An article dedicated to the care of the pampered puss. I will be writing in terms of caring for your show kitten in preparation to take photos, but should you be caring for yourself that is equally acceptable. These principles can of course be applied to any type of kitten, and will be especially enjoyed by domesticated lap cats. Please allow patience as some kittens may be more playful and wriggly, and bare in mind some kittens may scratch you at the mere thought of you bathing them! Always check in with your kitten to what they would personally enjoy!

The show kitten takes great pride in themselves, and loves the finer things in life. They are often labelled ‘fussy’ or ‘picky’, but get it right and you will have a loyal and devoted companion for life. This kitten simply knows what she desires. You want to ensure that you pay attention to detail when caring for this type of feline. They will notice, and they will appreciate those small gestures.

Firstly draw them a bath. This can be as simple as candles on the side and some bubbles, but in the name of being extra, let’s go all out and spoil them. Bath oils will help your kitten to feel silky smooth. Essential oils such as ylang ylang or chamomile shall send her to aromatherapy bliss. Dried lavender or rose petals look wonderful in the water, and most grocery stores sell bubble bath liquid (usually meant for babies) with lavender, these make plenty of bubbles and are perfect for more sensitive skin. Another consideration may be the more shy kitten, for this type, who may be conscious of your adoring gaze, you can offer a milk bath, which has benefits for their skin.

Alternatively you could use bath bombs or fizzes for that extra pamper factor. Don’t skip out the candles, lower the lights and allow your kitten to enter their own little spa.

At this point you may wish to leave them to enjoy, but I would encourage you to stay. Show kittens enjoy the extra attention with this process, and these loving gestures are often much appreciated and can be used to further bond with your kitten. This can be using a soft sponge to wet and clean their body, shampooing and conditioning their hair and soft body stroking.

Sugar and oil make a great exfoliating scrub if your kitten is short hair and wants to shave (long hair kittens may not, it’s important to ask and respect their choice on this!) whilst they are busy, you should leave to pop their towel on a radiator or to tumble dry, so that the towel is fluffy and warm to entice kitten out of the bath. Pat them dry and apply a leave in conditioner or hair silk and a body moisturiser. You want your show kittens coat in tip top condition.

By now your kitten should be super relaxed. You may want to offer a massage and settle into a night routine as this is a great activity before bed, however, today’s focus is prepping your kitten for a shoot. Proceed to dry their hair. Use a normal brush and heat protection spays for blow drying, you don’t want to damage the coat. Once dry you can brush with a boar bristle brush to distribute the hair oils for a shiny and healthy look. Make sure to comment on how well they sit, give praise and admire your beautiful kitten!

Jelly beans or small pieces of chocolate can be used to calm a wriggling kitten. Tell them they cannot chew, only suck the chosen sweet and enjoy a moment of peace whilst they concentrate on this. Pay attention to their ears and tail. Some kittens are very particular about this!! Use caution if you are prepping a feral kitten as they may not allow you to be so personal unless you are bonded. If so, consider yourself grateful to be allowed such privilege!

No kitten requires make up as they are all beautiful, but they may wish to if shooting, ask if they would like to, and offer hydration, preferably in the form of champagne whilst they prepare.

Check your kittens paws, their claws should be spotlessly clean, hand cream is great for their skin, especially those made with Shea butter. Apply a small amount and massage in, let your kitten enjoy the attention.

For show kittens, Bring ear and tail bows, hair accessories and tiaras for your kittens approval. For a more playful kitten they now may appreciate a game for behaving so well! Most kittens love when their slave.. oops! I mean owner, chooses their collar and tag for them, and shall wear them with pride, but this is another privilege you must have earned.

Congratulations! Your kitten is squeaky clean, shiny and ready for the camera. Get some super cute snaps of them and be sure to lavish them with treats and praise! 

As a Hermes devotee, I am shocked at the lack of information I have been able to find on him. Hermes is underrated. He deals mostly in mundane activities, and because of that, his realm is often overlooked.  Hermes is the God of the people, and a lot of his work is done in the shadows, while nobody is watching.

Hermes. The Messenger God. The God of Crossroads and Travellers, of Thieves and Shepherds. As much as I’ve looked, I have read very few myths about this deity. The two I can think of at the top of my head, is one where he steals Apollo’s cows, and another in which he has a child with Aphrodite, hence the term “Hermaphrodite”. Other than that, there is a huge lack of information on Hermes. Of the information I can find, he seems to be taken for granted. He is usually seen as a carefree young man, taking messages to and from the gods. He is seen as a prankster, constantly playing tricks. He is rarely ever depicted interacting with humans, even though this God interacts with humans more commonly than most other deities.

Hermes is a friend to all. He doesn’t discriminate based on morals or ideals, and he cares about people’s wellbeing. If he was a person, he’d be the life of the party, constantly making jokes and talking to everybody, making everybody feel comfortable. He’d be the type of person constantly going around, making sure everybody is doing okay and that they are safe. He’d call an Uber for anybody in need, and offer a place to stay for others who need that. Hermes truly enjoys bringing this energy into the world. He doesn’t do this for thanks or appreciation, he is sincerely generous in what he brings. Hermes is a benevolent God. It is very difficult to upset him. He understands when we make mistakes. He doesn’t get jealous or angry, he is on good terms with almost everybody. He’s a jokester deity, and he’s a friend.

In the modern world, the domains Hermes controls have adapted. He is not only the God of communication, he is now also the God of technology. He controls all of technology, social media platforms, languages, codes, etc… He can help you study a language, and he can help you develop a website. As the God of communication, he is also able to connect you with people you need in your life. Looking for a long lost sibling? Hermes can help. Trying to get a raise and having issues asking your boss? Ask Hermes for assistance. Do you want to get more into your spirituality and connect with other deities? Hermes is the best God for that, as he has access to every deity and can find you somebody that would help you the best. As the Shepherd God, Hermes brings us together. He helps us find our groups of friends, and brings together people with common (or uncommon) interests. He is like a modern day Robin Hood. He’s the God of thieves, stealing things from people who don’t need them, and giving them to people who do. Have you ever noticed a $20 bill on the ground when you absolutely needed it? Or maybe your bike that you haven’t used in years went missing, and now, somebody who needed the bike to get to work has one. In a more spiritual way, Hermes is there to help you cross realms, connect with deities or ancestors, or remember dreams. He is there to help beginners learn, and to bring beginners what they need. He is often the one that will answer your call the first time, while other deities will wait until you are more prepared.

Working with Hermes can open a person’s mind in many ways. The person may find themselves learning to be more friendly and less judgemental. More generous and helpful. Communications with friends and family start to become much easier. Whenever you are in need of friends, or maybe some spare change, Hermes is there for you. So next time you are praying to the Gods for help, invite Hermes into your space. See what happens.

The Caduceus is one of the symbols of Hermes, which symbolizes negotiation and commerce. It is often confused with the Rod of Aesculapius, which is a symbol of health and medicine.

Image Credit: https://www.turbosquid.com/Search/Artists/Lexxiam

References:

https://magickfromscratch.com/2015/03/20/what-is-it-like-working-with-hermes
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/naturessacredjourney/2016/04/working-hermes
https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Hermes.html

In this day and age, it is not uncommon to find oneself in an LDR at some point or another. Whether the person is a few hours away, a whole state away, or all the way across the ocean, we sometimes cannot help who we fall for, or change circumstances that prevent you and your significant other(s) from being together. It can be frustrating and put a strain on the relationship, especially if communication is lacking. This can be increasingly difficult in a Pet/Owner Dynamic, where the dynamic cannot be physically/in person played out.

I myself, as well as many other Kittens I am sure, have found themselves in this position, or are currently experiencing this. My partner is a whole state away, and though we have been dating for a little over two years, we have not been able to experience each other in person much due to this distance. A few months ago, I officially introduced them to the brilliant world of Petplay and the dynamic and the last time they were here in person, we mildly experimented and it was quite fun. Soon, however, it came time for them to leave for home once again…

What does one do when their Owner/partner is miles away from them? How does one cope and keep the dynamic and Petplay relationship alive and functioning? Ponder no more, for here are some tips to keep both parties invested:

1. Playtime Over Skype/Video Chat Service 

Just because your partner isn’t there in person to play with you doesn’t mean they can’t! Gather up your toys or scatter them about the room and have your partner ask for you to bring certain ones or bat/toss/push them around. Bonus: have a little bowl of your favorite treat and have your partner allow you one every time you do as told!

2. Chores

Have your partner give you a list of chores/tasks for you to complete for the day, or even week! This can be anything from tidying up the house/yard to self-care. Your partner can have you send pics for proof or rely on the honor-system to make sure you did it. If you can, wear your kitten gear as you go along to make it more fun/immersive!

3. Commands

Have your partner issue commands during a video call, either verbally or with hand signals! This can be as simple as your average sit, speak (meow), and lie down, to position training. Bonus: Again, your partner can allow you a treat every time you do it correctly!

4. Rules & Punishments

My partner and I do this, and it is quite fun! Have your partner jot down a small list of simple rules (we mainly do self-care ones) for you to follow each day, and, consequently, a list of mild punishments. Rules can be anything such as simply drink at least two bottles of water per day (if rules are focused more on self care) to dress up and do a mini photo shoot once a week or always keep your collar on when possible/keep a Kitten toy with you, while punishments can be done either on the honor system or over a video call, such as, balance an open water bottle on your head for a set amount of time, no furniture privilege during the video call,  or having to hold a position for a set time. These suggestions might not be everyone’s cup of tea or dynamic – my partner isn’t fully invested, so we haven’t done much bigger than those!

5. Kitten Talk

This one is a little silly but can be quite fun! If you are a vocal Kitten, try telling your owner a story or something using just ‘meows’ and paw gestures. It doesn’t always get across what you are trying to convey, but it is quite amusing and will certainly give you and your partner a laugh if you need one!

6. Make a Kitten Den

Have your partner help make a little den for Kitten! Gather up blankets, pillows, whatever you find comfy, and following your partner’s suggestions and choices, construct a little Kitten den. To add to the fun, try doing this without using your fingers (like a cat’s paw!)

7. ASMRs

If you listen to ASMRs, have your partner make a petplay-themed ASMR just for you! This is great for when your partner cannot be an a call with you/finds themselves busy.

8. Care Packages

Care packages are always wonderful, no matter the theme! Have your partner create a Kitten themed care package (toys, snacks, collars, ears, cat-themed things, etc.) Alternatively, you can create one for your partner! Even if you just wish to send a cute card/letter, care packages are a great way for staying connected as well as for a pleasant sur~purrise!

9. Virtual Dates

Just because you can’t in person, doesn’t mean you can’t go on a date! Have you partner pick your ears, collar, and clothing (or lack of thereof) and conduct a virtual date! You can watch a movie together, plan dinner and eat together over video, or have more risqué fun- the choice is yours!

And last but not least….

 10. Make Plans to Visit Each Other

On the days when loneliness sets in hard, lighten it up by making plans to see each other! Discuss all the details such as when and where and what activities you would like to do, both in general and in your Petspace. This is a fun way to bypass loneliness and augment excitement!

There you have it – I hope you enjoyed these 10 ideas/activities and find one useful to try towards your LDR, if you are in need of suggestions! Stay strong, know that you are not alone, and distance can make the heart grow fonder. It won’t be long until you can curl up with your partner again!

     Being a kitten can be a huge part of who we are and/or even part of our identity. Getting to be a kitten or partake in kitten play is so sexy and exciting! But what do we do when that kitten goes missing? Hopefully I can help with what to do while you await her return.

     While we might enjoy and absolutely adore being a kitten, some days that feisty feline just isn’t there. The first step to help is to not beat yourself up over it. It happens to every kitten! I know I’ve definitely had my dull hairball days. It can be very discouraging to you and your master when kitten isn’t on the prowl but it’s not your fault.

     Utilize this break! It may sound crazy but sometimes a break is needed. Any kink or lifestyle can be especially draining. Whether it’s mentally, emotionally, or physically. This isn’t to say that it’s bad! Just that the bowl of milk does eventually run empty. Use this time to explore other things (hobbies, headspaces, kinks) or dedicate it to self care and bettering yourself. Developing better habits outside of kitten space will definitely improve your kitten’s mentality as well.

     Once you’ve done all you think you could and have had your self vacation but you still find yourself lost, try going back to the basics. When you’re in kink, especially after several years, you learn all these things and always want to do big scenes or intense play. Sometimes it’s nice to take it back to just some handcuffs (of any material) and a paddle or old fashioned hand spanking. Maybe not even those things. Maybe you want a less strict more caregiver type scene. Regardless of how you want it, it’s nice to slow down and go back to what got you started into kink.

     After you’ve done your break, slowed things down and maybe have had your share of possibly trying to craft your own ears (and failing..a lot :/), find your favorite toy and milk bowl to relight that inner kitten fire. Taking a break from things can really bring joy and better appreciation for your kitten side. As well as what you loved and missed doing. I’m sure if you have a master, they will definitely be happy to find their favorite feline has come home!

     In conclusion, a break from anything is a good thing and remember to slow things down or reminisce in old times. Always know it’s never your fault if you feel kittenspace isn’t coming to you as easily as it was before. And in the end, if you feel that maybe that kitten has done all she can do and it’s time to move on, that’s fine too. That’s the lovely path of kink or alt. lifestyles, it’s your choice and your growth.

Hope this helps any struggling kitten! <3