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
OK now we are talking folks. We only need 3141 more posts to hit the 10,000 mark. Now that should be a breeze, so says all Torties. We have to keep this blog #1. Right Yep Bernie is at it again. 🙂
Look on my FB page to see pics of my little outside cat
He is so cute
http://facebook.com/JayDavenport1956
Ok Jay, and when did you say he officially becomes one of your little ones. He is going to get cold and lonely out there. He is adorable. He found a new home. 🙂 🙂 I am sure I can send some kitty toys for him until you get more for him. 🙂
Oh Criminey!
What was that someone said about cats and paper?
My son left the bathroom door OPEN this morning when he left for school and now there is torn up toilet paper ALL over the house!!
We have to keep the bathroom door closed just for that reason. I don’t know who the culprit is Nikita or Luna but I suspect it’s the first one. UGH what a mess!!
Hey Sue just in time for Halloween. TP the inside of the house. What a novel idea. 🙂 🙂
Ah, yeah, the toilet paper thing. That’s my favorite lol
SUCCESS.
I got to give the little cat scratches.
It’s a boy and he rolled over for scratches and purrrrrrred !
What a wonderful feeling.
No – not going to taked him in
Sounds like a sweet little guy. Is it possible to find him a home? Any no-kill shelters around he could go to?
Jay, we will all just wait and see. Sounds like he has already taken you in. So the TNR and the open door is not far away. 🙂 After all winter is coming and the little one will need to feel safe, warm and loved. 🙂 Now that is my way of laying a guilt trip on you. 🙂
Awwww, but you know you want to lol
Vickie is eating!
VERY happy to hear that news Harry!! Atta girl Vickie!!
Yay! Best news I’ve had all day!
Great News.
Punky has a mouse to send.
What do you think is best UPS. Fed Ex or US Post Office ?
Having recently tried to Fed Ex live lobsters to Germany, I can eliminate that option for you. As for USPS, don’t they ask you if there’s anything potentially hazardous, liquid, or fragile? I think mice qualify as fragile. So, you’re left with Brown.
Jay, try using theTIOTOD service. In other words, THROW IT OUT THE DOOR!!!!!!!! Cheaper and easier. Just make sure it doesn’t come back in.
That should have been TIOTD Typing is not my best skill. Falling, now, I am pretty good at that. And in more ways than one. 🙂
Great news Harry. I just knew with all the loving care you guys are giving your little one she would start to respond. Here’s to a very swift recovery. Now after this, let’s take a time out from kitty illnesses. I think we have all been going around suffering from sleep deprivation. But don’t you just love it when they are all better. Kitty hugs and kisses to Vicki and Henry.
Thanks, Bernie. Vickie ate pretty good today, I’m really happy that our vet was able to turn her around. Henry is doing really well, he’s so much more light on his feet and goofy like his old self. Maybe now I can concentrate my energy on the Brooke/Sabrina/Piper relationship and move in the right direction again. Brooke refuses to take medicine disguised any way, so we’re running low on options.
Harry it feels so good when we see a change for the best for our little ones. I know. Oh how well I know. Vicki eating, not that is the news I have been looking for. Always a little tentative to ask about how she was doing. I was checking the Shubin sites for updates hoping to see good news.
So finally it has happened. That makes me happy.
So little ole Henry is humping Pearl. Heck, he is OK for sure, until Pearl makes him knock it off. But what fun and all for not.
Brooke and meds in the same reference, sounds like comparing apples and oranges. I have nothing to offer on sneaking meds into her. I know Steeler was hard to medicate with pills and she doesn’t like any kind of cheese. So I crush her pills very fine and mix them with her favorite cat food, and only give her a tablespoon, well mixed. When I see she has eaten that then I feed her more. With Brooke, maybe you can have someone design a hanging sling so you can use two hands to give her meds. I have been trying to devise one for Steeler. I know it can be done. So if she starts stopping eating food with pills, I will definitely be at the sewing machine. Dam, that means domestication for me and geez, that doesn’t really appeal to me. So if you want I will work on that design for you folks. Honestly there has to be one to hold the kitty safely and apply meds to them. “Don’t steal my idea”. I will share it with you. Just kidding. However, I think it would be a good thing to come up with.
As for getting harmony in the Shubin 7, well, there well, holy cow, even the man above shakes his head for that one. So my good friends, Steeler and I wish you all well and good luck with that one. 🙂
Harry, I don’t know if you’ve ever tried pill pockets, but it is the only way to get meds into some of my kitties. They come in two or three flavors and aren’t very expensive. I have to keep them tucked away as Columbia likes them so much she thinks they are treats!
Betty, we’ve tried Pill Pockets (she’ll only eat them empty) mixing the ground pills in food or baby food (only plain, thank you), having the stuff formulated into chicken flavor by a compounding pharmacy (thank you very much, no) mixing the chicken flavor in food or baby food (yo, dawg, you trying to poison me?). That little tortie nose knows, and says no.
She sounds like my Janet who is definitely my sniffer kitty. She has the most sensitive sense of smell and she doesn’t fall for the pill disguising either.
My only other suggestion is somethng that I don’t like to use but I know it’s for their own good is a plastic device (can’t remember what it’s called) that works like a big syringe. It has a cup on one end you put the pill in, then with someone helping to hold the kitty, you put it in their mouth and push on the plunger and it shoots the pill into the back of their throat. Hold their mouth closed and massage the muscles under their bottom jaw which makes them swallow, or blow on their nose.
This link is from a Vet College and has excellent images of how they suggest to give a cat a pill. After the instructions it also has images of the plastic device I am talking about:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/cat_meds.aspx
hope it helps
Harry you know your Brooke is from a single mold that was broken when she was born. Getting meds into her could cost some digits and blood for the Red Cross. I got nothing to help you here. I know you folks have tried all the tricks. By the way, have you guys cleaned the walls and redecorating that Henry caused while you were trying to medicate him?
Betty I have those pill shooters and it was ok for a few time with Steeler but when you are administering multiple meds, the kitty wins.
Knowing Harry he probably has tried everything except standing on his head to get the meds into his little ones. Maybe that is his next step. Would like to see that one.
You don’t use a pill shooter on a tortie, not if you value your life 😉
(Especially not twice a day, every day, for 6 months or more.) I’ve actually pilled many cats, many times before. I have even given pills to Brooke before. Once. That was when I got my very first “real” cat bite, distinguished from all those nips that I thought were bites.
Bernie – I haven’t even cleaned off the walls the Amoxicillin stains from Ashley, my orange tabby, and he’s been gone 10 years this November. It’s a toss up between repainting, and burning the place down.
Oh, and as for “when we were medicating” Henry, he’s still getting eye drops twice a day, for another 3 – 5 weeks. However, I have finally figured out the right combination of scruffing and holding his head while Julie administers the drops. We’ve been doing pretty well.
Harry I would just let the changes of the redecorating go. After all, if anyone asks you can always say it is a masterpiece in the works.
Pilling Steeler is over.
I mash her pills in an old antique pill grinder that was used and maybe still in use by some pharmacies. This makes the pills very fine. But then I wait for her to be really hungry, usually early AM around her time of 4Am to 5Am. Then she will gobble that down with realizing the taste may be different.
Harry “scruffing and holding his head while Julie administers the eye drops is devotion. You guys make a good team. No wonder those little ones hold title to everything. You take better care of the little ones then you guys do for yourselves. That is really clear. 🙂
Out of room to reply to Harry. I’m so glad Vickie is doing a little better. At least you can relax for the rest of today, knowing she ate something at the vet’s. By tomorrow morning, she’ll probably feel well enough to want to eat on her own. Sending lots of good thoughts her way!
Thanks, Ingrid! I sure hope so.
Harry you know I am watching and hoping for a swift recovery for Vicki. I also hope Henry will be back to his self very soon. ” Everyday” right ok 🙂 🙂
Hi All !!
Sorry I’ve been MIA lately.
Not much new to report.
The scortching heat is back but the girls seem to be handling it better than me this go around.
As long as I have plenty of water for them they don’t seem to mind being a pancake on the floor. The other day I didn’t check their water dish right away and my son didn’t either but I figured it must be empty because Nikita jumped up on the coffee table and started to lick the condensation off my water glass then decided she would stick her paw in my ice water. Okay that was enough so I went to check it out after almost being tripped by the kitties on the way to the kitchen. Sure enough my son didn’t give them water (his chore is to make sure they have food and water) and I hadn’t followed behind and checked. So the girls were parched but now Nikita wants to lick my the sides of my glass anyway, even if there is water in the bowl.
Their personalities have changed too, it’s almost as if they have switched. Everything Luna used to do, Nikita is doing and vice versa. This morning when I was getting ready for work I saw a cat jump up on the red stepstool and absentmindedly reached out to pet what I thought was Luna because that’s her perch and her thing to do to race up and sit on the stool and throw herself on her side for a belly rub. This morning it was Nikita instead! Then when I went in the kitchen usually Nikita will jump up on top of the microwave and then the fridge, but it was Luna. I think they are just trying to confuse me!
It will be interesting to see who they portray tonight after work. lol Never a dull moment with them around!
Good to hear about Steeler….Bernie you hurry and get better already!
Hope Vickie does better too
I bet Nikita will expect iced water from now on, Sue! How interesting that they changed personalities – they’re probably just trying to make sure you pay attention!
So glad to hear from you Sue. And we know how our little furry kids keep us guessing.
Try to stay cool.
Bernie says she puts ice cubes in Steelers water.
Maybe that might satisfy Nikita.
Sue it sounds like Nikita and Luna are playing the twin switch game on you. It is so funny to read how they switched and confused you. Never can be sure. Watch those hands. One might not be happy one time and make sure you have a large supply of bandaids.
Steeler is really doing so well. I am so happy. So I am here to bug everyone.
I am determined to get this leg healed. I have plans and don’t intend to just sit around and watch my life go by. It will heal. In the meantime, I keep trying to find options of getting around. So far I find crawling is faster. Also great muscle workout. The steps and upstairs floors are getting dusted like never before.
Steeler doesn’t have to gather dust bunnies anymore for the time being. 🙂 Let’s hope your heat wave breaks and you guys get some relief. Keep the ice water in a plastic jug and close the cap. Freeze it partially and set it on a platter and the little ones will lick the cold condensation off the jug to cool down. Just a hint. Good luck. 🙂 🙂
Wow this is a tough crowd here.
Well I am going to share with you Steeler’s latest antics. She is slowly trying to control my, “I know what else is new”. This morning she took it to a new level.
I was in the bedroom when the phone rang, so I naturally sat on the bed to talk. Well the conversation was getting longer so I laid down on the bed and was talking. Here comes Steeler. First it she was perturbed about me being on the phone. Not giving her all the attention. I am used to that. Well then to my surprise, came this little paw trying to pull the phone away. Not once or twice but continually, until I began laughing. My girlfriend said “I didn’t think what I said was that funny”. I quickly explained about Steeler trying to take the phone off me. We both had and good laugh. Folks at this point Steeler unsheathed her claws and became very serious about this whole telephone thing. So I finally gave in so as not to cause any further embarrassment to myself or allow her to use those claws. After hanging up she came to me and wanted forehead kisses and she gave me a kitty nose kiss. Now this isn’t fair playing. She has learned the method of bribery. If she gives kisses Mom will not be upset with her and she still wins. Talk about losing a losing battles to “The Tortie”. I am doomed. 🙂
Yes m’dear, like the rest of us you’re doomed…lol
Isn’t wrapping gifts with kitties around fun?? They just love to lay on the wrapping paper when you get it rolled out to just the right size.
Gift wrapping with kitties is the reason for no bows or ribbons on any of the gifts I give to people, Betty. It’s just too exhausting to keep after two torties trying to steal ribbons and having to worry about them eating ribbon!
“Gift wrapping with kitties is the reason for no bows or ribbons on any of the gifts I give to people”
Um, or wrapping paper, or tape, or scissors…
— Here’s your completely unwrapped box… —
True they do love eating ribbon. Of course Columbia likes eating the paper more. I have to keep all paper towels and tissues where she can’t easily get to them because she will eat the paper. We have literally had tugs of war over paper before. She clenches down with her teeth while I am trying to get it away from her. She is fierce when she wants her paper!!
I also have to keep thread hidden as she will chew and swallow as many feet of it as she can. Make for an interesting litter box!
I gave up on putting up a Christmas tree years ago when we had Magenta. Somehow she could get the bulbs out of the lights without breaking them. She also liked to try and climb up the middle of the tree which makes for a real mess especially when the kitty is declawed (got her that way would never do that myself to a cat). When she discovered she couldn’t climb it, she resorted to standing back and leaping into the middle of it. Even tying it to the wall didn’t help.
Gift wrapping are you kidding. I don’t gift wrap anymore. Steeler has a penchant for pulling papers with her claws. I just gave up on that. Then the ribbon, well she takes it and goes like it is her new toy. Hint: USPS will supply Priority boxes free on line. Make great gift packaging. No wrapping. I actually did this one year. So much for my wrapping. 🙂 🙂
Yeah. Christmas decorations and wrappings pretty much ended when Monkey came. She was so wild I knew better than to even try a tree. LOL @ the interesting litter box
Cats and telephones are a fascinating combination. So many people report that their cats hate it when they’re on the phone and do their best to get them off the phone. Not surprising, really – after all, for our cats, it’s all about them, and they know full well that we’re not paying attention to them when we’re on the phone!
Good going, Steeler. She’s got you well-trained, Bernie. Just go with it.
Whoa Berns! She’s really got you wrapped!
Oh this little Steeler is really showing her true self. I am loving it. But she is incensed about my being on the phone. Vocal also. It is becoming very funny and I find myself laughing more and more. What a joy.
My Wild Child your right, she has me wrapped as tight as a braid. I am loving it:) 🙂
Bernie – you never had a chance.
Torties ALWAYS WIN.
We just accept that and plan our lives around that. 🙂
Jay I found out that for sure. Torties do win. I am happy to accept that and I do plan a lot around her. Life is getting better. 🙂 🙂
I feel terrible that I didn’t realise it earlier, how horrible her life seemed to her
You unknowingly took care of giving her some peace of mind. Now if I could only get you to find a musical sound that is gentle to their ears and let them be calm. But, hey, wild child, one thing at a time. OK 🙂
I listen to….um, well….Metal Ballads sometimes. Those are generally soft…well, soft-ish lol
My favorite wild child, keep it mellow. For yourself and your growing little furry family. Sounds like your world is getting a whole lot brighter. 🙂 🙂
Berns, my two new BFFs are cracking me up! Silly stuff like the litterbox thing, cute stuff like them with their faces in the dry food bowl together, funny things like Monkey holding him down, alternately licking and chewing on him. But I think the all-time VERY best thing is that Peaches isn’t being harrassed, and she seems happier and more confident than she has since Monkey came. I feel bad because I never realized how bad it actually was for her. Poor thing was miserable!
Too cute!
I know what you mean. I didn’t realize until after I adopted Ruby how much Allegra needed a feline companion.
The funniest thing was I was always saying;” As much trouble as I have with my two cats, the LAST thing I need is another one!” Wierdly, it seems the ONE thing I DID need was another cat lol
This is really good news. Monkey needed a baby. Imagine that. Her maternal instinct needed fulfilled. Peaches is most likely basking in her glory at being left alone to dream her own dreams.
It is so good to hear you sound happy about the kitty situation.
I am enjoying the ‘tails” of your new little one and Monkey so much. It must keep you smiling most of the time.
I know my furry babies are what makes me smile the most. Just when you think the day couldn’t get any worse, one or more of them will do something that seems to make all the bad stuff go away.
lol yeah….even Peaches with her grumpy self can make me smile. Sometimes She’ll do something so ornery and totally Peaches…I just have to laugh. She looks so sweet and pretty, like butter wouldn’t melt….Someone told she reminded them of the cat In Cat vs Dog….so fuzzy and sweet, all the while inwardly plotting evilness lol
Ok not Peaches plotting, of woe is me. One problem settled and another to go. No Peaches is sweet and is just learning that Monkey can be ok at a distance and she is enjoying life. Of course she may give you a little payback for making her wait so long to get Monkey a distraction from her and get the baby. Love your stories. 🙂
OH no no no Berns…Peaches IS evil and has always been evil! lol…My ex was from West Africa, and had this one friend who once told me, in all seriousness, that cats turn into witches at night. Peaches used to TERRORIZE this man. If My ex Musa would get up to go check whatever he was cooking, Peaches would get on the chair and sit and stare at him. Once she snuck up behind him on the back of the couchand batted him on the back of the head lol
Oh no my Wild Child. You did say ex-hisband right. Peaches just knew something about him that you didn’t. She was smart. So no evil there. Just trying to show Mom that there needed to be one less body in the house (a figure of speaking only). 🙂 🙂 Peaches is still there. The ex is gone.
Got that one. To good to pass up.
lol…..Nah, Musa’s okay. Peaches barely tolerates him now, since she doesn’t see him much anymore, but she used to like him better than me! He was supposed to keep her when we split up, but he brought her back to me after 2 weeks because he couldn’t remember to feed her at the same time every day. It was his friend Abee who was supersticious and thought she was a witch. She tortured that poor young man SO badly….the time she smacked him in the back of the head he ran from the apartment screaming. I told Musa we could shut her in the bedroom when he came over, but Musa said “no, she lives here, Abee’s just visiting. Besides, it’s fun to watch” lol
I didn’t take offense to your post at all. Sometimes I do get withdrawn and need someone to light a fire under my ever growing butt!!
Let Steeler know that her 4 kitty buddies here are doing well
Steeler says she knew they would be. Steeler wants you to know she lets her Mom type on the laptop, because there is room for her to be with her while she types. Sometimes a paw hits a key or two.
Good to hear all are well.
Betty good to hear Columbia is back to cuddling. Janet and the laptop deal, well, a number of folks here talk about their little ones wanting to control the computer. So you are in the right company.
I am just being a little ornery telling the folks to get gabby. I don’t mean any offense to anyone. The ones on here that have been around for awhile know that it’s just Bernie being Bernie.
I am sometime the one to start things, good or bad. I know I am pulling for the little ones that I know are still a little under the weather.
Steeler says, she wants all of her kitty buddies to be well. 🙂
Hey where is everyone? I come back and you all disappear. Geez does not do one’s ultra ego much good. I know you are there so when are you guys going to come out and play? How the heck are we going to hit 10,000 posts if we gabby folks get lazy (like me) and not post? So now I have brought that up, give me your best shot. 🙂
On a very good note, I just posted the first pics of Steeler on my FB now that she is on the way back to being well. I will keep my fingers crossed forever for her. I wanted to show she is no way going to slack off. If only we had the will of the little ones. We would all be stronger, but we should not adapt to the temperament of our Torties and others. This blog would really go haywire. 🙂
Sorry Bernie, I admit to beinghubbie has days off my whole schedule lazy the past couple of days. It seems when the hubbie has days off my whole daily routine gets out of whack. Then the day he goes back to work, I have to put the house back together again.
Oh yeah…torties…
Am very glad that my Columbia is back to snuggling next to mommy on the couch and sleeping with me. She gets up once in a while to grab a snack and use the potty but comes back to her woobie and me.
Right now I’m on my laptop and Janet is very put out that my lap is occupied. She keeps trying to nudge the laptop out of the way which makes my cursor jump around the message so that I have to end up retyping sections.
Anyway, hope everyone and their furry babies are doing great.
Love to see the pics of Steeler.
She has really taken over that room.
Steeler has her own room. She recently decided she could go upstairs and climb up on the eyelet comforter onto an antique oak bed. I kept hearing a thump in the night and could not find the cause. Then when I crawled up the staircase to crawl into each one of the bedrooms to close the windows, Steeler of course helped me. I would then leave one room and Steeler came with me.
That is until we hit what I call the oak bedroom. I closed the window and called Steeler to come out. Well she didn’t so I went to the final bedroom and closed that window. No Steeler. So I crawled out and closed that door. Then I crawl back across the center hallway to the oak room.
I looked twice and was surprised at what I saw. There sitting at the top of the oak bed on the pillows sat this beautiful sphinx, wait that is no sphinx, that is Steeler. How did she do that. Well it was clear she had clawed the eyelet comforter to get there. So I told to come on down off there. Wondering how is she going to do that? Well she stepped down on the siderail then dropped the foot to the floor. THUMP There was my thump in the night. Well she came out of the room, showing her disdain at my urging to get down and headed down the staircase ahead of me. She didn’t even look back. Well I crawled over to the staircase and came down one step at a time on my dignity. I sat on the last step, and thought to myself, with a smile, what the heck, it seems like I have been dusting floors and steps with my dignity for a while now. Life with Steeler and I is never boring. Just sharing this with all of you in case anyone is wondering how I am getting around. You would be surprised how well I can now crawl. But heaven I need those gel filled knee pads. My knees are taking a beating on the floors. You all can laugh as hard as you like. I have been, but then I am always finding myself getting into one situation or another. 🙂 🙂
Yep that is the meds talking. Now I have to get Steeler. I think I put her on spin dry or was that her blanket. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Bernie, I don’t know how much time you have left before you can walk on your broken leg, but if your cast is below the knee you might be more mobile if you rented what I have to use at home.
It’s called a “knee scooter” or “knee walker”. The doctors don’t want me to walk on my left foot unless I have to leave the house which is when I put my brace/boot on. It is a device you kneel on with the bad leg and use your other leg to move the scooter. My insurance paid for mine but medical equipment places also rent them by the month. This is an example: http://myhealthstores.com/medical-equipment/knee-walkers.html
Anyway, it won’t help you get up the stairs but it greatly helps you move round the house. I go much faster on the scooter than I do walking.
My tux Rocky likes to sit on the front of the kneeling pad and scoot around the house with mommy. Too cute!
Betty thanks for the idea. I have an electric chair, a walker, and crutches, (which I immediately fell with). I find if I want to get somewhere quickly without knocking the walls and corners apart, I just drop and crawl. I think it is also giving me some badly needed exercise. After all, it is a lot like push ups, only on one leg.
I have 3 weeks to go ( October 11) for the cast to come off. Then I will see. I am hoping my staying off it is allowing it to heal strong and I won’t need any further treatment except for some leg/foot strengthening. At least I am hoping for that outcome.
But being a floor dweller has confused Steeler who also is a floor dweller. She walks around me and looks at me as if I am losing it being on the floor like that. But the just being Steeler she ignores me and goes her merry way.
I will keep the scooter in mind tho. But here’s hoping I won’t need it later.
Well, we still have a ways to go before the end of the year, so 10,000 is not out of the question 🙂
I’m so happy to see Steeler looking so good!
Well we will reach that 10,000 mark if I have to start a voting contest for the one who post the 10,000th post. I don’t know what I would offer, but I am sure between Steeler and I we could find a suitable prize.
I am still in awe of the turnaround of Steeler. She ls looking good, thank you. 🙂
I know I’ve not been helping reach 10,000 recently – and I think Miss Bernie even said some nice things about my family to which I didn’t respond (hey Bernie, that must be some good meds you’re on!). It’s been a tough week, a lot of changes in the rescue that have kept me extremely busy adapting and recruiting people to fill some new roles. Then, last Thursday, Victoria (our orange tabby recovering barn cat) had to have all of her teeth removed. Although it was done by a dental specialist, I am losing confidence in him. She is not doing well, she managed over the weekend to loosen her stitches and had to be resutured on Monday. She hasn’t eaten now since Wednesday night, though she is drinking some, and sniffing her food. She had fluid with her surgery redo on Monday, and Julie just left now to take her to our vet for more fluid. It took us about 30 minutes to find her this morning, and another 30 to lure her out to somewhere Julie could pick her up. She’s definitely returned to some of her feral ways with this crisis.
So, I’ve not been on here much, just trying to do the things that I have to do. The good news is that Lost Dog has a new adoption center, we now have resident cats in the new Tysons Corner PetSmart, the bad news is that we don’t have enough people to run it yet. I’ll start doing adoptions there on Friday nights beginning 9/30.
Harry, I know you have had your hands full. I think of you all almost every day. I know the agony you are all going thru. I keep hoping for Henry to get to his full recovery. Now little Vicki with all this trouble with her extractions. Poor baby, it makes me want to come down and just hold her for a while. But with only 1 leg to use and well, there is that meds, issue, I am here.
It it really good news about the new Tysons Corner Petsmart. I know they will find folks to get it up and running. Rachel would be good at that. UM UM. Help pay for her gas. She will not like to see this one. My granddaughter Megan is attending WVU on a full scholarship. All she complains about is the cost of gas. Go figure. She is working part time, not her choice. Eric is the whipmaster behind that. He says if she wants extra funds she is going to have to earn them. I recommended Pet Smart. He said oh God no. Then I would have more mouths to feed.
Harrry you know I hold your family deep in my heart. You all have been with me thru the darkest times with Steeler and never let me down. I treasure your family’s friendship. All 11 of you.
We will hit that 10,000 mark before Christmas for Ingrid, if I have to come on here several times a day and just say ‘HUH” blame it on the meds.
In the meantime I will just be my ornery self and keep telling our folks here to be “gabby” (your words, I remember well).
Can’t wait to get two feet back. There is so much to do, but I don’t know what it is. All I know is I have a car in the drive and while I don’t know where I want to go, I just want to drive it. 🙂
Till later. Time for those meds that make me “more loopy”. Take care of those babies, as I know you guys are doing.
I’m sad that Victoria is having a bad time of it. Could she perhaps get down some pureed meat or fish? I’m not sure what types of baby food are out there, but maybe there is something that is good for her that she could manage to get down.
That’s great to hear about the adoption center. I wish I could volunteer at some type of animal place, but besides lack of transporation, I would get way too emotionally attached. As it is each time I’ve gone to a shelter, I end up crying all the way through it as I would like to adopt all of them.
“Almost” every day, Bernie? 😛
Vickie is doing better, the vet said that her kidneys were still holding their own, she got some more fluid, and they were able to hand feed her, plus give her different pain meds that might not depress her appetite as much. Betty, we’ve been offering baby food and pureed cat food, but she turned her head. I’m hoping now she’ll start eating.
Glad to hear she is doing better and the vets were able to feed her.
Ok Harry, so it is every day. I check yours and Julie’s site to see the progress of the little ones. I just don’t say anything most of the time. I know those little ones are precious and get the very best care from you guys. So yes “everyday” is right and get that grin off your face 🙂
Okay, file this under “There CAN be too much togetherness” Monkey and Shanks, as you all know, became BFFs over the weekend. So this AM I Had an “Oh Geez, this is ridiculous!” moment!
Monkey did her litterbox buisiness, and was scratching around in the box…..next thing I know Shanks is in there scratching around too….lol I didn’t have a camera handy, plus I need to clean the box……lol
Oh, I wish you had had the camera ready! That’s too funny!
lol…all I could think was; This is like a bad joke…how many cats does it take…..lol
Shanks is learning by example. Monkey is being his mentor. Great story. Keep the litter handy. 3 scoops won’t do it anymore for you (just joking). 🙂
The little one will come around. Give him time. You better start building your own kitty shelter. Winter will be here soon. 🙂
Last night when I went to put my critters in I saw the big Grey and white male cat.
Also about 20 feet away was the little grat and white kitten.
Big G&W came to me for a scratch on the head then a minute later was hissing and territorial. Tortie behavior but wrong color.
I never did see if little G&W got to eat last night.
But 30 minutes ago that little cat was back and talking to me. Had a chicken leg for her along with dry cat foor. Got a sniff of my fingers but no scratches behind the ears.
Still progress. 🙂
It’s so trying taming ferals, it takes SO much time and patience. They know who has a good heart and who doesn’t. They’ve chosen you, Jay
Jay has a real appeal to the little kits that come around. He is making sure they are well fed even tho they have no home. They chose Jay. Soon he will be running his own kitty shelter. 🙂
Steeler WIN 24 – 0
Cats hate birds and the Seahawks got eaten.
Did you folks hear the Torties across the Steeler National Roar today. Most torties are using seahawk feathers as toothpicks for their teeth. After all Tortie dental care is of the upmost importance. Steeler is really busy with cleaning her teeth right now so she will talk later. 🙂 😉
Now that’s more like it – I’m going to pretend that last week never happened! Nice to have Steeler back on the job as their #1 supporter; I’m sure that made all the difference!
Sharon – Didn’t you see some Torties nipping at the heals of the Steelers. Motivation was needed and our Black and Gold Kitties did their job.
Hey Folks did you all hear that Torties roar across Steeler nation. Gotta go. Slow part of the game. Now picking up. Talk later. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Torties are smart
GO STEELERS !!!!
And Go Steeler 🙂
Brooke says: baby fud plain iz nom nom nom. Baby fud wid $50 chicken-flavored Buspar kitteh not eat.
Sigh. How does that cat KNOW?
Brooke says she is college educated and also born with extremely rare genes. So dad let me go after that stuff and get it out of here. We are tired of all this worry. 🙂 We are all going to be ok. So dad chill out and take Henry to sleep with you. 🙂 I will handle all the problems for you.
Just for perspective….The Songs above are the kind of music she CHOOSES to do, But check out what she can do if she wants to…..It’s Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, done totally accapella…just her own voice recorded and layered over itself to do all the different parts…It’s amazing and haunting…..and kind of wierd when you remember it’s a screaming metal chick lol
http://youtu.be/vsrkEmFUR4c
Isn’t that beautiful? See, she could be better than Celine Dion or anyone in that genre if she wanted to, she just doesn’t want to. She decided to go in a different direction lol
I’m not a music “techie” I’d like to hear from someone who is, how many octaves she covered there.
There is hope for you yet. Play that aria for Monkey, Shanks and Peaches. That is a very well done. 🙂 See sometimes I do check your music. Not to often but sometimes. 🙂
I think it IS more the essences, Peaches and Monkey were fighting again tonight. Not bad like the last time, but it makes sense that the effects would wear off a little over time. They only get it in the morning.
I have to go look at the kitchen now, Monkey and Shanks are playing and sounding like they’re completely destroying the place lol
I finally got my new “The Agonist EP” in the mail…so excited I HAVE to share!
Bernie, DO NOT CLICK! It’s Monkey music!
http://youtu.be/02OWXaEshA8
http://youtu.be/qgm06_GhBXI
I like #2 best
You are really ornery to the core I am not clicking on the “music”. I do respect your right to listen to it and enjoy it. Lord help me for saying that one. I had my fingers crossed when I said that. 🙂
I will click on the pics of the very handsome baby and he is a beauty. Your three musketeers are going to make it and it will be a happier place for all of you. That is what I hope for. The rest is up to you to do. Good luck. I suggest long thick sleeves for a while. 🙂
Peaches is so much happier than she’s been since Monkey came into the house. I’ve noticed the last few days she seems to be eating better and gaining wieght. I’m assuming it’s just because she’s being left alone. Monkey and Shanks are new BFFs I hope they stay that way and don’t end up ganging up on Peach, although Shanks seems terrified of her (bad thing, I don’t want that, but maybe good for her and him)
I’m so glad to hear Peaches is doing so much better. It may not necessarily be a bad thing that Shanks is a little intimidated by her!
I am with Ingrid on this one. From all that Peaches has been putting up with 🙂 a respite from the others is probably a very good thing for her.
Monkey and baby Shanks most likely will find plenty of mischief to do without involving Peaches.
Oh gosh please don’t encourage that heavy metal for Lynn and the new baby. Awe give him a chance. 🙂
I am witnessing a miracle right now. Monkey and Shanks have been playing for about 20 minutes now, running up and down the hall right past Peaches, who is just calmly watching them with her head sticking out the second story of her cat condo. And no less of a miracle, just before, they all ate their wet food peacefully in the same room. Peaches almost finished her bowl! That’s nearly unheard of. It’s looking like a good day in Lynn’s world.
That’s wonderful! Sounds like the Spirit Essences are working – or maybe it’s the addition of the new family member. Shanks’ presence may be taking the pressure off Peaches, now she can just relax and be, and Monkey and Shanks can burn off extra energy together. Then again, maybe it’s your music \m/…
It’s good to hear that it is a good day in Lynn’s world. Here’s hoping it continues. No bad influences on the little Shanks. OK:)
I think it’s a combination of the essences and the new kitten energy. Peaches came to me for cuddles. This is the first time since he came. She seems to be finally noticing that his presence is going to be positive for her. But she’s so territorial, I don’t think she would normally have accepted him this easily……and maybe the music helps…so calming, you know…..
*winking at Bernie*
Not fair, not fair at all. No no no Poor baby, I guess you are going to have to call me when thing between Monkey and Mom get outta hand. Peaches might be good to you, but then you Mom is still her Mom. What a lucky little guy you are going to be.
“Winking at my Wild Child.” uh uh 😛 🙂 🙂
O m g …..Monkey is such a HORRIBLE influence on this kid! But Peaches and I both like it because it keeps them both out of our
collectively grumpy hair lol
Wild Child no, don’t tell me Monkey has taken the little one under her wing. Good grief the things she will teach that little one. You and Peaches may need to lock yourselves in a room alone. 🙂
Oh please don’t turn that baby into a Heavy Metal child, !!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
Too late Berns…….I was listening to The Agonist, probably my hardest favorite metal band, and little Shanks was snuggling and purring in my ear. He’s already gone lol
Wild Child of geez. What the heck are Steeler and I going to do with you. Poor baby. Next thing is he will be screaming at Peaches and You in Heavy Metal kitty talk. Shanks only you could come up with that one. You are definitely one of a kind. 🙂
The people who’s cat birthed him are metal and harcore rap people…..he was already doomed Berns!
Now Sharon, Betty, Meg, Sue or anyone I have missed here just send a post and chastise me. I promise I am back and very happy to post back to everyone. Gosh it feels good to be me today. 🙂
Just wanted to say it’s great to have you back, and thrilled that things are going so well!!! Now that she’s feeling better, let’s get Steeler back on duty at her all-important job of supporting a certain football team – after last week’s game it’s clear they need all the help they can get!
Sharon, I love your new avatar!
Sharon, I can’t tell you how good it feels to be able to write on here and not talk about Steeler.
I am so glad to be back.
Steeler and all the Torties need to start to kick butt to the Steelers Football team after that embarrassment last Sunday. Steeler had a few choice works for that game and more than a pillow was tossed. You are right they need all the help they can get. What better booster than a group of Torties chasing their “tails”. 🙂
OK now let me try to get back to as many of you as I can.
Glen, I am really happy to hear Kasey is ok. Poor Taz, he must wonder what in the world did he do.
Harry, hearing Henry’s progress is such a wonderful thing to hear. I will keep sending kitty prayers, hugs and kisses from Steeler and I. I know he will be back to the Henry he was before. Brooke will always be Brooke. Watch those belly bait tricks.
My Wild Child. I am so happy to know you are back. Now a new family addition. Wow, you were busy. (leave the neighbor alone) No rough stuff. Please give this little on a break and let it enjoy of soft and easy melodies. Has to be a peacekeeper in the three. This one could be it. I am sure when you choose a name it will be a dilly.
ah, no way. I was talking to the human mother of his mother and brother…turns out she’s a metalhead too! lol…so he’s been raised on Monkey music. See, I knew he was meant to live here! LOL
Oh Good Grief Charlie Brown the world will never be the same. Two Monkeys!!!!!! 🙂 🙂
Hey guys and gals, now that I have come down a little from the clouds I have a statement to make that I did not include in my exuberant statement yesterday.
I am forever grateful for this blog. If Ingrid had not had this blog and I had not found it I truly feel that today would never have come
Ingrid immediately started to give me advice on Steeler and conferred with her vet to lead my vet along. This is not just a blog to me. It is Steeler’s life saving blog. Without finding this blog and the support and directions from Ingrid and several others, I don’t think there would be clouds to be on for Steeler and I.
Ingrid know how grateful I personally am and will forever be so grateful for this blog.
Steeler became the kitty that needed a lot of help and she found it all here. So a very direct personal Thank You for helping save her life. I don’t have to say anymore.
I was happy to help, Bernie – I’m just glad that Steeler is doing so well.
It is a very good outcome, one I have been hoping for.
Glen the outcome for Kasey, Stirfry, Henry and Steeler has been somewhat of a small miracle. All are going to be ok. Gee we sure hit the lottery this time with our little ones health. 🙂 None of us need any more drama from these little loved ones.
Still so happy about the Great News on Steeler.
The faith and prayers of Ingrids CC group sure came thru.
Darn….wish I could just hit the “Like” button, because I love and agree with everything you said. FB makes life Much too easy lol
I know a little Tortie called Steeler, who has just made my world shine brighter and make me feel like nothing could go bad ever again. To all of you and I do mean all. I love all of your un-relentless prayers, healing thoughts and hope you gave to me during this very hard period of time. I have not been very active on CC for a while, mostly because I was so afraid to say to much about Steeler only to have to find she was not going to get better. For those who have followed the medical information Ingrid gave you for me, you need to know the prognosis was guarded and during these times I was not being given any false hopes by my vets. So I have been so afraid that I would have to say her illness had won.
Now I am so happy, today my little girl, as you have read will be with me for a long time. She has to be on medication for her heart, thyroid, and steriods for her lifetime, but that is OK. Now we have a lifetime to look forward to. Not months or weeks or unknow time.
Steeler has been very vocal and playing for the past couple of weeks and I have been praying it was for the best and afraid to put that into words for fear it was only me wanting to see what maybe wasn’t there. I can now SHOUT OUT TO EVERYONE “MY STEELER IS BACK”, REALLY BACK.
With all of you pulling for her, Ingrid sending healing thoughts and prayers to her, prayers from all of you and healing stones for her from Jay. She could not help but get better. I will never question the wisdom of any of the beliefs and prayers from anyone ever. Because all these combined I know helped Steeler get the report today that I had only dreamed could happen.
I know I am rambling and if I could dance I would, but I already have 1 broken leg and can’t afford another broken leg.
What can I say to you folks. I love you all. I depend on you all. Steeler and I needed you all and you were there. There really are no words to express my gratitude and thanks for all your well wishes.
Today may have been a cloudy day weatherwise, but to Steeler and I it is a sky full of hope and rainbows.
Thank you all.
Yes I and Steeler are back on CC for good, for sure.
No I did not grammar check or spell check. I know you will all know what I am saying.
STEELER IS BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂 🙂 😛 🙂
Did I say 🙂
This is VERY good news. 🙂
Am truly very happy for you and Steeler. it must have been awful worrying about your baby girl as well as yourself with the broken leg.
I am glad you are both on the mend and back here full time now 🙂
More news tonite.
Today I got home around and was planning on taking a wheelchair back to the rental company.
My little B&W was waiting for me.
Gave it a cup of dry food and a half of a hotdog.
Said goodbye and ran my errands.
Came home with milk, cheese and chicken quarters.
Saw the kitten again and gave the other half of the hotdog. Was about 1 foot away.
But my critters in the barn and made the chicken in the oven (3rd time it’s been on this year).
Started to eat chicken around 7 and saw the cat outside. Went out and it meowed to me. Decided to give most of the chicken to it as it’s getting cool out and the chicken was hot.
Halfway through I was had feeding that little cat. Was not expecting that for another month.
Figure it will get it’s first ear scratch within 7 days.
Damn – I love cats.
Ah, the little B&W is sucking you in…….they WANT us to believe we tamed them, see, so we will be forever greatful that they grace us with their company
Stirfry after 10 years is far from TAME.
But I am forever grateful that she decided to pick me to live with.
How cute. Are you going to take him/her in? Is it a tux? Thank you for being a kitty lover and feeding it.
You are soon going to have to do a TNR for the new baby. Punky will love a new buddy to play with. 🙂 🙂
Bernie just called me with the best news ever! Steeler went for her check up today, and the news couldn’t be better! Her thyroid value has come down to 6.8 (from 11 – still not normal but a HUGE improvement!), her heart rate is down to 80, blood pressure is normal, liver enzymes are back to normal, kindneys are normal, she’s gained some weight back – it’s all fantastically good! She will remain on low dose steroids. Who would have thought we’d have such wonderful news after everything Steeler and Bernie went through!
That is absolutely wonderful news, go Steeler!
Aren’t animals amazing? That is so wonderful! That one awful experience threw her off balance, but with love and care she’s back on her little paws.
Who you callin’ LITTLE, Pittsburgh??
Steeler does have little paws! Sweet little paws! They reminded me of Cookie’s little paws when I met Steeler.
EXCELLENT news!!!! 🙂
It’s been a GREAT week for Torties.
Many Vet visits and ALL good news.
Well, September IS Happy Cat Month…
WHatwhat!!! GO Steeler! GO Berns!
Best news I’ve heard in quite awhile – definitely the answer to quite a few prayers!
Atta girl Steeler!! So happy for you and your mommy. Now we just have to get your mom mended and back on both feet.
Betty, this is Steeler talking just to you. My Mom is hard headed. She is already trying to find a way to drive with her broken right leg. Now I ask you, what do I do with a MOM like this. She is broken and bruised, but she must have some Tortie spirit in her because she just won’t listen to me.
🙂 🙂 Kitty paws, hugs and kisses to you.
Hi Steeler, I know your mommy is stubborn and insisting on driving, but please make her read this article: http://doctor.ndtv.com/storypage/ndtv/id/4907/type/news/People_wearing_a_cast_brace_shouldnt_drive.html
There are adapters that csn be purchased to enable people to drive iwth their left foot, but based on the above article I would do whatever I could to talk your mommy out of it.
We all care about her as you do and don’t want anything else bad to happen to her. So give your mommy all the lovies and attention she needs to show her what she would be missing if she insisted on driving and something should happen to her.
Sending you lots of neck scratchies and hugs for both you and your mom (well only hugs for mom, don’t know if she is into neck scratchies!!)
Awe Betty not fair. Steeler says she is doing her best with her hard headed Mom. Since I am getting all better, I told Mom no messing around now. So if I have to show my claws to keep her home and out of that thing that moves outside, you know, that thing that takes me to the doctors, I will do what I can.
I feel so good to feel good again. I have been playing today and Mom has been smiling at me. So maybe she will read this link and we can get her to listen. It won’t be easy, after all she has me, a Tortie. So she is a lot like me.
Ok Betty I just read what Steeler had to say to you and I have just finished the reading the info on the link. I will not make any promises, but I can say, this is like someone locked the door and threw the key away. 🙂
Well, look at it this way. Another article I read said that in their state if they have an accident and are dricing with their left foot that their insurance companu would not pay. YMMV depending on your state imsurance laws.
Another factor to consider is that the average price of the left foot accelerator is $280.00.
Third factor is that we care too much about you to see anything else happen to you.
Rant over…..’nuff said ‘)
Gosh Columbia are you helping your Mom talk to Steeler. Steeler says ok she will make sure mom get this thru her head. So we can have our Moms calm down and we will all be around a long long time. Kitty purrs and hugs to you from me, Steeler. 🙂
Thank you Steeler for talking some sense into your mommy. I know my mommy is hard headed too when she wants to do something she shouldn’t. They talk about us torties being stubborn and set in our ways, did they ever wonder where we learned it?
I humored my mommy a little while ago by finally snuggling up next to her on the couch. Of course before that I decided to climb up into the middle of the dining room table and scream for no reason. It confuses her every time and is too funny to see her try and figure out why I am screaming. I just hope she never figures out that the only reason I do it is to confuse the daylights out of her, plus give me some well deserved extra attention.
Well, time to sharpen my claws as I never know when that dang dog is going to get too close to me and I have to smack her up beside the head to put her in her place.
Hugs and snuggles back atcha Steeler.
Columbia I learned a long time ago to give my mommy that special look and she just gives me what I want. Every night I get to sleep on the pillow beside my mommy. She likes that. I do to. Sometimes I pull her hair, but mostly I purr real loud and she gives me belly rubs and kitty kisses. She is a good mommy. Oh, did I tell you my mommy keeps a bag of my favorite kitty treats under my pillow and when I want a treat in the night I just pull the treat bag out and talk and talk and talk until mom wakes up and gives me my treats. I think she says something like “OH STEEL” I think that means she loves me. I know your mom loves you to cuddle with her but I know it is fun to scare the daylights out of our moms. They just go around looking really funny after we do our little stunts. Isn’t that a funny sight when mom is so confused she just looks like she just got lost.
Well my mom is telling me to stop giving you hints and I should settle down. So I will have to go. cause if mom gets angry, then I will not get my treats. So give you mommy hugs and kittly kisses and she will know you really love her. I do that and it works. Goodnight 🙂
Wierdly, my little as yet un-named guy likes to talk while he uses the litter box
Check to see what comes out, he may just be announcing his activities, or it could be a physical problem.
Who’s your favorite monster?!
Remember – Taz has been taken 🙂
Zombies are my all time favorite monster. No particular zombie, just zombies in general. Killer Clowns from Outer Space were awesome too.
And, normal stuff seems to be coming out…a little soft, probably just the change of food. I think he just likes to talk while he poops lol
My black male Brad chatters while he is in the potty. He also does it just before he drinks his water, along with scratching the floor twice with his front paws. Kind of his own little rituals.
Sorry for spamming, I’m so scared I’ll get booted. I’ve got them all on Wellness wet and Taste of the Wild dry, the kitten is eating it. Do you think it’s okay? Or should I get a kitten formula? In such a tiny apartment with no doors, I don’t know how I could keep fat Monkey from eating his food! lol
Lianimal, CONGRATULATIONS! A kitten may be just what Monkey needs. You still need to get the kitten tests and shots, even if he seems healthy. He for sure? Most black cats are peppered with white or silvery hairs when they are young, and you may even see some stripes in there, but they usually outgrow all that and just become solid black cats.
He has come for your soul!
I believe all Wellness formulas are for both kittens and adults, it will say on the bag.
We can’t wait to see photos!
Congrats on your new baby! I saw the photo of Facebook, he’s adorable!
Wellness is a good brand, make sure you get the grain-free varieties. No need for the special kitten formula as long as you feed him the right amounts for his age.
Lynn, I think that Wellness says “for kittens and cats” doesn’t it? I’m not near a can. Ingrid? We’ve had Feliway plug ins forever, and I honestly don’t notice any difference when I let them run dry, but I think it’s because the area’s too large, and I’m too cheap to get a half-dozen of them. I think that, if you have doors and windows open, you’re better off with something like Spirit Essences which you can give to them directly. (File that under, “how come you don’t practice what you preach”?)
Harry, it’s the EVO that has “kitten and cat food” on the label.
You can read my opinion about Feliway on today’s post and giveaway. I think it works well for some cats, but I do think the Spirit Essences are more powerful since they work on the individual cat’s energy system.
I’ve been putting the drops in their food religiously. No idea whether it’s helping or not. Things seem better, but that could just be because Monkey’s now so fixated on the little man that she’s leaving Peaches alone. I’ve been putting “Bully Remedy” in Monkey’s food and “Peacekeeper” for Peaches and the Kit…..
Thanks for the updates as things go along – still trying to convince my neighbor to give the drops a try the next time his 2 go from “Purring Fluffballs who are BFFs ” to “Psycho Kitties ready to tear into each other”. Hopefully it will at least shorten their crazy spells, even if it doesn’t eliminate the problem.
Also, the day I found him I started doing the Bully Remedy and Peacekeaper drops. Before I found him, I mean. So I don’t know if it’s the drops or the kitten energy. I think I’m going to get the feliway thing anyway. The people at the pet supply store swear by it too, and now with three instead of two, I need all the help I can get
So, first important post, Last Friday I went to throw out my trash and saw this tiny little blackish(he’s got tiny silvery hairs sprinkled all through his coat that make him kind of …..gunmetal? Is there a name for that? Like a blue tick hound?) who was not more than 8 weeks old sitting there crying between the cans. I looked at him for a minute, muttered; “Oh for the love of God…..Well, come on then”
I went to all the neighbors asking if they were missing anything. They all said no, but one lady was acting really wierd…shady and guilty, wouldn’t look me in the eye and her face flushed. So I kept him all weekend, went to work Friday, and this same neigbor knocked on my door as soon as I closed it. She said ; “I need to make a confession” I said; “I know” lol
She said her cat had had a litter, and the landlord had threatened to kick her out if she didn’t get rid of them quick. She had the door open grilling and didn’t even know the little guy was gone until after I came and asked, and on impulse she said no because she was hoping I’d fall in love. And yeah, by the time she confessed, him and Monkey were playmates, Peaches was being left alone, and for those two benefits, I guess I can deal with the typical Kitten terrorist activities of sneaking up and shanking me in the arm, leg, back, butt, and back of the head…..he really IS a little monster lol
AND HE STILL NEEDS A NAME!
Hmm…so are you now a kitten caboodle of three cats, Lynn? I think that’s great that you took little kitty, but crappy of the lady to not confess. I hope she gets her cat spayed!
I think his name should be Monster! Hope you keep him.
LOL…Yeah, she’s actually a responsible person, believe it or not. Her cats (she only has the mother and the brother she decided to keep) She says she was staying with her mother who was old-school and kept letting her cat out, and when she moved the cat was pregnant and WAY younger than cats are supposed to get pregnant.
See, I knew good and well it wasn’t a stray kitten because when you pick up a stray it always has gummy eyes, a runny nose, earmites and a big fat belly full of worms…..this kitten had clear eyes, a clear nose, no cough, no earmites, no fleas, no fat belly full of worms……He was perfectly healthy. WHen have you ever seen a stray that was perfectly clean and healthy? lol…..so I KNEW I was being played
Great news Lianimal
3 is a lucky number for me too.
lol….I thought my place was too small for 3, and it is, actually, but I think a mediator between Peach and Monkey was exactly what was needed. Peaches hates the kit, but she already seems happier because she’s being left alone, since Monkey is totally obsessed with the little guy. ANd he’s not at all scared of her. She’ll swat him in the head and he just backs up for a second, then chases her down the hall
Oh…a new baby..I’m jealous!! I had 5 kitties in a studio apartment. I just looked at it as less room for them to get in trouble. I just always made sure I arranged my furniture so they had plenty of running room.
Since he seems to be a spicy little guy, what about the name Pepper?
Congrats on the new little one 🙂
Well Taco is always available. It will make your pizza delivery man feel better. He may not mind delivering pizzas to your home again. 🙂
My online connection died last Thursday, and I just got my computer running again (sort of, turns out it’s an electrical problem with my apt, nothing to do with Comcast OR my computer. So I guess we have to be ready for random shut-downs until I move. And, because I never know when I may lose connection, If I have important things to post I may post them right away instead of waiting to comment on your posts
Kasey has a game she likes to play; biting my fingers.
Strange behaviour, not as bad as it sounds.
I sometimes lay on the living room floor for a bit, while watching TV.
Usually Kasey’s old, stale catnip toy is close by.
She comes and rolls and “guards” the toy and wants to be pet.
She will purr and squirm while being pet. I will take the toy away and then drop it for her to catch, again.
Then she grabs my hand with her front paws and goes through the motion of biting my fingers, only she doesn’t bite hard enough to hurt. Sometimes she hits my hand, with retracted claws.
She lets go and if I don’t pet her, she fusses until I do, then she grabs my hand with her front paws and “bites” again.
She will repeat this pretty much as long as I am willing to ply the game.
She adores you.
So cute.
Stir does the biting of the fingers with just enough pressure that the teeth don’t go in (usually)
Torties play rough. But we know the damage they could cause so we do know it’s “playing”.
I love the stories about Kasey.
I sometimes wonder if it is reverting to kitten behaviour, like I am “mother cat” and have brought her something I caught (old catnip toy).
“She adores you.” Yes, the expression says that. If I stop for any length of time, she pokes at me with a front paw.
Columbia does something similar, she will hold my finger but instead of biting, she washes it. Sometimes she will grab it and direct it to where she wants scratchies.
When she broke her leg and I would sleep on the floor next to her, she would wrap her paw around my finger and sleep holding it.
It does seem that my torties have used their front paws more than my other babies.
From a Yahoo friend
“Tahlullah”, Adoptable Tortie Tuesday
http://opcatchat.blogspot.com/2011/09/tahlullah-adoptable-tortie-tuesday.html
This kitty looks so much like Steeler.
I have trouble visiting those places, sounds like a nice tortie, I hope someone takes her home, soon.
Update on my dinner.
I was attacked by my salad.
Used the oil and vinegar in a small cup.
Found using my finger was the easiest way to coat her ears.
Also make a great dressing for wounds 🙂
Do you think it did Stir’s ears any good?
I sure hope so.
This morning she came down from the back of the bed to greet me. Got cat kisses and scratches then went back to the window.
Stir would for give you anything. Just count your digits when done. 🙂
I’m so happy to hear the good news about Kasey and Harry!
To add to the health report, Henry was rechecked by the opthalmologist this morning, and his uveitis continues to resolve. He still has blood vessels in one cornea, but the other eye has cleared. He’s also gained almost a half-pound more in the last two weeks, and now is at 10.4, up from his low of 9.5. (He used to be a 12 pound cat.) The bad news is that we still have to give him eyedrops twice a day for another month until his next recheck. (I’m essentially painting the walls with the stuff, trying to get it in.)
In other news, Jay is preparing Stirfry salad this evening.
Good news on Henry too. What a great day this has been.
Abstract painings are “In” now. Have Henry sign them and sell on E-bay.
Stir weighs in at 10.5 lbs too.
But 9 lbs is just bad attitude.
What wine goes with Tortie Salad ??? 😛
What wine goes with Tortie Salad ???
This one: http://www.shopclintonwine.com/products/herding-cats-merlot-pinotage-2008
It’s actually pretty good, though it does have a bit of a bite.
” It’s actually pretty good, though it does have a bit of a bite”
So does a tortie!
🙂
A Hiiss and a Snarl too
So are those cool faux finishes and spatter painting.
Good news on everyone!
Can’t wait to hear what Stirfry thinks about becoming an appetizer. Don’t add peppers and onions unless you want to be arrested for marinating your cat, and with a name like Stirfry…
More good news – so glad that the 1 eye is clear and that Henry’s getting back to a healthy weight.
Henry’s decorating skills sound fabulous. Henry is getting well and Harry is headed for some institutional care. What great news, keep getting better Henry. Harry you too. 🙂
Kasey had good test results today 🙂
The vet called, Kasey’s analysis came back, the fluid he drew from the cyst was identified as coming from a sebaceous cyst.
It is very small right now from having been “deflated” by the sampling needle, but I know it could come back.
He does not recommend any further action right now. He said to check it weekly, and if it grows larger than when it was sampled, he would then consider surgical removal.
Obviously, this was the best news we could get and are very happy about it.
That is absolutely GREAT, Glen!
Dantastic news Glen. Give special treats to Kasey.
She’s feeling good, she attacked Taz, the big orange guy two days in a ow, that’s standard operating procedure 😉
Glad to hear the good news, and hope the weekly tests continue to turn out well!
Thanks, fortunately, all these are, are a quick visual check that I do at home.
So glad you got good results at the doctors!!!
Greeting all.
I had not wanted to say anything but Stir went to the Vet today.
When Bernie was here she saw Stir scratching at her head and slamming it into the floor in pain. Also pulling out fur. She said Steeler acted that way with a toothache. I had an appointment last Thursday at 4L45pm but due to closed roads and traffic I did not get home till 5pm. Normally I would be in by 4:10.
Found out Friday they were closed Thurs Fri and Sat as no one could get in. Today I took her in at 5pm
They asked right away if she a a gentle cat. I said now – her mood changes every minute. The Doctor gave her a squirt of medicine in both ears. The girl holding her asked if she had front claws. I said no – just back. I remarked that her hand had what looked like just healing claw marks and mentioned that a cat must have got her a few days ago.
Well , you guessed it. She said “No that was YOUR cat and the bleeding had not started yet. So another Tortie goes to the Vet and draws first blood.
Stir is in good company with her black and gold sisters on here.
It turns out she has ear mites and a squirt of medicine brought out claws and teeth but she will be better soon. I stopped at the store down the street and bought a few cans of tuna for her and the others. Stir ran downstairs as soon as she got home. Pumpkin showed up right away ate ate his share (plus Tabatha’s). Stir still has not come up for hers but it is on the counter for her.
Am so glad that both you and Glen had giod doctor reports today, and am staying positive that the wednesday report will be good as well.
When I had Magenta, she was a very bad girl whenever we went to the doctors. Fortunately her doctor knew how to handle her. If she got too out of sorts, he would take her by the nape of the neck into an empty room and just let her go. He said the confusion of being in a different room for some reason always calmed them down and made them more demure. It always worked with her.
When Columbia goes to the doctor she turns into a shy kitty and climbs up into a corner by the sink where she thinks she is hiding. The doctor said that corner is a favorite of kitties.
Today Columbia finally let me pet her again as two days ago was the day mommy put flea meds on all the babies. It takes her 2-3 days of still being close to me but no allowing me to touch her every month after flea meds. The others get over it in an hour or so, but not my tortie, she holds a grudge.
Torties definitely seem to be better at holding grudges than other cats, Betty!
Torties DEFINATELY hold a grudge. And Get Even !!!!!
Glad Columbia is becoming friendly again. It always hurts when they decide not to be our best bud.
It’s true, she does hold a grudge. She is letting me give her scratchies again, but still is not sleeping next to me on the couch, and I miss her. This month the grudge is lasting a bit more than normal. Hopefully she will get over it before it’s time for next months flea meds.
Poor Stir, but so glad to hear it’s “only” ear mites. Hopefully, in a few days, they will have cleared up completely.
Thanks Ingrid.
The vet said to clean out her ears with Q-tips.
What solutions do you suggest ?
Make sure you only clean the outer areas of the ear (the area you can see). I would just use some warm water with a little bit of distilled white vinegar mixed in. Soak a cotton ball in the warm solution, squirt the excess moisture into her ear, hold the ear closed to let it soak in a little, and then gently clean with more cotton or soft tissues. I actually don’t like using Q-tips, I think you can achieve just as much, and more safely, with cotton and tissues.
I don’t use Q-tips either. They may jump or flinch unexpectedly and you don’t want to jam the thing further into their delicate ear.
I’ve also successfully used olive oil for ear mites along with vinegar. Oil is a natural insecticide because it coats an insect’s exoskeleton and smothers it, and it will also coat any eggs the mites may have laid in there. The oil is also soothing to irritated membranes, and while there is a slight oily residue in their ear it will also coat any new mites that try to jump in there from bedding or another cat and they won’t lay their eggs on the oily membranes either.
Vinegar has the benefit of being an antiseptic, so will also handle any infections that may have developed. Excess will also evaporate, where oil will not, so you need to be careful not to use too much oil. A little olive oil goes a long way, and just two or three drops can coat all the mites in an ear canal. I’ve used olive oil first twice daily for a day or two until the general irritation is reduced, then begin to follow up the treatment with a vinegar rinse each time to clear up infections.
Stopped tonight and got extra virgin olive oil (llarge 1 ltr bottle was the smallest) and vinegar.
Will treat tonight.
Thank you Ingrid and Bernadette
Olive oil and Vinegar huh
Sounds lke I’m making a salad 🙂
Will try
Speaking of Brooke and all her naughtiness…she just made a whole on the screen on the porch. UH oh!
Rachel sounds like things are getting back to normal in the Shubin household. 🙂 🙂 Get the screen repair kits ready.
Some kitties can turn a claw into a box cutter even if you trim them all the time.
I figured it was only a question of time before one of your cats did that, and my money was on Brooke 🙂
I took Kasey in this afternoon for her fine needle aspirate and cytology on the small cyst on her chin.
It was all fluid and the vet totally deflated it when he took the sample.
He said it looked like typical fluid from a cyst, we should get the results by Wednesday afternoon. He was pleased it was made up of fluid, rather than being solid. The results we get will determine if further treatment is required.
Kasey behaved very well at the vet and did not need any sedation like they thought she might.
They really like her at the vet, due to her nature and behaviour; and they think this dark-faced tortie is pretty.
Oddly, a lot of tortie have a fierce vet reputation but the old girl is better behaved than our other two, Morgan the small tuxie is like trying to hold onto a greased eel, Taz, our 20 pound orange guy, the most friendly, sedate cat of all goes ballistic at the vet.
We will be waiting to hear from the vet on Wed. to determine what and if anything needs to be done.
That sounds like very good news, Glen – glad to hear it. Don’t let the rest of the torties know Kasey’s good at the vet, she’ll give the species a bad name. Brooke gets burritoed and taken in the back everytime…
Kasey’s biggest problem was being denied food from 8:00AM – on, today, because they thought they might have to sedate her.
She has since made up for the feeding deficiency 😉
Glen the eating is something that Steeler and I have been thru. No easy task denying a Tortie food. They can make for a bad time until they get the procedure over with and get to eat. 🙂
Harry what does burritoed mean? I don’t know the term. 🙂
“Harry what does burritoed mean? I don’t know the term”
I assume it must mean rolling an unruly cat up in a towel, like a straight jacket?
That’s exactly what it means. A “kitty burrito” is when you wrap a cat in a towel so that she can’t move – looks just like a burrito.
Why do our Torties behave like someone elses gentle angel at the vets (most of the tiime)? Glen it sounds like Kasey will have a good outcome. I sure hope so.
By the way those dark faced Torties are not just pretty, they are beautiful (and they know it).
Will be waiting for the good news on Wednesday.
Glen, that’s such good news and sounds like its just a common cyst they develop in certain areas, especially on the chin. Don’t be surprised if this keeps refilling–Kelly has one like that on her shoulder of all places.
I’m imagining Taz like the Tasmanian Devil in the cartoons for sure.
Thanks, everyone.
Yes, the vet said the cyst might re-fill, we’re going to watch for that.
Depending on the analysis, we might have it dealt with, but she will not go through any un-necessary procedures, if the vet thinks it is best to leave alone.
I am glad we switched vets, the care is much better.
“I’m imagining Taz like the Tasmanian Devil in the cartoons for sure.”
He was, when he was little. He was the most frantically active kitten I have ever seen.
He has since become a lot slower and somewhat more dignified, though.
I’m so glad everything went so smoothly, and it sounds like this is going to be all that needs to be done. Fingers and paws crossed for a good report on Wednesday.
Apparently, Kasey didn’t get the “vet office tortitude” memo 🙂
“That’s exactly what it means. A “kitty burrito” is when you wrap a cat in a towel so that she can’t move – looks just like a burrito.”
Taz suffered that indignity once.
He decided to “return to his wild roots” at the vet, once.
Thanks guys. I never knew the term burrito. I wrapped Steeler, but I called it an infant wrap. See how much I know. 🙂
Glen, I just read about Kasey. Hope everything is done and no more vet visits.
But yesterday Stir did nothing to help the Tortie reputation. 🙂
Yesterday Pumpkin was watching for the small B&W cat to show up for food.
I was suprised to see the bigger B&W that had the wound out there. She iis friendly and came onto the porch for scratches. Pumpkin was at the door watching and so was Stirfry.
I opened the door and suprisingly Punky came out to see her.
She got on her belly and growled. Pumpkin was not sure how to take this as he is such a gentle cat. He looked at her and turned around to go in. I got a few pics and put them on FB. After she left the little B&W showed up and I was able to get within a foot to give him/her a hot dog broken into pieces.
Getting to be crowded at the feeder now.
Pumpkin just has no concept of his size. My big orange boy used to be totally intimidated by Fawn, who was a tiny little torbie with a really big attitude. She would yell at him and take swats, and he would lean away and squint at her, but never thought to run.
Bernadette, I am sorry I could not get to the signing for you.
Now reading your recent post is have a question. I know you have had kittens all your life. I am curious. Do you remember each one and how many have you had? You have such great knowledge of cats.
Bernie, that’s okay, but it was a great time!
Every time I think I konw how many cats I’ve fostered, I look through photos and find a few more. I’n working on a final inventory.
I knew it would be a great time. I hope it was a huge success for you. I will send you a message on your FB about getting Haley her autographed calendar. I had promised her one a while back.
Anxious to hear how many kits you have actually helped. 🙂
I have seen Jay’s little strays come to the kitty feeder. They look to the house for him to go out and bring food. Soon Jay will be nicknamed the Piped Piper of Stevens. He will have all these little strays following him around for food. Good thing he found a good job. His pet food costs are bound to skyrocket. 🙂
Thanks Bernie. Hope I don’t get too soft hearted and think to take them in. Stir said she was the first and LAST cat to come in.
Ok my Wild Child how are things going in your house. Have you and Monkey and Peaches reached a peace accord yet. We are waiting to hear how the essence is working? Let us all know. I have been worried about you. Remember the old saying “And this to shall pass”. It just may take a little more time. Smile a little. We are all pulling for you all.