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Cat gets cutting-edge prosthetic legs
Say hello to Vincent the cat. Due to a congenital defect, Vincent was born without rear tibias and likely would have died had he not been rescued and surrendered to an Iowa animal shelter. Once adopted, he caught the attention of Dr. Mary Sarah Bergh, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Iowa State University's Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. She worked with 3D printing firm Biomedtrix to create a custom pair of extruded titanium peg legs for the feline, enabling him to walk for the first time.
Belgian Twitter users post cat pics to help police in weekend raids
Belgium's capital, Brussels, entered lockdown this weekend as authorities swept the city for suspected terrorists, including at least one high-profile fugitive wanted in connection with the Paris attacks. On Twitter, authorities prompted residents to refrain from posting pictures or information about ongoing police movement -- and Belgian residents obliged, with a twist. They flooded the hashtag #BrusselsLockdown with pictures of cats, making information about raids harder to find and showcasing the country's solidarity against terrorism. On Monday, as the city remained under its highest-level terror alert, Belgian federal police thanked residents on Twitter with a picture of cat food and the message, "For the cats who helped us last night... Help yourself!"[Image credit: Flickr/julochka]
People tweeted their phone number and got spammed with cat facts
There are people who share their real phone numbers via a tweet. Yes, really. One programmer decided to teach those folks a lesson by spamming them with cat facts. Using phone numbers that were beamed out in public tweets, the joke included sending text messages about cats until the person tweeted at Edward Snowden "Meow, I <3 catfacts." Although Snowden isn't in on the gag, he is a bit of a feline fanatic. He was also quite forthcoming about his own Twitter faux pas. In this case, automated script pulls data from the Twitter API before blasting out the messages full of meow-based facts with an anonymous texting app. The programmer says the goal of the stunt is to teach users who are so loose with their personal details a lesson on how a more ruthless hacker might attack their mobile devices. Pretty solid way to do so, if you ask us. [Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
Giphy cuts out the middleman with DIY GIF-making
Tired of fruitlessly searching the internet for the right GIF? Find an immensely-giffable clip but don't have the m4dl33t Photoshop skills necessary to actually create it? You are in luck because Giphy has unveiled a new online Gif-creation tool called GIFmaker that does all the heavy lifting for you.
Shoot food at your pets with the Petzi Treat Cam
A cat usually doesn't love you the way a dog does. But my cats love me. No really. They greet me at the door meowing and carrying on. Well, one of them does. The other one greets me a few minutes later when it's feeding time and then when she needs a warm lap for one of her constant naps. Okay, one cat loves me; the other one uses me for food and warmth. Regardless of their feelings, the $170 Petzi Treat Cam is my opportunity to say hi to my cats while at work or traveling with the added bonus of rewarding them with food for at least acknowledging my virtual presence. If only they found it as exciting as I do.
All of your feline fantasies come true in 'Catlateral Damage'
In this first-person cat simulator you are a kitty locked up in a house full of annoying human things, your goal is to knock down as many objects as possible, including books, lamps, groceries, toys and plants.
Vote for the best GIFs on the net in 'The 2015 .GIFYs'
Fans of GIFs and judging things, it's your time to shine. Public voting is open for The 2015 .GIFYs, the first and only award dedicated to the majestic moving GIF. Vote for your favorite GIFs across 11 categories, including "film and TV," "music," "weird," "sports," "animals" and "cats." Yes, cats get their own category because they're not animals but the fluffy embodiment of our deepest desires (to sleep all day and be waited on hand and foot).
And a final bonus Caturday: Graham's MacBook Air
Every once in a while there is a Caturday submission that has such a cute cat and great back story that it just calls out for more than one photo. This kitten is Graham, and owner Rob Waag tells the story: Graham is a seven month old kitten that was rescued by my wife. He had been hit by a car and fractured his pelvis and his rear leg. This picture was taken while he was recovering from surgery. Technically, he had bilateral femoral head ostectomies which only slowed him down for about one week. He took a liking to my wife's MacBook Air. He is one of those cats that is alway the center of your attention. The desktop picture is of my son having a libation shortly after leaving the USMC. The picture's significance is that Graham's fur pattern on his head makes him look like he has a Marine haircut. He has recovered very well. You would not know how severely he was injured. He has found a permanent home with us and has become the love of my daughter's life. In this next photo, Graham appears to be using his feline intelligence to figure out how to pop up the screen on the MacBook Air: And in the last picture below, you can see where Graham's flanks were trimmed for his surgery. He seems to be one very happy fellow, and who can blame him when he has a great family to live with and a warm MacBook Air to lay on? Many thanks to Rob Waag and Graham!
Caturday: Jake's keeping your backups safe and warm
Want to keep your backups safe, secure and warm? Then hire Jake, this beautiful black cat belonging to TUAW reader Mike Hoffman, to sit atop your Time Capsule. We're sure that he's probably not even sure of his guardian role; Jake probably just likes the warmth and vibration that this Apple product is putting out. Or maybe he's attracted by the contrast to his sleek fur? Many thanks to Mike Hoffman and Jake!
Caturday: Brown Cat knows how to use a MacBook better than you do
Over the years that Caturday has been a regular staple on the site, we've seen cats standing in front, laying on top, or simply snuggling the warmth of a variety of Apple devices. But until Brown Cat, we haven't had a cat who actually seems to know what a computer is for. She's the owner of Melbourne, Australia-based human Ryan Haldane-Underwood, and that intense focus on the MacBook screen and ergonomically-correct posture on the trackpad is a sure giveaway that this cat knows what she's doing. Ryan says: Ever since we got Brown Cat as a baby she's been interested in using technology the same way that we do: paws on keyboard, eyes glazed over looking into the screen. (I reckon that she should get a job as as a Social Media Consultant!) Brown Cat may not get the job any time soon, but she's at last gained a place of honor as a TUAW Caturday Cat. We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Ryan and Brown Cat!
Caturday: Rascal, the web-surfing cat
TUAW reader Don Newmeyer sent us a photo of his web-surfin' feline pal Rascal checking out his favorite site - could it be TUAW? Don says: Below are some links to photos of my cat, Rascal (appropriately named) surfing the web on my Retina Macbook Pro. He also likes to type unpronounceable words like "gggggggggggggghhhhhhhjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj..." You can see an iPad next to the MBP, but Rascal has never shown any interest in playing cat games on it. We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Don Newmeyer and Rasca!
Caturday: There is no MacBook, there is only Zuul
And now, a cat with one of the best names ever (if you're a Ghostbusters fan, and who isn't?) - Zuul! He's the feline Gatekeeper for TUAW reader Jordan Schooler, who says: For Caturday I offer this photo of Zuul using my MacBook Air as a head rest. Obstructing the use of my computers is something of a hobby for him, and since he was a kitten he has always had an insatiable desire to rub his head on Apple products. (His roommate Gozer, not pictured, is quite indifferent and I suspect may be a closeted Linux user.) We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Jordan, Zuul and Gozer the Gozerian!
Caturday: Leo and Lily, an iPad and a Retina MacBook Pro, and what used to be a stylus
We're starting off a year of 2015 Caturdays with a roar, or at least a loud meow or purr. These amazing cats are Leo and Lily, the furry friends of TUAW reader Cindy Lauman. That's Lily above, enjoying the warmth and companionship of a MacBook Pro with Retina display. Leo, seen below, seems to prefer laying his head on the purple Speck shell-covered MacBook when snoozing. Did you know that the Adonit Jot Script - Evernote Edition stylus makes a great cat toy? Leo thinks so. Leo also gets into those great iPad apps from Friskies. As Cindy notes, "We needed to distract him from trying to play with my 8-year old daughter's Barbie dolls- he likes to chew on tulle fabric and kept stealing away with a doll in his mouth when she would turn her back. This solution made them both happy (for awhile.)" We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks and a Happy New Year to Cindy Lauman, Leo and Lily!
Caturday: Oliver, Dice, and Apple products vie for owner's attention
While we're on a bit of a holiday hiatus, here are some happy photos of cats and dogs living in harmony together to remind you of the season. That fellow above using screen cleaners as a pillow is Oliver, a handsome cat who owns his human Benjamin Ramm. Benjamin starts off by pointing out something that's been quite perplexing to me as well... I am constantly bewildered by how tidy the desks in the typical Caturday pictures are. Not mine. I'm sure anyone can spot the two iPods and the iMac, but can anyone find the iPhone 4S? Like most cats who own humans with a lot of Apple gear, Oliver not only owns the space around the equipment, but his owner's lap as well. That's why he's not too happy about his sister, a pup named Dice, taking up residence in Benjamin's lap: No problem, though - Oliver finally grabs the choice real estate (to quote Benjamin), and in keeping with the holiday season, the lion (or cat) lays down with the lamb (ummm, dog): We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Benjamin Ramm, Oliver and Dice!
Caturday: Steve's a classic! (Updated)
Perhaps that headline should say, Steve is in front of a Mac Classic. He's a cute new kitten belonging to TUAW reader Adam Gray of Manchester, UK. Adam says: Please find attached my submission for Caturday. Meet my new kitten, Steve who seems to be attracted to all my Apple products, its tough to type anything these days with a cat blocking my view! As you will see in this picture he is most at home sat with my old classic. In case you're wondering, Steve is not named after Steve Jobs or even after your humble TUAW editor. Adam notes that "A few people have asked if I named him after Steve Jobs but I just think it's a great name for a cat!" We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Updated: TUAW Twitter buddy @bobschulties pointed out that the computer is actually a Mac SE. I guess that works, since S and E are both in StevE's name! Many thanks to Adam Gray and Steve!
Raspberry Pi helps old school pinball machine spew internet cliches
Pinball machines have been created from a single meme, so why not base one on, say, all of them? Liberty Games decided to refurbish an old and busted "Baby Doll" machine with all the cats, doges and "winter is coming" memes they could wedge in, while giving it a tech spit-shine with a 3D printer and Raspberry Pi. First they spiced up the play field with 3D-printed Grumpy Cat, Doge and Actual Advice Mallard figurines and new graphics. All the old mechanical relays were then wired to a Pi to to play meme videos on an LCD screen for certain actions -- like a Rickroll if you lose. We're not sure if the experimental game is actually for sale, but if so, shut up and take my money!
Caturday: Working with Bud
There's nothing better than a good-lookin' cat lookin' good in front of a bunch of Apple gear. TUAW reader David Stewart sent us this shot of his handsome bicolor cat Bud lazing in front of a MacBook Air connected to a Cinema HD Display. Dave says: "He's a wonderful yet devious young domestic cat. I have provided a photo of Bud and Blue his sister below. They are just over two years old and are the king and queen of the house. He is needy and requires a lot of attention especially once I sit at the computer. He is immediately on the desk or my lap!" Not to leave the beautiful Blue out of the fun, I'm including her picture with Bud (sans Apple gear) below. It's also nice to see that Bud just likes to hang out once he's done with a hard day of work with Dave: We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to David Stewart, Bud, and Blue!
Caturday: Gipetto takes a break from a laptop SSD install
On Caturday, we've seen cats doing just about everything with a Mac, iPad or iPhone that you can imagine... but it took until today for us to see a feline helping out on a MacBook upgrade. TUAW reader Mike Marin says: Hi all, this is a humble Caturday submission featuring our cat, Gipetto. He likes all things nice and warm, and enjoys sleeping over our arms as we work on our iMacs. He also enjoys watching me take apart my laptop too, and sometimes participates. He outdid himself this time and passed out after successfully helping me install a new speedy SSD into my slightly vintage Macbook Pro. He loves all Mac tech and hopefully will grace the Caturday archives at TUAW like his stepsister, Aria. Thanks guys. We enjoy your Weblog very much. We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Mike Marin and Gipetto!
For $100 you could have an internet-connected litterbox
We have a few different ways to make sure our cats are eating, but what about tracking the natural consequence of all that kibble? That's what Tailio is for: it's a smart scale that sits under the litter box and monitors the, ahem, "elimination behaviors" of your favorite feline as well as its tare weight. Seriously. The WiFi-gizmo's creators say that this is to make keeping an eye on your cat's health easier, and act as an early detection system for any possible ailments. They also claim that it's the first product of its kind. Naturally, all of the collected data is accessible via a mobile app that can even send reminders for when the box needs cleaning -- you know, in case you've gotten used to the telltale aroma after years of cat ownership. Have at least $100 to burn? Hit the project's Kickstarter page to help make any dreams of cat-poo analytics on your mobile device a reality.
Caturday: Merry modeling with a new iPad product
Sigh. Readers have been getting a bit lax about sending us their awesome Caturday shots, so I've once again had to resort to providing pictures of one of my own cats. The sweet kitty you see above is Merry, who has already graced the pages of TUAW once before. She's grown a bit since this photo was taken back in July. I was shooting some product shots for a review, and Merry decided that the photo needed some more pizazz so she came in and plopped herself down in my field of view. Rather than pick her up and put her on the floor for a fourth time, I decided it was easier to use her as a model. We'd love to see photos of your favorite feline soaking up the warmth of an Apple product, chasing a Magic Mouse, or just being a general nuisance while you're attempting to work on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Please let us know via our feedback page and please remember that your cat photo has to have some sort of connection to Apple or its products. For security reasons we can't accept inbound attachments, so you should host the photo (Dropbox, Flickr, iPhoto Journals, etc.) and send us the link. Many thanks to Merry for bothering me today!
