#WordlessWednesday - Hugs

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This post is part of a blog hop.  Please check out the other entries.

Mock Interview with Tracey as She Graduates

Tracey:  Hello.  My name is Tracey.  I am a recent graduate although I'm not a kitten.  I'm really more of a catten.  I got a late start with my training.  But now I am ready to find my first job.

Do I have to do this?

Gus:  You are doing great, Tracey!  You are going back to the shelter today.  They are having a job fair there so you need to be prepared for all of your interviews.

Tracey:  But what if I want to stay here?

Gus:  Tracey, you know we don't have any job openings here.

Tracey:  I don't think I can do this.

Gus:  Sure you can!  You've come a long way since you've been at our Acatemy.  You've learned so much. You are going to make someone a great Feline Best Friend.  Now you just need to be brave.  You can do it!  Before you go, why don't you take a selfie?

Gus:  That is pawesome, Tracey!  Good luck in your new life!

Everyone, please wish Tracey good luck as she leaves her foster home training acatemy and heads out into the real world!  Hopefully, someone hires her soon.

Tracey is available to be interviewed at Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, KS.
Learn more about Tracey

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Don't forget it is Cat Unemployment Awareness week!  Take a badge and show it proudly to support all the shelter cats all over the world looking for jobs as Feline Best Friends.

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This post is part of a blog hop hosted by The Cat on My Head.   Hop on over to say hi and check out the other entries.

Progress Report #1 - Tracey

Pearl:  Today I had the chance to evaluate our student, Tracey first hand.

Tracey is making a lot of progress.  She was even heard...(gasp)...purring!  I know!  Isn't it wonderful?

She was seen lying a couple inches from the Mama.  (Ignore the Mama's hairy legs.  I think she may be growing it out so she can be like us.)

Tracey was also "making biscuits".  She must be getting more comfortable here in her foster home.

I think Tracey tremendous strides towards being the purrfect cat for the right person.  Who could resist this cute little girl?

Not Quite #WordlessWednesday - Hi!

Gus:  I know it is suppose to be Wordless Wednesday, but Tracey wanted to say "Hi".  She's getting more comfortable.  Mama even introduced us all face to face.  Tracey is inquisitive but respects her teachers.  Only Jaq got a little hissy.  He wants everyone to think he's the boss (he's not).

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This post is part of a blog hop.  Please hop on over to see the other entries.

First Foster Student Class of 2015

Gus:  Our sabbatical is over.  We have our first minion student of 2015 here at Purr's Training Acatemy.

Her name is Tracey.  She is 10 months old today.  She was found under someone's porch when she was 3 months old.

She has been in the shelter system since then.  She wasn't socialized properly when she was young.

She has made great progress since she was transferred to Great Plains SPCA in Merriam last month but Mama thinks she could benefit from our in depth training.

Since she is practically still a kitten, we decided we should try a lesson in play to try to make her feel more comfortable

We started with the Da Bird.  She was very interested and came out from under the bed.

She had fun killing it!

So far Tracey is a star student!

What's in a Name?

Gus:  As a kitten foster parent for a local shelter, Mama often has the privilege to name her litters.  Most people think that naming shelter animals isn't a big deal.  Most people rename their pets after they adopt them anyway.  While it is true that most pets will be renamed, their shelter name is still very important. When you meet someone new, the first thing you do is introduce yourself with your name.  In a shelter the same thing is true.  The name helps create the adopter's first impression of the cat.    Imagine that you meet two black kittens.  One is named Gabrielle and one is named Lucifer.   Which one do you think will leave the better first impression?  Adopters are probably thinking that Gabrielle is going to be the purrfect angel cat while Lucifer is going to be a naughty, devil cat.  Who do you think will be the first one adopted?

When choosing a name, it is always good to choose a name that will help an adopter create an instant connection with the cat.  You want the adopter to have positive, happy thoughts.  People tend to relate more to human names.  Older names like Merle, Betty or Pauline can bring back happy childhood memories of Grandpa Merle, Aunt Betty or the elderly woman, Pauline who lived down the street.

Baby names that are currently popular are a good choice too.  A little girl named Emma is going to be instantly attracted to a kitten named Emma.

Current events is another great place to receive inspiration for cat names, especially when then news is happy.  When Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge was born, Mama named a litter Georgie, Alexander, and Louie.  

A name that is unique is helpful too.  Mama says she is going to scream if she meets another cat named Bella.  Bella is a beautiful name but if there is a new Bella every week, there is nothing to make Bella special and stand out from all the other Bellas.  

The last couple litters, Mama has been using puns for cat names.  She thinks they are punny.  (eye roll) When the rockstar kittens (Kitty Purry, Pitbull, Bruno Meows, JenniPurr Lopez, and Lady Meow Meow) were available for adoption, Mama had so many people say how they loved the names and that they came in to meet them just because of the names.  

Mama also has a thing for themes.  She never throws a party without a theme.  She likes to name her litters based on a theme too.  We've already mentioned the Royal Baby and Rockstar kitten themes, but she has also done Kansas City Chiefs,  Fashion Designers/Models and Star Wars.  Having a theme can also help you market the kittens and reach potential adopters.  

You have to be careful with themes though.  While a name might work as part of  group, it might not be a very good name standing alone.  Take the Seven Dwarfs, for example.  Seems like a cute idea, but what happens when only Sneezy or Grumpy are left?  Would you want a sneezy or grumpy cat?

Having a theme can be as simple as having all the names begin with the same letter or rhyming.  One of Mama's friends names her kittens all with the same letter and it works great!

Not feeling creative?  Just ask your friends on social media for their suggestions.  One post or tweet can quickly become a brainstorming session.  You'll be surprised at how inventive your friends can be. They can really get into it too. One of Mama's friends from Chicago made a donation to the shelter just so he could name the kittens.

Naming your foster kittens can be a lot of fun.  Just remember to keep the names positive and help your kittens put their best paw forward!

Minion Update - Catme Amadala

Catme Amadala is a graduate from the 2014 Star Wars Kittens class.  Amadala is now called Lucy.  She has two human sisters and a human brother.  She is growing quickly and is very loved!

From her new Mom: "She fits right in. She's a little spunky, a little naughty, and a lot cuddly!!!"
Looks like Lucy's training paid off and she is going to be a very successful house cat.  We love happy endings!

Why is this minion still here?

Pearl:  MAAAAMAAA!!! Why is this minion still here?  You promised you wouldn't keep any of them!

Oh.  Santa asked that you deliver her to Iowa.  OK.  I guess I will forgive you this time.  But don't let it happen again!

Graduation Party - Kittens Gone Wild

Gus:  Minions, Students, as Chief Cat Officer and President of Purr's Training Acatemy I would like to congratulate you on gradu...

Kittens:  PAR-TAY!!!!

Santa Kitty Graduation Gifts

Gus:  With each foster class, Mama always gives each kitten a graduation gift.  It is usually a can of their favorite cat food (Blue Wilderness Kitten) and some of their favorite toys.  Since being in a new home can be kind of scary, this is to help comfort them.  Who wouldn't want comfort food and a toy that smells like Mama when they are in a new situation?

This time we decided to join other cat bloggers to play Santa Kitty and give toys to homeless cats too.  When this class is available for adoption on Friday, they will take with them not only a stocking filled with goodies to take to their new homes but also extra toys to share with all the kitty's at Great Plains SPCA.  Great Plains does amazing things for cats in the Kansas City area and is Jaq's alma mater.  We hope other cats decide to be Santa Kitty and donate to their local shelter.

Lesson in Watching Football with Humans

Gus:  Sometimes humans watch sporting events on the TV box.  Our Mama likes to watch football.  Her favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs.  Since she is sitting down, you may think this is a good time to sit on her lap for a little cuddle time or nap.  BEWARE!  When things aren't going right she yells at the TV box or does something called the tomahawk chop.  When things are going right she puts her hands up in the air yelling "Touchdown" or she does some other pagan chant and dance.  When she is doing this crazy ritual it is best to find a cozy cat bed or just leave the room.  Unfortunately, our Mama isn't alone in this strange act.  Other humans like to watch baseball or basketball.  While the rituals vary slightly they are equally as loud.  Looking cute or even annoyed does not stop the madness.

Class Photos

Gus:  Kittens, since Santa is going to deliver you to your new homes soon I think it is time we do a class photo.  Ok, get into the ball bed.  

That's good.  Where's the third minion?  Ok, I know Mama's lap is the best place to be but into the ball to get your picture taken. 

I'm a busy cat.  I don't have all day.  I have some naps to take.

Um, can you turn around?  That really isn't your best side.  No, you can't turn around?  Maybe we should do individual pictures.  

That's it!  Work it for the camera!  Give me your cute look!  Now adorable!  

CUT!  I didn't say give me your sleepy look.  Ok, we can take a nap.