tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88618204027144516102024-02-19T14:34:42.440-08:00Wagging the CatThe Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-51277961739205260952014-03-19T09:10:00.001-07:002014-03-19T09:10:43.489-07:00Happy Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzFBQ6BFFe1VCXq3s1rnaHG22Xw4M8MDOz1v-vnsnFySGoBV6E4aGyC326VK1eJb99Z8ESkZWDx8EPki-WsztS_twgusjEjzQ2w3sGrV71hl1yNt8No_Hab3QeLE9-wLsU6njlAyOEg/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzFBQ6BFFe1VCXq3s1rnaHG22Xw4M8MDOz1v-vnsnFySGoBV6E4aGyC326VK1eJb99Z8ESkZWDx8EPki-WsztS_twgusjEjzQ2w3sGrV71hl1yNt8No_Hab3QeLE9-wLsU6njlAyOEg/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-64105160016271239662013-09-04T13:42:00.001-07:002013-09-04T13:44:37.801-07:00Life and Loss<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlRYELPSiCSAc7KsN-gUgPNWycEBZOPrQfsGK_kBtoWzwfi7uveZk0BM7Cxz_SNxgdKagf1K4poun3R3CdJfARYFSTK8wUQ-lwSfP9ndt2V6TGuTfVplUhbtwN1dNyNywyK5EgTyxvg/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlRYELPSiCSAc7KsN-gUgPNWycEBZOPrQfsGK_kBtoWzwfi7uveZk0BM7Cxz_SNxgdKagf1K4poun3R3CdJfARYFSTK8wUQ-lwSfP9ndt2V6TGuTfVplUhbtwN1dNyNywyK5EgTyxvg/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> <span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Babba, Zoomer and Spaz</span></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It’s been a tough summer here. We lost Babba in June and then Spaz mid-August. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiTARXO1byZBaec_z_NQ1kmzMkHAuvE4t9uTdIViRWtGfNxQNT_6zWOsRNk9IbXtRM0qg7JegTa5JRB7Cz8jwlDnady840WKh-b-qyhrsDCmAcYSofUBc6SjD5W8_V-MuKy1kNEKmnw/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiTARXO1byZBaec_z_NQ1kmzMkHAuvE4t9uTdIViRWtGfNxQNT_6zWOsRNk9IbXtRM0qg7JegTa5JRB7Cz8jwlDnady840WKh-b-qyhrsDCmAcYSofUBc6SjD5W8_V-MuKy1kNEKmnw/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Babba</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE2caU7KHQFG1Az7ooHpimsYtbJbitj_FiAdBed3uJcRmn1nXtPiGmFLc7mTmwe_PIPmdLlwOkhfe3LOoCEqE8K2wizTDb1kQlad29sD4iapw8cqqVvsWeAu_lPdEVjdL0p-pQVTfuA/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoE2caU7KHQFG1Az7ooHpimsYtbJbitj_FiAdBed3uJcRmn1nXtPiGmFLc7mTmwe_PIPmdLlwOkhfe3LOoCEqE8K2wizTDb1kQlad29sD4iapw8cqqVvsWeAu_lPdEVjdL0p-pQVTfuA/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Spaz</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
We were still in college when we found Babba at a local
shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did we know, she was
pregnant. Not quite two months later, we helped her deliver kittens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greyman, Zoomer and Spaz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greyman went to live with friends many years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray his life has been a good
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spaz lived with my brother for a
few years before returning to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Zoomer has been with us for the long haul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<b><i>There’s so much history in this little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddlyZH2sjSWPKE7odxpgWxZym6OdbAuoIn7xWZ71GE5TjUVJS3DdYOoK2XAY0SZGVxzaTmDh0hRzNLCkxAfOxIkhrtSiqKUvC8D8Hx2YUXXhtLAfKpeqfz0nRl8gLAugLeB-G1koWHQ/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddlyZH2sjSWPKE7odxpgWxZym6OdbAuoIn7xWZ71GE5TjUVJS3DdYOoK2XAY0SZGVxzaTmDh0hRzNLCkxAfOxIkhrtSiqKUvC8D8Hx2YUXXhtLAfKpeqfz0nRl8gLAugLeB-G1koWHQ/s1600/IMG_8056.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-45080155116344513522013-02-06T09:03:00.000-08:002013-02-06T09:03:43.145-08:00The Outsiders<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wixPNDwfMhHHDWJaS7k5ysC9SHzpM25QiCQ5S_bThsEspMdSwrh8z0IPIQzne-7oQpA0VbRYQcMg47EH1RqzBwy7jTRhEas5yVKx_ZfIqGy2kHeeKuEwBGlBNDIIXKuCNbNGlkY2ng/s1600/IMG_6256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wixPNDwfMhHHDWJaS7k5ysC9SHzpM25QiCQ5S_bThsEspMdSwrh8z0IPIQzne-7oQpA0VbRYQcMg47EH1RqzBwy7jTRhEas5yVKx_ZfIqGy2kHeeKuEwBGlBNDIIXKuCNbNGlkY2ng/s1600/IMG_6256.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Buddy</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzjc6kp0r7fCFdKxgKLg8ZkrE2dhO0NwFn0cmfZdiFUO04Pqpl5jG77kJPfp2huLG5xcG2_PGQsFsgIoNcr1dsxbH7cMQuciuq_B1_Ub09fdRD6X4yLWVpswYQTS_omL3YSoKknHwBw/s1600/IMG_8265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzjc6kp0r7fCFdKxgKLg8ZkrE2dhO0NwFn0cmfZdiFUO04Pqpl5jG77kJPfp2huLG5xcG2_PGQsFsgIoNcr1dsxbH7cMQuciuq_B1_Ub09fdRD6X4yLWVpswYQTS_omL3YSoKknHwBw/s1600/IMG_8265.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Little Girl</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8kkmhDT26WOYOspxcimgLj-r9PvlkpfG_NrQJkyL4r02KFzGZEYOVvi2Zw9xUCURRonJEQo9nyh7-Dwzg4aE77QgHenNLRRaCRWmNgckkSstjpzM3pvrYkGHQhtez-TneDmU_H-zAQ/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8kkmhDT26WOYOspxcimgLj-r9PvlkpfG_NrQJkyL4r02KFzGZEYOVvi2Zw9xUCURRonJEQo9nyh7-Dwzg4aE77QgHenNLRRaCRWmNgckkSstjpzM3pvrYkGHQhtez-TneDmU_H-zAQ/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Blackie</span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-13339490131401029452012-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:002012-09-15T11:04:46.035-07:00Hungry Kitty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6-PxLp5413l7b0QZD9upNr01qPDOdkMY8Y_9xR5LySqI24ZRO0F_4YgtyRS-EuVPUyIhrFWcEAa0Inr1T6zYch56rRGGTpTL6CgTFyWzoxL7a29LmDe1uxMqH-LGC7PWLTHFm9_weA/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6-PxLp5413l7b0QZD9upNr01qPDOdkMY8Y_9xR5LySqI24ZRO0F_4YgtyRS-EuVPUyIhrFWcEAa0Inr1T6zYch56rRGGTpTL6CgTFyWzoxL7a29LmDe1uxMqH-LGC7PWLTHFm9_weA/s400/IMG_4755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-89981265261406741592012-06-16T17:47:00.003-07:002012-06-16T17:47:58.536-07:00Window Moke<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHncU0MHr9TjCH2CwEdKfls7ZeZIjKRGpZVV14FUeeQMvfa1W295d8iBwsSWGOm8dJdQqPx6qcxDktfTJfk72LvO3SrytM5bibpN_LSOr9hqM6t1-R81z84GLKySJGy7W2mrwi8IMkyg/s1600/IMG_3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHncU0MHr9TjCH2CwEdKfls7ZeZIjKRGpZVV14FUeeQMvfa1W295d8iBwsSWGOm8dJdQqPx6qcxDktfTJfk72LvO3SrytM5bibpN_LSOr9hqM6t1-R81z84GLKySJGy7W2mrwi8IMkyg/s320/IMG_3937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The other evening, as I finished up
some yard work, I heard a familiar meow. My brain didn’t place it for a second or two. I stepped off the porch to turn on the water.
As I’m doing this, I think, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He’s not
supposed to be out here</i>. I look
down, and sure enough, there’s Moke at my feet. It’s also about this time I
noticed the screen on the ground. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Moke fell or jumped from a two
story window. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Part of me thought he busted out. It was a daring jail break hashed out over
many afternoons of sitting in the window watching the birds, squirrels and chipmunks
merrily cavorting. Nope, he couldn’t
take it any longer…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Then the Rational me kicked the Creative
me in the pants. Moke probably just
leaned on the screen a little too hard and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Whoosh!</i> Down he fell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Either way, the damage has been
done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Oh, don’t worry, he’s fine, and the
screen popped back in despite being bent.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Here’s the kicker: Now Moke knows
he can escape by pushing on that screen – or any screen for that matter. </div>
<br />
<br />
Yippee :-)<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigomZiklb7aNTTgPJK-V0rqlJQ3AonbewAxxrmHCH54aoaPmDW459TAz_b1bzo1WIoEpvbO3u-gtJp8nytCGeyux9zv5abJmGISXLHQoQqVCYCwgoXwxpS_Y60cdA8u4UfuwAXRcr9mw/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigomZiklb7aNTTgPJK-V0rqlJQ3AonbewAxxrmHCH54aoaPmDW459TAz_b1bzo1WIoEpvbO3u-gtJp8nytCGeyux9zv5abJmGISXLHQoQqVCYCwgoXwxpS_Y60cdA8u4UfuwAXRcr9mw/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-16892082155570432962012-01-02T09:20:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:43:11.534-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA3ih75FzlaCRxHKgIuXJRNTep4rOS7CxE_7axhKAwtbxplNN5wrLylrC7-Jx5C1LXS5aCc1O2H-JeOv84X11rNFn5CDvf7cz157fkI4hTt_eSTIZKP9y8_nSzWP9N6hv8-BWwl7_kQ/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA3ih75FzlaCRxHKgIuXJRNTep4rOS7CxE_7axhKAwtbxplNN5wrLylrC7-Jx5C1LXS5aCc1O2H-JeOv84X11rNFn5CDvf7cz157fkI4hTt_eSTIZKP9y8_nSzWP9N6hv8-BWwl7_kQ/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693087572293382514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: verdana; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" >Happy 2012 from Bster and the rest of the gang! :-)</span><br /></span></div>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-80418393956568849322011-12-07T15:01:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:10:23.536-08:00Squirt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJdZgyYSJshLx38CkoW8hrPUPqw6fBdfaay4hIaVag574a8cDjeguS9P-Zw8_D0D4lcT71WvUHCDBYB1-ZeyZWC5nVfvkb_8OQZHl8YUH-ecEYCeFlSBflOhyphenhyphenxBbYtBZwPhyCb1KapA/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJdZgyYSJshLx38CkoW8hrPUPqw6fBdfaay4hIaVag574a8cDjeguS9P-Zw8_D0D4lcT71WvUHCDBYB1-ZeyZWC5nVfvkb_8OQZHl8YUH-ecEYCeFlSBflOhyphenhyphenxBbYtBZwPhyCb1KapA/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683526463745481010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />This is my new ally my battle of wills with the Poke (aka Smokey). <br /><br />Don’t worry – It’s only water.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-42958378074773072242011-09-13T07:48:00.000-07:002011-09-13T10:07:41.237-07:00The Evolution of a NameHow many names do you have for your pet? I bet you’d be surprised if you made a list.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoMx5iXOVr19zRkYMoVdmQhrNtzId1QQhbrq3WBuynwdhVeQvfgJU9wW0AdFa5vuKY3zTvnVh3pma1vtJw9ityozpWd4Pd8nJlwM4rIzfKIMtaJrpMMiSuGqgQZF7QEEkXhzm4RxOfA/s1600/IMG_9435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoMx5iXOVr19zRkYMoVdmQhrNtzId1QQhbrq3WBuynwdhVeQvfgJU9wW0AdFa5vuKY3zTvnVh3pma1vtJw9ityozpWd4Pd8nJlwM4rIzfKIMtaJrpMMiSuGqgQZF7QEEkXhzm4RxOfA/s320/IMG_9435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651883411519708338" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I’ll use Smokey as an example. <span style="font-style:italic;">(Because I know how much you all love the little shi- I mean goofball. )</span> His original name was Cry Baby Slim. When he first joined our family, he was skinny and would not shut up. The skinny part isn’t true anymore, but he still won’t shut up! <br /><br />Here’s a quick list of his nicknames:<br /><br /><br />Mocha-chunka-latte<br />Mocha-chunk<br />Chocolate Moke<br />Moke<br />Poke<br />Poke Poke<br />P Poke Train<br />Poke-a-Moke<br />Chunka-Moke<br />Mokerson<br />Mocus Pocus<br /><br /><br />Each name represents a different frame of mind/attitude and/or behavior, and sometimes one name can have different meanings depending on the way it’s said. It’s kinda like using a child’s middle name when they’re misbehaving, except Smokey’s name gets shorter when he’s driving us nuts.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-50536670757401505032011-07-26T16:04:00.000-07:002011-07-26T16:54:53.165-07:00Wanted: Sanity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74V39pWJShED_OLAC2CQKuENcz_-YtNK5KfXkxmM-x6OJjW1M0vSuaNvSQp9bCdF4j5sHZGwDqzKTZTZ5L2_glWgjLBup3tLsn6cSDYbIWE97ep5Ng-DyC-UKvW6lCkmNoMdjT-_AsQ/s1600/IMG_7565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74V39pWJShED_OLAC2CQKuENcz_-YtNK5KfXkxmM-x6OJjW1M0vSuaNvSQp9bCdF4j5sHZGwDqzKTZTZ5L2_glWgjLBup3tLsn6cSDYbIWE97ep5Ng-DyC-UKvW6lCkmNoMdjT-_AsQ/s320/IMG_7565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633802634026480722" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><br />I love Smokey. There are some days, though, that I’d love to throw his whiny little butt outside. Maybe dropkick is the right word. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">He’s noisy.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> If you need a 4am wake-up, he’s your cat. He meows to go outside and when he’s hungry – which is 99% of the time. He also lets you know he’s up to something bad with this odd high pitched chatter. Basically the only time he’s quiet is when he’s eating or sleeping.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">He’s too smart for his own good.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> He can open cupboard doors with ease and remove the lids from plastic containers. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">He’s a menace.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> He knocks things off countertops just to get your attention. He also likes to pick fights with his housemates or drop a stinky turd in the nearest litter box, just to let you know he’s unhappy about something.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">He’s a thief.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> He will eat just about anything. Everything is fair game to him. Watermelon, tomatoes, cantaloupe, green peppers, oatmeal, nuts. He’ll even chew on a lemon rind. You can’t leave anything where he can get it. There are baby locks on the cupboard where we store the garbage so he can’t get into it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">He’s the enforcer.<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> He patrols our house, keeping the other cats in line. Sometimes, I think he feels he’s following my orders. <br /><br /><br />Smokey is lucky he’s a snuggly bug. He sleeps with me some nights, throws his little body against me with a sigh. Melts my heart every time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik46nEpgT8OH-IkE1g07_1yEvCtDix9Fz06CnxHSP8x6RrHr3qlhmBj-W0ygCY8sN3kYtx7lpADMSAUzY7ZCfnvSK7obkJ2eREnRt4WgM9qxVsUqrbWsYF_d6yIRzXgyjdlcLLnzWeQ/s1600/IMG_7821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik46nEpgT8OH-IkE1g07_1yEvCtDix9Fz06CnxHSP8x6RrHr3qlhmBj-W0ygCY8sN3kYtx7lpADMSAUzY7ZCfnvSK7obkJ2eREnRt4WgM9qxVsUqrbWsYF_d6yIRzXgyjdlcLLnzWeQ/s320/IMG_7821.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633811811605877522" /></a>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-178067611817088982011-05-13T14:42:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:50:32.831-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZFW5F9kuKs6tvuwjHP5nwbmtw8bbpEjA25eND-BZlxktB5i7WP2SD9natcgAZssjl049lmFY7vdL7Ob5wZBbOMAWBvkwd_1xOvBP7UuLWEHMUt0Uf72KlBIlGzkoeeWlKE_N6V3fKA/s1600/IMG_9183.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZFW5F9kuKs6tvuwjHP5nwbmtw8bbpEjA25eND-BZlxktB5i7WP2SD9natcgAZssjl049lmFY7vdL7Ob5wZBbOMAWBvkwd_1xOvBP7UuLWEHMUt0Uf72KlBIlGzkoeeWlKE_N6V3fKA/s320/IMG_9183.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606320771676441618" /></a><br /><br />In the jungle with the Bster... This is the enclosure we built so the cats can go outside without the worry of them running off. Bster loves to spend hours outside keeping watch over his kingdom.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-19945253060193143792010-06-23T11:19:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:21:41.403-07:00Looking Ahead<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao6OMHgIFz2C7pV1VipKB0dSFdh91kjMdak_nYC-FnRe_a_nBE_um3tVDn8ApNepGvinD2TfKc6SFJItQjAOMXD9pPr616G1ukxtHIKKrEMA7_pK1ysVpw1YpMlpNuO6PwcApKRgDtA/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiao6OMHgIFz2C7pV1VipKB0dSFdh91kjMdak_nYC-FnRe_a_nBE_um3tVDn8ApNepGvinD2TfKc6SFJItQjAOMXD9pPr616G1ukxtHIKKrEMA7_pK1ysVpw1YpMlpNuO6PwcApKRgDtA/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486035569210392370" /></a>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-41224761620367210972009-12-08T10:34:00.001-08:002010-02-13T15:59:20.126-08:00Little B (or Bster)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEQGpNocDTpS7yBvT3Pb_s_WnuTlV4saqW4olxAQYIqwWw1eMJy8ltOCCFvh6NvU2yqUQbIHuzJ6-5pn64tnWQjxHp1stVzM8ylzke6lQzxamNjnIVsamnA8bKzPsyNNqs_XWn7B12w/s1600-h/IMG_0660.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEQGpNocDTpS7yBvT3Pb_s_WnuTlV4saqW4olxAQYIqwWw1eMJy8ltOCCFvh6NvU2yqUQbIHuzJ6-5pn64tnWQjxHp1stVzM8ylzke6lQzxamNjnIVsamnA8bKzPsyNNqs_XWn7B12w/s320/IMG_0660.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412936900165584690" /></a><br /><br />Bster appeared in our yard one Autumn. A shadow at the edge of the darkness. I'm not sure where he came from, but he became fast friends with Half Tail. Today they are inseparable. When she had to come inside because of an injury, he came too.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-48870305361872079932009-09-05T05:04:00.000-07:002013-08-20T05:18:49.464-07:00Half Tail<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLHp5VN_6swJyczSo54sAI6ATLqIswyR8HVRouWDb07Vpc_kK5yxBCVB3Ra2qXFJNS-nhDtxGXZB22uJ0Jf-BGv_ts0MIdPyX9r1_8nomrN7f-cii-F72wbv2euWdK1ZkpWJRgnHyWA/s1600-h/HT01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377955834740753154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLHp5VN_6swJyczSo54sAI6ATLqIswyR8HVRouWDb07Vpc_kK5yxBCVB3Ra2qXFJNS-nhDtxGXZB22uJ0Jf-BGv_ts0MIdPyX9r1_8nomrN7f-cii-F72wbv2euWdK1ZkpWJRgnHyWA/s320/HT01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 244px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Half Tail came to our screen door not long after we moved into our current house. A tiny little kitten, she curiously peered into the kitchen. When I went to the door to greet her, she scooted off the porch. About four months later, she appeared on the porch again. One cold February day, she wound herself around my legs and I noticed she was missing something. Her tail. Only part of it remained. Her hind end looked like something tried to take a bite out of her. I did what I could first aid wise. She was more interested in my scratching her head than acknowledging her misfortune. <br />
<br />
She has always been a very loving, upbeat cat. Friendly and caring. She's mothered 3 litters and fostered more than a few strays. Always keeping such a great attitude. You could never feel sorry for this cat.<br />
<br />
That's why one warm December afternoon, my heart nearly broke. I awoke from a nap with the need to go outside. I hurriedly put on my shoes and rushed out the door. I didn't think about why or where I was going. Long story short, I found Half Tail in bad shape, shot by someone in our neighborhood. During the next few months, she taught us much about perserverance and patience, all the while keeping her incredible attitude.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-43401780031882894022009-08-30T15:28:00.000-07:002009-08-30T15:51:49.570-07:00Spazzy Bear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_27vPWaMSUW-25ED_Z5qrGNDFOP8QuCTYWlVBwCdgQjNgsftr0SA_jpWqirY4xEShr2sOcq-EyhgXbbsLhB_6vlGTKjKWBtyq_8hvi5IQhYZ7jfY9vvyBH-MbD_0eMaM0iB-QgRclA/s1600-h/IMG_0672.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_27vPWaMSUW-25ED_Z5qrGNDFOP8QuCTYWlVBwCdgQjNgsftr0SA_jpWqirY4xEShr2sOcq-EyhgXbbsLhB_6vlGTKjKWBtyq_8hvi5IQhYZ7jfY9vvyBH-MbD_0eMaM0iB-QgRclA/s320/IMG_0672.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375892399322934050" /></a><br /><br /><br />Son of Babba. Major Goofball. Does not "meow" - he's "rawrs" like a bear...The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-1751587874391501152009-08-29T13:16:00.001-07:002009-08-29T13:56:46.042-07:00Zoomer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BVjh4PoLVQiQCZhWR40OIPWfQyPBxl-0a0Iprazcjj-uqNYRzgiGf_7s-5XwrOVXOHlAJamRUnEvhzmRurwCZkftirPCxQd52I43CQrnVrTDBVz-4B_xCKwIhrDAOedRpNKvDmwacA/s1600-h/IMG_0097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BVjh4PoLVQiQCZhWR40OIPWfQyPBxl-0a0Iprazcjj-uqNYRzgiGf_7s-5XwrOVXOHlAJamRUnEvhzmRurwCZkftirPCxQd52I43CQrnVrTDBVz-4B_xCKwIhrDAOedRpNKvDmwacA/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375485312536041874" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Zoomer is the daughter of Babba. Just as opinionated though not nearly as dramatic. In fact, she doesn't say much at all. You have to listen closely to hear her. <br /><br />She loves veggies and fruits - corn, tomatoes, limes, grapes, green peppers, cukes, melon, avocado, apples - you name it. The kitchen is her domain.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-30341545589377830442009-08-20T04:10:00.001-07:002009-08-30T16:05:31.289-07:00The Bop (or Babba)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9UcSZ2vZbFwaeyG3VRqyQ9TLg8JKM71V4qOC_yofuMVenUNnIUZWo5HUYXXWXU1Uj6pyWfuL00j3W5fmN6BpTNyuEY9ukUFs3EB3xbzIkJG7xV0atDFY3NPXAJaAWCiH7s-ttUeemw/s1600-h/IMG_0030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9UcSZ2vZbFwaeyG3VRqyQ9TLg8JKM71V4qOC_yofuMVenUNnIUZWo5HUYXXWXU1Uj6pyWfuL00j3W5fmN6BpTNyuEY9ukUFs3EB3xbzIkJG7xV0atDFY3NPXAJaAWCiH7s-ttUeemw/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372002898626592786" /></a><br /><br /><br />The first of our crew, she is the mother of two of our goobers. Supreme Drama Queen and Uber Opinionated.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-52062041886160913552009-08-20T03:58:00.000-07:002009-08-20T03:59:50.173-07:00The GoobersI don’t have any kids, so I don’t presume to know what it’s like. I do have 6 very opinionated cats. Each with their own distinct personality - and demands. Right now, they are whining for breakfast. <br /><br />I’d like to think they prepare me for kids, if I ever have any. I know, all of you with kids want to whop me over the head right now. How could cats ever compare to children? At this point, it’s my best guess. <br /><br />We feed them twice a day. We make their food. We brush their teeth. We break up fights and broker deals. We punish and reward. We provide companionship. <br /><br />And they return the favor. They are alarm clocks and bed warmers. Couch potato companions and workout wannabees. They hang out in the kitchen begging for food, constantly asking – When’s dinner? They wake me in the middle of the night when they’re not feeling well or a storm frightens them.<br /><br />This week, I will introduce you to all of them. Well, you’ve already met the Moke. I’ll probably revisit him and his antics.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-64136150317760282032009-08-02T17:14:00.003-07:002009-08-08T19:20:19.245-07:00The Moke<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhm1lIHt2l1Op-xApSeFDdWhqoDOBntixlWre5FS5-us5hj2J3p8uTVKFmEYk3-hFfrgP6xcFpX8Yjhv2qX1Ig73tJLFTseMq7wvI-j9tdsfl2Q7AS6IgUmfD8QORU_GJxPdQ2gfoyQ/s1600-h/moke.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhm1lIHt2l1Op-xApSeFDdWhqoDOBntixlWre5FS5-us5hj2J3p8uTVKFmEYk3-hFfrgP6xcFpX8Yjhv2qX1Ig73tJLFTseMq7wvI-j9tdsfl2Q7AS6IgUmfD8QORU_GJxPdQ2gfoyQ/s320/moke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365524675602390786" /></a><br /><br /><br />His name is Moke or Mokerson or Moke Moke. Well, those aren’t really his names. More like call signs, tag lines, depending on our moods and his behavior. Moke is one of our six cats and the loudest, most annoying, territorial, rambunctious, intelligent, and exacerbating. Fortunately for him, he’s playful, cute, and likes to snuggle in bed. He sleeps beside me most nights, hogging the pillow. If he sees I’m awake in the middle of the night, he’ll give me a soft mew and a light nudge with his head. Melts my heart and resolve. But before long, he’ll be patrolling the perimeter, harassing and goading the other cats, meowing at the top of his lungs for breakfast. <br /><br />Moke wandered on to our porch about 7 years ago, sleeping in a pizza box for two weeks while we got to know him and decided to add him to our family. The vet warned us we’d have our hands full. Moke has an extra thumb on one paw, which means it’s easier for him to open cabinet doors to dig in the trash can. Or pry open plastic containers. He is constantly on the move, prowling his territory. Mewing to go outside. Climbing on forbidden countertops. Licking dishes in the sink. Pushing pots filled with food off the stove.<br /><br />He’s lucky he found us. <br /><br />I don’t know if anyone else would have the patience…<br /><br />Edited 8/08/09 to add...<br /><br />And he's at it again tonight. Trying to pry the lid off a plastic container. Because he wants some WATERMELON!The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-17623975523623044692009-07-28T18:03:00.000-07:002009-07-28T18:16:17.231-07:00Clumping Cat Litter or Should I say Quick Drying Cement?I’ve thought about going back to the old fashioned litter you have to dump every day or so, and I’ve tried the pine stuff. My cats didn’t like it, and most of you know what it’s like when your feline friend doesn’t want to use its box. So, I don’t experiment very often. But days when I scoop the concrete blocks from my little creatures of habit who only seem to do their business in the corners, I wish for something better. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Here are a few things we’ve done to improve our litter box situation </strong>: <br /><br /><br />We added more boxes to prevent ambushes and for convenience. <br /><br />We took off the roofs for better air flow.<br /><br />We switched to fragrance free litter for their health and ours.<br /><br />We changed to 25 gallon plastic tubs rather than a standard litter box.<br /><br />We put towels on the floor under the boxes to cut down on litter being tracked throughout the house.<br /><br />We buy high quality, low-dust, clumping litter. Our next move will be a switch from clay.<br /><br />We scoop every day - sometimes twice.<br /><br />Most of all, we keep our sense of humor...<br /><br /><br /><br />...and pray for patience.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-52903277600007797152009-07-19T05:17:00.000-07:002009-07-19T05:21:09.237-07:00What I learned this week...<em>Nature’s Miracle </em>is excellent for tackling those tough cat pee issues – if you can handle the fragrance. Until it dries, it’s like being dowsed in fabric softner. I might try the all natural version with orange oil next time; though something tells me it won’t work nearly as well since it has no enzymatic agent.<br /><br /><br />Oh, I also learned large plastic totes (20+ gallons) make great litter boxes.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-78155567738399108412009-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:002009-07-18T17:20:18.517-07:00To pee or not to pee...That is my problem. Well, it's not <em><strong>MY</strong></em> problem. One of my cats has started spraying. He doesn't do it all the time. Seems to be when he's anxious or over-excited. I love this cat dearly. We've been working on this issue, and every time I think we've got it licked - I catch him peeing all over the shower curtain. <br /><br />I have to be more diligent with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Feliway</span>. Which seems to work for the most part. Though sometimes, it almost seems to excite him more. In the end, I need to pay more attention to his triggers. And avoid them.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-16557151029322178022008-12-16T18:42:00.000-08:002008-12-16T19:06:39.381-08:00We Are Family<span style="font-family:georgia;">It's the Holidays, and this time of year always gets me thinking about family.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />My cats are family. They aren't just animals who live in my home. They are my friends, and I care for them deeply. I will admit, I don't have children. I cannot imagine what that love feels like, but if it's anything close to how I feel for my goobers, I will be blown away.<br /><br /><br /><br />We recently lost a member of our crew, and we are very much in the midst of mourning. Biggie came into our lives some five years ago, a wild cat, first appearing at the end of our porch. Yellow glowing eyes sizing up the place. It took another year and a lot of trust for her to accept us into her life. One cold night, I was out shoveling a path in the snow for other cats (and I admit it was also for our resident raccoons). Biggie appeared from out of nowhere, watching me. And from that moment on, our friendship grew. The simple act of shoveling a path seemed to endear me to her. Now, it wasn't all peaches and cream overnight. It took another six months for me to be able to pet her. And another six months to be able to pick her up. She kept a bit of her wildness until the end. I have the scars to prove it. It's on stormy wet winter nights like this one that I know I will miss her the most. A part of me will always think of checking on Biggie, out on our porch in her hut made of old blankets... I miss her so much.The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-83973249994108853222008-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:002008-12-13T19:23:19.696-08:00In Memoriam<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJvo1KS6MA0eiWBbLvaSYyLmUPDgwJloF8sIa1WZSQ7bu_NwripQe28-6NKwXUGLwJ6MNM5oAPGEF_HLZn-MGO3rE2zdsreWhhRdImprSvN1Iz9f7IPv4gjeHfh43C66NuG75UbD32A/s1600-h/BiggiePath.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279479521349991330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJvo1KS6MA0eiWBbLvaSYyLmUPDgwJloF8sIa1WZSQ7bu_NwripQe28-6NKwXUGLwJ6MNM5oAPGEF_HLZn-MGO3rE2zdsreWhhRdImprSvN1Iz9f7IPv4gjeHfh43C66NuG75UbD32A/s320/BiggiePath.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> Biggie has gone ahead... Our lives are not the same without her.</em></div>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-18718777235562977742008-11-27T17:36:00.000-08:002009-07-31T07:01:18.756-07:00Thanksgiving Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZbAkdizUXVepbTZDjqRUz5VIwMFgEgIp52tarwQEg0F8PrTR6Siq0PSccd3jZU6jGj6-udGCvPbiXPzjrXCtYR8DqrZVI_SPhE3zCyXgHwX4-zaMRhslN3nNc0iUhKYfgpAXSGaojw/s1600-h/zoom+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282403747797651298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZbAkdizUXVepbTZDjqRUz5VIwMFgEgIp52tarwQEg0F8PrTR6Siq0PSccd3jZU6jGj6-udGCvPbiXPzjrXCtYR8DqrZVI_SPhE3zCyXgHwX4-zaMRhslN3nNc0iUhKYfgpAXSGaojw/s320/zoom+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today my Zoomer got a treat. Her last grape tomato of the year. Well, the last from my little garden. She loves veggies of all kinds and some fruit. Crazy cat that she is. We can't have a compost bowl because she will dump it and drag pieces parts to her bed. I've found green pepper parts, limes, apple cores - you name it. Now don't give me a lecture. I am careful about foods she shouldn't eat like onions and mushrooms. Although, she used to eat a lot of mushrooms before I read they weren't good for her. The jury is still out on that one. I need to do more research. We don't feed our cats mainstream manufactured processed foods. If they get kitty crack (dry and canned foods from the big brands), it's mostly as a treat or last resort. These days, I don't trust big companies to feed my family. I trust them to line their pockets and that's about it. Sometimes, we buy organic food from chain stores, but it's too expensive to be an every day thing. So our cats eat what we cook them. Livers, gizzards, hearts, brown rice, eggs plus what ever whole foods we might be eating. It's a balance though because no matter how much we love them they are still cats. But it's all a labor of love!!<br /><br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Give your pets a hug and let them know how much you love them!</div>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861820402714451610.post-38126629925118549432008-08-21T16:22:00.001-07:002008-08-21T16:47:09.355-07:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mlEnp8YzxxeaBddUCGSYZjKj5MAONpD8-OUtBVZEGRZg75rrlnjr5fxSexdi6N0-xaDLZFt6RjueqQAPwM_l7-8ohBh42JhRXfGxsTpJ_ndcOY1a0LuZNvPItMUFJXwyo7L-9IMWzg/s1600-h/halfieandbster2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237120777519294002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mlEnp8YzxxeaBddUCGSYZjKj5MAONpD8-OUtBVZEGRZg75rrlnjr5fxSexdi6N0-xaDLZFt6RjueqQAPwM_l7-8ohBh42JhRXfGxsTpJ_ndcOY1a0LuZNvPItMUFJXwyo7L-9IMWzg/s400/halfieandbster2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My LoveBugs. Halfie & Bster<br /><br />These two no longer live outside, and Halfie no longer has four legs, but that is a story for another day. <br /></div>The Cat Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12159654772497427417noreply@blogger.com0