Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches varies from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. The term “tortoiseshell” is used for cats with brindled coats that have few or no white markings. Cats of this coloring with larger areas of white fur are called calicos. Sometimes, these colors present in lighter versions such as lilac or cream. Torties with this lighter coloring are called dilute torties. Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern, and these cats are sometimes referred to as “torbies.”
Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico coats are the result of the interaction between genetic and developmental factors. The occasional and very rare male tortoiseshell cat is the result of a genetic mutation.
In addition to their distinctive coloring, torties also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as “tortitude.” They tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and they can be very possessive of their human. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. They’re usually very talkative and make their presence and needs known with anything from a hiss to a meow to a strong purr. These traits are stronger in tortoiseshell cats than in calicos – it seems as though these traits are somewhat diluted with the addition of more white to the color scheme.
As of the writing of this post, I share my life with Amber*, and those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while have gotten to know her in her Amber’s Mewsings posts. You will soon be able to read all about Buckley in Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. The photo above shows Buckley in the front, Amber behind her.
Prior to Amber and Buckley, there was another tortie in my life. Virginia was the first office cat at the animal hospital I managed. She was my introduction to torties, and my love affair with this particular type of cat began with her. She, too, had the “tortitude” I so love about these particular cats.
Do you have a tortie or calico in your life? Does she have “tortitude?”
*Sadly, Amber passed away on May 13, 2010, after a sudden, brief illness. I now share my life with Allegra and Ruby, two tortoiseshell cats who have their own columns here on The Conscious Cat, titled Allegra’s World and Ruby’s Reflections.
Photo ©Ingrid King, all rights reserved
My roofers were up today.
I went out and got a bale of hay and scaffolding at Harbor Freight.
Going to need that to patch some drywall tape and paint the ceiling.
Can’t wait to see which cat thinks it’s a cat perch.
Harry, now I have read the posts for the day, I can see that Henry is on medication. I understand the actions of Henry and Buckley with a narcotic pain/muscle relaxer. I, like a lot of people and pets, have the same reaction. It winds up the nervous system and makes you feel like a spring and it’s wound to tight. No sleep, but even when very tired some of the meds will not let you sleep. So poor Henry is having the same reaction. Have you put a heavy pillow by the bed so when he jumps he lands on something that has give to it. It might help soften the impact on his leg. I can only imagine how you felt last night to have to rush him to a vet. It is good to know nothing was cracked or broken.
Jay – Sabrina’s doing the innocent act: “I didn’t know when I dared him to follow me up to this shelf he was too old to make it. Hey, if he can’t get off the floor, can I sleep on the bed tonight?”
Bernie – He’s sleeping on my wife’s lap, and he used the scratch post earlier with both paws. I think the less-than-half-dose of the pain killer is much better. I, on the other hand, am going to need a double espresso to get through the event tonight. Ran into the office to file something, and am about to leave. Gabby arrives tonight.
Harry, I can see it now. Once Henry is back to normal, Brooke and Sabrina are going to be taking over the all the attention they can muster. I seem to see Pearl as laid back and saying “so what”.
I hope your expresso helps, I am anxious to see this persian mix. She looked adorable on the early photo.
Have a successful event tonight.
I can just see Sabrina with that halo.
The perfect innocent cat.
Brooke would not even try for the halo look. Torties never try to act innocent. Just – “yea, I did it. What you gonna do about it”
And same here. Good luck at your adoption event tonight.
And really want to see some Gabby photo’s
Rather than trying to respond to the individual flea comments, here’s my $0.02. I don’t like the chemical spot on products except in cases of severe flea allergies on the part of the cat or dog. I definitely don’t like flea dips, especially not for cats. There are natural ways to prevent fleas, they’re just generally a lot more labor intensive than using the spot on products. There’s smore info and links to some resources in this article: https://ingridking.com/2010/07/26/how-to-control-fleas-without-chemicals/
I agree–if fleas are an issue there are many more effective things we can do. I mostly use the brewer’s yeast tablets as treats for training tools and crowd control, just to make sure I have something they all respond to. It’s a valuable thing I learned in keeping more than six cats to get them to play together and to come together if I need to do a head count, for instance. They get one treat every day just to remind them how good it is, and one treat whenever I shake the bottle to call them together. I got fleas last year from the possum who wintered over on my deck and kindly left them behind so they could jump in the door every time I opened it. You just never know.
Bernadette, I can see doing the head count and finding you have 15 cats as each one that gets a treat goes to the end of the line for another one. Like trick or treat when 10 kids show up.
I worry also when feeding the feral cats, along with skunks, possum, chipmunk and who knows what eating the food I put out.
I actually hand each one their treat or some tall and grabby ones would get three or four. Even with five black cats, they can’t fool me.
That’s why I don’t put food out unless I’m specifically trying to catch a certain cat or kitten. I’ve just got this little back yard and everyone wants to live here.
I have to give each a treat seperately.
Pumpkin is a hog and will eat Tabatha’s and even Stirfry’s (or at least try).
Tabatha won’t eat with ether around and she’s picky anyhow.
Stirfry lashes out if Punky gets too close.
I feed the outside cats because I feel sorry for them.
Got plenty of land so they can settle where they want.
I have an open shed ( 10 x 16 3 sides) where I keep my lawnmower, some tools ad a VW trike) I know a cat stays in there as I’ve seen tracks in the snow.
Just returned from the emergency clinic… right after that last message, Henry tried to jump from the desk to a high shelf, missed, and went about 7 feet to the floor. Nothing broken, but a sprained elbow. Now, to bed….
Poor Henry. What did the Vet say?
What did he give you for him. And do they tape him up
Was it something we said ?
Oh no! Thank goodness it’s only a sprained elbow. How is Henry doing this morning?
Just dragged my carcass out of bed. They gave Henry Buprenex, for the pain – as with one of our other cats who had it when she had teeth extracted, it made him restless, and this morning our own vet said to cut the dose. Last night he couldn’t seem to settle and sleep. He’s still limping very badly, not putting any weight on the leg. We’re supposed to keep him from jumping, at least, any more than from the bed to the carpeted floor. He actually seems to know his limitations. Could have been much, much worse. BTW, Ingrid – I really like Pender, in the middle of the night, far more than any other emergency clinic I’ve been to (and I’ve been to them all…)
Poor Henry. I always wonder what it really feels like to cats to be on these kinds of drugs. I think Buprenex, or any narcotics, for that matter, have that effect on a lot of cats. After Buckley had major dental surgery, they put a pain patch on her (a narcotic) – and she zoomed through the house all night long once she recovered from the anesthesia. I was ready to take the patch off so she could get some rest, but at the same time, I was worried about pain control because she had had multiple extractions. I finally got hold of my vet early in the morning, took the patch off, and she was given a different, non-narcotic pain medication. Amber didn’t react quite as strongly, but she would sit wide awake for close to 24 hours after she’d been given Buprenex for a routine dental. I refused to let vets give it to either of them after these two experiences.
That’s good to know about Pender.
Nice to hear Henry is better than last night.
How do you keep a cat from jumping ?
Watching 24/7 and carry a net ?
Thanks, Ingrid – if the half-dose of Buprenex still makes him restless, I’ll ask about other options. I agree also about the flea preps – we used them one time, when somehow our indoor cats got fleas – and Pearl had a horrible, twitchy reaction, and now sometimes still gets bouts of twitchyness. Google “Revolution” and “seizures” and you’ll not use the stuff, either.
Jay – the only way to keep him from jumping is to crate him, which makes him frantic. We’re just leaving him be, and it seems that he knows not to jump.
Harry the last I read here Henry wanted to learn how to use the mouse. Now I didn’t think you would not let him. What happened, did he master the mouse to quickly. Just joking.
I just read your post. Poor little guy, how is he doing today. Did the vet give him something to help with discomfort? Did your dr. give to something to deal with the stress? I am truly sorry to hear he is hurt. I know how well your and your family take care of these little ones.
Henry is off the medication, but Harry needs it for the stress 🙂
I know Henry will be treated extra special until he heals.
Got to watch Sabrina and Brooke to make sure they dont get jealous
Nite all.
G’nite Bernie, was watching Jay Leno but going to bed also.
Tabatha’s in bed and Pumpkin will join me in minutes (tight rope walk and al)
Stir’s on the kitchen chair sleeping.
You all are 40 messages ahead of me, and I can’t comment much – Henry is sitting on the desk batting the cursor and I am peering through his paws. Going outside in the snow/rain/sleet/heat is why I don’t have a dog. Oh, and Brooke would kill him.
Gabby has been spayed and is being brought to the event tomorrow – I won’t put her out, I want her to have a week post-spay, and we’ll just bring her home. I’ll post photos on facebook.
Can’t wait to see Gabby.
Sounds like you have a mouse problem and Henry is trying to help you out.
Harry, I, too, am anxious to see photos of her. Give us an update on Flexy when you hear more about her, if you can. Do you think Jay needs a flea bath also? Maybe it is time to teach Henry how to use the mouse. Then we could get info from his perspective.
I’ll try the Brewers yeast this spring. I know the barn critters will eat it. Nutmeg would eat the bag.
Maybe the cats. Haven’t had flea problems for 15 years when our dog got them.
Ticks were real bad last year. Enen found one on Stirfry.
And I did see that “Jay, I don’t know for sure if you have fleas 🙂 ”
Make me wonder – your not sure.
In that case – flea dip for everyone this spring.
To all Tortie family. Steeler is doing fine today, back to normal.
Now you all know about our SB team. I have posted the 2011 rendition of the Steeler’s Polka on my Facebook page. I can also be view on you tube. Just go and enjoy. It will give you a smile for the day. Shows what a crazy group of people Steeler fans are.
Bernie, I’m so glad that Steeler is back to normal. It’s so upsetting when our babies are out of sorts and nothing we do seems to make it better.
Ingrid, thanks. I am still going to order the rescue remedy. Now that I have seen how truly frightened she was (me to, for her). There will be spring storms and I do not want her to be so upset and frightened if there is a safe product to help her. She is my baby, as Allegra and all cats are to their owners.
Got to replace a hinge on the bottom barn door.
Water had frozen in front of it from yesterdays snow melt. I had put the animals in at 5:30 and at 5:45 this morning it had frozen. Bent the hinge opening it up and took 30 minutes to get it closed.
Temp and winds are going to make this fun.
Have to use a pickaxe to get the ice from out front then replace it.
I hate winter……. 🙁
Jay at least the three musketeers were safe in their barn. I can’t imagine having to work on frozen hinges or anything else outside with this crazy winter. I hate winter also 🙂
I had to buy a set of hinges. These are heavy duty and the same size as I took off.
Had my goat eating my hat as I tried to work on them.
Then used a pickaxe and hammer and chisel to make room for the door to open
Also bought 100 lbs. of oats and put them in 25 lb. containers.
Had trouble getting them up to the barn as it’s a sheet of ice.
Walking in frozen footprints in the snow was the only way up.
I LOVE IT, NUTMEG EATING YOUR HAT WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO WORK IS HILARIOUS. LOL
I knew this storm was nasty, but I forgot about folks that have livestock to care for in this weather.
It shows how much you really love those three musketeers.
Then when you are done, you have the Great Cats waiting for you to come in. Then you go to work.
WOW that is a production, I believe it outdoes Harry’s indoor feeding production.
Bernie, taking care of my animals in the barn is a lot easier than cats in a house. Bernadette and Harry’s morning feeding is a lot more complicated than anything I do. My morning consists of getting up before 6 and letting Harley then Buell out of their stalls. They go outside and wait for me. Then I let Nutmeg out, chase her away from the hay bale as she grabs a bite to eat. Buell is just outside the door and Nutmeg is dancing back and forth. Harley stands about 10 feet away. I give them all an ear of corn for breakfast. Nutmeg will try to take Harley’s if she doesn’t get fed first. I then double latch the barn door and go inside for coffee. Check to see if the outside cat ate the food and if so fill the bowl.
In the afternoon I clean out the horse and donkey stalls and fill each feed bucket with a cup of oats. The each gets 1/2 flake of hay. That’s it till dusk or midnight if I go to work earlier than 6.
I feel sorry for dairy farmers who have to milk their cows twice a day 365 days a year. They never get a vacation.
But Jay, Harry and I don’t have to go outside in all kinds of weather to do this. As much as I love the outdoors, at this point I’d rather it be my choice than necessity.
I have a friend who is a dairy farmer and they had to schedule the wedding around the 4:00 milkings–they left the wedding, went home and changed and milked the cows, then put their glad rags on and went to the reception. I believe they just made it home the next morning in time to milk the cows again.
Jay, I agree with Bernadette on this one. She and Harry do their productions in the house followed by their coffee. Yours and farmers have to go out before dawn, regardless of the weather, to tend to the animals. Then repeat this in the evening. I’m with Bernadette. Indoors is easier.
Jay, I don’t know for sure if you have fleas (:) but I have ridden horses, back when, and I know they are bothered by flies when they get sweaty. I do know when cats go outside there is a chance they will get fleas. If Bernadette’s yeast formula works, it would be better than those sprays.
Indoors is easier, especially when it’s raining like a thunderstorm.
But in the summer, when it’s 80’s I love to sit outside with them.
Buell and Harley will spend time with me (Harley only when Nutmeg is somewhere else)
She gets jealous and pushes him away.
But I love watching the rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks. Feeding them but found out the food chain is always in motion. 🙂
And Tabby and Stir love to go out in the summer. Tabby to eat grass and Stir to explore. Pumpkin will cautiously go out the get in the catnip.
Summer, do we have one of those? Can’t recall. Brain cells frozen from all this cold. I do like to hear about everyone handles their pets.
Bernadette mentioned yeast pellets, (something like that). I don’t let Steeler out at all. So in her post she mentioned that fleas don’t stick around with the odor emitted from yeast. So, if you let your cats out, would you use yeast to keep fleas off them? How about the three Musketeers, could you get them to eat yeast, to keep flies away in the summer heat? Just wondering out loud.
Can’t wait for Summer (or even a warm Spring)
The Brewer’s yeast sounds like a good idea.
I always used advantage drops on the cats.
I asked a friend who has some animals ( about 50 goats and 5 mini’s) about Advantage or ? for mine. He never used anything and an internet search didn’t give me any help.
I have fly spray but Harley and Buell will run if they see it.
Bernie, I had long ago used brewer’s yeast tablets with garlic to help repel fleas, but garlic isn’t safe for cats so it’s just brewer’s yeast. The brewer’s yeast is a great source for B vitamins, and if you’ve ever taken them or a supplement that has a fair amount you might remember what they smell like. After taking them, and the garlic supplement as well, you actually exude it through the pores in your skin, not so strong a smell to us usually, but really strong to creatures with an acute sense of smell. Fleas would theoretically pass animals by who didn’t smell like red-blooded cats and dogs because the B and garlic would mask their scent and make their blood distasteful to the fleas.
It doesn’t really work, though, at least not on its own.
Cookie goes out with me, but that’s how she got the fleas this past year. My yard never had fleas, but fleas are breeding faster and surviving more weather and predator conditions.
I love being out there too, and spending dawn to mid-morning out in the garden used to be my schedule, even in the winter, but I’m just thinking of the mornings when I barely got to bed before I got up and dishing out dry food and getting coffee is about all I can handle for the first hour or so.
Bernadette would you recommend a yeast + garlic for Jay and his critter and cats? Do you think it would work.
Hey !!!!
Are you inferring that I have fleas ????
Hey do they have a large enough flea dip for someone your size? 🙂
If they can dip a St Benard I think I can fit in the tub.
One of my cats (Lucy) she is always chewing on our spider plant and I wanted to know if thats ok.
Hi Jen, I looked up good and BAD plants for cats.
http://www.pets.ca/cats/articles/safe-plants-and-poisonous-plants-for-cats/
Spider plant (Chlorophytum) is listed as non toxic.
Jen, I’m sorry I’m so late in responding – Jay is right, spider plants are not considered toxic for cats. However, depending on how much of the plant Lucy actually ends up eating, she may wind up with an upset tummy.
Jay, anyway, you know I am a couple years older than you, so you should have put a note to me.
Sorry, I never thought of that.
I was so impressed with Ingrid’s story that I knew any P.R. guy would have to check into that sfter reading it.
Then minutes later plan a trip to see that great cat.
Should have told you so you could have tea and cookies waitng for them.
Thanks, Jay!
Cute Jay, but not cigar on that one.
Only cigars I use are for lighting fireworks and some things a little larger that go Boom.
But I do hope the paper picks up the story.
Torties need all the good press they can get.
I hope they do also. I thing the libraries should get the infor also. I think this evening I will see if I can send it to our libraries. I would hope Ingrid might want to consider donating a book or two two to her libraries for children and others to read, could not hurt.
Ingrid: I am sometimes slow on the uptake. Tonight I had a bolt of lighting flash thru my head.
The Pet Connection story you wrote is truly precious to me and I thank you. So finally, the Gods of print said “hey dummy, email that url to the local TV station. So I have sent it to this address:
[email protected] I hope that is ok with you. Maybe they will use it in a news story and give credit to you. If you object, let me know and I will email and ask them to delete message:)
Bernie, I already sent that to The Steelers PR guy.
I thought it was a very nice story from Ingrid also.
Jay, it was stupid of me not to do this right away. But I did tonight. She writes with a flow, that pulls you into her stories. Not many writers can pull you into the story. I don’t just mean this story, but her CC blog, makes you feel as tho you were there when Allegra did some of the things.
It the way she writes. It is like a fine painting, if you don’t find yourself drawn to it, then to you it is not a fine painting. Her writing draws you into it.
Bernie, you’re always free to share anything I post online – the wider shared, the better. That would really be something if something came of what you sent to the Pittsburgh station! And thank you for your kind words about my writing, that means so much.
Hi folks,
I know it’s been a while, but I just wanted to report that Honey is FINALLY (after 6 months) using that terribly expensive cat tree that I bought for her when she first moved in! She likes to sit on the high “branches” and carefully watch the dog in the yard below, and she also takes her cat naps up there. She still, however, refuses to use the beautiful cat bed I bought.
~Michael
Michael, hi, it’s been a long time hearing about Honey. Sounds like progress. Sitting on the cat tree must be intriguing for her to look down on the dog. Try a cheaper little bed. Steeler has 3 around the house. At first she didn’t want any thing to do with them. I moved one into the area where I spend most of my time, open kitchen/dining room. She soon took up residence in that one where she can watch me. There is one in the living room, but so far no luck. The other is in the bedroom, occasionally she will sleep there. Her bed of preference my on mine, on her own pillow. Heated blanket. Just a mite spoiled. No trees or scratching post usage yet for her. There are 4 different scratching post for her. They has been around for over a year now and she still wants nothing to do with them. Yes I already sprayed a little catnip to attract her, no luck.
Let us know how things keep going with Honey.
Hi Michael. been a long time. Nice to hear the update on Honey.
Do you have picture of her in the cat tree?
Been thinking of getting one ( or making one) for my 3.
And you know how Torties are. Spend big bucks on a bed and they want to sleep in a cardboard box that your shoes came in.
Good to hear from you, Michael. I haven’t had much luck with a any of my cats ever using a cat bed. I think they all figured why do I need to curl up in a tiny bed like that when I can sleep on Mom’s big one!
The wind is here, but it’s in the high 30’s. Sounds like the next nastiness may be Friday night into Saturday. No one has confirmed with me whether Gabby has arrived, or if she’s yet been spayed. I did get an update on Flexy – they think she dehissed because she was allergic to the sutures, and her body rejected them. Unfortunately, the PetSmart vet used the same type of sutures, so the decision was made to keep her in the hospital for two weeks with round the clock monitoring in case the stiches fail again. Poor little girl. Her fever is gone, she’s eating, and seems to be doing pretty well. Cats are just amazing.
Bernie – the next time Steeler is stressed, don’t pick her up but try to massage her. Ingrid probably has some better instructions, but here’s one: http://www.ehow.com/how_2122001_massage-cat.html
One of our fosters taught me how, and although I’ve never progressed beyond the back and shoulders, nearly all of our cats will literally melt when I do it.
Harry, I tried that. I heated Steelers little bed, because she would not get up on the heated bed, I put her in her little bed, and started rubbing her and speaking softly to her, but then a huge gust of wind and howling comes and she just jumped up and started to go whimpering. I was, let me correct that, I am worried about her, after all she is my little buddy. The winds have gone and all we have now is light snow. I hope the winds and cold are gentler to you and Ingrid than they were to us.
Harry, I know this is a after the fact question, but when sutures let loose from surgery, the surgeon will, as a rule use a nylon suture, thereby bypassing the possibly of rejection or open rupturing. This is from experience, not just reading. I hope that little one has the strength to fight thru this. She has already had her full share of pain.
Keep us posted on her recovery.
Gabby, may be stuck in the ice down south. The weather down south is worse, because of all the ice. Then there is the Midwest, 2 to 3′ feet of snow.
Bernie, I think the Petsmart vet just used what he had, considering the dire nature of the emergency. She’s really doing pretty well, considering. Our regular vet clearly would have used different sutures, but they were an hour away and she wouldn’t have lived an hour. If there hadn’t been a vet in the store, she wouldn’t have lived. So, you just do the best you can.
Gabby was coming from Blacksburg, which wasn’t far enough south to be in all that mess. I think they even missed our last snow. She should be here now, and should have been spayed today, but I’m trying to be patient and not ask – if every foster barraged the intake people w/emails, they’d get nothing done. As volunteer coordinator, I have to set a higher standard. . . but it’s hard.
Harry, I can understand why the vet used the same sutures, under those circumstances. I really hope Flexy pulls thru this.
So Gabby is from Blacksburg. That is not all that far away. I know you just can’t wait to see this little missy. Maybe soon, you will surprise us, and post she’s in bed with Rachel.:)
Harry, I tried the massage. A connstant growl was the result.
I’ll have to keep trying it.
Poor Flexy, I home they keep that round the clock watch on her.
Will there be any way of checking the stitches as time goes on?
Don’t want to see that little cat go thru that again.
Poor Flexy. It sounds like she’s doing well, though, all things considered.
Steeler is exhausted, she is now resting on the bed. The winds have died down now and the noise has stopped. I don’t recall ever seeing her so upset. She could not understand what was going on out there. I tried to hold her close to comfort her, but that didn’t go far. She just is not a cat to be held. She is sleeping, the tv is on, and her sleep is deep, no more snoring. Poor thing. I dread the next time we have such severity of storms. I am just glad I was home with her. If you have ever seen a really frightened cat, you know what I mean. Well maybe we will both sleep better tonight. Just snow now. Horrible cold temps heading at Ingrid and Harry all the way to the east shore. Get ready.
Oh, poor Steeler – and poor you. I know how upsetting it is when our cats are upset about something. Allegra was like that the day we had the big snow here – she seemed completely disoriented by the changed landscape outside, and the sounds of the snowblowers and snow shovels scraping outside scared her.
Rescue Remedy is a flower essence blend. You can put it in Steeler’s water, or rub a few drops on her ears, or anywhere on her fur. I know it works, because I’ve taken it for stress myself! Here’s a link to more information: http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/
Ingrid I just bookmarked that site. I most definitely will find this to help her. Thanks. When it snows here, just snows, we don’t have anyone close to us, and she never hears snowblowers. She will hear the township truck come thru but that is only a quick scarping and it’s gone. This early AM and today until about 2 was truly a wild ride.
Ingrid, I tried the site. I will have to call in tomorrow. I could not go thru checkout. Get fatal error. I am certainly going to order the rescue remedy for Steeler. I don’t want her to go thru that again, if it can be prevented.
Watching the local weather this morning and they mentioned Groundhog Day.
The weatherman said “if that groundhog sees his shadow, I say shoot him. No way can he see his shadow”.
Finallly a weatherman who tell the truth.
Went out this morning and it’s raining. Snow on the ground was ice covered and hard to walk on. Didn’t attempt the driveway.
Saw the neighbor slowly go down his driveway and go to work. Glad I don’t have to go until 6 this evening.
Jay hold on. What is coming your way later is going to be even more insult to injury. You might want to consider putting the three musketeers in their barn before you go to work. These winds are really nothing like others. Blowing across the snow covered ground it must feel like the winds in the south arctic.
Drive carefully, they say all wet roads will freeze quickly.
Leaving now.
Critters are going in the barn now.
later all
How could he not see his shadow with all the glare from the camera lights! 🙂
So we can blame 6 more weeks of winter on the press?
Works for me.
Phil did NOT see his shadow – so an EARLY Spring.
Stirfry did not have to make a trip north to shred a groundhog.
P.S. – He did say The Steelers are going to the Superbowl – Said nothing about who would win.
Guess we have to get the press to go visit Bernie and interview Steeler and ask who will win.
Bernie – get your driveway opened. Looks like you’ll have company.
Jay, Steeler and I are going to leave the driveway. If anyone is able to get into the drive, Steeler will give an interview. If not, they will have to stay until the spring thaw.
We have had terrific thunderstorms before dawn, temps jumped to 50, winds are ferocious. Now down to 28, and wind chill keeps bouncing between 14 & 18. All this noise has Steeler upset. She has become accustomed to the quiet of our home, so since before dawn she has been doing a kind of sound almost like a cry.
I have tried talking, playing cartoons on tv, which she usually will look at when the characters use a certain tone.
Nothing has worked. I have preheated her side of the bed to calm her, again less than 60 seconds and she is back to running and showing fear. Her tail which is almost always straight up and twitching, is being pulled down and dragging behind her. So I need to keep trying to calm her. It has been really noisy since before dawn.
Aww, poor Steeler. Allegra gets pretty upset with severe weather and unusual outside noises, too. I use Rescue Remedy and it seems to help some.
Ingrid, what is Rescue Remedy? I had not heard of it.
He doesn’t have to nerve to say the Steelers are going to win. After the weather in Dallas, the Steelers and the Packers may come looking for the furry rodent, regardless of who wins.
I’ll help.
Drive is only a couple hours away.
Stirfry’s going hunting.
Will call in Brooke, Kasey and Steeler to back her up.
Toss of a coin and the winner goes in the hole for that rat.
Jay, while Steeler would be more than happy to assist Kasey and Stirfry with the rodent problem, you and Glen must understand, that Steeler has a really big weekend coming up. She is going to need all her strength and her Tortie families help to play a really tough football game Sunday. Now a weeks rest after that an she will be ready to do battle.
Gentlemen, remember, we have to keep our priorities in order.
OK, the week after the Superbowl and we’re thru celibrating the Steelers BIG win we head to Punxsutawney for a Tortie party.
As I was washing the slicers tonite I realized that tossing a coin to see who gets the hog would not work.
All 4 Torties knowing they only had a 25% of winning would dash for the hole before the coin hit the ground. After all, they were all either Feral or hunting cats before they found us and would want take out that big rat.
Ok, Jay, now we still have a scheduling problem. I am going to try to go to a certain Stray Cat Cafe road trip, if all goes well. You may have to look at your calendar of events.
Wait, The Steelers win is on the 6th, and the Cafe trip is on the 21’st.
I have the 13th off but don’t know how long you all celebrate in Pittsburgh.
Is it 1 week or the rest of the month 🙂
Jay, I had checked my calendar. 2 dr.’s appt. and meeting with medical care staff and doctor at Va. So I am a little tight for time. Not to mention I don’t have a clue where I am going. But if all is ok, I will take a road trip. I really hope there is no ice and snow on the mtns. that day. If I get below the Mason/Dixon line it will be ok. Goodness here I go again, a Yankee going down to Rebel territory. No wonder Steeler came here. A Rebel moved in with my husband and I.
The “press” claim he did not see his shadow. I really don’t care, I still think he should be put to rest. We are smart enough to know not to go out in a winter storm to look for our shadow. I think of the crowds of people checked into the couple of hotels in Punxsutawney to go out in the field to see this production, have been out in the cold weather to long. Their brain cells are froze.
Actually I say shoot that rodent anyway.
Not necessary.
I could just let Kasey loose there, game over!
Glen, I would vote for that. But I think the rodent would have to try to harm you, first, then Kasey would swing into action. From reading about Kasey, I sense she is a gentle Tortie until pushed. So you would have to get hurt first. Not a good idea.
Actually, I may not have mentioned that quirk in Kasey.
Kasey loves people and attention.
However, most other animals are on the long list of things she doesn’t like.
She is protective of me, to be sure, but she is aggressive and shows no fear and her standard response is not flight like the other cats, she just attacks..
This may be a combination of tortitude, her own nature, her environment for the first 8 years, and a strong desire to hunt. In her old life, she had encounters with wild animals and occassionally brought surprisingly large prey back to the rural located compressor station where she lived.
The only thing is, she might not consider a groundhog an honorable and worthy opponent, my “warrior queen” can be quite fierce.
Just looked outside and it’s raining. Temp is 29 so that means icy roads.
Finally getting a chance to catch up here – you guys have been busy today!
Bernie, I’m glad the worst of the storm missed you. Hopefully, round two will be kind to you, too. It looks like we might luck out and just get rain out of this one.
Harry, your feeding routine blows my mind! I’m guessing you never go on vacation – I can’t imagine any pet sitter being able to handle this.
Bernadette, your routine sounds a little bit gentler than Harry’s, but then, you don’t have Brooke and Sabrina to deal with….
Glen, I hope the storm misses you and Kasey!
Jay, I haven’t seen Diary of a Cat in a while, I love it!
I’m not much of a sci-fi fan, but your talk about Heinlein’s Door into Summer has me intrigued enough to add it to my reading list.
Everybody stay safe and warm!
We do go on vacation, hard as it is to believe. We’ve had the same pet sitter for about 8 years. In the years since we traded our 16-year old Maine Coon for the current crew (not really “traded”, you know what I mean) – I think we put her through college. Somehow, she manages. Me, I can do it in my sleep. Some mornings, I do.
Door into Summer is really palatable sci-fi. A little time travel that’s not too hard to swallow is as techy as it gets, and a vision of the “future” – written in the 50’s, the book is set in the year 2000 – that is a little off the mark (he fails to envision computers, but comes up with something suspiciously like an ATM) but sort of endearing. I really do recommend it, it’s light science fiction, and really fun.
Found it. Cat has to be a Tortie
Diary of a Cat
DAY 752 – My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.
DAY 761 – Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair… must try this on their bed.
DAY 762 – Slept all day so that I could annoy my captors with sleep depriving, incessant pleas for food at ungodly hours of the night.
DAY 765 – Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was… Hmmm. Not working according to plan …
DAY 768 – I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called “shampoo.” What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.
DAY 771 – There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call “beer.” More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 – I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The Bird on the other hand has got to be an informant. He has mastered their frightful tongue. (something akin to mole speak) and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time…
——————————————————————————–
DAY 183 OF MY CAPTIVITY
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.
Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.
Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking, almost succeeded; must try this at the top of the stairs next time. In an attempt to disgust and repulse them, I again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. (Note-to-self: I think I’ll try urinating under their bed, too. Wonder how long it’ll take them to find it?)
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Not working according to plan. There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food.
More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergeez.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage. I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and may be snitches. The dogs are routinely released and seem more than happy to return. They must obviously be half-wits.
The bird, on the other hand, appears to have become an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is preserved. But I can wait; it’s only a matter of time…
DAY 185 OF MY CAPTIVITY
It is now my 185th day in captivity. My captors have completely eliminated my canned food and replaced it with dry kibble, claiming that it is better for my health. The wet food was the only thing I looked forward too, and now even that has been taken from me. I have discovered, however, that the dry food serves to create sharper points on my teeth, and keeps them stronger. I must force myself to consume it, regardless of the taste.
Each morning, they read pages of what is called a newspaper. I found that it is particularly annoying to my captors if I lie on it while they read. Shredding the newspaper is also a particular peeve of theirs, and I have taken delight in doing this before they awake each morning.
My captors have now obtained a “fish tank” – which serves to make up for part of my loss in the food department. While the little creatures are tiny, they are quite tasty. They have yet to replace the two small fish that I have consumed. I must think of a way to make them notice the loss.
The bird continues to mock me. Its little metal room has proven stronger than originally anticipated…
DAY 201 OF MY CAPTIVITY
I’m unsure of my ability to survive as a captive and have made several attempts to break out. At first, it was simple enough to circle my captors feet, in a surreptitious manner, as they opened the front door. I would then bolt from them through the door to freedom. But, to no avail – they caught me in a manner of minutes – my legs are not as fast as they used to be and I grow weak with continued imprisonment. What is worse is that since the first attempt, I have now found myself separated from the living room. My captors are much more intelligent than originally anticipated…
For entertainment, I have taken to terrorizing the dogs by sitting on the kitchen table and swiping at them with my long nails. The dogs are obvious half-wits. They know very little about my skills as a hunter, and are forbidden by my captors to attack me. The dogs grow more irritated each day.
I have found my captors are easy to manipulate in many ways, but outdoor access remains elusive. I have not lost hope, however, and have every intention of escaping this horrid place one-day soon…
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I remember this one, especially the stairs comment. This has to be a tortie, I can even picture the scowl!
Harry, that’s not a dinnertime, that’s a chef’s full time job. Only 2 cups of coffee. After all that I would more than likely have another or go back to bed to rest.
Dogs have owners, cats have staff.
I was never a huge Heinlein fan, but “The Door into Summer” is one of my all time favorite books. The cat features prominently. Oh, and one of the heros is a patent attorney. How can you go wrong with that combination?
So it was a novel! I would never say I’ve read too many books, but all my past reading is beginning to get jumbled, must be getting near that half-century mark. Really all I remember from it now is the cat, but I’m sure the last memories I every let go of in my life will be of cats.
Harry, are you both an active attorney and teaching law classes, or are you a law professor? Or do I have it completely wrong?
Bernadette, I’m a partner in a 15-attorney intellectual property firm, dealing personally mostly with chemistry-related inventions. For grins, I also teach a once-a-week, one semester-a-year seminar course on chemical and biotech patent law. My adjunct professor salary about covers parking at the law school (if I can find on-street parking for most of the semester).
Odds and ends… lumped together rather than digging out the individual messages to which I’m replying. I’m lazy. I learned it from my cats.
I can’t remember the quote about understanding women and cats. Probably safer that way.
So far, the ice storm hasn’t materialized here. I’m hoping it won’t show up tonight, but there’s still a chance. I’m also hoping that the break in the weather allowed the Persian’s transport to materialize – no word yet. Her name is Gabby.
Flexy is holding her own, fever is supposed to have gone down. The vet is strict about only talking to people who can authorize treatment, and I’m not one of those people so I have to beg my information second hand.
Feeding time here… well, you asked.
1. Exit bedroom in a.m., with any cats other than Sabrina following. Keep outside cats outside.
2. Open door again to let Pearl run out, after she slips into bedroom while trying to keep Brooke out.
3. Remove 6 bowls from bottom rack of dishwasher, full of bowls.
4. Place bowls on counter, as a row of three, a row of two, one apart.
5. Brooke, Pearl and Henry appear on counter.
6. Place 1/8 cup grain-free dry food in 5 of six bowls.
7. Open first can of grain-free wet food. Push Pearl’s nose out of can.
8. Spoon 1/3 can into each of row of 3 bowls. Nose Pearl out of Brooke’s bowl.
9. Open second can. Nose Brooke out of Henry’s bowl.
10 Place 1/3 can in each of row of two bowls, carry to top of basement stairs for Vickie and May.
11. Remove can of Fancy Feast from fridge. Put 1/8 tsp. in empty bowl #6, microwave for 4 seconds. Spoon remaining 1/3 can of grain-free wet into bowl, cover with Fancy Feast. Add 1/8 cup grain-free dry.
12. Head for stairs.
13. Return to kitchen to retrieve Henry’s bowl, after he races to bottom of stairs.
14. Climb stairs. Wait at top for Henry to decide if he’s really following.
15 Reenter bedroom, place Sabrina’s bowl in bathroom, wait to see if Henry follows.
16. Place Henry’s bowl in drawer in bathroom.
17. Remove Henry’s bowl from drawer and set on floor.
18. Pick up Sabrina’s bowl and place in drawer.
19. Return to kitchen for coffee.
20. Return to bedroom with coffee. Shoo Pearl away from Henry’s bowl, place on top of Sabrina’s bowl in drawer.
21. Remove last night’s smelly, yucky bowls from drawer, and return to kitchen for second cup of coffee.
There’s more, but you get the idea.
Heavens! Harry, I wouldn’t get out of bed! Right now I’m at seven, was up to ten at one point last year. After whichever new foster gets accustomed to the household, and provided no one is ill enough (rare) to need to be confined with food and water, they individually torture me, we all get up, go in the bathroom (it’s 6′ x 7′, including tub), then we all go down the stairs at the same time–I’ve long wished I had a video camera for that as I’m always last! It’s also crossed my mind that someday someone may find me at the bottom after trying to wade through all those cats running around me, between my ankles and so on. We proceed into the kitchen with a few doing double time running into the kitchen and back to me several times. Then, morning is always dry food for everyone to start with so everyone takes their places, not assigned by me, then seniors get wet, though now Cookie and Kelly get to lounge in the bathroom with canned food through the afternoon. Dinner is about the same without the wakeup and coming downstairs part. When I get to bed, whenever that may be, they all collect upstairs if they aren’t there already, and after I brush my teeth they each get a brewer’s yeast tablet as a treat. Lots of purring and we all go to bed. It’s pretty much been this way for the past 20 years.
The quote is “Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” Robert A. Heinlein, science fiction writer, guess it’s that way all over the universe. He was also a true cat person and you’ll often find cats in fond roles in his stories, including a story or essay I believe was called, “The Door to Summer”, in which on a winter day his cat went to each door and had him open it, looking for the door outside which it was summer.
Bernadette, Harry and Jay I can’t imagine being able to disperse all that time and food without bloodshed. Bernadette just trying to walk without one of the little ones getting underfoot would be a triumph. When I get up Steeler runs back and forth to the fridge to me and keeps this up, now matter what detour I take. She keeps talking all this time until she gets fed. That’s on 1 cat. You folks need a medal.
Bernadette, I didn’t know that was Heinlein.
He is one of my faviorite sci-fi authors.
I have most of his books upstairs and they were bought about 41 years ago.
I remember most of his books did have cats. On space ships and on other worlds.
I will have to look up “The Door to Summer”
Never read that one. Thank you.
I would love to see that video of the stairs dash.
I remember a joke about something like that. Will look it up later.
And the brewer’s yeast tablets.
What are they good for? General health, age or “Gas” ?
Jay, too bad for you, looks like you’ll have to spend some time looking through your Heinlein collection for the story, probably with kitties helping you by holding books in place and using themselves as page markers. He’s one of my favorites too, and I envy your collection–mine were library books and old used paperbacks so I only have a few short story anthologies. He had real plots and interesting stories without too much techie stuff but with cats, in fact when I first saw “Alien” I was convinced it was based on a Heinlein story (it’s not, but I see the influence). I think “The Door to Summer” is an essay, not a story, if that gives you a clue.
The stairs dash–a bunch of cat butts leaping away. Kelly runs faster than anyone, Peaches used to sit at the bottom looking at me and everyone would have to run around and jump over her but she was unimpressed, and Cookie is just ahead of me.
Brewer’s yeast is a good B vitamin supplement especially for skin and it can’t hurt just for general use. I used to use it as part of my flea regimen because it has such a strong smell and taste and fleas are often repelled by it. I use treats only as crowd control, like getting everyone together and calming everyone down for bed, and I figure brewer’s yeast is a heck of a lot more healthy than most other treats, plus everyone likes them and they’re easily chewable. Make sure you find one that doesn’t include garlic, as most of them do.
Cats aren’t lazy, they just conserve energy to use it against you when you least expect it.
“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea” – Unknown
(I don’t play safe – Learned that from Stirfry)
And it sound like they have you well trained Harry.
Letting you get coffee is their treat to you.
Jay, Harry has 6 in all. I can’t imagine what dinner time is like. I seen his photos where he has a couple of large feeding bowls and a water drip/spout for them. I just wonder if they all show up at the same time, what happens. I think Rachel loves collecting the cats. If she could, I think, Harry would have to have more construction on his home: Like adding a room for the kitties.
Tortie family the predicted storm for my area did not get severe. We had a light coating of ice on the lantern man and my car early AM, but then fog. Heavy fog and light misting rain. We need more rain to get rid of more snow.
Steeler settled down after the heavy sleeting quit hitting the windows. Must be scary for our little furry friends not knowing what the noises is.
I was trying to do some work on the computer and Steeler kept wanting me to stop. Well it is hard to change a Tortie’s mind and ask her to lie down. I went back to the old standby Utube this time to meowing kittens. It works. She spent quite a bit of time trying to find the kittens, and then laid down.
I sent a message to the local shelter.
Got a reply
On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 1:07 PM, Warlock wrote:
I am the parent of a tortoiseshell cat and belong to a blog of these cats.
Their colors are black and gold. Natural Steelers colors.
It was suggested that towels under these cats (or any cat) could be The Terrible Towel in honor of the upcoming Superbowl.
Are you able to advertise that adopting a Tortie would be a great gift to a Steelers Fan.
These cats are usually overlooked when people come to adopt.
Thanks, Jay Davenport
———————–
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your suggestion! I’m not sure that we will be able to do any advertising at this point, since the Super Bowl is less than a week away, but we will definitely keep it in mind for the future.
Sincerely,
Becki Meiss
Humane League of Lancaster County
This would be great, but getting a team from our State or DC again, in the near future is always a battle. Maybe they can use the Terrible Towels all the time. Some Steeler’s org. might donate a few. Right now, they would not give a button for support. Jay you are always thinking outside the box.
Just came in from putting the critters out.
Sleet/freezing rain right now.
I feel sorry for those on the road.
Stay home if you can.
Jay Stirfry is right up there. So we gave everyone a good run on Torties. They did draw down a lot of views. I don’t know why Stir keeps having you for a snack unless it is because she doesn’t know if you are going to tease her or not.
Now you and I both know the beer has no effect for Torties. But I guess if it sounds good, ok.
I brought in the beer for Sunday, and the snack food. That’s what I was at WalMart for (snacks).
Mick Ultra. Couple of friends coming over to watch the game with me.
I imagine Steeler will take off for the second floor, when the yelling starts.
It would have been worth that drive to Tractor Supply for the fence charger. I usually call them to see if they have whatever I am looking for. Their birdseed is usually cheaper than anywhere else (50# bags).
To bad you have to work on Sunday. This is going to be a good fight. Trash talk already coming across the airwaves.
Stir usually bites after I tease her (my hobby) by holding her and looking into her face and telling her she’s s good cat ad scratching her face and belly. When she’s had enuf she will hiss and growl (you all have seen that face).
If I let her go she turns around on my lap and lays down.
Now if I touch her it’s like sticking your hand into a steel trap.
But 2 minutes later I will pet her ears and she will push her head into my hand and give her happy growl.
Bernie – I just realize this morning that Pumpkin does the tightrope thing too.
He will start at my feet but when he gets to my lap he will push his feet until I move my legs and make room for him to lay between them. Then a super loud purrrrrrrrr.
And this usually happens right before I have to get up and go to the barn. About 5:55am.
Pumpkin will one day do the full body tightrope, then you will know what she is up to, CONTROL.
Steeler has figured out this will wake me faster than anything else she can think of.
But Bernie, you forget. Pumpkin is such a timid cat. Just walking into a room fast will scare him. But yesterday before work Stirfry ran into the bedroom and onto my lap.
What scared her ?
Pumpkin !!!
He was right behind and stopped as he got thru the door.
The only thing that doesn’t scare him is Stirfry and the only thing she will run from is him.
Cats are like women. Don’t understand them but accept them anyhow.
Life is easier that way.
Jay, we are in agreement about cats. But Harry has a quote from before about understanding women? and cats? If it were meant for anyone to understand women there would be no real interest. Boredom would soon cloud the world. The cats are a close second.
1:12am.
Got to go to bed,
Nite Bernie
Jay, I really skipped the deli. I just passed it and thought about you and that shirt.
You said you go to a feed mill for that salt. I am sure there is one around here somewhere, I am going to try to find one, otherwise it’s Tractor Supply.
I guess licking your fingers is a + for using this salt.
Have you seen the views on Stirfry. She is up near 20,000. I haven’t checked today. Yesterday, I tried to leave a comment, but it said a problem with the site and it didn’t take it. I was trying to make sure she and Steeler stayed side by side.
Wow, 20K hits on Stir.
I told her she was a special cat and gave her a rub.
Got bitten on my knuckle for that. Not much blood.
Drinking a beer now ( alcohol is good for dealing with Torties – external or internal)
I deal mostly with Ace Hardware or a local Mennonite Hardware Store but Tractor Supply -is 20 miles away.
Paid $85 for a fence charger and found Tractr Supply had the same thing for $20.
Damn, mistakes. Always see them as I hit send ….
Just got home at 12:15 and had to clean a barn and put in fwwd before the critters could go in.
Now reading all I’ve missed.
It sleet/snow right now. Roads are covered and drove slow going home. Was busy at work as everyone stocks up on lunchmeat before a storm.
And here I thought it was goingt to be an easy monday
Jay, you are the one we were concerned about with this storm. Knowing you had to drive on those roads, I was hoping this would die off. Bad news, No it is going to be bad, and repeat itself on Wednesday. Now is when a week off would be nice.
I went to a WalMart today, as I passed the deli, I held back laughter, because I though, wonder if Jay is wearing that unwashed shirt to work today.
Glad you are home safe. How are the 3 musketeers?
Hi Bernie, the 3 were waiting at the barn. i asked why nobody shoveled. Got brayed at by Buell.
Then when I put in oats, I had Nutmeg (the goat) kept coming out for hay.
She graded a bite before I shooed her back.
Each get a cup of oats and half a flake of hay.
Road weren’t as bad as I expected but I went slow.
At the deli ask for cat hair cheese. Pittsburgh Special 🙂
I am off tomorrow and worry about those that have to go out.
And I can’t wait for Mother Nature as I still have to go out.
Need to get 100 lbs. of oats on Wed/Thurs as I am getting low. Feed mill is 1/4 mile up the road so no problem.
The salt works great – $9 for a bag.
And you can lick your finf=gers when your finished.
Well folks it is sleeting here now. Steeler is going from window to window trying to find out what the noise is. I kept hoping it would die off, but then, here it comes. I put extra cat food on my porch and keep the box with a blanket out there out of the weather for any visitors that may come by. There is a smoke gray cat that belongs about 1/4 mile from me. It keeps visiting, eating, sleeping in the box, then goes back home. It has become a habit for her/him. So it is well fed.
I have not seen any strays or throwaways for awhile, but I put out the feed anyway. I will probably have a whole lot of families of critters here in the spring looking for free food.
I put seed in the bird feeder early this AM that way the deer don’t grab it at night. Hopefully I will be able to get up to it tomorrow AM without falling on my back side. I keep thinking these birds are freeloaders just like the cat. There is plenty of dried apples high up on the trees and I see them pecking at them regularly.
Well I am curious how much snow, ice, or rain we will end up with. Maybe with a little luck, it will rain and wash some snow away. Another system is due Wednesday. I hope Phil has a heart attach before the 2nd.
Bernie, Allegra isn’t much for being picked up or held, but she loves to snuggle close to me at night, and she started sitting in my lap every once in a while to watch tv, but it has to be on her terms. Amber wasn’t a lap cat until she got older. Buckley, on the other hand, was “velcro kitty” and had to be near me, on top of me, or next to me at all times.
I remember what the Washington DC area used to be like when the Redskins were in the Super Bowl, so I can only imagine what it’s like up there, Bernie and Bernadette. The Steelers have nothing to worry about – even though they may not know it, they have the Power of the Tortie behind them.
Sounds like PA is getting a mess with this storm – stay safe, all of you. I’m especially worried about Jay, who has to be out driving in it.
Harry, any news on Flexy?
We’re waitng to see what the weather system brings us at the east end of Lake Erie.
The watches are up for snow, high winds and a slight chance (at this time) for freezing rain.
I am hoping it doesn’t live up to the sensationalist weather forecasts but it could go either way at this time but I’d rather have a bunch of snow than substantial ice.
Glen good to hear from you. I hope you can dodge this bullet, but it appears as though we are going to get it whether we want it or not. How is our little Kasey doing. Still keeping you warm.
I hope you don’t have to go out for any of the reasons.
Kasey is doing great.
She’s likes to chase the string, intimidates the dog off his food, them eats it; just a normal totrtie 😉
We’re waiting to see what we get for weather.
It is at the west end of Lake Erie as I type this, we’ll have to wait until the early hours of the morning to see what comes, here at the east end of the lake.
I am hoping the freezing rain misses us as it looks like it might.
Fortunately, I have the option of not going in to work, if it is bad, tomorrow.
Great news on Kasey. Back to her normal self.
How did you do in the ice department ? Hopefully better than here.
We got covered over night. Lot of accidents.
I was out earlier and salted the driveway. Almost fell twice and found the ice coverd snow has a slush under it after thinking walk in the snow and not on the driveway. Now have dry socks on and those shoes are above the fireplace drying out.
Ingrid, I wish Steeler would become a little closer to be held, but only time will tell. But her cuddly bedtime behavior makes up for some of that. The tightrope walker is a very playful at any time she decides, and only while I sleep. During the waking hours, wherever I am, she is. But no holding for her. Tonight I may have made a mistake. I shredded some beef and let her try it. Naturally she really enjoyed it. She was smart enough to spew out the fat.
I am concerned about Jay and traveling. I am hoping the storm will play itself out before it hits there. Bernadette and I are rather close except I am closer to the mtns. than she. Pgh. is canceling just about everything in anticipation of this storm.
Just went out and replaced a shear pin on my snowblower. Saw yesterday that one had snapped. Comes from eating a rock and the bolt snaps instead of the engine.
Now today I am going to the local feed mill and getting a 100 lb. bag of mixing salt.
This is used in animal feed and is much better than the ice melt sold in stores as it will not harm animals.
Plus it is a lot cheaper.
Have fun tonite.
See ya all after 11:30
I wish I had read this post earlier, with the storm heading here, I am out of salt and never even heard about mixing salt. Now for the shear pin, believe it or not this granny has gone to Tractor Supply many a time to pick up shear pins for my plow. I quit plowing about 1year ago. Mother nature put it there and she can take it back.
You think it will just be Monday? What’s fun is what people do leading up to the game. Last year a family covered the front of their house with regular corn nacho chips and blue corn nacho chips because they looked black. Keep checking WTAE they’ll be doing stories. Men aren’t shaving, people are eating the same thing for dinner, and everything will have to be identical this Sunday as it was Sunday before last. The shelters are having black and gold adoption events, though I don’t think they’ve necessarily caught on to the tortie thing.
I just went to the local shelter to tell them about the towels
I saw their media page has a Tortie on it
http://humaneleague.com/media/
Jay that is a surprise. Those eyes still amaze me. I know what you were thinking, Is there room for 1 more?
I wish.
Always room in my heart for another cat. But Stirfry says NO !!!!!!!!!!!
You and me have the same problem. We want more but have to listen to the Torties.
Your right about that. Steeler is of the temperament that she is the one and only top cat for this home.
As Harry is finding out. 2 cats that want to be the top cat.. He is a lot better than I am at dealing with that. Luckily he has Rachel to help.
Bernadette, great to hear from you. You just told it better than I did. This area is (for most of us) are absolutely insane for this SB. Me too. But everyone here already knows that. If they put a large screen TV in the at the adoption event, maybe you and/or your friends could have spliced a CD with cats and Steelers. That may help adoptions. I really think big.
Harry , keep us updated on Flexy. Even though not a Tortie, she does have the spirit.
We’re pulling for her.
Bernie, it does seem like Brooke is trying to say she got a bad rap and it was Sabrina that started it. But like you said Tortes always have a hidden agenda.
They are calling for snow late tonight and changing to freezing rain/sleet by morning. Then snow all day Tuesday and rain on Wed.
I work tonite till 11 then go in Wed 6 – 11.
Off the rest of the week till Sunday (Superbowl Sunday) and work 6 – 11
Damn – I’ll miss the Steelers sending the Packer’s home without a win. Will leave the TV on and Stirfry on my lucky shirt. It will be washed on Monday. I feel sorry for Green Bay – they don’t have scores of Fierce Torties cheering them on.
Jay there should be a holiday for Sunday eve. This SB should be a good one.
Sorry I cut you off so quick Jay, but I had a call on the phone. This storm is being broadcast as treacherous, so be careful tonight. I don’t trust weather people. If it hits early like the last one, you will have a problem. That’s freezing rain/rain/snow event is supposed to repeat itself in layers like an oreo cookie.
I love oreo’s.
Might have to get some tonite.
Got some chicken breast last night from work,
Shared it with Stirfry on my lap.
Broke off pieces and she gently took it from my fingers.
See – she can be nice if she wants. Doesn’t want to very often though.
I don’t know know many people that don’t like oreos. I share whatever I am eating with Steeler, but it is only a pinch at first. Sometimes she will want more but than the same food later she doesn’t want anything to do with it.
I will bring you folks up to date on my being able to hold Steeler on my lap, or even in my arms, just sitting on the floor. Guess what, Steeler is not cooperating. She will come after me everywhere I go and loves to get on the bed and I can give her belly rubs and brush her till AM. But she will not let me pic her up.
There will be a holiday in Pittsburgh on monday
Jay this area is celebrating already. It’s either going to be a tumultuous day of joy or a high dive day of distress. Either way, I am going to keep yelling at them. Steeler will probably spend most of her evening hiding form the crazy old woman. Yea I know what you and Harry and even Ingrid are thinking as you read this post, yep she even goes out in the middle of the night looking for a white cat in the white snow, and get caught out there by her own security system +SP. Oh, right she was in her PJ’s.
Sooner or later, I expect a friend whose boyfriend’s mother’s uncle’s VFW buddy is a PA state trooper to tell the story of the great grandmother out in the snow at 3 a.m. in her pj’s looking for snowflakes. I almost feel that we should write a letter to the PA state troopers explaining that she not only found Snowflake, but saved her.
Harry, and friends, your humor makes me LOL. My husband would always ask me if I thought about what I did and he would laugh. Many times he would tell our friends and family, it’s not safe to leaver her alone, she will find a way to get into trouble. I really think he would have loved to be here and know what I did. I am sure he would have left me to handle the SP by myself, while he laughed, then he would say Well are you ready now, to lock up?
I come home at midnight, read all these post, reply to some and go to bed at 12:44.
No one here.
Then at 12:45 Bernie replies.
I got to get a better schedule.
Today’s the same hours 3 – 11
Jay, it was quiet here yesterday. So I thought I would let you know someone was still here.
My Tortie family, here in PA groundhog day is coming on February on Feb 3. If anyone sees that darn rodent make sure he does not see his shadow. There is already a monster storm moving east, and we don’t need some furry rodent telling up we have to put up with 6 more weeks of winter.
Punxsutawney Phil needs to move to the South Artic and soon. Another major storm bearing down on the country.
How about if a few Torties show up.
A big rat would hide in his hole if he knew what faced him.
Punxsutawney, Feb. 2nd – Onlookers gathered for the traditional Ground Hog Day ceremony were surprised when the door to Phil’s stump was opened, and a tortoiseshell cat emerged. The cat is believed to have said, “tastes just like chicken. Where’s Jay?” Film at 11.
Fantastic Harry.
I can see that Tortie now.
A burp, wiping the mouth with a paw and walking thru the crowd.
Jay, what crowd would that be. You think they would stand around wait to be lunch.
Jay and Harry, I would pay good money to see that.
This one should have come with a spew alert, Harry!
May: What’s that smell?
Brooke: That’s my new Sentry Calming Pheremone Collar, with the relaxing essense of lavender and chamomile.
May: You smell like a cheap candle.
Brooke:
SWAT.
Harry did May survive?
Sadly, May is used to being smacked around by her own mother, so it was just another day at the office.
LOL
That cheap candle had me on the floor.
Scared Tabby out of the room.
Harry must have had some free time on his hands for that one.
Just reporting what I see. After the swat, Brooke said to May, “that collar makes you look fat.”
Another Brooke/Sabrina session of about an hour last evening. Both are scared of each other, but at one point Brooke turned her back on Sabrina and ate from a bowl. It’s very tense, but I think if we can just do it every night for a couple of weeks, it’ll continue to improve.
Harry I hope this time Rachel was not near the feeding area. This sounds better for Brooke. Sabrina has a little devilment in her.
The fact that Brooke tuned her back and ate shows she is more at ease with Sabrina.
Good progress.
Jay, do you think Brooke is just letting Sabrina know that she has been outed as the bully. So now go deal with that. After all poor Brooke was getting a bad rap for Sabrina’s first punches (so to speak). I would still be watch those two but it sounds like Brooke is feeling a little more secure.
Harry, is the one we have to keep an eye on. What happened to the mixed Persian? Did she ever get to VA.
I still suspect Brooke is waiting for no one to be looking, before she gets even. Rachel was doing homework last night, and so there were no shoulders to climb on to stay out of the way.
The Persian is supposed to arrive today, and then to be spayed. I’ve not heard anything recently, though. Flexy is fighting an infection, not surprisingly, and on IV antibiotics. Tough little girl, even though she’s black and white.
Harry I believe you have a secret weapon in Rachel. Brave young woman to let the two of them on her. I am sorry to hear of Flexy, after all she went thru, I hope she pulls thru.
We are supposed to nailed by another ice/rain/snow storm starting tonight. Anything like that called for down there. It will probably be a rain event for you folks, so there goes your snow.
Bernie – we’re supposed to get freezing rain tonight and Tuesday night, then changing to rain. Rachel sleeps with Brooke, so she has no fear.
Jay, Stirfry has 4890 views as of this posting. Look under most comments. Get your friends to comment on her, and Steeler too, if they want to. We will keep them side by side if we can.
Training a cat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlKYtLlvRlU
Didn’t see any Torties though.
I just noticed that we passed 2000 comments overnight!
There were 2000 comments last night ?
I better check my in box 🙂
Congrats Ingrid
We all have you to thank for getting this Tortie Family together.
It’s all of you who are making this such a fun place to come to.
This is a get together without the posturing that goes along with so many other places. Here we are who we are. I guess you will just have to accept you have and exceptional blog. The folks, we come here, and we can hang out, so to speak.
That’s because we are all user friendly on here. We have been well trained by our Torties to respond to any remarks and be sure to check to see if all is ok with each other. The Tortie family won’t let you down. Congratulations.
Glen and Ingrid, Steeler doesn’t need an electric warming bed. She has the other half of my bed (and then some). I keep a dual control electric blanket and and electric warming mattress cover on the bed. So her side is always nice and warm. She stretches out so long I swear she is a foot longer than she is. When a Tortie lies down and stretches out there is no room for anyone or anything else. Also, keeping her side warm keeps her pretty much on her own side of the bed.
I know what you mean about Steeler getting half the bed and then some. Allegra barely weighs 8 pounds, and yet I often feel like I’m relegated to the very edge of my bed. How one small cat can take up that much space defies all laws of physics – and she doesn’t even stretch out, she sleeps curled up into a little ball. If I dare to move and bump against her, she gets upset with me. Tortitude in action, even in her sleep.
Ingrid that is what I was talking about. One small cat and so much needed space. You are right don’t move or try to turn over. That is Tortitude in Action.
Sounds like Steeler is spoiled
(I knew she would be).
All our Torties are spoiled.
Who’s going to say no to Teeth and Claws.
Jay you have that right. Steeler gets her way. If she doesn’t it is not a good day for me. Especially around 4 or 5 AM when she decides to take her morning tightrope act up.
Speaking of Brooke, she and Sabrina spent over an hour together today. Brooke even sat on my lap at one point – I think to make Sabrina jealous (it worked). Once, Brooke approached her as if she was going to strike, but I diverted her. The rest of the time, they either eyed each other warily or ignored each other. Progress, I think.
Harry so you are living dangerously these days. Brooke and Sabrina. Brooke on your lap with Sabrina watching. You do know they may be calling a truce and you might just set them off again.
Check your digits. Do you have all of them?
Bernie – fingers are overrated. Look at all cats do, without even thumbs.
Ingrid – I do think it’s great progress. Both cats were very tense, though, much of the time. I wonder also what would happen if I weren’t supervising. Still, at several points each relaxed (Brooke more than Sabrina, but we know Sabrina is the problem now) and it was almost normal. I think we’re still going to have to medicate one or both, but we’ll continue without that for a bit longer.
look what they can do with fingers
http://www.dailyhaha.com/_pics/cat_giving_finger.htm
Harry, I always wonder what goes on when I’m not here.
Can’t imagine Stir and Tabby sleep together until I get home.
I’m just glad I don’t come home and see blood everywhere.
Maybe Brooke and Sabrina relaxing when near each other might mean a truce exists.
I’d say that’s huge progress, Harry!
Dad (Harry) forgot to mention that Sabrina was on my back the whole time!
Rachel, you apparently like to live dangerously 🙂
It was only 10 minutes of the hour, really. And it was a case of being in the wrong place at the right time – Sabrina wanted to be high up, out of Brooke’s way.
Nice try Harry.
Rachel, your dad probably was afraid of being accused of possible kitty to child abuse. Keep him on his toes.
Ingrid I received you email with the word “test”. When I came back to the blog I seen no posts.
I thought, darn, I failed that “test”.
I didn’t see it either but I have failed quite a few ones. Luckily none were DUI ones.
Now driving test I have’t failed either and have retaken it 4 times now. Damn speed limits !!!!!
Jay glad you had the same experience. I was going to ask for my grade from Ingrid, but I think i will let that one “pass”.
LOL, Bernie. That was me trying to outwit the gremlins.
Local ORCA has a tortie
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/2706951
A really nice story
What a great story. I love how dedicated this rescue group is to helping this cat. I hope she finds a wonderful home.
This cat is a winner. I hope they find her the right loving home without kids. Something like my dictator did, all on her own. She needs to have a place to spread her wings, in a manner of speaking, so she can feel safe and loved.
Took my son Josh out to eat at a great steakhouse. Spent $95 on the 2 of us. Glad he only has a birthday once a year.
Just shared some ribeye with Stir.
She licked my fingers afterwards and still left me with 10.
I was grateful.
What a lucky girl – not too many cats can say they had ribeye for dinner! Glad you had a nice dinner with your son. And glad you still have all 10 fingers…
Jay great way for a dad to treat his son. I bet he was proud of you, but if “memory” serves me right boys don’t always say it to you until they get to be 35.
That would have been dinner for 3. Stirfry will be nice for at least a minute after eating ribeye.
Heck I would be nice for a minute or two after a ribeye dinner
Happy Birthday to Josh.
Bernie, Stirfry might have been nice after eating. But I would have been more worried before our meal was served and she jumped up on the table of the couple beside us and took their steak.
Cops would have been called, then SWAT.
National News.
You know – the same way when The Cowboys are in town.
Don’t need any bad publicity before the big game.
Here is the Steakhouse
http://www.johnnysbarandsteakhouse.com/
Jay do you really think Stirfry would just take the steaks. I would think someone would be going to the ER, forget about the steak.
The way she went thru the ribeye, I know when she saw one warm on somebody’s plate it would be confiscated by one hungry cat.
Do you think the owner would chance taking it back ?
I don’t think so.
Jay, by the way, nice restaurant.
Jay you bring up a good point about that warm ribeye. I doubt anyone would have tried to stop her for fear of loss of limbs (ribs or eyes) not excluded.
Copied from the Concious Cat Facebook;
“The undercarriage of a tortie. Sometimes you can touch it. Sometimes you cannot.”
No truer words were ever written 😉
Kinda like a steel trap. You can touch it but you will pay the price.
Something’s definitely up w/the blog – I want to reply to a comment from Bernie, but it’s not here…
Author: Bernie
Comment:
Jay your generosity is so overwhelming and is only outdone by your compassion for others!!!!!
Keep the bird!!!
Me: Jay, I think a grandmother just gave you the bird.
Jay, make that a great grandmother just gave you the bird.
Not the first time. Usually it’s on the highway.
Good great grandmas. Next to a Tortie, you don’t want to , in your words, “p—- them off”.
Harry got that one fast. I was lmao. I don’t have smiley’s on here so I am using these words.
Now don’t get mad!!!!!
I got here to late but Harry didn’t.
Grandma’s are bad but a Grandma owned by a Tortie is definately worse. 🙂
ok so you have smileys. now I am envious!!! Grandma and Torties are one and the same!!!!!!
We do as we darn well want to and answer to no one.!!!!!!!
Harry I didn’t miss this one, but I should have known you would jump on that. Can’t get much past you.
Jay it’s just in fun. “Darn” Harry made me do it.!!!!!!
Tortie folks, did any of you see the post by Myron on the 28th, at 12:18 PM. It was in the emails but I didn’t see it on the blog. I responded to him, however, I did not see his post on the blog. Ingrid, did you see his post? Did the blog gremlins get into the blogging posts? I didn’t want Myron to think no one seen his post.
The comment from Myron seems to have disappeared – here it is again:
“I’m preping for the superbowl now. Mona already sports Steeler colors. Our tuxie Sam just needs gold to go with her blackfur to be right in sync with the Steelers. The two gray and white kitties need terrible towels to lay on (we have them) during the game. We’ll send those Packers packing!!”
I’ll have my webmaster look into this on Monday.
Jay your generosity is so overwhelming and is only outdone by your compassion for others!!!!!
Keep the bird!!!
See ya tried to do something nice, and it’s not accepted.
Bet Steeler would like it.
Tell her woodpeckers taste like Ravens.