It’s summer! I got my hat on backwards and it’s time to party!
Just kidding. It’s still 2020 and COVID is raging across the great ol’ country plains of America. For the most part, we’re all staying indoors as much as possible to beat the heat and stay safe. Right? Right.
But hey, who needs long walks on the beach and boardwalk fries when you can lay face-down on the floor while the oscillating fan blows all the hot air around, creating the illusion of respite from the sweltering sun. Or, you know, maybe you’re living in the 21st century, enjoying all that sweet, sweet central air. Either way, you’re stuck inside, and yeah, it kinda sucks, but it definitely doesn’t have to.
“But how?” you ask, eyes all aglow. Oh, my sweet summer child, worry not. There’s always fun to be had, if you know where to look.
Quarantine Cat Film Festival
I know, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the movies, and you miss it. Who doesn’t? The smell of popcorn, the giant gallon-sized cups of Coke that you can barely fit your hands around, sneaking in boxes of candy in your purse – I mean, you know, theoretically. I definitely don’t do that. Not in REAL life. Nuh-uh, not me. You mean YOU do that? Scoundrel. (Don’t worry, I won’t tell).
Anyway, if you’re missing the ambience of the big screen, I’ve got the perfect date night activity for you and the household furry friend to enjoy together. The Quarantine Cat Film Festival is “a compilation reel that brings together the cutest, funniest, bravest, and most loving cat videos from more than 1,200 submissions filmed during the COVID-19 Quarantine.”
How does it work? If you are a resident of the US, you simply scroll through until you find your state and click on “purchase tickets” next to your local participating movie theater. This money benefits that theater during a time when independent cinema needs all the help it can get. According to the website, “about half of your ticket goes directly to the participating independent cinema of your choice. The purpose of this festival is to raise money for independent movie theaters, with the help of everyone’s cats. So not only will you get to watch a fantastic cat movie, but through your ticket purchase, cats will help save independent cinema. Ticket revenue will help ensure these locally owned, independently run cinemas can survive the COVID-19 crisis until reopening.” The film itself, which was released on June 19th, will be available to watch for about 3 months.
Kawaii Kitty’s Livestream
You may remember an article I wrote about my visit to the Kawaii Kitty Cafe in Philadelphia. Kawaii Kitty is a great place to lay back, relax, have a treat, and meet some sweet local kitties who are up for adoption. Of course, these days, Kawaii Kitty has been closed due to the quarantine, but that hasn’t stopped this local business from finding creative new ways to showcase their adoptable kitties.
For any fellow gamers following along, you will be pleased to know that Kawaii Kitty has been updating their Facebook page with videos of live gameplay of titles such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. During each broadcast, an adoptable kitty looking for a forever home is showcased. If you’re interested in supporting this great cause, check out the Kawaii Kitty Discord. Then, simply snuggle up to your kitty companion and watch as Tom Nook offers you the best of island life.
Gamer Cat
Speaking of video games, why not let your cat in on the fun with some games made specifically for her? Purina offers 2 free games you can download onto your phone or tablet that offer up the perfect entertainment for your kitty during the quarantine. These games are designed to engage with your cat’s sense of curiosity and hunting instincts in a way that is fun, safe, and irresistible. Keeping your cat active during a time of stress is a great way to relieve her anxiety, and yours, too! If you’re sick of being stuck in the house all day, offer yourself some entertainment and watch as your kitty goes nuts hunting virtual ladybugs. It’s sure to be a cathartic experience for the both of you!
Cat Yoga
That’s right, it’s time to talk about cat yoga. If you don’t know what cat yoga is, I’ll tell ya – it’s, like, yoga… but with cats. Genius, right? And now you can set your chakras right in the privacy of your own home! Organized by the Oregon Humane Society, Virtual Kitten Yoga is the way of the future, especially during quarantine. Tickets for access to these events are $15, and of course, all the proceeds go towards benefitting the shelter. So grab a mat for you and Miss Kitty and follow along with online instructors and their own little furry Yogi masters!
Sure, it’s tough being stuck inside, especially when the sunny days come a-callin’. But every challenge brings with it an opportunity to be creative. So enjoy the rest of the summer with your kitty companion, and take delight in all the new time you have to exercise, convalesce, and be entertained!
