Party Time!

Opus and I are all dressed up for Sassy Cat's first ever Halloween party. It is an open house going on all day and into the night, so be sure to stop on in and join us for some fun. Looking forward to seeing you there!

-Roscoe

Happy Halloween (go Colts)!

Peace on Earth

Opus: I saw this video and it really touched my heart. We cats get blamed for a lot of bad things, but this video shows that we do have a soft, sweet side. I thought it was magnificent that this cat adopted a "litter" of baby chicks and is doing its best to keep them warm.



Roscoe: The owner forgot to check the cat's mouth! There is only one word I can think of when I watch this video; SMORGASBORD!

Opus: Clearly the cat isn't eating the chick Roscoe. Don't be so pessimistic; your glass if always half empty.


Roscoe: I'm not pessimistic, I am very optimistic. I'm optimistic that the cat's mouth is half full!

Monday Morning Advice

This week's "Dear Opus and Roscoe" email comes to us from our friends Victor and Bonnie from Victor Underfoot and Bonnie Tabbycat. Victor writes:

Deer Opus an Roscoe,
My sisfur "Bonnie" an I get a little stinky goodness cat food efurry day, but Mom doesn't gif us the whole can, so sumtimes the food's reely cold an kinda old when she gifs it to us. How can we confince her to give us the whole can at once? If she insists on safin it, do you know anyfing she could do to make it taste good again? Cuz it's not nice to haf stinky goodness turn into stinky badness.

We already tried turnin up our noses an askin fur sum new food, but she don't go fur that.

Fanks,
Victor Tabbycat

Dear Bonnie and Victor,
The best solution would be to wait for your humans to leave the house and then help yourself to the remaining can of cat food. Though God gave us cats the gifts of great intelligence, wondrous beauty and acrobatic skills, he did NOT give the gift of thumbs. That means that we are, at times, at the mercy of our less-than-equal humans. The obvious answer is to make so much noise that your humans will eventually give in. The problem with that is it might backfire. When we have had kitchen protests, it usually ended with us being thrown out of the kitchen.

If your humans insist on giving you day-old-cat-food, perhaps you could at least reach a compromise. Have your human mix in some fresh cat food with old the stuff to help liven it up a bit. Something else that might help is to toss the old cat food in the microwave for a few seconds. You know how we cats love our food on the slightly warm side. Do be sure to tell your humans to be careful though, you don't want to get your cute, kitty tongue burned. If they warm your food up, they should stick their finger in it to be sure it isn't hot; just make sure they wash their dirty human hands before touching your precious meal.

If humans understood what it means to be a cat, they would never try to shove day old food onto us. Living with humans isn't always easy, but with a few compromises we can all learn to live together happily.

Best of luck.
Love,
Opus and Roscoe

If you would like some advice on how to care for or deal with your humans, please write to Opus and Roscoe at catnapsinitaly@yahoo.com. Address emails as "Dear Opus and Roscoe" and then look for their response in their Monday morning advice column.

Sell Out

Well, we've done it. Opus and I have sold out. Our humans told us it was time for to start helping out financially and so we did what any cat would do. We took the easy way out. They didn't really expect us to find a job did they? There is a reason that you never hear the words "Work Cat" like you do the words "Work Dogs". Working cat is just an oxymoron.

So we have added a couple of advertisements, pubblicità as they are called in Italy. We also opened our very own Amazon Store, which we think was quite entrepreneurial of us. We chose to list some books about cats, some books about Italy and some books about cats in Italy. Aren't we clever? We also added cat goodies and toys to our list. If anyone clicks on one of our items, and then puuuurchases it, a small donation will go to yours humbly.

So now we hope those darn humans will get off our our backs and let us get back to what we do best, napping.

Hey, my brother and I have already made nine whole cents off of our google adds. At this rate, we will be able to go out and score ourselves a bag of catnip! Shhh, don't tell the humans.

-Roscoe

And the Award Goes to....

We were thrilled and honored to receive the "I love your blog" award from our friend Derby. Now it is time to pass this prestigious award along to a few other deserving cats and humans.


*Edsel, the Pooch

*Gigolo Kitty

*Kitty Limericks

*Starbuck, Torrey and Sebastian

Congratulations to you all!

They Love US!

Roscoe and I have received our very first blog award! We are sooooo excited! Our dear friend (and Colts fan) Derby presented us with the prestige "I Love Your Blog" award. And now for our acceptance speech, ah hem (clears throat of fur balls).



"My esteemed colleague, Roscoe, and I are thrilled to be awarded the coveted "I Love Your Blog" award. We have had a long, two year carer as cat blogger: years in which we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It has always been our long term goal to strive for excellence in blog writing, a goal which we have vigorously worked to accomplish. This award is an outstanding achievement because it was you, the reader, who chose to bestow it upon us. For that we thank you endlessly and are forever grateful.

As writers, it is enough to know that someone simply "likes" our blog. But to know that someone out there LOVES our blog, well there just aren't words to express how that makes us feel.

We wish to thank our humans for not only giving us a computer with which to type, but for allowing us the freedom of expression, to say what we want to say even at the cost of their own embarrassment. To our fans, thank you so much for checking in with us day to day. It is for you who we type. To the great big, kitty God in sky, thank you for our wonderful lives. We have enjoyed all nine of them. And last but not least to Derby, the fine cat who awarded us this great gift. You have made two old farm cats from Indiana very happy. And now a few words from my brother and fellow award winner." -Opus

"What? Somebody gave us an award? Really? Whooooooooooo hoooooooooooooo!!!!!! Puurs to Derby!" - Roscoe


-Roscoe

And now, who should we nominate....hmmmmmmm.

Monday's Advise Column

Welcome to the very first addition of Dear Opus and Roscoe. My brother and I recently turned 12, thus making us wise old cats. We believe that our years of living with a crazy human have given us a lot of experience and insight on living with humans. We want to help our fellow pets by offering advise to anyone who is need of help. All you have to do is send an email at catnapsinitaly@yahoo.com, and then look for your email to appear on our blog on Monday. Roscoe and I will do our best to give you sound advise on how to deal with your human problems.

We decided that the first letter we received would be the first letter that we would post. As fate would have it our very own cousin sent in the first email (honest, we aren't posting it just because he is our cousin, he really was the first).

Thank you to all of you who wrote. If your email wasn't posted today, please look for it next week.

Thank you to all who purticipated, keep those emails coming!

-Opus

The Very First "Dear Opus and Roscoe"

Today's first email comes to us from a cat in Indiana. Panther writes:

Dear Opus and Roscoe,
I have a problem that I hope you can help me with. About a year ago, my humans brought home a baby and I have slowly had to adjust to this extra person in our house. Well now she walks and talks and wants to climb all over me. I know I can't hurt her or my humans will be mad. She likes to lay all over me and chase me whenever she can. I have included a picture of her laying on top of me. Do you have any suggestions for putting up with this human?
Sincerely,
Panther

(Evidence: exhibit A- The human in this video is not saying "shoot her" as in with a gun, but rather "shoot her" as in "take the picture").

Dear Panther,
We hate to sound mean, but if you would have spaid and neutered your humans when you first got them, this wouldn't even be an issue. It is very important to be a responsible human owner. It is too late to look back now, as the damage has been done. We are afraid to tell you that you are simply stuck with this tiny human and will have to deal with it as best you can. If you, in any way, act out against this little, love-monster, it will surely be the quickest way to get kicked out of the house. This is a delicate situation and must be dealt with carefully. What you must remember is that the little human, though it may be annoying at times, is just in love with you. And rightfully so, you are a beautiful cat. Since she hasn't learned how to express her feelings better, the only way she can tell you she loves you is by showing you, hence the "snuggling". Maybe if you look at it from this perspective, it won't seem so bad. As for the chasing, she is just after another hug. Once in a while stop and let her have it. It isn't easy living with humans, but it is something that we must do. As life changes (like a tiny human comes to live in your house) as must we. It is important to remember that just because there is a baby in the house doesn't mean that your humans don't love you. There is plenty of love in their hearts for the both of you.


Best of wishes,
Opus and Roscoe

Come back next Monday for another edition of "Dear Opus and Roscoe".

What Dreams May Come

This is exactly why you shouldn't each a sausage, cheese, mushroom and tuna pizza right before bed! It makes for a long (but interesting) night. Think this evening I will just have a cup of cafe latte!



Roscoe

New: Cat Naps in Italy Pet Advise Column

Opus and Roscoe understand what it means to be a magnificent animal stuck living with a silly human. They have spent the past twelve years putting up with one and have learned a lot over the years. They are ready to share their experience and knowledge with any pet having problems cohabiting with humans.

If you have a question, concern or human-behavior problem, now you can write to the boys and they will answer your emails right here on Cat Naps in Italy. Send your emails to catnapsinitaly@yahoo.com with the subject titled "Dear Opus and Roscoe".

Every Monday the boys will pick an email to answer on their blog and, don't worry, you don't even have to give them your real name.

Send your emails in now, the first installment of "Dear Opus and Roscoe" will be held the following Monday.

Opus and Roscoe, saving pets from their crazy humans one animal at a time.

**The purpose of Cat Naps in Italy Pet Advise Column is to give pets advise on their humans, not the other way around. We are looking forward to hearing from you.**

Animal House

We would like to thank all of our friends who traveled to Italy to help us celebrate our birthday. We had so much fun with you and can't wait to do it again next year.

The first guests to knock on our door were Annie, Bill, Shefarra, Tunk, Lola and Dubs, who traveled all the way from Indiana to be with us.


Our friends Derby and Sophine were the next to make the trip across the pond. Derby brought so many suitcases, that we thought (and hoped) he was moving in with us. Sophie left her suitcases at home, but she did bring her very own sleeping bag just in case she needed a nap.

Derby's bags and Derby singing "Happy Birthday"

Zippy, Sadie and Speedy, also mid-western cats, traveled to be with us on our birthday. They were so excited to be able to try all the different types of pasta. We hope they come back again soon and eat some more good meals with us.

Just as the party was getting started, our new friends Smeagol, Strider, Mystery and Gizmo knocked on the door. We were so happy to meet them for the very first time in person (I mean, in animal). Thats Mystery in the photo on the left.

Smeagol and Strider sleeping off their jet lag, while Gimzo steps outside for some freshair.



We were so happy when our old friend, Fat Eric, arrived from England. He's a good old chap who is always great for a laugh or two! He is also the only living cat who can eat more cake and ice cream than us. Don't worry, he doesn't have a belly ache in this photo. He is just resting up for the next round.

Soon we were joined by all of our friends from the House of Mostly Black Cats. Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree and Pepi got the party off to a great start with a really cool cat dance. Soon the whole crowd was line dancing right alongside them all!

Just when thought it couldn't get any better, all of our friends from "The Zoo" arrived. It was so nice of them to come to our little party. They didn't waste anytime and quickly joined all us all on the dance floor.

Our friends from "The Zoo

Warming up the paws before hitting the dance floor and
resting the paws after hitting the dance floor.

Samantha and Tigger went right to work on playing when they arrived at the party. These two really are a couple fun, party animals!

Then our friend Karen Jo, from Kitty Limericks, showed up. She has a great blog where she write limericks about blogging cats. I think she found a lot of inspiration at our party!


They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and we couldn't agree more. Just look at this character! You had better believe us when we tell you that Karl was the life of the party! We are just sorry that we don't have a bigger picture of this cool cat. Someone keep this guy far from the cat nip!



The beautiful and exotic Tara arrived at our party in the company of her brother, Kavan. Tara looked like a model in her cool tunnel while Kavan impatiently waited for the cake to be served.

Talk about your international parties! Not only did we have friends come from America and England, but we even had guests travel from Germany! Our female human was really excited about this as she has a bit of German heitage (though she really is just a mut, but don't tell her that). Luna, Frieda and Luzie us all taught to say meow in German. "Miau!"

Of course the best thing about our birthday was that our family from America was able to come and spend the day with us. Our grandparents along with their vagabond cat, Buddy, and also our cousin, Panther, danced, ate and slept the day away with us. We were so happy that we couldn't stop puring. Grandma and Grandpa even got dressed up for the celebration!

Buddy opts for exercise while Panter tries to "sleep it off"

We would have written about the party sooner, but we had so much fun that we have been sleeping ever since! Thank you so much for making our birthday such a special day. Please come to back Italy soon!

Love,

Opus and Roscoe

(photos of the party guests were borrowed from their own blogs. If anyone wishes to have their photos removed, just please leave a comment and it will be done)

Happy Birthday to US!

Today we are celebrating our birthday. The humans would have you believe that we are a couple of pimply-faced-twelve-year-olds, but the fact is that we are really senior citizens in cat years. We won't let a little thing like that keep from throwing a party though. Everyone is invited to join us for a party at our house tonight. RSVP by leaving a comment in our box and we will write a post about all the fun we have.

We know it is sort of last minute, but we are cats (and its our birthday) and that is just how we are. Hope you can join us!

Opus and Roscoe

The Nerve

What does a cat have to do to get some peace and quiet around here? I was sleeping in our human's bed, dreaming of chasing field mice, when I was rudely awaken. Something (or rather someone) was tickling my nose with a feather duster. I carefully opened my eyes and came face to tail with Roscoe! He was sleeping with his rump in my face and tickling my nose with the end of his tail! How rude!

I would have moved away from him, but that would have been way too much work. Besides, I was there first!

Opus

Grandma's Blog

We wanted to introduce you to our Grandma. She is a sweet woman who is always willing to hold us, pet us and sneak us cat treats. When we lived in the States, she often came to our house for a visit. We really enjoyed napping with her on our over-stuffed-couch. It has been over a year since she came to see us in Italy and we really miss her. We hope that she will come again soon.

Recently Grandma started her own blog. Stop in and check it out!

Did we mention that she is very strong?

Dr. Feelgood

Fear not friends of Cat Naps in Italy, Opus and I are back! Both of us were feeling a little under the weather and have spent the last month sleeping our way back to good health.

Our humans noticed that there was something wrong with us; Opus had missing fur under his right eye while I had some nasty stuff clogging my ears. We tried our best to hide the symptoms, but the humans were not fooled. They dragged us both off to the vet not once, but twice in the period of two weeks! I mean really how much can a cat take?

Just in case you didn't know, the word vet is an acronym for Vicious and Extreme Torture. And the humans wonder why we run and hide at the sight of our traveling cage!

Opus escaped without too much torture. The vet cleaned his eye, which had a slight infection. She also checked his ears which were fine. I, on the other hand, didn't fare as well. I was given the complete bumper to bumper inspection, IF you know what I mean. The nasty woman started with my ears (both infected), moved onto my mouth where she scraped my teeth with a sharp metal object AND noticed that I had a gum infection above one of my teeth. Then she kept going on down. I will spare you the nasty details, but lets just say that she poked around my unmentionables. And she did all of this right on front of our humans! How inhumane!

So after many weeks of medicine and plenty of rest, Opus and I are back to good health and back to blogging.

Thanks to all of our friends who have been checking in on us!

Roscoe

Giorno del Gatto

We really like living in Italy, they sure do know how to treat a cat around here! How many other countries have a "Day of the Cat"?

Even though it is an Italian holiday, we think our feline friends should celebrate no matter where in the world they live.

It is Cat Day! Make sure your humans spoil you even more than normal! Make sure you get fresh fish for dinner! Make sure you get a nice bowl of warm milk to wash it all down with! Pick the best, warmest seat in the house and curl up in it for a long nap! Make sure your humans treat you like the feline kings and queens that you are!

We are cats and they are lucky to have US!

Happy Cat Day!

Love,
Opus and Roscoe

**Painting by Monica Richards**

The Colts Win the Super Bowl

Roscoe and I have spent the entire week celebrating! Can you believe that our hometown, Indianapolis, WON the Super Bowl?????

Thanks to all of our friends who were able to come to our Super Bowl party. We hope you had as much fun as we did! Our humans think it is time to put the blue wigs away, but we think we should keep them on for AT LEAST one more week.

What do you think?

The Animals are Taking Over the Party!

Our humans are having a Virtual Super Bowl Party and they said that we could invite all of our friends. Send your picture to americanmedusa@yahoo.com to sign up. The game is on Sunday and we would love see you guys after being gone for so long. We don't really know what all the fuss is about. The female is happy because her hometown made it to the game this year (the Indianapolis Colts). We would be more excited if the team was called the Indianapolis Felines!


Be sure to join us and make you sure you state which team you are cheering on! See you at the game!

Love,
Opus and Roscoe

A Christmas Story

We know most of you think that we are just a couple of lazy cats because we neglect our blog so often. Normally you wouldn't be wrong, after all we ARE cats. We have a good excuse this time, we have been out of town again. Just after sending out our Christmas greetings, we ran into Santa. He was in our town square with eight tiny reindeer who were exhausted from being over worked on Christmas Eve. It was a sad sight: each reindeer was sprawled across the pavement with their legs pointing in each direction, bellies on the ground, heads down, tongues hanging out their mouths. Poor Rudolph's nose wouldn't even light up anymore. You get the picture, they were really exhausted.

The good news was that the crew had hung in there right until the end. All the presents were delivered to the good little children all over the world. It was on their return home that the boys ran out of gas. That is when they made a crash landing and came tumbling down right into the center of our town square.

Santa looked like he was about to start crying. He was tired and just wanted to get home. Opus and I knew we had to help, but what could we do? We are just a pair of regular American cats. Well, we offered the reindeer's some fresh carrots and water. We brought Santa a hot plate of pasta a glass of red wine. Everyone enjoyed the "refill" but it still wasn't enough to get the reindeer back their feet.

"If only there was something else we could do to help", Opus said. Santa's eyes lit up and that old sparkle returned at once. "Actually," he said with a hint of hope in his voice" there is something you could do, but it would be a lot hard of work". Well, how could we refuse? I mean, come on guys, it was SANTA!

So the reindeer, all eight of them, piled into the sleigh. You should have seen it, they looked like a stack cheerleaders trying to make a pyramid. Santa placed the sleigh belts around our bellies and tightened them tight. I was starting to worry that he was expecting us to drag them all the way back to the North Pole, when he took a small velvet sack out of his pocket. He reach inside and pulled out a handful of glitter and sprinkled it across my brother and I. It wasn't just any old glitter, it was magic glitter! The next thing we knew, we started to lift right off of the ground!

I got scared when our town grew small beneath our feet, but not Opus. He was saying "look over there Roscoe" and "look down there Roscoe". Once I relaxed it started to become fun. We flew over Italy with medieval castles looking like miniature home beneath us. It was a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun.

Once we got Santa and the crew safety back to the North Pole, we couldn't just leave. So we spent the last month hanging out with Santa. We drank eggnog every day and played with the elves. Of course our humans knew where we were.



It was so much, but soon we began to miss the pasta in Italy, our soft beds in front the radiator but mostly we missed our humans. So a few days ago we asked the man in red to give us a lift back home.

Before Santa left, he asked if Opus and I would like be honorary reindeer and to work for him next Christmas. We thanked him for the offer, but explained that we are cats and that it would just be too much work. We told him that we would rather just curl up somewhere warm and let the reindeers do the work!

-Roscoe

Meowie Catmas!

It has been over three months since our birthday party and last post. You won't believe where we have been! We will save that post for another day, but let's just say that the story involves too much champagne, a box, a boat and a deserted island.

Thank goodness that we made back to Italy just in time wish all of our friends and loved ones a very Merry Christmas. Hope that Santa Paws came to your house last night and brought you all kinds of goodies.

As they say here in Italy, Buon Natale!

Love,
Opus and Roscoe