Cat Lady in the Canyon-The Backstory

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Pamela Knudsen

Cats have been pets in my life since I was a toddler. But it was after rescuing my first cat at the age of 26 that I truly made cats an integral part of my world. Over a short period of time, having one cat turned into having two or three at any given time. (read more in About the Cat Lady). I never once considered myself crazy, yet others did. I got so tired of the disapproving comments and justifying my affinity for felines:

You don’t have kids—only cats? Yep, just cats.
You know what they say about having two cats… Do tell!
You have three cats!? So you’re a crazy cat lady, huh? No, I just love cats.
Have you ever thought about getting a dog? I don’t understand the question.

I put my paw down. It was time to dispel those archaic beliefs and misperceptions about ladies who love cats. After all, cats have been domestic companions for humans for at least 10,000 years. History documents that ancient Egyptian and Roman societies highly revered these animals. Yet, in today’s world, even despite the recent cat craze (thank you social media), a woman living with cat companions (especially a single woman) is still considered to be a “Crazy Cat Lady”. I bet the ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet would disagree.

During the time I was getting fed up with the crazy cat lady comments, I lived in Laguna Canyon with three cats and I was writing for a local magazine and blogging for an e-commerce website.

Bobcat

Topper

Lexington

These platforms sparked an idea and Cat Lady in the Canyon–Crazy Cat Lady Redefined was created. I merged my passion for cats and writing together into mini memoirs shared through blog entries, which showcase these amazing creatures as not only lovable companions, but as guides and healers.

Cat Lady Gets Cancer. I experienced a whole new level of devotion for my cats and from my cats when I was diagnosed with advanced stage cancer in 2020. From diagnosis to treatments, to victories leading to post-cancer healing, my cat companions were critical members of my support team throughout every step of the journey. Blog entries chronicling my cancer journey can be found in the 2020 through 2022 archives. Writing about coping with cancer was cathartic, but my intention with these stories was to inspire and support anyone dealing with cancer, either themselves or a loved one.

What people may actually see in a crazy cat lady is a passionate, enthusiastic and devoted cat lover—someone the ancient Egyptians would hold in the highest regard.

A Barn Owl and the Shooting Star

Posted on November 20, 2022 by Pamela Knudsen

Today, November 20^th, Samantha Jo turned three-years-old! I never knew the birthdays of any of my other cats, only their approximate ages. So, a few weeks ago I thought, how fun would it be to have a birthday celebration for Samantha? But before I knew it her special day crept up on me and I’d not planned anything. What kind of cat mama am I to let her birthday celebration planning sneak out of sight?

I’d envisioned having her cat daddy and my cat-loving girlfriends over to the cottage, sipping champagne and singing Happy Birthday to Samantha, who would be busy batting her kitty soccer balls around, yet stopping to receive pets and snuggles from her adoring people while weaving in and out of our legs. She would then melt the crowd by rolling onto her back and wriggling from side to side, inviting tummy rubs.

But seasonal festivities, that day-job thing, my labors of love: working on my children’s book publishing process and participating in Blue Bell Foundation for Cats events stole time away from Samantha’s party planning.

Helped decorate Blue Bell’s Christmas tree at Sawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy

I found “purrmaid” wrapping paper!

Although, Samantha probably thinks every day is her birthday as I lavish her with random gifts, like the Gibson Flying V catnip guitar (move over Joe Bonamassa!) that I picked-up at Cat Con, made by Crochet Kitty and those wooden balls she loves to bat around the cottage that I recently found at Laguna Art Supply. Not to mention the “birthday” kisses she gets every day.

Samantha channeling Jimi Hendrix

The day is still young, and I’ll come up with a little something special for her, but as you all know, every day is a birthday party for our precious furry family members.

* * *

I instigated an impromptu birthday celebration in the late afternoon, with a visit from Cat Daddy and Auntie Marilyn. We made a toast to Queen Sassy Pants and she enjoyed snuggles and our admiration at what a healthy, happy and darling girl she’s become.

The celebration was winding down when I happened to look up into the almost-dark twilight sky. I saw the majestic wingspan of a barn owl as she gracefully flew over the neighborhood towards the hills of the canyon. I walked out into the yard to get a closer look. And as she disappeared into the distance, a shooting star fell slowly from the indigo sky, soring downwards towards the ocean with its tail trailing behind.

I couldn’t have planned a more purrrfect birthday celebration.

Bonus Video! Watch Samantha play ball on her birthday…

Cats and Cupid

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Pamela Knudsen

Love comes in many shapes, sizes and types. There’s the love you have for your family, your dear friends, your country, chocolate, your favorite music, and of course…the love you have for your special guy or girl. Love is exhilarating.

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We all desire to be in love, to have loving relationships, yet love can also be fraught with frustration: divisive politics…one too many dark chocolate truffles, and as they say…men, you can’t live with them; can’t live without ‘em.

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I know, guys, you say the same about us. It’s just the nature of that beast they call romantic love. Humans are complicated creatures with our egos, emotional baggage, differences, and peculiar habits—it’s impossible to be lovey-dovey and in purrrfect sync all the time.

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And then there’s that sweet, peaceful, easy-going love we have for our kitty-cats (and any other pet we fall for). The more I experience the pure and simple love I have for my felines, the more I appreciate its uncomplicated bliss. They always make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, even on my worst of days. All it takes is one look into the eyes of Lexington, Topper’s comforting paw on my arm, or Bobcat’s cheerful chirp as he rubs up against my leg to melt away any rage, sorrow, stress, or sadness that life brings on. And when I get all snuggly with them—nap time and furry hugs—forget it…seriously, bad day? What bad day?