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
Only sorry PA said no Tortie pic!!!! Your welcome 🙂
I got a new licence plate today in the mail.
It was a birthday gift from Bernie (B-day is next month)
It says STIRFRY.
Thank you Bernie.
This will really have the locals talking.
I put the picture on my FB site.
That’s so cool! What a purrfect early birthday present.
Great thinking, Bernie! Too bad PA plates aren’t black and gold, though… looks like the closest is NJ’s black and yellow.
Sharon at one time they were black and gold. mine is still. They changed the color on us. But I think Jay is happy. Stirfry will go where he goes now.
I am VERY happy.
STIRFRY is on my car and Stirfry is in my heart.
We just had to put down my little pumpkin moey, she was my little girl and she had tortitude like nobodys business! But, wouldnt have had it any other way. So funny to hear everyone say how their torties will give affection on THEIR time. SO TRUE! Moey was my little shadow, but she hated when i would pick her up. But a minute later she would be sitting beside me. I miss her like crazy. But, that sassy attitude she had was so funny.
I’m so sorry about your little Moey, Tortielover. My heart goes out to you – it’s so hard to lose these precious babies. She sure sounds like she was all tortie. I hope that memories of her tortieness and love and affection will make you smile through the tears.
So sorry about Moey.
She will be waiting at the Bridge for you and will be in good company with our others waiting for us.
Sorry to hear about that.
Even if we think we’re prepared for this, it is never easy.
I am really saddened to hear of you little Moey’s passing. I can see by the way you write that she received a great deal of love and joy from her. So Tortielover, always remember the love she gave you. It can never die.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is never easy, my thoughts are with you.
Thank you everyone. Its really hard as we all know. I always referred to her as my angel from god. Those last moments before they put her down were heart wrenching. You always just pray you did the right thing. I wish they lived as long as us.
Very sorry to hear about Moey – she sounds like quite a character with all the independent feisty charm of these special kitties. My condolences; I know that she’ll be deeply missed.
That’s so hard to do, I’m sorry to hear it. But as Jay said, she’ll be waiting for you at the bridge
Hi everyone. As you know, I rarely, if ever, “censor” comments on this site. I’m not very comfortable doing it this time, either, but it is my site, and so, I am going to ask that we stay clear of political discussions.
It’s probably safe to say that in a group as diverse as this one, political views will cover the spectrum from left to right. Politics and friendship tend to not mix well.
Your participation in the discussions on this site over the last two years has turned this from a blog post into a community. I treasure the friendships that have formed as a result of it. I consider all of you my tortie family. Let’s keep this a place of fun and support, and let’s keep it a politics-free zone.
I agree Ingrid.
I feel like family to all those here and will not say anything (or hope I did not) that will make others uncomfortable. As you know I do hate people who hurt animals and what I would have done to that A** who let those lions and tigers out to die will be left to your imagination.
But politics and religion should be left out and talking about them left to FB or other forums.
But on a kitty subject – my little B&W cats comes to me as soon as I go out.
H wants scratches and kind words more than food. I am trying to coax Bernie into getting a brother for Steeler. 🙂
Jay, you have to make room for the little outside kitty. He loves you. Steeler is an only child and a handful I must say. I can’t imagine a sweet little kitty lasting here.
So like I have said numerous times, Steeler is the head of the house here and we will stay a one Tortie home and no companion kitties. 🙂
But you keep trying hard, and soon he will be comfortably curled up in one on the kitty beds with Punky. 🙂
Sorry I posted about the petition before I read your post Ingrid. Won’t happen again.
That’s fine, Betty. I just don’t want any bi-partisan political discussions on this site.
Betty I aree wholeheartedly about the petition for protecting the endangered and wild animals. I don’t think they should be kept by private citizens. They are not pets. They are beautiful and majestic in the wild. Those cats were captivating and while may have taken a very hard stand about them being killed, I do have to understand the public safety the was at stake here. Hard as it was to watch, it was so senseless for someone to turn those beautiful creatures loose.
I hope Ohio and all States stand up and take note of what can happen to these beautiful creatures in the wrong hands. So don’t feel bad about that petition.
I don’t get why they had to be shot. If they could shoot to kill them, they could have as easily tranquilize them and send them to zoos or whatnot. Of course, the problem could have been completely avoided if, as you have all mentioned, he hadn’t been allowed to have them in the first place
Hey Wild Child, you are right. But as someone pointed out to me, when I said that, they had no other way to stop that many wild animals. The police force is very small and they did try to tranquilize 1 large cat and it turned on the animal commission person. So to protect the public from being injured they had to shoot.
These beautiful creatures need to be free or in protected compounds. Maybe the laws on keeping wild animals by individuals will now be looked at and changed. This incident should outrage and has, many compassionate caring people.
You are not alone on feeling this way. It was a horrid thing that had to happen.
I too watched as those poor critters were shot and heard both sides of the story. If it was a dog or cat then tranquilizing would have been an option but with 50 plus dangerous animal so close to the public and night coming soon there was not time.
Safety of the public was the 1st concern and not those animal for the police.
I love wild animals (and we know Torties are as close as they get) and hated to see them destroyed but it was that selfish owner who signed their death warrant by releasing them and he is the one to be held accountable.
State should outlaw the home ownership of them. The local Wolf Sanctuary near me takes in Wolves from people who bring them to PA not realizing they are outlawed. Watching them in their safe enclosures is fantastic.
But Jay, some of those “Dangerous wild animals” were….wait, I’m looking it up, I want to be accurate…Hmmm, odd, the day it happened I heard there was a Girraffe, now, in the aftermath, they seem to have ceased to exist….Only two monkeys and two leopards saved and taken into captivity. Smells like a cover up of some sort. Oh well, as only ACTUALLY dangerous animals are listed in the news stories, I guess I am to forget what I heard the day it happened, when they reported Zebras, at least one Giraffe, and some small monkeys, And, since I no longer have a provable point, let it go
Lianimal, there were no giraffes or zebras, that was a neighbor’s comment who may have remembered prior years. Thompson made it pretty clear he only wanted predators and apes, no grazers. At one time he had cattle, bison and perhaps a few exotic ruminants, but his cattle and bison died in 2005 when he forgot to feed them because they were out in a field somewhere on the farm. There were three monkeys, two were rescued, one was eaten by one of the big cats.
I wrote an article about it yesterday. I don’t know anyone at the Zanesville Zoo or in Zanesville, but I do know leages of wildlife biologists and rehabilitators and if you read stories of zoo escapes even then the animals aren’t usually caught and returned alive when they get loose. These wild animals are not pets.
If you really want to get worked up in both directions, I have a link to today’s On Point call-in program on this topic on my FB page.
A Halloween card that was sent to me
Cute
Torties are scarier though
http://bit.ly/EeTmX
That’s too cute!
Definitely total cuteness – thanks for sharing!
Folks, I know we are all in shock at the horrible event that happened in Ohio with the wild cats, bears, wolves, primates, and etc. To see so many die like that and be laid there was heartbreaking.
For some reason we have not mentioned it here, so I will. I know it is heartbreaking for all of us. It is hard to see and talk about. I really feel that this is why these animals of the wild should be left in their own environment to live as they were meant to.
This story is shown widely here in our area and today they showed more gruesome results of what a human has caused these poor innocents to pay for his stupidity. I don’t condone suicide, or taking a life, but this man had to be seriously insane to do what he did to these beautiful God’s creatures.
I am also more than upset about how it was handled. In fact yesterday I signed a petition to make Ohion ban the ability for people to own wild animals.
Today, I had to go to the eye dr. and get gas. Steeler was upset to see me get my shoes and jacket on. She did her thing about sitting at the door so I would not be able to open it. She ended up moving, with a little bribery.
Folks when I went out it was blowing hard and heavy winds, cold, and spitting little sleet balls. I thought “Oh Well I am ok with this hoodie one”. Wrong. After the eye appt. I stopped for gas. If I had not been so low on it, I would have jumped right back in that jeep and went out another day. It was so cold and windy. I came right back home, and yes, I did have my house keys with me.
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with a group of girls I graduated with. We try to get together at least once a month. I have not been there for two months, because this dummy broke a leg.
So Steeler will probably be more than a little put out with me. I will be gone longer than today.
I still think it just doesn’t seem like it’s been 2 years since I brought her in to have a good home.
With all her demands, just my fault for spoiling her), she is a treasure. She is being very vocal now and demanding. But come to think of it, that is her normal. You all know how much I love this little Tortie.
Well folks, have to go on a KFC run today. All out. Freezer has no more. So I have an eye appt and then I will just get the BOSS her chicken. I am going to check to see if I can claim her on my taxes. Maybe they will issue her a SS# since she is so much in charge. Surely that counts for something.
If that’s the case I qualify for 6 ( maybe 7 wink wink)
And one of mine eats like a horse (and I don’t mean Harley)
Jay 7 is there. You just have to open the door. You know you will.
If one eats like a horse and it’s not Harley, then it has to be you. Surely you would not say that about those sweet little ones. 🙂 Not much anyway.
Folks his Punky looks like a Budda when he sits. Need to get a pic of that pose. I think he may be overeating, well a little bit anyway.
Getting slightly off topic ( but will ad critters in it) but what are the favorite alcoholic beverages of Tortie folks.
I bought a few bottles of the wine Herding Cats that Harry mentioned ( $7.99 a bottle) and Wild Blue beer (has a Blue Dog on it)
Cabo Wabo Tequila is my favorite.
I had Bernie try it and she had me try Yogurt. We both agreed that we don’t have similar tastes food and drink wise (but do in kitties)
A Neuter Shooter (at the Stray Cat Cafe) looked good but taste like medicine – should have listened to Harry and Julie.
Even the best and fiercest Tortie would not drink that Tequila.
Maybe that is why Stir is Stir. There are no real words to describe her. But folks she is not all mean. She is a loving little Tortie, but only for a minute or two.:-P
There is a locally made Vodka here called “Ugly Dog” that’s REALLY good. It’s made about 10 miles up the road, and is top shelf quality. $20 a fifth, but I believe in supposrting the local economy, so if I’m in a Vodka Cranberry mood I buy that.
I’m a really big fan of Paul Masson VSOP Brandy. Top shelf flavor for middle shelf price.
If I’m in a Beer mood, it’s good old Budweiser
A friend of mine from work discovered a new wine she likes a lot, she says it’s super cheap but doesn’t taste like it, plus it’s got a black cat on the label. It’s Called Negro Gato. She said Negro “Something that starts with G” I said probably Gato, since Negro is “Black” in Spanish and Italian, and Gato is “cat”, so……
She agreed that was probably the word lol
Wild Child you do know your shelfs. Top, Middle, and Bottom. uh uh. So you like Bud. Well I bet before your little ones learned to show their nice sides, you felt like a few Buds once in a while.
I think Monkey and Shanks will plan a good one for you for Halloween. Imagine, what they could think up. But I would look out for the little princess. Remember the quiet ones can be dangerous. 🙂
I do some kind of crazy psyco cotume every year, peaches and Monkey look at me, don’t know me, and freak out lol….I go all out with the prosthetics and stuff….the last few years I’ve been a witch, an axe wielding psycho clown, and a zombie, complete with brain
Halloween is a fun time season. You already have the Halloween Tortie. But don’t take Monkey with you. She might scare even you. A zombie, “complete with brain”, who told you that one :):)
Sorry couldn’t pass that one up.
lol Berns, I found a brain in a styrofoam container like meat comes in, wrapped in cellophane with a label on it like actual meat lol…..I’m planning to just carry it, but if I need to take a bite I will! lol
Hey Wild Child a little imagination from me. Why not buy linked sausages, then cook them. Wrap them up in a brain style in saran wrap, then when you want to take a bite of it, you can actually take a bite and eat the “brain”. Would scare the hell out of me to see that one. 🙂
IF we don’t get back on topic here and talk about our little ones, I could end up at the woodshed again and again and again, get my message? uh uh
Torties = rulers.
Harry, is it safe to drink that wine called “Herding Cats”. You suggested that one with one of your friends before. Have you ever really had a drink of it. Since Jay made sure we both got a bottle, I would like to know if I should ever open it of just display it?????? 🙂 I would not want to see 2 or 3 Steelers at one time. Know what I mean? 🙂
I heard the Negro Gato at 3 for $10 was awesome! lol
How many of my Steeler would I see if I drank that one, Wild Child? 🙂 🙂
I think it has been about 5-6 years since I’ve had an alcoholic drink.
I used to go out and party with friends and since I have a deep issue with thinking that people are looking at me and making fun of me, my ritual was to first have a long island iced tea followed by a lemon drop just to give me the false strength of being in a public place. This was usually followed up with a few more long island iced teas.
I’ve never been one to drink at home as I never thought about it, only in social situations.
When my now husband and I got together I stopped the partying and was content to stay home. He doesn’t drink and has no issue if I want a drink, but I just don’t feel the need for it. Plus since I am on morphine, I think it’s best to avoid it anyway.
Wow – busy night!
Over 7400 posts. And with so many new people on here 10,000 is not to far away.
Wonder what the record is on a cat blog ?
I’m pretty sure this IS a record 🙂
Yea but what a record. Not just #posts. Look at the folks that are more like family here. There are never any strangers that post here. They are just new friends.
Now that is a record. 🙂 🙂
And well deserved thanks to you Ingrid.
Wow, we’re making up for lost time with comments tonight!
Girlfriend, where have you been? How are the little ones doing. Love the pics you have been taking.
Tonight has been fun. So many new folks coming on. It’s is great.
I’ve been overloaded with both work and my own projects–it’s the holiday season, that’s kind of how it is. I’ve been reading messages but trying not to get distracted or spend too much time at the computer. I’ve been doing more artwork and have to save the flexibility in my hands for that.
But don’t think you can just talk behind my back. I’m listening, even if I’m not answering…and I’ll know.
Oh I know you are reading all the posts. It is really great to hear you are working so much. You are probably tired, but happy to be tired. Work = success. In your case, great success. We all just want to be a part of your happiness. 🙂
Hey are you having the lightning show with the storms like we are getting right now. It would make for some great pics for you to take. Lightning and thunder and heavy rain. Just what you like. 🙂
I ABSOLUTELY MUST get a pic of Shanks and Monkey in the litterbox sitting side by side doing their litter buisiness, the problem is, either it’s not clean enough, or I’m sitting on the commode and can’t get my camera!
Wild Child, this is one image we all are thinking about. Kitties in a littler box together and Lynn on the throne, all at one time. To bad someone didn’t have a camera and catch all 3 of you. LOL
ARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!! WHAT a TERRIBLE visual! I’m sure NO-ONE wants to see that! LMAO
It’s cute when it’s Monkey and SHanks….not so much when you add me in lol
Hey, by the way, I met to mention that I really laughed at the post where Shanks fell into the commode. I can just imagine how he looked. I could see you laughing to hard to help him. That is one good story.
Hey, you know a lot of those photos of my cats in the bathroom? Guess what…
Bernadette, you would have a camera, and be on the throne. No doubt about it. You have a camera attached to you somehow.
Two cats in the litter box and the others lined up. Sounds like take a # in a deli dept.
Hey – whatch those Deli jokes 🙂
Hey, you know this bunch. It would be used forever to remind you. So watch what you do. Yea I would use that pic. Your right, what a visual. Maybe a pic to show the little ones what will happen if they don’t behave. :):)
Lynn, ALWAYS have your camera. I go to bed with my little point and shoot in my hand and walk around the house with the big one.
Every so often I get two of the big boys in the box in the bathroom at the same time when I don’t have the lid on it–it’s too funny because it’s not a really big box and two of them side by side fill it up. Some mornings it’s as if litterbox use is suddenly free and everyone lines up and uses the box in the bathroom. Do you know what a litterbox looks like after seven cats have used it?
About the cameras, I jokingly said I wanted a camera implanted in the palm of my hand so all I had to do was lift my hand and I took a photo.
I thought you already had that implanted into your palm? 🙂
I KNOW!
I almost never have it when I need it!
That sounds like me. I have seen Bernadette take pics. She never stops. But she uses a really professional camera. Her shutters just keep clicking and clicking and the shots she get are some of the best I have seen.
She will most likely get a camera imbedded in her forehead. I believe if she had extra time she just might. 🙂
evening everyone. I’m new and have 2 tortie cats. about a year ago my husband and i brought home a tort a friend of ours was trying to find a home for( mind you that we already have a calico). needless to say i fell in love with her. well the first few days of her being here i was ready to give her up but i didn’t and thanks to the one we already had she came around i’m happy to say. Tortalini is her name and Bellaluna is the calico. Just this past Sunday we had an unexpected visitor arrive. Snickers is what we call her and she is a tortie. Don’t know where she came from but will be putting an ad out. anyway we decided to bring them all together to get acquainted. After all it is getting cold out. Bella was immediatedly curious while Torty was not so much. Torty was growling and hissing but did not approach. Snickers was the same too but for some odd reason she loves to be around both my dogs. sorry got off track. My question is this will my Tortalini ever accept her? Snickers is we think about 2. Could the age be a factor as well?
I love the name Tortalini for a tortie, Wendy! Bellaluna is a beautiful name, too.
Age can be a factor in cat to cat introductions, as can personality, but the most important thing is to introduce a new cat to the existing cats gradually. There’s a lot of great information about how to to this in one of our recent guest posts by Jackson Galaxy: https://ingridking.com/2011/08/15/cat-to-cat-introductions/ – maybe this will be helpful for you to help Torty accept Snickers.
Aww! Tortelini is the most awesome name! lol…I wish I had thought of it!
When I brought Shanks in, Monkey was extremely curious…she’d come up and sniff him, then hiss and run off. She did that for a couple of days, but after he’d been here a week, he and Monkey made friends, and now they’re they’re inseperable. My 11 year old Grumpy Peaches wants nothing to do with either of them. But that’s okay, they’re occupied with each other, and she’s being left alone, which is all she ever wanted.
BTW…when Monkey came to me her name was Snickers. But since she’d had such a bad life, I decided to make it a whole new beginning….she was with me for several days, and was so wild she named herself Monkey
Wendy, hi and welcome. Tortalini is fabulous name. So is Bellaluna and Wendy. So now you have Snickers. Great names. So you now have the three musketeers. Taking in a new cat with a Torti and the new cat is a Torti, well there you get 5 stars. What a feat. Somehow I think you will work things out so all will adjust, that is, as Torties do, their own way.
Ingrid, Bernadette, Harry, Lynn, and Jay have multiples. They each will have ideas on adjustments. I am a single Torti servant. So I can’t give you a single hint.
Just tell you I am glad you found Ingrid’s blog. We all enjoy hearing about and seeing pics of each of the kitties. If you can, we would love to see pics of your little ones. Ingrid has a CC FB to place out pics there for each to see. It would be great if you could put up your little ones for all to enjoy. Ingrid can give you the link. I know for a fact she to likes to see the little ones.
By the way, I’m Lynn
Oh, I have ideas on adjustments, all right… sort of like Hugh Hefner explaining how to empower women, or Saddam Hussein explaining tolerance for other religious sects. Remember me, the guy with a cat living in his bedroom for nearly two years now? Listen to Ingrid and Jackson Galaxy, and ignore anythiing I tell you. PS Bernie – Snickers isn’t one of the Three Muskateers – that’s an entirely different candy bar.
Harry, that was an oops for the advice. As for the Snickers, as long as it’s chocolate, it can be a Musketeer. But it won’t last around here for long.
Oh, it’s not that I don’t dispense the advice on introductons… every time we have an adopter with another cat. Usually, I have my fingers crossed in my pocket the whole time.
Wow Harry, that is not fair to say something like that. It opens the door for some really good responses but I can’t say them on the blog.
But you keep offering advice on the adoptees. They badly need all the help they can get and you and your family are their guardian angels.
You have one coming. One day I will catch you with that remark. 🙂
Harry, you know what to do – you just don’t do it yourself. Cat experts listen to their hearts as well as their heads.
Like me giving driving instructions – yes – the speed limit is 65 – but that’s only what I do in my driveway. After that stay off the roads and sidewalks.
JAY is giving some very good advice. Watch the little ones, and pets when he is driving. All cats, dogs, wild animals know him and just step aside. He even drives across grass at a corporation as a shortcut.
He can give advice on integrating cats. There is a special little black and white “outside kitty” that I believe will soon be introduced to the trio(yes Stirfry included). That little one is just precious and the weather is getting awful. Brings back the memory of the day I decided Steeler would become my little one forever. The poor little baby was soaked and trembling. Now she is happy, and has me trembling. 🙂
Welcome Wendy. Snickers is a outside stray ?
That what a few of ours were (Kasey, Steeler & Stir) but they really appreciate their forever home. I am considering another (Bernie – don’t say a word !!!!!!!!!!!!! ) 🙂
I say give them time to adjust. Listen to Ingrid, Bernadette and Harry (you too Glen and Lianimal) as they know more about it than I.
Nice to have experts on here.
2642 posts needed to hit 10,000. You guys have really been busy. I know we can do that. What do you folks think. Setting a goal was well worth the fun.
I am going to sign off for a while. Got to get some things done. Will check back later. Be bad. 🙂
Lynn, with regards to your question about whether the essences expire (running out of room to reply to the original thread): I don’t think they do as long as you keep them in the original dark bottles so they’re protected from light.
Sweet, so I can stock up when I can afford it, I have a dark closet I use as a pantry, perfect!
Ok so Bernie, as in me, pulled another bummer today. I had to go out for a blood test, O how I hate needles. Anyway beside that I stop at the local store and pick up a few things for the house and of course the BOSS.
So I get home and then BAM. I was locked out. uh uh. I took my spare car key. It does not have my house key on it. So I called a locksmith. I was trying to get into the house and Steeler was on the other side of the door talking up a storm. I thought maybe she could open the door for me. Well I had wishful thinking there.
So I decided to try to break in on my own. Well believe I did it. Now I may need an new door, and the side board. I don’t know the name of it but I have to replace it. (The locksmith called at 6 PM). I called him about 3PM. Told him to cancel the call I was in. So this was the second time I have pulled this stunt. Well tomorrow I am on my way out to the eye doctor then to one of the large box home improvement stores and buying the touchpad keyless entry locksets. I am all done getting locked out.
Steeler is still squawking at me. I don’t know how long this will go on. But there is no getting away from it. She follows me around like a shadow and I am hoping she will get it over with. Otherwise she may make herself hoarse. What a kitty. I am really glad I don’t know what she is saying.
Berns! OMG……you HAVE to keep, like 3 keys! One on your car ring, one under a plant or something, and one to give to a neighbor! It gets too cold there to be trapped outside!~ If you freeze to death we ALL would suffer! If you can’t think of yourself, at least wonder what all of us would do without you!
Yes – what Lynn said!
I seem to vaguely recall the story of a wintery night, a rescue mission, and state troopers. We don’t want to have a repeat off that…. At least back then, you were able to prove that it was your house and property. Imagine what could happen if you didn’t have your house keys…. 🙂
Ingrid, oh no, you didn’t just say that. I would expect that from Harry, but my buddy reminding everyone of that night. Geez. I don’t even want to think what would have happened if the police had come here today. Luckily I did have my remote house alarm. I was able to disarm the security system before breaking in. 🙂 Oh heavens, Ingrid, I still can’t believe you said this, what is a girl to do!!!!!! 🙂
Sorry to let you down, Bernie. I was out to dinner with a client. I am glad I could trust Ingrid to knock that one out of the park. Hey, you tossed the ball up for her to hit. PS – the touchpad keyless entry is fantastic, we’ve had one for years.
Harry, you never disappoint. I knew you would have hit that one, but Ingrid, geez. What’s a girl to do. I think you or Ingrid should start gathering all the stupid cat people stunts and put them into a joke book. It would be a best seller. Goodness knows, I have given you enough fodder. I will have that engraved on my head one day.:) Well on second thought, no I won’t. You guys will always be here to remind me and everyone else.
The keyless entry system will be on by the weekend. I hope I can get that far without any more stupid stunts. I make no promises. Not me.
This site is a team effort. I just had Harry’s back… 🙂
My dearest Wild Child, you guys can’t get rid of me that easy. But I do need some exterior door repairs now. I am going with touchpad entry locks. Won’t have to worry about carrying a key then. I would not let you guys on here suffer :). Heck I like teasing you folks to much for that. Then again, where would I get to hear that strange sounding music. I will stick around, don’t fret.
The door, well, that is another matter. 🙂
Been there and done that.
I have the keyless entry now for that reason.
I have a hide a key that looks like a rock. Lost it among all those other rock though.
Saw one that loked like dog poop.
Hate to think what it would be like to be locked out of the house and picked the wrong pile though so scrapped that idea. (wonder if they have a Horse poop key holder) 🙂
Glad ya got in. If you hadn’t left Steeler for a weekend she might have left you in. Maybe not.
But a fun weekend it was. Getting rained on by pig blood and poked in the butt by a chainsaw. And walking 🙂 the Renn Faire is soooo much better.
Steeler would disagree with you Jay. She is still in a snit.
Today she returned to the full body walking, about 4 times in all then the punch on the jaw. I waited until she punched me before I would let her know ok I am awake. I like to see her use her left paw for that morning punch. She is doing what she does best right now. Eating.
Did I make a deli joke 🙂
I have to admit I seen more people dressed as cats and strange creatures this past weekend. I had never in my life been on an adult Halloween Hayride. Let me say this, if doesn’t put the fear in me that the Torties can. They make me pull back and let them have their way. Halloween is just a fun time. (Until you get your butt hit with a chainsaw by Freddie Krueger). 🙂
My gosh, there are so many new Tortie folks on here. It is exciting to read about the antics they are all going thru. Especially the escape artists in them.
I can’t imagine how Bernadette and Wild Child get out the door at all. There little ones are more than one set of eyes and watch, but, they do it. Great stories.
Give me some time and I will know each of your babies and be able to enjoy them all and the stories.
Glen your remembrances of Kasey and her trials and tribulations before you brought her home is a tear jerker. But the love you tell of since then with her, is truly amazing. Kasey knew you would love her and she is sure giving you the same in return. How wonderful. Keep telling her tales. I love them.
Kasey is in the heated bed behind me right now, flat out.
She will spend time on her own but needs to know where i am and often wants to be close by.
She doesn’t want to go out but has a hard time when I am doing some outside home maintenance job where she can see and/or hear me.
She does what I call “door fussing” , she fusses by the door and waits for me to come back in, then she’s velcro kitty for a while after that.
I have a tortie. Her name is Allie… she’s 18 years old. Her mother was a beautiful calico and her father was a long haired, solid black cat.. She is nearly deaf now… she’s fine with the litter box, and can claw/climb her way up to the bed or couch.. her coat is magnificant! So lush and beautiful.. I don’t know why she eats and eats and eats! Seriously. She would eat all day long.. I can’t believe she’s actually that hungry… what’s up with this?
Allie sounds gorgeous, Michelle! Feel free to post a photo of her on The Conscious Cat Facebook page – we’d love to see her.
Sometimes, a ravenous appetite can be an indicator of a health problem. Has she had her thyroid levels checked recently?
Michelle, your Allie sounds like a wonderful little Tortie. Climbing is the way my Tortie gets on my bed. So I know of what you speak.
Ingrid is the go to person on the ravenous appetite. She knows a great deal about Torties and kitty health. Her advice has always been right on with me for my Steeler.
By the way, WELCOME. Sometimes I forget to say that. Everyone here is just another friend to us.
Welcome Michelle and Allie.
I’ve been busy the last week so just got chance to catch up on here.
Congrats on having a Tortie, and at 18 she is in good company as a Senior cat with Bernadette’s 2.
Jay & Stirfry
Great, that’s 3 Allie’s on the board. 2 awesome torties, and my playful little tabby girl.
Saw this on the news this morning
A Mountain Lion meets a house cat
http://photos.denverpost.com/mediacenter/2011/10/mountain-lion-checks-out-cat/
A Main Coon makes friends.
Punky would love to see this
Cool. And I love the second post down, by Karen. I wish more people thought like that
This is really a cute post. I shared this one. Make sure you read the fine print of the kitty talking.
Loved it.
By the way, check out the pic on Ingrid’s FB and see the cat talking to the garden statue. I loved that one to. I shared that one on my FB also.
There are just to many cute kitty pics out there.
Steeler give two paws up on her 2 year forever home anniversary. She is one happy kitty. Guess her mom will have to find a special treat for her today. !!!!!!
Happy anniversary, Steeler!
WhatWHAT! Go Steeler! Go Bernie!
I have a special treat for Steeler today. It is her official forever home day. 2 years today, she has been my special little Tortie. 2 years ago as of today, I didn’t even know I had a Tortie. For those of you that have been here you know I am considered new at the kitty servants. I found this blog of Ingrid’s and then I had an eye opening into just what kind of little girl I had.
For anyone that is new here, that don’t know about Steeler, just let me say if I had not found this site, and had help and input by Ingrid, Harry, and Bernadette, I am sure Steeler would not be here today to enjoy her day.
No sadness anymore for her. We will celebrate. We are going to have beer “Wild Blue” and she is going to have her special KFC with a small bit of P&J for dessert. Then one us will be relaxed, while the other one of us will be still raising cane for being on her own” not really” but as far as one us is concerned, she was.
Steeler rescued a human today.
She sure did. But then, Steeler has been taking care of her human for a couple of years now and I must say she does a great job.
Happy Belated Anniversary – hope you had a great time and here’s to many more great years to come!
Sharon thank you. Steeler is one happy Tortie. Right now she is busy picking up red cardinal feathers she has all over the floor. So for her I speak. “Steeler says” we are both so happy to be together”.
Happy Anniversary Steeler
2 years today in her forever home.
I was away for a couple of days. When I arrived home I expected to be greeted with glee from Steeler. Well no, she looked and me and started with the Tortie behavior. Talking and stalking and walking away. But I got her back to me real quick with fresh catnip. Aaahhh nice to have a high kitty so she forgets why she was angry.
I missed some of the posts, but I tried to backtrack to catch up. You guys have been really busy on here and that is one of the best parts of being on this blog. So many folks keep it going strong and fun. Glad to try to get back thru your posts. A lot of reading yet to do.
She was mad at you for being gone! You’re lucky she took it so well. Back in the Hatchet days, if I stayed out all night I’d come home to find little mouse heads on the doorstep! Most times just one or two, but once I was gone from Friday night until Sunday morning (I had gone to Chicago for a friend’s b’day party) and there were 6!!!! I used to call her “The Godmother” lol
Hatchet had TRUE Tortitude. Monkey is SOOOOO mellow in comparison.
Macy is my dilute tortie and she is beautiful. Lovable like Pebbles, independent and very territorial.
Pebbles and Macy sound beautiful, Judy. Feel free to post photos on The Conscious Cat Facebook page, we’d love to see them.
Yes! Can’t wait to see them, and welcome!
Judy, please do post pick of Pebbles and Macy on CC FB. Would love to see them and you can see ours. Most of us have posted pics of our little ones there for all to share. Welcome to this blog. No one is ever new, just another friend.
My cat is Pebbles and she is so much fun. Sometimes she is completely independent and other times so lovable. She has the loudest purr and actually seems like she is talking to me. She is off and on with her moods, one day lovable and braver other days to herself and afraid to go near anybody but me.
Good morning (or afternoon to some) all,
I am starting to have trouble with Luna. She has decided she wants to explore the not so great outdoors and I would like to stop that. She has escaped out the front door twice when I go to check the mail. Luckily when she got on the porch she froze and it didn’t take much effort to grab her! I’m afraid the next time she will run! I am going to get the kitties microchipped this weekend but that only works if someone catches her. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her. I wonder why she is suddenly so interested? Nikita could care less about going outside (or she’s scared).
On the eating note I started them on a small can of wet food divided between them and they scarfed it down like they were starving to death. My son even pointed out the little piggy noises they were making. lol I guess they like it. I have managed to eat side by side without Nikita taking Luna’s food as she sometimes did. We shall see how long the serenity lasts. They were boxing alot last night and did hiss at eachother a few times then split up but Luna continued to give Nikita the stink eye for the rest of the evening.
Sue
Sue,
Good afternoon, now! I used to have a bunch of cats who had to be locked in the basement so I could get groceries in and out! I had to be careful when I opened the window to fill the bird feeder because one of them would fly out over my head. I ended up putting that feeder on a pully so I could fill it while standing outside.
But every day, in order to get out the door to work, I left a pile of toys, a laser toy, and even treats by the door. I’d get all ready to go out, Then flash the laser toy across the room or toss a handful of toys or treats, then back out and close the door. Getting back in wasn’t so bad because they were hungry and knew they’d get fed as soon as I got in the door, but not always.
Don’t have anything too close to the door for them to hide behind. Don’t have door handles that cat paws can turn. And don’t ever presume you are free to just walk out the door, always check! Good luck!
Monkey used to be a TERRIBLE escape artist! SHe’s not as bad now, but I still have to haul all my groceries to the steps, leave them, and pull the door to every time I go to get another load. Peaches has never been a problem. I can (or could, before Monkey came) leave the door standing wide open all day, and she’d just sit on the threshold and look out.
Going to work hasn’t been a problem, since the last thing I do before I leave is feed them, so Monkey’s busy. Shanks has scarfed his down and followed me to the door the last couple days…maybe a sign I need to start giving him more? He IS a growing boy.
When the pizza or Chinese delivery guys come, I put up a baby gate. It’s so wierd, Monkey seems otherwise intelligent, but she still hasn’t figured out she can just hop over it! The delivery guys are dissappointed on the rare occasion she doesn’t try to dig underneath it, because they get a good laugh. I think by now she knows it doesn’t work, she just continues to do it because it gets them to reach over and give her scratches. lol Not sure I’ll be that lucky with Shanks, but I got him really young, so maybe he’ll just accept that he can’t go out and not try
I’ve had them since they were 10 weeks old and I think a tad bit feral so when the door opened they would scatter like roaches when you flip on a light.
Both Luna and Nikita greet me at the door (for the most part unless they are sleeping) and run immediately to the kitchen hoping to be fed and Luna doesn’t try to run out when I leave in the morning because she’s eating but it’s when I go to get the mail or when I was trying to get out the back door with a full basket of laundry. I hope I don’t have to lock them in the bathroom everytime I need to get out the door because they might be in there a long time. I do like the idea of the toys or treats by the door.
Monkey always greets me at the door when I come home, Shanks right on her heels. I don’t have to worry about them getting out then because they’re happy to see me. But any time I leave when they’re not eating I have to watch them. I like the idea of the toys by the door too, thanks Bernadette!
I have been fighting some sort of seasonal ailment, but gave in and left work a half hour early, feeling poorly.
Got home and took some pain/fever relievers and settled down for a bit.
Kasey is a “nurse-tortie” and joined me.
I slept for a bit and woke up feeling quite a bit better an hour later; was it the pills, sleep or the “nurse-tortie” ?
Tortie nurses are the best! Glad you’re feeling better, Glen.
Yes they are.
Years ago, this was one of the first things about her that made a lasting impression on me.
We had a major problem at the facility where she lived and most of us technical and supervisory people were up there for a few days.
I am prone to migraines and got a dandy. I looked rough enough from it that our manager said I had better put my head down because I looked awful.
I went up to the storage area in the maintenance area and lay down on a pile of tarps with my field coat as a pillow.
I woke up later with Kasey sitting right by me, purring, she had been there a while, it felt like a touch of home and I felt quite a bit better.
It took a while for it to happen (too long in hindsight) but she sowed the seeds of her own rescue, that day.
Oh, that story just touches my heart! She clearly knew, even then, that you were her person. It just took you a little longer to get it. Not unusual for us humans to be that slow when it comes to understanding cats 🙂
Yup, what Ingrid said. She knew. Just like my very first tortie, Hatchet. Before she got tame enough to let me touch her, let alone bring her into the house, I walked to the grocery store one day…this was downtown Oklahoma City, I walked across blocks and blocks of busy city streets, bought my groceries, and when I came out she was sitting by the door. I was SO paranoid all the way home. I had planned on calling a cab, but she still wouldn’t let me touch her, so I decided to walk back carrying all my groceries…..stopping cars at every intersection to make sure she got across safely…..lol, now that I look back on it, it must have been a sight….crazy bag lady stopping traffic for a little cat….
Later on after she was tame and my little velcro girl, neighbors told me they’d been feeding her for months and she’d never eat until they went in and closed the door. For me, she would come up and eat while I sat a couple feet away and sang (badly) to her. She already knew. She just had to make sure.
Glen, I enjoy hearing stories about Kasey one at a time. I’m surprised she didn’t come home with you sooner.
In those days, her life there was pretty good for an cat in those sort of surroundings, good food, vet visits and no one bothered her.
I think the people there back then would actually have wanted to keep her.
We had four cats then, too, Taz, Morgan and our two “old girls” molly and Mitzi.
I was afraid of introductory issues and possibly never-ending strife if I brought her home.
We lost the old girls in 2006 and hindsight says I should have taken her home then but it is hard to know these things at the time, sometimes.
In 2008 things got worse and I had seen enough to the point where I was willing to take the risk with introductions, I have been very glad I did ever since.
Cookie and her big purr have been my “nurse-tortie” for 19 years. I can vouch for the tortie effectiveness!
Tortie nurse is a winner hands down. There is no question on that one.
No doubt about it Glen. Your little Kasey helped a lot more than the pills. Hope you get better quickly. Give little “nurse-tortie” and extra kitty hug and kiss for her help.
Tortie nurses – definitely just what the doctor ordered! Nothing like a little TLC (that’s Tortie Love & Care) to get you back on your feet in no time.
Betty, Shanks IS a growing boy, and it’s totally understandable that he eats like he does…..I’m just worried that Monkey (the chubster) is teaching him bad habits! Because he follows her like a shadow, and does everything she does…..he seems to have found his Guru…..lol WHen she starts weaving through my legs leading me to the kitchen in the morning, he’s right there like a shadow lending his little voice……Monkey’s being a bad influence on him
You may definitely have a point there. Before my Angelika snuck out of the house (never to be found-still hard to talk about 2 years later) she was Rocky’s baby. From the time I first got her (she was a preemie I raised in my bra), he adopted her. He even nursed her!! Yes a male cat let her nurse from him. ANyway (sorry getting teary already), she was his shadow and if he couldn’t find her he would call her just like a mother cat calls her babies. She was a year younger than him, and still his baby. Anyway, she ate just like he did, a little piggins. What he did, she did.
Aww, back when I lived in my trailer just outside of town where everyone dumped their unwanted critters, I had a male beagle lab mix named Bones who would always let the kittens nurse on him. Wierd, but sweet lol
Sorry to hear about Angelica. I still get teary about Hatchet. I came home from work one day and had to scrape her off the road to bury her. She was my very last indoor/outdoor cat. I know keeping them indoors won’t bring her back, and no other cat has held my heart like Hatchet did, but by keeping them safe I feel I am honoring her memory. And My girl, Monkey….ironically only my second torti, while not replacing Hatchet, has just as strong a hold, just on a different piece of my heart.
Oh Lynn, how awful! I’m so sorry you had to deal with that! I think it’s a wonderful tribute to Hatchett that you’re now keeping all your babies indoors.
Is it wierd that I still talk to her? Not out loud, just in my mind. Every time Monkey tries to get out, I say, in my mind; “Never again, Hatch”
Lynn, it can take years to resolve the shock and grief of something that traumatic. I see no problem with renewing your promise every time the situation comes up. It may even be Hatchet giving you a nudge. I say go with it!
So sorry about your loss Lianimal. Hatchet and Angelika will always be in our hearts and on our minds.
The main issue with me about Angelika is that I’ll never know what happened to her. I go over and over it in my head, if only I had noticed sooner that she wasn’t in the house maybe I could have found her. We put up posters with her picture on them and for over a month my very patient husband each night after work would drive me around the neighborhood street by street. I would keep my window down and call and call her. Then we we got home I would sit outside and call her, go to the back door and call her.
Angelika was the baby of a friend of mines cat that lived down the hall from me. The momma had a litter of 4, 2 yellow and white tigers and 2 dilute torties (like their mom). Of the 4, only 1 was not a preemie, he was one of the tigers. The other 3 were so tiny, almost hairless and were trying so hard to live. Unfortunately 2 of them dies leaving only the tiger and my little Angelika. The mommy kitty initially took care of her but after a couple of weeks started to reject her off an on. So my friend would bring the family to my apartment and I would put Angelika in my bra to keep her warm. I also bought some mothers milk substitute and kept her fed and cleaned. We would put a comforter on the floor as she got a little older and since her legs were so week she couldn’t stand up on her own, I would put her on the comforter and exercise her little legs.
We used to joke that even though Rocky had been neutered that he was the mothers cat husband. She would lay nearby and let Rocky clean and cuddle with the babies. The tiger was old enough that he wanted to play more than cuddle so it was mainly jusy Rocky and Angelika together. This was when she started to want to nurse from him and he let her, he looked just like a big old momma cat nursing her young, so sweet.
She finally became strong enough to start walking and eating on her own. My firend knew that the bond that had developed between Rocky and Angelika was here to stay so gave Angelika to me, well actually she gave her to Rocky.
Until the day she got out, they were inseperable. They played together, slept together, and ate together. For the longest time, poor Rocky would wander through the house calling and calling her. The more he called her, the more I cried as I knew he was as heartbroken as I was, and still am.
gotta go
That’s awful. I’m so sorry. And yes, they will always be in our hearts. All we can do is be more vigilant in our efforts to protect the ones who come after them.
Lynn, that is a horrible thing to have happen. I know you have agonized over the loss of Hatchet and still do. You have a huge heart and lots of love for your little ones. I have now doubt you would protect them with your last breath.
I don’t see anything wrong with speaking to Hatchet, even in you thoughts. Love never dies.
I’m so sorry about Angelika, Betty. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to not know what happened. My heart goes out to you.
Very sorry to hear about Angelika. It must be so hard not to have the closure of knowing what happened, but I hope you have lots of good memories to treasure as well.
Thank y’all for your kind comments about my little Angelika. I do have many fond memories of her and a few pictures. Although I can’t yet bring myself to look at her pics despite it has been two years.
I often wonder when I see Rocky wandering the house or crying for what seems like no reason, if he remembers her too. They say a cat has about a 3 second memory span, but I have seen proof that it is much longer than that.
Betty, we are famil;y here and most of us have lost loved ones and feel your pain and loss.
Years after losing my Bichon in 2005 I miss her so much. And Pumpkin who grew up with her in 2001 I know misses her too.
Angelika was a part of you and always will be. Remember her by always thinking of her when you see a pet that could use love or a kind word. Maybe giving a forever home in the future to another and making their life so much better.
But you are always welcome here.
Thank you for the beautiful reply Jay. I would love to adopt more babies, however with Columbia the way she is I am pretty sure I can’t.
A few months ago we have some ferals with litters and at different times there were a couple of abandoned babies that we heard crying outside. Each time my husband went out and found the babies. He brought them in and I pulled out the baby nursing stuff so they could at least have some nutrition while my hubby looked for the mothers. Each time I had to keep a look out for Columbia as when she saw the baby she tried to attack it while I was holding it. Full claws out, growling and trying to hit the baby. My husband had come back in the house and had to hold the baby while I put Columbia in the bathroom. This happened each time we were caring for a baby.
If it were up to me I would be one of the typical cat ladies with a house full of them.
Back to Glen with the old neglected behavior…..Monkey’s still a food hog, and she’s teaching Shanks her bad habits! I wish Peaches wasn’t such a snob. If she’d bother to talk to them she could tell them she’s been with me over 10 years and has never missed a meal…….so chill!
Hogs are a problem.
We have two;
Taz, by nature of being a big, orange guy.
Kasey, who had times without enough to eat.
Then there’s Morgan, the skittish, picky eater, who we have to try to keep weight on.
It is a challenge to keep her feed and not have the other two get any heavier than they are now.
I’m going through that too. Peaches, if anything, is a half pound underweight, and poor Monkey just keeps getting bigger. I think she could lose at least 1lb……Shanks is still growing, so even though he’s a hog right now it’s not showing, he’s just getting long legged, but still lean
POunky is a food hog but when Stior comes in both Tabby and Punky will let her go first. And tonite we watched Tabby goi to the food bowl and Punky just walked away a few feet and let her eat. Then he went back to finish it off (or eat as much as he could). 🙂
But no one bother Stir as that is not healthy.
LMAO…they know who the boss is
I actually watched this happen. Punky stepped aside and waited patiently. But he is a big kitten who playfully jumps on Stir and runs like lightning. It is a funny behavior and I have to admit, Punky really dosen’t understand how he is playing with fire.
It might be that Shanks is just a growing kitty.
I have one, my tux Rocky who can never get enough to eat. He has never missed a meal since he was a baby just before I got him and he is 9 now and still eats like a horse.
This morning I was on my computer and had my knee scooter next to me as the babies like to take turns sitting next to mommy on it Rocky sat there for about a half an hour batting my elbow with his paw, claws out just enough to get my attention. He wanted more lunch, and I wouldn’t give in. Of course due to the fact I am allergic to cats and dogs, my typical mosquito bite type welts formed all over my elbow. Zyrtec and benedryl are my friends!
The only thing that made him stop was the fact Columbia came into the room and he knew to run as fast as he could out of the room before she decided to corner him. I so wish they would get over whatever war they have going on but it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop anytime soon.
Peaches and Monkey were at war for the longest! I ordered the essences Ingrid Recommended, Bully Remedy for Monkey and Peacekeeper for Peaches. The same weekend I got them, I found Shanks. The war has more or less ended, just a little hissy slap fight once in a blue moon. I’m not sure if it was the essences, Shanks, or a combination of the two. You could try the essences first, then, if they don’t work, get your bully a high energy kit to play with, so she’ll leave the other cat alone….lol
Adding the high energy kitten didn’t work too well for me – soon it’ll be two years since Sabrina joined us, and she’s still living in the bedroom, in fear of Brooke, or as I’ve taken to calling her recently, Dr. Brookenschmirtz. (If you don’t have kids, and you don’t watch Phineas and Ferb, and you don’t know Dr. Doofenschmirtz and Evil Incorporated… well, you’re probably better off. But I digress.) We started the essences a few days ago, Bully Remedy for the Dr. and Peacemaker for everybody. I will admit to being a little skeptical. But… this morning, Sabrina who NEVER wants to leave the room, trotted out with me when I went to get coffee, came down the stairs, poked around the kitchen, sniffed Brooke who was sound asleep, and then returned upstairs. This afternoon, Brooke cuddled up with me on the couch. So, we’ll see. Fingers crossed.
That’s awesome! I was thinking about stopping them for a week, just to see if things deteriorate. I’d like to do it while I still have some left, so if things go downhill I can start them back on it and still have time to order more. Maybe next week
Harry, since the essences are the only thing you changed, I have to believe that they’re working! That’s pretty amazing.
Lynn, since they work on the energy field, once a change has been achieved, theoretically, you can discontinue them without seeing a dramatic setback. I pretty much let Allegra tell me when she needs a little boost, and typically, it only takes a day or two to get things back on track when we have a little bit of a setback.
See, Ingrid, I was wondering about that…If they got started on the right track, if they might just continue down that road on their own volition….
I’ll just have to make sure to always keep some handy. That’s a relief, since they’re kind of expensive. Do they expire? I’ll have to check. If not I can but extra to have on hand when I get work bonuses and stuff…to safeguard for potentially lean times. I NEVER want to see Monkey and poor old Peaches rolling around screaming and trying to kill each other again. That was a really traumatic moment.
I’m so excited, I just got my new 5FDP CD in the mail and I Love love it!
Here’s a Peaches song for Bernie…….http://youtu.be/gMGGWG8JWWE
And this one’s PURE Monkey music lol…..http://youtu.be/dFgJ7pcsud0
Beenie got to hear Albannach today. My Fav Irish band High energy and loud.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Td97OuQyYY
sorry – Bernie spelled wrong. Should look before I hit submit. Also using 1 finger to type does not eliminate mistakes.
lol…It’s okay Jay, I keep threatening to hire a personal typist, but have yet to do it! lol
Do you like Flogging Molly? Not my typical flavor, but a guy at work loaned me a CD and I really liked it
Lianimal
Not sure who the Flogging Molly comment was meant for but I will play along. I follow them on FB and they are good but I much prefer the Dropkick Murphy’s.
Lianimal
Not sure who the Flogging Molly comment was meant for but I will play along. I follow them on FB and they are good but I much prefer the Dropkick Murphy’s.
I did get to see this group. There was electric in the air. I didn’t see a single kitty there. I guess they decided that it was just to much for them. But I had a great time.
For some wierd reason Peaches likes these guys no matter what song it is. Maybe it’s the expert guitar playing, or maybe the tone of Ivan Moody’s voice (which is beautiful when he actually sings instead of screaming) For whatever reason, Peaches is a 5FDP fan…..she always comes and nudges me for attention when they’re on. She NEVER comes for Slipknot (except for their slower ones) The Agonist (NEVER!), or any of my other Metal faves. But she likes these guys. Wierd
Sue, Never heard of the Dropkick Murphy’s…I’ll have to check them out! DO you know Five Finger Death Punch (Really stupid name for a GREAT band)? They seem to appeal to Metalheads and general rockers of all flavors lol
Wild child. You are cutting my lifetime down. Even Peaches didn’t approve that song. I think you pulled one one me. Wow what metal song.
Berns, I had second thoughts after I posted that one….it starts off really slow and pretty, but the choruses are kind of hard. There’s a really nice ballad on the CD that you probably WOULD like, but since it was only released a few days ago, I haven’t been able to find it on you tube yet. As soon as it’s up, I’ll post it. It’s really nice, and Ivan Moody has a beautiful singing voice. Here’s an accoustic version of a screamo song he did as a bonus track on his first CD
http://youtu.be/DEvlFN-3dTk
And a really nice ballad from their second CD, dedicated to the troops….I PROMISE neither of these will make your ears bleed! I’m sorry about that last one
http://youtu.be/oBMT3OMEPwk
And…….just because I madly love Metal screamers who can actually sing also, here’s a nice accoustic from Corey Taylor, the lead singer of Slipknot (Done with his new band, Stone Sour)
http://youtu.be/93h963igdxw
Some people turn their noses up and scream “Sellout” at metal bands who also do slow songs that can be played on mainstream radio, but for me it’s a requirement. Hell, anyone can get in front of a mike and scream. Even I can do that! I’m not throwing money at a band or a performer unless I know they can actually sing, even if they choose not to. Is that wierd? lol
Hey what does that mean “Sellout”. I don’t know about you screaming into a mike. They might have to call out the homeland security agents to see what was causing the upheaval. I give you credit for your type of music. I do listen when you put one up. But I just can’t get past it. There have been a few really good ones tho. So you keep being yourself. I wonder how long Shanks will take before he starts singing back at you. Since he is so young he may become the very first heavy metal singing Tortie.
Berns….It seems like every time a heavy metal band makes a song that can be played on a regular “pop’ Radio station, metal-heads turn against them and say they sold out. It’s almost like they don’t want their favorite bands to become popular. I kind of understand. I LOVED it when 5FDP was my secret, but now that they’re starting to blow up and become popular, they have haters. Me, I’m thrilled to see them FINALLY getting the recognition they deserve….To me it verifies that I was right in choosing them as one of my favorite bands. To some other people, they see it as selling out…….It’s going to happen to The Agonist soon, and I’ll be happy to see that also
Also very nice by the main screamer of Slipknot http://youtu.be/fJXEerT4TCk
Hey my Wild Child this is really good. I even saved it to my favs. Even Steeler sat and stayed by me with this one. Good choice 🙂
Hey Wild Child don’t stop giving you little ones the music you and they like. I will just keep hoping you will keep looking for the kind I might like. 🙂
Berns, go up a few posts, I put 3 REALLY nice ones you will like
I’m glad you liked it…….I’m a metalhead, but my metal band’s front man has to be able to ACTUALLY sing too lol
I don’t do guys who only scream……what talent does that take? Anybody can do that. I can REALLY do that, ask my ex…lol
Every time I buy and listen to a new album I think about you lol….I’m always all…hmmm, is there a song on here I can list as Peaches music, something Bernie might like……..
You’ll like “Remember everything” As soon as it’s on you tube I’ll post it
I know you keep looking for Peaches music for a Bernie and Steeler approval. You have did pretty good so far. Some of them have been very nice.
I don’t listen a whole lot to music unless I am driving, then I have it on all the time. Whatever is playing good or bad is just left to play. So I get thru them all.
At home, if I have music, which is not often, unless you have posted a link, Steeler will look at the computer, if she stays around for the music, then it gets a seal of approval. If she takes off, then it’s monkey music.
I will wait to hear the “Remember Everything” when it is available.
“That cat’s going to hit you”
more amusing story from Kasey’s past.
In the first couple months after I brought Kasey home, my wife would often say that to me, and was usually right.
I was socializing Kasey into being picked up, she was not used to it and probably had some bad memories about it.
I started slow with her. She only wanted to be picked up facing me, with her head near my chin, paws on my chest, this is still her preference today.
I would pick her up initially and she would appear to settle but then would start to hit me “up side the head” with her front paws, always with the claws retracted, though.
I think this shows how she really wanted to get along and be a pet cat, she just wasn’t sure about it at first; she could have used those claws easily but she never did.
Gentle perseverance paid off and she now ranges between being OK with being picked up to actually enjoying it, depending on her mood.
You basically tamed a feral It’s a lot of work, but it seems to me the ferals I’ve tamed have been the best pets I’ve had
She was sort of feral, but in some ways not.
Feral traits;
– never been in a house until she was 8 years old
– never had people giving her consistent good attention
– often was outside to hunt
– often dumped outside the building in cold winter weather
– had to fight other animals of all types and sizes
– did not grow up with toys or regular play activities
Non-feral traits;
– did live indoors quite a bit of the time
– got somewhat regular feeding
– litter trained
– wanted to sit with you, could be pet and handled (she is very friendly with people visiting us)
What stood out was that in spite of some bad treatment, she strongly acted like she wanted to be someone’s pet.
She learned to be picked up, have her claws clipped. She has learned that it is better, due to her old injuries, that I carry her up and down the stairs.
She loves to chase a string. Sometimes I forget, unlike Moragan and Taz who grew up thinking this is fun, she is terrified if you toss a sheet over her. She is so tame, I forget she did not grow up thinking this was a game.
Like a rescued feral, she is real pet, I think she knows she got a second chance and is making the most of it.
They DO know…the worse they’ve had it, the more they appreciate you
Yeah, sometimes she just sits there and gives me “the look” kind of an expressive, admiring, calm look as if to say isn’t it nice we’re here together.
Aww, Glen, I know the look….it’s in every pic of Monkey I’ve ever posted
So true, They appreciate the work we put in to giving them a loving home. Retracted claws shew that. Or even a nip that would take a finger off but barely dent the skin.
Glen you have loved little Kasey so much that she would let you do just about anything with her.
I have been hoping for Steeler to be more accepting of getting picked up and being held more often. I thought we had really gotten to that level. Then last Thursday night during our regular routing of kittly kisses, treats, and curling up on her pillow. I would then be able to hold her for a few minutes at bedtime. Well the little Tortie showed she is still full of herself. She left me with a long 3 or so scratch on my arm.
She lives up to her reputation. Never trust a tortie. No matter how sweet looking. 🙂
I just saw this commercial. Loved it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCUfFWcA-BI
Reminded me of our gone but not forgotten “old girls”, Molly the silver tabby and Mitzi the tortie tabby.
If the litter has a sent, you can’t always predict the reaction.
One time we bought a new, nicely scented (to humans) home to try.
Put some in the litter box.
Molly just went all bushy, started to hiss and tried to hit Mitzi on the head.
I have been careful about scented litter from now on, don’t want a similar result with Kasey, she can get that way on her own 😉
I love how Molly told you in no uncertain terms that she hated the scented litter. I always steer people away from that. As you said, the scents are added to please humans. Cats’s sense of smell is far more sensitive than ours, so most cats really don’t like scented litter. Some will show you that they don’t like it by refusing to use the litter box.
True. I got scented litter last year as a holiday gift from a well-meaning friend who never had cats. It was part of a large basket with toys, grooming combs, and cat treats, all in beautifully color-coordinated packaging. It was expensive and pretty for humans to look at, but nothing that was actually good quality for the pets. The toys were destroyed by the end of the day, the grooming combs lost teeth within a week and the cat treats went straight into the compost bin after I read the ingredients (artificial flavor and color and fillers).
Anyway the litter had a slight pine scent that wasn’t too unpleasant to me, so I thought it might be ok and put it in one of the litter boxes WRONG! Callie found it first of course, during her patrol duties. She sniffed around it and started complaining, loudly. I left it for a day thinking that maybe the other cats wouldn’t mind it so much, or that Callie might get used to it.
Didn’t happen. All the cats simply avoided that box and used the other one. And every time Callie went to the litter box area she made a point of standing in front of the scented litter box and giving me about 5 minutes of high-volume grief before moving on to use the other box. Not quite sure what she was saying, but somehow I don’t think it was exactly polite!
The Only litter problem I’ve ever had was with “World’s Best”, that corn stuff? It may have been okay, to be fair, but I bought and used it during a HORRIBLY hot and humid streak, and it got moldy
So maybe it’s fine if it’s used in central air or whatever. But if you have a humidity issue, it’s not for you lol
I have had another, very strange, surreal happening today.
I have a heated cat bed by my computer/hobby area in the basement.
Taz and Kasey are both in the bed.
he got there first.
She usually comes along and moves him out of there, quickly, with some “unpleasantness”
This time she settled in back to back with him and they are both snoring.
Sort of like an over-age kitten-pile.
It has happened twice today, and I have photographic evidence.
I am truly baffled by this one.
Glen – where are those pics ?????
And we all are so glad you rescued Kasey (or she rescued you).
As to those cat haters – better hope they don’t have to deal with me.
Pics sent by email.
It is tough when you have to work with these people, periodically.
I think anyone who goes out of there way to, and enjoys, hurting or killing an animal that way has big time issues and needs serious professional help.
I don’t live in a make believe world, I used to hunt from the late 1960’s until the 1990’s, I used to eat what I shot and was very selective in the shots I took. I still shoot targets and enjoy that. We have coyotes around here and I would shoot them if they hung in close to the house, it would get done, but I wouldn’t enjoy i.
Sometimes these [people get whats coming.
I think I have written before about my uncle on my Mother’s side. he had all the chances in the world to better himself but he chose to drink heavily, he would kill cats and any dogs that were a disappointment to him (so I have heard from the family). When I was about 6 years old he liked to hurt my cousins and I physically when no adults were around.
This stopped the one day Dad caught him. At the time, Dad was a 36 year old, strapping 6′- 3″ navy vet with a real sense of right and wrong.
When i was in my 20’s, we where in a hunting camp up north having a few beers after dinner. Dad confessed then that he took my uncle out behind my Grandfather’s barn and “explained” a few things to him. That’s what some of these people need.
Anyway, this is not Kasey’s concern any more, as I type this, she is firmly set in a cat bed, on her own this time.
I know how you feel, anyone who hurts animals……then again I have a friend, a female, Jojo…she and her husband go deer hunting every year and get as many as they can. She’s said numerous times that they don’t even like venison. They eat very little, then when it’s almost ready to expire, they give it away. I’m no veggie, and I’ve gotten meat from them, but, much as I love her, I have to wonder what kind of person would want to kill something just to be killing it
I have often written (maybe too much) about rescuing Kasey, however, I had another reminder of it at work last week, out of the blue.
It was a routine call about something I am dealing with with our field people.
I called one of her former “protectors” who used to work where she lived but had transferred to another site about the same time I took her home.
We talked about the work issue for a bit and were done, as is my custom, I began exchanging a few stories with him. A day or two before, he had to go up to the site where she used to live.
Quite unsolicited he said, “You know, you saved that old cat’s life when you took her out of there, when I was up there I listened to those guys, she would have met a very nasty end shortly after the time you took her”. He then went on with a few choice comments in the “colorful” language spoken in our business, about people that harm cats and other animals just because they can.
His basic thing is that if you don’t like the animal for some reason, fine, but leave it alone and stay away from it, it isn’t hurting anyone.
I said that I have a mistrust of that sort of person and that some crimes involving children are committed by people who start with animals.
Anyway, its all in the past, Kasey’s best revenge is living well, as I type this, she is holding a critter bed down and snoring. 😉
Love the Kasey beginnings. She is one happy little girl now. She knew from early on, she owned you. You just took a little longer to hear her asking you to take her home. You are really one of the good guys.
I especially like the story of how she protected you while you slept with a migraine. That would have been the clincher for me, no doubt
She still “guards” me at night 🙂
It is good to know she “guards” you at night. Steeler go to bed with me at night, but during the night, I hear bumps and thumps. She is out of bed playing and bouncing around. I guess her guarding is in need of a tuneup.
You have friends with 7 cats? Freaks.
Oh, for the new additions here – that was sarcastic. I have 7 cats. And speaking of which, I finally started Brooke on Bully Remedy today, and Piper and Sabrina on Peacemaker. Hoping for some improvement.
I can’t wait to hear how Bully Remedy and Peacemaker work for you.
That’s been a great combo for me Harry, I hope it works as well for your crew!
Must be a crazy cat lady or something.
Not so crazy. Just forgets to feed them sometimes.
Or so they say 🙂
I was at Walmart the other day and bought cat food and litter. At the checkout the clerk ask me how many cats I had – I proudly said 3. And also feeding a few outside cats too.
The woman who had just checked out said “3 – I can’t imagine 3 cats with all that cat hair. My neighbor has 1 cat and when I visit I have cat hair all over me” and she left. The clerk said I bet that cat is glad when she leaves too.
I am glad I didn’t mention my friends that have 7. She really would have freaked out.
lol Berns, Shanks fell in the toilet this morning and he TOTALLY deserved it! lol…..poor little guy. I was getting ready for work. he was standing on the toilet seat and he kept trying to creep up and swat at the stuff on the top of the tank….I kept making ACK! noises at him….about the third time he accidentally fell into the toilet…it was hilarious…only his back end was in, his front paws were on the seat, and the look on his face was PRICELESS! He gave me this look like; “What the hell just happened?” Blinked a couple times, then ran like hell! lol
Oh no, poor Shanks! Too funny though, I can only imagine a kitty face after that. I think all cats have a toilet accident at one point or another. I’ve really enjoyed hearing about him. Shanks turned out to be a great name!
Loved that story and I can picture that look. Punky fell in the tub as he was looking at the water. Ran like hell. That was 8 years ago and he still will not go into the bathroom.
Oh my goodness, poor little guy! That’s one of those moments when you wish you had the video camera handy. I can only imagine what went through his little kitten head. I’m still laughing at your description!
Geeze, the action cam is never around when you need it. This pic would have been priceless!
Too funny!! None of mine have landed in the toilet yet, though they have sometimes come close. Allegra loves the shower, though. She sits on the edge of the tub and puts her paws out to bat the water. Usually she ends up pretty wet, but it doesn’t seem to bother her. She’s also fine with being out in the rain – she’ll sit in the back yard under a bush that doesn’t really provide much protection and let herself get soaked even though she could come in the cat door any time she wanted to. When the rain stops she usually just shakes herself off and goes around looking for worms or fallen leaves to play with rather than coming in.
Hey Berns……This is very mellow, but still considered Metal, you might actually like this. Peaches likes it.
Metallica….Unforgiven
http://youtu.be/Xgrl9S6HtK8
Lynn, how is the new family doing. The last post seemed to show a pleasant change in all the little ones. Sleeping with you, must make you feel really special after all this time. Those little kitties just needed a new baby to complete your family. Happy for you.
I know this song. I do like it. I can see you are mellowing. Must be all that kitty attention you are getting lately. <3
You’re right Lianimal, that is a great song!! Don’t know if my furry babies like it or not but this old rocker does!
I just clipped Kasey’s claws on all four feet, at once, without unpleasantness. 😉
Are you sure that is your Kasey???
Yes, actually it has been quite a progression to reach this stage.
I have had everyone else from a young age and they have been used to getting a manicure.
Kasey was a challenge, a tortie, history of abuse, receiving her first clipping at about 8 years of age.
It used to be that I could get 3 or 4 claws clipped and have to set her down.
This progressed over a period of a year to the front, set her down, then do the back later to being able to get all four feet done.
It took time, care and patience.
She is pretty good about it, given her history but it is best to try this when she has just woken up. ;0
That’s great, Glen! I can do Ruby’s nails if I wait until she’s either ready for a nap, or just waking up from one. I have a friend help me with Allegra, and she’s gotten pretty good about it and we can get it done with minimal restraint in about 30 seconds.
Hey my friends, Steeler is enjoying her KFC as I write this. Today is a GREAT DAY.
My Cast is off. My leg and ankle bones are knitted. I have to exercise and do the a b c’s and different moves with my foot and ankle but I am FREE. Someone including Steeler and all of you has really been looking out for me. So I am free to drive as soon as my ankle is loose. The doctor says at most 2 days then I can go cross country driving if I want, just put my leg up every so often to rest it. The only suggestion is not to walk on my leg for 8 hours at a time just yet. Give it a little more time to heal, but do walk on it
I don’t plan to cross the country, but I sure do plan on driving again. The news could not be better.
There was no doubt that will the Reiki of Ingrid, prayers from all our religions and Tortie Power behind you that it would not be healed. Great news. Road trip !!!!!! 🙂 😛
Drive carefully as your leg will be stiff for a while.
Wonderful news! Celebrating with KFC certainly seems appropriate 🙂
I think we all knew where the first road trip would be – Steeler’s orders! This is great news, Bernie!
Hi Ingrid and Harry. Steeler’s orders were fulfilled and it was the best road trip to take. Granted I didn’t drive. My granddaughter Kelly drove me to and from the doctor. I even had her take me to the mall. Yes I did. Bought a new hat for the occasion.
Thanks for all your support. Now I have to work on loosening up my ankle. It is so still. But you guys know me. I will do it. Steeler looked at my leg a little confused, as if to say, what happened to the purple thing? It did not, however, stop her from doing her body walk about 1/2 hour ago to get fed. Gotta love that Tortie and all you guys.
Hey I think it is still my bedtime. It is still very dark out so I am going to slip back down into the heated covers and see if good dreams come my way.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
On the “escape” from the cast 🙂
Glen “escaped” and hit the road this PM. Only to shop, but “free”. I can throw a little ouch in there, but that beats no being able to get out. 🙂
Great news – I am so happy for you!!! Glad that you’re back on the road, and able to make those all-important KFC runs!!
Sharon being on the road again and getting to KFC is really a good feeling. Not to say, my leg is cooperating. It hurts like the dickens. But I am determined to get moving. Like Steeler, I must be like a feral, find a way to get around no matter the problems.
This comment was left early this morning by Betty (not Betty Hagood), and for some reason, it’s not showing up here. Betty wrote:
“Thank you so much for clarifying the tortie personality. I am fairly new to having cats. A year ago i discovered two sister kittens living in a storm drain near my home. After watching them for a week, I decided to trap and rescue them and adopt them at about 2 montns of age. (i figured my current cat needed a playmate or two) ONe is a tabby and one a tortie. I’ve had them both for a year now and can’t believe the personality difference between the two sisters. They love each other and play with each other but the tabby is very interactive with humans and trusting and loving to humans. The tortie runs away from me, hides, and it is rare that i can get close enough to grab her and hold her. She is like a feral trapped and living in my home and forced to live with strange humans. I have two other cats, an adult male and a new young male aobut the same age as the tortie/tabby sisters. All these other cats are fine with me, love being held and petted. But tortie just won’t come around and domesticate and socialze with humans. I suppose this is just her personality and at this late stage, i should just accept it. If there are any advice you have for me, let me know. Eventually, i was thinking to let her go outside and i only hope she comes back. She is chipped and will be wearing a collar of course, but i wonder if she is just so unhappy being forced to live indoors with a human. She’s just got a lot of feral in her, even tho her twin sister Tabs grew up the same and is so domestic and interactive. Strange difference.”
Betty, it sounds like your tortie’s skittishness is part of her personality and possibly her history. I would not advise letting her outside, I’d be very worried that she would disappear. I would work with her to see if you can get her to come out of her shell. It’s going to take a lot of patience, and she may never come around completely, but it can be done.
I have seen good results flower essences for these types of situation, so that may be worth a try. I particularly like the Spirit Essences line, they have a formula called Feral Cat Rehabilitation. I would start with that and see if you see any results. Click on the ad in the left sidebar, it will take you to the website.
Betty, I agree with Ingrid about not letting your tortie out. We also have an “in home feral” we refer to as our recovering barn cat. It took months before she would come out of the basement, and two years before she was comfortable around us – but we’ve had her for 6 years now and she is completely relaxed around us, loves to be petted and brushed. She won’t let us pick her up still, but she’ll stand on our laps. Each time I think she couldn’t possibly make more progress, she does. She no longer hides when there are strangers in the house, and last weekend she let a guest rub her head. It just takes much patience, soft voices, treats, and looking them in the eye – and then slowly closing your eyes while looking at them. And any additional help like the essences is a great idea.
Betty, do the kit a great favor and always keep her indoors. My sister has a cat (so she says) that I have only seen twice in 10 years. She lives downstairs and hides when company comes. It is way too dangerious outside with bad people, cars, birds of prey and other animals to put her out there.
Give her time and like Harry and Ingrid have said she will come around and you will thank yourself.
Like many of us on here, we have found those feral/outside cats are the greatest.
Betty, I’ve tamed a lot of ferals. First and most important, NEVER just grab her. You’re going to have to reverse the damage you didn’t even know you were doing when you grabbed her. It’ll take patience. Shut yourself and her in a room alone with a bowl of food and just sit there by the bowl and sing to her. Even if you can’t sing, she doesn’t care, anything that you feel you can sing reasonably well….. I am a horrible singer, but I’ve found they like anything repetative and soft….Anything by Patsy Cline, The Eagles, whatever is calm and peaceful. Just sit there for a half hour or so every day and sing and talk to her softly. The first time or two or three she comes close, don’t try to touch her. Let her come to you on her own terms in her own time. It might take a week or it might take two months, but she WILL come to you, and once she’s tame she’ll be the best pet you’ve ever had. Good luck!
And Bernie, before you ask….I’d NEVER sing metal to a feral! lmao
Hehe…imagining trying to tame a small frightened cat while screaming “Words in my mouth, blood on my hands, hate in my heart Say how do you Jus-ti-fy!?” lol
I can’t sing… and they won’t let me. I recite fairly tails in a sing song voice. It seems to work. “So the little calico tried the Daddy Tortie’s Meow Mix, but it was tooooo hot. Then she tried the Mommy Tortie’s Meow Mix, but it was tooooo cold….” Really, I have done that. Ask Rachel. (The Daddy Tortie was Doodlebug, of course.) The other thing that really works well is to make eye contact and then slowly close your eyes. Google “blinking at cats”
I am smiling at you Wild Child. You knew that was going to come your way. Soft and easy does it all the time. 🙂
I loved reading everyone’s nick names, and you all gave me an idea for a future blog post!
or another book ?
It’ll be a really short one if you limit it to names the cats actually answer to. I may call my cats many names, but the only thing any of them reliably comes running for is the sound of the electric can opener….
Hi there! I actually have two torties, Batman (Beatrice Wayne) and her sister Two Face (Harley Dent). Of the two, Two Face has more of a tortitude than her sister. While Batman is shy and mellow, Two Face is outgoing and sometimes a little too much to handle. My mister and I just got them kitty caps so they won’t be able to destroy any furniture because we refuse to declaw them. Batman was the first to have her caps put on (hot purple) and she didn’t put up much of a fight at all. She mostly purred, with the excpetion of chewing on my hand for a few seconds when she started to get impatient with us. Two Face screamed her tiny little head off, kicked, bit, did everything in her power to try and get away. (Her little caps are hot pink.) She is usually the more vocal of the sisters, and is always the one to wake me up. She will often sit on my chest and meow in my face or pull the blanket off my head and kind of slap me around until I give her some sort of attention. She likes to be pet on her own time, and bites me when I refuse to do so. Two Face is pretty fearless, with the acception of having a slight dislike to kids due to the fact that my misters one yeard old niece tried holding her by picking her up by the neck -_- The only kid she’ll ever go near is his four year old nephew. Batman isn’t as demanding as Two Face and tends to do her own thing. She actually gets into a lot more trouble than Two Face though because she knows how to slide open the closets and patio door in our apartment. She also knows how to pop the cap off the jars to their kitty treats. When she gets in trouble she’ll usually purr and rub up against the person she’s upset, and usually gets away with whatever she just done. They’re a handful, bust such great fun to have!
Your two sound like characters, Elizabeth.
I hope the nail caps work for you. You probably know this already, but you can also prevent unwanted scratching by providing plenty of scratching posts and alternatives to using the furniture for your cats. You’ll find more suggestions here: https://ingridking.com/2011/01/10/cat-scratching-solutions-and-a-giveaway-to-help/
It sounds like Batman is aptly named, what with her propensity for all these tricks!
lol love love LOVE those names!. Good on you for refusing to declaw, never heard of Kitty caps though. what are they exactly?
Lol at Two face slapping you around…why do we put up with this kind of abuse from them?????
It sounds to me though, like Batman has just as much tortitude. Some show it in aggressiveness, like Two Face, and some show it in sneakiness and intelligence, like Batman, and they ALL get out of it by sucking up! lol
My kitten Shanks’ brother is named Batman, but that’s because he actually LOOKS like batman…lol With the pointy ears, the perfect spot on his muzzle that looks like the mouth-hole on batman’s mask, and he’s actually got a white vaguely bat-shaped spot on his chest! I had known his name was Batman, but when I actually SAW him…omg I about died!
Oh and we chose the name Batman because when she is upset in anyway she kinda gives off that Christian Bale sort of glare haha. Reminded us a lot of his portrayal of the Dark Knight 😀
Your cats brother sounds like a reallyt awesome cat! 😀
Elizabeth your Batman sounds great. I have heard of those caps for the claws. I was going to get them for Steeler, but decided to give her a chance to learn to stop using me as her scratching posts. It eventually worked, but for several months my arms looked terrible. As of today, I am still sporting a scratch about 2 to 3″ long. I tried to hold her and she said “NO”. She won again.
They’re are small plastic caps that go over their claws to prevent from scratching. They are glued on and fall off after about a month. We got them just so see how they work out. So far so good, they haven’t really “complained” haha.
Haha I guess she does has just as much :] I’ve never realized it until now though.
I have to ask about Two-face. I once had a torti named Hatchet who’s head had a perfect line down the middle. One side was more Cream with a little orange and black, with white whiskers, the other half was black with a little orange, and black whiskers. Does your two-face look like that by any chance?
Well one side of her face is orange and the other is black. The color of her whiskers is a mix of black and white on each side of the face.
Nikita is La Femm Nikita, Nicki, Nickolette, Nickster, Nickel and Nick Nick and crazy girl
Luna is Luna Boona, Noona, Lunatic or Lunacy, Moona and baby.
Not really original names. My boyfriend has just started calling them by their proper names, for a year they were just “cat” to him. He is not a cat lover and is allergic but wouldn’t you know he’s Nikita’s favorite has to lie against him and be for scritches when he is sitting on the couch. Oh yeah her other name is hussy. lol
Wow reading all these nicknames for the little ones here is really interesting. So I guess I will add my Steeler to this list.
Given name Steeler BOSS TERRORIST BRAT Pretty Baby Spoiled Kitty and Hey Hey Hey (when she won’t listen)
Right now she is insisting on more treats: She won’t stop, so she is the Brat. And you all know how that can be. Unrelenting.
Ingrid, I will be removing the skin from the KFC. Really a spoiled kitty.
“spoiled kitty” is what she answers to 🙂
Sorry I missed all the fun last night. PC was acting up and I just shut it down then rebooted later.
Sharon – I loved the names of your kitties and how the act.
Here are mine
Pumpkin is Punky or pumpkin kat
Tabatha is Tabby or tabbykat
Stirfry is Stir or BAD CAT !!!!!!!!!!!
The laser is Pumpkins favorite – he goes nuts when I yell LASER and will play with trying to catch it. Tabby will watch then try to dance on it with her paws. Stir will glance at it then disregard it. She figures if she can’t kill it – why bother.
My outside cats don’t have names other than B&W or Gray & White as naming them gets them 1 step closer to becoming an indoor cat. Not ready for another one – yet.
Punky loves watching “outdoor kitty”
Gretchen is Gretchi, girly girl, chubby or chubs.
Okay, so that “Yoda” comment seems totally random…lol….on an earlier post that isn’t showing on this page, I said ; “Whatever Ingrid says, she is the Yoda of cat care, and everything she says is right” or something to that effect
BTW, I LOVE Yoda, that was, to me the highest of compliments! It means you are wise and all-knowing
Don’t worry, Lynn, I took it as a compliment 🙂 I can honestly say that while I’ve been called a lot of things in the past, this is the first time I’ve ever been called a Yoda!
Ok, everyone is being so quiet today. Must be out celebrating that win! Anyway I was reading over the past week’s posts and laughing over Lianimal’s description of her morning wakeup, esp the kitty nicknames. And it got me thinking about some of the things I call my 4:
Allegra is Allie, Al, AllieCat and now A-L-I-E-K-A-T ever since one of my granddaughters went to junior cheerleading camp this summer. Yes, she wrote an original cheer about AllieCat – with just one L. Artistic license or something….But it’s cute, and Allie seems to like it, especially when the pompoms start waving.
Mignon is Min, Minnie, Minnie Mouse, and sometimes just MOUSE! when she’s getting into things she shouldn’t, like the laundry basket. Min is to laundry like Maru is to boxes – she just can’t resist jumping in!
Doodlebug is Doodles, Dood, little Bug Buddy, Lovebug, and of course King of the Road when he’s being wheeled around in style.
And Calliope is just Callie or more often Miss Cal. She’s so serious it’s hard to give her silly nicknames. Callie’s self-appointed duty is to protect us, and she is diligent, always on patrol and giving constant feedback about her findings. Vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, weed whackers and lawnmowers hold no fears for her. However, she does reserve the right to run for cover immediately if confronted with any of the following:
Lightning flashes
Cameras with flash
Cameras without flash
Red dot laser toys
Watching her with laser toys is so funny. I don’t speak tortie, but just guessing from her tone as she checks them out and then runs off to fit into an impossibly small hiding space, it seems like her dialog goes something like:
Alert! New object spotted! Investigation commencing…
Sight check: object is small rapidly moving circle.
Hearing check: object has no sound?
Smell: check object has no smell??
Taste check: object has no taste???
Touch check: cannot catch object?!?
Error – does not compute! Panic mode activated! Hide, Hide, Hide!!!
I shouldn’t laugh, but seeing her face hairdryers without turning a whisker, only to flee from a little red dot that the other 3 are happily playing with is definitely a bit funny.
Sharon, thanks for taking the time to write it all down! The laser toy protocol is too funny!
I didn’t realize you had an Allegra, too, Sharon! Allie is one of my nicknames for my Allegra, too.
The laser toy “protocol” is hysterical! Both of my girls love the laser, but I think your Callie has the right idea: why chase after a toy you can never catch?
Our cats have a plethora of nick names.
May – Maymoo, Moozle, shmoo, Mooberry
Brooke – Cookie, Brookiecookie, Evil Kitty, The Mad Hatter, Dr. Doofenshmirtz, Florida, Brooklyn and Brooklet
Victoria – Vicki(e), Vicvac
Henry (before we named him Henry his name was Bobby) – Henry Bob, Bobby, Bobby Boberton, Bobby Boberton Bobble head, Booboo
Pearl – Pearly Swirly, Swirl Girl
Sabrina – Bean, Beanbot, Bean sprot, Bean sprout
Piper – Puppy (because she follows me around like one), Pipey, Pipes, Pups
Actually, May’s name is Annamaria Madonna Christina May… she’s my little Catholic school girl 😉 She also goes by Maybelle and Maybelline…
Kasey,
– Darth-Kitius
– The Old Girl
– Tigress
– Resident Evil of the Universe
Taz, the 21 pound orange guy;
– Big & Orange
– Mr. Bump & Rub
– Shop Vac
– Crisco
Morgan, the 10 pound “tuxedo” (active cat)
– Morgan Taylor Cat (full name)
– Baby Morgan
– The Creature
– Squeeky or Squeaks
– Panther
My Janet goes nuts over the laser toy, Brad chases it but gets up too much speed sometimes and ends up running into the wall, Rocky is indifferent toward it, and my tortie Columbia will chase it a little initially then she lays to the side and looks as though she is analysing it and determines it’s not worth the effort.
My babies all have first and middle names and of course nicknames.
Janet is Janet Scarlett (she is a little flirt) and her nickname is Janet planet (my little space cadet)
Columbia is Columbia Diva (need I explain?) and I usually call her baby girl
Brad is Brad Lee (get it – Bradley?) and he is my snuggle muffin or big boy
Rocky is Rocky Horror (self exlanatory) and we call him Rock Rock or tinka butt (uhm..to explain delicately, he somehow has a tendency to get poopies stuck to his butt fur)
Peaches…..Princess Peach, B, Peachy-P, Beautiful, Muffin, Peachmeister Grandmaster B
Monkey…..The monkster, Cutie pie, Ms Thang, Diva, The Monkinator
Shanks…lil man, Good-lookin’ Gangsta Shanksta
Seems the longer I have them the more nicknames they earn lol
Aww, Rocky gets dingleberries? (language lesson of the day) also called “dudes” when hanging off a camel’s butt…..
Well, not sure if it’s dingleberries or not, but he gets it stuck to his fur below his butt. Thank goodness my husband has a stronger stomach than mine and plenty of latex gloves!
We may have lost last week but our Torties cheered us on to a 38-17 win over the Titans. And the bookies said the Steelers would lose by 4.
Guess they don’t know about Tortie Power.
Hi gang, I know it is in the middle of the night or early in the AM. Either way I am still awake. Not really sleeping well.
So I decided to tell you guys about my Steeler’s latest stunt. As most of you know Steeler likes KFC chicken. Well you know it is very difficult right now for me to go to KFC for her. So today, I, and one who knows why, decided to make chicken noodle soup and beef stew. Right. I really did and cooking is not something I do very often if I can avoid it. So to get back to Steeler. She wanted chicken so after boiling the chicken, I took some of the breast and thigh meat and shredded it up for her. I put it in her bowl and showed it to her. She sauntered over to her bowl, like she had her nose up in the air. Well you sniffed the chicken and looked at it. Pushed it around a little with her nose and walked away from it. It sits there right now. She will not eat it. So much for my cooking, even Steeler won’t eat it. So I guess she is set and spoiled and it will have to be KFC. Talk about a spoiled Tortie. Not to mention my ego. I thought the chicken would be pretty good for her. So my cookings skills will go back to the closet. Even Steeler won’t eat my cooking. I don’t know if I should be happy or angry at her. But then I won’t have to cook chicken for her anymore. Just a trip to KFC. 🙂
Just go easy on the skin with the KFC, Bernie. Too much fatty skin may upset Steeler’s tummy.
Boy, she sure has you wrapped around her little paws… 🙂
Thank you so much for clarifying the tortie personality. I am fairly new to having cats. A year ago i discovered two sister kittens living in a storm drain near my home. After watching them for a week, I decided to trap and rescue them and adopt them at about 2 montns of age. (i figured my current cat needed a playmate or two) ONe is a tabby and one a tortie. I’ve had them both for a year now and can’t believe the personality difference between the two sisters. They love each other and play with each other but the tabby is very interactive with humans and trusting and loving to humans. The tortie runs away from me, hides, and it is rare that i can get close enough to grab her and hold her. She is like a feral trapped and living in my home and forced to live with strange humans. I have two other cats, an adult male and a new young male aobut the same age as the tortie/tabby sisters. All these other cats are fine with me, love being held and petted. But tortie just wont come around and domesticate and socialze with humans. I suppose this is just her personality and at this late stage, i should just accept it. If there are any advice you have for me, let me know. Eventually, i was thinking to let her go outside and i only hope she comes back. She is chipped and will be wearing a collar of course, but i wonder if she is just so unhappy being forced to live indoors with a human. She’s just got a lot of feral in her, even tho her twin sister Tabs grew up the same and is so domestic and interactive. Strange difference.
Don’t give up on your tortie. She may be more willing to be with you if you do not grab her
or try to pick her up too much. I have a tortie that will come to me but does not care to be picked up and handled. She also has many names, Samantha, Sammy, Stinky and Baby Doll. All her names are for her many different moods. If you watch the animal chanel there is a program
that gives owners tips on difficult cats. It’s worth a try, give her some privacy and sweet take
her. Each of your babies is different and you have to meet them on their own terms.
Lots of luck to you and your kitties.
Carol that is great advice you gave Betty. Torties need their own space and timing for what they will tolerate. They will give you back the affection, but it will be “Their Way”. We have all learned that one.