Welcome to Thoughts from The Window Seat

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

🌿 Welcome to Thoughts from the Window Seat

Hi there! I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.

This little corner of the internet, Thoughts from the Window Seat, is my digital window seat—soft, slightly sunlit, and just the right place to pause, reflect, and share whatever’s on my mind. Some days it’s a cozy moment. Other days, it might be a product I’m loving, a curious thought, or just a stream of consciousness with coffee in hand and a cat nearby.

I created this blog as a place to write without a niche or a label—just real thoughts and real-life favorites, from everyday joys to small discoveries that make things easier, cozier, or more beautiful. You’ll find a mix of personal musings, casual product roundups (yes, some with affiliate links!), seasonal inspiration, and hopefully a few posts that feel like a soft blanket for your brain.

Whether you’re here for ideas, calm, or curiosity, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. đŸȘŸâ˜•đŸŸ

Thanks for being here—and here’s to seeing the world together, one window seat moment at a time.

With warmth,
Catherine

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Fall Must-Haves For Cats: Cozy, Fun And Top Rated Seasonal Essentials

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fall isn’t just pumpkin spice season for us—it’s also the perfect time to make your cat’s world cozier, warmer, and more playful. I’ve rounded up 16 highly-rated Amazon picks that will keep your kitty purring happily all season long. From heated beds to pumpkin treats, these fall must-haves are designed to be both practical and festive.

1. K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Pet Pad

No electricity needed—this pad reflects your cat’s body heat for cozy autumn naps. Machine washable and portable.

2. K&H Outdoor Heated Kitty Pad

Thermostatically controlled for safe warmth, perfect for garages or porches where cats may lounge on chilly nights.

3. Weruva Puddy Pops Chicken & Pumpkin Lickable Treats

A creamy, pumpkin-infused treat that hydrates and delights. Cats lap it up—rated 4.8/5 stars.

4. Temptations Cat Treats, Tasty Chicken Flavor

Classic crunchy and creamy treats cats never resist. Over 55,000 happy reviews.

5. Coziwow 2-in-1 Cat Tunnel Bed

Doubles as a tunnel for play and a plush nest for curling up afterwards.

6. Fall-Themed Breakaway Cat Collar

Pumpkin and leaf prints add festive flair while the breakaway buckle keeps your kitty safe.

7. Halloween Catnip Plush Toys

Pumpkins, ghosts, and candy corn designs stuffed with catnip—playtime made festive.

8. Cat Scratch Pad – Sisal Scratching Mat for Cats

Made from natural sisal fiber, it gives cats a safe place to scratch, stretch, and play while saving your furniture from claw damage..

9. Aspen Pet Self-Warming Cat Bed

Plush and round with a heat-reflecting layer—perfect for cats that love curling up.

10. Window Perch Hammock Bed

Lets cats sunbathe or leaf-watch from their favorite view while staying cozy indoors.

11. Delomo Grooming Gloves

Highly rated gloves that gently remove shedding hair and double as a bonding massage tool.

12. Yeowww! Pumpkin Catnip Toy

Durable, filled with 100% organic catnip, and shaped like a festive pumpkin.

13. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice

Ten-pack of soft mice infused with catnip—great for batting, tossing, and hunting games.

14. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

A top-rated 2-in-1 scratcher and lounge. Durable cardboard with thousands of 5-star reviews.

15. Petstages Tower of Tracks

Interactive three-tier ball chase toy that keeps cats entertained during long fall evenings.

16. Cat Dancer Original Interactive Cat Toy

Simple, affordable, and beloved—spring steel wire with rolled cardboard bits that cats go wild for.

Why These Fall Picks Work

  • Warmth: Heated pads, self-warming beds, and plush donut beds keep cats cozy as temperatures drop.

  • Playfulness: Catnip toys, scratchers, and interactive games stave off boredom indoors.

  • Seasonal Style: Collars, pumpkin toys, and fall-themed decor let cats join in the seasonal fun.

  • Top Ratings: Most of these products have thousands of positive reviews, making them holiday-gift ready for Q4.

Closing Thoughts

This curated list blends comfort, enrichment, and festive charm so your kitty can enjoy the season right alongside you. Whether you’re prepping for fall coziness or holiday gifting, these 16 must-haves are sure to keep your cat happy all through Q4.

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How to Keep Your Cat Happy: A Guide

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

Lady holding her cat in her arms Cats bring a special kind of magic into our lives. They curl up on our laps when we’re sad, make us laugh with their zoomies, and somehow manage to rule the household with just a flick of the tail. But as cat parents, we have one big responsibility: making sure our feline friends are not just healthy, but truly happy.

Happiness in cats doesn’t always look the same. For some, it’s a cozy nap in the sun. For others, it’s chasing a toy mouse across the living room. Understanding your cat’s needs and personality is the first step to giving them a life full of purrs, comfort, and joy.

Here’s a complete guide to keeping your cat happy—whether they’re a playful kitten or a wise senior.

1. Keep Playtime Fun and Varied

Cats are natural hunters. Even if your kitty has never set paw outside, those instincts are still strong. Playtime is how they release energy, stay sharp, and bond with you.

Tips for happy playtime:

  • Use a variety of toys: wand toys, laser pointers, crinkle balls, or even a balled-up piece of paper.
  • Rotate toys weekly so they feel “new” again.
  • End play sessions by letting your cat “catch” the toy—it mimics a real hunt and makes them feel satisfied.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep play sessions short (10–15 minutes) but frequent. A few bursts of play throughout the day keep cats entertained and prevent boredom.

Continue reading →

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New Cat? What to Expect

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

This post contains affiliate links (#ad). If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my work (and my cats đŸŸ).

lady putting together water fountain for catSo, you’re officially a cat parent—congratulations! 🎉 Whether you adopted from a shelter, scooped up a stray, or brought home a kitten from a friend, you’ve just gained a furry little roommate who will change your life in ways you can’t imagine. Those first few days, though, can be a bit of a whirlwind.

You’ll probably be bouncing between excitement (“Look at those tiny toe beans!”) and worry (“Why hasn’t she eaten yet? Is this normal?”). Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every first-time cat parent goes through the same mix of joy and nerves. The key is remembering that the early days aren’t about doing everything perfectly; they’re about creating comfort, building trust, and giving your new kitty time to settle into their brand-new world.

Let’s walk through what those first few days will actually look like, what you’ll need to do, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible—for both of you.

Before You Bring Your Cat Home: Preparation Is Everything

If you’re reading this before your cat arrives, you’re already ahead of the game. Cats thrive on routine and territory, and the first thing you can do to help them adjust is prepare their space.

Think of it like setting up a nursery before a baby comes home. You don’t wait until the baby is in your arms to buy a crib, right? The same goes for cats. Here’s your quick checklist for what to have ready:

  • A quiet “safe room.” This can be a spare bedroom, a bathroom, or even a sectioned-off corner. Don’t overwhelm them with the whole house just yet.

  • Litter box and litter. #ad Place it in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot. Stick with unscented litter at first—cats are picky.

  • Food and water bowls. #ad Stainless steel or ceramic is best (plastic can trap bacteria).

  • A cozy bed or blanket. #ad They might not use it right away, but it gives them a place that smells like home.

  • A scratching post or pad. #ad Scratching is instinctive—give them a good outlet.

  • Simple Toys. #ad Start simple: a wand toy, a few crinkle balls, or a catnip mouse.

Disclosure reminder: the links above are affiliate links (#ad). That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no cost to you. I only recommend things I use or would buy for my own cats.

Pro tip: Set everything up before you pick them up. That way, when you walk through the door, you can place their carrier directly into their safe space without scrambling to arrange things.

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The Symphony Of Morning Sounds

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

bird in the window

There’s a quiet concert that begins before my alarm ever thinks to ring. It starts small, a kind of whisper between the trees. A bird or two, their songs tentative at first, like they’re testing the air. Some mornings, it’s a warbler. Other days, it’s a chorus of sparrows that carry the melody. Their calls layer over one another, rising and falling with an elegance that no human arrangement could ever quite match. From my window seat, I don’t just see the morning I hear it unfold.

After the birds come the rhythms of human life. Somewhere down the block, a door creaks open with that familiar slow groan, followed by the soft thud of shoes meeting pavement. A car engine rumbles to life, not loud or harsh, just steady, like the cello section entering the piece. It hums for a moment before rolling off down the road, leaving a silence that’s filled almost immediately with the clinking of dishes in a nearby kitchen.

You begin to notice how everyday noises have a kind of choreography to them. The kettle whistles, high and brief. A cupboard opens. Water runs. A spoon stirs. None of these moments would be remarkable alone, but together, they form the rhythm of waking life. Even the breeze seems to know its part. It moves the leaves outside my window with a gentle rustle that swells and recedes like waves, adding a soft percussive brush to the background.

Sometimes, if I sit long enough, I catch snippets of conversation, someone talking to their dog, or a child negotiating their breakfast routine. It’s funny how you don’t need to hear the words to understand the warmth in them.  There was a time when I woke up and reached straight for my phone. Newsfeeds, emails, the noisy rush of information before my feet even touched the ground. Now, I do something different. I listen. I let the morning introduce itself before I start narrating it myself.

What I’ve learned is this: the world doesn’t demand our attention, it offers it gently. And if you’re quiet enough, still enough, you begin to hear the kind of beauty that can’t be streamed or downloaded. It’s right here, beyond the glass, waiting to be noticed. This little window and the seat beside it, has become my concert hall. No tickets, no audience, no encores. Just a front-row seat to the most ordinary, and therefore most miraculous, symphony there is.

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8 Toxic Foods That Can Harm Your Cat

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

Cats are curious by natural and that curiosity can sometimes lead them straight into danger, especially when it comes to food. While it’s tempting to share a snack with your feline friend, many common human foods are actually toxic to cats. From seemingly harmless dairy products to more obvious dangers like chocolate, some ingredients can cause anything from mild stomach upset to life-threatening conditions. Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, it’s essential to know which foods are off-limits. In this article, we’ll walk you through 8 toxic foods that every cat owner should keep far out of paw’s reach.

Bread Douogh 300x3001. Raw Bread Dough with Yeast

That fluffy dough before baking   Unbaked yeast dough continues expanding in your cat’s stomach, causing painful bloating or even dangerous torsion; plus, yeast produces alcohol which can lead to toxicity.

2. Chocolate & Caffeinated Sweets

Chocolate truffles or candy bars   Chocolates and anything with caffeine or theobromine can trigger vomiting, tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, death.

 3. Onions, Garlic & Related Alliums

Bulbs of onion, garlic, shallots   These contain sulfur compounds that break down red blood cells, leading to anemia, weakness, pale gums, and discolored urine.

 4. Human Medications

Pills near a curious cat   Over-the-counter or prescription human medications such as painkillers, antidepressants, or stimulants can cause extreme toxicity, resulting in organ failure or fatal reactions, even in small doses.

5. Macadamia Nuts

Even though less common with cats than dogs, macadamia nuts can still cause muscle weakness, tremors, fever, and joint stiffness; the exact toxin remains unknown.

6. Excessive Vitamin D (Supplements or Rat Poison)

High doses of vitamin D raise calcium levels dangerously, leading to vomiting, excessive thirst, urination, and potentially irreversible kidney damage.

Raw Eggs Meat And Fish 1 300x3007. Raw Animal Products (Meat, Egg & Fish)

Uncooked meat, eggs, or fish may harbor salmonella or E-coli. Raw fish also contains enzymes that deplete thiamine, resulting in food poisoning, neurological symptoms, and even death.

8. Dairy (Milk, Cheese)

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant.  Dairy can cause upset stomach, cramps, gas, and diarrhea. Even if tolerated, it’s best only as a rare treat.

 Final Words

Protect your cat’s health by keeping these eight high-risk foods well out of reach: raw dough, chocolate/caffeine, onions/garlic, meds, macadamia nuts, vitamin D sources, raw animal products, and dairy. If your cat ever gets into any of these, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. Stay safe and love your whiskered friend!

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Understanding Your Cat’s Heat Cycle: What Every Cat Parent Should Know!

Posted on by Catherine Guhl

So your cat is acting different. Maybe is meowing like she just joined a feline opera, rolling all over the floor, or trying to dash out the door every time you open it. If you are a new cat mom, you might be wondering what on earth is going on.

Chances are, your girl is in heat.

It can be a little overwhelming at first, but don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down what the estrous (heat) cycle is, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to help her feel a little more comfortable.

What Exactly Is the Estrous Cycle?

In simple terms, this is your cats reproductive cycles, the time when her body is telling her it’s ready to mate. Most female cats go into heat for the first time somewhere between 4 and 6 months old, and unless she’s spayed, it’ll happen regularly during warmer months (think spring through fall).

Unlike humans, cats don’t ovulate unless they actually mate. That means they can go in and out of heat several times until they’re bred or spayed.

 

How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat

Here are the telltale signs that your cat might be in heat:

  • She’s very vocal (we’re talking loud, persistent yowling)

  • Rolling on the floor and rubbing up against furniture, you, the wall you name it

  • Sticking her rear end in the air, often with her tail off to the side

  • Extra clingy
 or extra cranky

  • Attempting to escape to the great outdoors

  • Spraying or marking with urine

  • Eating less than usual

This phase usually lasts around 4-10 days and, if your cat isn’t spayed, it’ll keep repeating every couple of weeks.

Tracking Her Cycle

If this is your first time going through this with your cat, it’s a good idea to start tracking her behavior. Just jot down when she starts showing signs, what they are, and when they stop. Whether you use a little notebook or an app on your phone, keeping track can help you recognize her cycle patterns and make planning for a spay appointment easier.

Must-Haves for a Cat in Heat

Let’s be honest, heat cycles can be loud, messy, and a little stressful for both of you. Here are some things that can help keep her more comfortable (and maybe save your sanity too):

  • Soft blankets or a heated cat bed   She’ll love a cozy, safe place to snuggle up.

  • Pheromone diffusers (like Feliway)    These release calming scents that can help take the edge off her stress.

  • Washable pee pads – Just in case she starts marking or has a bit of discharge.

  • Pet-safe cleaning spray – You’ll want this handy for quick cleanups.

  • A second litter box– Keep things extra clean and accessible.

  • Interactive toys – Help distract her and give her an outlet for all that energy.

  • Notebook or tracking app – Great for keeping tabs on patterns and symptoms.

  • Calming treats or supplements -Ask your vet about safe options to help her relax.

  • A sturdy pet carrier -Especially helpful when it’s time for that spay appointment.

You don’t need everything on this list, but having even a few of these can make a big difference.

Should You Get Her Spayed?

If you are not planning to breed her, spaying is definitely something to consider. It helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the risk of certain health problems, and bonus it stops the heat cycles altogether. Many vets recommend spaying around 5-6 months of age, but your vet can help you decide what age is best for your cat.

Final Thoughts

If this is your first time dealing with a cat in heat, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s just part of life with an unspayed female cat. But with a little knowledge, some thoughtful care, and a few helpful products, you can make things a lot smoother for both of you.

Hang in there, cat mama. You’ve got this.

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