Nepeta Cataria...The Science Behind Catnip

Ever wonder how catnip works? Dr. Ramona Turner tells us in an article that appeared in Scientific American:

Nepetalactone, one of catnip's volatile oils, enters the cat's nasal tissue, where it is believed to bind to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurons. These cells, in turn, provoke a response in neurons in the olfactory bulb, which project to several brain regions including the amygdala ...and the hypothalamus...The amygdala integrates the information flow from the olfactory bulb cells and projects to areas governing behavior responses. The hypothalamus regulates neuroendocrine responses through the pituitary gland...the cat essentially reacts to an artificial cat pheromone.

WHAT?!? I'm pretty sure that is just a fancy way of saying it makes a cat go nuts, bonkers, berserk, and a little kooky. Here is my studio assistant, Buttonwillow, doing a little scientific research of her own with a new catnip toy:


















Apparently there are a number of unfortunate felines in the world who are not susceptible to the allure of catnip. Scientists estimate that as many as 25 percent of all cats have no reaction whatsoever to its intoxicating effect.

We'd like to do our own research to verify or debunk this startling number of cats who may be immune to catnip. Please take the Very Scientific Poll in the top right corner of this blog to help advance Cat Science. You may enter an answer for each of your cats. Thank you for participating!

Buttonwillow Asks: Hey, What's Wrong With Pose A?

Two weeks ago our kind readers were asked to help studio assistant Buttonwillow fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an artist's model. She posed for a new painting to be called "Still Life with Bicolor Cat", and we showed 3 different poses and asked which one should be used for the painting.

As of this writing, pose B is in the lead with 23 votes, pose C is the second favorite with 9 votes, and pose A has but ONE measly vote. Buttonwillow asks: "What gives?"


Here is Pose A, which Buttonwillow describes as the most intensely difficult of the three. "I had to actually sit still for at least THREE whole seconds. I was going for the stoic, pensive look, with just a touch of mystery--leading the viewer to wonder: 'Is she looking at a bird through a window? Is she contemplating her inner vulture? Is she waiting for the food dish to be filled?'"

It's not too late to vote and to give Pose A the attention it deserves! Just visit this link where you will find all three poses, and make your preference known in the Comments section:

Buttonwillow's Dream Job...and a Giveaway!!

Voting ends tomorrow, May 28, at 7 p.m. PST, and I will paint the version with the most votes, showing the step-by-step process in future blog posts.

And here's the good part: Each person who votes will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three prizes featuring my brand new Crazy Cat Lady design: A blank book/journal ($10.99 value); a magnet ($4.49 value); or a ceramic tile coaster ($6.50 value). Three names will be drawn at random on May 28 and items can be shipped to anywhere in the world.




That's right, you have three chances to win! So what are you waiting for? Please help make Buttonwillow's dream come true!

Thanks for visiting!

Paddy's Very Important Job

As the school year comes to a close, Paddy the Library Cat has a very important message about keeping the Library Lady happy:

Hi everybody, I thought it would be nice to tell you about one of my jobs at the library.

I only have to do it once a year, but it's very important. We put up my posters (like the ones below) all around school to remind teachers and students to RETURN YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS!

I've heard from reliable sources that George Washington has had two books overdue for more than 200 years! I hope nobody follows his example, because life goes on just a bit easier if little things like due library books are taken care of in a timely manner. There is a time for everything. Just do it if it needs to be done, and life will remain a little less complicated.

Paddy says:
Keep it simple.
Keep it easy.

Paddy The Library Cat is a featured columnist here at 365 Cat Ladies and Friends. He is the Library Cat at Pacelli High School in Wisconsin. You may leave messages for him in the Comments section below this post. Thanks for visiting!

Love Me, Love My Cat (And My Hobbies Too!)

Cat Ladies are a passionate lot. They are passionate about their pets, their pastimes, and their loved ones. Birthday Girl Jolene is one such feline fanatic, as reported by sister-in-law Alisha:

"Cat Lady Jolene lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her two kitties and her husband. Jolene rescued her grey tabby Monka when he was found as a kitten outside the movie theater where she was working. Monka was the name she called a favorite stuffed monkey that she had as a child.

"Jolene and her husband Paul met at that same movie theater, and although he was not too thrilled about cats, Jolene made it clear--love me, love my cat. It wasn't long before Monka had won Paul over.

"Paul is a school teacher in Milwaukee, and one of his students honored him by naming their cat after him. When the cat gave birth to a single kitten, the student convinced Paul that he should adopt the kitten. Jolene had been wanting a friend for Monka, so she was thrilled when Paul brought Biscuits home. Biscuits and Monka are fast friends.

"When Jolene is not busy playing with the cats, she might be spotted knitting, making jewelry, or working in the garden."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOLENE!

Now available in my Cafepress Shop: Love me, Love my CAT
You'll find this design on tees, totes, aprons, mugs, note cards and more!

The Naming of White Cats

In our last post, Paddy the Library Cat mentioned the importance of The Naming of Cats. I am constantly amazed and amused by the names that Cat Ladies come up with for their favorite felines. Today's focus is on white cats and their monikers. Some old favorites include: Frosty, Sugar, Angel, and Snowball.



What are YOUR favorite names for a white cat?
Share them in the Comments section below!

My auctions on Ebay this week feature ACEO artwork of snowy white cats. Each one of these original mini watercolor paintings was a part of the 365 Cat Ladiesseries featured in this blog during 2009. Here is your chance to collect original artwork without breaking the bank, plus you will own a little piece of 365 Cat Lady history! Auctions end Sunday afternoon, May 23.

Place your bid today at:

http://myworld.ebay.com/whimsysu

Paddy Reviews One Of His Very Favorite Library Books

Hi, It’s me again, Paddy the Library Cat, and I would like to tell you about a most amazing and magical little book.

It’s by T.S. Eliot who lived from 1888-1965. He’s a very famous American and English poet, but don’t let that scare you away from this poetry/story book: Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The musical CATS comes from this book.

Some of the cats in the “story” are the old, take-it-easy Deuteronomy; Macavity, the criminal; crabby Rum Tum Tugger; and Mr. Mistoffelees, the trickster. I love their names, and my favorite part of the book is about “The Naming of Cats,” which is a very serious endeavor and “not just one of your holiday games.” This is because, according to Mr. Eliot (and ME!), all cats have three names:

• a usual one [like Paddy],
  
• a more descriptive name [mine is Pouf], and…
• “the name that you never will guess; The name that no human research can discover--But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.”

I think that everybody has a secret name; you do and your friends do, just like your cats. It’s a deep down name that can make you laugh and make you strong and make you confident in YOU! And the best part is that only YOU know it--if you choose to know it. I know mine. Do you know yours?

Paddy says:

Deep down it’s all OK.

Paddy The Library Cat is a new columnist here at 365 Cat Ladies and Friends. He is the Library Cat at Pacelli High School in Wisconsin.

Buttonwillow's Dream Job...and a Giveaway!!

As if it weren't enough that Buttonwillow already has TWO careers...

as a studio assistant...



















...and as a fireplace tester...



...her longtime dream is to become an artist's model.
You can help turn her dream into a reality!



She recently posed for a new painting to be called "Still Life with Bicolor Cat". Please help us pick which version to paint:







Pose A
















Pose B















or Pose C








Please vote by entering your preference in the Comments section below. Voting will end Friday, May 28, at 7:00 PST and I will paint the version with the most votes, showing the step-by-step process in future blog posts.

And here's the good part: Each person who votes will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three prizes featuring my brand new Crazy Cat Lady design: A blank book/journal ($10.99 value); a magnet ($4.49 value); or a ceramic tile coaster ($6.50 value). Three names will be drawn at random on May 28 and items can be shipped to anywhere in the world.




That's right, you have three chances to win! So what are you waiting for? Please help make Buttonwillow's dream come true!

Please make sure that I have a way to contact you in case you are a lucky winner, such as a link to your blog or e-mail address included in the comment.

[Editors note 7/22: Forgot to mention this giveaway is open to everyone worldwide, and will mail winning pendant anywhere in the world that has a postal address.]

Also, if you encounter trouble with the Comments feature, please contact me by e-mail --you'll find a link under my Profile.

Thanks for visiting!