Oh, wow, I just love the younger views of both Baba Mouse and Wicket! What a (narratively) plausible backstory! (And yes, Baba Mouse was a real looker in her day. And nowadays, such a source of wisdom!)
Yes! I don’t believe I have made mention of it before, but Baba is Burt’s Great, Great, Great Grandmother. He’s one of the few kittens who hung around and took up farm life.
Hmmmm – so just why is Wicket back? Its usually money in these sort of stories!
Some nice call-backs to the Halloween special with Freddie and Tilly, and just how hunky was Beau?
I have exciting news! Andrew McMeel Publishing will be releasing a ‘Breaking Cat News’ 2018 calendar, mid way through next year! I have just begun the artwork for it, and this Saturday July 2nd I will be working on the cover live on a stream you can tune into at 10 am pacific time/1 pm eastern time! I’ll talk about plans for the calendar including, “Which characters will get their own month?” “Why 2018?” and “Is December really going to be an illustration of the BCN holiday office party?” (Yes).
Hello Nicki! It will be live on this Twitch channel, which plays about as easily as a YouTube video when a channel is live! https://www.twitch.tv/georgiadunnstudio/profile I will try to post the link in the comments on this site too, on Saturday.
You know, I’ll be totally honest, he wasn’t at first, but now that you and another reader have seen it that way… A kilt might be kind of perfect for him.
I’m kind of in a dreamy mood, today, so I’m wondering what a Breaking Cat News animated tv show would look like. Of course, Georgia would have to have complete control over the stories, the animation work, and even the voices of the individual characters, to do it justice. Maybe it could start out with a special or two, before progressing to being a regular series.
I’m probably the only one, but I thought of Sadie Thompson (AKA Rain) when I saw the panel of Baba left on the beach with the turkey, who, to me, looks to be holding a Bible.
The Cameron Cat and others Of That Ilk vote “aye” for the kilt! A hie’land cat or a tartan moggie t’would be a brae addition to ‘oor clan, ye ken?
* * *
“I’m a cat, I’m a cat, I’m a Glasgow cat and my name is Sam the Skull;
I’ve got claws on my paws like a crocodile’s jaws, and a heid like a farmers bull.
I’m no’ the kind of cat that sat on a mat, or the kind that ye gi’e a hug
I’m the kind of cat that can strangle a rat, and even the occasional dug.”
(I can’t help it. All I can think of is the Garry Larsen Far Side cartoon: “It’s just this little green boat – and these two tiny skeletons!”)(Sorry Sorry Sorry! Been warped ever since his Lewis and Clark series!)(ducking out before anyone sees me)(p.s. Wonderful series of strips)
Pucky looks so short next to the anchor desk that at first glance I mistook him for Beatrix. Then of course I saw her up at the coop for the interview, and looked more closely at the fur and ears visible above the popcorn. And the green tie on the tummy.
Having grown up on a farm I know Wicket is absolutely not to be trusted. Hope the robber mice stay out of sight while he’s around.
Fantastic news about the calendar! Congratulations! Love the idea of the BCN Christmas party. Hope the boys are able to come up with a cheese wheel for the event!
Hi Georgia, can’t wait for the calendar. Special shout for September with Sophie a bit like Sunday with Sophie but a whole month – do you take requests? – only (half) joking, oh how exciting ! – I can hardly contain myself
Shiver – just read Bea’s tweets – I hope she brings Trevor with her when she goes outside! I don’t trust that bird any more than she does. Wonder what he’s up to – coming back like that without notice. Bad, bad owl! Pure genius, Georgia, and congrats on the calendar. That is so exciting.
Baba Mouse is based on a real cat named Mouse we had when I was a child. She was mean and wise and mysterious. Because she is old and a Russian Blue, I added “Baba.”
It was great seeing Tillie and Freddie again ! And I loved all the little touches you added. The taped photo, old newspaper clippings and the security camera screen shot. I’m especially happy for Baba, finding her real true love.
Absolutely love this story! Excited to read about the 2018 calendar and will be sure to buy one when they are available. I love the turkey putting the move on Baba after Wicket bails!
Thank you for pointing that out, Lisa! I just went back and corrected it. I have no idea how I did that! Somethings things get a little mixed up when I ink a longer strip.
Aw, can’t help feeling a leeeetle sorry for Wicket in that last panel. Though the backstory certainly shows why the Robber Mice are safely elsewhere instead of making their usual photobombs. And how Mouse got out of the shelter to a barn without a spay, since I’d wondered about that. Is Beau based on a real life cat, too?
…And this year’s Halloween story will include a chance for Freddie and Baba Mouse to have a brief reunion, right?
Put my order in for the calendar! 2018 can’t get here soon enough. Looks to me as if old Wicket is going to be another heart breaker. “Love ’em and Leave ’em” scoundrel.
Hmmm, wonder if Beau had something to do with Wicket’s broken wing? Yes, Trevor better keep an eye Beatrix with that barn owl around. BTW, in the ” Owl and Pussycat ” poem the turkey performed the wedding. Can’t wait to see the BCN calendar!
Ooo just noticed the Puss in Boots reference immediately thought of the strange British tradition of ‘panto’ – she’s behind youuuuuuuuuu, oh, yes, she is
I’m so happy about the calendar! If you’re allowed to use panels from previously published episodes, I’d love to see the last panel from “The Peep Toads Are Out” for one of the spring or early summer months. Since my birthday is in June, and June is the month where the peep toads and Christmas light bugs are prolific in my neck of the woods, that would be the perfect picture for June.
I hope someday we will learn the backstory behind how Beatrix came to be abandoned in a snow storm. Is it possible she is a descendant of Baba Mouse?
YES! I want a calendar too! Will be a great companion to the Gary Patterson calendar collection we have. I just hope that BCN doesn’t get too big and lose all the heart and soul it now has,to become a novelty machine.(ie.,Grumpy cat)
You and the BCN reporters have too much heart,soul,and love to lose.
I am delighted to hear about the calendar. Last year I wrote that I hoped that a calendar could be available at some point. I used to get a Get Fuzzy calendar until they discontinued it, so now I use a Pusheen calendar. After next year’s calendar, a BCN calendar will take their place.
This is a wonderful story as all your stories are. The end of this strip didn’t say to be continued but I hope further adventures will be told about Baba Mouse’s past. And, who her descendants are. Thank you for your beautiful work.
I love Elvis’ consistent disgust for non-news related matters–his expression is full of contempt! haha! And I totally missed how Puck brought a huge bowl of popcorn for the show. So Burt is Baba Mouse’s great grandson . . . right? He’s the spitting image of his great-great grand daddy! I’ll bet his “Pappy” was a handsome slow-talkin’ country cat that lady cats can’t resist.
“Creme Puff (cat) Creme Puff (August 3, 1967 – August 6, 2005) was an American cat who died aged 38 years and 3 days (or 168 cat years). She was the oldest cat ever recorded, according to the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records. Creme Puff lived with her owner, Jake Perry, in Austin, Texas.”
Hey, there’s a reason Baba Mouse looks old. She is.
As to 25+ — per a site I just visited, Russian Blues have one of the larger typical lifespans at 15-20 years. There were some posters on this one cat blog who claimed: 28 years for a DSH, 22+ for a Siamese (one of the medium-span group), another at 24–these are all their current cat.
But then, we know BCN isn’t quite in the same world as most of us–for evidence, look how well the Robber Mice get along with the news crew.
Beatrix is based on a real cat, though I am very sad to say that she passed away a few years ago. One day I will share her story. She was a marvelous little cat, and a fantastic climber. I promise that Beatrix will have a very long life in the comic, and I’m really happy that she can live on here and through everyone’s love for her.
Tillie’s photo choked me up a little – she is very special to me as she reminds me of my lovely and much missed tortie. Also I straight out snorted at the previous strip’s “Not a lot to do in a barn” line
Can’t help but imagine what Wicket and Baba’s kids would look like. O picture griffins but with owl and cat parts instead of the respective eagle and lion parts.
I was a big fan of this site and it’s not my intention to be negative but am I the only one who thinks that these ongoing storylines are kind of weird, unfunny and too long? I thought I remembered reading that going forward Georgia would stick to the one-off stories reminiscent of the earlier strips. Those were the best.
No good owl!! Baba Mouse is better off. Plus she might be Burt’s granny!!
And as a newsperson, I can’t help but agree with Elvis a little bit.
Human (Cat?) interest story. Plus it’s genealogy and local history too.
Another great strip, Georgia. I wasn’t sure if Tillie counted as a character for this one since she appeared only in her oval-framed portrait.
a big red headed kilted kitty?? *swoon*
and I love the tape!
oh my cat!
Beau!!!!
Can’t wait until we hear more about him.
This just gets better and better every episode! Can I get some of Puck’s popcorn? Extra butter? Please?
Oh, wow, I just love the younger views of both Baba Mouse and Wicket! What a (narratively) plausible backstory! (And yes, Baba Mouse was a real looker in her day. And nowadays, such a source of wisdom!)
Ooh, so Burt is descended from Baba?
Also “I wanted kittens, he was an owl” and Wickets expression, priceless!
Yes! I don’t believe I have made mention of it before, but Baba is Burt’s Great, Great, Great Grandmother. He’s one of the few kittens who hung around and took up farm life.
Love!!!
Hmmmm – so just why is Wicket back? Its usually money in these sort of stories!
Some nice call-backs to the Halloween special with Freddie and Tilly, and just how hunky was Beau?
What a lovely story. Gives us a nice history. Love the picture of Tillie you put in too Georgia!
I have exciting news! Andrew McMeel Publishing will be releasing a ‘Breaking Cat News’ 2018 calendar, mid way through next year! I have just begun the artwork for it, and this Saturday July 2nd I will be working on the cover live on a stream you can tune into at 10 am pacific time/1 pm eastern time! I’ll talk about plans for the calendar including, “Which characters will get their own month?” “Why 2018?” and “Is December really going to be an illustration of the BCN holiday office party?” (Yes).
I hope you’ll tune in!
Wonderful news, Georgia. We want to pre-reserve one now. It might not replace our Kliban Cat calendars, but it will definitely supplement it.
Me too! I need a couple to give to special friends. They will be getting a copy of the book (I just wiped out the copies at the local B&N).
Where do we tune in for the live stream?
Can’t wait!!
Hello Nicki! It will be live on this Twitch channel, which plays about as easily as a YouTube video when a channel is live! https://www.twitch.tv/georgiadunnstudio/profile I will try to post the link in the comments on this site too, on Saturday.
That is wonderful news! I can hardly wait!! Congratulations!!!
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Oh my cat, that will go up with my Purrfect Pals calendar!
But that’s so long from now! :*(
Yay! I’m so happy. I’ve always had cat calendars on my craft room wall, and my favorite BCN News team calendar is going to be heaven!
Can’t wait!!! February is Lupin’s “I love romance” month. or better yet, Lupin with the Intruder!
See you Saturday!!
Congratulations on the calendar! That’s wonderful news! I can’t wait to buy it!
What a beautiful “Love Story”!!!!
Is Beau wearing a kilt?! I love this story arc, so many great details. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
You know, I’ll be totally honest, he wasn’t at first, but now that you and another reader have seen it that way… A kilt might be kind of perfect for him.
I, too, thought ’twas a kilt, and not a Utilikilt.
I keep seeing it as a flannel shirt that he took off and tied around his waist. Could have been a kilt, but the plaid doesn’t go all the way around….
First I saw a kilt, then I looked closer and said, “Nope, flannel shirt tied around his waist.” I’m guessing that’s what Georgia originally intended.
I thought it was a kilt, too. He’s quite dashing!
I’m kind of in a dreamy mood, today, so I’m wondering what a Breaking Cat News animated tv show would look like. Of course, Georgia would have to have complete control over the stories, the animation work, and even the voices of the individual characters, to do it justice. Maybe it could start out with a special or two, before progressing to being a regular series.
So Baba Mouse is Burt’s great, great great GRAMMAW!
Oh, my, Beau is certainly a dashing fellow! He must have made all the lady cats’ toes curl!
I’m probably the only one, but I thought of Sadie Thompson (AKA Rain) when I saw the panel of Baba left on the beach with the turkey, who, to me, looks to be holding a Bible.
Is the turkey carrying a Bible? A Christian turkey.
I had assumed the turkey was a minister there to perform a ceremony that never happened…but who knows?
I thought he was hitting on her LOL
Ohhh that actually makes sense. A minister who hit on her haha too funny!
I love Elvis being grumpy in the first panel. Of course, everyone wants to find out family history.
Beau is built!
The Cameron Cat and others Of That Ilk vote “aye” for the kilt! A hie’land cat or a tartan moggie t’would be a brae addition to ‘oor clan, ye ken?
* * *
“I’m a cat, I’m a cat, I’m a Glasgow cat and my name is Sam the Skull;
I’ve got claws on my paws like a crocodile’s jaws, and a heid like a farmers bull.
I’m no’ the kind of cat that sat on a mat, or the kind that ye gi’e a hug
I’m the kind of cat that can strangle a rat, and even the occasional dug.”
— from “Sam the Skull”, by Alastair McDonald
I love that!! Sounds like my outdoor guy, Levi! (Except he loves cuddles from me, and only me, if no one is watching of course!)
I just had to look that up on youtube. What a catchy, bouncy tune! For the benefit of everyone who’d like to hear it, here’s a link to the video I thought had the best pictures to go along:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=video&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiivNj0icnNAhVJ52MKHQfcB0IQtwIIHDAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7lV6YzD04YY&usg=AFQjCNHkGTF_azArbzVaFC8AfTXc7cAHbQ&sig2=GPVC2-STPHuUtuxJxDNwfA&bvm=bv.125596728,d.cGc
(though whoever made the recording of the gray cat used for the chorus should be ashamed of themselves)
(I think I accidentally posted twice-oops, sorry)
(I can’t help it. All I can think of is the Garry Larsen Far Side cartoon: “It’s just this little green boat – and these two tiny skeletons!”)(Sorry Sorry Sorry! Been warped ever since his Lewis and Clark series!)(ducking out before anyone sees me)(p.s. Wonderful series of strips)
This strip is like our own version of “Our IX Lives.”
Pucky looks so short next to the anchor desk that at first glance I mistook him for Beatrix. Then of course I saw her up at the coop for the interview, and looked more closely at the fur and ears visible above the popcorn. And the green tie on the tummy.
“I was a babe” Hahaha. That made me laugh so hard.
So much awesomeness.
Can’t wait for the calendar! I smell Christmas gifts for the family!!
Having grown up on a farm I know Wicket is absolutely not to be trusted. Hope the robber mice stay out of sight while he’s around.
Fantastic news about the calendar! Congratulations! Love the idea of the BCN Christmas party. Hope the boys are able to come up with a cheese wheel for the event!
Hi Georgia, can’t wait for the calendar. Special shout for September with Sophie a bit like Sunday with Sophie but a whole month – do you take requests? – only (half) joking, oh how exciting ! – I can hardly contain myself
Shiver – just read Bea’s tweets – I hope she brings Trevor with her when she goes outside! I don’t trust that bird any more than she does. Wonder what he’s up to – coming back like that without notice. Bad, bad owl! Pure genius, Georgia, and congrats on the calendar. That is so exciting.
Why is she Baba ‘Mouse’?
Baba Mouse is based on a real cat named Mouse we had when I was a child. She was mean and wise and mysterious. Because she is old and a Russian Blue, I added “Baba.”
It was great seeing Tillie and Freddie again ! And I loved all the little touches you added. The taped photo, old newspaper clippings and the security camera screen shot. I’m especially happy for Baba, finding her real true love.
this is the best story I’ve read in 2016!
Thanks, Georgia!
We have seen that stock picture earlier (a few strips ago)! =D
#outlander
Absolutely love this story! Excited to read about the 2018 calendar and will be sure to buy one when they are available. I love the turkey putting the move on Baba after Wicket bails!
OMC!!!!! I can’t wait to order my copy!
Is the speech bubble about Puss in Boots pointed at the wrong character? It was a little confusing! I think Bea’s supposed to be saying that.
Seriously though. So much love.
I’m wondering the same thing.
There is much cuteness in this page, though. =)
Thank you for pointing that out, Lisa! I just went back and corrected it. I have no idea how I did that! Somethings things get a little mixed up when I ink a longer strip.
Aw, can’t help feeling a leeeetle sorry for Wicket in that last panel. Though the backstory certainly shows why the Robber Mice are safely elsewhere instead of making their usual photobombs. And how Mouse got out of the shelter to a barn without a spay, since I’d wondered about that. Is Beau based on a real life cat, too?
…And this year’s Halloween story will include a chance for Freddie and Baba Mouse to have a brief reunion, right?
Oh My Cat. That would be wonderful.
Put my order in for the calendar! 2018 can’t get here soon enough. Looks to me as if old Wicket is going to be another heart breaker. “Love ’em and Leave ’em” scoundrel.
What is that in the sky in the panel with the Christian turkey?
I think it’s one of Wicket’s feathers.
Lauren: I think it’s an owl feather.
I think that’s one of Wicket’s feathers as he flies away from the wedding.
The turkey being a minister would certainly fit with the idea that Wicket left Mouse at the altar.
That’s what I thought too Kim. So glad she found Burt’s Pappy!! Soooooo much hunkier than Wicket!
Sionx – thats a good point about Baba avoiding a spay! I recall it being discussed before as to why a shelter cat ended up pregnant>
Hmmm, wonder if Beau had something to do with Wicket’s broken wing? Yes, Trevor better keep an eye Beatrix with that barn owl around. BTW, in the ” Owl and Pussycat ” poem the turkey performed the wedding. Can’t wait to see the BCN calendar!
Wicket’s feather as he flew off. I’m hoping it came off as a result of Baba yanking it off, the bum.
Still lovin’ the owl mustache!
Plus Beau!! Oh my cat!!
I love the way Baba has repurposed her apron into a hobo pouch and a babushka. Very practical kitty!
If you look at the picture of Winifred nursing Baba Mouse, that originally was the blanket she was wrapped in as a kitten.
I was expecting Beatrix to whack Wicket over the head with the microphone…
Baba Mouse is panel four, such a pretty kitty
Ooo just noticed the Puss in Boots reference
immediately thought of the strange British tradition of ‘panto’ – she’s behind youuuuuuuuuu, oh, yes, she is 
I’m so happy about the calendar! If you’re allowed to use panels from previously published episodes, I’d love to see the last panel from “The Peep Toads Are Out” for one of the spring or early summer months. Since my birthday is in June, and June is the month where the peep toads and Christmas light bugs are prolific in my neck of the woods, that would be the perfect picture for June.
I hope someday we will learn the backstory behind how Beatrix came to be abandoned in a snow storm. Is it possible she is a descendant of Baba Mouse?
~~~”Ground control to Ginger Tom. Ground control to Ginger Tom.”
Baba Mouse, I’m sure that the Old Woman knows that you are sorry for running away from home.
ha, was Beau a “grunge” cat in ’91?!
YES! I want a calendar too! Will be a great companion to the Gary Patterson calendar collection we have. I just hope that BCN doesn’t get too big and lose all the heart and soul it now has,to become a novelty machine.(ie.,Grumpy cat)
You and the BCN reporters have too much heart,soul,and love to lose.
So did Baba Mouse get a ring from a pig’s nose as well?
A CALENDAR… HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY
throwing confette an dancing.
Oh dear, the robber mice quartet had better stay well hidden while Wicket is in town.
I’m worried about Beatrix as well.
My Tazi is in love with Baba. He gets all up in the screen whenever she is on it! I shall have to show him today’s strip. I love the genealogy lesson!
Flannel shirts around the waist is the perfect early 90s look.
I am delighted to hear about the calendar. Last year I wrote that I hoped that a calendar could be available at some point. I used to get a Get Fuzzy calendar until they discontinued it, so now I use a Pusheen calendar. After next year’s calendar, a BCN calendar will take their place.
This is a wonderful story as all your stories are. The end of this strip didn’t say to be continued but I hope further adventures will be told about Baba Mouse’s past. And, who her descendants are. Thank you for your beautiful work.
Hello, and welcome to Breaking Cat Gossip…
(Please continue the BCG episode)
Beatrix and the popcorn in panel 1 is just perfect.
In panel 9, that is Beatrix stating she prefers Puss-in-Boots, right? I think the dialog pointer needs to be adjusted.
Regarding panel 12, which kinds of books are best for an elopement?
I like Burt’s caught-off-guard expression in the last panel. He is not used to thinking of Baba Mouse as his granny and a hottie. Double wham!
Catowl? Owlcat? Sounds like something out of Avatar. I can’t get behind that, it’s a pretty cool show.
I love Elvis’ consistent disgust for non-news related matters–his expression is full of contempt! haha! And I totally missed how Puck brought a huge bowl of popcorn for the show.
So Burt is Baba Mouse’s great grandson . . . right? He’s the spitting image of his great-great grand daddy! I’ll bet his “Pappy” was a handsome slow-talkin’ country cat that lady cats can’t resist. 
Haven’t seen anyone else mention it but…
’91…? A barn cat that’s 25+ years old?!
(And I thought the cat I grew up with that played outdoors near a busy street lived a charmed life to make it to 20.)
“Creme Puff (cat) Creme Puff (August 3, 1967 – August 6, 2005) was an American cat who died aged 38 years and 3 days (or 168 cat years). She was the oldest cat ever recorded, according to the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records. Creme Puff lived with her owner, Jake Perry, in Austin, Texas.”
Hey, there’s a reason Baba Mouse looks old. She is.
As to 25+ — per a site I just visited, Russian Blues have one of the larger typical lifespans at 15-20 years. There were some posters on this one cat blog who claimed: 28 years for a DSH, 22+ for a Siamese (one of the medium-span group), another at 24–these are all their current cat.
But then, we know BCN isn’t quite in the same world as most of us–for evidence, look how well the Robber Mice get along with the news crew.
Was Beatrix a real cat? If she was, is she still alive? I love how you put actual cats into the stories.
Beatrix is based on a real cat, though I am very sad to say that she passed away a few years ago. One day I will share her story. She was a marvelous little cat, and a fantastic climber. I promise that Beatrix will have a very long life in the comic, and I’m really happy that she can live on here and through everyone’s love for her.
A red-haired (well, furred) hunk in a kilt? Is this an Outlander reference?
http://themetapicture.com/kitten-and-owlet/ A tale as old as time indeed
Tillie’s photo choked me up a little – she is very special to me as she reminds me of my lovely and much missed tortie. Also I straight out snorted at the previous strip’s “Not a lot to do in a barn” line
A big, red kitty in a kilt, no less!
So that picture of Baba and Wicket got ripped in half at one point!
AND taped back together…
Oh my cat I love that the fabric she wore around her waist, and used to tie up her bundle, seems to be what she wears as her babushka now.
Can’t help but imagine what Wicket and Baba’s kids would look like. O picture griffins but with owl and cat parts instead of the respective eagle and lion parts.
I was a big fan of this site and it’s not my intention to be negative but am I the only one who thinks that these ongoing storylines are kind of weird, unfunny and too long? I thought I remembered reading that going forward Georgia would stick to the one-off stories reminiscent of the earlier strips. Those were the best.
DID ANYONE ELSE SEE THE PICTURE OF TILLIE!?!?!?!?