Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the cat, widely considered “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most popular cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.
Overworked orange tabby needs a break
Dear Tabby,
The last time I went on a trip, it was not at all what I expected. I thought I’d booked a 10-day cruise to Hawaii, but instead I ended up at the vet.
I trusted my assistant to make the arrangements, but she clearly failed. I desperately need a vacation, but I can’t afford to have anything like that happen again.
Tabby, can you recommend any travel websites or cat-friendly tours? I’d really like to see the Great Wall.
-Hankering for a Holiday
DEAR HANKERING: I hear that Costco has some good deals, but I think my assistant usually uses Expedia.
You might want to start by taking a shorter overnight trip — something easy to arrange. You wouldn’t even need your assistant’s help to arrange something like that. You could pack an overnight bag with essentials (if you’re looking for some delicious travel-friendly cat treats, I highly recommend these), and spend the night out.
It may not be as glamorous as Madrid or China, but it might help you unwind and clear your head.
A cat wonders if the time is right to make a major career move
Dear Tabby,
I live in a very small town in Minnesota (Stillwater born and bred!), where I work as the town’s only suitcase model.
I love Minnesota, but I’m starting to feel like I can’t go any further here in my career. My dream is to model someday for Chanel and Louis Vuitton, but I’m afraid I’ll never reach that level of feline suitcase modeling unless I move. What should I do?
-Longing for L.V.
DEAR LONGING: I admire your ambition and drive, because that’s what it takes to reach the pinnacle in this business. If you want it bad enough, it’s worth the sacrifice.
My first question for you is this: are you sure you’ve learned everything you can in Stillwater? If so, then I say go for it! Next stop: New York, Milan or Paris.
Best of luck in your future endeavors. Work hard, and keep me posted.
Career-oriented assistant misses her man
Dear Tabby,
Shortly after my boyfriend moved to New Jersey to go to school, I got a new job here in California.
It’s been a great opportunity, but I really miss my boyfriend. We’ve been doing the long-distance Skype thing for three months, but now that I’m settling into my job, I’d really like my employer and my boyfriend to meet.
The problem is that my boyfriend can’t leave school right now, and my employer refuses to fly (he has some anxiety issues).
What should I do?
-Eager to Introduce
DEAR EAGER: Two words: road trip!
A lot of cats are afraid of flying, but there are other ways to cross the country. Amtrak has some luxury sleeper cars, but I suggest renting a nice ride and making a fun trip of it. It would also be a good opportunity for you and your new employer to bond.
Take selfies at historic stops, and make sure that you book nothing but the best accommodations. Since this is your boss, everything should be first class. I’m talking roomy, plush pet-friendly hotels (no motels!) all the way. You should be able to expense all of these things to the company.
A helper with a lunchtime hankering
Dear Tabby,
My boss is a real hard-@ss. She’s very accomplished and successful (she’s a top feline talent agent), but if she knew I was writing you right now, I’d probably get served my walking papers.
Basically, I’m writing about lunch. We have a small office in Hollywood, California, and I work long hours. Sometimes I just really want to go out for lunch, but my employer only likes to eat at her desk, and I feel guilty about going out to lunch while she stays here watching the clock. I want her to come with me.
I know that you work in the business and visit Hollywood, so I was wondering if you knew of any good lunch spots down here for cats. If she knew the suggestion came from you, I might be able to talk her into it.
-Hungry for Help
DEAR HUNGRY: I’m sorry, but since I’m usually only there for a day or two, I don’t eat out a lot. I mostly rely on room service, but here’s an idea: professional catering.
Is there a patio where you work? For less than the cost of lunch at The Ivy, you could turn a small deck at the office into a restaurant for the day. Maybe once a week you could cater a nice meal for you and your employer.
It would be a start. Maybe once she gets a taste of something higher end than takeout, she’ll be more receptive to the idea of going out for lunch.
I hope it works out.
Yours forever and always,
Tabs
Love it! I was in Stillwater just last weekend; I’m sorry to say I didn’t get the opportunity to see any of that sweet suitcase modeling.
Longing totally has what it takes to move up the modelling ladder!! 🙂
I have to echo Tabby’s advice, Longing for LV. If you want to be America’s next top kitty suitcase supermodel, you have to go for it! It is clear to see you are a very talented supermodel.
Great advice, as always, Tabby!