By Sarah Johnson


While many of us complain about not having enough time to relax, this cat has clearly got the right idea.

With seemingly not a care in the world, it sits peacefully in a quiet park half dozing, half watching the world go by.

But there is something special about the way it sits with its chin resting on its paws which are up on the rail.

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This is the life: The cat sits watching the world go by with not a care in the world

The cat sits peacefully taking in the view and watching the sunset in a quiet park

A passerby managed to capture the magical moment on video.

They said the breezy feline was casually watching the sunset in the park when they strolled by.

And, the cat was obviously there for a while, enjoying the view.

The trending video, which lasts 38 seconds and was posted on MSN, cuts out and then back to a new frame, indicating that the furry creature was taking some time out and in no rush to get back to the real world.

The tabby cat sitting with its white stomach on show, completely ignores the people making a fuss and filming it.


Chillaxing: The furry feline remains oblivious to the passerby who captures the magical moment on video


Taking a catnap: The cool cat gets some shuteye and rests its chin on its paws
Instead, the cool cat does not move from its position.

It sits contemplating life and taking in the sunset before almost completely shutting its eyes for a nap.

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source:dailymail

By Phil Vinter


It may appear very su-purr-stitious but a blind cat named called Stevie Wonder really has developed a passion for playing the piano.

The musical moggie is astounding carers at Wood Green Animal Shelter in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire.

Carers believe the six-year-old - who was found in a garden - presses on the keys because the sound helps connect him to the outside world.

Right note: Stevie the rescue cat loves to play the piano at his home in Wood Green Animal Shelter in Cambridgeshire

When Stevie, named after the famous blind American singer and pianist, was found he was flea-ridden, suffering from worms, had a hernia in his stomach and both of his eyes were missing.

Vets are unsure whether his eyes were surgically removed or he was born without them.

But after he was taken home to be cared for by one of the staff they noticed how much he seemed to enjoy listening to the piano being played.

Beverley Street, deputy manager of cat welfare at the shelter, believes the blind feline feels comforted by being able to hear the sound made by its movements.

Now the piano-playing puss now spends as much time as possible skipping across the keyboard at its temporary owner’s home.


Blind magic: It is unclear whether Stevie was born with no eyes or if its owner took the decision to have them surgically removed


Round of a-paws: Animal carers believe the six-year-old moggie - who was found in a garden - craves pushing his paws on the keys because the sound helps connect him to the outside world

Ms Street said: 'You wouldn’t think Stevie couldn’t see. He is so playful he is like a little kitten.

'Stevie seems to enjoy the sound of the piano and often jumps up on my lap while I play.

'He has ventured onto the seat and the piano himself a few times for a little nose and a rather noisy play.

'Because he has no sight Stevie’s other senses are so heightened - his hearing is amazing.

'He loves to jump, play with fishing rod toys and explore his foster home and garden. He really is a wonder.

'Amazingly in terms of himself Stevie is well, which is why it is so surprising that he does not have eyes.'


Listening in: When the cat was found he was flea-ridden, suffering from worms, had a hernia in his stomach and both of his eyes were missing


Roll over Beethoven: Stevie was taken home to be cared for by one of the staff and they noticed how much he seemed to enjoy listening to the piano being played


Together: Animal carer Bev Street with Stevie Wonder. She said: 'You wouldn¿t think Stevie couldn¿t see. He is so playful he is like a little kitten


Making music: Stevie pads along the piano as he enjoys listening to the sounds the keyboard makes

Moving: The beautiful cat looks deep in thought as it tinkles the keys on the piano

She said she hoped the animal will be moved to a stable home soon where the furniture remains in one place so he can create a mental map in his head of the space around him.

Stevie was found by a member of the public in her garden in Bedford, on July 27 and brought into Wood Green.

Vets first treated Stevie’s flees and worms and operated on the umbilical hernia on his stomach as well vaccinating him against cat flu and enteritis.

Wood Green, which was founded in 1924, rehomes thousands of dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, hens, ferrets and other small animals every year.


source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


A British photographer's adorable images of puppies, ducklings and even kittens in hammocks will brighten up any rainy day.

Master of cuteness Mark Taylor's images are in demand all over the world for the purr-fect way they capture a softer side to our best-loved animals.

His photographs are a legacy from his late mother Jane Burton who pioneered the style so familiar on calendars in offices and maths teacher classrooms everywhere.


Fosset the kitten with a yellow gosling: Photographer Mark Taylor is famous around the world for his cute shots of animals in unusual poses


Fosset cuddles up to his gosling friend: Mr Taylor's photographs are a legacy from his late mother Jane Burton who pioneered the style

Stanley the kitten with a duckling: Despite the menacing look in Stanley's eyes, Mr Taylor has never had any incidents where one subject ate another

Using a simple clean white background and some unusual animal pairings Mr Taylor's style has seen him make the cover of prestigious wildlife magazine National Geographic.

In this set of heart-warming images Mr Taylor shows why he's one of the best in his field tapping into that desire in us all to see something fluffy.

From ducklings with puppies, to dogs with kittens and even rabbits Mark captures them all on camera as if they were the best and friends.

And thankfully so far he's had no case of any of them eating each other.


Hear me roar: Kittens Stanley and Fosset have a cuddle


Guess who! Stanley holds his paws over Fosset's face as they play


King of the castle: Stanley climbs on top of Fosset


Not just for Christmas: Stanley and Fosset pose inside a gift box


Touch on that: Stanley offers his paw for a fist bump. Right, he poses with a bright red flower


Oh you! Stanley gestures towards the camera as he lies in a hammock


Time for a cat nap: Stanley and Fosset enjoy a snooze

Keeping it in the family: Mr Taylor's daughter Siena, pictured with Stanley, helps to pose the animals for her father's photo shoots

Mr Taylor, 47, creates his images all at his home studio Warren Photographic, in Guildford, Surrey.

His father Kim is a world-renowned wildlife photographer. His mother Jane, who died in 2007 after a brave battle against cancer, was one of the first to use a unique style now so well adopted by her son.

Mr Taylor, a father of one, said: 'There have been a few close shaves when we have put the different animals together, but we often "introduce" the animals to a rabbit in a cage first to gauge the reaction.

'If the dog starts licking its lips we know it might not work out well, and for example it's best not to put a Jack Russell next to a rabbit.

'I have helpers in the studio and some of the animals extras we have here, for example we have six rabbits, but others we have to bring in.

'The key to the photograph is making sure the animals are not doing anything they don't want to do because I think you can tell if they are not enjoying themselves.

'My mother was a pioneer if you like of this idea of using the clean white backgrounds and I like to think I am carrying on her legacy.'


You wanna start something? Stanley goes nose to nose with a Bichon Fris


My big mate: Stanley nuzzles up with Great Dane pup Tia

Where u go? Stanley and Tia have a play

Keeping it in the family Mr Taylor's daughter Siena, 10, is also on hand to pose up with the animals in the pictures.

Mr Taylor, who uses a Cannon 1DS Mark III camera, said that he felt his photographs were so popular because they tap into an desire in us all to relate to animals.

He said: 'I think the fascinating aspect of this type of photography is that it taps into something in us all that sees ourselves and human emotions in our pets and other animals.'


source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Don’t you just love it when animals prove you wrong?

This adorable video shows Anouk, a golden retriever and Maxwell, a British shorthair cat, cosying up to share a catnap together.

Putting paid to the stereotype that cats and dogs never get along the pair, both aged four months, snuggle in and pet each other tenderly.

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Adorable: Anouk drapes a protective paw over Maxwell and treats the kitten to some grooming

Protective Anouk drapes a lazy paw over Maxwell, and affectionately grooms the kitten.

The pup glances up at the camera as though to question what all the fuss is about, before returning to its playmate.

Anouk and Maxwell lean in to rub noses and Maxwell reaches up to paw at the dog’s face, stroking its thick golden fur.


Tender: Maxwell reaches up an affectionate paw to stroke Anouk

Snuggles: The cute pair get ready to settle down for a snooze

The kitty then grabs Maxwell with both paws, bringing the pup’s face lower down onto the bed.

They both lie still for a moment in a heart-warming embrace before Maxwell takes over the maternal role and starts grooming Anouk.

As they nuzzle in together, paws entwined, they seem ready to fall asleep, but still the excitable Anouk continues to wag its tail.

Wiped: They look totally exhausted as they collapse onto the bed

They swap a few loving kisses and then settle down for what looks like the most comfortable nap ever.

Owner Ana Queiroz shared the love by posting the video on YouTube and it has since received 9,141 hits.

Watch the video here:




source:dailymail

By Chris Parsons



Larger than life: Natalie Chettle holds her mother's giant cat Rupert over her head

At three times the size of the average cat, most would think giant pet Rupert has done enough growing for now.

But the super-sized feline, who at 20lbs (9kg) could claim to be one of the world's biggest cats, is only half grown and set to gain more weight.

The giant breed Maine coon is only half its possible size at nearly three years old, and is expected to put on another 11lbs.

Not the average cat: Rupert, who at 20lbs is expected to put on further weight, tries to make a new friend

A three-time cat of the year in his native Australia, Rupert is said by cat competition judges to be among the biggest Maine coon domestic cats they have ever seen.

Cat competition judge Lesley Morgan Blythe said: 'He's a mega, monster cat and still yet to fully fill out.

'He's bigger than the biggest maine coon I've seen. And he's probably only half grown at two.'

Rupert's owner, Kyra Foster, said: 'He is particularly majestic looking with his long hair adding to his magnificent, wild look.


Rupert is a Maine coon cat, a breed which are known for their larger bone structure


Prize-winning: Rupert is a three-time cat of the year in Australia, and is said to be one of the biggest domestic cats in the world

'People are blown away when they come to him.'

Maine coon cats are known as the breed which produced some of the biggest domestic felines.

Native to the U.S. state of Maine, they are distinctive for their long, heavily-furred tails, and can grow to over 40 inches from nose to tail.



source:dailymail

He is now on low-calorie diet and is being encouraged to get active

By Emma Reynolds


Just days ago, a ginger Tom named Sponge Bob was labelled the world fattest cat, weighing in at an unbelievable 33lb.

Now another overweight puss has claimed the dubious honour, with New York-dwelling Garfield tipping the scales at nearly 40lbs.

Garfield loves nothing better than lying around and eating whatever food he can find - exactly like his lazy cartoon character namesake.


Podgy pet: Animal rescue centre worker Janet Ciminelli strains to lift chubby Garfield, who weighs almost 40llbs

Ball of fluff: The cat is still relatively healthy, but struggles to move and is at risk of devloping serious health problems in the future

The full-figured feline was brought into North Shore Animal League of America in Port Washington, Long Island, after his owner died.

Staff put him on a low-calorie diet, cutting out all dry food in an effort to emulate Sponge Bob's success in losing 3lbs just a few months.

They hope Garfield can lose around 2lbs a month, and are looking for a new owner who is committed to helping him become healthy and active.

North Shore veterinarian Gerard Leheney said: 'This is the fattest cat I have ever seen. My first reaction was astonishment.'

Garfield is relatively healthy but finds it difficult to move because his weight is putting strain on his hips.


Weight-watchers: Staff at the North Shore Animal League have put Garfield on a strict low-calorie diet and are trying to get him active


Cat camp: Shelter workers hope Garfield can shed 15 to 20lbs to improve his health

Time for change: Garfield has taken the title of world's fattest cat from 33lb Sponge Bob, who recently succeeded in losing 3lb

The shelter has warned that obesity in cats is extremely risky and can lead to diabetes, heart disease, joint, bone and ligament damage, high blood pressure and intolerance to heat.

Staff are trying to make 39.75lb Garfield more active by encouraging him to play with toys and a ball, and by picking him up and putting him down somewhere else, so he has to walk back to his original spot.

Garfield will soon be given over to a foster carer, while staff attempt to trace any next of kin to his former owner.

If no-one is found, he will be put up for adoption and given to a loving family who can spend time playing with him in their home, and keeping him on a low-calorie diet.



source:dailymail

By Rebecca Seales


All pet owners like to think their furry friends are smart - but college lecturer Arthur Farminer may have a better case than most.

The Gloucester pensioner couldn't help but chuckle when his quick-witted cat Chas provided him with the answer to the very last clue in his crossword.

The persistent puss kept plonking his paw down on the page, preventing Arthur from finishing his 'codebreaker' puzzle.

Hidden talent: Chas the cat found a unique - and very cute - way to help his owner with a crossword clue

It was only after repeatedly moving the ginger cat out of the way that Mr Farminer realised the word he needed was - of all things - PAW.

'We love Chas to bits but he does like jumping on homework, keyboards or getting in the way at any moment you are trying to concentrate,' said Mr Farminer, who lectures at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

'I was trying to work out the last couple of letters in the Weekend [Gloucester] Citizen’s Codecracker and Chas kept putting his paw on top of the puzzle.

'Every time I moved it away he just put it back again and it was only then I realised he was trying to help.

'His perseverance made me realise the missing word was "paw".'


Helpful: Chas the cat buries his face in the clues... Then celebrates a job well done with a giant yawn


Paws for thought: Arthur Farminer is a college lecturer, but found he still had something to learn from his pet



source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Could this massive moggie be the world's fattest cat?

The ginger tom, who tipped the scales at 33lbs, is the spitting image of out-of-shape Puss in Boots from hit film Shrek the Third.

Greedy Sponge Bob, 9, who weighs the same as a four-year-old child, is on a strict diet and fitness regime at the animal shelter where he lives.

More to love: Kendra Mara, Associate Director at Animal Haven in New York City cradles a 33lb cat named Sponge Bob

New rules: Sponge Bob is currently on a diet and exercise regime after brought to the shelter by her owner who was moving into a nursing home

Dedicated staff at Animal Haven in New York came up with clever exercises to encourage Sponge Bob to move, helping him shed 3lbs in just two months.

Hilarious video shows Sponge Bob, now 30lbs, bravely jumping out of his pen, hauling his huge belly over the doorway when it gets stuck.

But the adorable puss is still too big to wash his own body, and needs to be brushed and cleaned by hand.

Previous fattest cat Meow, from Sante Fe, New Mexico, died of pulmonary failure at 39lbs, earlier this month.


Big eater: Sponge Bob lies licking his nose and lips in hopes of a treat which are minimally used to encourage him to move

Enormous surprise: Workers at Animal Haven were left speechless when they opened the cage belonging to Sponge Bob at his arrival and saw what was inside

Kendra Mara, Animal Haven's associate director, said: 'Sponge Bob came to us when his owner went into a nursing home.

'We opened up the carrier and about 10 to 15 people stood around staring at him for quite a long time, because he's the largest cat we've ever seen.

'We don't know how he became so big. We can only guess that his owner, because he was ill, was feeding him dry food on a regular basis, maybe just leaving it out, so he was able to eat whenever he wanted.'


Suspect: The shelter's workers suspect Sponge Bob's owner had left out unlimited portions of dry cat food, allowing him to eat to his heart's content

Blood work: Blood tests on the cat revealed no sign of hyperthyroidism which would have been a possible culprit in his weight gain

She added: 'It is pretty abnormal for a cat to be able to get this big. But he has had blood work and doesn't have hyperthyroidism or anything so it appears to be just from eating.'

Sponge Bob lives in a special large pen, usually given to a whole litter of puppies, and staff encourage him to jump out of the cage for daily exercise.

He is allowed to wander around the cat lounge, to greet other moggies in their pens, and to play with toys and laser lights and roll on his back.

Little help: Suzi Anders, a volunteer, holds up the cat who's encouraged to walk outside of his cage, though needs help cleaning himself due to his sheer size

Staff use cat nip to keep Sponge Bob moving, along with occasional tiny cat treats, to make him run across the room.

'To get him to run across the room, it's worth it,' said Kendra.

Sponge Bob is fed a special protein diet food of lean chicken, fish and vegetables such as pumpkin, containing no carbohydrates.

Staff at Animal Haven hope Sponge Bob will continue losing one to two pounds per month, to reach a more healthy weight in around eight months' time.

Needs a home: The shelter's workers hope that Sponge Bob will find a good home that will help encourage his lean diet and exercise plan

He is expected to be adopted soon by a loving family, who can dedicate their time to playing with him, as well as continuing his healthy diet.

'I hope someone sees how wonderful he is and welcomes him in their home,' said Kendra.

For more information about how to adopt Sponge Bob or other cats, or to make a donation, visit AnimalHavenShelter.org


Predecessor: This 40lb cat named Meow was just two years old when he was found at this massive weight in Santa Fe


Unhealthy: Tragically for Meow, he died last month of pulmonary failure at 39lbs



source: dailymail