Meankitty Wants to Know: The Fredsti Gang & Giveaway!

Two weeks ago we interviewed human author Dana Fredsti, who has the distinction of being owned by a BUNCH of cats and doing a lot of volunteer cat work (most important feature) and having been published in a volume of Cat Fantastic once (second most important feature). Her many overseers have banded together to complete today's Meankitty interview in this tell-all about live with the author.

Additionally, we'll be picking 2 lucky commenters to win a signed copy of Cat Fantastic 4 in which the author was published! It's OOP so this is an extra special gift. You need to live in the continental US to win (alas, we have no digital version) and you also have to email Meankitty with your address when she posts the winners names on the blog (in a new post in about a week). The copies we came by for Dana to sign are not brand-spankin' new, but they're definitely keeper shelf worthy! Cat hair optional (please let us know what color and how much cat hair is desired, within reason and the laws of nature).

1) So, your human writes books. Does this mean he or she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

Beezle [pictured] (who sounds a lot like Stewie from Family Guy): I remember when dearest Mama used to be home all the time, but alas, when we moved up north she went back in the working world. This does, of course, mean she is home more in the evenings and on weekends than before as these are her only times to write. We (meaning my brothers and sisters and myself) make sure to demand more attention during these times as well. It is our due and our right.

2) How large a proportion of her income do you have her devote to your gourmet tuna, cat beds, toys and other basic necessities?

Foster [pictured] (who sounds a lot like Fat Tony on the Simpsons): I insist, of course, dat a certain portion of each months' income be used for our upkeep, amusement and pleasure. A protection fee, if you'd like. In return for dis tithe, I make sure da other felines do not trespass in areas dey are not meant to go. As to how large, I believe da needs of da felines outweigh da needs of da humans. So as much as it takes to keep us in gourmet kibble, toys and catnip.

3) What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun?

The Kiwis (otherwise known as the Gang of Four), named after the All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team).

*Frohicke [pictured]: Fetch! Drop the ball on Mom's foot and stare at her until she throws it!
*Bug Bear: Stare at her with hypno gaze, purring madly. Get on her lap, chew on her hand and pattypaw, purring madly.
*Sun Bear: Roll on my back and expose my fat tummy. Irresistible!
*Fell: I like to get Daddy's attention. I chew on his toes. He screams. I love him.

4) What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Mononoke (feral girl): None! I wish no interaction with this human! I know she's trying to kill me.

Ling Ling (semi-feral girl) [pictured]: When Mama's writing, I can jump up on the couch and she'll pet me but won't try to pick me up. I like that.

5) Tell me about the felines in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

Mouche (short for Scaramouche): Not sure, but there has to be lots because what is else is worth writing about?

Maddie [pictured]: I don't really care as long as she'll stop what she's doing to feed me. I'll even sing for my supper!

6) On the off-chance your human has yet to incorporate cats into a story, what are your plans for making sure she rectifies this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

Raven: I'm pretty sure she puts lots of cats in her books and stuff, but even if she didn't, we make sure there's a little cat fur in everything she does.

7) What works of fiction or cinema involving cats does your human enjoy sharing with you?

Tsavo [pictured, though he looks like more of a killer of lunchmeat than a killer lion, heheheh, Meankitty]: Mom has shown me Ghost in the Darkness a lot 'cause she says I'm named after the killer lions of Tsavo. Something about my personality and habit of dragging things under chairs and beds so I can chew on them in the darkness...I don't like to share.

8) If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Taz (from her perch on the fridge). None! She's perfect! Come here, Mom! (rolls on back on fridge and grabs Dana's hair, patty-pawing her neck.) More love, please!

User Submitted:

Question for pets: Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

General consensus from the felines: we are happy with our humans, but wish they wouldn't be so stingy about sharing what's on their plates! That fish smells awfully good... (Note from Dana: have you ever tried sharing your food with multiple felines? It's like a furry shark feeding frenzy).

What things does your human do that would mortify it if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

(mortify) Tsavo: She sings songs about us, really goofy songs.
Beezle: yes. Mine is to the tune of Bicycle Built for Two. I mean, honestly...
Tsavo: Mine is to the theme of Ghost in the Darkness.

(annoys)
Sunbear [pictured]: She blows on my fat tummy. Just because I roll on my back and look cute is no excuse to blow on my fat tummy.

Foster: Yes, she bestows dis indignity upon my tummy fat as well. Most undignified.

Questions for cats: Did your human name a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

Beezle: Our mother has not yet named any characters after us, although she has based characters on us and given them different names. For instance, the cat Renfield in Murder for Hire is based on me because I like to catch and eat flies. I find it amusing.

And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it?

Mouche: Scaramouche is a cool name, but it's always Mouche. Which isn't quite as dashing.

Maddie: I was named after Madelaine in Fall of the House of Usher 'cause when Mom found me I was stuck in a wall, like I was buried alive. It got shortened to Maddie and I like it! My nickname is Maddie Paddy Pan Squash and MY song is to the tune of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But maybe I shouldn't say anything 'cause she's awfully goofy when she's singing our songs...

How do you give your writer new ideas?

All of them: By being what we are. Cats.

Check out Dana's site at: http://www.danafredsti.com/. And be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win Cat Fantastic 4!

***

Sincerely,
Meankitty & Typing Slave
http://www.meankitty.com/ * http://www.jodywallace.com/