You can only vote ONCE for your favorite Best in Show entry, so consider your vote carefully before your final keystroke!

Vote Kira for Best in Show!

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Vote James Tailer for Best in Show!

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Vote Lokki for Best in Show!

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Vote DYLAN for Best in Show!

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Vote Charlie for Best in Show!

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Click here to vote for the Best in Show.

Purrhaps it’s because he’s a finalist in Catster’s World’s Coolest Cat Show!

The votes are in, and the top five vote-getters in each category have made it to the finals.

A team of celebrity judges will decide the category winners, but Catsters (and Dogsters) get to select the Best in Show. So check out all the finalists, and cast your vote for the Coolest Cat in the Feline Universe.

Concatulations to everycat who made the cut!

Hey, evrybuddy, Skeezix heer.

Today, I’m interviewing Gordy, the reigning World’s Wettest Coolest Cat. Last year, Gordy won the “Wet Cat” category in the World’s Coolest Cat Show. He was the Grand Prize winner in 2007, and a finalist in the Sleeper category (photo at right) in 2006. As we enter the final days to enter and vote in the World’s Coolest Cat Contest, I’ve asked Gordy to share with you what goes on behind the scenes when a winning photo is born.

Skeezix: First off, Gordy, I wunt to congratulate yoo on yer teem, the grate Noo York Yankees, bringing home da Werld Series Trophy. Whut did yoo do this yeer to cheer them on to viktery?

Gordy: OH WOW! Yes! I was, and still AM so excited about the Yankees winning the World Series! I’ve never seen that before and they did it at home in their NEW Stadium too! Couldn’t have been a better season for them!

Since this year they played in a new home, I had ALL NEW stuff to do. Before any game that I got to watch, I wore my Yankees jersey of course, and did the “happy dance” – something I have become secure in doing now that I am a mature 4 years old. Dutchie is also allowed to share the couch with me now so I can ‘high paw” her when they score. I think it really helped this season! (I also sacrifice a fur mouse out the window to the vishus deer out back if they should lose.)

Skeezix: Gordy, last yeer yoo wun the Wet Cat Category in the Werld’s Coolest Cat Contest with the toylet foto below. What was the inspiration for yer foto? Did yoo plan it owt for weeks ahed of time?

Gordy: Well, when mommy found me living on the streets when I was 3 weeks old, I was immediately introduced to water let’s say for “pest control”. After my first week living with my mommy and perhaps 10 baths later, I LOVED water. AS I grew older (and bigger), I started to share showers, sit in the sinks and play in the small jacuzzis in the bathrooms. Mommy and dad would usually put down the jacuzzi lids in the house but occasionally, when a guest might be over, they would use the jacuzzi and leave the lid up and I would then splash all the water out. If it was in the summer time, I might splash as much water out of it until I could sit in it because it was so nice and cool.

On this particular occasion, mommy set ME up- BUT ONLY on the day the picture was taken- she didn’t plan the idea (at least that’s what she told me). SHE left the top up and sat around with her camera waiting for me to play in the water not knowing I was going to empty the jacuzzi out.

Skeezix: So you reely were wet? It wuzn’t all smoke and mirrors?
Unlike my previous year’s entry (see photo, right), there was no smoke and mirrors in this entry, I was IN the jacuzzi and I was really wet. So was the floor … and the walls … and the toilet paper!

Skeezix: Did yoo hafta git high on nip or sumthin, to akshully jump in the toylet?

Gordy: Oh no, I SINCERELY LOVE water! I used to sit with mommy in the shower, I sit in the kitchen sink and drink from the faucet, I have learned how to turn ON the bar faucet, I used to stand with my front pawn IN my dog-brother Gonzo’s water bowl while we both drank from it. — HEY! why do you keep calling it a toilet???

Skeezix: Cuz it’s a toylet, Gordo! How many fotos did yer mom take to git the winning shot?

Gordy: I think mommy took about 10-12 photos of me. Most of them she snuck because when I see her with the camera now and I think I’m NOT supposed to be doing something, I RUN! I KNOW I’m not supposed to be in the jacuzzi so she had to sneak them.

Skeezix: How long did yoo sit thare?

Gordy: I may have been there about 5-10 minutes. Had mommy not taken pictures, I might have been there longer. I thought I was in big trouble.

Skeezix: How do the ladies react to that photo? Did it tern yoo into a chick magnet, or do they go eeeuuuwww!?

Gordy: You know, the ladies didn’t really react either way. (getting a bit paranoid) I have my friends who all thought it was funny, I was just sad that they didn’t have a jacuzzi too. I made some new fiends as well but I don’t remember any kitties being “ewwwww’ed out. [nervous chuckle, grabs picture dictionary]

Skeezix: Some cats thought you should have been in the Daredevil category instead, because diving into the toylet scares the bejeebers out of just about evry cat I know. I’m in awe of yer feerlessness. Will yoo stop at nothing to get an award winning shot?

Gordy: [Looks up "toilet" in the picture dictionary.] Um… [chuckles] WELL, I would have to say that I would TRY to take a winning photo if it made my mommy happy. SHE’s really the one behind the ideas you know- if I had it my way, I’d be a pirate sailing the high seas in search of treasure everyday but I’m just little Gordy.

Mommy’s thing is to break out the camera and photograph me and Dutchie when we are doing our usual kitty things. THOSE are typically the best shots- when we run around, play jump, whatever. Sleeping shots are easy that way- playing shots get the good action stuff like daredevil stuff. The BEST photos come when there’s no agenda. So yes, I would stop at nothing at being myself- HELPING mommy get an award winning shot.

Of course, SOME photos need to be posed but you’ve shared that lesson with EXPERT advice.

Skeezix: Will yoo be entering the contest this yeer, or are yoo retiring wile yer still at the top of yer game?

Gordy: I have, for lack of a better term, retired. Most kitties know that my mommy doesn’t live with me anymore, so I don’t have any new photos to enter. Mommy isn’t around to snap away the way she used to be or come up with her crazy ideas preventing me from becoming a pirate. I am not ripped up and torn apart about it but mommy is. She enjoyed the contest very much I know. Many kitties have asked me to submit something though, so mommy placed one photo for Dutchie and me from our old photos just to keep our paws in the contest.

WE wish EVERY kitty MUCH LUCK and even MORE FUN with all your entries!!!!

Skeezix: Thank you so much Gordy for being so jeneruss in sharing what goes on behind the seens with my reeders. I hope yoo don’t stay retired too long!

• Visit Gordy on Catster.
• Enter the World’s Coolest Cat Show.

One of the most competitive categories in the World’s Coolest Cat Contest is “Sleeper,” cuz sleepin’ is what cats do best. Above, Charlie, Gizmo, Wally and Romeo demonstrate the fine art of posing for a picture-purrfect entry. In LOL-speak: “Sleepin. Yer doin it rite.”

Any Catster member can enter and every cat can submit one entry in each of the 15 categories. (Not a Catster member? Join now: it’s free.) Prizes include a Flip Ultra digital camcorder, PetSmart gift cards, zealies, Catster Plus memberships and more.

And, you can score zealies just by voting!

Entries and voting end NOV 18th.

This month’s photo contest at Martha Stewart Pets is “Pets at Play.” Your winning photo could get you a year’s supply of Purina One cat or dog food. (If that’s not a flavor your cat eats, you can always donate it to your favorite shelter or a pet lover in need.)

Entry Deadline: 15 NOV 2009.

Click here for more info or to enter.

Got a great photo of your cat at play? Don’t forget to enter it in the “Playful” CATegory of the World’s Coolest Cat Contest.

It’s a great time to be shopping – huge discounts on costumes are available in many stores this week, although the longer you wait, the more limited your selection will be.

As one who’s been dressing up the cats for over ten years, I thought I’d share some insights that might help you make an informed decision when you’re shopping for costumes.

How will the costume be used?

Is this something you’re going to pose the cat in for a contest photo or Halloween card? Or will your cat wear it trick-or-treating or around the house? If it’s for a photo, you should consider costumes that photograph well when your cat is sitting facing you, as in the pose above.

Most pet costumes are designed for wearing, not posing, with the main design on top (the back) of the pet (see the wiener dog at right). This is great for pet parades, and specifically, for dogs in pet parades. However, this type of costume isn’t the best for photos — you need to photograph the back of the cat in order to see these costume — which means all you’ll see of your cat is the back of her head. If you take a photo with your cat facing you, you won’t be able to tell what the costume is.

Sleeveless T-Shirts

There are a couple of different costume types that lend themselves well to photos. One is the t-shirt. In the witch example above, I wanted something colorful to match the hat, and this t-shirt fit the bill. Skeezix is actually wearing the tee backwards, so that part of the design shows in front.

Sleeveless t-shirts like this are the most comfortable for cats to wear because they permit a full range of motion in the shoulder area and your cat is less likely to slither across the floor like a snake while wearing this type of shirt.

“Posing” Costumes

The second costume type is a “posing” costume that is strictly for the purpose of photographing your pet. Your cat will not really be able to walk around in it. It hooks (usually with Velcro) around the back of the cat’s neck, and has leg-holes through which your cat will step with her front legs into the costume. Most are set up with fake arms creating a funny illusion, as in the costume below from wiggle-n-waggle.com:

Headwear

Another option is to stick to headwear. Petsmart, for example, has a nice array of cat hats, including this one that sits between the ears:

It’s important to consider the ears, because about 98% of cats will not tolerate having their ears mooshed down, and they will shake the hat off repeatedly before you can ever snag a shot. Because of this, you should either get a hat that covers both ears completely so that the ears sit unencumbered within the hat (as in Skeezix’s witch hat above), or get a hat that is cut out around the ears. Don’t be shy about grabbing the scissors and snipping larger earholes.

Costumes for Wearing

If you plan on having your cat wear the costume for any length of time, I recommend something sleeveless and unfussy, like this one designed by Whisker City:

This allows for a full range of motion in the arms, and there is no fabric draggging that could trip up your cat. Ones that attach with velcro at the neck and chest provide easy-on/easy-off access.

Sizing

The most difficult part of shopping for cat costumes and clothes is figuring out what size to purchase. There are no standards of measurement, and what is considered an “x-small” by one brand is another brand’s “medium.”

There typically are two measurements that are used to determine size: the length of the back from the base of the neck to the tail, and the chest measurement. Of the two, the chest measurement is the most important — if Fluffy is a bit of a widebody, you don’t want to have to corset her up to squeeze her into the costume like you’re making sausage. Also take into consideration your cat’s coat and add an inch or two if your cat is a longhair. When in doubt, go the next size up.

If you’re shopping in the store, it’s always a good idea to eyeball the costume for size before you buy (and please, fold it up nicely and return it to the package when you’re done).

If you’re shopping online, it can be a bit of a crapshoot, but if you’ve had luck buying a particular brand in the past, it’s good to stick with that brand. Make sure you know the store’s return policies before you buy — often, Halloween costumes are not returnable (especially after Halloween). One of my favorite retail outlets is Chi-wa-wa Ga-ga in New Orleans. It’s a mom-and-pop shop that provides over-the-top customer service. You can provide your cat’s exact measurements when you place your order and they will telephone you to discuss what size you should order. Their fulfillment is super-fast, too.

A Witty, Well-Executed Concept Can Require Very Little Costuming

Chewy (in photo at right) is portraying Eve in the Garden of Eden. It’s brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny. You can get great results without going near the costume section of your local pet store if you put on your thinking cap, have a glass of wine and spend an evening brainstorming.

And look at that face! You can tell Chewy loves to ham it up for the camera!

Think Beyond Costume Shops

Catster Orvis recommends buying costumes for smaller cats — and accessories, too! — at Build-a-Bear. (B-a-B generics work well, too.) If you’re a decent seamstress, don’t be shy about ripping out seams and customizing.

Hobby and Craft Stores (ones that offer doll-making supplies) also might have outfits or accessories from which you can craft Halloween costumes.

Taking the Photograph

For tips on photographing your cat, see my World’s Coolest post. Here’s the short list:

• If your cat detests costumes, don’t force the issue.
• Have everything set up and ready to go before you bring in the cat.
• Provide lots of treats and toys; make it fun.
• Be vocal and profusive in your praise. Believe or not, most cats do love to please their guardians.

Enter in a Photo Contest!

Don’t forget: if you’re taking a Halloween photo, enter it in The Cat’s Meow’s Halloween Contest. You could win 50 zealies, a $25 Gift Card and a trophy.

Then, enter the Costumes and Shades Category of Catster’s World’s Coolest Cat Show. Because the degree of difficulty is somewhat higher than, say, the Sleeper Category, there are fewer entries and your odds of winning are higher! The Grand Prize winner gets a Flip video cam!

It’s time for all you kitties to s–t–r–e–t–c–h your booties from nose to tail and pose for an award-winning shot because Catster’s 5th Annual World’s Coolest Cat Contest is open for entries. Grand Prize is a Flip Ultra Digital Camcorder and other cool prizes. Do you think you have what it takes — like last year’s award winning stretcher, Mercy (shown above)?

As always, there are 15 cool CATegories in which you can compete. Over the next month The Cat’s Meow will talk to some of last year’s award winners and give you some tips on capturing the PURRfect shot. Stay tuned for the inside scoop!

• Click here to enter.
• Click here to see last year’s winners

Hey evrybuddy, Skeezix here. Today, I’d like to interdoose yoo to Piper Serendipity, the rayning World’s Coolest Cat. The World’s Coolest Cat title is awarded to the cat who gits the most popular votes in the finals of Catster’s World’s Coolest Cat Contest, and it’s the most prestigious award a cat can win. I cawt up with Piper at her home in snowy Michigan:

SKEEZIX: Do you go by yer full name, or can I call you Piper?
PIPER: Piper is fine, unless I’m in trouble then my mom calls me by my full name.

SKEEZIX: Ha! Then I’ll be shur to just call yoo Piper. How’d you get yer name? It’s vary pretty!
PIPER:My mom says that the larger black spot on the back of my head looks like a ghost, so she named me after her favorite character on the television show, Charmed: Piper.

As for my middle name Serendipity, that’s another story. My human brothers were doing Science homework when I was a very little and they asked mom if she knew the definition of Serendipity. She didn’t know, so they looked it up. It is the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it. Well, mom said it described me perfectly since I ‘m so pretty with such unique eyes and they really hadn’t planned on getting another pet anytime soon. (until they were offered a FREE KITTEN – first pick … then they saw me….LOL.) That’s where Serendipity comes from.

SKEEZIX: Whut was yer ferst reaction win yoo lerned yoo been voted 2008’s Werld’s Coolest Cat?
PIPER:SHOCKED to say the least, Mom just stood there for a while looking at the computer. When she realized that I had won both “cat”egories she called dad and flew thru the house to get my human brothers. That got my attention and “the dog” going too. I got a lot of hugs and kisses and the right to be finicky about my fave flavors of 9 lives canned cat food, (without mom making a fuss about it.)

SKEEZIX:It’s vary impressive that at the tender age of 6 munths old, yoo’ve wun the most prestigious pet photo contest on the planet! How did yer early formative months prepare you for this achievement?
PIPER:Well, actually mom has been taking pictures of me since I was 3 weeks old and still living with my kitty momma. When she agreed to take ME as her first-pick, her and the boys visited me every week until I was 8 weeks old. Then I went home with them and met my new dad and “the dog”. So I am well-socialized, beautiful and photogenic.

SKEEZIX:How many photos did your mom take to get the winning shot?
PIPER:She took at least 20 pictures that day of us on the bed. That was the best one even though my mom thought it was a bit off center.

SKEEZIX:Whut’s up with the dog? Do you LIKE hangin’ with a dog? Do you have to live with the dog? Aren’t yoo afrade he’ll eet yoo all up?
PIPER:Yeah, I live with the dog. She’s my buddy……we play, fight, run through the house and get a little crazy. Mom yells at us for acting the kids!?!? The dog does clobber me once in awhile when I get too rowdy with her. She has always been like a mom to me since I was just a baby. She cleans me, snuggles me and makes me mind. Her name is Brandy and I love her. (Brandy is a 100 lb. Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.)

SKEEZIX:You wun a bunch of grate prizes. Which one are yoo most looking forwerd to getting and why?
PIPER:It’s hard to say…there are so many nice things. I’d probably have to say the camcorder so mom can make little movies of me!! I’m really not looking foreward to the comb cuz I heard mom say I was getting it ! LOL

SKEEZIX:How did winning the contest change your life?
PIPER:I get away with more now than I did before. I can steal mom’s straw right out of her iced tea and not get yelled at!

SKEEZIX:It’s always good win yoo can git away with stuff becuz yer famous! Enjoy yer prizes, Piper, and we’ll look forwerd to yer entries in the World’s Coolest Cat Contest this Fall!

• Click heer to vizit Piper on Catster

HEALTH

• Know the major health concerns for cats. If you know what symptoms to look for, you can get your cat to the vet before the health problem requires an expensive emergency visit.
• Select a good vet, if you don’t have one already. I’ve heard stories from cat owners who aren’t entirely comfortable with their vets, but they feel “funny” about switching. Your cat deserves high quality care, and you should always feel that your vet is providing it. If you don’t — even if you can’t quite put your finger on the reason — switch vets. Read some tips on how to select a vet.
• Watch health trends and discuss your cat’s health with others. So, your cat has been diagnosed with a health problem. You’ve had a great consultation with your vet, but what do you do after you bring Fluffy home? You might find it helpful to talk to cat owners who are dealing with the same health issues that you are. Sometimes you just need comfort and support, sometimes you need tips on administering care — whatever you need, you’ll probably find it here.
• Follow the Catster Vet Blog for tips and advice from Dr. Barchas.

LOVE

• Keep your cat entertained and amused. If your cat isn’t responding to the stuffed mouse, discover other toys and games that might engage her.
• Groom your cat regularly. A grooming a day keeps the hair balls — and vet visits — away. It’s the purrfect opportunity to bond with your cat, and to check for fleas, ticks, lumps and tender spots.



• Take photos of your cats so that you can share them on Catster. And, it’s never to early to take photos for the 2009 World’s Coolest Cat Contest!

EXERCISE

• Make sure that your cat gets regular exercise. The good news is that for cats, exercise is a whole lot like play!
• Find out more about your breed so that you can establish an exercise routine appropriate to that breed’s needs.

DIET

• Know how to choose a diet for your cat, and modify it if necessary. If you’re lucky enough to have more than one cat, they could each have different dietary needs.
• Educate yourself: See what other cats like yours are eating.
• Keep your cat away from poisonous foods. Your dinner table may host foods that will make your cat sick … or worse.

RESCUE OR ADOPT A PET

• If you don’t have cat, adopting one is the way to go. Especially now: with the increase in layoffs and foreclosures, more cats than ever before are being abandoned at local shelters. Better yet, adopt two! They’ll keep each other company and are less likely to engage in destructive boredom-induced behaviors.
• Find out where your nearest shelter is located. You’re probably unaware of some of the shelters and rescue organizations near you. Check ‘em out!
• Familiarize yourself with the adoption process. It’s easier than you think, but you should know what you’re getting into before you adopt.
• Find out more about fostering a kitty. Not ready to make a long-term commitment to a new cat? Fostering is a win-win. Shelters are bursting at the seams, and foster parents socialize and care for cats that might otherwise have to be euthanized.

Concats to all the winners, as well as all the catestants who made this year’s show a nailbiter!