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
The un-named barn torti is still working on my friend Justin, who is 32, single, handsome and still not sure he wants a pet. He told me today; “there’s this wierd thing she does….she rubs me with her cheek and the side of her jaw…what is that?”
I said; “Uh-oh!”
He was all; “What!?”
I said; “Well, you know how dogs pee on stuff to mark their turf? Cats do the same thing by rubbing their cheeks and jaws”
Justin; So, I’ve been marked
Me; Yup, you belong to her now, and she WILL fight to defend her property…she knows you’re eventually taking her home lol
“Me; Yup, you belong to her now, and she WILL fight to defend her property…she knows you’re eventually taking her home lol ”
That’s for sure, I belong to Kasey. 🙂
One time I was lying on the floor watching TV, Taz and Casey were sitting with me.
Taz is a nice cat but my orange 20 pounder gets into dominance issues once and a while when being pet.
He took a half hearted swing at me. Kasey apparently did not like that.
Before he knew what happened, he was immediately attacked by Kasey.
He wanted no part of that and I had to get her settled back down.
lol..so I need to warn Justin that there MAY be physical violence lol
Hatchet was like that too. I don’t know about Monkey because I only have her and Peaches.
But when I had Hatchet I was into animal rescue and I usually had at least 7 to 14 random dogs and cats…every animal that walked in was immediately taught respect by Hatchet. She didn’t ever pick on anyone, she just let them know she was boss, and as long as they left her alone and didn’t cause trouble with anyone else, she was okay with them.
I was SO fortunate to have her, she was my right hand man lol
I remember a time when this big Golden Retriever showed up on my doorstep….I let him in, he saw Hatchet and immediately went after her….It happened so quick there was nothing I could do but watch…..They faught all up and down the hallway, I saw her on his back, on his chest, on his head, on his butt, on his back again, his head again……and this all happened in a matter of seconds. After that he was TERRIFIED of cats! loll…..He’d go running down the hall, see a cat, put on the breaks and occasionally slide into one, then slink off with his head hung low.
Ther’ll never be another Hatchet. Monkey’s awesome, but Hatchet was one of a kind. A cat who will let you bring hundreds of random rescue animals into the house AND help you train them….that’s one in a million
And Hatchet was a feral I tamed…nest cat ever!
The face rubs are the start.
Wait till he gives blood. When that Tortie decides that your friend is now hers she will give him a Tortie Tattoo. 4 parallel lines of red.
I have a bit of a diversion, I have forgotten to mention, previously.
Kasey has a two very small nicks in one ear, barely noticeable, but there.
These are souvenirs of her 8 years of hunting and roaming in the rural are outside the fence in at the gas plant where she lived before I took her home.
Something must have been pretty formidable to even put those very small nicks in the one ear of my “warrior queen”, I am assuming it paid dearly for doing so. 😉
I can only imagine what “the other guy” looked like, Glen!
Yeah…um, okay, I’m scared of whatever that creature was! lol
Yeah, but I think Ingrid is correct, I am sure Kasey likely worked it over pretty well.
It is actually remarkable, given her 8 years dealing with things outdoors in that area, that her ears are so intact, you have to get down and really look to see the two very tiny nicks.
Probably a bear that is now totally scared of any cat.
He now has the physical and mental scars of messing with a Tortie.
Well friends, I hate to drop out of this conversation, but I have only had a few hours sleep this morning. I was awake all night looking for big orange to come back and kept busy by working in the house.
So I have to get some rest. I have to be in Pgh. early tomorrow and right now, I am so tired I don’t think I could drive around the driveway.
So all you have a pleasant evening on here tonight. If I awaken early I will check in and see how you all have been doing.
There just comes a time when I have to say I am just to tired. So for now, so long.
Get some rest, Bernie, and hang out with Steeler for some tortie therapy. It’s not possible to spend time with a tortie and not feel better.
Yes! Rest! You’ve done what you can…more than what you can, even, you deserve some rest. I understand how you feel, been there, but you can only do what you can do and pray for the best…..you have a beautiful heart, and if it possibly can work out it will. Karma is on your side
Here’s hoping that Big Orange shows up again so you can trap and relocate him.
Hoping he comes back tonight. Steeler is guarding the back door so if anything comes there I will know. I will do my best to trap him. Night trapping is tricky. I could end up with a critter that I really don’t want. Would like to trap him in the daylight hours.
Just don’t assume that it’s a tuxedo cat if you trap something black and white, and you should be okay…
That is my major concern. I have a number of those pretty city kitties here.
lol…GREAT advice!
But…but…those black and white kities are SO cute! lol
Update on big orange. I have called every agency in my area and a cat center that does TNR. Well big orange is nowhere to be seen. I spent the night up and down hoping he would stay safe here.
This is what I have just been told by the Westmoreland County Humane Society> I can’t give a direct quote, but here is the problem:
If a cat wonders onto your private you have the legal right to shoot to kill it. There does not have to be any reason other than it is on your property. Dogs have to be a threat, or you can’t shoot them There is a dog officer that will pick them up.
Cats are fair game. When they are shot at it is a law that is to shoot to kill.
So I am now at a standstill and can’t find big orange. I cannot believe there is such a allowance to shoot to kill any cat on your property for no just reason.
You know how angry I am right now. There is not a thing I can do except hope he makes it.
But you can’t do the same thing for those scam artists that try to rip you off with driveway sealer.
Double standard.
Not unless they attempt to get into the house. Then it would be shoot to kill, just like the cats get. What kind of stupid regulation is that. No dog unless they are a physical threat, but shoot to kill any cat that comes onto your property. This is insane.
If one of mine got out and was shot using that lousy excuse I would tell those responsible to move and maybe 24 hours would be the time limit. Then again 24 seconds.
Jay I know this will raise the ire of all the good people here to hear about this crazy regulation.
But when it is legal, then if someone good tries to stop it, then they end up being the bad guy. Maybe even arrested for disorderly conduct.
So I can only hope Big Orange comes back to heal, and maybe I can move him to a farm.
But ossifer, ah thut he wuz a varmit with them beady little eyes.
Harry never disappoints. Thanks for the smile.
Having a hard time believing that. The PA statutes actually say:
********
§ 5511. Cruelty to animals
(a) Killing, maiming or poisoning domestic animals or zoo animals, etc.–
(1) A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he willfully and maliciously:
(i) Kills, maims or disfigures any domestic animal of another person or any domestic fowl of another person.
********
So if my cat (a “domestic animal of another person”, in the legal parlance) walked onto your property and you shot it, you’d be guilty of a 2nd degree misdeameanor in PA. I know that Big Orange is a stray and therefore doesn’t meet the ownership criteria of this statute, but no one can simply say that in PA any cat is fair game if it walks on your property. Cats that are owned are certainly not allowed to be just shot on site as this statute makes very clear. Unfortunately the status of strays is simply not addressed here. That issue may be addressed in court case files – in fact, I’m sure it has been. I’m just not in PA so I don’t have access to the PA annoted statutes and case law journals – sometimes I really miss the courthouse library in Lancaster.
And full disclaimer – I am NOT an attorney. I have been the executor of a lot of family wills and drafted many legal documents for my family’s various businesses that were later reviewed and filed by attorneys and I have successfully represented myself in minor civil matters so I have a fair amount of familiarity with PA legal statutes BUT please verify anything I say with an attorney licensed to practice in PA. In any case, the Community Center where I volunteer has free attorneys who come in to help low-income families with civil matters including animal control as well as landlord/tenant, divorce, separation, child custody, etc – there must be something similar in your area where you could find out what the true legal status of strays actually is.
I know of what you speak Sharon. But this does not apply to cats. That is my argument with the township and my surprise and disbelief in talking with the Westmoreland County Humane Society today. She was very clear that cats are not protected. That is where the information came from.
I even said it is cruelty to animals. I was told only if it was done in a manner not to kill but to harm. But if done to kill and it doesn’t no cruelty ruling. Makes no sense to me either.
Still very odd since the standard legal definition of “domestic animal” from every legal dictionary I’ve ever seen is:
Domestic Animal definition:
A pet; dogs, cats or other tame animals or birds and which serve some
purpose for its owner or others.
And NO township, county or other local law can ever take precedence over the state’s law, just like no state law can ever supercede the federal statutes. The real question is what is PA’s specific legal definition of “domestic animal”. If it includes cats, than the state provisions apply and (1) not only is there is no general rule that cats can be shot on sight (2) but quite the contrary, shooting a cat that has an owner is a 2nd degree misdemeanor. No PA county or other unit of government can decide that the PA state laws don’t apply to them and that something that the state laws say is a misdemeanor is fine within their jurisdiction.
Well, what we really need is someone with a PA law degree to go to the statutes and the case law and give a definitive answer. But I continuue to doubt that the info you got from the Humane Society is completely accurate – can someone there cite you the relevant legal statute that authorizes it?
PA is one of the worst states in the country for humane laws. That’s why you can’t get anything accomplished on your own, you need a humane officer. There may or may not be one for Westmoreland.
He clearly came to you for protection, but a serious infection may be developing in the wound so he’s gone off to a spot he feels more protected. He’s probably still somewhere around your house, but very well hidden. Food won’t tempt him if he’s in extreme pain or has a fever from infection, but you can try cans of tuna fish or salmon.
Good luck finding him.
Sharon I did not ask to cite law by the Humane dept. I can only repeat what I was told. I do have the phone # although they are gone for the day. Maybe a civil or game commission might know the law. I can’t give you any more info than I already have. I would like to see it in writing also.
Bernadette they do have a humane officer, but only for dogs. Not for cats. I asked about that at the township code office. I called every where I could think of today. I hope he comes out. I will try the trap again, but he will have to crawl in further to get to the food. But I don’t know. I can only keep looking. I used the rake to pull the grass etc. from under some shrubs, but you know I am country and am petrified a creepy slimy thing will be there. If that were to happen, I may not be around to talk to you folks again.
Bernie, little creepy slimy things are more frightened of you than you are of them, even if they don’t scream and climb a tree when they see you.
Here is the PA Animal Cruelty Law: http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stuspa18pacsa_5511.htm
You can also call the PSPCA, but I’ve had people tell me they never got a call back:
To report animal cruelty or abuse, call the 24-hour statewide hotline at 1.866.601.7722.
The problem is, as Sharon noted, the statute itself doesn’t address the status of a cat that is not “owned.” I have some legal resources here, but they’re geared to the practice of intellectual property law at the federal level; I can find the PA statue but can’t drill down to the state court level to see if the issue has been addressed. All that I did find is an ’09 decision of the PA Supreme Court saying it’s legal to shoot your OWN dogs (in this case, a puppy mill’s method of shutting down. Nice.) I suspect that the issue of shooting stray cats has NOT been directly addressed by the court, since I know that at least one county has proposed an ordance allowing stay cats to be shot. I don’t think it passed, but don’t have the depth of legal search tools here to check.
The basic law is interpreted:
1) No animal under any circumstances can be made to suffer.
2) You have the right to do what you will with domestic animals you own as long as they are not made to suffer. This includes animals you may feed outside your home on a regular basis.
3) It is perfectly legal to kill a domestic animal that belongs to you or which does not belong to anyone. You may be charged with a misdemeanor if that animal is proved to belong to someone, but if that person has failed to identify that animal as “owned” you probably will not.
4) If in attempting to kill an animal you don’t kill it but cause it to suffer you may be charged with a misdemeanor if you let it suffer.
5) A person must be caught in the act of perpetrating the suffering in order to be charged.
The only difference between cats and dogs in the laws is that in some circumstances working dogs fall under agricultural laws. Another subset of the law deals with dogs considered a “nuisance” or “dangerous”. Unless your life is threatened, you cannot kill a dog which you consider a nuisance that is owned by someone, you must take legal action.
Friends I can’t explain the reasoning for the law/regulations. I can only explain what I was told by the Westmoreland County Humane Society about the cats.
Bernadette I wrote down the info you posted. I will look into it later tonight.
As for those slimy crawling slithering things, no way are they more afraid of me then i am of them. They latterly petrify me. I don’t care the size. Small worms all the way to the snakes. I am not afraid to tell you I will run like a bolt of lighting and scream like a banchee(never was sure what that is but I heard it a lot around here.)
Bernadette found the law they must be referring to. This state is lousy about some things. Cats are not a priority.
Thanks Bernadette. You to Harry. Sharon I can’t explain the law, and I didn’t ask for the law from the Humane Society.
That is SO messed up
I have been following this story and am reminded that the older I get and the more I see, the less I like a lot of people in general. I find society in general has not become more enlightened in many ways.
I have not led a sheltered life and unfortunately have encountered and know numerous people with the mindset described here, that are capable and willing to do stuff like that.
I was thinking that I miss my more optimistically innocent days of youth, when I didn’t know what I know now.
I will be out of town with work tomorrow and so will have to check in tomorrow evening, I am hoping for the best.
I don’t know how old you are Glen, but I’m 43, and I don’t like people in general very much at all. Humankind seems bent on decimating the planet and destroying every other creature…we can’t even treat each other with basic respect for the most part….this sounds bad, but in a lot of ways I think the world would be better off without us
Well, I am 58, for another month.
It does seem people in general, with fortunate exceptions, do not have a lot of respect for much, nor any real compassion for anything.
The attitude of I’ll do what I do because I can is way to prevalent, in my opinion.
Toally agree
Hi Folks. This is an update on Big Orange. I found him on the front porch of the house at 9:30PM. Took two more pics of him. I have fed and watered him as the photos show, but he is hurting. He is so scared. If he can stay close to this porch he will be safe for the night. Then I hope to see him in the AM. Maybe by then I can get someone to help him. So those who want to see him I added 2 pics to the Album on him on my FB. I give you this advice, if you are easily upset by animal cruelty please do not look at these photos.
Steeler is ok with all this. It is a surprise to see she is not making any noise of attack sounds at him. She just looks. She has chased him many times before. There are pics on site showing her watching them leave. Not today. She is silent. Cats sense something is wrong. No doubt in my mind now.
Thi is really cool…no vocals, just guitar http://youtu.be/qpZ18recO9A
I mean, if computer games keep kids from torturing animals, I’m all for it!
People don’t pay enough attention to these things, because people don’t care enough about animals. But it’s common knowlege that serial killers generally start out torturing animals…people should pay WAY more attention to THAT instead of who plays computer games!
I’m not concerned about violent computer games, only that we’ve got a generation of lard-butt kids, but I find violence in that genre way safer than what’s on TV and in movies. If there’s a point in development where kids have violent tendencies, as it seems they often do though it’s only a phase, and they take it out on a hand-held computer device instead of a cat or other helpless being, I think they should hand them out in first grade.
Bernadette you have been here and you know there is only one area that would have kids to do this. But the trooper had no interest in looking into it. I already spent my whole days worth of preaching at the SP about progressing from shooting pets to windows, and etc. He says they can’t find every kid with a bee bee gun. Let me see the person with a bee bee gun. I will approach whoever it is and come right out and ask what do they shoot at. Birds, cats, dogs, rabbits or what.
I could get my butt booted then there would be h___ to pay. I might at that point get really angry. 🙂
Lianimal I think for the first time I am in TOTAL AGREEMENT with you on something. Now I know what we have in common. I agree 100% with you.
I’m always uncomfortable with the argument that people who abuse and torture animals will move on to abuse and torture and even murder people. I know it’s true, and obviously, it makes it even more important to watch out for that kind of behavior because it is true. However, for me, the missing piece is that until we, as a society, accept that animal cruelty in and of itself is morally and legally wrong, the way everyone here does, we have a long way to go.
Bernie, bless your heart for all you’re doing for Big Orange. We all feel powerless in the face of these types of situations, because we just can’t save them all. You may not be able to change the attitudes and laws in your area, but you’re making a big difference in the life of one cat.
Ingrid, I and Steeler have been awake almost all night. Checking outside to see if Big Orange was here. I am hoping something can be done. However if I don’t see him today, chances may not be good for him. Whoever did this is close by, because the big guy has been around for several years. Steeler is guarding the back door. I keep checking the front. I am sure my security company is wondering what the heck is going on here. System set, system shut down over and over. I am so sleepy, I am going to try to sleep. But I am upset that my trap would not hold him. I let you folks
know if he comes back. Food is out, with water.
So sorry to hear about this. I hope he is still around and strong enough to come to you for food and water so you can get an update of how he’s doing and be able to direct rescue efforts in the right direction. And now that it’s Monday, hope that those answering machine messages are being replaced by live human beings who can actually do something to help, whether it’s sending someone out or at least lending you the proper size safe-trap.
I don’t know your area, but if you don’t see him near your house, is there any source of fresh water nearby that you could check? Given the summer temps and the fact that he’s likely to be dehydated from blood loss and shock, he will most likely have made his way to water if he’s able and be hiding out somewhere near there.
And Jay is right that publicity is important, if you feel comfortable doing that. At the very least a letter to the editor of your local newspaper including the photos, as well as a copy mailed or emailed to your local nightly news anchors. Could stress the “this could happen to your own pet” angle if you really want to motivate people to care, rather than just the general “this is a cruel and awful thing for someone to do.”
Sending good thoughts your way….
Sharon this thought is going on in my mind. To publicize this. Our area cares little or nothing about cats. Very poor consideration here. Before I make a public article I would like to try to get him help. If I don’t find him, then I will contact the news media, electronic and print.
Hi friends. Today I am not going to talk about Steeler. Maybe just in passing. This story is not about Steeler. It is about the inhumanity of some stupid person/persons. In my area there has been a large orange tom for a number of years. I think he rounds up all available females and keeps his family lineage growing. Well today Big Orange was at my back door crying. Never did this before. Often laid on the porch and let Steeler have a Tortie hissy. But he didn’t seem to mind. He would stroll off knowing he was in unwanted territory. I went out to see what was wrong. (Harry in my robe this time). I could see clearly 2 shots on him. One right on the top of his head and one by his right ear. I tried to trap him in a hav-a-heart trap, but he is so long he didn’t trip the bar. So I got the camera and went out and took a few pics of him. A friend suggested agencies to call for assistance. Everyone of them had a message on their answering machine, said call the State Police. After not taking no for an answer, and it being a slow Sunday morning, they agreed to send a trooper to my home. Orange had hidden under a vehicle. The trooper arrived rather quickly. I told him and then showed him the pics of this poor cat. He too said the cat has been shot. He said “they don’t take cats they call this fella to come and find him”. I asked if this fellow would take this cat to a vet. Quick answer NO. No money for vets. The cat would be put down. He said “Sorry” but that is the way it is. So knowing me, if you do,, I looked at him, I guess with the Tortie look myself, and he towered over me, but who cares, and said I am filing this as a complaint that someone in this area is shooting cats, now what are you going to do about it. That is against the law. He agreed to file a report of animal abuse and cruelty. If any other calls come in then they will have some idea where to look. Talk about an angry woman. Well I am. I told my friend they would do nothing. And nothing is exactly what they do for cats.
I posted pics of the Big Orange on my FB. For those of you who want to see what is not important in our area. Cats are below rats on the list. See rats, they give you poison to put out. Cats they just put down.
That is a very sad situation and very upsetting.
I have not lived a sheltered life in this regard, I used to do a fare amount of bird hunting, I still shoot clay targets competitively at clubs, as I have for 40 years. I know a certain type of person and what goes on. I don’t condone it and these people are beyond my utter contempt.
These individuals sometimes go on to turn their attentions on other people.
If things had turned out differently, that could have been my big orange guy, Taz, who was a throw away, left out to fend for himself when he was no longer of interest as a tiny kitten.
There’s not much more in the way of polite things for me to say on the subject, so I will stop here.
Glen I know how you feel. If they come back and arrest me for harassing the State Police, I will hope my friends will send chocolate.
I already have a cake in the oven, with a file inside. Just in case.
Rachel’s right, we’ve had two cats shot by bee bees in recent memory. One needed significant surgery to repair a broken femur, and is doing great in her furever home. The other we wouldn’t even have known about the pellet but while petting her one night at an event I felt it. (She was a tortie, btw, with plenty of ‘tude, but extremely affectionate – IF she liked you.) We did have the pellet removed, just to be on the safe side. There are plenty of people who view shooting at feral cats as sport, and are unconcerned by the suffering that causes. I hunted quail, doves and pheasant in my youth, before I decided it was personally not something I could do. Fortunately, the people I hunted with would never have done something like that, or I wouldn’t have hunted even the short time that I did.
Harry no file. It would bring more attention to what is happening if a grandma gets locked up for trying to get some agency to help this cat. That is not the kind of publicity the area would like. But keep the cake for me, the time may be longer that I can do, without Steeler.
And turtle pie too.
That makes getting arrested a little more interesting. Whole lot of chocolate and Turtle pie. WoW.
That’s just awful Bernie! I hate people who are cruel to animals and I honestly don’t think they should be given a second chance, no matter the circumstances. You do it once, you’re most likely going to do it again. I know some situations it might be different, but I just can’t get around it. We have had at least one if not two cats in the cat rescue that have been shot by BB guns and had their bones shattered. The humanity of some people.
Rachel I know the anger you feel. These little ones feel pain just like we do. The problem in our area is no one has the intelligence or the initiative to do anything to help. I agree with Glen, if someone, a young person with a bee bee gun, or any other person, has the ability to shoot a cat or dog, it may only be a matter of time before that increases to a crime of more serious magnitude. I tried.
So I ask you also, if, I get arrested for harassing the State Police over the cat, will you send me chocolate? Prefer dark hershey’s
OMG, I get so pissed off I’m almost in tears! How could anyone in their right mind DO that? Makes me want to shank somebody
Woman, you will be SWIMMING in chocolate!
Thanks Lianimal. Just came in form looking for him. Can’t find him around the grounds. Will try again in the AM. Maybe he will come back for food if he can.
Bernie, is he still around? I know the humane agents in Allegheny County but not Westmoreland. I would have to wait until tomorrow, but I could find out who to send in WM, and sometimes Animal Friends will travel to other counties to rescue cats and dogs and file complaints. Let me know what’s going on and I’ll see what I can pull together.
When I was growing up kids shot, tortured and mutilated cats all the time and no one thought anything was wrong with it. Now they play violent computer games, at least some of them, and a lot fewer cats are used as targets. In cases like this I’m all for kids sitting around playing computer games.
Bernadette I will contact you tomorrow if I can’t get one of those agencies to do something on Monday. State Police are no help. But I will put food and water out for him. I still would like to trap him. But if you look on my FB he is just to big for my hav-a-heart trap. I will keep you informed.
OMG Bernie, I hope he turns out to be okay…I love big oranges
I’m all for that!
Bernadette I have spent the last hour going all over the grounds and looking under shrubs trying to find him. I hope he comes back if not tonight in the AM. And gives me another chance to catch him. I will put food out in the morning for him.
The Law Enforcement always says to watch for children or anyone that shoots and animal, because they could and many have progressed to higher levels of torturing. Well if today is an example of doing as you preach. They failed miserably and having a son in that field I would say it to him also, if he ever did that.
Bernie, if you find out who it is, give me the info. I can be there in 4 hours. Will make sure he doesn’t do it again. People like that are beneath contempt.
I understand animals more than people and those people are below those rats they poison.
Jay I think we are on here are furious at the cruelty to this cat. Getting ourselves arrested won’t help him. Although I have been promised a whole lot of chocolate, by Lianimal. I just want someone to take him and help him. I am doing my best to keep him around the house. But that is going to be hard.
Just a thought but try calling the local paper. Sham those police and that shelter into doing something. Every time in my area where an animal has been hurt or abuse there has been a kind person come forward to adopting it.
Jay that thought has entered my mind. But I can’t really see what can be done until Monday. Then I have Harry and Bernadette who will be trying to see what they can get done by calling in a favor or two. Hopefully Big Orange will stay close to the house so he will be safe.
Some rambling from yesterday;
Rain and weak storms kept coming through yesterday, nothing bad, just cancelled anything outdoors.
I was “home alone” so it was a good day to do the work I had promised to do on my wife’s motorcycle.
The garage is attached with a walk through from the house so I left it open and left the garaged door shut so the cats could join me, if they wanted.
Kasey declined to come out in the garage, even though I was out there. She has developed an aversion to the garage. I think this may be either because she was kept there in quarantine for the first few days she was here, or, it might remind her of the gas plant.
Taz has no problem with the garage. It is challenging when you have both hands involved in something you can’t stop working on, you’re on the floor on a mechanic’s creeper, and 20 pounds of affectionate, orange cat is persistently bumping into your head and grooming your hair.
And when you ask for a 1/2 ” wrench and are handed a flat head screwdriver. Cats will never make good mechanics. But he was trying to help you. Proper grooming is important.
We had rain down here too.
Weatherman said rain late Sat night. The car show was great with sun and low 80’s temps. I left there at 1:30 andwent to visit a friend a few miles down the road. At 2:30 it started to rain. Felt bad for those stand holders. And on the way home passed 4 bikes on the turnpike. But 15 miles from home the roads were dry and sunny.
Did not get rain here till after midnight. Good lightning show too.
Glen I not to long ago, a month maybe, when I was rearranging the back door for Steeler to be able to see outside, I had the privilege of having a Tortie helper. Steeler was quite helpful, as Kasey was with you. The difference is that I have a tool bag and when I work I leave it open. Well Steeler decided it was as good place to sit to watch and help. Everytime I needed a different tool, I had a Tortie to ask to move for me or give me the right tool. A job that should have taken maybe a hour or two for me took much much longer. I had to keep taking Steeler out of my tool bag. That is not an east task. Wear gloves when having a Tortie helper. I know how much fun it is to have a cat even it Taz is not a Tortie to help you. The grooming for you saved you time afterward and that’s a plus. You may have had to do that yourself.
And my favorite of his…..my daddy used to sing it to me and now I sing it to Monkey….it’s the only time she’ll tolerate country, probably since it’s first thing in the morning and she’s not awake yet lol…..
http://youtu.be/hRIRTQ_k-Sg
And, for the un-metal oriented (Bernie, this means you) But this is just a good song no matter who you are….
Another black man who excelled in a field outside the norm
http://youtu.be/zTkFlGRo9M4
Couldn’t not share this one…Monkey music, though
http://youtu.be/W7Co4e7XWL0
I think what I most like is the lead is black, so seldom seen in metal…and man is he good-looking!
I like
Good Wake up music (for me)
I madly love it, but wierdly enough, the album version is Totally different than the video version
. I love both, but that was just wierd
They’re good about it though, they’ll come up, let me know their intentions, then wait for me to pull the comforter up before they lay on me lol
Ive tried that with both of them, but it’s never worked, so I’ve gotten into the habit of laying a comforter across wherever theyre going to lay…I think they were maybe both weaned too young and maybe that’s why they do that…they’re not doing it to purpously hurt me, it’s just like when they knead on their mother….
If it was on the floor Monkey would get it, but it’s the window without a screen that she’s bailed out of before, so even when it’s closed I try to discourage her from going near it
Lianimal all I did with Steeler was to gently hold her paws when she started using her claws on me. After a length of time she learned to use her paw without clawing me. That is how she now gives me the lefts to the jaw. Only with the paws, claws not showing.
OMG! This spider is driving me insane! lol…there is nothing else in the world (besides Wasps and those long legged centipedes) that will make me act like a girl….but this spider is so big (to me, the guy who came to kill it and missed was all; “Aw, that litte black one right there?”)
I forget about it, and then it runs across my field of vision and I have the itchy crawlies for an hour. I almost killed it once, but it saw me coming and reared up on it’s back legs….yeah, that was all she wrote lol
I don’t know what kinds od spiders you have in your part of the country, but I’d be very careful about keeping Monkey and Peaches away from spiders altogether. Some spider bites can be very very nasty.
Yeah, I worry about that since Monkey’s such a hunter. Luckily Michigan’s too cold for too much of the year to harbor anything really horrible….I make sure to keep her away from any bees or wasps, and spiders I don’t recognise (which is almost any spider) Sometimes she gets stuff before I can stop her, and the centipedes….they are SO horrifying, but I looked it up and they’re harmless, so I’m more that happy for her to get them. They’re SO horrifying to me, and SUCH good protien for her…lol
Lianimal, you can put lids of baking soda around your apartment, it will help get rid of the spiders and it is not dangerous to you little ones. But spider bites can be serious stuff, for you and for them.
Michigan hardly has anything dangerous…it’s SO nasty and frigid here for so much of the year. We have a grand total of one poisonous snake, and it’s rare, and I’m not sure theyre’s ever been a black widow or brown recluse sighting in the last several years….
A Tortie Spider ???
What type of critters do the grow in Michigan !!!!!!
Just got home from the car show. Had a great time. Only 3 hours sleep so will take a cat nap and see ya all tonite. Bernie – so glad Steeler is improving. Demanding her 90% of the bed show that.
*Nod* If I had a bed Monkey would insist on 90%
Since my apartment is so small I usually sleep on the 800 lb couch. The second I lay down and get the blanket across my waist (because she can’t control her claws) she hops up and sacks out. My waist is her bed lol
Lynn, Steeler is not declawed, but after about 10 months I have taught her not to claw me. It was a simple process, but it took patience. In the meantime I looked like a human scratching post.
I’ve never been able to break Peaches or Monkey from the plleasure/kneading thing
Jay thanks, today is a really good day, again. I am really watching a change in her and it is all good. Get your Tortie nap.
I had to leave Steeler alone for a long period today. I was gone from before 9AM and didn’t get home until close to 10 PM She came and met me as I came in. Each day is now looking a little better. I am patient with her. But she is responding to me as she had before a little more. Her activities are still on the lazy side. But she is starting to meow (tortie style). Tonight she was doing her humming at me. Weak sounding but she is trying.
I could not as for more. I take each improvement, as small as it may be, as a blessing. I can’t wait to see her all vibrant and devilish again. It will come, of this I am sure.
Good for Steeler. Shaking off the side effects of the meds and getting back to her old self.
Won’t be long now. Prepare to be busy keeping up with her.
Sounds like the medication is doing its job, and Steeler’s thyroid levels are coming back down. There’s nothing more reassuring than seeing regular behavior again after an illness. Now that she’s responding to the medication, I think you’ll start seeing continous improvements much quicker. I’m so happy to hear this!
I awakened again today and although I didn’t get the body walk, there was my little girl Steeler, stretched out on my bed sound asleep. As soon as she felt me move, she came up on her pillow or a head butt and her kiss. I laid there because yesterday was a very long day. I felt eyes on me. I opened my eyes and she was sitting on her pillow looking at me. I said to her humm which is normal for her when she is well. Not a sound. Then I realized I had someone during the late morning fell asleep partly on her pillow. Knowing her, I slowly moved to my own little corner of the bed and sure enough she laid down on her pillow and back to sleep. I of course, followed, only on my own pillow.
Thrilled to hear she’s doing better and responding so well to the meds! Here’s hoping for continued improvement and many more left paw punches and head butts to get your days started right!
Sharon thank you. I am starting to see the lights in her eyes and some of the orneriness I know her for. IT is a great feeling. I am just so happy these last few days. She seems to be saying thanks. On the other side, it is I don’t want those pills. She is still on a one a day. So we are enjoying her feeling better and some normal ways. I can’t wait until she is really herself. She has to hurry. We both need to get into shape for Steeler football season. If those men can get their act together. 🙂
Gosh I’m so glad to hear that Bernie!
I am just so delirious that she is acting out more and more like her own Tortie self. I’m loving it. I think she is too. Thanks for the thought
I am coming to this a bit late today, that is great news and very encouraging about Steerler 🙂
Glen your not late. You are just in time. So far I am happy the last few days with Steeler’s progress. Her behavior is most exciting to me. She is behaving a lot, but not quite fully, like the sweet, dangerous little girl she is. So I am looking forward to her antics getting back to near normal shortly. I, on the other hand, am happier than a bear with the honey jar. She is so near to being up and running. 🙂
So, um, Bernie’s really glad that her cat is getting nasty and cantankerous again. Glen, did you see where I put that State Police report? Lianimal, can I borrow a pen?
The local cops will just throw that report on the pile of papers on Bernie. The large stack of papers !!!
Then look for that last glazed donut in the box.
Ain’t it a great feeling guys. Soon she will be shredding my chair legs to toothpicks. She says bring those guys on. If they come in here again, they are Tortie bait.
So tonight, I’m counseling someone who wanted a companion for their year-old, crazy cat. The cat is constantly playing, runs around the house like a dervish, when she wants attention she charges at them full speed and head butts them in the stomach, then prances on their lap being petted until she suddenly runs away… midway through our discussion, I looked up from their application and said, “is your cat a tortoiseshell?”
Of course, she was.
I adopted a kitten to them.
You do a great job of adoptions. I think you could get and Eskimo to adopt a snowball. Congratulations. Job well done.
All right Harry.
You did tell them to join Ingrid’s blog didn’t you ?
Congrats on the new home for the kitten.
What type did they get?
The kitten was black. They came in saying they were looking for a black kitten, because they’d heard they had the hardest time finding homes. I liked them immediately. My parting shot to them was, “when you get home, Google ‘tortidude.'”
“Tortitude”. Hopefully I spelled it right for them. This was the kitten: http://lostdogrescue.org/cats-adoptable/12043/summertime-kittens-spunky
Spunky is a very pretty well maybe I should say Handsome fella. I know you get a real high on getting an adoption whether it be 1 or a dozen. It makes your day. I only hope those folks read about tortoiseshell cats before they just introduce this little guy to her. You and I both would have out doubts to think that this little kitten might change the behavior of the Tortie. I hope it does. Or I can foresee a Sabrina?Brooke situation in the making.
I think maybe your parting remark might have been to look up “tortoiseshell cat”. That would open the eyes.
I just looked at Spunky’s photo – it looks like a mug shot, the way he’s posed! His name seems perfect for him. I wonder whether they’ll keep it.
Harry as soon as you heard they were looking for a black cat they immediately got the special “Shubin” treatment. You placed a cute little kitten with the right family. And I know you will keep in touch with them.
Thanks from all the Torties out there.
That’s too funny. Did they, by any chance, read Pet Connection yesterday :-)?
Ingrid – the sure sounded as if they had read Pet Connection – they knew what they needed was another active cat. Normally, I wouldn’t encourage adopting a 9 week old kitten to someone with a year old cat, but after discussing their cat for quite a while, it was clear that another year old cat wasn’t going to have the intensity of activity that they needed. Spunky’s photo was awful, but he was one of those active kittens that wouldn’t sit still for a photo and had to be held.
Bernie – we talked a long time about staged introductions, so hopefully it won’t be a Brooke/Sabrina situation. (My secret is, we’ve done what Ingrid did with every cat including Sabrina – just dumped them out and said “here you are, work it out.” Sort of like do as I say, not as I do. It worked with every cat except Sabrina. Well, we did do a slower introduction with Piper, having been burned…)
Harry it worked with you and with Ingrid. It may be the perfect solution to engaging the other active cat in play. I am with the idea of if there would be an addition to the family just give your best advice and sit back and hope for a good outcome.
I would not take that advice. A kitten or cat here would be in danger. I am owned by Steeler. She makes the major decisions.
I’ve never had a problem introducing a kitten to an adult cat. Introducing two aldults, god yes! Almost always! Even if they’re young, But my adult cats have always easily accepted kittens. By “Kitten” I mean 8 to 10 weeks old
I mean, what’s not to love? They’re cute, playful, and have empty little heads ready to train to be whatever the older cat wants them to be
Lynn Harry and Ingrid know how to introduce a new family member and it sounds like you do as well. Having said that, my sweet looking little Steeler has already gone ballistic over any animal that dares come near the door. This was even when she was not able to see out the back door. She was looking thru decorative red glass alongside the front entrance. I thought she was going to go thru the glass after cats, squirrels and then one fine even a City Kitty. You know the kind, they are black with a white stripe down the back. This is a one Tortie house. For alls well being.
It’s too funny that you were able to pick them out as tortie people just from the description lol
I usually close my lap top at night because it’s Piper’s favorite activity to sit on it or poke at the keys. She has already taken off the left arrow key as well as pulling out the “end” key. I can use the arrow key but it’s missing the actual key. The end one I was able to pop back on.
But anyways I forgot to close the lap top last night and when I opened it this morning there were all these weird error messages and photo projects open. Piper enjoyed sitting on the computer apparently in the middle of the night.
Little tortie Brooke has done that before. she opened 22 Google Chromes and I had to restart my computer
Another cat worthy event happened this morning before I left for school. Vickie came tearing into the kitchen and had a wild look in her eye. Then she started scooting her butt on the floor and standing up and running around. I realized she had a little turd left on the side of her rear. She must have been interrupted when using the box and didn’t finish. I was so surprised to see her keep scooting on the floor. I had never seen that in cats before, only dogs. If it wasn’t so awful, the scooting was kind of funny. Luckily it came off right before mom got it. So not my job 🙂 unless I was home alone.
I love those stories. I realize how funny that is. Steeler used to try to get me off the computer by reaching a paw onto it. I finally went to U Tube for meowing cats. I bookmarked it. When she was in the mood to come after my computer I just played the cats and she goes looking for them. She has finally learned every time she touches my computer cats meow somewhere.
The scooting is not funny to Mom. I don’t think that would be funny to me. I however can see your point of it being funny to you. You lucked out and didn’t have to clean her. 🙂
Different stories tonight. I will have to check the moon phases.
Never a dull moment at your house, Rachel 🙂
I need advice.
Our older tortie cat (she’s like 3, so she’s not that old) has been using the sink to relieve herself instead of her litter box. The litter box is fairly clean, and it’s a brand that she likes. We had an incident with litter not too long ago, the kitties didn’t like the brand my husband bought, so they kindly let us know, by peeing in our bed. But we haven’t had any incidents like that since we switched back to the kind the kitties like. She’s just been peeing in the sink. Our puppy has been having bladder problems and was diagnosed with a UTI. Is that something that is contagious? Should I take Buttons to the vet and get her checked out too?
Nan, I am laughing and I am sorry. That is so funny that she has decided to use the sink instead of the litter box. Does she use the litter box otherwise? I can’t answer your question, but I think of all the things I have read on the blog this is the first time I have read that a Tortie named Buttons is using the sink as her urinal. It’s is just to funny to imagine. I have apologized already, but I am sure Ingrid, Bernadette or Harry will have an answer to this one. I don’t have a clue. But it is good to hear from you.
Nan, I would definitely take your tortie to the vet’s for a good check up. Going outside the litter box can have many different reasons, and the first thing is always to rule out a medical condition. UTI’s are not contagious, but the source for your puppy’s infection could possibly be the same source for your cat IF what she has is a UTI.
Once you’ve ruled out any medical issues, you can start looking at behavioral or environmental factors. Since your cats have had issues with switching brands before, it’s possible that the formula for your current brand changed, and that’s what your tortie is unhappy about.
Kasey confessions.
Kasey, my “warrior queen” is like a guard cat and very aware of what is going on outside.
Our other two cat’s policy is caution, concern, retreat and the 20 pounder, Taz, will fight if he is backed into a corner.
Kasey shows no fear at all, her policy is attack, all out, with absolutely no hesitation.
Kasey does not fear vacuum cleaners, appliances or power tools.
HOWEVER, she does react to thunder. I wouldn’t say with fear, just mild concern; it is the only thing I have seen her react this way to, it is the only thing but it shows there is one thing that gets to her, just a little bit.
Steeler had been very upset when I was having those horrible storms a few months back. One was so back that she was upset all night. Now that she can lie on the sunroom floor and see outside into the yard and field she sees the rain, at times the hail, and thunder now she just looks. I think the fact that she is looking outside and seeing all that is going on has changed her fear. Now she pays not heed. That suits her and me much better.
lol…Benadette, my rats used to type wierd message board messages for me…..so far Monkey and Peaches are pretty good at leaving the keyboard alone. They seem to understand that that’s the one and only place in the apartment they’re not allowed. Besides, who in their right mind wants to sit on a keyboard when they can scare their person by running across the top of the bathroom wall?
Steeler hit that key. See she can’t use the computer. That is Cookie no Cooked. No more typing for Steeler 🙂
Today I have good news that I will share with everyone on Steeler. You have all been great in following her illness, but I am not going there. I am going to go to a happy start to my day.
Steeler, when well, would awaken me with the body walk and 2 left paw punches to the jaw. Then she would head butt me for her forehead kiss. During this period of her illness she has not even been getting into the bed.
Well this am to my amazement I could feel the little paws walking up from my legs to my shoulders then the 2 lefts to the jaw. I turned over and she head butted me for her forehead kiss. Which I delightedly gave her. I hurried out of bed to the kitchen to feed her. But no Steeler.
Went back to the bedroom and there she was all stretched out on the bed and sleeping soundly, so not being a morning person, I got back into bed very softly so as not to disturb her. I fell off to sleep and about an hour or so later, I felt the body walk again and the 2 paws to my chin. Another head butt and this time off the bed for breakfast. I cannot tell all of you how it felt to know that while she is still trying to get better, today she showed me she loved me and did what she hasn’t did in a long time. Today is a special day for me. She made it so early in the AM.
Bernie, you had a GREAT Tortie Thursday.
I knew Steeler would rebound quickily. Torties are not “normal” cats and Steeler is in a class by herself.
The Team that is named after her never gives up and she as their mascot has to set an example.
Way to go Steeler !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steeler and I have talked about her getting in shape because when those humans come to their senses and get a contract settled, she has to get in shape for football season. She says she is going to be ready for when those big guys start play, she need to help her Mommy cheer them on. But she also says, her mommy needs to stop yelling at those big guys, and stop throwing things. Steeler says she has to duck from mommy. But we are off to a good start. So says Steeler the Cat.
Oh Bernie, this brought tears to my eyes. That’s just the best feeling ever, when they return to an old routine we loved. It’s the best sign you could ask for that she’s feeling better.
Ingrid no tears today. Just tears of happiness. I have waited for so long for Steeler to show some good sign of getting a little better. This is a great day. I am so happy. What a wonderful way to start this day..
First, Cookie said this with her butt: 00000000000000000000000
Then she opened The Conscious Cat in a new window with her toes. She is so talented.
Then mom finally gets to reply to the post.
I have to cry and hug and kiss them when they get back to normal, even just a little. I know just how to get away with it for as long as they will tolerate it, but first I just quietly watch them and enjoy who they are.
I’ll be Steeler has little paws like Cookie. I love to feel those little paws on me.
Cookie doesn’t want me to write any more, though…444444444444444
Cookie I am so proud of you being able to now write on the computer. Your skills are outstanding. So Mommy, I did exactly what you wrote, I didn’t try to hug, but I just took pure joy in feeling those little paws on me. Cookie, Steeler does have the little paws, same as you, but her mommy doesn’t let her use the computer yet. She needs censorship. Her skills in writing would be something only Torties could read. Thanks Bernadette. I know you would know the feeling. Ok Cooked I’m off.
Aw, that’s so sweet!
Monkey’d been acting and looking a little wierd for a couple of days early this week, but I couldn’t put my finger on why, so I decided to wait a couple days and just observe before I panicked anyone or ran to the vet. Yesterday she was back to normal, so maybe it was all the wierd weather changes we’ve been having lately, although Peaches was fine. But Peaches has never been through the things Monkey has, either. Peaches was just a stray terrorized by raccoons, but someone quickly rescued her and brought her to me. Monkey, on the other hand was half starved and spent who knows how long miserable from flea infestation and a severe untreated flea allergy. I don’t think she was abused…..she’s totally fearless and she’s been a complete love muffin from day one…..but that kind of neglect has to leave some kind of mark.
Or maybe she just didn’t feel good. That happens to me sometimes, and I’m better in a day or two. Who knows. I’m keeping an eye on her anyway
Was thinking of Bernie and Steeler this morning and this song came on TV
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/boston/more+than+a+feeling_20023066.html
I always liked Boston.
Fooey!
Sue Fooey?? What? uh 🙂
Just checking to see if my gravatar works!
Hope everyone is having a terrific tortie thursday!
Seems to be working fine. I see the pic
So far having a good day.
Got a van for $300. Good shape considering. Needs a tune up/front end alignment and maybe shocks.
Will work great for straw and hay pickup.
Gravatar is fine. Now you are in business. Hope to hear from you again. That is a whole lot nicer to look at. You have a fine Tortie Thursday also.
What about kitty litter pick up. If they get any heavier we will need a crane to carry those containers. I don’t know about the rest of you , but Steeler uses a lot of kitty litter. She actually lets me know when she has been in the litter box, and I follow her. She wants it cleaned as soon as she uses it. That is one of the reasons it would be so nice if she could learn to use the commode.
I was so excited when that new corn based litter (World’s Best Cat Litter) came out, because it’s so much lighter weight than clay-based litter. Unfortunately, Allegra refused to use it, so it’s back to heavy old clay for us.
And while it would be nice if we could train them to use a toilet (and some people have trained their cats to do so), I don’t think I’d want to go that route. Digging and scratching and burying what they produce is part of cats’ natural behavior. They make enough adjustments as it is to live in our human environment – I think that’s probably one change we shouldn’t ask them to make.
In our house we call that “World’s Worst Cat Litter” – ever played with flour and water to make wheat paste? The corn litter is equally effective in making glue when wet. We used it briefly at adoption events, before switching to pine, which I also don’t like because it’s not very absorbent, but at least it doesn’t require the hazmat crew when used. We have to use something that the kittens can eat – because they do – so clays are out at events. We use it at home, because everyone seems to like it.
We did have one cat when I was a child who decided to use the toilet all on his own, without any coaching. Couldn’t get him to flush, though.
I agree I would not try to train her for “well not a whole lot”. But then if I did that the downside is I would owe the water company a fortune. So we stay as is. Yes the clay based litter is what we use. Daily run the sweeper in her “private area”. But I am ok with that.
Harry I knew after that post either you, Jay or even Glen would jump on this one. I opened the door and you flew right thru it. Good one. Cats that don’t flush, well I will stay with the littler box for her.
Before it slips my mind Harry, the only nice thing about a Steeler using the commode is that I wouldn’t have to worry about her leaving the seat up. 🙂
I sending Pumpkin over. Then 2 wet butts for sure.
Jay, Steeler and I say, we can’t believe you just said this. But then I expected Harry or you to jump on this opening. You both got me. You guys are getting good. Hey gals, where is my backup? 🙂
I have to agree with Harry. I, like you, Ingrid, was so excited (although the people in the commercial eating it was a bit much lol) I hurried up and ordered a box. First thing I noticed was the wierdly unpleasant smell, but I figured I could get used to that if it turned out to be the miracle litter they said it was. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I got it during the long, miserably hot and humid spell we had last year…..it actually MOLDED! I had been too lazy to clean it the night before, too rushed to do it in the morning, had to go to the bank, post office and Library that afternoon…I got home late that evening and the back corner of the box was covered in green mold. I was all….Oooookay, well, that’s out then. lol
Looks great, Sue!
I have an 11 year old tortie named KitKat. She’s playful but not what I would call affectionate. She absolutely does NOT want to be picked up,but she will get in my lap when she feels like it. If I make any move like I am going to snuggle,she leaves. LOL. strange lil girl but I love her to death.She keeps me entertained.
It sounds like KitKat wants your affection on her terms and not yours, Amy. Allegra is like that – she’s affectionate, but definitely not a lapcat, at least not yet. When she does come up on my lap, she prefers that I don’t cuddle her – she’ll even gently nip at my hands if they come too close for her comfort.
Hi Amy, KitKat is like a couple Torties here who love attention but will not sit on your lap.
Like Ingrid mentioned, her Allegra and Bernie’s Steeler are the most lovable girls but just don’t want to sit on your lap. But don’t give up. My orange kitty Pumpkin was never a lap cat but just within the last 6 months he would occassionally jump up for a few minutes and he is 10 years old.
Tel us more about KitKat. Where are you located ? USA ?
lol….like any self-respecting tortie, she has you trained!
Hey my friends. I have been reading all the posts tonight that I have missed. I am humbled by all the good thoughts you are all sending to Steeler. There are just to many to respond to each of you individually. So please allow me to say Steeler and I know our friends are here and support her and I during this time. You have all been extremely understanding and I appreciate each of you for that.
So keep going, I enjoy the post and enjoy joining in when I can.
Like Bernadette, I tore a couple of rooms up. Looks like a storm when thru. But it was just me working off my stress and making a mess trying to clean things up. I don’t know for sure how I managed to make the rooms look worse after I started cleaning than they were before I started.
But that is how things are going and it to shall pass, unless I find a maid. That is the best idea I have had all day.
Cleaning is highly therapeutic during times of stress. Of course, the idea is that things look better afterwards….then again, you just created more stress relief for yourself, because now you have to clean again!
Ugh, I hate cleaning I really do, my place is usually nasty…not unlivable nasty, but I’m a TERRIBLE housekeeper
We were just having a little party in our bedroom – Piper, Sabrina and Brooke. Pearl was there for a while, but she left – muttering something like “you just invited Kim Jong Il, Muammar Quaddafi and Saddam Hussein in for treats.” For those who came in late, (alleged stealth tortie) Sabrina’s been living in our bedroom for the past 18 months, because she can’t get along with our actual tortie Brooke. Piper, the newest addition, a calico, did not get along with anyone at first, but has worked out her place and peace with all of the cats, and somehow seems to defuse the Brooke/Sabrina thing. Brooke was aggressive for a few moments, but mostly managed to coexist for about 20 minutes. We just escorted her out.
I would liked to have seen that. Pearl was so gentle and loving when I seen her. Her guest list of utterances is impressive. She has been watching to much international news. Soon she will be speaking another foreign language. Good to hear that the Brooke/Sabring squaring off has mellowed, if only for a little while. Piper was already picking her place in the line of siblings when we were there. Seems she had that down rather well. Look forward to hearing how much stock in bandaid I should be buying. Someone may be playing with dynamite there. 🙂
Piper will be the 2011 nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize if she pulls off a complete detente between Brooke and Sabrina.
I have a song for Pearl, Harry, if I can find it. It was a country song, it talked about Quadaffi and a whole bunch of other guys who were considered public enemies in the 80s….man I hope I can find it lol
Were any of them torties?
http://youtu.be/-OurOxznX7o
See, I’m not ONLY interested in metal, it’s just my favorite flavor, I like all kinds of music if it’s good!
Niether Peaches or Monkey like this, btw, they’re both conspicuously absent
I love it.
Will probably play that on our camping trip in 2 weeks
Ingrid, once you’ve made a icon on the gravatar.com website, how do you get it onto the site?
Rachel it will automatically show up after you sign in and pick your gravatar. Maybe Ingrid is asleep by now. So I hope could help you. You don’t don anything once you go to the site and pick a pic you want to use. Your good to go. 🙂 How many of the 7 are you going to try to use, just kidding. 🙂
Looks like you figured it out – cute photo of Piper!
Guess it just needed some time to show up! Oh Piper, she is so funny how she can get along with Sabrina and Brooke. I have to say that I’m impressed being that she is younger and smaller than both of them.
I think Pearl knows Turkish seeing that she is a most likely a purebred Turkish Angora!
Very nice to have chosen Piper the #7. It looks good. I agree Piper took on her role very quickly to conquer and control. Glad you choose her. I am sure she will give you lots to talk about. You have the 7 to tell us about. 🙂
WOOT! Gotta love metalhead sharks lol
NEVER try to lure a feral with metal….it’s just counterproductive lol
Although…Monkey’s not that strange…..http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpps/news/offbeat/sharks-rock-to-ac_dc-music-dpgonc-km-20110531_13469396
P.S How do I put a picture of my tortie in the little square next to my name when I post?
Sue, go to http://www.gravatar.com.
Hey Lianimal my cats don’t react to music at all which is too bad. They do react to the tv though so I guess they are tortie couch potatoes.
I hope your friend does take the tortie situation kitty in for her sake and maybe for his too!
To all: Yesterday a new box came in the mail from Amazon and of course when anything new comes into the house they spend the first 5 minutes smelling where it came from. When I took my order out of it I put it by the back door for recycling when I should have known better because Nikita was the first to claim it. No soon than it hit the floor I saw a pair of eyes peeking up over the top. It isn’t a big box, not like the microwave box that could hold a couple of litters of cats. This one is only big enough for one cat. Nikita loves it! She scrunches herself down to hide (of course the tail is still sticking out but she’s “hiding”) and she pounces on an unsuspecting Luna who of course pops her in the head a couple of times. I swear who needs tv for entertainment when the torties are in the house!! 🙂
Also I am reading a great book about a woman who adopted a completes blind cat (as a 2 week old kitten it had an infection and had to have it’s eyes removed) nobody wanted the poor little kitten but this wonderful woman ended up taking him and it changed her life. It’s called Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper.
Ive always found cats react to music….Feral cats, taming them seems to require Patsy Cline songs..lol every feral cat I’ve ever tamed (there have been 5) has FINALLY walked up and let me pet it while I was singing “Walkin after Midnight” Ferals seem to love that song!
Now the song Walking after midnight is a good song for everybody and for the pets. Cats especially 🙂 Are you hearing me Wild Child 🙂 Nice and easy does all the time. 🙂
IF he takes her, and IF he asks for my Opinion name-wise, I’m going to tell him to name her :”The situation” in honor of both Jersey Shore and her status
I loved Homer’s Odyssey. Gwen also has a great blog on her website.
homer’s Oddyssey was great. I love to read, and my English/reading teacher that year was Mr Curren, my all time favorite teacher.
Sue I hear that is a very good book. I know I intend to get it also and read it. But the boxes are the new toy each time for the little furry ones. Steeler still has her cardboard condo in my dining room and it is not a small box. But like you they entertain themselves with them and thereby entertain us.
Sue, Homer’s Odyssey is a very touching book. And Homer is still alive up in NYC.
Gwen has a FB page also. Check out my friends and link it thru there. And herweb site talks about him.
So cool…..Monkey and Peaches both endorse this….it starts a little hard, bit then it’s reasonably slow……No screaming Bernie, it’s still metal though. The lyrics are great!
http://youtu.be/MzovR0s7EbI
Bah, well, Monkey wandered off after the first few seconds, so I guess it’s only Peaches endorsed.
Monkey likes http://youtu.be/xsvA_3hLJl8
beware, that’s monkey music
Wild child I learned a while ago, to BEWARE of the wild child’s music. But I love to hear you very expressive tales of the kitty duo. It sounds like you really have a great time entertaining them. 🙂
Hey my Wild Child I really think Monkey is going to need therapy. Poor Kitty, says, my mommy screams about stealing cookies at me. 🙂
lol Monkey COMES to me when I play the hard stuff, she actually likes it! lol
I swear I’m not making this up, when I play mellow (Peaches) music, she snoozes on the couch, but as soon as she hears the double bass drums and someone screaming, she comes running for pets, and when I grab her by the ruff and scream her favorite songs, she purrs so loud it drowns me out lol…Monkey IS a metal chick
Hey maybe she is coming to you and asking you to MOM find something nice and soothing, I have a headache. I know I would be begging you to stop, I have a headache. Poor kitty. She says cool it MOM. I am getting to old for this. 🙂
I was laughing at my friend Justin today…he said “My dad has a barn cat who kind of looks like monkey, only it’s a lot more black and a lot less orange, is that still considered a torti?” I said Yes, he said; “It’s way too cool a cat to be a barn cat, and my dad’s trying to get me to take her home, tell me again why she’s a mutant? Because I’d much rather have a mutant cat than just a plain one (he’s obviously an alternative kind of guy…metalhead too! lol) So I explained about the genes and how they generally cancel each other out except in a torti situation…..he liked the term “Torti Situation” (lol…actually, I kind of do too, we’ve ALL had “tortie situations”) And he’s seriously thinking about taking her. Lets all get our cats to send their tortie powers to get their sister out of the barn and into a pampered pet “Tortie Situation” lol
Good for you. Tell him how attached to their servants they get. Every barn cat deserves a loving home. They give so much love for what we do for them. He will be very happy with her.
I’ve been renovating my studio–the 8×10 spare bedroom that’s also served as the spare cat room all 20 years I’ve been here. But as a workspace for my art it’s been a disaster the past year or so; the last year or two have been a little difficult with time and finances. I was trying to make some sense of the mess for the past few weeks and getting nowhere which is where I’ve been when I’m normally corresponding, so with time and finances I decided to get some new/salvage flooring and furniture and start again from the beginning with all my art and framing, and maybe I’ll be able to fit a shelter foster or two in there this summer since all the shelters are overloaded.
I have exhausted my cats with moving things, and they ran out of excitement at my doing things. Cookie, my supervisor/babysitter, sleeps more than usual at 19, especially in this heat, and is quite deaf, came upstairs last night looking worried, saw me where I was now painting the walls, walked into the room with a take-charge attitude, drank from her water bowl and looked at me: “Why don’t you stay where I put you?”
My office is next and then I will be wireless and Cookie and I can logon from the picnic table out in the back yard.
Cookie wants to know: is she the elder tortie in this group at 19? Kelly next at 17? Everyone else seems pretty young.
Go Cookie and Kelly! That’s a great life, hmm?
This weather is slowly killing me. It was about 99 around 3pm when I was running errands. Was just out around 8:30pm and it was only down to 85. I hate this weather, the humidity and sweatiness!
Rachel, think back a month or two. Feel that freezing rain and snow. Then the terrible storms.
Uh Uh It will cool down, and you will feel a little. Running errands in the heat is really hard. I know. But then you can jump in the car an cool down to your loud music (unless Mom or Dad) are passengers. 🙂
I was ugly here Monday and Tuesday…today we got a reprieve. It’s absolutely gorgeous! About 75, a nice breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. There HAS to be somewhere in the world where there’s low humidity and it never gets below 30 or above 80. When I find it, me, Princess Peach and the Monkster are packing our bags!
Hmmm, not sure if I was ugly those days or not…to me I looked and acted the same as always lol…I meant IT (the weather) was ugly
Wild child just wait awhile the weather will change and you will be happy with it. I like you don’t like the high heat and humidity. But would not leave the Mtns. of W. PA Anyway I live in STEELER COUNTRY.
Bernie, anywhere you live is ” STEELER COUNTRY”
Jay you are right about STEELER COUNTRY being everywhere. I could live high in the Tennessee Mountains or the Rockies and still find not only my own Steeler, but Steeler Nation folks. Just like all the folks were on here this past year. We have had a great time.
I would say Cookie is the Senior Tortie in the group and gets the respect of all her sisters. And thats says a lot cause the don’t respect most humans and no other critters.
At 19 she deserve the rest and relaxation. And she is looking after you as all work and no play can upset a Tortie and no one wants that.
It sounds like Cookie is telling you enough already sit down, it is to hot. Kelly say she is tired also. To much heat. You will love being able to sit outside and work with your computer. Wireless is great. You will be able to have your little ones, at least Cookie, join you. Life is so much nicer out especially after this heat spell breaks. Just remember you need to go slow to, the heat can hit you just as easily.
Your two are definitely the elders in this group.
I like hot weather, and apparently, like mother like daughters 🙂 – Allegra and Ruby don’t seem to mind the heat. Granted, they’re inside the air conditioned house, but I keep my AC set pretty high (at 82 degrees). As I’m typing this, I have a little lapwarmer purring away, and they both insist on sleeping wedged up against me at night. Even though I turn the AC down to 78 overnight, it’s been pretty toasty with the two of them keeping me warm like that, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
That toasty feeling at in bed are two little fur coats keeping you warm. 🙂
82? Are you serious?!? lol…..I get grumpy if it’s over 75!
I agree with you Lianimal. 82 is high. 75 is barely tolerable. Ingrid must like the high heat. I am with you. 🙂
Sorry, 85 is ideal and up to 90 and low humidity is ok. Hot weather is perfect for riding.
And after working at Walmart you would be suprised as to how little our customers wear.
Ok for biking. Not ok for living and home. To hot with the high humidity. I think Steeler will agree with me on the heat thing. She has been laying on the sunroom floor all day. Nice and cool.
Hey everyone, here’s a little update on Steeler’s health. She had been kind of tired and listless at times for the past week or so, and Bernie took her to the vet’s this evening. She’s gained 1 1/2 pounds, which is actually good news because she had lost a little too much weight because of the hyperactive thyroid. Her thyroid value is still pretty high, as is her heart rate (as a result of the elevated thyroid), and that’s what is making her tired. The vet recommended that rest is exactly what’s needed and letting her lie around is okay for now. The bad news (for Steeler) is that Bernie will need to cut back on her food a little – we don’t want her to gain back all the weight she lost!
Bernie also shared that while she was at the vet’s, a fellow came out of the exam room with a large back lab. Of course the dog looked at Steeler. Steeler didn’t blink, she just stared at him. The dog just backed away. Not a sound was heard. I don’t think any of us are surprised.
Needless to say, we’re all routing for Steeler’s thyroid to get back to normal (and it’s not unusual for that to take a couple of weeks – which doesn’t make it any less worrisome for Bernie!). I’ll update you as things change.
“THE LOOK.” I know The Look. If Steeler can still muster The Look, I ain’t worried. I have seen The Look make a larger cat *back up* and leave the room tail first.
It was only that glare. No sounds from either. Perfectly calm. Dog just backed away. Never seen her do that before. Not a muscle moved on her. WOW was a stare!!
Yep, Kasey has the stare, too.
If that isn’t enough, she also has the cougar snarl to top it off.
Good to hear Steeler is doing well 🙂
Glen I don’t get to see that Stare often. Today I was surprised. not a sound from her. Bossy Tough Torties.
Bernie, I thought that Stare was the normal expression of a Tortie until I saw Steeler.
Steeler has the most expressive face that shows her love.
But Stir has that leave me alone look most of the time.
She doesn’t have the snarl of Kasey or Steeler though.
Glen Steeler has that snarl and the Stare. It eerie when it comes out, but it get you attention fast.
Jay your right about the look of Steeler. So loving and tender. Uh uh The warning is out. Most of my friends just love her, at a distance, she sometimes shows she is not in the mood for company.
Looks are very deceiving. Wonder where they get that from.
Stir only has to look. Nothing more needs done, her face says it all when she opens up and shows those teeth. No messing with her.
“Steeler has the most expressive face that shows her love.”
Kasey is like that too.
She will sit or lay on the floor and what me with that look, she is very expressive and conveys both affection and requests for things with just a look, different looks, for different occasions.
The thing about her is, she actually lies attention from anyone, even new visitors.
Glen I was just catching up on my reading here. So Kasey has that Love Me Tender look also.
Then can turn on the switch and that sound comes from nowhere. I call her a dwarf leopard when she does that. pretty, but dangerous unless she loves you. Then we don’t get that snarl. Sorry I am so late getting to all of you.
Oh yeah….”The Look” Seen that from both Monkey and Hatchet
All my best wishes are going out to Steeler (Such a beauty) to make a full recovery
Good to hear she’s on the mend!
I am relived somewhat. Thanks Bernadette.
Good for Steeler.
That Lab knew as soon as he saw her the safest thing to do was beat a safe retreat.
Don’t bark because that will bring Doom down on him.
Sending healing thoughts to Steeler
Got your healing thoughts. No dog will test her.
Hello everyone,
Hope it was a great weekend for one and all.
My girls had a ball playing in the microwave box, chasing eachother in and out of it. Some how it made it’s way around the kitchen and into the livingroom (and it’s not a small box!)
Nikita spent a lot of the weekend on the couch watching movies with me while Luna was up on the perch or in the tub.
I posted a couple of pictures of Big Orange when he showed up last night to visit. He is a sweet kitty, very vocal and loves to be petted but Luna wouldn’t let him near, poor guy.
Hope all is well! Have a great evening!
Sue
Sue, it seems the orange kitties are super friendly of the ones I’ve known.
But I also know how Torties are so friendship might have to be with a door between.
I spent my day walking around in 93 degree heat at a huge garage sale in a park next to my sister then rode home and spent the evening talking on the net to a treasured friend.
I can say I had a great day.
Sorry Lianimal but I love this hot weather. Being in the woods helps though.
Ack! I hate hate HATE this weather…we have 90 some degrees with about 80% humidity, it’s really awful
Orange cats I’ve had (wierdly enough, they were all guys, never thought of that before) But Ratman, Mr. G, And Oangimal were all HUGE and extremely friendly…and all tom cats. I can’t remember ever seeing a female orange
I’m with you, Lianimal–today it was 93 with 70% humidity, my feet and hands feel like water balloons, no AC here, wish I could have saved up some of the 5 degree air and ice to temper this weather.
Something like 80% of orange cats are male – Bernadette can explain why, I won’t even try. We do have an orange tabby female (without white), Vickie. Vickie had 5 kittens, four orange tabby boys, and one torbie girl that we also kept.
Sue it sounds like your girls are like Steeler and her cardboard condo box. It’s been in my dining room for a couple of months now. Stir’s Tabitha does the same thing only she gets into the smaller box. His Stir likes a bigger box.. All the money we spend to make them happy and a cardboard box will do. Stay cool. I seen your pics. I think Big Orange is better off on the outside looking in from what I seen of Nikita and Luna standing up looking as if he were a snack.:)
Spend big bucks buying cat toys and they prefer the carton the toy came in. Hope those toy companies don’t start charging extra for the box.
Not that remark is going to give the capitalist system a whole new approach to packaging and charge more for the box. Cats will be happy. 🙂
Ugh, yeah, I have a two story cat condo….just a little short thing with two holes and a top they can curl up in. I thought they’d like it since they both like to be inside stuff…when I first bought it Monkey went into the bottom hole and came right back out…never has given it a second glance since. I’ve seen Peaches sleeping on top of it once or twice. Big waste of money, and I probably can’t even give it away because one someone else’s cat smells monkey and Peaches, they won’t want anything to do with it either. I even tried putting fresh catnip inside.
Sounds like a purrfect weekend for Nikita and Luna! I think if it was up to our cats, our houses would be decorated with boxes everywhere.
I used to catch myself stepping over the paper bags and boxes the cats had claimed, then I realized they were watching me tiptoe my way through their carefully constructed little village. Part 2 of Feline Enjoyment of Boxes and Bags: Watch Human Unknowingly Make Fool of Self–NOTE: move boxes and bags closer together, overlap edges.
lol…Hatchet used to get me all the time….I’d glance at her and she’d be staring intently at the ceiling, I’d look up, really search the ceiling to try to figure out what she was looking at…eventually I’d look back at her and she’d be watching me with this smirk like “Ah, got her again….this never gets old!” lol
I finally found a site of Torties talking
http://www.wavlist.com/soundfx/007/index.html
Well it has Steeler’s Stamp of approval. But she just listened to the site as if to to I can still take them out. Even not up to par. Bring them on. 🙂
That’s our Steeler !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know it is quiet on here tonight, after all it is a holiday and everyone is withn friends and family hopefully having a good time.
But as this is Memorial Day I want to say thank you to our troops for keeping us safe and remember all my furry friends – the ones I have now and those waiting for me at the bridge.
And to sat ThaNK YOU to all my friends on here who give me joy, laughs, insight and knowledge of cats. I look forward to every night reading what everyone has to say.
Jay, thank you, no one could have said it better.
What a lovely post, Jay. Catching up with everyone here every day has become a treasured part of my daily routine, too.
I hope everyone had a great holiday. I’m just so happy it’s finally summer!
I was moving furniture in 90-degree heat but that’s okay, and I even enjoyed the near break from the computer for the weekend, though I read the messages.
What Jay said
Okay, ya know Peaches? That pretty tuxedo who you all think looks so sweet and who likes metal ballads?
Yeah, well, I was just petting her…making sure she got her love for the day, and the little heiffer hauled of and bit me! Quick too, like a flippin’ cobra! lol….She’s actually my closet tortie, Monkey’s a sweetie, Peaches is the ornery one!
I am giving one to Peaches. She heard me telling her to stop her mommy with that music, before I got there. Just kidding. About getting there. STill 1 for Peaches. 🙂
I keep sticking my head out and calling for her, even though she’s not likely to ever come to me…It’s worth a try, right?
You guys keep your fingers crossed for “Fiesty”, the pretty long hsired grey tabby next door
You got it. We will put out the kitty call. If Fiesty is anywhere around he/she will hear Stir’s and Steeler’s roar across the county. Keep your spirist up. Hopefully your neighbor will get him back and learn not to let him out.
I’m so worried…Monkey’s buddy that she high fived the other day from the other side of the window has gone missing, my neigbor just told me. I tried to tell him gently that cats who are let outside don’t tend to live very long, but he seems to think that as long as she’s inside MOST of the time she’s okay. Ugh, sometimes people have the best intentions, they just have no REAL idea
Wild Child I am sorry to hear that Monkey’s high 5 buddy has gone missing. I can tell you protect your little ones with all you have. You are a good kitty buddy. I will go check you pics. I will let you know when I see them.]
Your storm has cleared and I am glad for you and the little ones.
It’s on Ingrid’s page, along with Peaches on the bathroom wall…lol
I just looked there. Monkey looks so lovingly at you. You are doing something right. Peaches is really high. When I see kits up high like that I am always astounded. How do they get up there?
I am amazed, because Steeler can’t jump up onto anything. She had been abused pretty badly before I got her. But she has all any little girl could ever want with me.
Keep your stories coming. I love to read and your expressions while you tell your stories is so enthusiastic.
Monkey is such a lovey girl….she is a total embarrassment to other torties because she’s so sweet. But she makes up for her sweetness with deviousness. Yesterday she snatched the camera charger out of the wall plug and ran behind the 896 pound couch! I worked and worked to get it far enough out from the wall to get back there….It took FOREVER! I swear to God this thing weighs a friggin’
Lynn Steeler is a Clepto Kitty and has been since I rescued her. I like you, and vertically challenged, as on of our fans pointed out to me. So I devised a hook to pull and pick things up from behind furniture. Here it is and no cost. Get an old broom handle or mop, put a cup hood into the end and there you have it. A pick/pull pole. Save your back and you can reach under couches/beds and and behind any piece of furniture.
They get up there by climbing the side of the mattress that’s standing against the wall, but it’s still a master athletic feat, once they get to the top of the mattress it’s a good 4 foot jump with only about 1 foot between the ceiling and the wall they land on…amazing! I’m glad they have that though, this place is so tiny they need all the running space they can get! I figure the exercise is good for them
Thanks! Wow, when the warning came it wasn’t even raining here….we’re getting a nice little thunder and lightning show now. I love storms, personally, I’ll just stand outside and watch. Monkey’s fearless, she sits in the window to watch, but it makes poor Peaches a nervous wreck….she usually hides until it’s been over at least a half hour
OK, show must be over, Monkey got bored and wandered off from the window. Hope to see Princess Peach sometime this hour
Oops, nope, the show’s back on and Monkey’s back in the window…lol….this is the wierdest cat ever…loves Metal, loves storms…hmmm, I never thought of it before, but I wonder if she may be hard of hearing? That would explain me calling her frantically for two hours and her not coming, even though she’s usually the BIGGEST love muffin and will go to anyone whether they call her or not
“…I wonder if she may be hard of hearing?” – Nah. She’s just being a tortie.
Stay safe!
lol, you’re probably right….it’s calm again and she’s taking a nap on the couch…Peaches is still no-where to be seen
It is always calm and pretty before the storm. Check NOAA.com on your computer and be safe.
Keep Monkey and Peaches within sight.
I’ll grab Monkey, she’s right here in the window watching with me…..Peaches, on the other hand, is hiding behind the 286 ton Lazyboy couch that takes me 10 minutes to move about a foot! Hopefully the couch is too heavy for the tornado to pick up and will save her!
Seriously, the two strapping young men who brought it in here asked; “Where do you want it?” I said, “Oh, wherever, I can move it” And they were all; “No, you can’t. wherever we put this it’s gonna be forever…..I think it has a granite base”
lol…they were right. I tried to move it a foot, had to stop and rest lol
Keep an eye on your radar on the http://www.noaa.com I gave you. This is serious stuff. Keep yourself and the babies safe. Go to a room with no windows in the inner part of you apt. not behind a sofa. In the bathtub is the safest place to be if a tornado does hit. I will be hoping for the best for our Wild Child.
The dusty pink couch will remain long after I’m dead and gone…but Monkey likes it…just took a pic of her sleepingon it, so cute…..I’ll post it in a few
Put it on your FB page and share it with all of us. Or put it on http://WWW.Conciouscat.com and let all CC see it. Love pics.
Thinking of all of you.
Love watching the lightning shows. Always amazing to watch mother nature at work. But after seing what the midwest is getting I’ll tak just a light rain shower.
Hope things are ok tomorrow morning.
Ah, tornado sirens just started going off….just a warning for the whole county. It does look a little funny out….keep your fingers crossed that me, Princess Peach and the Monkster don’t end up in Oz
That sort of warning is no fun, we used to get them occasionally when we lived in London, Ontario in the late 1980’s, early 90’s.
Good luck with the weather.
I lived in a little town just outside london for a few months. For the life of me I can’t remember the name, I think it started with a “w”…….Ontario is beautiful, and Toronto is the prettiest, cleanest city I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit
There’s Waterford, Warwick and West Lorne, to name a few
Be careful, I’m not tornado expert but I understand one of the most common places they will form is on the leading edge of the storm. So i think caution should be taken even before the storm arrives.
We had one like that missed the house we had in Killworth, just west of London, by 1/4 mile, that was close enough.
Wild Child listen to Glen and I. We both seemed to have dodged the bullet on the tornado side. But the back wind and storm were another story. This is not to be taken lightly. Protect those babies and yourself.
Stay on alert wild child. I had one move thru here last month. it missed me by than than 1/4 but i had the wind. I will hope for this to pull back. I will wait to see you on here after it has cleared.