Mollie Hunt's Blog

Cold Case Cat, coming to you on National Cat Day!

Cold Case Cat, the 12th installment of the Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery series, is set to release on Wednesday, October 29th, National Cat Day. Both Kindle and paperback versions will be available. You can preorder the Kindle version now and have it in your inbox on the morning of October 29th!

Cold Case Cat, a new Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery

An injustice done, a murder unpunished.

It’s Pride Month in Portland Oregon, but instead of hanging rainbow flags and streamers, Lynley finds herself obsessed with a cold case murder. Starting work at the Cat Park, a sanctuary for senior and hospice cats, is challenging enough for Lynley, but then she learns the founder of the Park was murdered and the murder never solved. Lynley’s cat-like curiosity won’t let her leave the case alone.

But why is the Park’s new owner so fiercely opposed to Lynley’s sleuthing? What’s making the Director of Philanthropy grumpy all the time? Who is sneaking around listening at doors? The dead woman’s ancient cat has a twinkle in her eye, but she isn’t telling.

As Lynley’s granddaughter and her beau make plans for their upcoming wedding, Lynley has other things on her mind. Something is going on at the Park. Is there more to her new job than playing with cats?

(***Books need not be read in order***)

I’m excited!

It is such a great feeling for an author when their book is finally finished, published, and out to the world for all to see. I am proud to have fans in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and more! I love all my books—how else could I write them?

But this one has a special significance for me. It involves the storyline creation of a fictitious sanctuary for old and hospice cats. If only I were a millionaire, I could and would make it happen in real life. I’m not, so I must console myself by making one up and putting it into my book.

I’ve enjoyed working with the characters, old and new. Lynley the not-quite-crazy-yet shelter volunteer with the curiosity of a cat. Her friend Frannie who, in this installment, is about to change her life. Special Agent Denny Paris, the animal cop and Lynley’s guardian angel.  Lynley’s granddaughter Seleia and her fiancé Fredric who are trying to plan their wedding without interference from Seleia’s domineering mother. Most of the new characters are staff and volunteers at the Cat Park, the sanctuary I mentioned earlier. And best of all, the ancient cat Silver who, despite her age and ailments, is a star in more ways than one.

It’s a Giveaway contest!

As we near the launch of a new Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery, some of you might want to catch up on the previous titles in the series. You don’t need to read each book in the order they were written. Every story is a standalone. But maybe you’ve missed one or two, or you have a favorite you’d like to gift to someone who enjoys cozy cat mysteries. Now is your chance!

ENTER TO WIN
A signed print copy of the Crazy Cat Lady mystery of your choice!

Email me at molliehuntcatwriter@gmail.com with “Contest” written in the subject line.
The winner can choose from any of my previously published Crazy Cat Lady mysteries. See your choices here.

Winner will be announced October 29th on my Facebook Author Page and in my monthly newsletter.

What is National Cat Day?

According to Wikipedia (which BTW I support annually):

National Cat Day is a day to raise public awareness of cat adoption, taking place on August 8 in Canada and October 29 in the United States. The National Day Archives website states that the holiday was first celebrated in 2005 “to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.”

The day was founded by Colleen Paige, a pet and family lifestyle expert, who was supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is a nonprofit pet adoption organization.

 

 

by native Portlander Mollie Hunt

“You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy” —Obi Wan Kenobi of Mos Eisley (not Portland)

First there was a small group of local folks in front of the ICE building protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Some wore costumes. There was a frog1 and a duck. Many were old like me. They held signs. Sometimes they got loud. This was a one-block area of the 145-square-mile city of Portland, Oregon.

Then, for some reason I cannot fathom, Trump proclaimed Portland a warzone. “Portland is burning to the ground,” he said. “It’s like living in hell.” He swore to send in the National Guard. Overnight the number of protesters grew, but now they were protesting the deployment of National Guard troops to the city for no reason other than DJT had seen an unverified clip on TV.

In a conversation with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, the governor tried to explain that the reality in Portland is far different from what’s being portrayed to him. Trump later asked, ‘Am I watching things on television that are different from what’s happening?’ Simple answer: yes. Complex answer: still yes.

Why don’t they come see for themselves? They can fly every single US military leader for a pep talk and hop to foreign cities (including Scotland to open a golf course). Why not just put someone on a plane to take a look IRL?

Portland is not burning. (At least, not much)

But if DJT pokes the bear hard enough, people will likely respond. For now, Portland is peaceful. Yes, the city has problems as all places with large populations do, but none them will be solved by sending in a military presence.

Portland has community.

Yesterday was the 53rd annual Portland Marathon when nearly 12,000 runners took to the streets. At the end of last month, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of businesses got together to do a sweeping cleanup of the downtown area.2 We’ve had many events recently including the St. Johns Music Festival, Best Day Ever Festival, PDX Pop Now! music festivals, the Oregon Science Festival, Art in the Pearl, Rose City Comic Con (which I attended), and the iconic Chapman Swift Watch (Swifts—which in this case are birds, not pop music fans—have unfortunately moved elsewhere for their migration so watchers enjoyed themselves in conversation and camaraderie instead.) We’ve had our usual sports events as well—football, baseball, and soccer. None of those events sparked violence.

Portland, “City of Roses”

Though people poke fun at Portland with their references to matcha coffee, kale, spooky doughnuts, and goat yoga, Portland’s reality is even better.  Known for a thriving food truck scene, craft breweries, vibrant arts and culture, and commitment to a sustainable, bike-friendly lifestyle, there is nowhere else like it. (Yes, that includes you, Seattle!) Portland has the world’s largest independent bookstore and a humane society with one of the highest “save rates” in the nation. The beautiful International Rose Test Garden, Portland Japanese Garden, Leach Botanical Garden, and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden are just some of our world-acclaimed gardens. There are also extensive public parks and green space.

Trump has proclaimed in front of God and everyone that we should begin using American cities as “training grounds” to fight against what he called a “war from within.”3 Today it’s Portland. Tomorrow it may be your city. If that doesn’t scare you, what will?

Footnotes:

1A demonstrator wearing an inflatable frog costume was pepper-sprayed by a federal agent during a protest outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon early this week. Videos of the incident, which quickly spread on social media, showed the agent aiming spray toward the costume’s air intake valve.

2We Believe in Portland Fall Cleanup: Held on Friday, September 19, 2025, this event focused on cleaning over 300 blocks in the Downtown Core and Inner-East Side. This is only one of many such events around Portland and Oregon.

3“We should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military, National Guard, but military…” —Donald Trump to a gathering of military leaders, September 30, 2025

Kitty Cat, Sweetie Pie, Fluffy Butt, Wonderpuss: All the endearing nicknames we call our cats from time to time may show affection, but there is one name we should be calling them on a regular basis—their own.

Clarence

Cats know their names.

Though we pet parents have known this all along, it has recently been proven in studies that cats learn to distinguish their own names. This is important for many reasons, such as an emergency or if your cat gets lost. However, it only works if their people call them by that one name on a regular basis. If a variety of names are used, the success rate of the cat distinguishing the call is greatly diminished.

Why teach a cat their name?

A very important reason to have our cats learn their names has to do with safety. What if an emergency arises, and we need to evacuate our home? It’s an unfortunate situation that is happening more often these days, one where we must gather cats at a moment’s notice. A less dire but equally scary event is if kitty gets lost: an indoor kitty escapes the house, or an indoor/outdoor cat doesn’t come home when expected. And in a more day-to-day case, those times when kitty slips into the fourth dimension, and we can’t find her anywhere. If she responds to her name, we are one step closer to peace of mind.

Blaze with Tyler in the background

Teaching a cat to come when we call.

Now that our cat knows her name, how do we get her to respond to it? There is no definitive answer, since cats are independent creatures, but treats are the easiest solution. Say their name followed by the word, treat, then give them the treat. (Shaking the bag helps) Do it regularly so the cat associates the name with the treat. I’d say this works at least 50% of the time, depending on the cat. For my food-motivated Melinko, it’s nearly 100% successful. For lazy Tyler who is probably sleeping soundly, it’s more near 10%.

If your cat isn’t food-motivated, the same thing can be done with something she does like. If she loves playing, get her accustomed to a toy that makes a sound such as a wand chaser with a bell attached. You may have success getting her to come to the sound of her name and the shaking of the bell.

The ultimate success is getting the cat to come when we call without any bribe. Sometimes they just like us enough to do that.

Changing a name—yes or no?

I have yet to change the name my cats come with from the shelter. That’s just me. Other cat parents I know always change the name upon adoption. If you are going to change the name, that’s a good time, since everything else in kitty’s life is also changing. She will come to associate her new name with the comfort and love of her new home.

Tyler

When is a name not a name?

There have been a few instances when a cat seems to reject their name, insisting that it is something else. I don’t know quite how to explain the phenomenon that came about with a few of the many cats I’ve fostered for the Oregon Humane Society. It seemed like whenever I called them, their given name would slip away from my mind, and another would take its place. If I had adopted one of those cats, I would have surely changed their name to the one they related to me.

Lux

So for your sake and your cats’, say their name often. When you enter a room; when they enter the room; when you pet them or give them their food. Especially accompanying  treats and play. And hopefully no emergency will ever arise where you need to get them to come quickly, but isn’t it best be prepared, just in case?

One final note:

Oddly enough, most American cats also respond to kitty.

 

 

The way a cat finds joy

looking out a window,

her vision flitting from street to tree to bird,

and to the inside, the room that is her home,

her sister cat, her big tabby brother.

Finally her golden gaze alights on me.

Much is said in that brief contact.

Recognition as family.

As she-who-feeds.

As the odd, big species that pets her.

A blink of love,

then back to the window

and kitty dreams.

TA-DA! TA-DE-DE-DA! DA DA DE-RUMPH DE-DA!

Okay, so I made some of those words up. But they all mean the same thing: Here’s the all-new cover for the next Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery!

With artwork by Cat Artist Leslie Cobb, I chose a soft purple background to bring out the purple blanket. This is the story of the painting, “Flower Power Nap.”

“According to Alameda Animal Shelter records, Saffron was found trapped in an outboard motor. She was only about 6-8 weeks old when she came into the shelter covered in tar, motor oil and fleas. But what wasn’t immediately apparent was that she was also injured; her pelvis was fractured in two places, and her tail was broken! I came into the shelter the morning after her arrival and took her home. She healed completely and became a member of my family.

She was named Saffron because of her yellow eyes. The painting background was done in saffron spice colors, and the purple flowers are the saffron crocus, which is where the spice comes from.”

© Leslie Cobb http://www.lesliecobb.com

Full Cover Spread

Cold Case Cat is set to release October 29th, National Cat Day. Both Kindle and paperback versions will be available. You can preorder the Kindle version now and have it in your inbox on the morning of October 29th!

Cold Case Cat, a new Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery

An injustice done, a murder unpunished.

It’s Pride Month in Portland Oregon, but instead of hanging rainbow flags and streamers, Lynley finds herself obsessed with a cold case murder. Starting work at the Cat Park, a sanctuary for senior and hospice cats, is challenging enough for Lynley, but then she learns the founder of the Park was murdered and the murder never solved. Lynley’s cat-like curiosity won’t let her leave the case alone.

But why is the Park’s new owner so fiercely opposed to Lynley’s sleuthing? What’s making the Director of Philanthropy grumpy all the time? Who is sneaking around listening at doors? The dead woman’s ancient cat Silver has a twinkle in her eye, but she isn’t telling.

As Lynley’s granddaughter and her beau make plans for their upcoming wedding, Lynley has other things on her mind. Something is going on at the Park. Is there more to her new job than playing with cats?

(***Books need not be read in order***)

 

As we near the launch of a new Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery, it’s time to catch up on the previous titles in the series. You don’t need to read each book in the order they were written. Every story is a standalone. But maybe you’ve missed one or two, or you have a favorite you’d like to gift to someone who enjoys cozy cat mysteries. Now is your chance!

ENTER TO WIN
A signed print copy of the Crazy Cat Lady mystery of your choice! Email me at molliehuntcatwriter@gmail.com with “Contest” written in the subject line.
The winner can choose from any of my previously published Crazy Cat Lady mysteries. See your choices here.

Once upon a time, there was a cat named Sawyer who was so shy no one could touch her.

Sawyer’s Saga:

Her life began innocently enough. Like many cat companions, she was adopted from a shelter when she was a kitten. There was another cat in the home, and the two cats did well together.  That was October of 2014. Then a few years later, the young woman who’d adopted her lost her job and got involved with drugs. Things went downhill for the poor cats. The woman’s parents visited to make sure the cats had food and minimal care, but when the other cat died, Sawyer was left alone for days on end. After a while, the parents brought her to their home. Unfortunately that turned out to be just as problematic, though in another way. The father had diabetes and dementia. He overhandled Sawyer and she bit him, hard enough to draw blood. Though well-intentioned, the parents never really wanted her, and after the bite incident, it was clear Sawyer needed to go elsewhere.

Sawyer was a very lucky girl, because the parents chose to relinquish her to the Oregon Humane Society, top in the country for a successful adoption rate. Sawyer began her new journey at OHS on New Year’s Eve day, 2024.

Upon examination by the cattery team, Sawyer turned out to be physically in good shape, but her mental state was another story. It didn’t take long for staff and volunteers to see that the poor cat huddling in fear underneath her blanket needed help.

OHS had recently built a place for such animals where they could receive individual care and learn to trust again. The new Behavior and Rescue Center (BRC) sits down the hill from the main shelter and adjacent to the Community Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Crimes Forensic Center. Much of the large building is set aside for dogs, but the cat area, a quiet space with roomy cat suites, was perfect for the little dilute tortoiseshell. Away from the clatter, noise, and people, Sawyer finally had a chance to relax, at least a bit.

When Sawyer came into the BRC, her long fur was a mass of mats

When Sawyer came into the BRC, her long fur was a mass of mats, but no one could get close enough to brush her without her cringing in absolute terror. Over the weeks, volunteers and staff worked with her, trying to help her come out of her shell. They would read to her or sit quietly nearby to get her accustomed to a safe human presence, but no matter how they tried, the shy cat showed no progress. Only one volunteer managed to break through that barrier of fear. After several weeks, Sawyer began to accept soft petting on her head. When she finally ventured out from under her blanket, the volunteer made the decision to take her home.

Carolyn had been looking for a companion for her elderly cat Pinot, who had shut down after the death of her 19-year-old Cassis the previous summer. Carolyn had taken three older cats as fosters, hoping to find a suitable buddy for Pinot, but it didn’t work out. Two of them were aggressive with him, and the other was terrified of him. Not about to give up, Carolyn had a feeling Sawyer might be the one.

Sawyer started off in Carolyn’s office room hiding in her tent bed, but she did allow petting—in fact, she loved it. After several days, Carolyn introduced the new cat to Pinot. She couldn’t have asked for a better response—Sawyer just lit up!

When Sawyer saw Pinot, she lit up

Sawyer begins her transformation.

It was time to find a suitable name for the little cat. She had never responded to the name Sawyer, so Carolyn looked for something else more to her personality. One day she was muttering through a string of possibilities, (mostly wine names to go with Pinot). When she said, “Chablis,” Sawyer perked up and turned to look at her. Carolyn feared it was a coincidence, but several hours later, it happened again. So Sawyer became Chablis.

A shy, traumatized cat blossoms into a devoted companion

 

With love, care, and a kitty buddy to show her the ropes, a shy, traumatized cat blossoms into a devoted companion.

I spent the month of July with Pinot and Chablis while Carolyn was on holiday. At first, Chablis hid from me as Carolyn had warned me she might. I was concerned it would be the BRC experience all over again, thirty days of her hidden under the bed, only glimpsing her big, scared eyes staring out of the shadows. Happily I was quickly proven wrong.

Chablis and Pinot helping me write

Within a few days, Chablis decided I was an okay human. Suddenly she was a changed cat. When I came through the door, she and Pinot would be out waiting for me. She lounged beside me or on my lap whenever I sat down. She and Pinot would snuggle together on either side of me on the couch. The two of them played often. Chablis’ beautiful eyes that had for so long held only fear were now filled with excitement and wonder. I was, and still am, overcome with joy at the change she had made with the care and faith of her loving adopter.

Not a scaredy-cat anymore

Take a chance!

Those cats you find in the shelter, the ones who huddle in a bed or under a blanket, may be exactly the cat you need! Shelters, even the good ones, are filled with noise and commotion, an environment where cats tend not to show their best side. The shelter is a big scary place with no means of escape. That’s enough to dampen anyone’s personality.

So when you are looking for a cat to adopt, try to see past the kennel bars. Talk to people who know that cat. Get information about their former life. Find out everything you can, and then take a leap of faith. The reward may be great for both you and your new friend.

Chablis at home

Wordless Wednesday is a simple blog post featuring a photo. It seeks to convey a message or tell a story, but speaks for itself without using words. 

What is Melinko trying to wordlessly tell us?

“Finding Harmony” by Allia Zobel Nolan is a sweet little children’s book about a lost red tabby cat named Harmony and the collection of neighborhood kids who go to search for her.

You’d think children with an important common purpose such as locating a lost kitty would put their differences aside and work together, but sometimes that’s not as easy as you’d think. With six diverse personalities, Casey, Sheila, Gillian, Jason, Jamie, and Peetie find themselves at odds on how to proceed. Distractions get in the way. Everyone is running in opposite directions with the boys going off on their own. It isn’t until the girls think to calm themselves and ask God for help that the group becomes quiet enough to hear Harmony’s little meow.

“Finding Harmony” is a simple lesson in working together, being kind to one another, and remembering to include the God of your understanding in your daily actions. The illustrations by Alejandro O’Kif are uncomplicated and colorful with good cat detail, something that is important to me. The author, Allia Zobel Nolan, writes in a way that young children will understand and enjoy. Footnotes on many of the pages make the reading entertainingly interactive.

I was given a copy of “Finding Harmony” by the author to read and give an honest review. To note, no generative artificial intelligence (AI) was used in its creation.

Allia Zobel Nolan is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 150 children’s and adult traditionally published trade titles. Her books reflect her two main passions, God and cats. Among other places, her work has also been featured in The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune, The Irish Independent News, The Hartford Courant, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times.

Allia Zobel Nolan lives and writes in New England with her husband, Desmond Finbarr Nolan, their two feline children, Nolan Nolan, and Colleen Fiona Shannon Nolan, and their rescue dog, Miss Kitty from North Carolina. Learn more about Allia at: AlliaWrites.com.

This Dude Built An Entire Subway System For His Cats

Today is August 28th,

the day we celebrate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day 2025. It’s devastating when our beloved cats (and other pets) cross the Rainbow Bridge, and sometimes we don’t want to feel sad looking back on those last, terrible days.

So don’t.

Remember the wonderful times when you played together, watched them do their funny little things, or sat quietly by as they slept.

Big Red

The way Big Red sprawled his substantial 17 pounds of cat on the back of the couch.

Blaze

Handsome Blaze, always looking his best in his tux.

Dirty Harry

Harry loved the garden.

Ginchan

Another handsome fellow, even though his lion cut wasn’t the best look on him.

Jaimz

My little soul cat Jaimz liked to sleep with his arms outstretched.

Little

The way Little loved playing in the bathtub with her sparkly ball.

Tinkerbelle

Tinkerbelle bringing joy as a registered therapy cat.

 

What joyful memories do you have of your angel cats?

Learn more about Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day from Deb Barnes, the woman who established the celebration, at Zee & Zoey’s Cat Chronicles.