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
OMG, another hard luck story……I’m getting this Absolutely adorable long-haired grey and white that a friend found INSIDE a dumpster with…apparently the rest of his/her littermates who were dead in a plastic bag…The kitten is at least 6 weeks, no idea WHY the others are dead, unless they suffocated, but then why is this one alive? I don’t really understand what’s going on, but this kit is BEAUTIFUL! I’m posting the pic my friend sent me on my facebook page
I really hate most people
“I really hate most people”
Yes.
I have said, when I relate the story of Kasey, that I like cats better than most people.
I would comment further on your initial post because it would not fit the type of language we need to maintain, here.
Glen, we all speak Tortie.
Nothing you say can shock us.
Agreed. Only good people I know have at LEAST 1 cat.
Lianimal – are we in compition as to who can take in another cat ?
This makes 4 each.
We have 3 more to catch up to Harry and Bernadette. Not sure how many Sharon has.
LOL…..I’m going to try to re-home this one if I can, my tiny apartment can’t support me and 4 cats…..unless it HAS to, I guess lol
And i said I would be a 3 cat household too.
And at 1 time Harry said ” We will only be a 1 cat household”
To be followed by ” We will only be a 2 cat Household”, Then ” Just 3 cats” then
“Just 1 more cat and that’s it”
” No we will not keep this one” , That’s it – this is the last one” and finally ” He’s a fostor only – we will not keep him”
Now i’t’s ” I GIVE UP – BRING IN ALL YOU WANT AND I’LL SLEEP IN THE GARAGE TO GIVE YOU MORE ROOM”. 🙂
The kitten is a beauty! I don’t think you’ll have a hard time finding a home for him/her.
I’m taking a vacation day today, overseeing the installation of the new hot water boiler.
I happens to see a few minutes of a TV show where they were trying to prove the existence of the Yeti in the Himalayas.
I thought of an easy and definitive solution.
Take Kasey over there.
If she hadn’t dragged one into camp within 24 hours, there aren’t any 😉
If only that worked on chipmunks in the basement. (Well, maybe it would if you brought Kasey over. The different background of everyone here (other than Vickie) seems to have blunted the killer instinct.)
I note that there’s a new Chipmunk movie out for the holidays, “Chipwrecked.” Maybe they were rehearsing in the basement, it’s certainly a chipwreck down there.
No problem, Kasey would not hesitate to take out a chipmunk for one second.
However, she would not consider it a worthy or honourable opponent, but she’d still take it out.
I base the “worthy opponent” comment on the size of things she used to take down at the compressor facility (not normal house caty sized prey), and what she tried to get at through the screen, early on spring morning at about 5:00AM.
This is where I came up with the “Warrior Queen” nickname for her, she is quite fearless and formidable. 😉
We know she would get one, but hopefully not eat it all before she got it back to the camp.
Not much to use as a rug as her claws would leave it torn to shreds.
A chipmunk mightt be beneath Kasey taking one down but Punky is looking forward to a meet and greet with them. What wine goes with Chipmunk Brunch ?
Have a fun Vacation day
Bernie,
I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this.
You have not offended me in the least with your request. We are all like family and friends here. You should be able to share.
I lost my Mom to Intra occular Melanoma in 2008 and it was one of the hardest things ever. She was diagnosed 5 years before that and went into remission but it came back with a vengence and was found in March of 08 and she passed in May of 08. The thoughts and prayers from family and friends sustained us thru that difficult period and still to this day.
I will pray for your son and your family and get others to as well. My brother in law is a pastor in Colorado and I can have him add your son to the prayer list.
Please know that you can count on your tortie family. We love you! Luna and Nikita send out kitty prayers too.
Sue
This is for my and Steeler’s extended family to know. I have shared many laughs and tears with you, and all of you have been respectful of my wishes concerning my precious son. I am going to share with you all the battle he is now fighting. So please remember to say to do anything to get a miracle for an exceptionally wonderful, son, husband, and father.
Eric had his biopsies performed last week. The results are in and he needs all the love and support in the world. He has been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, Stage 3. So in light of this diagnosis and after many, many tears and prayers, I decided to come to you all and get off the topic a little and ask you all to spread the word, that prayers and a miracle are needed for him. I know you folks only know him as my son, but he has been laying his life on the line every day for our country and it’s people since he was 18 years old. That has been his life’s work. He is truly one of the special people.
So I beg all of you to do anything and pass the word that Eric needs a miracle.
I am sorry Ingrid, that this is so far off topic, but I need my Tortie family, so I am here begging for all the help we can get for my son. I know we all have areas of our lives that we need help in, I don’t want anyone to think I am special, I am just a Mom who loves her youngest baby son, and he is always going to be my little boy, asking my extended family to stand up and by him. I ask nothing for myself.
I hope I have not offended anyone with this request. I just could not keep it silent any longer.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this. My heart is breaking more every day, and the only thing to put it back together is for my son to receive a miracle.
Bernie, my thoughts are with you and Eric during this awful time in your lives. I am not really a prayer (that’s my moms department), but I do believe in positive thoughts and energy which I am and will be sending Eric’s and your way. You also have a message waiting on FB.
I am also VERY glad that Steeler decided that being in your arms was much better than being in the rain.
I know it’s hard but please make sure you take care of yourself right now. You need to keep your health and strength up. Besides you don’t need Eric to worry about you too, so please make sure you take care of yourself too.
I generally don’t pray, but I’m praying for you and yours, Bern
Bernie
I am sorry to read this.
I have had somewhat similar circumstances with family members and think I know a bit of what you are experiencing.
I used to be better at writing than I am now.
All I can say at this point is that I am hoping for a positive outcome for you and tour son.
Bernie, I know it must seem hopeless, but I think Eric stands about the best chance of anyone of fighting this well and even winning–he is young and otherwise healthy, and has a loving and supportive family. I know how it is in waiting outside of doctor’s offices and operating and treatment rooms, and sometimes I think the hardest fight is for those to love to not lose hope. You know we’re all here for you and Eric.
That’s right, Bernadette. I think the will is the most important thing. I can’t tell you how many times a doctor told me that my father wouldn’t survive “X” (one time, a doctor even declined to treat him in the ER, until I casually mentioned my hobby of suing doctors for malpractice). Every single time, from respirators to medivac flights to long stints in rehab – every time, he thumbed his nose at them checking out on his way home. Never underestimate the will, no matter what they tell you.
Oh Bernie, my heart goes out to you. I was offline for most of yesterday and am just now seeing this. Please know that you, Eric and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that we’re here for you, and that you can come here, or to any of us offline, for support, a shoulder to lean and cry on, and, hopefully, even during those dark days, a smile as we share stories of the torties that brought us together.
Bernie, you know you have my prayers and you can call when ever you like. AND THAT INCLUDES EARLY MORNING HOURS. I have confidence that Eric will get better as like Bernadette said he is young and has years of exercise (chasing muggers was one). He will pull thru even though it will be rough going. But with all of us and they prayers of the Torties how can he not fight this off.
Like Steeler he is a fighter.
Well folks, I have been a little quiet here, but am reading all posts.
So today while I was coming into the house, the unexpected happened. Yep, Steeler ran out before I could stop her. I carried my packages into the house and propped the storm door open for her to come in on her own. Fat chance of that. To make matters worse, it was raining and I really didn’t want her out in the rain, or myself for that matter. So I walked around the house and kept calling to her, on to come back to the back porch and see her sitting in the middle of the driveway, looking like, “hey what did I do now” look. I walked over to her, expecting her to run like the wind. Well nope, she started her type of kitty talk and wanted picked up. I just reached down and picked her up. She started purring like an engine. Once she was back in the house, she started making those wild sounds, poor baby, doesn’t like to be wet. This went off and on for about 1/2 hour.
I think she figured out really fast, this is not the day to make a run for it. Darn it’s wet. She is safe and for all the good it did, I gave her a stern lecture, of course she was walking away from me with her tail held high and twitching at me. Oh well, I tried.
Wow, that can be quite a concern when they get out. Good you got her back.
Morgan is our only “flight risk”, Taz and Kasey don’t show any interest in the great outdoors; trouble is, Morgan is fast, the other two aren’t 😉
This is only the 2nd time she ever did this. The other time she sat under a tree. I guess she forgort she didn’t like it there then.
I do have ferals on the swing and I think she wanted to see what they were all about. Thank heaven they weren’t there then.
She heard that I had taken in a Feral as a companion to Stirfry and she wants you to do the same. 🙂
No happening. She was not being “nice” at the storm door when she spotted the cat. Saying not being nice is an understatement. We will remain a 1 Tortie cat family. This one is a handful. 🙂
I’m so glad this ended well – how scary!
She scared another 5 years off me. This is not good. The years are getting to short now, with her, I am losing years quickly.
So glad she decided that home life is better than being on you own. She probably was just blocking the driveway so you don’t go away. Never was going to leave her happy home that she rules with an iron paw.
No she wasn’t leaving. She went all of maybe 40 feet and sat there. I didn’t even look there first. She scared me running out like that.
Have to start feeding the outside cats in another safe area where she can’t hear them. I think maybe that is what that was all about.
Ugh, once my neigbor came over and asked if Monkey was supposed to be out…I said no and went to get her….her dumb butt was sitting out in the front yard in the rain, just looking around lol. I know what you mean Berns, nothing feels quite like picking up a wet cat, it is wierdly unpleasant lol
Frankie is the name of the newest member of my family.
Named after Frank Sinatra for his blue eyes.
Meet him on my FB page.
Welcome to the Cat Pack, Frankie!
Love it Harry, Bernie made the connection between Rat Pack and Cat Pack.
I was a little slow on that
😛 (Bernie’s a generation too behind to know about the Brat Pack, too – Brooke belongs to that one.)
Say What!!! 🙂 Harry I am keeping a journal on you. Folks pay him no mind. He knows not of what he speaks, Brooke and Sabrina have him all befuddled.
It’s about time 🙂
Was there any doubt 🙂
I so agreed with that one Ingrid. He is a handsome little man, well he is fattening up quickly. Those brilliant blue sparkling eyes get right at you. Also the snow is about to start flying.
He makes a nice fit to Jay’s family. 🙂
http://facebook.com/JayDavenport1956
Just in case
Thats great.
Any chance of getting a picture on The Conscious CatPhotos, for us Facebook-challenged people? 😉
Done.
Meet Frankie on Ingrid’s page
Thank, nice looking cat.
He’s lucky to be getting some good care. 🙂
Any new updates?
He’s So handsome Jay! But now that he’s hand’s on, you see the stripes, right? How is Stir doing with him?
Whisker length and cat size.
I have heard that the whiskers grow to match the width of the cat.
HOWEVER, Morgan is the light, slim 9 pound tuxie who has the longest whiskers in the house, unbelievably long.
Taz, the 22 pound orange guy has short whiskers and he is a “wide load”.
Kasey is no light weight and has quite short whiskers.
It’s true that a cat’s whiskers match the width of the cat – its normal width. This allows them to gauge narrow spaces before entering: if the whiskers touch the sides, they’ll know that they may not be able to squeeze their body through.
Whiskers don’t continue to grow in length as a cat’s weight expands. Nature did not intend for cats to be overweight… 🙂
Pumpkin is looking for “Whisker Extensions” 🙂
Glen – Taz, the 22 pound orange guy has short whiskers and he is a “wide load”.
I said the same thing about Pumpkin this morning before I read your post.
These orange guys really do expand don’t they.
Yeah, big orange guys seem to tend to just get even larger.
It makes sense that they don’t grow, just because the cat “expands”.
I want to catch Morgan when she is in a cooperative mood and measure her whisker length, thinking in terms of from the center of the nose to the tip on one side, because she really does appear to have VERY long whiskers, sort of like the parts code got mixed up.
Here they are, center of the nose to the tip of the whiskers on one side; multiply this by 2 to get full whisker width;
Kasey 3 inches
Taz 3 1/2 inches
Morgan 4 1/2 inches
Monkey’s looking for them too lol
Steeler’s whiskers don’t stop her from going in tight places that I can’t conceive a mouse getting into at times. Either she didn’t get the memo on the whiskers part or she is just a determined, independent Tortie. She does her own thing on her on time. 🙂
Only because they don’t have a 3 cat night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkM7uWBjUrI
and this is serious Monkey music lol but the same guy! It is so amazing to me that a guy can be that talented, yet choose to blow that beautiful voice out
http://youtu.be/ySCRrMKru94
This is so pretty to me, and this is why Peaches fell in love with Ivan Moody lol
http://youtu.be/hsV9gNDE5ng
Oh goodness, Peaches is coming over to the dark side! I’ve told you guys she hates SERIOUS metal, but for some reason she does’t hate Five Finger Death Punch, Iespecially if Ivan Moody is singing clean vocals…..she seems to have a thing for Ivan’s voice lol…..but, for the second time in a row she’s come to purr and rub my leg while I was listening to the hardest song 5FDP does, Burn it down, linked above as serious Monkey Music. Ya know, some of my friends at work hate metal but they like 5FDP, I think there’s just something special and charismatic about them
Too funny, at Carol’s house the cat and dog didn’t fight over food at all, here, I’m pretty sure Monkey will eat shanks if I don’t stay on top of it lol….but NOBODY’s messing with Princess Peach
I just got back today from a two-day mini vacay at my friend Carol’s house in Stockbridge (Or, as people around here know it, Stocktucky….lol) You guys know I’m a HUGE animal lover…….Carol’s sweet little muttley dog hardly left my lap, (except, once, to get a running start and dive bomb me with at LEAST a 5 foot leap) and her daughter Jessica’s cat is so sweet and gentle, he makes my crew look like a bunch of psychotic miscreants! But with all that said, I missed my psychotic miscreants and am glad to be home lol….
I was a little dissappointed that the solo cups weren’t red (lol see “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith to understand….no “Country folks'” gathering is quite complete without them)_ but despite the BLUE Solo cups, it was a great time!
http://youtu.be/BKZqGJONH68
WARNING; Clicking the above link could be harmful to a thinking brain, it is only for fun, proceed to click at your own risk. And it is most definitely NOT Monkey music lol
Hehehe…I’m on a mission to not be the only one in the world with this song stuck in my head…..
“Red Solo cup, you’re more than just plastic, you’re more than amazing you’re more than fantastic”
Betty, warm thoughts to you and your hubby during these trying times. I’m glad you are able to come here and read our posts and get a few much needed smiles
Thank you so much Lianimal. Yes, the posts are the one bright spot in my day I just wish I had more to contribute.
Shanks’ eyes are still brown. Wierd, because he looks like a half grown cat. He’s getting really big, as big as Monkey and Peaches were when I got them. It would be cool if they stayed brown, but I know they won’t and the suspense is killing me!
I would think by now that if they were going to change they would have by now. Punky’s were Gold by 6 months. His sisters were both Gree/Blue by then. I’m pretty sure Stirfry was born with RED eyes but went to Green as camoflage to disquise where she really came from.
The Underworld is wondering where she got to.
Hope Shank’s stays Brown for you.
After seing Steeler in the litterbox and knowing how Stir is and not Tabatha or Pumpkin. Do all Tortie try to dig to the basement after use?
Monkey scratches everything BUT the litter….she’ll scratch the wall for a while, then reach out and scratch the floor, if she can reach the rug she’ll go ahead and snag that and drag it over….she’s teaching Shanks to do it too!
Kasey is quite the excavator, too.
However, here, Taz is the one that scratches everything but the litter, and it goes on for quite a while. It looks funny to see a big orange guy do it. He wasn’t like that when he was younger, he was very active and more into “deposit” and run. 😉
Brooke generally effectively covers – though she has an aim problem, which would be solved if ever we got those litter boxes Ingrid endorses. (It’s on my list…) What we have, though, is our stealth tortie Sabrina, whom I think was born feral and wandered into the home of the people who dropped her at the shelter (reason: “moving.” Like what, you couldn’t take a little kitten with you?). Sabrina covers her food, digging at the floor, the wall, and anything else she can find (like a towel, or a shredded roll of TP). After the other cats observed her covering her food, they all started doing the same, as if it awoke some feral instinct.
“Brooke generally effectively covers – though she has an aim problem, which would be solved if ever we got those litter boxes Ingrid endorses.”
Thats Morgan our tuxie-girl, she figures as long as SHE is in the box, that’s OK. Largely solved with large home-built units made from very large Tupperware tubs. Only weak spot is ithey still have to have a door, though incidents are minimal.
“Sabrina, whom I think was born feral and wandered into the home of the people who dropped her at the shelter (reason: “moving.”
Maintaining a certain decorum on the forum prevents me from commenting in the manner I’d like to.
“Sabrina covers her food, digging at the floor, the wall, and anything else she can find ”
Taz does that, but its only with food he doesn’t like 😉
” Largely solved with large home-built units made from very large Tupperware tubs”
Yeah, that has been suggested to us. When I’ve looked, I haven’t seen tubs with high enough sides, or the sides are high, but it would take 50 pounds of litter to fill them (times 6 boxes). Plus, I’m not sure my skills are up to cutting doors without splintering the box, or leaving jagged edges.
“Maintaining a certain decorum on the forum prevents me from commenting in the manner I’d like to.”
Indeed. I know you’ve seen a lot of the same side of humanity that I have in doing rescue. The only thing that keeps me from hating the entire human race is watching the volunteers give up huge chunks of their lives to make a difference, and the families and people who come in to adopt and who do crazy things like fall in love with an adult cat instead of kittens.
Reminds me of one of my favorite cartoons – a woman holding a dog, and another woman says to her, “didn’t you use to have children?” and she replies, “we gave them away because we were afraid they’d hurt the puppy.” Or my second favorite, a cat dragging a woman into the animal shelter, saying, “I’m returning my owner, she keeps having babies.”
The NVR Miss litter box has been a lifesaver for us. I’m with you, Harry: the tubs that are high enough are much too big and require too much litter to fill high enough. And I worry about jagged edges, not to mention cutting myself in the process. Me + tools = not a good combination.
” Like what, you couldn’t take a little kitten with you?).
Bet they didn’t leave their kids behind though. But people that would toss away a cat probably would.
You all know where I stand on those that hurt animals or leave them like a worn out shoe. Leave them to me and Lynn. Bury the bodies later.
Allegra and Ruby don’t dig all that much. They do their business, and cover, although Ruby gets pretty rigorous with the covering part. Buckley was the digger, it took her forever to dig just the right spot. Amber neither dug nor covered – she was of the “in and out in the least amount of time” persuasion.
None of my 4 does much more than get in, do their business, and get back out. There’s usually a token effort to cover (usually just a sniff and 1 quick swipe) but I guess they pretty much figure dealing with it is my business.
LOL Sharon! They have you well-trained!
Now that I can officially listen to Christmas music (I just can’t do it until the day after Thanksgiving), the first cd in the player was – Lynn and Monkey, this one’s for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p54CMth4Jpg
Thanks Ingrid, I loved it and so did Bernie (NOT).
Steeler did not come into the room at all.
LOL…That’s awesome Ingrid!
Monkey’s digging it. SO I guess I have to buy the cd….lol
Okay, just ordered it from Amazon….$16.99 with 2 to 6 day shipping lol
I promise you, you’ll love it! My favorite track is Alice Cooper doing “Santa Claws is Coming to Town.”
LMAO…Ingrid, without a doubt, I love Alice Cooper in a general way already lol
Happy Thanksgiving, tortie family! I hope everyone has a peaceful and purrfect day.
Save some turkey for the little ones, but remember, if they’re not used to eating “real” food, make it a small piece and don’t give them the fatty skin.
Thank you Inrgid and Bernie!! I would also like to wish all here a safe and happy Thanksgiving and to the furry ones a safe and happy turkey day 🙂
We are having our meal tomorrow as my hubby has to work today. Turkey is both mine and my babies favorite meat so I’m greatly looking forward to tomorrow.
We never give the fat to the babies as they don’t like it anyway and they will only eat the turkey breast (just like their mama).
A Happy Thanksgiving from me and my critters. Even Stirfry.
I came to Bernies for Thanksgiving and got to meet her family. They are as nice as she is.
Eric was in good spirits but tires easily. So glad to meet him and even though he threatened me with the IRS (hope he was joking but he does have connections so not sure) we had a good time.
Right now I am being clawed by a Tortie to give treats. Can’t ignore those built in switchblades , so of course she got them.
I don’t generally do much for Thanksgiving. I’m half Native American, and thanksgiving was kind of the beginning of the end for half of my people lol…. I generally cook a cornish hen and share it with my crew. But since I was gone this year, my crew only gets regular wet food. That’s okay, they don’t know it’s a holiday, plus they’re Indians by default, so by osmosis this isn’t their favorite holiday either lol
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE, ONE AND ALL. STeeler and I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving today.
What Bernie (and Ingrid) said! I’m thankful that our cats let us sleep a few hours extra this morning despite being used to 6 a.m. breakfast! I’m thankful that we were able to arrange temporary fosters for all of the cats in all three LDCRF adoption centers, so that they’re all home for the holiday, not in the closed store. And of course, I’m thankful for this Tortie Family!
Making progress with B&W
He now is staying in the tubberware tub that I put foam in for bedding.
Came in handy yesterday as it rained hard all day and night. And this mornng he was halfway in the kitchen door when I called for Punky. Almost let him in but if he met Stir I might not find him for a week. I made arrangements for TNR on Dec 2. Gonna rent a trap today. Hope I can trap him that day.
Great news on the little B&W. If he is wanting to come in on his own, he is ready to be family. Hope you can trap him without any problems. We are all anxiously waiting to hear you tell us he is in his new forever home and what his name really is? Good for you.
Trapping him will probably not be a problem. I think just putting the cat carrier inside the cat house will make thing easier. I will just close it up when I need to. His name will not be mentioned until he becomes an indoor kitty. Right now he answers to “kitten”.
I’m confused, if he will come in the house on his own like he did the other day why do you need to trap him?
Betty, he was almost in the house but if he meets Stir he might run and hide. Catching him then might be tough as Punky can run and hide and how a cat that big can hide is beyond me. So a little kitten could get anywhere. I will take him to the Humane League to get his rabies shot (but not as many as Bernie’s) and to be neutered. They only charge $10 for feral cats.
Jay, the suspense is KILLING me! I have to know his/her name! lol
All in good time.
LOL 🙂
Name has been picked out though.
Heard this on the radio. Brings back memories
Peaches Music
Billy Joel – The Stranger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI2BnzF1860
Steeler really loved this song – the whistling part had her attention. After that she walked away. Anyone have songs where they whistle in that she might like?
There’s always the old classic “Sitting on the dock of the Bay” Good whistling there, plus it’s a GREAT song…I don’t think there’s anyone on earth who doesn’t like that one
http://youtu.be/8nA18g_PwG0
Okay, well, apparently Monkey doesn’t. She’s been sitting on the corner of the desk for an hour getting frequent rubs and kisses, but the second this song started she was gone! lol I swear there’s something wrong with that girl…she sat up here and purred all the way through
http://youtu.be/gROfnYCSBhw
Warning; SERIOUS Monkey Music
lol…and now that it’s playing, she’s back. Monkey is truly a metal chick
But she did like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZUZgudQKKw&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLF122038B19B6D205
Steeler did not wait for the whistling. She took off too.
Bernie, you’re thinking of Grand Central Station. Penn Station is nothing but an ugly hole in the ground :-)!
You are sooo right. I thought about that later. Brain cells are not up to par. But then some would say they never were. Great pics you have posted.
Haha, Ingrid I couldn’t agree more! It’s so big and confusing. I didn’t really get to see anything of Grand Central because I was worried about missing the metro.
I’m so glad that I ran into you on Sunday at Penn Station and you were able to point me in the right direction. I spent some time in the giftshop, got food from that cute chickpea restaurant and then spent the rest of like an hour and a half in the waiting area!
Bernie, I did have a good time and liked getting to see NYC which I had actually never been to before! I had only seen Long Island.
The thing about Grand Central is you have time for gawking because there’s always another train coming. It’s big, but it’s convenient
That sounds like a metaphor for how to live your life….
Hey you guys are really busy here tonight. Wonderful. I have just read all the posts. Steeler and I are enjoying every one of them. I have nothing to add tonight. It has been a long day. But your banter and posts is enlightening for me.
Lynn, thank you for your earlier good thoughts.
Betty, I am so sorry for your loss. Hope you are all over that terrible cold.
Guys and gals, keep posting. I am drowning myself in your messages. They do help. You are all so full of fun and stories.
Lynn, I read where you had umteem cats and dogs at one time. That must have been in you “younger” days. Now you are all grown up. 🙂
Bernie: Lynn, I read where you had umteem cats and dogs at one time. That must have been in your “younger” days. Now you are all grown up.
So, uh, what’s that say about me??
Awe Julie, your still a youngun!!! 29 looks really good on you. 🙂
I should probably leave well enough alone, but that was me. I always forget that if I use Julie’s computer, I’m her…
Oh dear, Harry, your a cross dresser!!!!!! Oh well, you look really good for 29, even if you dress like Julie. 🙂 To good to pass up.
I was going to say, that relaly sounded like something my dad would say…so this explains it! Yes it is so annoying when you are on one of the 3 laptops in the house that isn’t yours and you accidentally post as someone else!
Rachel, please don’t be annoyed. I kind of thought that was your dad behind that. But then it did give me a good laugh. Some things are just so funny they can’t be ignored.
Hey, glad to hear you had a great time in NY. Penn Stations are around because at one time, and to my monetary dismay, there was the Pennsylvania RR. It went down. I have been to Penn Station in NY many times and it is truly an architectural masterpiece. I hope your were able to see the beauty of it.
I HAVE grown up, I used to think I could “Save” everyone and everything, now I realise I was on the verge of being a hoarder, even though I always had a running “Free to good home” ad in the paper. But I honestly don’t know what more I could have done at the time……people kept dropping off dogs and cats, I couldnt just NOT feed them or take them in. Illinois is cold in the winter, and, while farm country has a lot of animals to kill and eat, nothing we humans created should have to live that way….so yeah, I, at my worst point had 14 cats and 11 dogs, but I didn’t know what else to do! In my country way of thinking, if I gave them to the shelter they’d be killed. I was trying to save them
Yesterday I was feeding the little B&W cat and made a foam lined house for him.
Last night after the sun had gone down I went out and called him.
B&W came walking across the hillside and to the cat feeder. Then down the hill and onto the porch. He rubbed against me but after a few pets he hissed at me. First time he ever did that.He looked a little bigger too. A few more scratches and he hissed and swatted at me. Then he stared towards the back of my house. I looked over and saw little B&W back there. This was either a father or brother as the coloring is almost the same. Well I gave this one food and went over to little B&W for scratches. Guess word is out that a few cat rubs gets you free food. ( or just coming over will get that).
This morning little B&W was back and friendly as ever.
In college a roommate and I each had black cats, my super-loving Kublai and her standoffish Puck. A neighbor had a very friendly white German shepherd who loved to play with Kublai and brought him sticks and other cool stuff. Except that once in a while the friendly black cat would swipe claws down the shepherd’s lovely white muzzle and hiss and get all foofy and frightening. Shepherd thought there was one bipolar black cat.
Henry is big and thin, Sabrina is small and round, but sometimes if one is curled up, or facing away, it’s hard to tell the difference. Brooke pounced out from under the bed on Sabrina a few weeks ago, only to find that it was Henry. It made me feel a little better that she couldn’t tell at first, either. One of our favorite stories when the kids were younger was “Six Dinner Sid”, about a black cat that lived in six houses on the same street, with six different names. Sid got busted when he developed a cough, and got taken to the vet six times. Though it did take the vet until the sixth visit to realize he’d seen the same cat.
Harry, someone already wrote the book? That Kublai of mine who I mention all the time (no wonder he’s the reason I’ve been rescuing for 25 years), in the last neighborhood where I ever let him outside, had food and milk bowls in several homes too! He stalked senior citizens and when he and I would sit on the front steps and they would walk by he’d act innocent but they’d recognize him right away. He was also a favorite of the young teenage girls and their friends across the street who bought treats for him and painted their names on his collar in nail polish.
I can’t believe there was a day I let this happen because the thought of letting any one of these guys out to make friends in the neighborhood terrifies me, but I know Kublai had a serious guardian angel, and I only wish we had a society where these stories could be true all the time.
“Sid lived at number 1, Aristotle Street. Sid also lived at numbers 2, 3 4, 5 and 6, Aristotle Street. Sid lived in six different houses, because Sid liked being scratched in six different places, and sleeping in six different beds. Mostly, however, Sid liked eating six different dinners.”
http://www.amazon.com/Six-Dinner-Sid-Inga-Moore/dp/0671796135
We have a cat in our neighborhood, I’ve mentioned him before on here as Big Orange. He is an un neutered male orange and white tabby. His real name is Marley. He “belongs” to a neighbor in the triplex behind me. Apparently she got him as a kitten and he didn’t get along with her indoor cat and out he went. He has food on every porch in the neighborhood I think and a bed on the porch across from me. She thinks he will be okay if she has food and a bed in the triplex laundry room. He needs neutered my other neighbor was just going to take him one day. I’m not sure he’s even had all his shots. He does try to come in people’s apartments, he is very sweet and quite vocal. I feel so bad for him. We live near a busy street and I’m afraid he will get hit. His “owner” is not a nice woman and I’m afraid to voice my concerns to her. She doesn’t think she’s doing anything wrong by him. I would take him in but Luna would tear him up! She does not like him when he comes to the screen she boxes with him and howls. Nikita (my actual full tortie) touches noses with him thru the screen so I don’t think he would be a problem for her, but not with Luna. Heck Luna doesn’t seem to even like her sister lately. She has been a crabby cat and lashes out at poor Nikita.
Sue and Harry…..back in the day I lived in a trailer just outside of town and EVERYONE dumped their unwanted animals. Almost every day some critter would show up. I’d wake up, open the door, and say’ Allright, come on in and eat lol….I had a continuous ad in the paper, Free cats and dogs to good homes….people would come and if they bonded with a critter they could take him/her…I had a few litters of dogs and kittens, but I got everyone fixed unless they were already expecting GOD that was crazy and cost me a TON!! I had about 20-something cats at one time, about 7 pitbulls, 3 of which I had to crate and rotate because they were dog-aggressive, and 10 other dogs from a rottie to a Great dane mix to a sheltie, and many MANY mongrels…..It was a crazy time in my life, and I’d NEVER want to go back. I loved every one of them, and god bless Hatchet (the tortie) She laid down the law and kept all of them in line, and never flipped out over a new addition. she was one of a kind and I could never have done it without her. SHe helped train all the dogs to be nice to cats (because if they weren’t nice she’d viciously maul them, but otherwise she was perfectly civil…lol)
Sue, I really hate it when that happens. A friend is having an issue like that now….she’s been feeding a friendly stray who obviousely belongs to some one, although no-one will admit ownership. She’s been letting her in, feeding her, and has bought a little house to put on the porch so the cat can get inside while she’s at work and can’t let her in
Sue, it sounds like Luna got the true Tortie gene with the attitude and Nikita even though a full Tortie missed it. Sound like mine where Tabby even though a Tortie/Calico is the sweetest, friendliest door greeter where Stir is a FULL TORTIE and lets all critters know it.
I say to tran and get Big O neutered but unfortunately let him go and hope for the best.
Like Bernadette said – in a perfect world all our furry friends would be free to travel and make friends in the neighborhood but with traffic, mean people and predators out there it is not possible.
Jay… these cats are not black and white. I know you hate doctors, but maybe a visit to the optometrist is in order? I see silver tabby/white cats. Am I missing something here?
I thought they were tabby and white too, but I haven’t been keeping up with posts and thought I’d missed something.
lol…the “Tabbie” looks like a torbie to me, the B&w Looks like a B&w, but has REALLY cool rings on his/her tail
Hey, I am new to this cat business so he is B&W to me. Lynn, I just saw the color stripes on his tail. I will get better pics tomorrow.
Aww Jay! You just reminded me of two ferals I used to feed in Ypsilanti. The black long haired one was friendly, I could almost always pet him/her, but the B&W was all the way feral, and couldn’t be touched…I cracked up one day when I was bringing the food out and he/she head-butted and rubbed my leg, then suddenly crouched and hissed, like; “How dare you touch me!?” I was all; “Hey! You touched ME!”lol
I have a bit of an in joke here at home.
Most kids have a stuffed animal.
As can be seen by the few pictures on the picture page, Kasey is a “full figured girl”.
Consequently, I sometimes refer to her as my stuffed animal 😉
Glen, Jay has a really full figured guy to introduce to your full figured gal. Meet Punky on Jay’s FB. Looks like a little Budda. No offense anyone.
Bernie
Our Taz, the big orange guy, is 22 pounds; some of it is excess to be sure but he is just plain big, he is almost the size of a Maine Coon.
He does not stand up well to tortitude, though.
Glen – Punky was 22 lbs. about a year ago but has slimmed down to 21 (althought you would not know it by looking at him). Lucky for us both that our biggest guys are gentle and loving and lucky for the world that our Torties are not. With their attitudes a 20 lb. Tortie would make a lion tamer cringe. Ard we know from Steeler that a chair would not hold up long.
myself being a kind of full figured girl can appreciate her cute nickname….lol
Well, you’re all familiar with “The Goddess”, my Cookie! She’s not as full-figured as when younger, and she was really never THAT full-figured as she is in my artwork, but the description I had written for that piece was, “Well, everyone knows a fat cat who knows she’s beautiful, and Cookie would tell you that a woman with a round shape was once most desirable and an object of worship.” So there.
Glenn, my Monkey is a full figured girl too. I feel so bad. But she was SO skinny when I got her, so now she’s just a greedy girl, but I don’t know how to stop her in my small space when I also have a growing boy and another cat who could gain stand to gain a pound! lol
Its tough when you have differing needs in the “herd”
Taz, being a big orange boy is just a natural shop vac.
Kasey went through a bad time when she didn’t get enough to eat and is making up for it.
Cutting the food would be the simple answer, except……..
Morgan the tuxie girl is 9 pounds, a picky, light eater that we have to keep weight on or she is in big trouble. She is a happy, active old girl but her health could fail with weight loss.
She will eat a spoonful of food, go away, come back later and eat a bit more, repeat, repeat, repeat etc.
So if I pick the food up or feed real low cal stuff, she has a problem, I have not come up with a good solution to this one.
Glen, are you free choice feeding or meal feeding?
I’m free feeding.
This is for Morgan, she weighs 8 1/2 pounds and is quite skinny. We have her checked by the vet for thyroid and she is OK but you can feel here bones quite easily.
If I could get her to eat on a high surface, I would leave her food there, the other two a ground dwelling cats, but she won’t eat if it isn’t on the floor.
I think she’s only a couple meals away from being in trouble so I don’t like to play food brinkmanship with her.
At night, she is in the basement with Taz, so I need to make sure there is food for her.
Kasey stays upstairs and I could remove her food at night after she gets her couple spoons of wet food.
Glenn, my three are exactly the same. Peaches will eat a couple bites and walk off, shanks will eat until he’s full, and monkey will hoover hers and then go finish Peaches and Shanks’ lol
lol that’s so cute! I guess Monkey would be a “stuffed” animal too!
Last night I felt sorry for little B&W and put the tubberware tub onto the deck along with a pair of pants (not mine) as bedding. This morning at 5am when I went to put out the criters I saw he was in it. Going to put foam into the bottom and sides today.
At noon I saw B&W on the deck. I had the camera this time and thought I’d get a pic of Punky greeting B&W.
We being the shy guy he is, he would not venture outside Tabby jumped over his and went out. She saw B&W and being my greeter cat went to him and withing 30 seconds we had nose touches. She then jumed to the ground to browse some grass. Stir wanted out but I did not want to tramatize the kitten. No nose touches with her.
I put pics up on FB but it was important to share progress on here and this is a CAT BLOG after all. Torties were mentioned as Tabby is part Tortie (but no attitude at all). Stir is Tortie Attitude times 100.
I can see a new litter box in the home of Stirfry, Punky and Tabby. Move over Jay, there will be one more bed kitty to keep you all warm this winter.:)
He is so darn cute.
Enjoyed the video, what cute babies you have. The B&W looks very much like a feral that hangs around outside my house, except the feral doesn’t have the larger black patch on his/her back toward the rear.
Could your Tabby be a torbie or part torbie? It’s funny that came to mind as the term torbie is why I will no longer take Columbia to the vet she had been going to. He has her breed designated as a torbie not tortie. She doesn’t have a tabby stripe on her, so have no clue why they would have designated her as a torbie. She is most definitely a tortie, both in looks and personality!!
Betty, the local Humane League listed Tabatha as Calico when we got her. After what Harry said years ago I think she is Tortie with white as there are no stripes I would not say Torbie.
Be she has NO Tortie attitude. Bernadette and Harry are our Tortie experts. I just love kitties so take what I am given or who ever finds me.
Jay I was thinking she looked tortie too, but then I thought; “Well, maybe just a trick of the light.” So she DOES have orange? And not all torties have attitude. I thought Monkey did at first, but since Shanks, I’ve become convinced that the problem isn’t Monkey, it’s Princess Peach. Monkey’s a sweetheart, until Peaches starts a fight and Monkey feels compelled to finish it.
Jay, are you waiting for lighting to strike you?
Been shocked by the fence a time or 2.
Well, maybe that’s what it will take for you to bring in this little kitty who is working so hard and must think you’re as dumb as a rock since you just don’t seem to get it.
Oh for the love of God, he’s already yours, just take him in and tell us his name! lol
Yes, what Lynn said…lol…!
I’m back, after the Saturday that Would not End. Basically, in all one timezone, it would be returning to the hotel at 1 a.m. Saturday morning after being out with clients, packing until 2:30, sleeping until 8, leaving for the airport at noon for a 4:30 flight, and then landing in DC at 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Or something like that. Even Brooke was glad to see me, though her willingness to be picked up lasted about 2 minutes – a world record for her.
It turns out there were at least 3 probably feral cats in the area around the hotel – Sunday night about midnight walking back from the metro we saw all three together – the black and white has an orange and white probable sibling, and there was a tabby that let us get pretty close. All appear to be well fed, not totally feral, but I don’t think they belong to the couple of apartments in the area. Here’s an idea of what the area looked like:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Image:DefenseGrandeArc.jpg
The cars are all in underground tunnels, so cats are not likely to get runover, there is a large shopping mall so there are restaurants and mice, and careful observation of all of the many planted areas reveals plenty of holes in the hedges which are clearly well used cat highways and offer protection from the wind. Still, not the life I’d want for a cat, but clearly these cats are accustomed to it, habituated to humans some of which must be feeding them, but savvy enough not to get too close to ones they don’t know.
Glad to have you back Harry. And 2 minutes of Brooke is good, Bernie wishes she could get half that with Steeler.
So there was no smuggling of a French cat back to the states ? 🙂
Giuseppe know french from his girlfriend so translation would not be a problem. LeMeow Le Meow
Jay, I did ask the wife of one of my clients for the French equivalent of “here, kitty kitty kitty.” “Kitty” is “minou”, and you say “mini mini mini.” The tabby seemed more responsive to that than the other two – but none of them were going to come over. If one or more had been friendly – I probably would have been looking for a French vet to get health certificates…
Oh my, Harry, is this your first real successful almost foster? Glad you are all back.
Welcome back – and thanks for clearing something up for me. When I first came to New Orleans I found it strange that most of the older people I met here referred to cats as minoos (or that’s what it sounded like to me). I did ask a few people about it, but they said it was just a common nickname for cats and were genuinely surprised that I’d never heard it before. Given the history here I should have guessed that I was hearing some French carryover. Duh!
Well, Giuseppe asked his French Canadian lady friend Mlle Daisy Marguerite if minou was also common in Quebecois, and she said, “Oui, mon cherie, minou is an affectionate name for your special kitty–many kitties in New Orleans can trace their families back to Acadie, and I hope I am still your minou.” So now Giuseppe is adding minou to his repertoire when he practices his arias at the top of the steps.
Aww, miniminimini…that’s cute
Giuseppe speaks Italian Kitty too, but when it’s the language of love there is no need for translation. Tortie speak, for instance, may not translate the same.
Bernadette, we all can speak Tortie.
And we know most are 4 letter words. 🙂
Welcome home, Harry! I’m very proud of you for resisting the allure of the French strays…
Actually, I think they resisted me…
Hey everyone, sorry about the lack of responses to your posts this weekend. I had a fantastic few days at the Cat Writers Association conference in New York. I’m on my way home and I can’t wait to see Allegra and Ruby – I missed them so much! One of the best things about this conference: you can talk about how much you miss your cats, and nobody thinks you’re crazy!
Betty, Thank You so much for your kind words about my son, Eric. Like I have said, I acknowledge and accept any kind of spiritual and healing thoughts that can be had for Eric. If I could I would send to the WWW to help him. He is my baby.
As for the stories and tales of the kitties, Steeler, Stirfry, Kasey, Pumpkin, and Brooke, Monkey, Shanks, Luna and so many more it does bring a smile to me as I read so many of the tales these precious little furry ones can get into to up to.
I agree Jay, should recognize that he has already adopted, failed fostered, the little B&W kitten. I have seen him and he is adorable and he already loves Jay. Now that Punky met him nose to nose, I think Jay has a real dilemma on his hands. I see a kitty in before then end of the month, I hope.
He has already just now said he has a name for him. Well that sure sounds like the little B&W will soon be cuddling with Jay and his other kitties, very soon. He is a lot like Harry and Bernadette. Their fostering cats skills are exceptional. They have no failed fosters, just a whole bunch of their own accepted fosters to adoptions of their little ones. Jay is next!! 🙂
Keeping my fingers crossed that as we read of the progression of Jay introducing “oreo” (my name until he officially gets one) to his future family that he will soon be in a cozy warm home and not out in the elements and street.
Great name, Betty, and keep sending those adoption thoughts to Jay so they get through his thick head.
Bernie, you and Eric are in my thoughts. Sending lots of good energy to both of you.
I’m sorry to hear about Eric, I don’t pray to any particular god but I WILL send my best thoughts and wishes to whatever supreme being may be there to grant them
Sorry for the week absense. I have been reading all the message thru email but just have not been inspired to post.
My mother in law passed away last week and as if he needed it my husband came down with the worst cold I’ve seen him have just a day before he had to flyout to Iowa for the funeral. When going thru security for his flight out security broke the zipper on his suitcase so he had to find something to tie around it to keep it closed.
Bernie, I am sorry to hear about your son. I may not have been posting but I’ve been trying to send all the positive thoughts I could muster his way. If you would like to have my mom add him to her church (Methodist) prayer list, please email me his name and address (the prayer list sends a card out to him also), or fb message me the info.
Reading the posts has given me the few smiles I’ve had over the past week and I have enjoyed reading about the antics and trials and tribulations of all the kitties.
Lastly, Jay – what are you going to name your little b&w? You need to start teaching it to him so when you finally let him in he will know it. It must be starting to get cold up there and the little guy will soon need a nice cozy home to be in…hint…hint…. 😉
Betty, Bernie has all of the Torties praying for Eric and I am aure she would like your Mom’s church to add him tp the list. We got Steeler healed and I am sure it will work on Eric.
I gave a name picked out (if he comes in).
Tonite I had another meeting of Punky and B&W. After much coaxing Pumpkin came onto the deck when little B&W was on it. At first he was scared as being outside is not normal to him. But he did walk over and while about 1 foot away little B&W crouched down and gave a hiss. Put being Stir’s son he figured that was a hello so he did get closer and there was a nose touch. Then he backed off and wanted inside. I would say that was a success.
Betty, I’m so sorry about your loss.
Hi Betty – I’m also so sorry to hear about your mother in law. And flying can only add misery to any event…
Betty,
My condolences as well, and hope that the posts here continue to give you reasons to smile.
Betty, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, and the need to travel in a circumstance like that only makes it more painful. I hope you and your household are recovering from the loss and the cold.
Sorry to hear that Betty!
Yesterday morning was interesting.
As I was watching TV in the bedroom I saw Stirfry walk b and swat at Pumpkin.
The a BIG Orange and White blur dropped down on her and the sound of a fight started. Last time I heard this was on Wild Kingdom when a Jaguar took off after a critter who was after her young.
Stir and Punky were at it. After 30 seconds I saw Stir run with Punky in persuit. She ran into the bedroom and onto the back of the bed.
I made the mistake of trying to calm her. A bloody knuckle proved that was the wrong move.
This morning I saw Punky walk by and crouch down by the Work Island in the kitchen. Stalking Stir I figured. As he got ready to leap Tabatha walked around it. Pumpkin just settled down and let her go. Not even a squeak from him. Guess he doesn’t want to hurt his buddy.
Sounds like Punky has had about enough of Stir and is taking a stand. Might be time for some of Ingrid’s Riiki essenses
A bit of English for those who might have missed that class: The
English language has some wonderfully anthropomorphic collective
nouns for the various groups of animals.
We are all familiar with a Herd of cows, a Flock of chickens, a
School of fish and a Gaggle of geese.
However, less widely known is a Pride of lions, a Murder of crows
(as well as their cousins the rooks and ravens), an Exaltation of
doves and, presumably because they look so wise, a Parliament of owls.
Now consider a group of Baboons. They are the loudest, most
dangerous, most obnoxious, most viciously aggressive and least
intelligent of all primates. And what is the proper collective noun
for a group of baboons?
Believe it or not ……. a Congress!
I guess that pretty much explains the things that come out of Washington!
http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/collnoun.htm
I looked up cats
A clowder or glaring of cats
But Wild cats are a Destruction.
Bernie’s chairs prove that.
Jay is right. Wild cats are a Destruction. Steeler has seen to that on my chairs. One little cat, so much destruction!!! Who would have known that was a description of the Torties?? Yea, we all do, I know.
Lmao…a Congress of baboons….perfect!
I SO stole that up to the baboon part to post on facebook and gave credit to “my friend Sue” lol
Wait…..what????
Baboons and credit to me????? Didn’t Jay say that? I don’t want congress coming after me!
lol my bad, I misread lol…sorry Sue!
Another one listened to after midnight
Good music for 2ns shift people
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPNFVj-pISU
Peaches Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeMFqkcPYcg&ob=av2e
I heard this on the way home from work – I like it better
Monkey music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylWiiOOKkcA
lol I’ve always loved the MM version of Sweet Dreams
OMG! I forgot to pay my cable bill. see I always pay it the first week of the month, but this month my check card was mysteriously reported missing and shut off….and I also ran out of paper checks….it was awful! LOL…..Anyway, I have to go now. work and all that…I just wanted to check in and let you guys know I didn’t fall off the earth or anything lol
Quiet today.
Was thinking about Punky and since this is a Tortie blog they are 99.999 Female ( except our Doodlebug) but I know there are a few males out the that live with Torties. How are Taz and Henry doing ?
I know Punky has been having fun watching little B&W and tormenting Stir.
Rachel, how are the 7 doing at home now that Mom and Dad are away?
Probably getting along and sleeping in a cat pile.
Let’s see…Brooke is more focused on getting into the room my grandparents are staying in than getting in to see Sabrina! Quite funny actually. My grandpa calls Brooke “The Evil Cat” because she sneaks into their room at night and he can’t get her out. May and Vickie have been sleeping in the living room. Henry and Pearl have been sitting on the couch or kitchen table when I’m around. Sabrina and Piper are friendly to me (I’ve been sleeping in my parents’ room), but they don’t sleep with me! Sabrina comes on the bed in the middle of the night and she likes to be patted but she won’t settle down. Sometimes Piper sits at the bottom of the bed in the morning.
I know they’ll be happy when my mom and dad are home to feed them, they don’t like my grandma feeding them! She’s not fast enough!
I’m so excited, I am going to the Cat Writers’ Association Conference in New York tomorrow through Sunday! That’s why all my Facebook statuses have been about New York recently. Ingrid is going too – see you there!
I had a kitty play date this morning. It was better than Bernie’s with Steeler as both cats were within feet of each other and no threats of immanent death were involved.
My outside B&W kitty is becoming brave and coming onto my deck to see me. This all started this week.
Early this morning he was facing Punky thru the door. I could see Punky meowing to him.
Well, later on I went outside to see him and Punky came to the door. I opened it up and he slowly came out. The B&W hissed at first then sat down and Punky was within 2 feet of him. Little B&W lay down and rolled over then faced away. Punky watched with his tail slowly twitching then wanted inside.
My door closes slowly by itself so he pushed it open and went in.
A few minutes later I let Tabby out and she walked around him and went down to graze.
I saw Punky inside with his paw under the door to open it. As I went down a few minutes later to get Tabatha (found her lon the deck at the top of my steps) I saw Pumpkin walk around to us so I know he was able to get the door open. Both went inside but progress is being made.
This is really good news today. A successful meet and greet and not one tooth was shown or blood drawn. Looks like something good will happen for that pretty B&W very soon. Only one more intro to make STIR. 🙂 Love the way “little” timid Punky came out. Not once but twice!!!
What did you say you were going to name the little baby B&W now?
Jay, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Brooke meow. She chirps, burbles, awks and aaks, but no meow. May, the torbie, yeowls, especially when she wants a door open. Henry has a little whine, Sabrina’s voice is usually a hiss, Pearl meows a lot, and sounds like an old lady with a three-pack a day habit, but Brooke… lots of sounds, none of them a meow. But nothing as ferocious as her sisters in tortitude.
Daylight in the swamp – time to go talk to some cats – uh, I mean, clients.
Allegra and Ruby both meow, but it’s the least used of their vocal repertoire. Chirping seems to be the most popular for both of them.
Monkey rarely speaks. The loudest thing she generally does is purr, so when she DOES meow, it immediately gets my attention
Harry, do you take catnip and salmon treats with you when you go to meet those “clients” 🙂
No, I buy them at the destination 😛
A gathering of animals
http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Pointless/AnimalGroups.html
WILD CATS = DESTRUCTION
It figures for Torties (And Steeler in particular)
Jay and all on here you found the perfect ID for Steeler. Folks my so sweet, lovable, innocent and adorable Tortie Steeler is beginning to show so much Tortitude these days.
First I would like to tell all of you a very special time with Steeler. Last week, my emotions were all over the place. I had come back from my son’s home and while there, I was as most Mom’s are when in crisis. We try to stay calm in the storm so as not to upset anyone and further, if that is at all possible. So then, I lost it and laid down on my bed and cried like I have never cried in my life.
Steeler, came onto the bed, and of course I did not know it. Then I felt the gentle touch of her paw on my head. She was giving me love and trying to comfort me. Now everyone can say Aaawwwwe, sweet kitty. um um she was then. Let me just go of track her and mention that not to long ago Ingrid had an article about how of little ones pick up on our emotions, I can tell you that is most definitely true. Now I hear that big AAAAWWWWee for this action by Steeler.
Ok, moving on. The other evening I was on the phone, and Steeler being a very possessive little girl, wanted me off the phone. She started to try to scratch the headboard of my bed. Bear in mind she went right for my very high Victorian headboard. I had to stop her.
Well Sunday, I again was at my son’s and came home and laid down. Steeler was in her box in the dining room at the time. Well I dosed off, and of course the phone rang. Then while talking the next thing I felt was a Tortie on my head, then walk on my shoulder and try to push the phone away from my face. Again I had to stop her and she again is not happy.
Then I had a call to make. While I was talking, Steeler came into the room and immediately started to attempt to claw and scratch my very large Victorian dresser, to get me off the phone. I scolded her firmly, but refused to hang up. She then turned and flipped me off and walked out of the room.
So when you folks see this sweet innocent little face of my Steeler, keep in mind, she will attach anything, at any time, just to get her way.
She is back on track to walking on me around 5 am just to make me get up and feed her. Often there is food in her bowl. I add a teaspoon, at best, and go back to bed. She didn’t need food. She is just determined to let me know she wants to have me talk to her. Frankly I don’t speak very nicely when awakened at 5 Am.
Now you are up to date on her good and her really Tortie behavior. Honestly folks, I have not had a full nights sleep here for months with her. I have even considered moving my room to the second floor, but that won’t work, she goes there now, quite often.
So here is and awe for Steeler and several HEY STEELER, STOP NOW. Oh by the way, she doesn’t listen to that. 🙂
There’s nothing better than having a cat comfort you.
I always find it amusing how many cats absolutely hate it when their humans are on the phone. But then, is it really that surprising? After all, it takes the focus away from them!
Bernie, even though you’re not getting a full night’s sleep due to Steeler’s antics, you know you wouldn’t want it any other way!
Steeler’s antics. except for the loving side, are really getting on the Hey I’M in charge here, LISTEN UP. She is a real Tortie. No I really would not want it any other way. I now know she has been hiding her ability to sit on her behind and rich high with her front claws to claw at my furniture when she is not getting her way. Now I am on furniture patrol!!!!!
Our Torties emotions go from “good” to “BAD” the same way as they ask for scratches then hiss and bite milliseconds later (Bernie has seen Stir in action). Steeler knows when you need love and comfort and wants her Mom to feel better. But then when you respond she now resorts to showing you who the BOSS is and scans the room like a home appraiser and picks out the most expensive items to mark. That $25 end table is not nearly inviting as that $2500 dresser and will get your attention so much faster (as Lynn put it – those built in switch blades) go to work. And we know that after her ordeal this summer you over looks these things and are glad to see that sparkle in her Gold eyes and she does her thing. As far as telling her “HEY STEELER, STOP NOW”. Let us know how that goes. You can then start on World Peace and Fixing the Economy as that will be so much easier.
I will have to find and new way to try and I repeat try to explain to her not to scratch the house furnishings. Stick to the kitchen chairs, I gave them up to her a long time ago. Hey, hey, hey no longer works to stop her. So “HEY STEELER STOP NOW” is a lesson in progress, for me, she has already defied that one, and quickly. I think World Peace and Fixing the Economy will have to wait for a Tortie to fix.
I have a bit of a health related report on Kasey.
You may recall a while back that I took her to the vet due to a cyst on her chin.
I happened to check it out today and it has reduced in size by 40% to 50%., this is from the size of 1/2 a small green pea. The skin on it doesn’t have a shiny appearance either.
This was small even at its largest and the casual observer would not have seen it.
I am pleased that it appears to be going the “right way”.
Glen, that is great news. No self respecting cyst would dare to stay and grow into anything on Kasey. She would eventually just rip the darn thing off. It is really good to have good news.
Love the story of her Concert in the middle of the night. I contend with that here with Steeler.
Only hers is for food. I don’t know why Kasey would serenade you in the middle of the night. But I guess it is because for all we try, our Torties are really in from the wild 🙂
“I don’t know why Kasey would serenade you in the middle of the night.”
I think it may be natures way of giving things a slim chance, because she announces her presence.
That is one way to put it. The other is to scare the he_ _ out of you. I know Steeler does that to me. If I am in a deep sleep and she decides to be vocal it is a feet on the floor quick reaction. 🙂
That’s wonderful news, Glen!
Always glad to hear that one of our family is getting better. Time, good Vets/Docs and Tortie well wishes seem to help a lot.
Glad to hear it, and hoping for a complete recovery!
To all friends/family here on CC,
On the 9th I suddenly wrote a post taking myself off CC due to a personal family issue. I immediately threw up the privacy wall around me because the news was so frightening that I could not fathom anything else taking up my time. I realized that I don’t want to wall myself off from the folks on here who have been here to support and laugh with me since my 1st post on April 19, 2010. Since that time I have enjoyed the camaraderie with each of you. We have laughed and tried to help each other in many ways. My little Steeler brought me to this blog and I won’t wall you off on my family issue.
I have given this a great deal of thought and realize that your support will needed in the coming months.
On the 8th, my youngest son, Eric, whom I have spoken about on here in relation to a story of Steeler, was given a diagnosis that tore our family’s world apart. My son has been diagnosed with lung cancer. We will be fighting with all our might for him as he will be. He is a fine young man. I am and always have been very proud of him.
Eric has been protected our Country while in the Air Force for 10 years, and has continued to protect all of us a an agent in the Federal Department of Justice Criminal Justice since then.
So you all know enough to understand he is really one of the very good guys, both family and for our Country.
Now you all know why I reacted as I did, but I should not have shut you out of this. It is to close to my heart not to tell what is happening.
I will not stay off CC and I hope all of you will be here to talk and talk and talk. Reading your posts and answering them will give me something to concentrate on during the bad times to come. I will also interact with you as I have done in the past. I will give you the dickens when I feel like it and praise when you have shown all your wonderful ways.
I will especially be happy to tell of Steeler’s ventures and misadventures, as it may be.
So now I have given you all the info and now let’s all get this yakking going. We need to reach a 10,000 posts here.
So Steeler and Bernie are baaaaaccccccckkkkk to STAY.
Bernie, I’m so sorry to hear about Eric’s diagnosis. I know that you and Steeler will give him the utmost support.
Thanks Rachel. Steeler and I will do exactly that. But every word of encouragement is a good word.
You know I’m here for you. You and Eric and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so honored that this community has not only become a place where we can share our tortie stories, but also a place where everyone feels comfortable coming for friendship and support.
I first came here about a little throwaway that I decided to keep. This site has gotten my little Steeler and I through some very tough days for her. So I am the one that feels honored to be able to come here and ask for the folks to know I need you all now, more than ever. It just took me a few days to come to realize how my emotions had reacted and now I am saying I want you all to help now, just by being here for me and Steeler.
I have a good story on Steeler, but I will wait until you have had a chance to see why I left, then I am going to be Trouble as usual. After all, I have a tough Tortie named Steeler. We have to be tough. 🙂
I am sorry to hear that, I am hoping for the best outcome.
Glen, thank you. I appreciate your concern. I am sorry I left the folks wondering what was happening. I know now, it is only right to tell the Tortie family the truth. Sometimes our emotions make us make the wrong decisions. I left mine overtake me. I hope I can stay on the calm for a while.
I have been through some similar experiences and know it is tough to carry on “business as usual” and deal with every day things.
This is completely understandable.
Bernie, we are family her both for OUR Torties and each other.
We will keep you and Eric in our prayers and offer emotional support for you.
I know you are tough as anyone who is owned by those special Black and Gold cats has to be but we all need friends to talk to during those hard times. You were there for Glen with Kasey, Lynn with Shanks and Harry and his family when those poor kittens sickness left his in jeopardy. Now we are all here for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help be it Reiki with Ingrid or prayers from us. We pulled Steeler thru and will do the same with Eric. Tortie Power is a great healer.
Jay, I know your words are words from your heart. I know you and everyone on here can understand and feel the pain I feel. I know we are of different faiths and ethnicity here, so I do not know which faith I can attribute this phrase to. So allow me to say this to you in hopes that Prayers are heard. “FROM YOUR LIPS TO GOD’S EARS”. I do not mean to offend any one here, but if only this can be true my son will be well again.
Thank you for being you. I believe Harry told you a while back that you are “smarter than you give yourself credit for”. He is so right. <3
Bernie, I knew you’d be back – and I’m glad. We’re like a full litter box – even after you get rid of us, the reminder smell lingers on…
I’ve already seen the first cat in Paris – in a carrier, disembarking from the plane. I said “bonjour” to him, and now I know how to say “I’m REALLY unhappy” in Siamese.
Harry I never want to get rid of any of you folks. I know the full litter box – even cleaned – stays in my heart and on my sensible side. It the the emotional side that doesn’t think. Enjoy your trip. 🙂
Saw cat #2 a few hours ago – a fat black and white. He scurred down some steps into a hole into a hedge like he had done it before. He moved like a feral, but he was fat. There are a couple of apartment buildings here, but mostly it’s office buildings – I hope he was someone’s. He didn’t want to be mine. Or maybe he just didn’t like my French.
Harry, talking to a friend tonight about you adventuring around the grounds and finding kitty #2. The kitty sounds like it is not sure what this strange American is saying. Or then maybe he did and thought, no, I am a French kitty, do not want to be sent to US of A. American kitties are not always hospitable to French kits.
So far, none of us have to try to get you out of the French jails, at least not yet!:)
Not much to add except ‘ditto’ to what everyone else already said. You know all your friends are here for you, and that we’re keeping you and your son in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated on your family situation as you feel appropriate, and of course don’t forget to include Steeler’s latest adventures – I look forward to catching up on her activities every week, and I know I’m not the only one!
Sharon thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I will keep all of you updated to the extent I can. I will add Steeler’s latest antics to a new post. Again thanks for being here for me.
I haven’t been around in a while, a lot can change in a few days. I’m sorry to hear that Berns, but I will keep thinking happy thoughts for him
Thanks my Wild Child. We all need all the happy thoughts we can get.
I made bacon and scrambled eggs this morning for me and my brother-in-law who is staying here while going thru a divorce. Figured I’d give a little to little outside B&W . He ate his small plate and I just gave him seconds. Hope he doesn’t expect this all the time as weekends are the only time I even attempt this.
You should know better. Prepare for a long winter of cooking breakfast for the little B&W guy. Actually, it’s probably a ploy on his part to move inside. He figures sooner or later, you’ll get tired of providing patio service and you’ll just let him live inside.
This little B&W has a catering service daily. Now it is a hot breakfast. Have you added a hot coffee for him yet or maybe a good herbal tea? I can’t recommend a tea, since I normally don’t drink it. While you are doing all this, you may as well put a little box out there (covered) and litter train him. I have a feeling this little guy has picked his forever home 🙂
I had posted something on FB but never gave it a thught here till reminded that yesterday was Veterans Day where we honor our Heroes in the Military and Security of the Country be it Police, Homeland Security etc.
Don’t know if there are any on here (other than Bernie that has family in the Military and her son Eric watching that we are safe at home)
but if Cats had Military than surily our Torties would be in there.
As Glen has said, our “Warrior Queens” would rather fight than back down.
So I thank all those that have served or are serving all over the would in all countries that we are safe.
Thanks Jay. I should have remembered to post for Veterans Day. Thank you so much, from Eric and all past and present vets.
Borrowed this from a Yahoo Tortie group.
Feline Physics Laws
Law of Cat Inertia
A cat at rest will tend to remain at rest, unless acted upon by some outside force – such as the opening of cat food, or a nearby scurrying mouse.
Law of Cat Motion
A cat will move in a straight line, unless there is a really good reason to change direction.
Law of Cat Magnetism
All blue blazers and black sweaters attract cat hair in direct proportion to the darkness of the fabric.
Law of Cat Thermodynamics
Heat flows from a warmer to a cooler body, except in the case of a cat, in which case all heat flows to the cat.
Law of Cat Stretching
A cat will stretch to a distance proportional to the length of the nap just taken.
Law of Cat Sleeping
All cats must sleep with people whenever possible, in a position as uncomfortable for the people involved, and as comfortable as possible for the cat.
Law of Cat Elongation
A cat can make her body long enough to reach just about any counter top that has anything remotely interesting on it.
Law of Cat Obstruction
A cat must lay on the floor in such a position to obstruct the maximum amount of human foot traffic.
Law of Cat Acceleration
A cat will accelerate at a constant rate, until he gets good and ready to stop.
Law of Dinner Table Attendance
Cats must attend all meals when anything good is served.
Law of Rug Configuration
No rug may remain in its naturally flat state for very long.
Law of Obedience Resistance
A cat’s resistance varies in proportion to a human’s desire for her to do something.
First Law of Energy Conservation
Cats know that energy can neither be created nor destroyed and will, therefore, use as little energy as possible.
Second Law of Energy Conservation
Cats also know that energy can only be stored by a lot of napping.
Law of Refrigerator Observation
If a cat watches a refrigerator long enough, someone will come along and take out something good to eat.
Law of Electric Blanket Attraction
Turn on an electric blanket and a cat will jump into bed at the speed of light.
Law of Bag/Box Occupancy
All bags and boxes in a given room must contain a cat within the earliest possible nanosecond. And there is no such thing as a box too small to fit a cat – the box will expand proportionately, magically.
Law of Random Comfort Seeking
A cat will always seek, and usually take over, the most comfortable spot in any given room, unless there is a box or a suitcase present.
Law of Cat Embarrassment
A cat’s irritation rises in direct proportion to her embarrassment times the amount of human laughter.
Law of Milk Consumption
A cat will drink his weight in milk, squared, just to show you he can.
Law of Furniture Replacement
A cat’s desire to scratch furniture is directly proportional to the cost of the furniture.
Law of Cat Landing
A cat will always land in the softest place possible; often the mid- section of an unsuspecting, reclining human.
Law of Fluid Displacement
A cat immersed in milk will displace her own volume, minus the amount of milk consumed.
Law of Cat Disinterest
A cat’s interest level will vary in inverse proportion to the amount of effort a human expends in trying to interest him.
Law of Pill Rejection
Any pill given to a cat has the potential energy to reach escape velocity.
Law of Cat Composition
A cat is composed of Matter + Anti-Matter + It Doesn’t Matter.
Wow this is really good. How accurate.
I don’t want Steeler to see this, she may not know all the steps!!!!!! 🙂
A cat that looks like a Tortie climbs a cactus plant
Watch the video
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/cat-arizona-cactus-days-article-1.976519?localLinksEnabled=false
The more I look at that video, the more it looks like a Tortie. What other cat could possibly do that and then walk away like it was no big deal??
This is really pretty at the beginning, but don’t get sucked in Bernie, it’s a woman, but it’s still Monkey Music lol
http://youtu.be/x4wMWwhpJL8
Ok my Wild Child I did listen up to 1:50 and killed the sound. That is definitely Monkey music. I just wanted to check in on you guys to see that you are all keeping this great blog going strong.
Guys keep going. When I can I will be back to get after you all. Till then stay gabby or yappy. Just keep the stories coming. 🙂
Now my Wild Child I am going to do something that I can’t believe I am doing and it is just for you , Monkey and Shanks. Heaven help me. But here it is . A day just for you guys:
11-11-11 = National Heavy Metal Day!!
This is for real. Just google it. Today is your day!!!
Ingrid, I think you fall into the Heavy Metal category also, albeit not as heavy as Lynn.
I guess there’s a holiday for everything!
Every day is Metal Day for me 🙂
What Jay said! lol
It seems more Tortie servants like Metal music than I imagined. A day for it and it fell on Veterans Day. How befitting. Heavy Metal for strong military persons, and the most unpredictable cats, the Torties. How did you folks pull that one off??? 🙂
It has been quiet at night here, lately, until last night.
I was awakened last night at 4:00 AM by the “song of the tortie”.
For reasons known only to herself, Kasey decided she needed to break out in song, it was loud and long, even for her.
It was the usually eeps & squeaks with other unearthly and eerie sounds.
It was bad enough the I though wild critters were fighting outside, or one had gotten into the house, well, basically with Kasey, the latter is pretty much true 😉
LOL I’m so glad Monkey and Peaches aren’t vocal like thst vocal like that! Shanks on the other hand, continues to talk every time he poops. It’s wierd, because other than that he’s a really quiet guy, He’s going to the vet Monday
Allegra has become more talkative over the last few weeks, but her “song” is more of “brrp, chirp” kind of a sound.
The song of Kasey is a mix of sounds from “tales of the crypt” and the most frightening sci-fi sound effects.
She does not seem to want to, or be capable of making the classic “kitty meow” ; she’ll never get a spot in a cat food commercial 😉
I pick her up and she makes an angry sounding noise like a small cougar. Visitors that hear this think she’s really angry but that’s just her voice. After making the noise, she puts both paws on my shoulder and bumps my chin repeatedly, the actions don’t match the sound.
After reading about Kasey and Allegra and hearing how Steeler and Stir talk (which is NOT a meow – do Tortie of the others talk like a “normal” cat? I forgot how Brooke sounded
if she did talk.
So do Torties meow ?
Dood does a standard meow when he’s impatient for me to get a treat into his dish – otherwise he’s pretty quiet. Callie, on the other hand, has a whole range of chirps, trills, screeches, and sing-song grating noises in addition to the occasional yowl when I have to pen her in the bathroom for some reason. Never heard a cougar snarl out of either of them — yet.
Sharon, the noises that Steeler, Kasey and Stir make are so alike. They make sounds that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It normally is day or night. They just don’t care when they do this. Sometimes it makes you want to run for cover.
I see you have not yet been serenaded by the sounds of the WILD, unseen creatures yet. I hope that one day you will get to experience their unique snarls, hisses and screeches. When you hear it once you will never forget it. 🙂
Maybe Torties will never be in a cat food commercial but a horror movie role is a shoe in.
Clive Barker, Wes Craven, Stephen King and John Carpenter will be calling on us shortly.
I didn’t know about the fur method. Only the water, food, and spray…..So I need to get in touch with Tracy and let her know about this
It doesn’t matter how you get the essences into their energy field. For some cats, it’s just easier to rub it on their fur rather than put it in their food or water (some cats seem to be able to detect even a tiny amount of something “different” and will then refuse to drink/eat, and we definitely don’t want that!)
Mine didn’t seem to notice anything, even the notoriousely finicky Peaches. Of course I wouldn’t have expected Monkey (Greedy girl) or Shanks (Noob!) to lol
Oh my goodness….you all know I’m warm natured, but I guess it’s time to turn the heat on. I’m sitting here with a blanket over my lap…. I had no idea Monkey and Shanks were under the blanket under the desk, I just swung around to go to the bathroom and kicked them both! Poor babies! I guess I just assume anyone with a fur coat must be warmer than I am!
Wow, I expected to have to do damage control both here and on FB for committing typos while without my glasses, but this is worse than I’d realized….lol
Everything listed in the initial post was right on with my Tortoiseshell Cat, Ms. Jackson is my girls name. We just got another cat, a small kitten she is part siamese, and Ms. Jackson is not partial to her… She is very strong willed, she does what she wants and when she wants it..She once rode half the way to the airport in my neighbors car before they turned around and brought her home..She basically went wherever she wanted and slept wherever, inside peoples homes or cars…But on her own repreve…We have had her for almost 10 years and she is getting more territorial….Love her so much..And I was not much of a cat person.
Ms. Jackson sounds like a tortie alright! I always love hearing about how someone who wasn’t “much of a cat person” got turned into one by a determined tortie.
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lol, I just keep thinking of the song by Outcast “Sorry Ms Jackson” As long as it’s a kitten, It’s adaptable. Ms Jackson….that’s so funny to me……Anyway, Ms Jackson might learn to like the kitten, or she might never. Peaches, my 11 year old Tuxie hates my kitten, but my tortie loves him, so he has support. Ingrid has a friend who sells some essences that have worked really well for me and a few others