Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fresh Step® Litter.

I have had a cat in my life since I was probably 5 years. My 1st cat was more of a community cat (Virginia), but she had kittens that ended up staying with us. I lived in town for the first couple of years but we moved out to a farm in the country and took our cats with us. Pretty soon those cats were breeding and creating even more cats, many of whom would become barn cats. One of those cats was Roxanne (aka Roscoe). She was a beautiful calico kitty who gave us my first indoor cat “Cotton”.

My beautiful Makenzee – Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.

Cotton, as I’m sure you can imagine was pure white and as soft a cotton ball. After Cotton, I adopted a beautiful Siamese mix that I named Jasmine. Jasmine had some health problems and died early but she was such a sweet little thing. Just prior to her death, my friend gave me a beautiful blue eyed little puff of a thing who’s name was bigger than him. I named him Makenzee and he lived to the ripe old age of 15. He died of lung cancer in 2010, and I was absolutely heartbroken. Makenzee was part Siamese and reminded me of a cranky old man, but he was my old man. When he died, I felt as if I had just lost a 15 year old child.

Two days after Makenzee died, I adopted Sebastian. I was grieving so badly, but I remember telling my dad that when I saw my cat I would know him immediately. I walked into the first room of the shelter and my attention was immediately drawn to this tiny little thing that jumped on the cage and climbed up the side, hanging on for dear life. I got him out and he climbed into the crook of my neck and curled up. I was in love. This cat was meant to be mine and I knew it. I filled out the paperwork, and paid my adoption fee and two days later brought home my sweet little guy. He has given me quite a few scares over the years, but I am so thankful that I walked into that shelter and found him because he is the perfect cat for my house and so great with my kids.

On October 29th, I will celebrate National Cat Day to remember all of the sweet kitties that I have had over the years. For anyone who loves cats as much as I do, I encourage you to celebrate as well. Here are 6 great ways to celebrate National Cat Day on Saturday, October 29th.
1. Adopt a cat or kitten — Most shelters offer low cost and free adoptions. But, honestly you can’t put a price on the amount of joy that these sweet creatures can provide. So, go today and adopt a shelter cat. This is so important, because I believe that every shelter cat deserves a home that will love them. Bringing home a new kitty, be sure to check out this supplies checklist from Fresh Step.
2. Volunteer at a shelter or foster cats/kittens — Yes, you really can foster cats or kittens. It’s the same principle as foster kids, and probably just as difficult to give up but I can guarantee it is such a wonderful feeling to be able to give them the love and care that they need until they find their forever home.
3. Watch funny cat videos — We do this often. Did you know that laughing can reduce stress, burn calories and extend your life? Yes, it’s true. Digital magician Zach King is showing his #CatLuv with a new video at FreshStep.com/our-purpose.
4. Spend time with your cat — I can tell you where I will be next Saturday night. No shame!! I will be curled on my couch
5. This rock was painted by one of my former foster children.
6. Do cat themed activities with the kids — Make cat ears or other cat themed crafts, plant some catnip, paint a rock that looks like your cat, or make a paw print ornament. This is just some of the Cat Themed Activities that I have saved on my Pinterest Board.
7. Share a photo of your cat on Instagram to help spread awareness of the #CatLuv campaign. Digital magician Zach King and #LoveWall muralist James Goldcrown have partnered with Fresh Step litter to launch its #CatLuv campaign and share the magic of cat adoption.
Goldcrown unveiled a colorful mural painted onto a side of the Amanda Foundation shelter. The art installation includes his well-known hearts combined with adorable cats. If you are in the LA area, I would strongly recommend checking it out. They are located at 351 Foothill Rd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Take a photo in front of the #CatLuv mural and share it on Instagram for a chance to win $500 and a 10,000 Fresh Step Paw Points donation to a shelter of your choice.
Not in LA? No worries. All posts including the hashtags #CatLuv and #contest through Nov. 15 will be entered to win. In addition, Fresh Step will be providing fee-waived cat adoptions at the Amanda Foundation through Oct. 30 in support of its mission to help every shelter cat has a forever home. This is such a great opportunity to bring a little love into your life.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Fresh Step® Litter.