Cat's Cats

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

Well today is the big day for kitties all over the world who are in love. At our house three lucky mancats are teleporting over to spend Valentines with their lovely ladycats....

Casper and his tsarina Artemesia

Ben and his sweet Clementine

Archie and his beautiful Tiri

Jimmy and Kip are still too young to have ladycat friends so they will have to settle to for mum snuggles and being my Valentine :-)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!!

Mancat Menswear Monday

2012-02-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

So if Casper has pantaloons

and Ben has chaps

is Archie wearing skinny jeans?

Happy Gotcha Day Casper and Archie

2012-02-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

Holy cow mum is in trouble...its our Gotcha day and she forgot to prepare a post!!! If it wasn't for wonderful KC and ML diligently posting birthdays and gotchas on the CB she would not have remembered....

Casper was Gotcha'd on February 9, 2008, he was nine months old...I fell in love with his blue eyes the moment I saw him!

Other than his tail he hadn't developed any of his floofs yet and we thought he was a shorthair

Then after he turned a year old he really filled out becoming the beautiful boy you know today :-)

Two years later to the day, we gotcha'd Archie, he was about six months old and super skinny

He was fearless from the get-go!

and grew into a robust and handsome mancat!!!

Happy Gotcha Day boys, I am truly blessed that you came into my life :-)
~love mum

Wacky Wednesday

2012-02-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

No this isn't the world's largest cat bed...this is Rio's dog bed, it is in our sunroom by the back door. I may have mentioned before that we come and go mostly through the back door.

When we returned from our walk the other day Kip was here in Rio's bed waiting for a cuddle....not a cuddle from ME mind you, but a cuddle from Rio. They are great pals :-)

Toesies Tuesday

2012-02-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

Hi kids, Archie here, today at the Tabby Cat Club it is Toesie Tuesday, please pop over and see all my tabby friends.

I thought I'd start out with a tummy appetizer...

before heading to the main course

Bon appetite!!!

Formerly Feral Friday

2012-02-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens, I've been in my new home for three months now

Mum was worried that I might still have residual stress from the thirteen hour car...

Or having four new brothers and a woofie sister

I told her I'm good :-)

Tuxie Tuesday

2012-01-31T00:07:00.000-08:00

Mum tells us over and over again not to go on the counters

So I wasn't on the counter

Frankly I'm confused why she was still cross

When I was clearly following instructions...sheesh!

***Note from mum: Our stove does not have pilot lights, the jets only ignite when you turn the knobs on so there is no possibility of Ben getting singed. I just don't want him to be in the habit of hanging out on the top in case one day he jumped up and the burner was was still hot from cooking.

Mancat Monday x5

2012-01-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not thrilled about posting this picture because the room is so untidy; the bed isn't made and my dressing gown is in a heap on the bench (with Ben on it)

But I think it is just so sweet when all the boys hang out together that I had to share :-)

Funny Friday

2012-01-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

We have such a tiny house that there is essentially no front hall. Once you come inside from the porch you spill directly into the living room. This of course makes me nuts and our next house MUST have a front hall, but I digress…

Excuse me but I think I was here first

The non-front hall is not an issue in the summer but winter in Canada is another story. Robert and I come and go out the back door where we have a sunroom/mudroom with a wardrobe for coats and a runner for dirty boots, but when guests come over they use the front and I take their coats upstairs.

I'm in heaven!

This Christmas we bought a small mat for the front door so people could wipe their wet or snowy shoes and I figured after the winter is over we would probably just chuck it…how was I to know the cats would LOVE this silly little mat!

You can't ignore me forever Jimmy

It's the funniest thing, they take turns on the mat, covet time on the mat and wrestle each other off the mat. What is the appeal? It is an unattractive, cheap, rubber-backed mat from the Costco and you would think it was heated cashmere the way they fuss over it.

Get lost Ben it's my turn!

The other day I actually saw Jimmy on the mat squirming around on his back (in ecstasy?) with all fours in the air! I just don’t get it... do you?

Whiskerless Wednesday

2012-01-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

When Kip first came to us he had this one wacky white whisker. The odd thing about this whisker other than being white...it was about three times longer than his black whiskers (which are tiny) and it stuck straight out!

weird whisker

Then the other day I noticed his white whisker was gone. I asked him what happened to it, but he wasn't telling

I've got a secret

Monday Mancat Love

2012-01-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

Friday Freckles

2012-01-20T00:04:00.000-08:00

I know we've talked about it before, but I thought it was worth revisiting again...

It's my nose freckles

Here's a slightly different view

and from the other side

Mum says they're subtle and adorable :-)

Do you like them too Tiri?

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:07:00.000-08:00

Tuxie Tuesday

2012-01-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

Hi there kids, I have a little story to tell you. Yesterday I threw up on my brother Kip...

I was sitting on mum's new demi-lune table, you can see it a little in the background just over my shoulder, and suddenly I was overcome with a nasty furball. Well I didn't have time to jump down I just vomited where I was. Half of it landed on the table and if that wasn't bad enough, the other half landed on Kip who had walked over to see what all the noise was about and was standing on the floor underneath me.

Believe me when I tell you guys it was completely accidental like. When one is in the throes of a devil furball there is no time to yell at your younger brother to get out of the way. Mum was walking into the bedroom when all this happened and was just in time to see Kip get splatted on the top of his head and back of the ear. He didn't even flinch or run off, he just stood there, mum thinks maybe he didn't realize what happened.

She picked Kipper up and rushed down the hall to the bathroom, grabbed some toilet paper to wipe off the vomit then washed his head with warm water. He is such an easygoing fellow he just sat on the bathroom counter while mum fixed him up, then he gave his head a shake and followed mum back into the bedroom. Mum had paper towels to clean up the little mess and they both wanted to check and see if I was okay.

I was totally fine, it always feels good to get rid of one of those things. The best part though was that Kip wasn't mad or anything. Frankly, I don't know if I would have been so relaxed if someone barfed on ME!!! I'm glad I have such a great brother :-)

Mancat Monday + Green Mousie

2012-01-15T21:25:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens, Kip here. Did you know that I am nine months old now...

mum says please don't look at the unfolded laundry behind me

hmmmm, I was wondering...

but I'm not sure.....

maybe I better ask my friends....

what say you???

I think that almost mancats can still play with their mousies, don't you?

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that I have my very own real-life good luck cat!!!

Doesn't Casper look like Maneki Neko? Those are the Japanese ceramic sculptures of a beckoning or waving cat that one often sees in the entrance to shops and businesses...the higher the paw, it is believed, the greater the luck :-)

Maneki Neko; right or left paw can be raised

Tuxie Tuesday

2012-01-10T00:04:00.000-08:00

I remember being told in school that Picasso could draw a perfect circle...

I think Ben's circle is the most perfect of all :-)

Friends on Friday

2012-01-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

All five boys...

They sleep in tidy rows don't they?

Sometimes bunched together :-)

a HORRIBLE experience

2012-01-04T00:09:00.000-08:00

Cats and kittens, you will not believe what happened yesterday, I almost lost Kip and Ben!

At 3:00 I had an appointment at our vet for Kip. He has been having some ongoing trouble with diarrhea and I was taking him in for a recheck. I took Ben also because he's been looking a little thin lately and I wanted to have him weighed. It was the coldest day of the year so far, so I packed them into the big carrier (which has held three cats in the past) and covered it with a blanket to keep the wind off them while walking to and from the car.

the carrier in question

The vet visit went fine, Ben’s weight is okay and Kip has a probiotic and some new food which will hopefully help him “firm up”. Our vet is on a busy main street, but I usually park on a residential side street then walk around the corner to the clinic. On the way back to the car the carrier broke!!!! It just fell open!!! I was left holding the handle as the bottom fell onto the ground!!! I placed the top half of the carrier back on the bottom, thankfully Ben stayed in the broken carrier sort of cowering at the back but Kip trotted off down somebody’s driveway. I was very lucky that a man had just pulled up to his house and saw what happened. He said "go after the black one" and he stayed on the sidewalk and tried to reassemble my carrier with Ben in it. I managed to dive onto Kip at the bottom of the driveway and was walking back to the car with him when a truck roared up the street and he freaked, wriggling out of my arms, running away again. At this point the kind stranger helped me put the still broken but slightly put back together carrier containing Ben in the car then I ran down the same very long driveway a second time to find Kip.

I saw him go into a back garden and I followed him in. I called him and I heard him meow but I couldn't see where he went. This house had a large deck in the yard, the bottom of which was covered with lattice, I thought he had crawled under the lattice and wondered how I would ever get him out. I was peering through the lattice calling his name and I heard him meow back to me again but I couldn’t tell from what direction. Just when I was thinking I would have to slither on my belly through a small opening in the lattice in order to search under the deck I finally figured out where his meows were coming from. I found him hunkered down under the open framework stairs that led down to a basement door beside the deck. He was hiding among a pile of leaves, I spoke to him and told him everything would be okay then I pulled him out from under the stairs. He was shaking in my arms. Still wriggling, I managed to get him into the Mini on the floor of the front passenger seat and we all went home. Back in our driveway still inside the car I had to try to repair the carrier, get Kip into the carrier then get both Ben and Kip into the house. I was able to put it back together and we got inside safely. I really shudder to think what could have happened if Kip hadn't answered my calls (the really odd thing is that usually Kip is a silent meower; he opens his mouth but nothing comes out). Not only was it frigid cold yesterday, but by the time I got home it was about 4:30, almost dark, if I hadn’t found Kip when I did it would have been impossible to see him at night.

Ben and Kip both safe at home

Robert came home early because I had called him in a panic while I was looking for Kip; he arrived shortly after I did. When I saw him I bawled my eyes out...I guess relief is very strong emotion. I think I was running on full adrenalin and when he got to the house I knew I could crash. It was a truly awful experience, I thank god, the universe, my lucky stars and whatever other power I can think of that they are both okay!!!

PS – Robert fixed the carrier and attached locking ties to all the hinges and joins so it can NEVER fall open again.

PPS - after dinner Robert and I went back to the house to give our good samaritan a bottle of wine and a little thank you note.

Tuxie Tuesday and an Interloper

2012-01-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens, Ben here. Everyone knows that I inspect Daddy's shirts when they come back from the cleaners. I lie on the bags, give them the once over then tell Daddy they are okay to wear...

overseeing shirts

So just before Christmas when a load of shirts came home I knew I would be busy....but then....

Jimmy, WTF!!!

Jimmy was totally in the way, little brothers can be tiresome sometimes

Busy Ben

I had to improvise and assess the shirts from up top by the hangers

Jimmy thwarts Ben's efforts

Jimmy had no clue what to do and just sat there while I checked the other side

Jimmy speaks: "Ha, ha, ha, occasionally big brothers are just far too serious and you to mess with them" :-)

Good-bye 2011!

2011-12-30T00:03:00.000-08:00

Well the Christmas holidays are drawing to a close and the new year fast approaches. 2011 has been a year of extremes for me; great sadness and also great joy.

As most of you know my brother succumbed to pancreatic cancer in March after a fourteen month battle. No other event in my life has been as harrowing as Angus’ death. Luckily we had the opportunity to gather at his London hospital as a family just a week before his death and say to each other all the things in our hearts that we would never have the chance to say again. It was at this time that I shared with Angus the confidential details of Robert and my upcoming elopement in May.


happier times, family holiday West Sussex 2010, Angus and the gals (L to R, me, Sarah, Mum)

Actually it was Angus’ illness which was the impetus for our decision to get married because it illustrated how quickly things change and that the important things in life should not be put off. We felt a big celebration was inappropriate, but a quiet getaway for just the two of us was perfect! I wish Angus had lived to see the pictures of our happy day but at least he knew our secret plans and I was able to tell him about the special place we had chosen in Hawaii for our ceremony. As it turned out, our wedding was an intimate and magical experience and I could not have wished for anything more. Surprisingly some people disapproved of our secret wedding, but the essential family and friends in our lives showered us with generosity, well wishes and cards when we returned and we felt very loved indeed.

Hawaiian Wedding

When we were away in Hawaii our dog Rio who was just under a year old broke her leg and required surgery. She was boarding at a farm outside the city and apparently fell while playing with another dog, when she stood up she was holding her leg off the ground. Rio had snapped her femur and required a metal plate with seven screws to be attached to the bone by an orthopedic surgeon. Robert and I were both very distressed that this happened in our absence and in an environment we trusted would be safe and enjoyable for her. Even though Rio still limps, she is at the height of her recuperative powers and we are hoping for a full recovery. We are very thankful that this trauma has not effected her happy and mellow nature.

Rio

The last major event to take place this year was at Halloween. Robert and I adopted Kip (Kipling Moonshadow) from the same private rescue where Jimmy came from. Kip, the stunning house panther, has made a seamless transition to our home and integrated beautifully with Rio and the cats. He is a happy, cuddly, curious and playful youngster with a sweet and gentle disposition and we are so very thrilled to have him as the final addition to our furry family.

Kip

Well there you have it kids my year in review, the highs and the lows of 2011. Life sure is a rollercoaster ride but as I've said before, I am truly blessed to have such good friends who commiserate with me in the sad times and celebrate with me in the glad times. I cherish each and every one of my Cat Blogosphere friends and send to all of you heartfelt wishes for a healthy and happy new year!!! See you in 2012...

much love,
Cat
xx

Friends on Friday

2011-12-23T00:04:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, this will be our last post until after Christmas. We want to wish all of you a safe, happy Christmas and send our love and hugs to each and every one of you.

We would also like to share with you all the lovely E-cards we received...

**comments are off today

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens we've had a little excitement around here that we'd like to tell you about.

Our Santa Paws package arrived the other day from those dashing English mancats Eric and Flynn. First mum said we had to wait until Christmas to open it, but we sulked and she relented.

It was filled with a great assortment of goodies, please enjoy the pictures of us enjoying the generosity of Eric and Flynn :-)

Wow look at all this stuff

Casper can hardly wait until I open the packages

springing, dangling, jingling fun

so many goodies!

plague rats filled with valerian, note the double footed bunny kick

Kip tries to get second plague rat out of the package

yummy treats

Jimmy digs in while Ben looks on

Archie checks out the assorted mousies while has a turn with the other rat

Thank you Eric and Flynn for the wonderful Christmas gifts, you guys were awesome secret Santas!!!!

Liebster Blog Award

2011-12-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

Hey cats and kittens, our very good friends Cloon and Tiri (who wrote such nice things about us we were immensely touched) AND Scarlet and Melly gave us an award and we would like to thank them both sincerely for thinking about us.

"Liebster" means dear, dearest, favorite or beloved in German. The requirements of receiving the award are to link back to who gave it to you, paste the Award on your blog, then choose 5 of your favorite blogs to pass the award on to that are up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers, let them know by leaving a comment on their blog and hope that the 5 blogs chosen will keep on spreading the love by passing the award on to 5 more blogs.

We are choosing to pass the award to just three blogs, but they are important blogs involved heavily with rescue and fostering and each blog is dear to us :-)

Daily Dose of Dogs (aka Cats With Your Coffee) is very special to us because both Jimmy and Kip came from this private rescue. Chrystal writes truthfully about her experiences in animal rescue and takes us on a wild ride in the process; sometimes you will laugh and sometimes you will cry.

Random Felines is written by Jeanne who cares for a continuous parade of foster kittens at her home in addition to her resident cats. Out of the goodness of her heart she volunteered to help with Kip's transport and drove almost ten hours round trip to bring Kip to us.

Marg's Pets is a warm and wonderful place to visit and sometimes you won't want to leave. She has quite a collection of animals on her little farm and most of them were old, sick, or just plain unwanted when they arrived but now they are all loved and cared for!

I hope you can take a moment to visit these very special blogs and the people behind them :-)

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-12-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hi kitties Ben here, yes I'm a mature mancat about town, but that doesn't mean to say that I can't kick up my heels now and again. I particularly like "The Tickler"...

Clemmie do you want to come over and play with me?

To Tree or Not to Tree

2011-12-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

It took me ages to decide if we were going to have a tree this Christmas...in the end it was yes :-)

In recent years I have been struggling with the reality that it is unfair to put out all kinds of dangling, sparkling temptations and then tell the cats they can't play with them. Molly lived to nineteen, so it had been a very long time since I was concerned young cat shenanigans but that all changed when Casper arrived on the scene almost four years ago.

Kip has shown no interest at all in the tree

I still have some glass baubles on the higher branches, but since Casper I've been modifying things so now the tree is mostly decorated with ornaments made from substances that are pretty harmless if they fall off. Here are just a few...

fabric snowballs

cardboard snowflakes adorned with fluffy stuff

these are paper if you can believe it...hand quilled

wooden hummers

feather and metal

lucite

So perhaps my tree isn't quite as elegant as in years past but I'm happy to know that if the boys just can't leave things alone (Ben) at least they will be as safe as possible :-)

beaded snowflake

Tuesday Treasure - Nano Lopez

2011-12-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens, meet Simon. He is a bronze sculpture by Colombian artist Nano Lopez that Robert and the cats gave me for my birthday today ...

Simon is 7" high and 4lbs of strutting, preening fabulousness!!!

I first saw him back in May at a Gallery in Hawaii when we were on our honeymoon and I've been pining for him ever since. See Simon's official description below :-)

Simon~

He is a proud student, expert whistler, seen here strolling down the street on his way to the grocery store, hoping to be seen by any of the neighborhood cute girls. And he believes in angels and well combed hair.

Monday Memories; Molly and Max

2011-12-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

Last year was our first Christmas as part of the Cat Blogosphere and we learned of a wonderful tradition from our friends over at Cory Cat Blog. They hang stockings for their angel kitties who have gone to the bridge. These stockings are not filled with toys because they are already full of memories. Isn’t that just the nicest tradition you ever heard of? The moment I read it I knew I wanted to do it too :-)

In November I contacted an incredibly talented woman from Calgary, Alberta who knits the most beautiful sweaters, hats, mitts, slippers and stuffed animals you have ever seen. At this time of year she also knits custom Christmas stockings. I had these two exquisite stockings made for Molly and Max which arrived the other day. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way they turned out. Check out the poms and the chubby little mousies!

Sadly we don't have a fireplace to hang these but I think they look lovely by the window.

Friday funk

2011-12-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hi cats and kittens, we are in a bit of a funk here today because our Drinkwell fountain broke, the motor won't pump the water through anymore. It was working fine but after the last cleaning it stopped. We're not talking about the snazzy new stainless 360° fountain that mum wrote about here but our old work-a-day plastic fountain which we've had forever and was up in ~~Archie's room~~ one of the guest bedrooms.

Mum knows that we like to have a selection of waters, still and sparkling just like in the restaurants. So, we have three waters bowls and one fountain upstairs, one fountain in the kitchen (the dog bowl is in the kitchen too but even in a pinch I can't imagine any self respecting cat stooping to such depths) and one water-cooler type bowl in the basement rec room. We like the fountains the best but you see when we're upstairs we don't want to have to walk all the way downstairs for a drink form the kitchen fountain. We're cats, we're lazy...as an example, we have FIVE litter boxes but we only really use the two which we feel are the most convenient, this drives mum crazy (hee, hee).

We've written to Santa and we are hoping he brings us a new fountain for Christmas that we can have upstairs...I think we have been very good this year so keep your fingers crossed everyone :-)

One Word Wednesday

2011-12-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

BLISS

Friday Fun

2011-12-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Back in August I had a custom illustration made for our Christmas cards this year. A very talented artist from Boston created our family in a wonderful winter setting based on photos that I sent her via email. As you can see she's drawn Robert and I standing together with Rio beside me, Jimmy is beside Rio (stealing a bauble from the tree), Casper is popping out half way up the tree and Archie and Ben are standing beside Robert with their tails entwined in a heart. I received an 8x10 illustration for framing and the Christmas cards, inside the cards was a printed sentiment in beautiful script that said

Merry Christmas!!!

With love from

Cat, Rob, Rio,

Casper, Benjamin, Archie

and Jimmy

I was thrilled!

biggify for full effect :-)

Then something happened...we adopted Kip. Sadly Kip would not be included in the illustration but I could hand write his name inside the cards and at least he would be part of the sentiment. I had asked Ann from Zoolatry to make a Christmas header for me using my illustration and when she read on my blog that Kip had been adopted she contacted me and said when we decide on a name she would revise our header to add him in. How kind, at least he would be mentioned and that was something. What I didn't realize at the time is that Ann, using her magic photoshop skills, managed to put Kip into the picture! If you look to the left of my blog header you will see Kip peeking out from behind an evergreen tree!!!! Oh Ann I can't thank you enough. Kip won't be on our cards this year but thanks to your ingenuity and thoughtfulness he is on the blog, I am so happy :-)

PS - Ann made our Christmas wallpaper too!!!

Wordy Wednesday

2011-11-30T00:04:00.000-08:00

I don’t even know where to start to write about Kip. I imagine everyone thinks their cats are special, but well and true there is something about this boy that is different. Perhaps it is because I haven’t had a black cat before and I am just so taken by his panther appearance; plush black fur and blazing green eyes under heavy, soulful lids. He looks like he has lived many lives and has more than a passing familiarity with the secrets of the universe! I think Kip is tops, and thankfully so do his brothers :-)

Casper loves Kip

Ben is like Kip's mancat-mum

Archie was unsure at first but he's come around

Kip and Jimmy are inseparable

Kip and me :-)

Friday Fun

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey cats and kittens, big news

We're shouting high!

and low....

shaking our heads in disbelief

then casually announcing that this is our 300th post

Thanks for joining us for all the fun :-)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

The boys and I would like to wish all of our American friends a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hope you have safe travels, happy reunions and memorable family times :-)

We are thankful to know each and every one of you...

(comments off today)

White Whisker Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

These pics are just for you Artemisia. For those of you who are new to the blog, she is my special ladycat friend and I call her my lovely Arty Mouse :-)

hello Arty Mouse :-)

would you like to snuggle?

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-11-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

Ben is such a cuddly boy....

don't tell anyone but I like to snuggle with mum

this blankie is so soft it makes me smile

mum likes my pink nose

I'm dreaming of my sweet Clementine

Funny Friday

2011-11-18T00:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just get the urge to do something different with my hair...

french twist?

or chignon?

Mum's note: Is this not the funniest picture? I've never had a cat in my life who did the things with his tail that Jimmy does...he's like a monkey sometimes!!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-17T00:04:00.000-08:00

I am so very thankful for my wonderful boys, especially Casper who once again took the lead and set the welcoming tone for Kip our newcomer. Of course I was hopeful that all would go well but one never knows, so when I saw him coo and nuzzle Kip from the first moment, I could have wept with relief! Casper is indeed our goodwill ambassador, he has accepted every cat I have brought into this house and calmly offered his friendship without hesitation. Archie gave Kip a few uncharacteristic growls but is coming around, Jimmy was the first to engage him in a game of chase with Ben readily joining in. During the meet and greet sessions Kip truly was amazing; open, playful and friendly to all the boys, gentle, inquisitive and completely non-threatening, it was a joy to watch them all together. I am so blessed and fortunate :-)

So these are my boys for the next twenty years… my exceptional boys!

Casper

Benjamin

Archie

Jimmy

and Kip

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:06:00.000-08:00

Tired Tuxie Tuesday

2011-11-15T00:06:00.000-08:00

Man I'm pooped

I spent the day in Texas yesterday with my girlfriend Clemmie.

We ran and jumped and played all day, we sang songs and chased each other around the house and hid and hunted mousies. It was so much fun, Clemmie is so much fun, but I'm exhausted...

If you don't mind, I'll just lie here for a while...

I think Clemmie might be a little tired too :-)

Kip Update

2011-11-14T00:04:00.000-08:00

relaxed fellow

Hi all, Kip here. I've been in my new home for a week and I thought everyone might like an update. I'm feeling pretty comfortable now and no longer hide under the bed. I'm still in my own room but I'll be meeting my brothers soon now that my sniffles and sneezes have cleared up and I got a clean bill of health from the vet!

playing with the tickler

I love snuggling with my mum and she seems to like it too when I lie on her chest and make happy paws in the air. I tuck my head under her chin and purr and purr, mum smiles and tickles my tummy and toes. I've had a couple of face to face encounters with my brothers, mum held me in her arms and dad held each of the boys in turn so we could see each other and have a sniff. That went really well each time and only Jimmy gave me a little hiss. That made mum laugh because not so long ago he was the newcomer!

looking adorable

Well that's all for the moment. Mum promises to take lots of pictures when I meet my brothers so we can show all of you. Please keep your paws crossed that all goes well :-)

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them...

Lest We Forget

(comments off today)

Kipling Moonshadow

2011-11-09T00:09:00.000-08:00

I have the loveliest childhood memories of my father reading bedtime stories to me and my favourite was Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (I loved Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows too and always wanted to name my house Toad Hall). Being a cat person for as long as I can remember, Bagheera was of course the character I cherished the most and wondered why we all couldn’t have large, black panthers as our loyal and wise guardians. So you can well imagine that the moment I saw Bagheera, the all black kitten available for adoption on Chrystal’s blog, I was a goner!

The name Bagheera however does not exactly flow off the tongue and the other day when Robert called him Bags, I was convinced we had to change his name. I immediately thought of Kipling, as an homage to the author who penned Bagheera and the fact that the name shortens nicely to Kip sold me on the idea.

Kipling also wrote The Cat Who Walked by Himself, a story about how animals became domesticated while the cat’s true heart remained untamed! I have always believed that when a cat or kitten comes to live in our houses they bring a little wildness into our lives.

As for Bagheera's second name, it was very difficult to see our all black kitty during the drive home from Ohio which was at nighttime. Out of his carrier and moving around against the dark interior of our car, he was only a little slip of a moonshadow....

Therefore felines of all ages, I would like to present Kipling Moonshadow: aka Kip :-)

Hi there

Bagheera is home!!!

2011-11-07T00:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a trip! Other than a couple hours shopping at the outlet mall in Jeffersonville (yay for Pottery Barn) and a few stops for food etc, we were on the road for nineteen hours. Robert did all the driving and was amazing but so were Chrystal and Jeanne, it it weren't for their fantastic generosity we would have had to add at least ten more hours to the trip.

Bagheera was a dream in the car. As soon as we left wonderful Jeanne's house we opened up his carrier and let him come out if he wanted. He was a little timid at first but quickly acclimated and spent most of the journey either reclining on the back seat or lying upside down on my lap doing happy paws in the air!

Sadly this comfortable behavior evaporated when we got home and he spent most of Sunday under the bed hiding. I have never had a cat hide before so this was highly distressing for me. Thankfully Ben came to the rescue and sat outside his door that evening cooing which lured him out from under the bed. Bagheera sat quite relaxed by the door and chatted back to Ben.


can you see Ben's paw under the door?

I'm hoping that Bagheera will soon realize that this is a safe, happy place and that there is no need for him to hide or be frightened!

Dona Nobis Pacem

2011-11-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

We are joining bloggers around the world today and taking part in the 2011 BlogBlast for Peace.

We want to thank our wonderful friends from Clooney's Num Num Fund, for making our great badge! Tiri and Archie cuddle for peace :-)

Who's that Cat's Cat?!?!

2011-10-31T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm Bagheera!

I'm a Winnie's Wish kitty about six months old and I have been waiting since the summer to be adopted. This weekend coming Chrystal and a very generous friend from Random Felines, are going to drive me to meet my new mum and dad and then I'm going to my very own forever home in Canada! I'm a little nervous to be leaving all my friends from the cathouse but I'm excited too!

Wish me luck :-)

Jimmy's 1st Gotcha Day

2011-10-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Its my gotcha day!!!

Hey cats and kittens it's a special day in our house. Exactly one year ago mum and dad made the big drive to the States and gotcha'd me from Chrystal's private rescue. I've told the story a bazillion times so I won't post it again now, but in case you are new to the blog you can read about the entire adventure here.

I've got cool brothers here and even a woofie sister who isn't that bad (tee, hee) and mum and dad love me a lot so I'm really happy. I hope you can stay and play for a little while and help us celebrate :-)

Oops I almost forgot. Mum's got a little announcement to make and figured today was an appropriate time to do it...so take it away mum.....

Well it’s happened friends, the call of the kitty is just too strong for me to resist…we're adopting another cat! If my mum was writing this she would say I've gone completely "HAYWIRE" this is a term she reserves for my sister Sarah's shopping sprees when we are all on vacation together - LOL!!!

In case you’ve lost count of the horde, a new addition will make five cats and one dog. We will be at the legal limit for the city of Toronto, full up...no more room at the inn!!!

Who is this new kitty you might ask?

Well, a beautiful black panther has been pulling at my heartstrings for quite some time now. He is named after a character from the Jungle Book (coincidentally my favourite childhood story) and he lives in Illinois. Does this ring any bells yet…any guesses as to who I’m talking about???

Tune in tomorrow and find out who will be joining Cat's Cats!

Second Annual Everycat Sleeping Contest

2011-10-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Second Annual Everycat Sleeping Contest is being held over at Kat's Kats. Yes we know it is a very similar name to our blog and what makes things even more coincidental is that they also adopted a Winnie's Wish kitty named Audrey who just happens to be Jimmy's SISTER!

Therefore we thought it fitting that Jimmy be our entry for the contest, so here he is in all his slumbering glory :-)

sleeping beauty

The contest ends November 1st... there is still time to enter!!!

Friday with Casper

2011-10-28T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hey kids, see that little gray squirt behind me? That's my baby brother Jimmy and it's his 1st Gotcha Day on Sunday. Now our mum doesn't usually post on the weekends but of course she's making an exception this weekend. So if you get a chance please pop round for a visit and help us celebrate plus mum's got a bit of a news flash too.

Hope to see you Sunday!

~ Casper
Elder Statescat

Thoughts on Thursday

2011-10-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

A woman I know named Beth posted this poem on her blog yesterday. I met Beth in January 2009 when I adopted our angel Max from Toronto Cat Rescue; an organization she was involved with at the time and I have followed her blog ever since. Beth now runs her own private rescue called Forever Home Cat Rescue, and she printed this poem as a lovely dedication to her hardworking volunteers.

I have many friends in the Cat Blogosphere who also rescue, foster and re-home cats and care for sick, injured or feral cats. I'd like to share this poem with all of those fantastic and compassionate people who I am so very proud to know :-)

The Reason

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted
skin that isn't flea bitten
good food and enough of it
beds to sleep on
someone to love me
to show me I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...

You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other cats like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it
When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.

I am the reason
The cats before me are the reason
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given
We would die if not for you

Max 2008-2009

Waterworld Wednesday

2011-10-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

The kids got a new water fountain yesterday, they have another Drinkwell fountain upstairs but it's not fancy like this one...

hmmmm this looks interesting

It came in a huge box from Amazon

there's nothing better than a shiny new box!

Casper made sure I had all the pieces for assembly

nothing left in here mum

I got it put together even without an engineering degree - LOL!

well done mum

Everyone had a taste

this water is extra yummy

And concluded it was better than the four other water options in the house!

Tuxie Tuesday - Ben preens for Clemmie

2011-10-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

Mancat Monday

2011-10-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is the cat's feeding station in the corner of the kitchen. It has to be elevated, because the woofie has a penchant for cat kibble. It's just a casual grazing situation at our house with no specific mealtimes.

But sometimes a line-up forms and diners have to wait their turn

nom, nom, nom

and occasionally a diner gets fed up waiting and has to come back later

sheesh man you eat slow

Casper likes to take his time and savor every bite

that was yummy

Good thing the kitchen is open 24 hours :-)

did he leave anything for me?

Friends on Friday

2011-10-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

Way back in August when Sammy, Andy and Shelly were having their fund raising auction, a beautiful red pashmina caught my eye. I thought that the vibrant colour would be a nice lift during the dreary winter months so I placed an opening amount in the comments.

Archie's girlfriend Neytiri wanted to participate in the auction too and placed a higher amount. Well, there was no way I could bid against Tiri, Archie would NEVER forgive me! So that was that, no scarf....

Can you imagine my delight when I returned home on Monday after a particularly crummy day and found a parcel in my mailbox containing the bright red pashmina?! Aren't Tiri, Clooney and their mum just soooo thoughtful!!! Thank you friends for your generous gift :-)

Tock'tober

2011-10-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Derby....

Ben's folded tuxie tocks

Archie's ginger tocks

Casper's floofy tocks

Please note: in ALL my kitty pictures I did not find one tocks shot of Jimmy! I'll try to take one today and post it later :-)

Gingersday, Archie shows off for Neytiri

2011-10-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

Look up in the air...it's a bird...it's a plane...

No, it's SUPERGINGER!!!

Able to leap tall ~~buildings~~ wardrobes in a single bound.

Did you see me fly Tiri?

Mancat Monday

2011-10-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

Does anybody else`s printer get jammed like this....

Casper at work

Gosh what a cutie :-)

Friends on Friday

2011-10-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Archie and Jimmy were snuggling together the other day, which always makes me smile

but I especially liked how their tails entwined :-)

such sweet boys!

Jimmy's Jerrycan

2011-10-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

Naughty Jimmy has figured out that he can find cotton swabs, his favourite absolutely forbidden thing to play with, in the bathroom garbage. On the weekend I came home and found the entire bin overturned and contents on the floor.

During this video the can was empty but I got tired of walking downstairs with my rubbish so now it has a giant rock (which I brought home from a beach in Scotland) on top to keep the lid down!

PS - I just love how he comes over for a camera sniff in the middle of his break-in efforts as if he wasn't being a little scallywag at all...!!!!

Tired Tuxie Tuesday

2011-10-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

Oh hi kids, is it Tuxie Tuesday already? I'm afraid I don't have a post prepared because I was out all day yesterday playing with my beautiful girlfriend Clemmie at her house.

So let me just think for a moment what I should post about today...

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Mancat Monday x4

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not really certain what was happening outside...

but there was great commotion at the window

and jockeying for position

MIA Day

2011-10-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

Today we join with our friends at Life from a Cat's Perspective to remember Mr.Tigger and all kitties who have gone missing...

Many years ago, before I met Robert I moved into a house that came with a cat. A resident cat that stayed in my garden, she was a tiny brown tabby I named Lily and I knew her for about three years. I couldn’t let Lily come into the house and live with me because I had Molly who was truly vicious toward other cats. Whenever she saw Lily at the sliding doors to the back yard she would howl and hiss and throw herself at the glass. I loved Lily and looked after her the best I could outside. I cut a hole in the garage door and installed a cat flap. I made a warm and cozy nest for her in the rafters after I saw her up on a large storage shelf where folding garden chairs were stored, I think she felt safe being high above the ground. In the morning I would go out to feed her and when I called her she would tiptoe across the beams and jump down onto a work bench to meet me, we’d have a cuddle and she would purr and give me head-buts.

Lily on the evening prowl

If I was working in the garden she would be right beside me wherever I went. She was an expert huntress and caught many birds even though there was always food available for her; her instincts were keen. One day I went away for a long weekend with a friend, my mum and dad were coming in daily to feed Molly and were also putting out Lily’s food in the garage. When I returned from my trip I could not find Lily anywhere. I asked my neighbours if they had seen her, I called Animal Services, I went to my local shelter and called vets in the area to see if a cat fitting her description had been brought in…nothing. Lily had disappeared and I never saw her again.

sleeping among the evening primrose the week before she disappeared

I'm glad we have an MIA Day so Lily is not forgotten and I can share her story with all of you.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

Monday Mancat Love

2011-10-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

It was a mob scene on the bed the other afternoon

The boys were blissed out in a sea of blankets

They were there for hours

Jimmy got a bath too :-)

Livestrong Day!

2011-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Livestrong Day has arrived and for the second year the entire Cat Blogosphere has joined in to support the global campaign by going yellow. Too many of our family, friends and furries have been touched by this horrible disease so we unite today to remember those who have lost their battles, celebrate survivorship and commit to working towards a world without cancer!

This year is particularly hard for me because my brother died on March 2, 2011, exactly seven months ago and fourteen months after his struggle with pancreatic cancer began.

This is the final picture taken of my beautiful brother one week before he died when my mum, dad, sister, eldest brother and myself gathered at his hospital in London to be together one more time as a family and say our good-byes.

Last year when I said Livestrong I said Lovestrong also. Please be sure to Lovestrong right now all those who are precious in your life, be they two of four legged, because we never know what the future holds!

Many people in our cat community have worked hard for Livestrong Day. Please visit the beautiful Livestrong Slideshow created by the talented Chandra from Life from a Cat's Perspective at the special We Livestrong Today blog, lovingly created by Jan from The Cat's Meow and Ann from Zoolatry to see all our kitties friends in the Cat Blogosphere supporting Livestrong!

LIVESTRONG & LOVESTRONG

Ben the Bookie

2011-09-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Archie: I still can't believe the Red Sox blew a nine game lead!!!

Ben: Pay up dude...

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-29T00:41:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank our good friends Hannah and Lucy, two lovely ladycats from Leicestershire, for giving us the Noteworthy Archive Blog award. We are honoured that they thought of us :-)

In turn we would like to pass this recognition to the super cool blog Catsparella. If you haven't been by before you simply must visit. Stephanie Harwin is the brains behind Catsparella and posts SEVERAL TIMES A DAY her tidbits of all things cat; information, art, fashion (I ordered the cat sleeping mask and cat tattoos recently), fun and even food (cat cupcake Tuesday is my favourite!). If ever there was a blog of Noteworthy Archives it is Stephanie's, just click on any post in her archive and you are guaranteed to find something interesting and entertaining :-)

Wordy Wednesday

2011-09-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

My boys have many embarrassing nicknames that are used regularly. I thought I’d highlight a couple of Jimmy’s today.

When I’m calling around the house trying to locate him I’ll say “Jimmy Jimmer are you upstairs?”, or “where’s my Jimmy Silver Toes?” (obviously his native Canadian name). Sometimes I’ll sing “Jimmy Mack when are you coming back?”, I’m pretty sure he’s a Motown fan. If he’s been naughty he’ll get a formal version of his name like “Jimmy James what have you done”? Strangely, when I call him Jimmy James I sound southern – LOL!

I picked this picture to show his fabulous silver toes but on closer inspection we may have to add "Jimmy Chin Whiskers" to the repertoire...holy cow where did those come from from?!?!

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Ben was in a peevish mood the other morning and attacked the duvet for no reason. I call it having a TTM (Total Tuxie Moment).

Btw, this was my first ever video!!!

Archie Misses Tiri

2011-09-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

My special ladycat friend Neytiri has been away on a two week blogcation

I've been tossing and turning

and missing her terribly!

I've nibbled my fingers to the bone waiting for her return!!!

What...she's back you say!!!!

Oh thank goodness :-)

Molly Remembered

2011-09-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the first anniversary of Molly going to the bridge...I really can’t believe a year has passed! My house is filled with young cat energy now and there is always something happening here to make me smile, but I miss my old lady very much. My head knows that eighteen is a good long life, that she was well loved and that it truly was her time to go, but my heart misses her constant purr, how she used to sleep on my head like a hat at night and a thousand other things that made her special to me :-)

I love you Molls, you are not forgotten!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T00:11:00.000-07:00

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-09-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

So kitties, on Saturday morning I mosey onto mum and dad's bed for a little cuddle and purr in the sunshine and all of a sudden mum starts laughing. Then dad laughed too and jumped up to grab the camera while mum held me in a most undignified position and dad took this picture...

purple dot #1

and this

purple dot #2

Then mum rubbed my nose, told me I was her beautiful green-eyed boy and put me down....parents are so odd sometimes!!!

Meow Like a Pirate

2011-09-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

Jimmy says "Arrrrrrrrrrrr Mateys!"

the dread pirate Gray Whiskers

Have a wonderful pirate day everyone :-)

Friday Friends

2011-09-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

Hi kitties, we received a cool award from our good friends Niko and Goro. If you do not know them please drop by and visit their delightful blog. They are two beautiful Russian Blue boys who live in Georgia with their mum and dad.

This award means "bright flashes in the blue sky" and it asks the recipient to describe what we dream or wish for most in the world.

It think I'm going to field this one since my boys live a somewhat sheltered existence and off the top of my head a few things jump to mind...I'm sure we all hope for the same :-)

What I wish for most is a world WITHOUT cancer, AIDS, terrorism, hunger, child abuse, animal cruelty, elder neglect, global warming, rainforest destruction or endangered species....is that too much to ask for?

I would like to pass this award on to thirteen wonderful kitties at the Katnip Lounge

Mo Cats Day

2011-09-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago some imbecile said there are too many cats on the internet...

Ben and Jimmy respond to this with the back of disrespect (Ben adds a nose in the air harrumph for good measure)

Archie gives him the toe-off

and Casper sends a big raspberry....

CATS ARE HERE TO STAY!!!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ben is thankful for his lovely girlfriend Clemmie and that she and her family are safe from the terrible wildfires in Texas! We are praying for the families in Bastrop County and elsewhere in the state who are threatened by the blazes.

Clemmie came over to visit on Tuesday, here she is with Ben relaxing after a hard day at play :-)

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-09-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

I think by now everyone knows that it drives me crazy when Ben messes about on the upstairs banister...

But look at the angelic halo of light that surrounds him...it's hard to stay angry :-)

It's Pawm!

2011-09-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

It's Pawm Weekend and Casper's lady love invited him to a Pawm for cats and dogs over at Boondocks and the Love Shack Pack. Artemisia picked a beautiful tux for Casper to wear.

Scylla and her beau Brian are also going along with Fenris and Socks and lovely Momo! Casper brought a car big enough for everyone

and magnolia corsages for the ladies

For more pictures of the happy group, check out Artemisia's blog. Have a good time kids!!!

Friday Fun

2011-09-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the Pushmi-pullyu from Dr. Doolittle?

I think we have one living here at the house...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

Casper reads his favourite blogs

and comments :-)

Tuxie Tuesday

2011-08-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

I am usually a daddy's boy, but sometimes a tuxie mancat just needs a cuddle with his mum...

even if mum is on her side and I have to lie on her bony hip!

Wow her plaid shorts are really loud!!!

That's better, when mum lies on her back I can get into proper snuggle position :-)

Mancat Monday x4

2011-08-29T03:59:00.000-07:00

Real mancats enjoy window wiffies together :-)

and unmade beds - LOL!!!

Thursday in the Garden

2011-08-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

::meowwwww::

This summer we had a very nice crop of Black-Eyed Susans in the back garden

Purple Cone Flowers

Verbena

and of course Impatiens

I think this will be our last gardening post for the season kitties since we don't really have any fall bloomers in the garden.

Wednesday Hat Day

2011-08-24T00:18:00.000-07:00

On September 23, 2010 our senior kitty (almost 19) Molly went to the bridge. On October 15, 2010 she was posthumously hatted by the very kind folks at SAS blog. We are displaying Molly's hat badge today to show our support for Sammy, Andy, Shelly and their mum Miss Judi.

If you would like to participate in their fundraising auction please visit Helping Our Needy Friends. There are some fantastic items up for bids, I have my eye on a lovely pashmina :-)

Cat Talk Time

2011-08-23T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hi kitties, we are participating in Cat Talk time, a fun event dreamed up by the gang at Zoolatry. We have been trying hard to come up with some jargon that is specific to our house and we have managed three words.

1. Mama Blanket - this is our favourite faux fur throw, it is so soft and cozy, it feels like our cat mum's fur so that is how it got the name. Here you can see Jimmy and Casper enjoying the mama blanket.

Mama blanket bliss

2. Crow's Nest - All of us boys enjoy hanging out on the cat tree, it has different levels but the coveted spot is the very top which we call the crow's nest. We alternate throughout the day who is up top, here we are waiting for Archie to finish his turn.

Come on Archie, hurry up

Wow, I can see for miles up here!

3. Nose Balls - mum has always used this word to refer to the rounded balls on a cat's face where the whiskers grow out of. She thinks this is one of the most attractive features on a cat. Here are some of our beautiful nose balls for your viewing pleasure :-)

Ben's right nose ball

Casper's powder puff nose balls

Jimmy's slightly blurry but prominent nose balls

Archie's kitten nose balls

Thursday in the Garden

2011-08-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

::meowwwww::

Hi kitties, it's gardening day so I thought I would show you the expansion of our little urban garden. We had a small patch of grass at the front of our house which wasn't doing very well so we decided to rip it all out and make the entire area a garden. We already had some plantings up by the porch and down by the sidewalk but we needed to fill in the middle. We've added purple liatris, lavender, yellow day lilies, bee balm, lambs ears, coreopsis, delphinium and a few others that I've already forgotten the names of...oops I never save the tags they come with! Several bags of black wood chips were the finishing touch and I am very pleased with the results :-)

New front garden

Delphinium

Rose Campion

Bee Balm with butterfly :-)

Moonbeam Coreopsis

Did I mention Casper supervised?

Let's keep these hostas mum :--)

Tuxie Tuesday - Ben shows off for Clemmie

2011-08-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Hi there kitties, I'm doing my high wire act on the upstairs banister. My mum hates it when I do this, but I want my beautiful Clementine to know what a brave mancat I am.

Hi Clemmie, I'm up here! Do you want to come over and play?

A mancat can't rest on his laurels when a wonderful ladycat like Clemmie is around, here I'm demonstrating my superior balancing skills as I swing out to the left :-)

Phew, that was close...wanna go for a picnic Clemmie, my mum has a basket packed for us :-)

It is so much fun when Clemmie comes over, she's terrific!!!

Mancat Monday x4

2011-08-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

We love open windows!!!

Wordy Wednesday

2011-08-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hi kitties Casper here, do I look a little angry today? Well truth be told I am miffed, can you see the big scratch on my nose?

Mum doesn't know who did this, but there was a ruckus downstairs the other night and we were all running around wild. She had to come down twice in the wee hours of the morning to tell us to be quiet.

Here's the side view, looks even worse doesn't it? What is my beautiful girlfriend Artemisia going to say when she sees my face looking like this :-(

We are all getting our claws trimmed today...

NOTE FROM MUM: I left a brown paper shopping bag (with the handles cut off) on the living room floor for the boys to play with and forgot to lift it before we went to bed. For some reason shopping bags always seem to make the boys go nuts as they each vie for a turn lying down in it. Nobody was bothering with the bag at bedtime so I left it where it was. At 4:00am when I went downstairs they had the full-on crazies (did I mention there was tissue paper too)! I put the shopping bag and tissue, which was strewn everywhere, into the recycle bin but it took them at least an hour to settle down.

World Cat Day

2011-08-08T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hi kitties, below is the post I wrote for WCD 2010, so if you read it and commented last year, please do not feel obligated to do so again. It is about our beloved kitten Max who died in March 2009. It is a long story and a sad one too, but Max was such a special boy, I think I might reprint it every year in tribute :-)

MAX’S STORY

I do not know about Max’s life before we adopted him, but I’m guessing it was probably unsettled at best and perilous at worst. I do not know if his beginnings were humble or lavish, but somehow he ended up at a high-kill shelter in Hamilton, Ontario and that began a chain of events which brought him into our lives and into our hearts. I think Max was on his way somewhere, which is how I have come to look at what happened. I think Max was on a journey, and before he left this life he had to learn what love was and that is why he came to us. He had to know what a safe and relaxed home was and what it was like to live in the heart of a family who adored him. He had to experience plenty of food and a soft warm bed, he had to sleep curled up with his brother and he had to feel the kindness of human hands and the cuddles of true affection. He had to watch TV on a cozy lap and he had to play until exhaustion with all the toys he could ever want. Max was not long for this world, and before he left he had to know all these things. I like to think that we gave him what he sought and that he relished every moment. To look at it like this is the only way I can make sense of what happened. I can’t begin to tell you how much I miss Max: our little cat with the huge personality who went to the bridge before his first birthday.

Day One

We got Max as a result of our search for a companion for Casper, the gentle giant we already had at home. A blue-eyed beauty who is deaf, we had taken Casper in a year before. At nine months old, the people who owned him since kitten-hood decided he was too hyper and difficult to handle, so they gave him up. He was playful to be sure, but not one thing about him was difficult and he was a joy from the minute we set eyes on him. We probably should have consulted the “high-priestess of nasty”, our eighteen year old calico and ruler of the roost before we rescued Casper, but he needed a home and I acted impulsively. Molly was not at all impressed with having a high energy youngster running around the house, in fact she was completely terrified by him. I’m sure she would have liked to live out her twilight years in peace and quiet, but the deed was done and like it or not Casper was here to stay. We read every article we could find about introducing new cats to each other and I am certain we did everything right. Unfortunately nothing worked, Molly would not accept Casper. We persisted for eight months with our attempts at integration but to no avail. Molly hated Casper and showed it at every opportunity. The funny thing was however, that Casper seemed to love Molly! He pined for her, spied on her, stalked her and probably would have bayed at the moon too had he been a wolf, but Molly’s heart would not melt. When Casper was approaching his second birthday and we decided the time had come to end his misery. It was never going to work with Molly, she was simply too old and ornery to change and we could tell he was bored and lonely. So we would try again with another cat, hopefully the two boys would bond and Molly would be left in peace. We made an exhaustive search of shelters and rescue groups to find a friend for Casper. We saw literally hundreds of cats before we chose Max, or should I say he chose us. I had very specific criteria for what I considered to be the “right fit” for Casper. I had to plan carefully and select a cat who would not threaten Casper’s tender psyche since he had already been rebuffed so many times by Molly. As I tried to explain this one day to a friend at yoga class, she looked at me incredulously and said “they’re just cats”. Even my man Robert also quipped that it would probably have been easier to adopt a black market baby than it was to find Max. I was undeterred by their comments, and would not be rushed into anything. Casper is so gentle and easy going, I did not want him to be afraid or have his power usurped in his own home. To achieve this, I thought it a good idea if we picked a cat that was younger and therefore physically smaller than Casper. Conceivably this would ensure Casper had a chance to be the dominant cat, help him to feel like the big brother and hopefully protective toward the newcomer. It was important to do everything I could think of in order to try and have a smooth transition since things with Molly had been such a disaster. Max it turned out could not have made the process any easier. If there was such a thing as a goodwill ambassador for cats, Max would have occupied that post. From the minute we got him he was a gentleman, a cat among cats. I’m not certain if I realized at the time of our first meeting how special he was, but he made it clear that he knew what he wanted and he informed us in pure cat fashion.

Sweet Max

We began our search with Toronto Animal Services and visited all four of their shelters in the city. Although I was greatly impressed with the cleanliness of the shelters, how well the cats were looked after, and the alacrity of the staff, we did not find a cat for us. Truth be told, I think we were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of cats, so we turned to a smaller organization called Toronto Cat Rescue. TCR has no public shelter per se; instead all the cats that are available for adoption appear on their website with pictures and bios, sort of like online dating. The cats themselves are fostered in private homes. We thought this sounded like a good set-up because the foster parents would be able to tell us some details about the different cats and their personalities. Once we were interviewed and approved by TCR, we told our adoption liaison which cats we were interested in. She provided us with the contact information for the fostering families and we went about making arrangements to go to their homes and meet the cats. We had seen several cats that were for one reason or another unsuitable by the time we drove to Brampton on a chilly Sunday in January to meet Max; a five month old Russian Blue we had seen online. We were greeted at the door by two young boys who spoke only at volume eleven and a woman who held a small grey cat in her arms. We were ushered into the kitchen and she put Max, who at the time was called Mystic, on the floor and I knelt down to have a closer look. He had a very round face with enormous, bulging gold eyes, actually more like a lemur than a cat and comical downward pointing whiskers that reminded me of a Fu Manchu mustache. He was no Russian Blue, but he was an exquisite dove grey colour and he had a small white patch in the centre of his chest. When the sun hit his coat it revealed amazing variations in hues, his delicate toes looked almost silver and you could see darker grey stripes on his body and rings on his tail. When I stroked him he felt like plush velvet. Without a moment’s hesitation, he walked onto my lap and curled up into a ball. Max knew immediately that we were supposed to be his people, so without bothering with any further pleasantries he proceeded to nap. I looked at Robert and said “this is the one.” We had seen a lot of cats on our quest to find a brother for Casper and none of them had behaved with such conviction. We filled out the paperwork, scooped him up and began the drive home to Toronto.

Hunting mices

Max was so good in the car, there was not a peep out of his carry case. I imagine he was accustomed to long drives as his history indicated that he came from a shelter in Hamilton where he was saved from death row. However, what we did hear emanating from the carry case was a number of sneezes. It is very common for shelter cats to have upper respiratory infections (URI’s); cat colds. Most often these are not serious, but they sometimes can be and I didn’t want to bring a sickness home to Casper. So, from the car I called my vet and asked for an immediate appointment before we took Max to the house. The vet managed to squeeze us in: squeeze being the operative word here as it was standing room only in the waiting area when we arrived. An assortment of cats and dogs were already ahead of us. A couple was called in to see the doctor and we were able to sit together on the bench. Max had been in his carrier for well over an hour at this point and we thought he must be terrified. Robert took him out and placed him on his knee, for some petting and reassuring words from us. Without any fuss, he snuggled in and began to survey his surroundings as if it were the most natural thing in the world. A portly French bulldog ambled around making snuffling noises, an energetic black lab alternated between barking and cowering and movement could be seen in at least three other cat carriers. Max sat still on Robert’s lap not once trembling or crying or trying to hide. The only thing that might have betrayed his calm exterior was that his huge round eyes seemed even larger, if that was possible. But I think Max knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be – with us, and we would keep him safe.

Almost an hour passed before our turn came to see the doctor and the entire time Max sat quietly accepting our comforting strokes and watching the comings and goings of the bustling animal hospital. Once inside, Max’s check-up began. The vet listened to his chest and it sounded clear and took his temperature, which indicated a slight fever. He also peered into Max’s ears which looked a bit gunky and could be a sign of mites. A swab was taken and examined under the microscope. No mites, but white blood cells indicated a probable infection so an oily ointment was prescribed to be administered twice a day. He checked Max’s teeth which placed his age closer to nine months and not five months as the TCR told us. Then as if on cue, Max sneezed a blob of yellow kitty snot right onto the exam table. Yes, definitely a URI and the vet administered a shot of broad spectrum antibiotics. He also had blood taken for a “Snap” test; this would tell us if Max had Feline Leukemia or Feline Aids both contagious and deadly diseases. Thankfully both tests were negative. So after a thorough going over and a hefty bill, we were on our way home with our tired little trooper for a well deserved rest in our comfy guest bedroom. It would be necessary to sequester Max until his cold cleared up and oh, did I neglect to mention he had not yet been neutered?! Although I was proud of Max for being so well-behaved, I was a little concerned we had adopted a cat that was sick AND un-neutered. The vet had filled my head with stories of aggressive behaviour and smelly territory spraying from cats that were still “intact” and I was becoming apprehensive about what was in store and how this would affect Casper. Nevertheless, he was now part of our family and we would do right by him.

bookends

We made a quick stop on the way home for supplies, we had seen and rejected so many cats that we didn’t even have the room ready. Max and I waited in the car while Robert ran into the local pet store and bought a new litter box, a snuggly cat bed with high sides, the same kitten food he had been eating at his foster home, and some toys, just the basics to get Max settled. I was very excited to get Max home, he had had a rough start in life but it was going to be smooth sailing from here on in. My sister said he had “hit the kitty jackpot landing with us” and indeed he would be loved and looked after in the lap of luxury for the rest of his life. Who knew it would be such a short life.

Finally we arrived home and went upstairs to the guest bedroom with our newest family member and his load of goodies. In the room there is a chest of drawers and a large freestanding wardrobe, a wicker laundry hamper (handy for scratching), a bedside table with lamp and a double bed which is pushed up against a large window that overlooks our back garden. For some reason it is the warmest room in the house, so even though there is another spare bedroom (Casper’s spy zone where he watches Molly through a decorative air vent in the wall), we thought this one would be ideal to make a new kitty feel cozy and safe. I set up Max’s litter box in the far corner of the room and beside the bed I put out his dishes with water and food. We scattered some toys on the bed, then released Max from his carrier and watched him survey his new surroundings. He went first to his box first and had a pee (what a good boy), then we thought he might head under the bed and cower there for a while given what an eventful day it had been. Instead, Max went to straight to the door and sniffed underneath, Casper was of course on the other side, he knew something was afoot the minute we came home and had followed us upstairs. I stepped outside into the hall and closed the door. I thought Casper may need some reassuring strokes while he investigated this new smelling thing holed up in the bedroom. We live in an old house and the floors and walls are not exactly straight. There was a considerable space under the door at the handle side which tapered to almost nothing at the hinge side. Max placed a tentative paw under the door to feel around and I could see his nose sniffing under the crack too. I got a hand towel and stuffed it into the crack beneath the door to stop any further interaction. Casper gave me a “you can’t be serious” look and dug it out with his front paws. Meanwhile on the other side of the door, Robert had picked Max up and put him on the bed. He lay down and Max settled into the crook of his arm for a long overdue rest, it was adorable. Max was asleep in seconds, purring and content in his forever home. Max was good as gold from the minute we got him. We were afraid that he would be lonely, coming from a house where he slept with his foster brother and two young boys. It would be such a drastic change to bring him to a strange new home and then leave him by himself at night, so Robert gallantly offered to sleep in the spare room with Max. When it was lights out, Max snuggled in with Robert and went to sleep without any fuss or fanfare.

Peek-a-boo

I’m sure it must have seemed strange to this little cat all of a sudden being away from his foster brother and all the noise and frenetic activity that goes along with a young family. He was now in our quiet house and isolated in this small space, I wonder if he thought he had done something wrong. I went in and out of the room frequently that next day while Robert was at work. Every time I entered Max would be at the window looking out. He seemed to love the view, so I put a pillow down between the wall and the bed to bridge the gap so he could lie comfortably while watching the activity outside. Whenever I lay on the bed he would run over to me and jump on my chest and try to lick my nose, all the while purring loudly. He would lie down and snuggle his head under my chin, it was a wonderful feeling to be trusted and loved so immediately. Something else that Max did which no other cat of mine had done before was give hugs. When I picked him up in my arms he would put a paw on each side of my neck and lay his head on me, it was unbelievable and melted my heart over and over again.

It was still four days away from Max’s neutering. The vet had wanted to wait a week for his URI to clear up before performing the surgery. However, Casper and Max were clamoring constantly at their respective sides of the door and I knew it was going to be hard to keep them apart for so long. That night when Robert returned from work, we decided to start letting them see each other. So Robert would hold Max and I would hold Casper and we would open the bedroom door and let them look at each other. I insisted on heavily monitored encounters until Max was neutered because I didn’t want any spraying or other testosterone-fueled behaviour. All of the encounters were positive and the boys took to each other immediately. The days passed and Max played in his room and patiently waited to become a full access member of the family. We continued with the face to face meetings and let them sniff at each other as things progressed without incident. Finally Friday rolled around and we prepared to take Max to the vet. I put his fleecy red blanket in the carry case and marked his name on masking tape and attached it to the front and back to make sure we got the right cat returned to us. Robert took him in on the way to work, and was told that pick-ups were around 4:00pm. Like an over-protective mother I phoned to check on him in the early afternoon and was told that his surgery went well and he was resting comfortably in his cage. It is a relatively minor operation they said, but he may still feel effects from the anesthetic and need to sleep and stay quiet for the rest of the day. He was also getting his shots, and I remembered that Casper experienced extreme fatigue after his vaccinations so I was prepared to receive home a very groggy kitty. Robert arrived with Max and he looked like nothing had happened to him! He was his usual alert and inquisitive self and not the least bit lethargic. If it had not been for the fact that his fur was shaved on the back end I never would have guessed he had any sort of surgery at all. However we still felt we should follow the vet’s advice and keep things low key, so we took him back upstairs to his room for what was the last night he ever spent by himself. In the morning the quarantine would be over, Max was healthy and neutered and all was well in our world. First thing the next day, we opened the door of Max’s safe room and let the chips fall where they may. Casper was of course waiting outside the door and Max walked straight up to him for a nose to nose greeting. They sniffed and looked at each other, Casper licked Max’s face, and I just about died of happiness. We thought it best to take Max down to the living room so things could unfold in a larger space than our upstairs hall. I carried him in my arms, and Casper galloped down in front of me then turned at the bottom of the stairs and looked up expectantly. I set Max down on the carpet and that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship…

Hey let's play!

There was running and playing from the moment of Max’s release from his bedroom quarantine. Tentative at first, then boisterous galloping and a prolonged game of you chase me then I’ll chase you. Robert and I watched from the periphery holding our breath, dreading the moment things would turn from playing to fighting, but it never came. They interacted all morning and afternoon and we slowly began to exhale, we looked at each other smiling and said “this might actually work out!” Casper finally fell into an exhausted sleep in his basket in the dining room bay window, and Max fell asleep cuddling on my chest while I lay on the living room sofa. I was so thrilled, the day couldn’t have gone better, it was like Casper and Max were long lost buddies. At night we thought it best to put Max back in his room, but they meowed so loudly for each other that didn’t last for long. They were now spending twenty-four hours a day together and never more than a few feet apart; it was a wonderful thing to see. We put a cat bed beside Casper’s in the dining room and they slept happily together usually with a paw reaching out touching each other. Days and weeks passed they were inseparable I had never seen anything like this and we lived in a state of bliss. Max was unbelievably affectionate not only with Casper but with us too. He loved to snuggle and if we were watching a movie would lie in my arms for hours until they were aching. I never put him off me though and accepted everything he had to give. When Robert got home from work in the evenings there would be great excitement and he would insist on being picked up for a cuddle. When family and friends came over to visit Max never ran off or hid he was in the thick of things interacting and experiencing everything!

Always Together

Then one morning after we had Max for about six weeks we were sitting in the living room, the cats were with us and Robert said, “Max is sure filling out, he’s actually starting to look chubby”. I looked at Max closely and indeed he seemed to have developed a paunch. After a couple of days his abdomen had become quite bloated and I called the vet. Robert said not to worry it was nothing, but I had a sinking feeling that something was wrong. I went to the vet hoping it was kitty gas or even worms please, but the vet (not the one at the practice that I like) shook his head and said as casually as if he were talking about the weather that it’s probably Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), once the symptoms appear the disease progresses swiftly and it is always fatal. What? He said they would run some tests, even though there are no definitive tests for FIP only a series of markers that point to a diagnosis. Something to do with a mutated Corona virus (I cringe just writing it now) there is no treatment and no cure. The tests would take a couple of days but he gave me a prescription for Prednisone because he already knew what the results would be. The powerful steroid would help his distended abdomen which would only get worse as his own immune system tried to fight the virus. It’s been more than two years since Max died, I don’t remember all the details about FIP and I can’t even bring myself to go on Google for a refresher, but it is a horrible wasting disease that is quite rare and affects cats either very young or the very old. Max was probably already infected when we adopted him.

Best Friends

I left the vet and my head was reeling did I hear him correctly? I came home and brought Max up to his old bedroom thinking we better separate him from Casper. I called Robert at work, I was crying, Max was sleeping and Casper was scratching at the door. How could this be possible? That evening when Robert got home he said that Casper was a robust and healthy cat and he would not catch this from what he had seen online when he did some research at work. We let Max out from the bedroom the two of them stalked off together probably to discuss the day’s events. The tests of course came back all pointing to FIP and it was ten days from diagnosis to death. We went back to the vet to see the doctor that I like and he confirmed the diagnosis. He also told us what to expect and said that we would know when it would be time to bring Max in so that he didn’t suffer. Max declined quickly and tender Casper was always at his side for comfort. Casper’s play became more and more gentle as Max’s lethargy increased, then sadly they stopped playing altogether. On Max’s last day at home he just lay on his side on the kitchen floor in a puddle of sunshine with Casper grooming his face. His huge abdomen was pressing against his lungs and he was struggling for air. The vet said that anything over 35 breaths per minute was high. I knew Max was around 70 breaths per minute because I had sat up with him the night before and counted. I thought he might die that night and I did not sleep at all, I just listened to my little angel labouring and cried. In the morning I said to Robert that it was time and we called the vet and made an appointment to come back in that night. The vet I liked was working and he would be ready for us. I spent Max’s last day tiptoeing around the house trying not to disturb him, he slept mostly in the kitchen or his wooly perch at the back window. I talked quietly to him and told him if he wanted to go now that it was okay and he should just fly away. At one point during the day he went down into the basement and hid in the back of a closet, I thought it was over only to turn around a little later and find his sweet little face looking up at me. He could not get comfortable and he did not know what to do with himself, he stood in the kitchen and let out these terrible moans. My heart broke over and over. He had stopped eating his food the day before, but I plied him with treats hoping I could entice him to take one. When Robert got home he had a long cuddle with Max, then we steeled ourselves, I wrapped Max in his favourite blanket and we went to the animal hospital. The strange thing was that I could not find Casper when we were leaving, I think he and Max had already said their good-byes.

Max's last day

Max died in my arms, my tears falling on his velvet fur with Robert stroking his paws and speaking softly to him, telling him how much he was loved. After just seven weeks with us, Max was gone. Our emotions however knew no time frame and we loved him completely. Max faced his crisis with a quiet dignity well beyond his years and we were so proud of him. This was a tragedy for us to be sure, but I am so grateful that he came into our lives; everyday with Max was a delight. I am also thankful that we were able to help him, the thought of him languishing in a metal shelter cage and dying alone is worse than the ordeal we went through. He had an enormous impact on our lives and I know he was cherished completely during his short time with us. When Max died I did not know the story of the Rainbow Bridge it was only some months later that I discovered it. The thought of Max restored to health and frolicking with other cats while waiting for the day when we are reunited gives me great comfort and I always picture him that way.

My favourite picture of Max and Casper

Friday Fun - Blog Book!

2011-08-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Kitties, we have exciting news, our blog has been turned into a book! It arrived today and looks great...

hardcover blog book

I've noticed for a while now that when I publish posts, sometimes a box pops up that says Blog2Print. Well one day I actually clicked on it and voila, my blog is a book.

table of contents

There are all kinds of options to choose like hard or soft cover, print comments or not, what posts to print, cover art, table of contents, dedication, and those are just the basics! I chose to print all my posts (without comments or it would have been too long), my book is just over 200 pages and it was a very reasonable price. It is printed on beautiful quality paper and the colour is vibrant and true to the pictures. Here are a few pics of my blog book, but believe me it looks much better in person!

dedication

sample pages

sample page

outside back cover

I think it is a fantastic keepsake :-)

Bora Bora here we come!!!

2011-08-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like we will be having two posts today because there is nothing that can't be accomplished if friends come forward with a helping hand!!! When Penny and Genghis heard that the boys couldn't go to Bora Bora because I can't photoshop, they sent along this picture of Casper, Ben, Archie and Jim having fun in the sun...

Then when Casper's girlfriend the Tsarina Artemisia heard that he couldn't come to the party, well she just wouldn't have it and had her mummy send along a boogie board to transport the boys to Bora Bora. Here they are all playing together.

and of course lovely Clemmie and her mum included Ben in their Bora Bora trip because he is practically part of the family (lucky boy!) Check out Clemmie's new vacation hair do and great shades, isn't she gorgeous! Clem is also bringing along lots of spending money :-)

Thank you friends for helping my boys get to Bora Bora and share in the fun today.

Thoughtful Thursday

2011-08-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in March 2009, we had only adopted Ben the month before. Casper was (and is) the most wonderful and gentle big brother, this is one of my all-time favourite pictures of them together. Do you think Casper is telling baby Ben about life?

happy boys

Now this next picture was taken just last month of Archie and Jimmy and I posted it already on the blog, but isn't it funny how the two younger brothers are almost in the exact same position two years later?

dreamers

PS - The boys would have loved to go to Bora Bora with Gracie and the rest of the CB, but since I'm hopeless at photoshop, sadly they had to stay home.

3T Tuesday

2011-08-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

Tuxie

Tummy

Toesies

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

meditating mancat

Neytiri and Archie - Magnificent Monday

2011-07-25T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone it's Archie here and I have some fabulous news!

The lovely Miss Neytiri from Cloony’s Num-Num Fund has consented to be my special ladycat friend! Kitties, she is as talented as she is beautiful and I wanted to share with all of you a little about her: Neytiri is fearless, easy-going, an avid duster, climber and baker and also really likes insects!

Neytiri and her pink duster

Well, goodness gracious, we have so much in common! I too am fearless which is why my name is Archie, it means bold! I enjoy climbing as well and jumping to high places, I regularly sit on top of doors.

look up....waaaaaay up

Neytiri likes insects and I am an expert bug hunter; specializing in flies and centipedes. As an aside, It should be noted that centipedes taste terrible and are really only useful for honing one’s skills as they are very fast moving. Also, we are both Canadian kitties :-)

Canadian girl

I am looking forward to getting together and doing some dusting, I haven’t tried that before but I’m sure Neytiri will show me the proper technique. Then I was thinking perhaps we might also share some of her baked goods, and play with mousies!

mousie madness!!!

Miss Neytiri, or Tiri as I affectionately call her has made me the happiest mancat in all of the cat blogosphere!!! Can you see my blissful smile? Tiri's mum told my mum that she is an exceptionally sweet girl, my mum thinks we will get along very well because she says I'm one of the gentlest mancats she has ever met :-)

lucky Archie

Look what wonderful Ann from Zoolatry made for our young sweethearts!!!

Calling All Ladycats

2011-07-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

All the talk about Casper and Ben's girlfriends this week made Archie start to think. He does not have a ladycat in his life and now that he is almost two (next month we guesstimate) and a mature mancat he feels it is time to find that special someone.

I wonder if ladycats like nose freckles???

Archie thinks that Neytiri from Cloony's Num-Num Fund is a very beautiful ladycat and they seem to be close in age but he does not know if she is attached.

the lovely Neytiri

Do you think an exquisite ladycat like Neytiri could be interested in a carefree, easygoing mancat like Archie???

Don't worry be happy :-)

Young Cats in Love - PART II

2011-07-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

Prince Casper also has a creative and beautiful ladycat in his life, she is Artemisia, Imperial Majesty of Unparalleled Cuteness from the blog Alasandra the Cats & a Dog

The lovely Artemisia has many suitors, but chose Casper for her boyfriend. She made this beautiful badge and sent it to him as a token of her love!

Thank you my Mouse for your delightful gift.

~your Prince,
Casper
xx

Young Cats in Love

2011-07-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Just look at this fantastic picture that Clementine made...isn't she so clever!!! Beautiful Clemmie is from the blog Life From a Cat's Perspective and Ben is very lucky to have such a thoughtful and talented girlfriend. Please scroll down our sidebar to see a sweet collection of badges from Clem (and her mum) of the young couple :-)

On September 14th it will be Ben and Clem's 1st Anniversary...can you believe how time has flown!?!? Ben says it has been the happiest year of his life!