Unfortunately, I was not allowed to sign up without a thing called a licence and human identity. When Cat Dad tried to do this on my behalf, because my feline content did not match my Cat Dad’s name, we were rejected for an account. SO… You’ll just have to support me in other ways. If you want to send me treats, toys, beds, and all the lavish gifts my feline self deserves, you can support my author by following her Ko-Fi account or buying her books and then she can buy me things, you can also support my and my brothers’ health by contributing to this GoFUNDMe campaign I’ll leave open because I am getting up there in age (shocking I know I am too beautiful) and will have health issues. If you would like to support me in other ways, you can follow me here on this blog or on Instagram and share my content (or my author’s, too, but let’s be real. You come here for me).

In light of this fan site fail, I will share our portfolio for my fans here. I hope you enjoy some of my best photos! Lots of love XoXo Whiskers

Author is still pretty sick. She wobbles around and sometimes falls down. She sleeps and rests a lot and uses a cool wheelchair to go for the few longer trips and grocery runs she sometimes goes on with Cat Dad and other family and friends. But her people-veterinarians and people are taking good care of her.

Today, the vet called for lowering FanLew’s insulin and monitoring glucose levels everyday for a while. he has gained a lot of weight and has been more lethargic than usual. Cat dad and Author skipped his insulin this morning because it was around 3. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but tonight, with the lower dose, it dipped low pretty quickly and he need extra food three hours after his insulin to boost it back up and perk him up and out of a potential bad hypoglycemic event. He’s being looked after by us all.

My two tabby brothers are constantly near him, sniffing, grooming, and offering comfort and monitoring. As second in command, I’m supervising from high up in the cat tree.

All of this is good news because it may mean that FanLew is in remission! He may no longer be considered diabetic. But let’s not count the poultry before it hatches.

We have to confirm with the vet after some monitoring for the next while before we declare him officially out of the woods.

I hear that the people are getting vaccines for COVID, too. I hope everyone gets a vaccine soon and this horrible illness is put in check like so many others have been thanks to hard-working scientists and people-vets.

I heard that a carrot was running the USA for a while, but now that the vegetable has stopped running USA, and the vaccine is rolling out, things are a little bit better. I’m not sure what any of that means, really. All I know is we have some good book news coming up soon, spring is here and we get to go outside for fresh air again, and my pride health seems to be strengthening.

Thanks for your support and stay tuned for some awesome book news!

With love,

Whiskers

I haven’t been able to do much so Author and I have been just resting together (she hasn’t been doing well either, maybe it’s the cold winter weather?). Aside from author, my favourite places to curl up are on the heating vents where it is warmest. My tummy really hurts, but I try to remain stoic for my family.

I have to get an ultrasound. I had one a long time ago, back when I started this blog. The worst part is they shave my beautiful belly. I guess I can endure as I will still be beautiful.

All these treatments cost money, and with Author not able to work anymore because of her disability and COVID affecting our community, it has been difficult to get by. My Cat dad tirelessly works to keep us going, but my ultrasound to figure out what is wrong is just a little out of reach. Cat dad started a GoFundMe to help. It isn’t a big amount, not really, just a few hundred dollars.

You support me just by following me here and on Instagram @whiskersoftheninerealms, and I will forever be grateful. If you happen to be able to share the campaign, I know Cat dad would appreciate it, and so would I.

Here is the campaign link: gf.me/u/zbr9zn

I am thinking of starting an only fans account for cat lovers to help Cat dad with some of these costs. What do you think? Would you follow me there?

Thank you from my heart,

Whiskers

Don’t believe me? Have doubts? Just ask Gabino Iglesias! Gabino @Gabino_Iglesias is a writer, book reviewer, photographer, editor, columnist AND has a PhD. Must be pretty smart to have recognized my cuteness ^.^

Upon inspection, I received the following review from smart Gabino, “Whiskers and eyebrows on point. 15/10.” Thank you! You’ve made a friend for life. Okay, Author says that’s enough now. Thanks for reading.

An author pet needs a routine just as much as their author does. Though we may drag our paws to begin one, I’m a firm believer in its importance. Upholding a routine keeps us on an even pace and prevents burnout. So, here are just a few things that you might want to include in your own schedule!

Breaks: It’s hard to stop when you’re caught up in the throes of inspiration, but rest is important. Breaks keep us from pushing ourselves beyond our limits and making life harder in the long run.

Food: While on break, why not grab yourself a snack? Your brain needs fuel to stay focused. It doesn’t always have to be healthy, but your more indulgent treats should be balanced with a healthy but yummy snack. Don’t forget to remind your author that you, too, need a treat to keep you going! No good work is done on an empty stomach.

Play: This one shouldn’t be too hard for any of us author pets. Play is a perfect way to get rid of restless energy that builds up from sitting all day. Take some time to relax and exercise! Maybe invite your author to join you when they seem extra fidgety.

Work: Of course it can’t be all play and no work. A routine is all about balance. With you and your author’s minds clear, make sure to get some actual writing done together. Offer to listen to them brainstorm, and maybe throw in a few of your own ideas.

Author care: Your author needs emotional support as well as your clever brain. Rub up against their legs, give them a cuddle, do something adorable, anything to keep their spirits up. And when they’re absorbed in their project, be sure to remind them when it’s time to take a break.

Self care: Between caring for your author, be sure to take time to yourself. Give yourself a good grooming, keep your creativity alive with daydreaming, or sharpen your skills with hunting practice.

Enough nap time: Keeping your author in check is exhausting! While they’re hard at work, you deserve a good sun-bathed nap until it’s time for your author’s next break. You might be able to convince your author to join you every now and then, but humans tend to be a bit weird about naps.

Schedule vacations. While these might be more spread out than the playtime or snacks, it’s important to remember vacations when you’ve done a lot of work. This can be anything from a small trip outside to an extravagant trip to the local fish market.

With these things balanced altogether, you have a recipe for success. Even when life gets difficult and you need an extra break or playtime session, it’s good to keep your routine in mind and stay on track. Now that my work here is done, please excuse me while I go meow at my author for a snack. 

Fanchon Lewellyn Salem Milos (or, FanLew,) was the inspiration for Lewis in my author’s Angels of Avalon series. His now passed friend Cinnamon, inspiration for Cheeto in Angels and Avalon, also had diabetes, so we aren’t unfamiliar with this particular struggle. As you can imagine, this is financially stressful as well as emotionally. If you would like to donate anything toward his medical expenses, you can do so via paypal at whiskers@whiskersreads.com.

I want to tell you a little bit about my brother.

FanLew looks like Toothless the dragon, with his slick black fur, thoughtful green eyes, and chipped fang. The resemblance only stops with his dapper white bowtie.

FanLew came to my author, Catherine, at nine months old. He had been badly injured, his fur was matted in litter, and he had an upper respiratory illness. Every day, my author sat with him in a steam-filled bathroom as he regained his strength. Over time, it became evident that little FanLew didn’t know how to be a cat. He ate when author ate, slept when she slept, and sat at the end of the shower while she showered. So, when I joined the family a few months later, I graciously took it upon myself to teach precious FanLew how to be a cat.

Now, at 11 years old, he is one of the most caring cats I’ve ever met. As the king of our little pride, he accepts new family members (cats, dogs, humans alike) with headbutts and cheekrubs. He loves when children come to visit and patiently watches over them.

He gives the most heartwarming hugs, especially to those who are grieving. His bedtime routine consists of cuddling Author to sleep before marching off on his nightly patrol of the house. We all feel safer knowing he is on the lookout.

While he is regal and kingly, we all have our silly sides. Remember the chipped fang I mentioned? FanLew loves chewing sticks and toys like it’s a battle to the death. The chip doesn’t cause him any pain, but it does give him the appearance of a battle-scarred warrior. His size only contributes to this visage. At eighteen pounds and three feet long, he can reach the top of the counter when he stands on his back legs. Of course, one could take this as a chance to bribe him to retrieve snacks but we would never commit such a naughty deed. I love my brother. He’s a gentle and kindhearted soul with a love for fun. It breaks my family’s hearts that he is suffering right now. Again, if you are interested in contributing to FanLew’s medical fund, you can do so via paypal at whiskers@whiskersreads.com. I thank you for your support, and for taking time to learn a little bit more about my beloved brother FanLew.

I’m Mishka, a four-year-old beauty that my mom decided to keep when my cat mom had kittens. My cat mom isn’t with us anymore, so I’m attached to my human mom, but I’m also pretty independent. I’ve recently discovered that I can perch on her shoulders, so that’s our new thing. I think she likes it.

What is your favorite toy?

I’ve never been into toys much, but sometimes my humans get things delivered, and the boxes they arrive in are so comfy! I also like to attack my mom’s feet when they move under a blanket. Sometimes she says it hurts, but I don’t believe her.

What is your favorite food?

My mom feeds me crunchy deliciousness that has a mix of salmon and chicken, so that’s my usual. I don’t overindulge, so she fills up a big bowl for me, and I can eat whenever I want. I have learned what opening a can of tuna sounds like, though, so I get pretty excited when that happens. That’s even better than my usual!

Who is your editor?

Her name is Lisa Gilliam. I only have one name, though. Not sure what that means!

What does your editor edit?

She edits novels in a bunch of different genres. She says she especially likes mystery, science fiction, and fantasy.

Where does your editor do their work?

She works at her desk in our bedroom. The back of the chair sits against the wall, which makes it really easy for me to not fall if I lose my balance when I’m sleeping on her shoulder. I also like to hang out on her lap or next to her laptop while she’s working. The closer proximity to her hands means increased chance of pettings.

What is the best thing about being an editor pet?

She’s home all the time! When she’s working, she stays in the same place for a long time, so I can cuddle up on her lap, her shoulder, or the desk. And if I need some space, the bed is right there, so I can still see her. So many cuddle spots to choose from!

What is the hardest thing about being an editor pet?

She’s home all the time! I love her and everything, but sometimes I need some time to myself, ya know? She also works a lot, so when I do want her attention, she’s sometimes too focused on other things. She gets distracted every now and then, though, so I’m kind of like her supervisor. I sit on her lap with my front paws on the desk so I can watch her and make sure she stays on task.

What does a typical day in your editor pet life look like?

When my editor wakes up, she goes to the kitchen to make her morning tea and breakfast. She doesn’t function well until after that, so I wait for her on her desk chair. I always make her pick me up off the chair so she can sit down (increased chance of pettings). I usually switch between cuddle spots while she’s working, but if I get bored and she doesn’t need supervision, I sit by the window and watch the birds and squirrels. There’s a tree outside the window, so there’s lots of entertainment out there. When she’s done working, she makes dinner, and sometimes she saves me little bites (I still like tuna better). She goes and does random things outside for a while, but I’m not into that, so I just watch the birds or take a nap while I wait for her. After that, we hang out in the living room until bedtime.

Where can people go to find out more about your editor?

She has a lots of different ways to find her, but she likes being contacted through her website best.
Website: www.lisagilliam.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisagilliameditor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisa9marie
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lisagilliameditor
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisagilliameditor

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It’s been a while since I’ve had a box to sit in. Can you tell her to buy something about my size please?

Maddie Marrow spends her summers in the mountains of Colorado. She works for her uncle, a humble innkeeper, who also happens to guard gateways to magical worlds. At the inn, everything is perfect. Maddie can stay far from family tragedy. With her boyfriend Brekken by her side, she is set on becoming Innkeeper one day. But this summer, Maddie is caught in the center of a mystery. A body is discovered. A monster is on the loose, Brekken is missing, and her Uncle is gravely injured. Maddie is left to protect the inn and must uncover some dark secrets in her search for the truth.

Havenfall is a story about breaking down oppressive structures for inclusive ones. The world building is beautiful, and the writing is skillful and fast-paced. Maddie is a bisexual woman who’s ambitious, compassionate, and a fantastic lead. She’s surrounded by a cast of dynamic supporting characters. And while there weren’t many cats, I found the Solarians to be true cat-kin.

With that, Havenfall gets an enthusiastic 5/5 cat heads. My author and I cannot wait for book two. Until then, you’ll find us napping and dreaming about what could be next for Maddie Marrow.

Get this amazing story and learn more about author Sara Holland at https://www.sarahollandwrites.com/

Science can explain most feelings like the warm fuzzies. Warm fuzzies, or oxytocin as humans call it, is the bonding hormone in humans and pets alike. It calms our anxiety (cold pricklies?) as we connect with each other. This connection is crucial for newborn kittens, but it works for human babies too. Resting a human baby against their parent’s chest raises their oxygen, which regulates their heart rate and promotes healthy growth.

Now, babies may be too loud and grabby for me, but I have experienced the power of a good cuddle. A few years ago, I fell ill with a bad stomach bug. I won’t go into detail but I felt disgusting, humiliated, and too weak to even clean myself. And yet, my author never left my side. She held me while she administered my medicine and cleaned my fur. Her unconditional love strengthened my resolve. Could I have recovered on medicine alone? Probably. But nothing could replace the presence of my favorite human. Having her there was as good as a healing purr. Sometimes, I think I can feel a purr deep-down in my author’s chest. I know that’s a bit silly since humans can’t really purr like us cats, but it felt true for me.

Being loved is essential to the physical and mental health of all living creatures. A good snuggle is the perfect way to show that love. If you’re not very social, that’s OK! It’s important to show yourself some love, too. Don’t tell anyone, but you can find me cuddling with my own toe beans in a warm patch of sun most days. So don’t be shy! Give yourself a little hug, sit atop your author’s chest, or boop their hand. It’s good for you.

Walnut Litter

• Sharp
• Smelled funny and chemically
• Not really absorbent
• Did not like at all
• No cat heads of approval

Paper Litter

• Got a piece stuck between bean toes.
• Felt like I was on an unstable shifting floor of pellets
• Did good for absorption and didn’t track like other litters
• Odor control wasn’t as good as other litters.
• Three cat heads of approval

Wood Shavings

• Strangely soft and pokey
• Good odor control
• I am not a rodent in need of bedding
• Not my favorite
• One cat head of approval

Corn litter

• Expensive
• Good odor control
• Nice on the beans
• Similar to clay
• Three cat heads of approval

Wheat Litter

• Good absorption
• Longer lasting than other litters
• More costly
• Good odor control, but not as good as my clay favourites
• Felt most like clay litter
• Little to no dust
• My choice for a clay litter alternative
• Might not be safe for authors with wheat allergies and sensitivities
• Four cat heads of approval

Clay Litters

I have tried about three dozen. Here are my most and least favourites.

Most Favourite

Nature’s Miracle is my favourite: Low dust, low odor. Feels sturdy and not harsh on the beans. Five cat heads of approval.

Second Runner Up

Arm and Hammer Multi Cat: A little dusty but smells good and feels good on the beans. Four cat heads of approval.

Least Favourite

Grocery store brand: does the job, low cost, very dusty. My brother goes in black and comes out of the box a grey cat. Two cat heads of approval.

Crystal/Silica Litter

You might be wondering why I haven’t tried silica or crystal litter. My author and I don’t feel comfortable trying out such a litter because of some of the things we have heard about silica. However, clay litter does have silica dust and poses a similar risk.

There you have my personal assessment on litters. My preferences may not be yours. Each cat is unique. Hopefully, my review can assist you in finding your perfect litter.

Also a note, don’t flush cat litter, even if it says you can. Waste without litter is fine.