items for the charity box.
   

The process of sorting took more time than I anticipated, but the charity box is restocked and there is actually an empty space on the closet floor. After the "trip" and Zoie, Paddy and Halo were ready for their evening meal and happy to settle down for a nap. It was obvious that they enjoyed the new surroundings and activity not usually a part of their everyday routine.



The great part of taking a trip--whether to the field or to some other unchartered territory--is coming home again.    



*****************

The holidays are growing nearer and shopping, decorating and choosing or crafting gifts will be our focus for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special ebook lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






***************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



 
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Thursday, October 27, 2016

#Halloween #Feline Looks--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith


Each week I try to share some of the more inspirational photos of the Smith feline family with my readers. But Halloween week provides the opportunity to show the other side of those beautiful faces. Below are some photos of both the inside and outside furry crew that capture the spirit of Halloween. The eyes and mouth are good indicators of a bewitching mood.  And body language can also add to the ghoulish effect. But despite their attempts at capturing the Halloween spirit, it is still difficult to hide the sweet personalities that are so much more attractive than an eerie eye, snarly grimace or raised paw. Happy Halloween from Zoie Joy, Miss Paddington, Halo, London and Bonnie and Clyde.

"I know it's a carrot, but it's
the same color as a pumpkin!

"Will these eyes scare off the
ghosts and goblins?"

"You have to use your eyes, mouth and
claws all at once to really scare them away!"
 
"Did you hear that scary noise?"
"Yes, I did hear the noise.
 Where did it come from?"







"Does my wolf look work
as a Halloween disguise?"
"I was going more for the look
of a lion with a ferocious growl?"

"If you want ferocious, this is how you do it!"

"Just tell me when it's all over so I can open my eyes!" 

*****************

As the Halloween merchandise disappears from stores, Christmas decorations are filling the empty shelves. The holidays and gift-giving will now dominate our thoughts for the next two months. My new boxed set, HOLIDAY FOREVER-AFTERS, features three feel-good holiday romances that will put you in the holiday spirit and offer the perfect gift for that special book lover on your Christmas list.   

NOW AVAILABLE!






***************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



    
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Monday, October 24, 2016

#Clues and a Cozy #Mystery Cover--SHADES OF WRATH by Karen Rose Smith





What can you, the reader, deduce from a cover of a book? My artist who creates my Caprice De Luca Home Staging cozy series covers does a fabulous job of portraying the essence of the mystery that my sleuth Caprice solves.

Here are a few clues as to what happens in SHADES OF WRATH. 

The opening scene takes place in an early 1900's rundown Tudor mansion that is a legacy to the Kismet, Pennsylvania's women's shelter Sunrise Tomorrow. Caprice will be decorating it.  It will be a transitional shelter for women who are finding their footing again after escaping abusive relationships. End of the day light is flickering through the tall windows when Caprice enters. That light is symbolic of hope for these women in their futures. 

The heavy wood-paneled door is open slightly, enough for a yellow tabby cat to be making the shelter his home.  That yellow tabby on the staircase is the stray that Caprice finds a home for in this mystery.  My sleuth does this in each book!  (SHADES is dedicated to this stray, Sunnybud, who I actually befriended for three years.) 

There are old fashioned roll-up shades with fringes leaning against the balcony.  The murder weapon, perhaps?

And then there are the balustrades on the balcony overlooking the grand foyer.  Since they are broken, imagine what happened to the murder victim. 

The title is a play on the word "Shades"--the window shades themselves but also all the shades of emotions that lead to motivations for murder.

Writing SHADES OF WRATH was a challenging labor of love.  As you enjoy solving the mystery with Caprice, may you also share in her joy as she finds her future with the man she loves. I'm hopeful that I've mixed a plot revolving around a serious issue with the joy and warmth of family and friends. 


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AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 29



Pre-order SHADES OF WRATH on Barnes and Noble
****************
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 97th novel will be released in 2017.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 





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