I'm home, it's good to come home.

As you can see I have a picture of Miss Kitty. Miss Kitty has had a very traumatic week. Miss Kitty's mom was ill, so I went to stay with them. She was very worried about her mom as I was and Miss Kitty is such a sweet girl. My own brood was not very happy and it showed when I arrived home. I hate to leave my babies, but sometimes it is necessary. I am usually not gone for so long but it couldn't be helped. I can't say that everything is better in Miss Kitty's little world, and she may come to live with us. I am not sure how Her Highness will adjust to that, but time will tell. It is always a big adjustment in your furry babies life when things are not like they should be and it does effect them. Sometimes it cannot be helped. The best you can do if you have to go away is to make sure they are left in the care of people who will care for them as best they can. Maybe they wouldn't receive the same attention as you would give them, but at least try for a person who has pet smarts and preferably someone that they know. And of course when you get back, you should be prepared for a cold shoulder or two. Happy Cats again.

The wait is over.

You finally came home, I am not so sure I want to talk to you. Okay you brought treats and catnip. I am not that easily swayed by such things. You left and have been gone for days. We didn't know if you would be back and we were very worried. I'm not sure I want to see you, so maybe later we can chat. It's not the same without you and Jezzebel was throwing up her food, we were worried about her also, she is a Momma's Girl. We knew we were safe and fed, but we didn't know if you were safe. We missed you and I still don't think I want to see you. I'm glad you are back. Maybe I'll be Happy Cat in a minute or two.

Waiting, waiting, WAITING and more WAITING.

We have been waiting for you, where did you go. I don't know how much more I can wait. I missed your head laying under my head, and I missed licking you awake when the alarm when off. I waited and I am sick of waiting. Where did you go MOM? Jezzebel is beside herself and we are waiting and waiting. You went somewhere and we waited for you to come home. The bearded one took good care of us but we need you here, we love you. And we waited. We thought something was going on, but as we could not ask questions no one could tell us where you went. So we waited. Not Happy Cats.

Save the Cat.

Things go wrong and you wonder what you could have done to avoid the situation. Here are some tips from Dr.Jon on different situations. Keep a pet carrier close to the front door in case you need to get out fast. And I'm not talking about because you need to escape from the law either. Sorry just a bit of my strange sense of humor. This would be a situation such as fire or other critical situation. Earthquake, tornado etc. Keep extra leashes if you have dogs, and store emergency supplies in your car. Such as canned food, dry food, (I recommend keeping in an air tight cooler) dishes, comfort blanket, and water. Have fire safety stickers on the house so firemen will know you have pets. How many and type as well. Keep your vet's emergency numbers handy, as well as the emergency clinic. Also poison control. This is a good number to have on hand for humans as well. If at all possible have a microchip implanted in your pet, dogs as well as cats. If you can't do this at least put a collar on your pets. I recommend break away type for cats as they get into situations dogs don't. Best yet don't let your kitty's out. I know some of you have outdoor kitties, but the indoor cats usually are not prepared for outdoor adventures on their own. I take Miss Jezzebel out on a leash, she is not fond of it but enjoys going outside so she endures the leash, and likes to roll around in the grass. Miss Kitty has been know to go in her pet carrier and on a wagon ride which she enjoys. Anyone wishing to check out Dr. Jon he is located at www.petplace.com. You can subscribe to newsletters that interest you as well. I like to read the emails I receive, and of course pass on the great advice. So thanks a bunch Dr. Jon and Petplace.com. I would also like to say if you don't hear from us for a few days, we have some family issues to attend to. So please don't go away, but enjoy a previous issue of this blog, as we look forward to keeping in touch and letting you know how things are in the Catdom. Everyone here sends hugs and kitty kisses. Thanks and we will be back soon, and maybe Phantom will fill in for Momma Cat.

It's a Fact Jack, I mean Cat.

So on to more interesting facts from the Reader's Digest. This is really quite a good publication, and Thanks Mom. I receive it as a Christmas gift and read it cover to cover. So this segment is about "The Best (and Worst) Foods for Us. Remember, that the digestive system of an animal is different than ours. Raisins and grapes can shut down a dog's kidneys. Other dangerous foods include chocolate, coffee, macadamia nuts, and avocado. If you want my coat thick and shiny, make sure my diet has plenty of essential fatty acids. Most high quality commercial pet foods have enough. Pets on low quality foods or homemade made have dull coats. Now I know for some people high priced food is out of reach. I am one to mix my foods and use high and medium price mix. Every bag of pet food has an Association of American Feed Control Officials statement on the label. Look for one that has undergone animal feeding trials rather than one that's "formulated" by a computer. Those trials are expensive but they do make sure an animal has ate the food for six months with good results. Did you hear the hype about grain-free cat and dog food? I sure have everyday. That's what it is: hype. There's nothing wrong with feeding me grains, they can actually be an important part of a balanced diet. But before you make any changes talk to a vet. Do not give your pets raw meat, it is not good for them. It can cause bacterial infections which also can put humans at risk if they have weakened immune systems if they come in contact with animal waste. I know that description not so pretty but neither are sick animals or humans. There is more to this article but I will let you digest it for a few days then report more. Digest, get it. Well we had a lovely day on the home front, the kitties enjoyed the mild weather and having the windows open, they were a bit clingy, as I had been gone for a night. But all is well here, Jinx is still running crazy through the house, Sophia is still letting everyone know she's large and in charge. Go Sophia. Happy Cats.

Howdy

As you can see Miss Kitty is snoozing. She is laying with her head on a toy she just loves. It's called a Kong Kickerroo. Now this is a really cool toy. Kong makes toys for both cats and dogs. They are actually pretty sturdy. Miss Kitty has had this toy for quite some time. She will pick it up and carry it all over the house, then lay down and bite the heck out of it and use her back legs to kick the snot out of it. Toys for cats and dogs need to stand up the test of time. It is very important that you check your pets toys often for damage that of course your little darlings have created. I find that the best toys are sewed tightly, and do not have parts that can come off and be swallowed by your pet. So if you have children you certainly know what I'm talking about. Now feathers are really fun for cats, but if you purchase a toy with feathers it is something that you need to play with your cat. Do not let them have it when you are not around. I have a basket of toys for my cats that they can get toys out of and play with. Which they do. I find them scattered all over the house. I do not like to find them in the litter box, which someone has a habit of doing, these just go in the garbage. I find that it is important to clean the toys as well for the safety of my pets. Well that's all for now, we will return later today to finish up some of the Reader's Digest story for you. Happy Cats.

Sorry About That.

Well we had a bit of a computer malfunction on Saturday, so we were unable to let you know how everything was at Miss Kitty's house. She is fine and when I grab my other computer I will upload some pictures of the little darling. Miss Kitty is no longer chewing electrical cords, thank goodness. Well we have some interesting tidbits. It's from the Reader Digest. The article is called "50 Secrets Your Pet Won't Tell You". The article deals with Cats and Dogs. So here goes. This relates to dogs as well as cats. Because animals are creatures of habit, even subtle change in my behavior is a red flag that I might be sick. So if it takes me an hour to eat my food instead of a few minutes, if I appear tired when playing, or I drink way to much water, call the vet and get me there. When you first bring me home (as in a new puppy) please introduce me around so I'm not afraid of strangers. Make sure the people are all sizes, shapes, colors, and wearing hats and shades. While some of us gulp down grass only if we've eaten something that doesn't agree with us and we're trying to regurgitate it, others of us just like to munch on the lawn, just make sure it is pesticide free. Some facts on cats. If I stiffen every time you run your hand down my back, take a hint, I don't like it and it is very stressful to me. This would be Jekyll who hates to have his back stroked, so we avoid it at all cost. This is interesting, a cat is not untrainable. They can learn to sit, come , touch a target with their nose, jump through a hoop, and give you a high five, as fast as or even faster than a dog. There are tutorials on You Tube you can check out to train cats. That's all for tonight, join us tomorrow for more of the Reader Digest article and Miss Kitty photos. Happy Kitties, and very tired Momma cat.

Full Moon, and all Quite on the Western Front.

All is quite here today. Life is peaceful and there has been a full moon the last few days. Now you and I both know this can effect tides, people and animals. So really I have seen the human aspect. I see it at work and yes some people are effected by the full moon, they become positively evil and crabby. As for animals I have one cat who I know it effects. That would be Jinx, she gets all lovey dovey and then gets nuts. She runs through the house and goes over the furniture and counters, over the tops of tables and up on the hutch. Under the bed into the bath tub and around and around. Then stops and starts over again. The rest of the cats have been pretty good. Jezzebel does like to hang out in the window when I am able to open it a bit. She just loves to sniff the air and see what is going on outside. As soon as the yard dries up a bit more she can go outside on her leash. Well not much else to report today, I am off to Miss Kitty's house tomorrow and will report from there. I have some interesting tidbits for you, so till then take care and watch out for werewolves when the moon is full.

Chillin and Rockin It.

Mom, MOM, MOM, mom, what in the bag?

I came home today with catnip, almost didn't make it in the door. Now I put that bag on the counter made a mad dash to the restroom, came back and Jekyll was on top of the bag pawing at it, he's doing his best to get into that bag. Poor thing he's not like Miss Sophia who can get into any bag out there. So I pick the bag up and put the catnip in the cupboard, and tossed the bag on the table, and prepare kitty dinner only to find Jinx is now trying to dig her way into this bag. Mind you the catnip in is the cupboard, and it's only a bag. Wow that must be powerful catnip. I'd better be careful. Considering that the cats are also circling the kitchen like little Indians on the war path. Catnip for some cat's is just the most wonderful thing and other cat's they could just care less. It is actually a free for all here, when mom get's out the catnip or puts fresh litter in the boxes. So I got me some happy happy cats. Chow.

Rescue Me.

This day's blog is a great big Thank You to a fine lady who recently rescued a very lovely smoky gray female kitty. A few months ago this lady came into the retail establishment that I manage and as a coworker and I were discussing my blog (it was slow that morning) she overheard us and inquired about rescue animals. She was thinking really hard about getting herself a kitty. We talked with her as she was making a purchase and told her some of our experiences with our kitties. I gave her my number if she had any questions and told to please call if she wanted to talk. Well a few days ago this lady came back and had pictures to show me of the beautiful smoky gray baby she had adopted. She named her Lovely, and I am going to say this is one fine kitty. And she also showed me the kitty had been fixed, so as not to have any unwanted babies. I thanked her for doing so, and for rescuing a kitty who needed a home. She told me that the cat had rescued her as well. So fine lady if you read this (I gave her the blog site) thank you again for making a lonely animal a part of your life. I wish you well and just give a holler anytime, would like to hear from you. Happy Cats.

Crazy Stuff.

Today is going to be a little different, that's why you will also see A Day in Pictures posted today as well. As you know I'm in retail. I run an establishment that is attached to a restaurant, and that restaurant has bathroom cleaning duties. This includes everything right down to the potty paper. So on many occasions we are told the restroom needs taking care of, mostly it needs potty paper. Well today was one of those days and the comment made by a man was," The restroom needs paper and I ruined a perfectly good pair of underware". Okay first off I certainly didn't need to know that second of all why the heck didn't he check before he sat down. People have no common sense I swear. Another thing when did it become acceptable to wear pajamas in public. Are you like two or something. Okay I'm done ranting. All I can say is I would rather look at my cat's grooming their rear ends than HEAR AND SEE SOME OF THE STUFF HUMANS SAY AND DO. At least with the cats they do all this stuff in the privacy of their own home and it's okay. So humans take a lesson from your cat or dog and leave the nastiness at home, cause no one wants to hear how you ruined your panties, or see your p.js. I'm done know but you get the drift. Happy Cats, Mom needs a nap she is crabby.

A Day in Pictures

The Standoff Part 2.

As it all works out there is usually confrontation on a daily basis at our house. Our house is really a very fine house. That I think are the words to a very hokey song, that I really didn't care for. Any one older will remember it. But yes we live in a very fine house, not spacious or especially beautiful but it's home to myself and the cats. And confrontation. I like that word. Jezzebel walks around all day long in a confrontational mode. Why, she hates cats. I know she's a cat, but she believes she is human. How can I possibly tell her that she is a cat? Phantom loves to walk by her and just stare at her. Confrontation. Jinx could really care less but if the opportunity arises well chase Phantom through the house till she has him, then it's rolling cats. Jekyll would rather just sleep and not be bothered, but then there are those times when he confronts Miss Sophia. Now there was a time when she would just run out of the way and into my son's room under the bed. Not today she will stand her ground and confront evil black cat. I know this goes thru her mind. I can see it in those eyes. Confrontation, walk away from it if possible. If not stand your ground and be the better cat.

The Standoff. Or I'm taking over you see.

In a house full of cats someone is always in the position to try and take over. You see this in a lot of situations, both in the animal kingdom and humans. I won't go into the human aspect of this as I prefer not to talk about how sometimes countries should just get a grip and behave. You all know what I'm talking about. In the animal kingdom someone wants to be the reigning supreme. In my house it is always one cat or another. Well as it goes we have daily standoffs and battles for top cat. Keep in mind I am the top cat only somehow it doesn't always work out that way. I see battles for the best spot, food dishes water dishes and the various litter boxes. This morning bright and early I awake to the sight of one cat sitting in the doorway and one on the other side trying to get into the bedroom. Both staring each other down and neither giving in until I decide it is a good idea to get up before the battle begins. As I get out of bed one decides to make a break for it as the other is distracted by my movements. So goes the start of my day. Check back later for the rest of the story, top cat has to do laundry.

So you think you know your kids, I mean cat.

I thought I knew my kids, now I have cats. Sometimes I still don't know my kids well especially since they are adults. So goes the story, get a cat. I got a cat , I got another cat, I got more cats. Yes I would have more if I had the space and funds to do everything. Like I would still like that cat nanny. Can't afford that one yet, have to pay other bills first. Someday a crazy cat lady going to have her dreams. Actually what I really want is my pointer finger to be all healed so I can type a little faster. So anyway I really don't know my cats especially when all of the sudden Miss Sophia is now hanging with me. She is such a adorable little creature. She puts the mystery right in the cat. One day I am only the hand that feeds her, next thing I am her buddy. I know it really is because she lost Jake the Dog. It is still weird here without the smelly old boy. Cats do grieve. I know to a non cat person that does sound weird, but it is true. After my father passed, you could tell his dog was grieving for him. She followed him every where, and when he was sick would stick to him like glue. It is very sad to see. The best thing to do is figure if your pet wants comfort or space. You know it maybe hard to figure out but you well. So for now I am with Sophia as much as possible and she gets extra pettings and belly rubs. She does like a shoulder massage also. So if you have trouble figuring out your furry baby hey its all right, we all have the same problem. Cats, dogs, children and well everyone else just wants love, respect and friendship. Hey a smile goes along way also. Happy Cat.

Did that cat just sneer at me?

The answer to the title question is a big yes. You have just come home from work your feet ache and all you want to do is take off those darn shoes. So you kick them off wherever you do, the cat comes up and sticks his big old head in the shoes, and looks at you with a sneer. Of course your thinking what the heck your the one who stuck your head in my sweaty sneakers. What the cat is actually doing is called "flehming". Which looks like the cat is sneering, but actually has found a smell of interest and is drawing it into an organ in the roof of it's mouth to smell it more deeply. Now who ever came up with this word must of had a big federal grant to figure this all out. Who knows. All I know is it is really funny to see a cat curl it's upper lip back with top fangs showing and has a bit of a surprised look on it's face as if to say, dang where did you have those feet today. I have personally seen this look when one cat jumps off the bed and another goes to that spot sniff it and curl it's lip back. Of course every time I see this I think the same thing, your the goofball who stuck your nose right there. So the next time a cat is sneering at you know two things, it is smelling something distasteful or interesting, and it is just a big old SNEER. Happy Sneer to you.

There's an App for that.

Everyone has a cell phone now a days. Most of them are high tech. Heck my cell phone does stuff I don't even know how to operate. Mostly some of it I don't even care about. I do like my phone though. And of course there are apps for almost everything you can think of or dream about. So there is an app called "Human to Cat". This app is suppose to translate your words to cat. Now we have talked about how cats only meow for mother to kitten visa versa and for the benefit of humans. Well this app is the funniest thing I have ever heard. It incites riots at my house, cat fights actually. My son had found this app and downloaded to his cell phone and was playing it the other night, woke me right out of a sound sleep cause I thought Jekyll was being attacked by Jezzebel (sounded just like his meow), well the next thing I hear is my son laughing his head off. Of course I have to get up and see what is so tragic it's that funny to him. Cat fights are not funny to moi. That's me in French. Just trying to be dramatic. So here sits four cats, Jinx is still in the bedroom, looking terrified by all the cats meowing. All four of the cats are swatting each other trying to get to the cat that is not there. It was funny to a point. But really some people just have way to much time on their hands. I go back to bed and leave my son to entertain the clan. So "There's an App for that" in case you are interested. Happy Cat.

Mom's taking a nap.

Hi I'm Jezzebel or Her Highness whichever. I prefer Her Highness. Mom is tired, so I thought I would sneak in here and say hello. You know mom comes home from work and the first thing she does is greet each and everyone of us, then she goes and fixes our dinner, checking the water dishes and filling our dry food dishes. Then on to litter box duty. After all of that she then sweeps up the floor around our litter boxes. Then when she is done with that there are other things mom must attend to, like fixing dinner for the humans who live here, maybe doing laundry or straightening the house. She is always busy. I would help her if I had opposable thumbs, but alas I do not. I am pretty good at guarding her from those pesky boy cats though. My, my, my, they are a needy couple of boys, you'd think they were girl cats. Come to think of it. Never mind. Well that's all I have, Jinx say hello. Sophia where are you come say hello. Phantom go away I can do this just find without you. Hisssssssssssss.

Sunshine and cats.

Open the curtains, pull up the blinds and crack the window open, and even Sophia will get out of her favorite place, a shopping bag. Oh how lovely the day was so bright and sunny and warmer. The cats enjoyed every ray of sun that came through the windows. They were just loving all the birds outside the kitchen window. Eyes alert, ears twitching and noses sniffing. They were very happy cats, as was I. Happy Happy Happy. The warmer weather turns my thoughts to getting the cat collars and leashes out so the furry babies can enjoy some fresh weather. I enjoy taking a cup of coffee and a cat out on the deck. Still thinking about a cat patio. I just might draw up those plans this week. When I do I shall post them for you on line. Never know probably work for small dogs as well. My finger is healing nicely, but it is difficult to type. So on that note, I have an early day tomorrow and need my beauty sleep, well sleep anyway, and Miss Sophia has chosen to join me this evening. She is such a precious girl, and I think finally settling down a bit after losing Jake the Dog. Happy Cat.

Fantastic Cats.

Well I'm back from Miss Kitty's house. And I see Jinx let you know I went away. Now I must tell you while working on a project at Miss Kitty's I cut my finger and it was kind of bad. So I am typing a little slow as I cut my left pointer finger. You never know how important something is until you cannot use it. Anyway on to other things. I have some interesting tidbits for you today. Hope you enjoy them as I did finding them.Your cat is a descendant of the Felis silvestris species, which is divided into the African wildcat, European wildcat and Steppe wildcat. Now if you want more info on those types of cats, just Google it. The smallest of the descendants is the rusty-spotted cat found in Sri Lanka. The largest is the tiger, and of course the king of all cats is the lion. A cat will almost never meow at another cat. The meow is basically used for kittens and mother cats to talk to each other or the cat to it's human counterpart, or care taker. Like me, I get meowed at a lot, I mean sometimes I just want ear plugs. Some days, its meow, meow, meow all day long. Like I really know what they want, oh wait I do, I'm the crazy cat lady, or as I like to think head cat. People who own cats live longer, and have less stress, lower blood pressure and fewer heart attacks. Seriously pet a cat and just snuggle up with one after a hard day at work or school. Listen to the purr and let it sweep you away for a few minutes. When a cat winks at you it means it trusts you and loves you. Wink back and you'll see it wink back in response. Well I hope you enjoy this little lesson in cat. Happy Cat, Happy Momma Cat.

Mom went out of town.

Well mom went out of town again, but I just wanted to tell you that we had a fabulous Friday. The weather wasn't good but we were safe and sound in the house. The big man who lives here kept us company and we drove him crazy as per mom's orders. So she will be back later to fill you in on all of the adventures. Jinx signing off, Sophia I'm typing, stop get away from me Phantom no it's my turn. Hiss.

Lions, Tigers and Bears oh MY.

Things that go bump in the night, are of course all the things in the title and things that live in my house. Try sleeping with a grandchild who is a night owl, especially when I go to bed very early and he stays up later. Of course there are 5 cats who run through the house chasing each other and flinging fake mice across the kitchen floor. Jumping on the bed meowing in my ear and pawing my face. I think maybe I might be better off with Lions, Tigers and Bears. Well providing they are in cages. Some days I think cages maybe a good idea. Not really, but I have moments when I want to lock myself in a room away from my little lions. Cats as animals in the wild still have some of their natural instincts. They still want to protect their own, and are territorial. They also have the abilities to spot things even our eyes do not see. I can't count how many times I will see a cat looking at the wall or in a corner and not have a clue what they are looking at only to find on real close inspection it is either a very small bug or spider. But I do have to look very close. Cats can spot fast flying birds and wasps, all things we may not spot. I have a tree outside one of my windows and I swear I don't see the birds, but the cats do. So my little Tigers still have some wild in them, I just hope they will not become lumbering Bears. Happy Cats.

Whats in a name.

When you name a child, you always try and think of something that is special to you, but then again I have heard some very strange children's names. The same goes for our pets. Now when I brought Jezzebel home I wanted something unusual. An for the life of me I really don't remember why she got the name. When Jinx came home my son named her. He thought I was jinxed because I brought another cat home, or some such thing. Now when Sophia came to live here I wanted to try and go with another J name. It didn't work as none of the names I looked up seem to fit and I really didn't like them. Juno was suggested but she just didn't seem to be a Juno. My other favorite was Isis, but that also didn't seem to work. So as it was she remained nameless for a few weeks until I finally decided she was Sophia, like the lady from the show Golden Girls. And as on the Golden Girls she was always getting into some thing or another. She is always into something. I had given her, her own little litter box, and it was brand new and I put the litter into it, well the first thing Sophia did was jump into it and start playing with it. Scattered that cat litter everywhere. What fun. Naming a pet can either be fun or frustrating . There are lots of places on the internet to find names. You can either type in cat names, or even check out children names. Some people do use human names. Now if of course you have pure breed pets, you go with long complicated names. Lets see how about Jezzebel Her Highness The fifth. I of course have no use for such nonsense. Just give me a plain ole cat and it doesn't even have to be a special breed. Hope you enjoy your day we certainly are. Happy Cat.

April Fool's Day

Okay I know I am a day late for April Fool's, but sometimes it just works that way at my house. Today I am going to talk about things that are not a joke concerning your furry babies, or darn cat anyway. Safety is always a concern at my house. My biggest problem is Her Highness always wanting to escape when the front door is open. Try bring in groceries at my house. I have to maneuver in such a way my rear goes in the house first so that I can see if a cat has managed to go out the door. Okay not today. Paperclips or rubber bands are of great interest to cats. Rubber bands are especially tasty for some reason, but are very deadly to cats. I have one cat who finds crinkly paper to be of great interest. He can find it in the oddest places, and the smallest pieces. When I catch him with it he runs for the hills. That crinkly paper may be fun to him, but also can be a great source of problems. Think large vet bills. Electrical cords are some fun as well, think dead cat. If possible purchase a product at the pet store that repels them. Vinegar is also good, as they do not like the taste or smell. Spray along the cord after you have unplugged it, let dry and hope for the best. Another idea I had was save toilet paper rolls and put the cords inside of those to hide them. The cords not the cats. Keep the toilet lid closed, hear that guys. Cats do like water, and toilets have what cats think is a fresh supply. Think drowned cat, not such a good idea, or a very wet cat running through your house like a maniac. Mini blind cords, oh how much fun those are, but your cat can get tangled and strangled. So just like child proofing your home you need to cat proof it as well, so that is all for April not so Foolish. Safe and Happy Cat.