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“I love them, they are so nice and selfish. Dogs are TOO good and unselfish. They make me feel uncomfortable. But cats are gloriously human.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island
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Happy Thursday! Here's the scoop:
- The feline inspiration behind a movie monster
- Delicious donuts with a Pusheen cat twist
- How to keep your cat's teeth clean
- The history of cats in Japan
- Another tasty kitty-themed dessert
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True or False?
It is estimated that nearly 40 million American households have at least one pet cat.
Find the answer below!
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Feline Film Inspiration
In the wild world of cinema, pets have always left their paw prints on the hearts of filmmakers. From Disney's "Lady and the Tramp," inspired by an animator's pooch, to George Lucas channeling his Alaskan Malamute into the iconic Chewbacca of "Star Wars," furry friends have wielded their influence. But in the latest addition to this furry legacy, "Godzilla Minus One," director Takashi Yamazaki takes the cake with his monstrous tribute to his beloved feline companions.
In this Godzilla rendition, the King of Monsters struts his stuff with a subtle yet unmistakable feline flair. With each tail swipe and stoic gaze, Godzilla exudes the cool indifference of a cat batting away at city buildings. And who could forget his keen curiosity toward a circling plane, echoing the classic cat-and-mouse chase?
When asked about Godzilla's uncanny cat-like demeanor, director Yamazaki confessed with a grin that his recent adoption of a couple of cats may have subtly seeped into his creative process. "Godzilla Minus One" is making historic waves as the first Japanese production nominated for Best Visual Effects and earning its place beside cinema legends. Yamazaki can now proudly claim a spot next to Stanley Kubrick, proving that even in the world of towering monsters, cats reign supreme.
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Pusheen Cat Donuts
These meow-nificent cat donuts are so irresistible, that even your finicky feline friend might try to sneak a bite (but don't worry, these are strictly for humans.) With an adorable Pusheen-inspired design and a taste that's simply claw-some, these donuts are guaranteed to whisk you away to a world of sweet satisfaction.
Ingredients:
DONUTS
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cake flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
DECORATIONS
- 36 almonds
- 40 oz white melting chocolate
- Black candy food coloring
- 2 oz pink melting chocolate
- 18 Cheerios
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray three donut pans with nonstick spray.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for now.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla before slowly adding the flour mixture.
- Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the milk until just combined.
- Put the mixture into a piping bag and fill each donut mold ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Melt 20 oz of the white melting chocolate in the microwave at half power in 30-second increments. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Mix in the black candy food coloring until a light grey color is achieved.
- Use a paring knife to cut two slits on the top of each donut.
- Dip two almonds into the grey melting chocolate and insert them into the slits.
- Once the ears have set in place, dip the entire front of the donut into the chocolate and allow it to set.
- Divide the remaining white melting chocolate into two bowls and use the food coloring to make one bowl dark gray and the other black.
- Transfer the chocolate to piping bags and use the black to draw the eyes, mouth, and whiskers. Use dark gray to draw the hands, feet, and tabby stripes.
- Melt the pink chocolate in a small bowl.
- Dip the front side of the Cheerios into the pink chocolate and cover in sprinkles. Attach near the hands with a drop of chocolate.
- The donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
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Purr-fectly Polishing Chews have Landed at PetSmart
It’s no secret that cat owners dread caring for their cat’s teeth. Luckily, Ark Naturals has made it easy to give even the pickiest kitties the dental care that they need with their NEW Kiss Me-ow Cleaning Dental Chews, now at PetSmart.
With a unique texture that helps to reduce plaque and tartar, and a toothpaste center for an extra boost of efficacy, these chews are a tasty (and hassle-free) way to clean your cat’s teeth!
Buy 2, get 1 50% off all treats valid 4/4 - 4/28
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Thank you to Ark Naturals for sponsoring the Daily Purr.
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The History of Cats in Japan
In the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture, cats have woven themselves into the fabric, leaving their mark on art, literature, and folklore. From the auspicious "Maneki Neko," believed to beckon good fortune, to the spine-tingling tales of shape-shifting bakeneko and nefarious nekomata, felines have carved out a purr-fectly prominent place in Japanese society.
It all began centuries ago when Buddhist monks imported cats from China to safeguard sacred scrolls from pesky vermin, unwittingly unleashing a feline frenzy across Japan. As these whiskered guardians transitioned from protectors to prized pets of the Emperor himself, their presence inspired countless tales, artworks, and superstitions.
From the tale of the Maneki Neko, whose beckoning paw promises wealth, to the spine-chilling legend of the bakeneko, with its supernatural shape-shifting abilities, cats have purred their way into the hearts of Japanese society. Today, they continue to captivate, not just as beloved pets but as symbols of luck and fortune in a land where they are as ever-present as cherry blossoms in spring.
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Final Thoughts
Dental care is made easy even for the pickiest kitties with Ark Naturals Kiss Me-ow Cleaning Dental Chews. Buy 2, get 1 50% off all treats valid 4/4 - 4/28.
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Bite-Sized Treats:
- True or False: True.
- COTD: Give your purr-fect pet the spotlight by submitting them for the cat of the day! This month's theme is cats in the springtime. This could be anything from your cat playing outside to your feline friend sporting some spring-inspired gear. Send in your best pics of your cat with a short description and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
- Making Meow-chi: Experience the magic as master baker and cat fanatic Kim-Joy expertly kneads, shapes, and molds these adorable mochi treats into the likeness of our favorite feline friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious kitchen kitten, this video will leave you meowing for more.
- 4 Unexpected Ways To Reuse Sauce Jars: Have you ever looked at an empty sauce jar and felt a pang of guilt about tossing it into the recycling bin? Well, it's time to flip that script and see that glass jar as a treasure trove of sustainable possibilities! Let's dive into 4 surprising ways you can give those jars a second life...
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