Porter barges in the bedroom this morning demanding to be pet.
"Meh" Porter says.
"What's that?" I ask.
"MEH!" again, louder. This time he slowly stomps his heavy feet up towards where Mark and I are laying with Charlie. Charlie gets out of the way and curls up near our pillows.
"Meh."
Charlie just blinks. He thinks Porter is so petty when he acts this way.
Porter finally gets his magic petting from Mark. I don't know what it is about the way Mark does it, but Porter knows who to go to when he wants attention. Mark stops petting for a moment and waits for it...
"Meh?" Porter asks.
Mark and I laugh and he continues to pet the fat kitty boy. He pauses again and pats kitty on the leg as you would a dog's backside as a show of affection. Porter doesn't like this.
"MEH!" Porter warns.
We laugh again. This is too easy. Porter tilts his head to the side when he wants his ears scratched. He then shakes his head to let you know that is enough. He walks up so he is standing on Mark's chest, heavy paws and all.
"meh" he begins to purr as he settles in to lay down with us.
These cats know just how to make me smile.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
cat nap
While I sit here at the computer checking my emails and facebook and reading blogs... Charlie likes to join me and take one of his many naps for the day.
Today I caught some cute pictures from my camera phone of his sleeping positions:
I kinda woke him up a bit and he startled and then slowly drifted back to sleeeeeep....
yes, he really sleeps like this.
and like this...
and...
seems that he takes after me and my bed-hogging sleeping style :)
Today I caught some cute pictures from my camera phone of his sleeping positions:
I kinda woke him up a bit and he startled and then slowly drifted back to sleeeeeep....
yes, he really sleeps like this.
and like this...
and...
seems that he takes after me and my bed-hogging sleeping style :)
Friday, July 29, 2011
fat cats
Got back from the vet yesterday and he had the nerve to tell me Charlie was obese. I think that is a stretch. I know he has a little pouch, but he isn't OBESE. Anyway, he was 14.2LBS and apparently needs to lose 2lbs to not be obese anymore. Porter is a steady 12lbs in the past 2 years. I have been wanting to switch them to a canned food/raw meat diet anyway, and this is a good enough reason for me.
There is a ton of information on cat food out there that is completely bogus. Like- feed your cat dry kibble to keep their teeth clean. OK. With the same logic I should eat Cheerios everyday so I will not need a trip to the dentist?! It doesn't work that way. Also, cats don't eat and don't want carbohydrates in their natural environment- undomesticated cats want MEAT! Not rice flour, cranberries, carrots, whole grains... that is people food. They want muscles and bones and organs. All the good stuff.
People get grossed out by the thought of a meat diet so it is much cheaper and easier to feed kibble. Heck, I have been doing it for 4 years now for that same reason ($). But dry kibble is nothing but junk food. It is like eating fast food everyday- it leads to obesity, (expensive) health problems, and a poor quality of life in general.
These cats don't get treats, and we feed them the measured amount on the dry kibble bag. Yet, they are still overweight? There has to be a link there to the quality of their food. I am convinced of it now. I had my wake-up call finally.
I think we will start with a canned food- a good one with meat as the first ingredient and no wheat products listed anywhere in the first 5 ingredients. Don't get all your feathers ruffled up by the negative "meat by-product" campaign so many dry food companies have been doing. Most of the time that means chicken beaks and cartilage.. you know... the stuff cats would eat when they are out there hunting mice, and birds, and rabbits. It isn't people food that cats need, we need to stop treating it that way.
Eventually I want them on Feline's Pride food... but it will take some convincing for Mark that it is worth the price.
OK, kitty boys... time to whip you into shape!
There is a ton of information on cat food out there that is completely bogus. Like- feed your cat dry kibble to keep their teeth clean. OK. With the same logic I should eat Cheerios everyday so I will not need a trip to the dentist?! It doesn't work that way. Also, cats don't eat and don't want carbohydrates in their natural environment- undomesticated cats want MEAT! Not rice flour, cranberries, carrots, whole grains... that is people food. They want muscles and bones and organs. All the good stuff.
People get grossed out by the thought of a meat diet so it is much cheaper and easier to feed kibble. Heck, I have been doing it for 4 years now for that same reason ($). But dry kibble is nothing but junk food. It is like eating fast food everyday- it leads to obesity, (expensive) health problems, and a poor quality of life in general.
These cats don't get treats, and we feed them the measured amount on the dry kibble bag. Yet, they are still overweight? There has to be a link there to the quality of their food. I am convinced of it now. I had my wake-up call finally.
I think we will start with a canned food- a good one with meat as the first ingredient and no wheat products listed anywhere in the first 5 ingredients. Don't get all your feathers ruffled up by the negative "meat by-product" campaign so many dry food companies have been doing. Most of the time that means chicken beaks and cartilage.. you know... the stuff cats would eat when they are out there hunting mice, and birds, and rabbits. It isn't people food that cats need, we need to stop treating it that way.
Eventually I want them on Feline's Pride food... but it will take some convincing for Mark that it is worth the price.
OK, kitty boys... time to whip you into shape!
Friday, July 15, 2011
brotherly love
The boys are getting along much better these days. 
Porter definately loves to perch. I have a little kithchen cart sitting in my front window right now. I feel kinda bad to take away his "spot" 
Charlie loves to be up on the kitchen counters- much to Mark's dislike. He just wants to be near us all the time. 
Porter definately loves to perch. I have a little kithchen cart sitting in my front window right now. I feel kinda bad to take away his "spot" 
Charlie loves to be up on the kitchen counters- much to Mark's dislike. He just wants to be near us all the time. 
Thursday, July 7, 2011
funny for the day
So, this is not new, but a friend reminded me of this today- a (fake, I am assuming) exchange of emails between friends about a missing cat. It had me in tears from laughing so hard. It is long but well worth the read. You have to pay attention to the pictures and words on the posters, too:
Missing Missy
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me? I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.
This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone... possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out "Shannon, where are you?"
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster
yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Once, having been invited to a party, I went clothes shopping beforehand and bought a pair of expensive G-Star boots. They were two sizes too small but I wanted them so badly I figured I could just wear them without socks and cut my toenails very short. As the party was only a few blocks from my place, I decided to walk. After the first block, I lost all feeling in my feet. Arriving at the party, I stumbled into a guy named Steven, spilling Malibu & coke onto his white Wham 'Choose Life' t-shirt, and he punched me. An hour or so after the incident, Steven sat down in a chair already occupied by a cat. The surprised cat clawed and snarled causing Steven to leap out of the chair, slip on a rug and strike his forehead onto the corner of a speaker; resulting in a two inch open gash. In its shock, the cat also defecated, leaving Steven with a wet brown stain down the back of his beige cargo pants. I liked that cat.
Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I am willing to overlook this faux pas due to you no doubt being preoccupied with thoughts of Missy attempting to make her way home across busy intersections or being trapped in a drain as it slowly fills with water. I spent three days down a well once but that was just for fun.
I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say lost.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww
Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it. If I wanted to feed something and clean faeces, I wouldn't have put my mother in that home after her stroke. A week later, when my friend came to collect his cat, I pretended that I was not home and mailed the box to him. Apparently I failed to put enough stamps on the package and he had to collect it from the post office and pay eighteen dollars. He still goes on about that sometimes, people need to learn to let go.
I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww
Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww
I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
I knew someone who had a basset hound that had its hind legs removed after an accident and it had to walk around with one of those little buggies with wheels. If it had been my dog I would have asked for all its legs to be removed and replaced with wheels and had a remote control installed. I could charge neighbourhood kids for rides and enter it in races. If I did the same with a horse I could drive it to work. I would call it Steven.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Please just use the photo I gave you.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Fine. That will have to do.
Missing Missy
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me? I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.
This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone... possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out "Shannon, where are you?"
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster
yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Once, having been invited to a party, I went clothes shopping beforehand and bought a pair of expensive G-Star boots. They were two sizes too small but I wanted them so badly I figured I could just wear them without socks and cut my toenails very short. As the party was only a few blocks from my place, I decided to walk. After the first block, I lost all feeling in my feet. Arriving at the party, I stumbled into a guy named Steven, spilling Malibu & coke onto his white Wham 'Choose Life' t-shirt, and he punched me. An hour or so after the incident, Steven sat down in a chair already occupied by a cat. The surprised cat clawed and snarled causing Steven to leap out of the chair, slip on a rug and strike his forehead onto the corner of a speaker; resulting in a two inch open gash. In its shock, the cat also defecated, leaving Steven with a wet brown stain down the back of his beige cargo pants. I liked that cat.
Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I am willing to overlook this faux pas due to you no doubt being preoccupied with thoughts of Missy attempting to make her way home across busy intersections or being trapped in a drain as it slowly fills with water. I spent three days down a well once but that was just for fun.
I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say lost.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww
Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter, I kept the cat in a closed cardboard box in the shed and forgot about it. If I wanted to feed something and clean faeces, I wouldn't have put my mother in that home after her stroke. A week later, when my friend came to collect his cat, I pretended that I was not home and mailed the box to him. Apparently I failed to put enough stamps on the package and he had to collect it from the post office and pay eighteen dollars. He still goes on about that sometimes, people need to learn to let go.
I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww
Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww
I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
I knew someone who had a basset hound that had its hind legs removed after an accident and it had to walk around with one of those little buggies with wheels. If it had been my dog I would have asked for all its legs to be removed and replaced with wheels and had a remote control installed. I could charge neighbourhood kids for rides and enter it in races. If I did the same with a horse I could drive it to work. I would call it Steven.
Regards, David.
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Please just use the photo I gave you.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.
--
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
--
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Fine. That will have to do.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cat Fight
So, from my last post, I was able to get a video of the two going at it... it is a battle between two rivals... Porter the long standing champion is taken on by new-comer Charlie. This is a battle for title of Alpha Male.... let the games begin!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Alpha Male
And the struggle continues...
As Charlie gets bigger, he and Porter have been dealing with a power struggle. It is hard to sit back some days and watch. I want to defend Porter, my first kitty-love, but I know I shouldn't. Cats have to settle the domestic hierarchy themselves, and it will only add to their frustrations if I intervene.
Porter will be on the curio cabinet, where there is really only room for one lazy cat to nap. Charlie will jump up and it ends with one of them relenting and being forced down, thus the remaining cat is victorious! Lately Charlie has been the winner. He will jump at Porter and bite his tail, and force him to sit still while Charlie grooms him (a sign of dominance).
Oh, boys will be boys, right? It is like the childhood game of "king-of-the-castle" in my house.
The upside to all of this is that Porter looks for more affection to soothe his wounded ego. My poor guy... he needs a vacation away from the little (well, not so little anymore) monster.
As Charlie gets bigger, he and Porter have been dealing with a power struggle. It is hard to sit back some days and watch. I want to defend Porter, my first kitty-love, but I know I shouldn't. Cats have to settle the domestic hierarchy themselves, and it will only add to their frustrations if I intervene.
Porter will be on the curio cabinet, where there is really only room for one lazy cat to nap. Charlie will jump up and it ends with one of them relenting and being forced down, thus the remaining cat is victorious! Lately Charlie has been the winner. He will jump at Porter and bite his tail, and force him to sit still while Charlie grooms him (a sign of dominance).
Oh, boys will be boys, right? It is like the childhood game of "king-of-the-castle" in my house.
The upside to all of this is that Porter looks for more affection to soothe his wounded ego. My poor guy... he needs a vacation away from the little (well, not so little anymore) monster.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
rainy days
ohmygosh! Wish I could have snapped a picture of Charlie taking a nap the other day. He falls asleep in the funniest positions. This time, though, his little pink tongue was sticking out between his teeth and when he woke up, he popped his head up and looked right at me with his tongue still sticking out. Too much :) And my poor Porter... it has been thundering and lightning the last 24 hours or more and he really is so scared of it all. He was so happy that I came home and wanted me to let him in the bedroom so he could go to his "safe place"... behind the washing machine :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Independence Day
March 23rd, 2011... Independence day (for my cats).
They have been cooped up in our bedroom ever since Friday morning. I set up their scratch posts, toys, food and water, and the (new!) litter box in our bathroom. I raised the blinds on the windows so they had plenty to look at during their incarceration.
Friday after work I came home to greet two confused cats. Why were they left in the room all day and what is that super scary noise out there?
See, we have been doing some work on the house and with everything going on it hasn't been safe for the cats out in the living areas of the house. There was wood floors being scraped, concrete being grinded and strange people in and out. Porter is really sensitive to changes so I made sure to give him Lysine powder in his food to keep any sickness at bay while he is so stressed. I guess when cats get stressed it suppresses their immune system and then they are very susceptible to an upper respiratory viral infection. We almost lost Porter last summer when he became gravely ill during the whole introduction of baby Charlie.
Monday and Tuesday nights the boys had to spend the night alone in the bedroom without us there. When we came home in the mornings to check on them they wanted so badly to get out of that room. I felt so bad having them trapped, but it was for their own safety.
This morning I checked and the floors were done and dry and they were finally able to be set free! The boys very cautiously walked out into the living room and sniffed around. They kept looking at me as if to be sure they were really allowed to be out there.
I have some pictures of them modeling on the news floors, and will post them when I get a chance.
They have been cooped up in our bedroom ever since Friday morning. I set up their scratch posts, toys, food and water, and the (new!) litter box in our bathroom. I raised the blinds on the windows so they had plenty to look at during their incarceration.
Friday after work I came home to greet two confused cats. Why were they left in the room all day and what is that super scary noise out there?
See, we have been doing some work on the house and with everything going on it hasn't been safe for the cats out in the living areas of the house. There was wood floors being scraped, concrete being grinded and strange people in and out. Porter is really sensitive to changes so I made sure to give him Lysine powder in his food to keep any sickness at bay while he is so stressed. I guess when cats get stressed it suppresses their immune system and then they are very susceptible to an upper respiratory viral infection. We almost lost Porter last summer when he became gravely ill during the whole introduction of baby Charlie.
Monday and Tuesday nights the boys had to spend the night alone in the bedroom without us there. When we came home in the mornings to check on them they wanted so badly to get out of that room. I felt so bad having them trapped, but it was for their own safety.
This morning I checked and the floors were done and dry and they were finally able to be set free! The boys very cautiously walked out into the living room and sniffed around. They kept looking at me as if to be sure they were really allowed to be out there.
I have some pictures of them modeling on the news floors, and will post them when I get a chance.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
it works!
So, this has to be a quickie post, but I wanted to share the new box I made was a success! Much less litter and by much less I can't be accurate but I would say 80-90% less mess! Woo hoo :)
positive association... food! (minus litter, or course)
slow 4 day transition from living room to bathroom then into tub and then added litter
I won't be showing any pictures of the cats using the box (you are welcome) but I wanted to share in case anyone was tired of the mess like I was, this really works, was really cheap, and was easy! What more could you ask for?!
slow 4 day transition from living room to bathroom then into tub and then added litter
I won't be showing any pictures of the cats using the box (you are welcome) but I wanted to share in case anyone was tired of the mess like I was, this really works, was really cheap, and was easy! What more could you ask for?!Tuesday, March 15, 2011
cheap fix
I am so excited right now! What is all the fuss about? A litter box. No, seriously... a litter box!
So, let's get personal... here is one of my bathrooms. It is the designated "cat bathroom"
So, let's get personal... here is one of my bathrooms. It is the designated "cat bathroom"
can you see the litter box? 
No, but you can see the copious amount of litter we keep around! Litter is a big deal with cats. I won't lie- it can be a pain. It is not pleasant to deal with and it gets everywhere. I have a long rug down on the tile floor to help trap the litter before they reach the hallway. Where is the box?
Behind the curtain in the bathtub! And, yes, they still get litter everywhere. Just like little boys sometimes they miss their target and they can be a mess. I have been doing everything I could to keep it clean.
So today I came up with a brilliant idea for a new litter box. And then I came up with a cheap fix that I could actually implement now. To my credit I came up with the second idea and sketched it out and while searching the internet found it already exists... but it ain't cheap!
Their box is about $35!!!
My box was $5.99 from Target (18 gallon plastic tote with high sides) and I am going to cut a hole in the top, although larger than the small round one they have. I thought about the traction benefit they have built into their lid, but if I can get the cats to really use the box there is all sorts of solutions to that! 
So.... I am going to go cut a hole in the lid tonight and just have it in the living room to see how they interact with the box.... if they jump inside then I will slowly transition them into this box. I really hope this works because I will feel like such a genius :)
and for your viewing pleasure... a few more of the boys ;)
The boys were very curious as to what I was doing to their litter area (taking pictures)... they had to inspect
Porter scratching and stretching
Charlie refusing to pose for a picture
I will be sure to update on the success of the box!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
oh, can't resist the kitty
I know, I know... two posts in a day!
But, I cannot resist sharing the cute cat stuff I found:
Kitty Wallet
Cat Scratch Post (cats attack!)
Cat Teepee (every cat wants one of these!)
Ok... I will stop now :)
But, I cannot resist sharing the cute cat stuff I found:
Kitty Wallet
Cat Tape Dispenser
Tooth Paste Dispenser
Cat Scratch Post (cats attack!)
Cat Teepee (every cat wants one of these!)
Ok... I will stop now :)
eco friendly alarm clock
Have you ever had the power go out in the middle of the night only to find out you slept late because your alarm did not go off? Do you hate the harsh beeping noises your alarm makes and would prefer a more gradual wake up experience? Look no further than your nearest pet shelter!!
A cat is a great alarm clock. They start around 7am by sitting next to you and purring softly. They may progress to pawing at your hair/face. This is followed by walking across your body, including all the sensitive parts, which is almost guaranteed to wake you up! If this doesn't work, around 8am they go all out by lightly nipping your nose and meowing in your ear. If you risk a peep by slightly opening your eyes you see they are sitting right next to your head and are looking for any signs of life. If they see you peeking but you still will not get up, the last phase is a running head start as they pounce on your stomach.
"Good Morning, Mommy! Feed us!"
Mark never allows this when he is home. We sleep with the bedroom door closed. But, when it is just me I cannot resist letting the little foot warmers in the room with me. They really do help me get up on time for work :)
A cat is a great alarm clock. They start around 7am by sitting next to you and purring softly. They may progress to pawing at your hair/face. This is followed by walking across your body, including all the sensitive parts, which is almost guaranteed to wake you up! If this doesn't work, around 8am they go all out by lightly nipping your nose and meowing in your ear. If you risk a peep by slightly opening your eyes you see they are sitting right next to your head and are looking for any signs of life. If they see you peeking but you still will not get up, the last phase is a running head start as they pounce on your stomach.
"Good Morning, Mommy! Feed us!"
Mark never allows this when he is home. We sleep with the bedroom door closed. But, when it is just me I cannot resist letting the little foot warmers in the room with me. They really do help me get up on time for work :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
human food is loved by all
It is awesome being a human! We all joke about how great it would be to be a dog or cat and lay around all day while someone bathes you, feeds you, pets you, and basically adores you- but really, most of us would have it hard when it came to dinner time. Canned meat in a gravy sauce that smells like trash... um no thanks!
Think about how many animals love human food- fish will eat everything from cheese whiz squeezed from a can to a granola bar (I have personally witnessed this). Bears will kill somebody for a pack of hot dogs, and a mouse will put their lives on the line for a smear of peanut butter.
We get to eat whatever we want, and also a wide variety of foods. My poor cats get the same dry food for lunch and canned meat for dinner every night. No wonder they are always trying to sneak a way to get some of our food.
For Porter, dairy is his weakness. If I am eating yogurt, ice cream, or a bowl of cereal he will sit really close to me pretending to not be paying attention to my food. He will sit facing away from me and every now and then turn his head around to check my progress. When I am finished he and I have an agreement I will put the bowl on the floor and he can clean the dish for me. Cats are not supposed to have cow's milk so I do not do this frequently, but as a small treat for him every now and then.
Charlie is a hard-core carnivore. If I get the chicken out he is whimpering and asking me for a bite. The first few weeks we had him he nearly fought Mark for his plate of chicken. He soon learned he was not getting any chicken from us, so he relaxed. We eat canned tuna in water, so when we drain the water from the can we put it in a bowl and both cats love this tuna-flavored treat. If they see a can or hear the can opener they run to their food bowls waiting for it.
One of the funniest things I have seen with Charlie is he got a hold of some broccoli. You would have thought it was his favorite thing. He was flipping it up in the air, pawing it around, and then eating some of it. He really enjoyed that. Today I was cleaning some parsley and when I dropped some on the floor, he was all over it. Again he was playing with it and that made Porter curious/jealous so he had to come and try some. Neither of them really ate it, they just shred parsley all over the floor.
Think about how many animals love human food- fish will eat everything from cheese whiz squeezed from a can to a granola bar (I have personally witnessed this). Bears will kill somebody for a pack of hot dogs, and a mouse will put their lives on the line for a smear of peanut butter.
We get to eat whatever we want, and also a wide variety of foods. My poor cats get the same dry food for lunch and canned meat for dinner every night. No wonder they are always trying to sneak a way to get some of our food.
For Porter, dairy is his weakness. If I am eating yogurt, ice cream, or a bowl of cereal he will sit really close to me pretending to not be paying attention to my food. He will sit facing away from me and every now and then turn his head around to check my progress. When I am finished he and I have an agreement I will put the bowl on the floor and he can clean the dish for me. Cats are not supposed to have cow's milk so I do not do this frequently, but as a small treat for him every now and then.
Charlie is a hard-core carnivore. If I get the chicken out he is whimpering and asking me for a bite. The first few weeks we had him he nearly fought Mark for his plate of chicken. He soon learned he was not getting any chicken from us, so he relaxed. We eat canned tuna in water, so when we drain the water from the can we put it in a bowl and both cats love this tuna-flavored treat. If they see a can or hear the can opener they run to their food bowls waiting for it.
One of the funniest things I have seen with Charlie is he got a hold of some broccoli. You would have thought it was his favorite thing. He was flipping it up in the air, pawing it around, and then eating some of it. He really enjoyed that. Today I was cleaning some parsley and when I dropped some on the floor, he was all over it. Again he was playing with it and that made Porter curious/jealous so he had to come and try some. Neither of them really ate it, they just shred parsley all over the floor.
Porter helping me blog
Thursday, January 13, 2011
a look back...
Mark and I were laying around trying to take that last 5 or 10 minutes to relax before getting started with the day. Porter and Charlie made certain that was not going to happen. We could not be mad long because they always make us laugh and smile (well, not ALWAYS). I cannot belive it has only been 6 months since we brought Charlie home. What a difference it has made for his life, Porter's and ours :)
This video really breaks my heart to see this
little guy in a cage so sick and just in shock. This was the day I first laid eyes
on Charlie, then known as "Prince"
Now to see him you would not think it was possible they are the same cat!
and Porter wants to say "hi", too
(ok, no he doesn't but I made him)
For any annoying thing they may do there are a dozen things they do to make up for it. I really encourage people to adopt a cat from the SPCA. There are so many personalities there you can find the perfect pet for your family! If you want a lap cat to hang out with you on the couch and keep your feet warm, or if you want a kitten to keep you entertained and on your toes... or if you just want to be a hero for a little guy who is sick and lonely being stuck in a cage 27/7 you can!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
turns out cats don't like company....
Hello 2011
We had a wonderful Christmas with my mom and dad visiting us from Kansas. We had a great time... the cats however were a bit flustered. They were slinking around the perimeter of the room and sniffing everything that crossed their path. You could really see they were trying to figure out who were these people in THEIR home and where are the treats they should be feeding us?!? They sure did not mind the extra scratches and head rubs that were recieved.
So, I do not always have something to say about my cats... I lie. I am always talking about my cats to anyone who will listen to me! But, blogging about them is only fun when there is something silly to talk about- otherwise it is just 24/7 crazy cat lady. If you find yourself curious about what I have to say when I am not talking about my cats, you can check out my other blog HERE
So, until next time...
We had a wonderful Christmas with my mom and dad visiting us from Kansas. We had a great time... the cats however were a bit flustered. They were slinking around the perimeter of the room and sniffing everything that crossed their path. You could really see they were trying to figure out who were these people in THEIR home and where are the treats they should be feeding us?!? They sure did not mind the extra scratches and head rubs that were recieved.
So, I do not always have something to say about my cats... I lie. I am always talking about my cats to anyone who will listen to me! But, blogging about them is only fun when there is something silly to talk about- otherwise it is just 24/7 crazy cat lady. If you find yourself curious about what I have to say when I am not talking about my cats, you can check out my other blog HERE
So, until next time...
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