Kittens & the Kinder

I am so pleased that we decided to get our kittens Rhubarb & Crumble. They really are just the most delightful little cats you could imagine.

The cats have helped to teach my wee ones to be a bit more responsible and be confident around animals.

I was pretty scared of pets growing up... I can remember that I would have our pet rabbit on my knee, only if he was sat on top of a cushion and I would wear oven mitts to pick him up to protect my hands, and the minute he moved I would be getting someone else to take him away from me. I really didn't want my two wee ones to be scared like I was, so I thought that getting a pet early on was a good idea.

We had originally thought of getting just the one kitten, but due to my long hours at work, we thought that two would be better as they'd have a play mate whilst I was out. Rick and I collected the cats and these two were playing together and we just couldn't bear to separate them. It's worked out brilliantly and I'm really happy that we took them both. They're now nearly a year old and they've settled in perfectly. My allergies were a bit of a nightmare at the start and I was taking antihistamines daily, but I can now manage without.

Rhubarb, our wee girl kitty

Crumble is a little troublesome as he's gone missing a few times... he's always on the hunt for food and unfortunately some of the people he's encountered on his travels have been feeding him - one lady called me to say she gave him a tin of tuna as she thought he was lost and another gave him a bowl of milk. This only encourages him and he's been making his way into stranger's houses. Quite a few times now I've had to collect him and take him home!! I'm also extremely grateful to my lovely neighbours who have helped out on numerous occasions now with cat sitting, or even babysitting whilst I dash out with the cat carrier to collect Crumble!!

I absolutely love watching the kids interact with the cats. My son especially can be spotted chatting away to the cats, telling them about his day, or teaching them new things that he's learnt. Whereas my daughter loves to play with Crumble in particular who is so patient with her even when she tries to wrap him up in her blanket! It really does make my heart feel lovely and fuzzy, which I know is super cringy but I'm writing it anyway!!

Littlest with her favourite, Crumble (the boy)

The final thing that I love about the kittens is that when the kiddies are away with their dad, and when Rick is at his place, I still have some company and little ones to look after. It's really nice to have a wee cat snuggle when I'm feeling lonely. Crumble is so gentle, and he'll just stick his wee paw out and give me a pat before curling up in my lap. 

Christmas Gift Guide - For the Pets

So, I've got two kittens that are going to need Christmas gifts!! You may laugh, but I think it's only fair that they have a little something under the tree (that they will never see as they're not allowed in the living room!).

Anyway, here are my selection of gifts your pampered pet and their owner too...

I used to have this fish bowl for Onion when we were in the old house and I loved that it was stylish so I didn't mind it being out on show. It's expensive but it was really practical (non-slip, easy to clean and each dish is removable so you can top up the bowls without too much fuss) as well as looking good.

Cat Fish Bowl, approx £19 at Amazon

Similarly, this is the same radiator bed that we have for Rhubarb and Crumble (it used to be Onions!). It's practical (for example it opens up and flattens out so it can be hoovered/cleaned) but it also looks good so I don't have to compromise on my interior style.

Jolly Moggy Bamboo Cat Radiator Bed, approx £23 at Amazon

If you really wanted to go all out on a bed, then this dog bed from Joules is just beautiful and it looks so comfy (plus being stylish so will appeal to the owners too I bet!).

Square Dog Bed in Navy Floral, £36.96 for medium sized bed at Joules

I don't have space in my house for a scratching post, so when I saw this hanging scratch mat I thought it was ideal.

Rosewood Jolly Moggy Hanging Scratch Mat, £7.99 at John Lewis

After my chat last week about finding the perfect Christmas wreath, then how about this dog biscuit version from BHS?

Bonio Wreath, £10 at BHS

Or how about a personalised treat jar? I thought this one from Not On The High Street is super cute!

Personalised Pet Lovers Treat Storage Jar, £8 by JG Artwork

With the weather becoming pretty cold now, most small dogs will need a wee jacket to keep them cosy. I love this quilted one from Barbour. Isn't it so cute!

Barbour Quilted Dog Coat, £34.95 at Outdoor and Country

I love these white animal coat hooks from Rose & Grey. This would be ideal for hanging up a dog lead (or a cat harness, if you're so inclined! I remember as a child we had a wee harness so we could take our pet rabbit out for a walk down the street. Crazy huh! Just a shame there isn't a cat version!! You can take your pick from dog, cow, elephant or horse.)

Animal hook, £16 at Rose & Grey

I  have mentioned Snapdragon before in the children's gift guide, but I do just love their mugs. They have an ideal one for dog lovers - you can buy a personalised mug like this one and there are a few other dog breeds to choose from too:

Personalised Pug Mug, £12.50 at Snapdragon

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a squeaky turkey!

Christmas Noisy Turkey Dog Toy, £10 at Marks and Spencer

{November}

Can you believe that it's November already!?! Not only November, but 6th November!!! Seriously... where has the time gone!?

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October was a busy, busy month... and thankfully things have quietened down now in the Glasgow Mummy house and we're getting back into our usual routine. 

The kids are with their dad three nights a week, and whilst I'm glad of the rest (I need it!) and the me-time (catching up on laundry, meeting friends for coffee, time at the gym...) I'm finding that I really miss them. I arrived at work this morning and my colleague was filling me in on the lovely day she had with her daughter at the zoo and I nearly started crying at my desk. Don't get me wrong, it's such hard work with an 18 month old and a 3 year old... they're at that awkward age where they're yet to become good company and I struggle to do certain outings with them on my own. But I feel a bit lost when they're not around, so I'm finding that I'm keeping myself busy to keep my mind off things. Yesterday though I actually put my feet up and had a proper rest - I watched Alfie (Jude Law - yes please!) and then Dirty Dancing. I think that's why I'm feeling a bit 'meh' today... I had too much time to think yesterday!

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In other news I'm getting a cat... yes, you read right - a cat! I'm thinking it might help cure my loneliness. Although we'll have to see how I go as I'm allergic to cats (I know, I think I might be a bit insane at the moment! haha!!). My sister has two cats, called Pickle & Onion. I had initially planned to get a cute little brown cat and call it Branston (awww!) but Ali has offered to let me take Onion for a while rather than commit to a new cat. Pickle & Onion don't get on terribly well, so we're thinking Onion will be less grumpy when he's with me, and away from Pickle! Watch this space to see how we get on...!!!