Welcome to the 897th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday to you! It’s another beautiful spring day here in Georgia, love this time of year so much! We finally got a little bit of rain, which seems to have settled the pollen down a little. The electricians were here this past Friday to install the new fans I had ordered to replace the existing fans that, after 16 years of service here on the porch, have become badly rusted. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to install them due to needing a special connector piece for the part where the downrod connects to the slanted ceiling. The ceiling has a strong slant/pitch, so whatever mechanism came with the fans was not enough to work for my porch ceiling. They’ve ordered the new part(s) and will be returning this Friday to complete the installation.
One thing they did get done was the installation of two Ring Floodlight Cameras, something I’ve been meaning to have done for quite a while. I have monitored security systems at both houses, but I have really enjoyed the Ring floodlight that I have on the Dollhouse in Ohio.
With the addition of the new floodlights, this is how the “Grid” view now looks on my phone. Before I added a Ring doorbell and Ring floodlights/cameras to the Dollhouse, I talked with several electricians and did a bit of research online. Everything I found online still rated the Ring above other available options/brands. I’ve been very happy with the Ring floodlight that I had installed at the Dollhouse, so I ordered that exact same one again. Note: There was a note on Amazon stating that a “newer” version of the floodlight was available, but the reviews were not as good for the newer version, so I stayed with the same one I already have and like. Based on their experience, the electricians who installed the new floodlights on Friday. heartily agreed with that decision. They install Ring floodlights every day, so they know what works and what customers like. Adding the new floodlight cameras to my Ring app on my phone was super easy. There was a brief 8-minute update, but after the update completed, the new camera floodlights were working great!
The Ring floodlight that I’ve purchased three times now and feel comfortable recommending is this one: Ring Floodlight Camera with Color Night Vision & Two-Way Talk with Audio.
After the electricians left, I headed out to drop off a package at UPS and to do a bit of shopping for the kitties. I only had one kitty wand/teaser here in the Georgia house and wanted to buy a few more. These are the ones I purchased at PetSmart on Friday, and Beatrice and Agatha are obsessed with all of them! This time, I visited the store in person, but I do love ordering from PetSmart online. So far, every time I’ve ordered, they delivered my items that same day (or the next) for no extra charge. They apparently use DoorDash, so I did add a tip—well worth it for saving me time and gas. Did you know that PetSmart delivers?
I should have turned over the purple octopus. He has a face with embroidered eyes, and he’s the cutest thing! The cats love him! Notice the padded kitty handles! They are really comfortable to hold, and much better than the foam handled ones that cats, including mine, will chew chunks out of and can possibly swallow. I saw a review where that happened with a foam-handled cat wand/teaser. The cat required surgery to remove the piece of foam it had swallowed, so stay away from teasers with hard foam handles; they are dangerous! Here are links for the teasers below, starting from the left side: Blue and Purple Curl Teaser; Yellow Curl Teaser-which is part of a set of 3; Pink Birdie Teaser; Green Snake Teaser; Purple Octopus Teaser. You’ll need a wand for the teasers that don’t already come on a wand. The wand with the cat paw handle is available here: Cat Paw Wand. The teasers just screw onto the top of the wand.
This was the other item I purchased at PetSmart on Friday. Both Beatrice and Agatha use their many scratching posts that I have throughout the house, but occasionally Beatrice can’t resist using one of the rugs. I have been looking for a scratcher that wasn’t cardboard (I’ve tried those and they played in them but never used them), and this one looked perfect since it was covered in carpet and had different rug/carpet-like surfaces on all sides. Whoever designed this scratcher knows cats! Beatrice loves it!
Once I saw how much she loved it, I ordered another one online from PetSmart, and it was delivered that same afternoon. Can’t recommend this scratcher enough if you have a kitty who likes to use your rugs or carpet for scratching. (Scratcher is available here: Scratcher for Cats.)
The Great Escape: After I returned from running errands to UPS and PetSmart, I spent 15-20 minutes cutting off all the tags on the new toys and scratchers and playing with Beatrice. Beatrice was having a party with all the new toys, but where was Agatha? I called her name several times; the kitties always come when called. When she didn’t appear, I did a walkthrough of the whole house, rattling a treat bag the whole time. When that didn’t produce Miss Agatha, I started to worry. How could she have gotten out? I don’t recall leaving any doors open. Then I remembered that my lawn guy had rung the doorbell earlier in the day when his lawn mower had quit working to tell me he would be back tomorrow to finish cutting the grass. I pulled up the video of us talking on the porch, and look what I saw in the lower right corner! Panic!!!
How did I not notice her sneaking out during our brief conversation, and why hadn’t my lawn guy said anything?! Maybe he thought Agatha was an indoor/outdoor cat. I went into full panic mode, realizing she had been outside for approximately two hours! As I flew out the front door to search for her, I noticed my neighbor across the street working in his yard and asked if he had seen a gray and white cat. A little boy was riding by on his bike, and he stopped and joined the search. I walked across the front of the house toward the driveway and looked into the backyard, calling her name. As I headed back toward the front door to go down the other side of the house, I heard a meow and saw Agatha trying to get into the house via the closed front door. Apparently, she’d had enough of her unauthorized adventure and was ready to be a housecat again.
I’m not sure what Agatha did during her two-hour outdoor excursion, but I don’t think she ever strayed very far. When I played the ring videos (in the app on my phone) that had recorded me running out the front door to search for her, while I was standing out in the yard talking with my neighbor, I could hear her in the video meowing. So she must have been right there in the shrubs near the porch when I dashed out to search for her. I think during her AWOL adventure, she must have visited the camellia a few feet away from the porch. I later noticed a camellia blossom on the doormat that she must have played with and wanted to bring back into the house.
Look at that face—zero regrets! That look says, “And I’ll do it again!” Oh no, you won’t, Miss Agatha. From now on, if someone comes to the door, I’ll step out on the porch and close the door behind me to talk with them, no matter how brief the conversation.
Hope your weekend was a little less stressful! lol Looking forward to the awesome Before and Afters linked below for this week’s Metamorphosis Monday party!
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects, like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects, and even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “URL” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Susan, always a crisis when a pussycat gets out! Unfortunately, it has happened to me in the past and Gretel was gone overnite! Fortunately, we got her back the next day. Could you please provide a link for the wands? I’d like to order them.
But I’ve been told to watch out for cats trying to eat feathers as well. We must protect our Fur Babies! Looking forward to seeing your new fans.
So glad you were able to get Gretel back! ♥ I would have freaked out if she had been gone overnight since we have coyotes aplenty here in the metro Atlanta area. I often hear them howling at night. I agree about the feathers. I cut them off their other wands and almost did that to these, but left them since they were such big feathers. One of the cats pulled one off already, so I think I’ll go ahead and cut the rest of them off.
I will look up those right now on the website and add those links to this post. So just give me about 15 or so minutes to find those. They love all of them!
Judy, I just realized that most of the teasers I purchased did not come with the wand. I’d forgotten that I purchased that separately. Here’s the link for the cat paw wand: https://bit.ly/4c4kmCg .
OMG Miss Agatha! I hate that feeling when you can’t find a pet. Usually nothing’s wrong but your heart sinks and panic takes over.
I know, it’s terrible! I will be watching them like a hawk every time the door gets opened after this incident!
omg so glad it ended well. Why would he want to leave he has everything you spoil them I wouldn’t leave.
lol They are definitely a little bit spoiled. Ha!
Your baby is so pretty! Agatha seems to be a good cat. I know that panic myself having cats. I wanted to know something that might be from your past. I noticed your bird house out front on the pole. Can you tell me about that? I’m planning to have some work done and want to put up a bird house.
Hi Susan!
Want to share a great hack for the kittens. Take an old toothbrush and use it on the whiskers up to the ears. I do one side of the face at a time. In the beginning my kitty would fall asleep to the tooth brushing. Once he even drooled. lol.
Wendy
Oh, I bet that feels amazing to them! I’ll have to try that. 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G3SLKQ8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
For the best cat scratcher ever!!! Try and you’ll see. I used it to keep cats from scratching sofa.
I have three that are very similar, and you’re right, the cats love them!
Beatrice is hilarious, she will get a running start and jump on the top and knock it over. I think she does it on purpose. lol
These are three I purchased that I think are similar to yours:
https://amzn.to/47GxmN9
https://amzn.to/4sgba3C
https://amzn.to/4sgbkIg
It looks like I’m running a cat daycare in this house! lol
I know! We’re on our second one because it’s so well loved. Rosie is 19 1/2 and that scratcher is still part of her daily routine. She’s the only indoor-only kitty I’ve ever had and should I get another, I’ll do the same. Once they go outside, they continue to want to go; otherwise, it doesn’t bother them—what they don’t know, they don’t miss. I can’t remember her ever trying to get out. Glad you got home to Georgia. Isn’t it grand?!!
Wow, 19-1/2 is amazing! Love that! Rosie is obviously very well loved. ♥ Many, many years ago I had a scratching post that was covered in what looked like carpet. Our three cats wore it bare in places. My father-in-law took a scrap piece of carpet that was left from when we recarpeted the house and recovered it for us. They eventually wore that one out, too. I feel like you can never have too many scratching posts, they are a good investment to protect the furniture.
Yes! I do miss this place a lot when I’m not here. I love Georgia and love living in the south!
Oh! I’m so glad you found her fairly quickly. And you’re right, no remorse on that cute face. lol. We only have a dog, no cats, but good to know about delivery service. Thanks for the tip. And I think I want the ring flood light too. Thank you for all the great info as always. XO- MaryJo
Thanks for info on Ring! I sure do know the feeling when a kitty gets out! My indoor ran out before I could stop her. She went over to the lawn area and started eating grass so I left her (she previously was an outdoor cat). Now, after feeding she wants to go out! One night I forgot to let her back in (she sleeps with me) and had to get out of bed. She waits to come back in so that’s the good part. I now have a new routine. Ha! Pure terror in your heart when your pet goes missing so know just how you felt when you were searching inside. Oh, and looking forward to seeing the fans installed.
Hi Susan, We’re so happy your kitty stayed close by. Since you travel back and forth to Ohio, it may be a consideration to get them chipped at the vet if they aren’t already. A serious car wreck between destinations or them working their magic and getting out of their carrier without you knowing could spell disaster and heartbreak if you opened a car door and they ran out of fear and confusion. We wouldn’t want that for you since you love them so much. We have done cat rescue for 40+ years and highly recommend breakaway collars with name tags and chipping. All our babies have a collar and name tag so people know they are loved and have a family. They do sneak out occasionally and can time the door opening at times! It’s amazing how they can time things! It might give you further peace of mind. Those are two sweet babies! They’re lucky to have you as their Mom! Clara
They are chipped; the place I adopted them from in Ohio (SICSA) does that automatically with all their rescues. Thanks for that tip, just in case! Not sure how much they will be traveling with me back and forth, although I do have a great carrier for them that straps into place in the car. Much of the time, I will probably fly here and leave them in Ohio with family taking care of them. They are incredibly sweet and loving and so smart! Thanks, Clara!
Oh, I felt they were chipped but couldn’t remember for sure. I’m so happy they are as they are precious. I love the carrier you bought. It’s perfect for traveling. One of our little fellas can masterfully scoot the zipper of the large back seat carrier open we have which is similar to yours but older than yours. Now we have to zip tie the zippers together when we travel due to our little Houdini! He was in my lap before I knew it last trip. He was so proud of himself! I read your blog regularly and enjoy it immensely. Thanks for letting me know. We absolutely love our rescues and all cats, dogs, pets in general! Have a wonderful evening. Clara
My Link Ups for today’s party are #
Happy Easter!
Thanks so much for hosting this charming party!!! I truly do appreciate it as I do know the time involved with it….I hope you and your family are well and enjoying your week!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Oh my, so glad you found Miss Agatha! It would be heartbreaking if one of my cats slipped out and couldn’t find them. I love my 3 cats. Love seeing your cats.
Hi,
Just an idea but Walmart has a mesh retractable pet gate for doors. When you open the door it covers the open space so no pets can get out. Easy to unlatch if you wish to go out or let company in.
Oh no, I am so happy you found her pretty quickly. You will have to watch her close everytine you open the door, she is probably very curious and will want another adventure outside if she can sneak out. They are adorable. I know you are loving them so much.
Hi, I would like to purchase the exact RING you have. I truly appreciate and respect your recommendations. However, I am unable to open your link to the website. Could you send it to my email, I want you to receive credit. Thank you, I’m also thrilled you got Agatha back! I have Mr. Gentry and live in the NC/TN mountains! He has escaped twice for several hours and came home exhausted! The dummy will still run any chance and I have pulled his tail before he took flight, since. He always looks at me like “DAG” I almost made it. I need this Ring for additional safety. Thank you for all you share!
Sure, I’ll email it to you now. Thanks, Kristy!
I have a feeling that Agatha is going to be just like Mr. Gentry! She hangs right around the door when she knows I’m outside or in the garage. She seemed really scared when she wanted back in, so I don’t know why she thinks she needs to go outside again. I guess something in their genes makes them want to explore and hunt like their wild predecessors. lol
Thank you for the Ring doorbell tip. I’ve had hardwired security cameras around the perimeter of my house for about 10 years now, and I love them, but, as you can imagine, the technology is quite old, so I contacted my alarm company about installing new, state of the art cameras. In my area wifi is not as reliable as I would like. They are very, very expensive, but ever since that poor woman in Tucson, AZ was abducted from her home, it’s made me prioritize my personal safety. I live in a very safe area, but so did she. Sad that this is what the world has come to.