Most pet owners like to take their animals on adventures. Especially dog owners: going on long walks, taking them on car rides or even to other countries. However, most of us would agree that house cats are not that happy to leave their home and would rather be left alone than go on a trip to Bali with you. Well, in the case of this cat named Cathode, ‘most of us’ would be wrong.
This cat Rémy Vicarini took home from the shelter six years ago goes on all kinds of adventures with her owner, from biking to mountain climbing, to skydiving. Yes, skydiving. Cathode experiences so much that there’s nothing left to do but envy her. Rémy always ensures that his cat is safe and sound, of course. The owner never does what Cathode doesn’t want to do and always puts her first.
Rémy tells us more about how he got the currently 8-year-old Cathode: “I rescued Cathode when she was 6 months old in a shelter, I was in long studies and I looked for a feline companion to share my life.”
Rémy tells us about Cathode’s character and personality: “Cathode is very endearing, obedient and gluey. She is very curious and at the same time a little fearful. That’s how I manage to take her and that’s why she stays with me, she trusts me. In the beginning, I only had one apartment life to offer her, so I wanted to let her discover the outdoors in complete safety.”
“Cathode is always safe with me, I make sure. In all the sports I practice with Cathode, I master them very well on my own, so when I am with Cathode I don’t take any risks. Cathode is always attached with a leash so that she keeps a safe distance in the basket and does not go too far. On a motorbike, she has a helmet that helps stop the wind in her eyes,” said Rémy when asked about Cathode’s safety.
Rémy explained how long it took him to train Cathode to get used to motorcycles, bikes, etc.: “I took Cathode by bicycle for the first time a month after adoption. It was dark and there was no car. Then the bike, but she was already used to the bike.”
“Cathode prefers the bike, the speed is just perfect, not too fast and enough speed to have the wind in your whiskers. On my back, all the bumps are cushioned, it’s great for Cathode. I love cycling too, and even more so because I see Cathode happy,” said Rémy when asked what their favorite activities are.
We asked what adventure are they looking forward to: “We already have a lot of adventure with Cathode. I just wish it could go on for a long time. And maybe one day we’ll be able to take a long bike trip across Europe.”
Rémy tells us more about himself, his life, and his journey: “I am an engineer and a Ph.D. in science. I am a lonely and hardworking person, I have always been really into what I do! I took responsibility for Cathode the day I adopted her, so I had to give her the best I could from there. She makes me feel good, she makes me feel like a good person, and I know that I can count on her, she will never give up on me.”
Nick Filippou’s simple but accurate comics are about his life with his cat Minnie and their day-to-day interactions. Those who own a cat already know what pleasure felines bring to their lives. But there’s no harm in reminding everyone. And for those of you who don’t know, now you may know.
The comics are called “I iz cat,” spelled in the vein of “cat-speak” similar to “I can haz cheesburger,” a meme that was viral in what would seem like ancient times of the internet. Though the comics have a very rudimental drawing style, they’re not about showing off the skills of the artist, but about showing how great his life with his cat is.
From classics like a cat in a box, and their undying hunting instincts, to Minnie’s psychedelic escapades on catnip, and other things, the comic covers just about everything in the spectrum of feline life with its beloved owners. But what’s more, they add a dash of humor and cuteness that every cat owner (and not only them) may relate to.
Nick explained the reasons and context behind his comics in an interview for Bored Panda. “So, the comics star my real-life rescue cat, Minnie. I adopted Minnie 5 years ago from a shelter in Baltimore. She was a former stray and part of a TNR program (trap neuter release) that spent most of her life living outside. The clipped ear in the comics is real, and is from her being a part of the TNR program. My first comic came from a Christmas poem I wrote about the cat’s perspective of ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and have been drawing them ever since. Minnie is always the inspiration.”
Of course, the artist is an avid lover of cats. “My favorite thing about cats is how zen they are but also, at the same time, they’re little agents of chaos. Cats both relax me and make me laugh.”
And Minnie isn’t the first cat to rule his household. “I adopted my first cat in college (also a rescue from Baltimore) and snuck him home. I named him Binx. Of course, I got caught sneaking a cat into the house, and my dad, who was very anti-cat, wasn’t a fan. He warned me if that cat scratched any furniture, or things like that, that he would take him back to the shelter. Then, a few days later, I come home from class and see my dad snuggling with my cat in my bed. They’ve been best friends ever since. Even when I moved out a few years later, my dad told me I couldn’t take Binx with me because he loved him too much and that this was his home. It was pretty adorable. I let Binx stay with my parents and moved into an apartment.”
He loves cats so much that he even volunteers at a local rescue organization, and that’s where he found the lovely Minnie. “I then started volunteering at a local rescue in Baltimore, and that’s where I met Minnie. Minnie was a very adventurous girl who still was living outside. The shelter owner would call out ‘Minnie!’ and I’d see this adorable cat hop over the fence, returning from the woods meowing up a storm. I fell in love. I remember the shelter owner saying, ‘Minnie would give anything to be in a loving home.’ So when I had things situated at my apartment, I knew I had to adopt her. I also adopted another cat, a tortie named Sylvia who only had 3 legs. The two lived in my apartment for a few years, until Sylvia unfortunately passed away. Sylvia was a sassy girl who I still very much missed. I was glad I was able to give her a home even if it wasn’t for that long.”
He told a little about his personal life, and his wife’s experience with Minnie. “When I started dating my soon-to-be wife, I remember her telling me she wasn’t really a cat person. She much preferred dogs. That was until she met Minnie. Minnie is the sweetest cat I’ve ever met, and is quite similar to a dog. She follows you EVERYWHERE, is very vocal, and loves to snuggle on your lap, your chest, even your head. She’s very loving. My wife was impressed. When we moved into our house, Minnie loved it. She had so much more room to explore and play.” Nick also tells about how his lockdown went. “Lockdown has been tough for sure. Luckily, both my wife and I have been able to work from home and keep our jobs. We feel lucky. It also has allowed us to reevaluate what’s important. We had to have a small backyard wedding in June 2020 and it turned out to be a really intimate and beautiful ceremony. Of course, we took wedding photos with Minnie and Dany on our special day as well!”
Nick and his wife have a dog too, as you can tell from some of the comics. “We eventually adopted a dog, a boxer rescue also from Baltimore, who we named Dany. Dany is a very sweet girl, and MY first dog ever. I was very worried about how Dany and Minnie would get along. We read plenty of articles and watched videos on how to introduce cats and dogs and followed all the steps. We found out Dany is also a sweetheart and the two have become great friends who enjoy snuggling on the couch together. Minnie is still the queen, and Dany is her subject.”
This gift guide is for the one family member who contributes absolutely nothing to the household finances, sheds on every available surface, and still acts like they own the place. That’s right, the pet. They have no concept of capitalism or the Gregorian calendar, and they would be infinitely more thrilled with the box than the gift that comes inside it.
But that is not the point. The point is that they are the true main character of the household, and the ritual of spoiling them is a sacred, non-negotiable tradition. We have found the gifts that are worthy of their magnificent, and deeply judgmental, presence.
Review: “We bought this toy to try and wear out our new kitten and keep him from getting bored and attacking our old cat. What we did not expect was the new kitten AND the dog playing together with the fun red dot!!! It tires them BOTH out and we have peace in our house again!” – Bethanystar
Review: “These are really thick and well made. Cute pattern. Thick enough that they don’t look super skinny on my big dogs and actually do a good job reining them in on a walk. Not sure how the large gold accents will hold up but they are cute for the price! (Dogs pictured is 130 lbs and and 100 lbs. bought both XL size.” – Amazon Customer
Promising review: “This kit is great and includes everything you need, so you don’t have to look for any rolling pins or anything! The clay is air-drying. No mixing or baking needed. So that part is awesome. It wasn’t messy at all! I also read some other kits that stick to the paw. This clay doesn’t stick at all, which made my dogs so happy! The consistency is more like a moldable plastic or super-light feeling Play Doh. The BEST thing about this kit is that I could put names on the ornament with the stencil! I have a few dogs, so without it, it would just be a blur of paws.” — Nellie
Review: “My cats love it! Good quality and easy to modify. I used 3 sides and put against the exterior wall so cats have access to kitchen window. They go out day and night to watch activity in the back yard.” – Lisa C.
Promising review: “Love love love!!! These pajamas feel like super-soft fleece but are NOT so thick that you overheat easily. The dog size XL fits both of our big labs (one 75 lbs., the other a super tall but skinny 61 lb.). Made for the cutest Christmas card photo! Definitely recommend!” — Alyssa
Review: “Great dog puzzle. My little one (dog) has a love and hate for it. Loves it cause she gets snacks, hates it cause she has to work for it. Simple gets the job done. Overall great purchase!” – Denise
#7 The Tiny, Adorable Apex Predator Living In Your House Can Now Hone Its Hunting Skills On Something Other Than Your Unsuspecting Ankles With This Fluttering Interactive Cat Toy
Review: “I have 9 cats and constantly buying new and innovative toys for them. This is by far the best yet. They have not stopped playing with it for 3 hrs and because it goes in circles they each get a turn to bat at and catch the butterfly. That many paws and claws and it’s holding up great and it came with a second butterfly for when the 1st one gets worn out. It doesn’t even have to be on to catch their attention and play with it. I will definitely buy a 2nd one.” – ShopAholic
Promising review: “We buy houses like this for our cats whenever they come out around the holidays. The cats love sitting in them and scratching them to pieces. Most cardboard houses fly apart in no time. These were a little pricier than what we usually get, but they were also well-constructed. For cardboard, I don’t think you could get much more durable. The cats love it.” — Ccolo
Let’s call this what it really is: a tribute. A glorious, slightly unhinged offering to the tiny, furry god who lives in your house rent-free. Your cat is not going to send a thank you card. Your dog will not post a glowing review on social media. This is a one-way transaction of pure, unadulterated devotion. Every item on this list is a physical manifestation of your love, a silent apology for that one time you were five minutes late with their dinner.
Promising review: “This has become my dog’s new favorite, and is durable and is just fun. Everyone who has seen it in my dog’s mouth laughs and then asks where we bought it. They want to have it.” — MoGreen
Promising review: “This is adorable! I made homemade dog biscuits and was able to tuck two into each pocket for our two rescue dogs. By the third day, they figured it out and would stand in front of the calendar and wait for their treats.” — C.S. Wells
Promising review: “Love these snowman PJs for my 4-year-old, 21-pound Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! I ordered her a size large and they are a perfect fit! The fabric has a nice stretch to it, so these pajamas easy to put on and take off. She can move about comfortably and carries on as if she’s not wearing anything but the fur on her back! These PJs are made of a nice, soft material which is lightweight. The stitching is secure, so I think they will wash up nicely, but I will hang dry to prevent any shrinkage, just to be safe. My kiddos get such joy from seeing our sweet fur baby wearing pajamas! — Patricia
#12 Your Pet Can Now Immortalize Their Signature Without The Subsequent Chaos Of An Ink-Related Disaster Thanks To The Inkless Paw Print Kit
Review: “Really loved things that paw print kit. User friendly, but if your pet is squirmy, you may need to try it a few times. Nice keepsake to have or even frame. There was enough ink for my 4 cats and 2 dogs. For the price, this purchase was definitely worth buying.” – Destiny Almanzan
Review: “These treats come in a medium and a large size and I’ve written this review to show both, you can see the size difference in the final picture. Aside from that the review of the treats is the same for both sizes.” – Christopher M Bloomer
Review: “My guinea pig Chester loves to go on adventures with me inside this safe cozy backpack. And is not afraid. Love this item!❤️” – Meredith Bowers
Review: “My cat is a pretty picky girl. She has very few toys she likes & very rarely has any interest in catnip. I saw the reviews on this & decided to try it out. I couldn’t even get it on the wall before she started trying to rub on it! She’s been sitting in front of it for 10 minutes now since I put it up. I think it’s safe to say she’s a happy girl & definitely approves of this toy!” – Christy C.
Promising review: “Love this ornament! Bought one in 2017 and again in 2018. Perfect weight, great picture size (I used wallet size photo, cut to fit). Good price for a wonderful memory to enjoy year after year!” — Logan’smama
The beautiful thing about shopping for your pet is that there are no wrong answers, only more opportunities for them to be a glorious little weirdo. They might ignore the state-of-the-art, motion-activated laser and become completely obsessed with the crinkly paper it was wrapped in. And that’s okay. You’re buying a front-row ticket to the most chaotic, unpredictable, and ultimately heartwarming show on earth: your pet’s brain. Now, on to the next act.
Promising review: “I got the medium red for my cat, who is between 12-15 pounds. It fits very well and he actually seems to enjoy it, as it keeps him warm when there’s a chill. The design is lovely and the sight of my cat in a sweater that he likes gives me joy in these strange and sometimes difficult times. So, very much recommended! The front of the sweater is open for two legs at once, and there is a small hole on the top for a leash.” — Elkenien
Review: “We were so excited to see how quickly this worked! Our hound can’t stand storms and she isn’t trembling when using this! It fit great thanks to the hook and loop options. So, it will also fit many different size dogs. LOVE IT!” – Steve S.
#20 The Soul-Crushing Guilt You Feel Every Time Your Dog Stares At You, Begging To Play While You’re In A Meeting, Can Now Be Outsourced To This Motion Activated Interactive Dog Ball
Review: “My 8 month old pup really enjoyed this smart ball. Kept him busy for 2 hrs+. He really enjoyed this ball. He was trying to figure out how it was moving on ots own. The protective cover is a plus. 2 different mode, red which is faster and blue which a much calmer movement. My pup prefers the red. I would recommend to others. My baby slept like a baby from all the exercise he got from chasing this awesome ball.” – macattack02
Review: “It is exactly as shown but even more beautiful in the light! The perfect size and weight. It was a gift given to a friend and she absolutely loved it! Would definitely recommend!” – Caitlin Hillman
Promising review: “A lot of the time, our birdies get pretty shy when you put a new toy in the cage. Not this time! Our blue boy Skye was playing with this tree right away. He loves climbing, hanging on the side of the tree, playing with the little baubles hanging off the side, and especially exploring the star with his beak. Such a cute Christmas tree! We started out just wanting to put something festive in the cage, and it’s turning into their favorite toy.” — J. Starns
Review: “Having only set this up an hour ago, so far I’d say it’s a WIN! This was the perfect gift for them to make both of us happy!” – Melissa Devoid
Promising review: “Our two guinea pigs love these! We have the reindeer and the piggy one, they both fit in each fine, they are roomy. They wash up well in the washer with a warm water cycle and in the dryer.” — SW Pa buyer
Review: “This doesn’t last but my dog plays with it even though she has punctured the ball. We have purchased a replacement ball about every 3 months and for the price, our dog gets many of hours of entertainment.” – K. Burklund
