2013 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament Giveaway (30 Instant Winners!)

For me, one sure sign the holidays are on their way is the release of the Fancy Feast holiday ornament. The time honored tradition goes back over 25 years, and I am thrilled to be able to share it with you for the third year in a row!


Fancy Feast 2013 Holiday Ornament Story

From plush white cats to chic silver kitties, the collectible ornament has evolved over time to embody the spirit of the Fancy Feast brand. This year, they opted to blend timeless tradition and modern inspiration, with a design handcrafted by The Firecracker Press, a small letterpress print shop located in Purina's hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.



If you can't wait to get your paws on one, the ornament can be purchased for $2 at Feastivities.com. All donations will go directly to Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website dedicated to finding great owners for homeless pets.

Enter To Win!

The first 30 people to email me at catsparella@gmail.com with their name and mailing address (U.S. addresses only) will receive a free 2013 Fancy Feast ornament!

Additional rules:
1 ornament per person/mailing address.
I must receive your entry through EMAIL. Comments on this post with your address will be removed.

Email me right now for your chance to win, and I'll post an update once all 30 ornaments are gone. Good luck, and happy holidays from Catsparella and Fancy Feast!

Update: All of the ornaments have been claimed! Thanks for entering, and don't forget you can purchase one of your own for a $2 donation to Adopt-a-Pet at Feastivities.com.

2013 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament Giveaway (30 Instant Winners!)

A Fancy Feast Cheese Affair To Remember

Me and the Fancy Feast cat (we are basically BFF at this point).

If you had asked me what I was doing last Friday night, I would have happily told you that I was on my way to New York City to attend a cheese soirée with the Fancy Feast cat. 

Such is my strangely awesome life, that twice in two weeks, I've had the opportunity to rub elbows with one of the most famous spokescats, in one of the best cities in the world.



Fancy Feast invited me to the party in The Cellar at Beecher's Handmade Cheese, a trendy café and wine bar, located in the Flatiron District. The bash included free-flowing wine, an incredible selection of cheeses, and of course, one very famous feline.



The party was to celebrate the launch of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic, and was the grand prize in the "Cheese Affair Pin to Win" sweepstakes. Three lucky winners and their guests were flown in from all over the country to attend the event, which included a VIP cheese tasting with expert, Liz Thorpe. 


Me and cheese expert, Liz Thorpe. Check out her awesome kitty skirt!

Thorpe, who has two cats of her own, is the author of The Cheese Chronicles. She could not have been any friendlier or more knowledgable as she led us through the delicious pairings, and even showed up in in some fancy cat clothing of her own -- a chic, feline-inspired skirt!


Getting cat lady crunk with fellow blogger Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat.

I was also happy to catch up with my friend and fellow blogger, Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat. After munching on everything from watermelon and feta salad, to mac & cheese, I even got to stop by her apartment to meet her famous felines, Petie, Kip, and Haddie!

Thank you again for Fancy Feast for including me in this fun, fromage inspired affair. I will definitely never look at cheese the same way again!

A Fancy Feast Cheese Affair To Remember

Fancy Feast NYFW Cat Tote Goody Bag Giveaway!

Me and the Fancy Feast cat! 

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Malan by Malan Breton fashion show, where I got to meet the Fancy Feast cat, and check out some designs inspired by the regal white puss (in case you missed it, you can read all about the event here).


A picture of my arm, courtesy of the Fancy Feast Facebook page.

Of course, no fashion show would be complete without swag, and after guests posed in the photo booth with the world famous feline, we were given a chic tote bag stuffed with stylish accessories to match! 

Enter To Win!


Fancy Feast NYFW Prize Pack

Two lucky Catsparella readers will each win an exclusive Fancy Feast NYFW goody bag, just like the one given out at the show!

The prize pack includes:
Fancy Feast NYFW Tote (Persian Cat print on the front, and #FancyNYFW logo on the back)
Stylish cat ears headband
Black #FancyNYFW mirrored compact
1 coupon good for six free cans of Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please. 

Good luck, and if you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com.

[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

Fancy Feast NYFW Cat Tote Goody Bag Giveaway!

New York Fashion Week Gets Fancy (Feast!) With Feline Inspired Designs By Malan Breton

Yesterday morning I hopped a train to New York City with a cat dress, and a lifelong dream of meeting the Fancy Feast cat. A dream come true, after the cat food brand invited me to attend the feline inspired Malan by Malan Breton fashion show, at the STYLE360 Fashion Pavilion during New York Fashion Week.


Breton sharing a moment with the Fancy Feast cat.

Breton, a veteran of Project Runway Season 3, has gone on to have a successful career in the fashion biz. On Saturday, he presented his eponymous line as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, and he has dressed celebrities such as Kerry Washington, Michael Bublé, Kylie Minogue, and Ariana Grande for the red carpet. For the Malan by Malan Breton Spring/Summer 2014 collection, the designer partnered with Fancy Feast to create three looks, uniquely inspired by their iconic cat.


The calm before the storm...



I was fortunate enough to go backstage before the show to chat with the sweet and soft-spoken Breton, who shared with me that he has two young Cornish Rex cats named Tallulah and Tabatha at home.




The final, feline inspired look.

When asked how cats inspire his designs, he told me that he looks to their confidence, and referred to the finale piece in the show, a stunning white dress featuring a 15-foot train that moves with the body, and flows sensually like a cat. We also discussed the current feline fashion craze, which he thinks is great. As a cat owner himself, he understands why we are so enamored with our feline friends, saying, "When you have a bad day, they're always there when you get home, giving love."





The collection itself was a sea of sumptuous, shiny fabrics, punctuated by the white cat-inspired looks. In lieu of animal prints or patterns, Breton focused on dramatic, cat-like lines. One look in particular, a sleek tuxedo with oversized black lapels, instantly brought to mind the elegance and grace of the iconic puss, prowling down the catwalk. 


Cat-inspired fashions alongside their muse.


You fancy, huh?

Of course, the Fancy Feast cat would never miss an event inspired by her likeness, and the world famous Silver Chinchilla Persian, soft as a bunny, sat in a place of honor atop a pink velvet cushion, while a long line of VIPs waited to snap a pic with her in the photo booth.


Photo booth fun.



I was also given some incredible cat-inspired swag, including an exclusive Fancy Feast NYFW tote, mirrored compact, and pearl studded cat ears. Stay tuned, because I snagged a few extra bags to giveaway next week!


Before you ask, my dress is from H&M!

Thank you again to Fancy Feast for inviting me to take part in this inspiring affair, and for bringing feline inspired fashion back to the runway!

New York Fashion Week Gets Fancy (Feast!) With Feline Inspired Designs By Malan Breton

Win A Pair Of Tickets To See "Breakfast At Tiffany's" On Broadway (4 Winners!)

Are you ready for the BIGGEST Catsparella giveaway yet? Thanks to Fancy Feast, I'm thrilled to be offering FOUR lucky Catsparella readers a pair of tickets to see Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway!


Vito Vincent and Monty

I recently attended a press event for the show, where I met the cast, along with the two cats poised to take on the role of Holly Golightly's cat in the production. Will the coveted part go to calm and charismatic cat actor, Vito Vincent? Or did Monty, the feisty tuxedo kitty, ultimately claw his way to the top? Win a pair of tickets, and find out for yourself!

Read More: Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway


Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway

Based on Truman Capote’s most beloved masterwork, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York City in 1943. ‘Fred’, a young writer from Louisiana, meets ‘Holly Golightly’ (Emilia Clarke), a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with  Holly – including Fred (Cory Michael Smith). But Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her. 

Enter To Win!

Thanks to Fancy Feast, four (4) lucky winners will receive a voucher to receive two (2) premium tickets for the Broadway production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s!

The show is scheduled to run from March 20 through September 1, 2013 at the Cort Theatre (138 W 48th Street in NYC). You can choose the date you'd like to attend, however you must email at least one week in advance of your requested performance, and provide a first choice date and a second choice date. Please note that this giveaway is for tickets ONLY, no transportation or accommodations will be provided. 

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, March 19 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, who will be able to provide their own transportation to the show. One entry per person, please.

Breakfast at Tiffany's opens on Broadway March 20 at the Cort Theatre in New York City. Tickets are available now through telecharge and at the Cort Theatre box office.

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

Disclosure: I received free tickets in compensation for my participation with Fancy Feast on this post.


[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

Win A Pair Of Tickets To See "Breakfast At Tiffany's" On Broadway (4 Winners!)

Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway

Vito Vincent and Monty

Earlier this month, eight cats clawed their way into an open casting call for the dream role of Holly Golightly's beloved kitty, Cat, in the upcoming production of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on Broadway. 

The pool has since been narrowed down to two fortunate felines who will potentially act alongside "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke in the iconic role, including a sturdy orange tabby named Vito Vincent, and a lithe Tuxedo kitty, named Monty. Monty, 8, and Vito Vincent, 6, are both professional cat actors, with numerous roles under their tiny belts. They both also share unique rags-to-riches stories, that tell of their hard fought paths to the Broadway stage.

On Wednesday morning, the cast, creative team, and cats behind "Breakfast at Tiffany's" gathered for a press conference in the Royal Suite at the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York City. I was granted access to the event thanks to Fancy Feast, and am proud to say that I was the only kitty correspondent in attendance!


Monty

Before appearing on Broadway and attending exclusive media events, Monty the cat's life began after he was dumped on a road by Babette Corelli's farm. The animal rescuer, trainer, and agent tells me that it took her nearly a month to catch him, and that it took another year before she started taking him along on jobs. Corelli describes him as a smart cat, who is a fast learner, and loves attention. "He's always the first cat to jump in the crate to go on set," she says.

Monty is now a Hollywood veteran, having trained for roles including "The Heat" with Sandra Bullock, "Life Before Her Eyes" with Uma Thurman, and "Sex and the City: The Movie." He has also appeared on "30 Rock," "The Late Show with David Letterman," and "Rescue Me."

The petite feline, who bears an adorable white spot on his forehead, is filled with an excited energy and is as affectionate as can be. While I was snapping a few photos, he began rubbing against me, and I could hear him start to purr.


Vito Vincent as Christianne Amanpurr on "The Colbert Report"

I immediately recognized ginger tabby, Vito Vincent, as a famous feline in his own right. Most notably, he has appeared on "30 Rock" and on "The Colbert Report" as Senior Corespondent, Christianne Amanpurr. He was also the subject of a major Los Angeles Times feature last year, "A star isn't born - yet," about the trials and tribulations of a cat actor trying to make it in show business. Unlike Monty's more frenetic energy, Vito can only be described as one cool cat. Far from being a diva, the charismatic kitty eagerly accepted chin scritches while I chatted with his proud dad, Michael LeCrichia, about his cat's humble beginnings. 

The domestic shorthair was relinquished to a Brooklyn shelter as a kitten, and was brought to Bideawee, where Michael adopted him when he was 7-months-old. He trained the cat to walk on a leash early on because of his history - he didn't want to put Vito in a cage, making him feel abandoned all over again. 

The pair live in New York City, where Vito accompanies Michael everywhere he goes. After taking the cat to an event where he was mistaken for a hired animal actor, LeCrichia realized his kitty's potential and eventually found him an agent. Vito Vincent is trained to sit, stay, come, and jump, and can ride an escalator. In addition to his television roles, he has done work for Macy's, Animal Planet, Target, and American Greetings, and is also the highest level of therapy cat through Pet Partners.


The feline star indulges in a well-deserved cat nap between interviews

Both kitties are represented by Dawn Animal Agency, Babette Corelli's family run business that has been providing professional animals to the media since 1959. In addition to their extensive roster of furry actors, which includes everything from cats and dogs to rodents and camels, they also run a Sanctuary for less fortunate animals, that is supported in part by working animal actors like Monty.

I'm regularly asked for tips on how people can get their cat started in showbiz, so I took the opportunity to get Corelli's expert advice. The first question she asks is, "What is its personality?" If your cat hears a noise and is curious and shows interest, they just might have what it takes to become a feline thespian. Take time to observe if they really look at things and seem to understand them, as opposed to being frightened or running away in fear. 

The next important step, she says, is making sure your cat is leash trained, and taking them outside to see how they respond. Confirm that your kitty has an outgoing personality and likes strangers. It's not fair to force them into being in an uncomfortable environment. 

If you still think you might have a star on your hands, contact a reputable animal agency for an expert opinion. Corelli admits that they mostly use their own animals, however they maintain a file of outside talent for roles that require something they don't have. 

You'll want to provide the agency with clear front and profile photos of your cat, along with their rough measurements and any unique talents or characteristics they possess, such as liking water or being able to high five. In addition to leash training, Babette also recommends teaching your kitty its name and the "come" command. Not only is this helpful on a set full of cats where she is trying to get one individual kitty's attention, it's also helpful if your cat gets away at home or on set, and you need to easily call them back. 


Holly Golightly and Cat in the 1961 film version of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Monty and Vito Vincent began on-set rehearsals earlier this week so they'll both be prepared  to take on the part, although whichever deserving feline ultimately nabs the role will have some big paw prints to fill. 

At least nine kitties were used during the production of the 1961 movie, but only one named Orangey is credited with playing the role of Audrey Hepburn's cat. Orangey was a professional animal actor with a 15 year film and television career, and was the first feline to win two Patsy Awards, the animal equivalent of an Oscar.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" begins previews on March 4, and opens on Broadway March 20 at the Cort Theatre. Tickets are available now through telecharge and the Cort Theatre box office.

Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway

2012 Fancy Feast Limited Edition Holiday Ornament Giveaway! (25 Winners!)

What's more fun than fruitcake and more reliable than reindeer? Fancy Feast has just released their 28th annual 2012 Holiday Ornament, because 'tis the season to add a little feline flair to your tree! 

While the 2011 edition was inspired by the hugely popular "The Engagement" commercial, this year they returned to their roots with a modern take on the beloved Fancy Feast cat. The feline-inspired design is purrfect for hanging on your Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush, and can even be used as a stylish accessory (a keychain? a bookmark?), long after Santa has sailed away on his sleigh.

Enter To Win!



Fancy Feast has generously offered 25 lucky Catsparella readers the chance to win a limited edition ornament of their own!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winners be will chosen in a random drawing next Monday, November 26 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck, and be sure to check out the Fancy Feast Facebook page for upcoming news and special offers!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

2012 Fancy Feast Limited Edition Holiday Ornament Giveaway! (25 Winners!)

Exclusive Fancy Feast Cat Birthday Party Kit Giveaway! (10 Winners!)

Our cats are treasured members of our families, so why shouldn't we celebrate their birthday or gotcha day in the same way we would with any other loved ones?

All month long, I've partnered with Fancy Feast to share cat birthday stories, pictures, and tips, on how to make the most out of their special day.

Pet birthday parties are a growing trend, and whether you throw an all-out bash like Elena did for Wolfie's 20th birthday, or an intimate at-home affair like Karl Lagerfeld recently did for his cat Choupette, there are a variety of ways to make it a memorable event that you and your kitty will never forget.

Enter To Win!

Fancy Feast has created 10 limited edition cat birthday party kits, which they have exclusively offered to give away to 10 lucky Catsparella readers! Each kit contains everything you need to get your party off to the purrfect start, including:

Invitations

Party Hats

Stickers

Happy Birthday Banner

Adorable Cat Greeting Card

Instruction Sheet for making a Fancy Feast Can "Cake"

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.). The 10 winners be will chosen in a random drawing next Wednesday, August 29th at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. One entry per person, please.

Good luck to all, and be sure to like the Fancy Feast on Facebook for all of their latest offers and updates!

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, please email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

[Comments are now closed. Thanks for entering!]

Exclusive Fancy Feast Cat Birthday Party Kit Giveaway! (10 Winners!)

A 20th Birthday Party to Remember for Wolfie the Cat

Back in June, Fancy Feast sent me to Los Angeles to attend the 20th birthday party of an extraordinary cat named Wolfie. Today, I am proud and excited to share my story and pictures with you!

Wolfie strikes a pose before the guests arrive.

"You wouldn't think it would take a lot to put a cat party together, but it did," Elena tells me, as she races around her apartment making last minute preparations for her cat Wolfie's 20th birthday celebration. I offer to help, as I have arrived "fashionably" early in hopes of capturing some candid shots of the kitty, before she is overwhelmed by the influx of guests.

The night before the party, Elena had a talk with Wolfie, pleading with her to be more sociable. It seems to have worked, because the feline, who is 97 in human years, is working it for the camera ("You're going to be famous on the internet!" I tell her excitedly). As Elena astutely points out, Wolfie is older than Betty White, and just like the comic legend, is getting more attention as she ages.

Elena's friend Olivia arrives a few minutes later, and also marvels at the shift in Wolfie's attitude. "She hid for her 10th birthday party," she admits, as I'm crouched down on the floor snapping pictures of the birthday cat. Olivia has known Elena for 15 years, and says that Wolfie was much shyer in her youth.

Wolfie as a kitten.

Wolfie aka Wolfina Espina was found in a cardboard box on Main Street in El Segundo, California, in 1992. Elena, who had never had a cat before, remembers, "She stuck to me like glue, and I couldn't give her away." The grey tabby adopted her manly "Wolfman" moniker due to her uncanny resemblance to Lon Chaney, and some initial confusion as to whether "she" was a "he". Elena takes great pleasure in recounting the tale of the fateful vet visit, where the doctor proclaimed, "That's no Wolfman, it's a Wolfwoman!" This is the same vet who also told the new kitten owner that the typical life expectancy of a cat was 12 years, max. "Once that birthday came, I expected her to fall over," she says with a laugh.

Elena proudly gives Wolfie a squeeze.

The guests begin to trickle in, and they are a combination of longtime friends and neighbors, many of whom are meeting for the first time. They also include Elena's two cousins, who made an impressive eight hour drive from San Francisco to be part of Wolfie's special day. Elena tells me that she had fun telling everyone about the party, and it's clear that she is thrilled to see the group coming together to celebrate the life of her extraordinary cat.

Wolfie's neighbor Matthew shares a special moment with the birthday girl.

During the course of lunch, which consists of a generous spread of sandwiches, salads, and Elena's famous punch, I sit with some of the guests and ask them to describe Wolfie and Elena's relationship. Scott, a neighbor and one of Wolfie's longtime cat-sitters, tells me that they have a tight bond that is like that of a mother and child. Adam, also a neighbor and cat-sitter, describes it as "undying love," while Elena's cousin, Margaret, sums it up best by crossing her fingers together tightly.

When asked the same question, Elena responds, "She is my furry child." And indeed, she has done just as much for Wolfie as any human would do for their own flesh and blood.

Everyone was excited to wear the colorful hats Fancy Feast provided for the celebration.

In one amazing example, Elena recounts the time she relocated to Las Vegas for work. The pair traded in their sleepy El Segundo apartment for a high rise in Sin City.

"She hated it!" Elena remembers. "She missed the ocean breeze, and told me every day that she wanted to go back home." So they did. By a simple twist of fate, the same apartment they had left behind had become vacant. However, there was still the matter of Elena's job to consider. For three years, Wolfie would be cared for by cat-sitters during the week in El Segundo, while Elena would commute back and forth to Las Vegas by plane. "I'd leave at 4:30 a.m. on Monday and be back by 3 p.m. on Friday to spend the weekend with her," she says. "She finally got her dream of having her own place by the ocean!"

Sandra and Elena getting ready to serve some of the delicious desserts, including Wolfie's cat-shaped birthday cake.

After lunch, Wolfie indulges in some Fancy Feast before the human desserts start coming out. The centerpiece of the party is Elena's delicious cat-shaped birthday cake, covered in vanilla frosting and decorated with Twizzlers. Another highlight is the kitty cake balls, made by her neighbor Adam's girlfriend, Jena. The creatively decorated treats have been artfully arranged in large, pink balls of yarn, and elicit an excited response from the crowd.

Jena, pictured with Adam, Wolfie, and Elena, created cat-inspired cake pops for the party.

Being a Los Angeles native, it should come as no surprise that Wolfie has brushed whiskers with fame. Several years ago when Elena went to pick her up from having her teeth cleaned, she ran into screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, who was waiting outside in her car to pick up her own pets. Elena took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce her beloved cat to the Hollywood icon, and after hearing Wolfie's story about being found in a cardboard box, the "Cleopatra" star famously responded, "That's a true rags to riches story!"

Eating Fancy Feast is a daily ritual for the 20-year-old cat.

Elena credits Wolfie's longevity to the consistent diet she has maintained over the past twenty years. She eats three cans of Fancy Feast a day (her favorite flavors are Cod, Sole and Shrimp, and Chunky Chicken), along with dry food, and a serving of 2% milk (while most cats are believed to be lactose intolerant, this hasn't been a problem for Wolfie). She is not allowed to have any table scraps.

She also finds it important to keep the senior cat both mentally and physically stimulated. In recent years, Wolfie started meowing incessantly, so Elena took her to a cat psychologist to find out what was bothering her. After a battery of tests, the doctor diagnosed her with a classic case of "cat boredom." To cure the malady, the pair changed their daily routine to include a game of hide and seek, a round of throw the toy and come back ("Not fetch, because she doesn't bring the toy back," Elena quips), and 10 minutes a day of looking out the window and pointing to birds. The meowing stopped.

I finally get my moment to cuddle with the guest of honor!

A twenty year relationship with anyone, human or feline, is bound to be filled with memorable moments, but I asked Elena if she could pick one fondest memory from their two decades together. She paused for a moment to think, before recalling the time they went to visit her parents. Elena had not grown up with cats, and her mother, who recently passed away, wasn't exactly a cat lover. However, by the end of the visit, the two could be found napping together, with Wolfie snuggled up in her lap. "She has a way of winning your heart," Elena beams. "She took the harshest cat critic, and made her a fan."

From L to R: Olivia, Sandra, Elena, Margaret, and Melissa show off their goodie bags.

As the goodie bags are handed out and the party begins to wind down, birthday wishes abound. Guests tell me that they hope the cat will enjoy "20 more years," "unlimited Fancy Feast," and the chance to live out at least one more of her nine lives. Wolfie, who has been such a good sport throughout the whole affair, is now off napping peacefully in a corner. As Elena finally takes a moment to sit down and relax, I ask her what she thinks Wolfie's secret to a long life is.

After an eventful afternoon, Wolfie settles in for a nap.

"She finds me funny, and gets a big laugh out of me every day," Elena says. "We have a lot of laughter, love, and she gets plenty of attention. She really doesn't have any stress. She lives a carefree life by the beach, with neighbors who are ready to come take care of her at the drop of a hat -- and who know what flavor of Fancy Feast she likes!"

I ask Elena if she has ever had another cat, but she emphasizes that Wolfie is her "first and only."

"You won't get another cat after she is gone?" I ask.

"There will never be another Wolfie."

A 20th Birthday Party to Remember for Wolfie the Cat

Follow Along As I Head To L.A. To Cover Wolfie's 20th Birthday Party For Fancy Feast!

Charlie celebrating his 7th birthday back in May

As anyone who know me in real life can attest, I'm an easily excitable person, which is why I've been bursting at the seams to share this bit of wonderful news!

Nearly a year after my trip to the West Coast to report from the set of the Fancy Feast "Storybook Wedding" commercial, the brand is sending me back to California to report on another once-in-a-lifetime event!

Tomorrow, I'll be boarding a plane for Los Angeles to attend the 20th birthday party of a very special cat named Wolfie. You see, Wolfie has been a Fancy Feast enthusiast for her entire life, and her mama, Elena, contacted the brand to let them know and see if maybe they could send over some goodies for her bash. Well, they heeded her call, and not only is she getting some swag, but she also ended up with her very own cat blogger (ME) who will be reporting live from her living room!

I'll be posting updates from the party on Saturday afternoon, and will also be writing a more detailed piece about the celebration (along with tips on throwing a cat party of your own), which will be shared with the Fancy Feast online community within the coming weeks. If you'd like to follow along on my adventure, follow me on Twitter (@catsparella), Facebook (facebook.com/catsparella), and Instagram (catsparella), where I'll be posting updates with the hashtag #CatBirthdays.

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been given this opportunity, and how honored I am that Elena is allowing me to share in such a special family event. Believe it or not, this will be the first birthday party I am attending for a cat who does not belong to me, and will also be my first time meeting a kitty who has lived through two decades! I'm looking forward to finally getting the chance to meet Wolfie and Elena in person, and am equally excited about coming back and sharing their story with all of you!

Disclosure: Fancy Feast is covering my expenses for this trip, but all thoughts, opinions, and sheer joy expressed in this post are my own.

Follow Along As I Head To L.A. To Cover Wolfie's 20th Birthday Party For Fancy Feast!

2011 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament Exclusive Sneak Peek and Giveaway! (50 Winners!)

Heart of the Holidays 2011 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament

Ahh, some holiday traditions never get old. Trips to the mall to see Santa, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and the annual Fancy Feast holiday ornament!

For the past 27 years, the cat food manufacturer has been rewarding its loyal fans with limited edition ornaments to trim their tree, with some designs becoming collectors items, selling for as much as $125 each! I've also been told that there are some diehards out there who get an additional tree, solely dedicated to their Fancy Feast ornament collection. In fact, one of my very own readers, Marcia, revealed that they are the highlight of her Christmas tree, and that she's only missed two ornaments since she began her collection in 1986!

Marcia's Beloved Fancy Feast Ornament Collection

This year's Heart of the Holidays design was inspired by the Love Story campaign, and will look familiar to anyone who's seen "The Engagement" or "Storybook Wedding" commercial. The heart shaped, charm like ornament is engraveable, and Fancy Feast has partnered with Things Remembered to offer recipients a coupon for $10 engravings! (Perhaps to help create a love story of your own?)

In the past, collectors would have to send in Fancy Feast labels in exchange for the coveted ornaments, but this year (to the chagrin of kitties everywhere), they're taking the process online. Starting Monday, November 28th, 35,000 ornaments will be given away for FREE on the Fancy Feast Facebook page Exclusives tab – 7,000/day from 11/28 to 12/2.

Earlier this week, the new Exclusives tab, debuted on the Fancy Feast Facebook page, which features a live countdown to the first day of giveaways, an event to reveal the ornament, a badge users can post on their wall announcing they received the ornament, and my personal favorite - A photo gallery of past ornaments – starting with the original from 1984.

This is the first offer on the new Exclusives tab, which will feature many more exciting giveaways, promotions, product sneak peeks and brand items available for purchase – but you have to like the Fancy Feast Facebook page to get on board!

Enter To Win!

Now for the super duper exciting part: Fancy Feast has generously offered to send the ornament to 50 of my lucky readers, before it's even available through their Facebook page (I know!!)

All you have to do is email me at catsparella@gmail.com with your NAME and MAILING ADDRESS, and the FIRST 50 peeps I hear from will have the ornament sent their way! If you're one of the fortunate 50, I will respond with a confirmation. Once the winners have been selected, I'll post an update here indicating that the giveaway has ended.

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who entered!! The 50 winners have been selected and contacted. If you didn't make it, don't forget you can still visit the Fancy Feast Facebook Exclusives tab for another chance to win starting Monday, November 28th!

Additional rules:

U.S. Residents only

1 ornament per person/mailing address

I must receive your entry through EMAIL. Comments on this post with your address will be removed.

Good luck to everyone, and Happy Holidays from Catsparella and Fancy Feast!

Now what are you waiting for...GO, GO, GO!

2011 Fancy Feast Holiday Ornament Exclusive Sneak Peek and Giveaway! (50 Winners!)