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
Hey folks, right this very moment I have two very active kittens on my bed with me. They are playing tug of war with a very nice silk scarf. Well it was a very nice silk scarf. Am I going to stop the, heck no.
🙂 They can have the scarf.
Bernie, part of the joy of kittens is reassessing everything in your home and deciding it’s all just stuff. Right now, pack away everything that is in any way meaningful to you–it’ll be a joy when you find it years from now after the kids have grown up!
Bernadette you are so right. The kittens are extremely active. Last night, meaning early this am, I had little kittens on the bed, even after the lights were out, I was about asleep, when I felt the bumping on my back and legs. Since the room had only a very small light just to see the floor, I am not sure which one or maybe both, started biting at my toes. I would move a toe and they would grab onto it. Those little teeth are sharp.
So now they have taken over the entire first floor. So today I am clearing out all that is in my room that I want to save. I have had kittens flying around her like little bats. Can’t keep up with them.
I took my watch off last evening and just laid it on the bed. Well that became an object for kitties to try to steal. It was just so smooth and easy to flip around. Good thing I don’t wear expensive watches, I would be lined up at a discount store looking for a new watch.
Have a great day everyone.
Reading your adventures of the little ones brings back so many precious memories of mine a little flying bats…lol
We told you that your world would never be the same with kittens in it, and isn’t it nice?
Steeler and Eric knew what they were doing and what they needed to send you was a whole bunch of new life to breathe it’s way back into your world, along with the 2 older babies to remind you of where you had been. The mixture of the two is perfect as it brings balance and harmony to something that had been quite broken.
I awoke early this afternoon to hear Steelers resounding thunder all the way down here in florida. Normally my biggest fear somehow sounded a bit sweeter than it has in the past. I found myself smiling.
Betty that is an awe moment for me to think that you remembered Steeler’s thunder and smiled. I was doing the same, but I was talking to her at the same time. I know she hears.
How is mama cat doing with the kittens?
Most importantly of all is this.
Happy 4th to all our hero Veterans of the Armed Services, past and present. Thank you all for all you have given. Some have given their lives, some their limbs and many other injuries. I personally thank and treasure each and and everyone of them.
A special tribute to my precious Eric, who had spent 10 years, with The United States Air Force. He will be overlooking us all from his special place in the heavens.
Happy 4 of July to all of you … and I agree wholeheartedly with your comments Bernie re thanks to all the Veterans of the armed services, past and present. I don’t think they get thanked enough ever!
Margaret we sometimes take our Veterans, both past and present for granted.
Thank you for joining me in my Thanks to all those who have ever served.
Truer words were never said Bernie.
I am and have always been very honored by our soldiers and veterans that have given so much to keep us safe and protected. So much of what they’ve done has been forgotten and taken for granted.
My daddy was a veteran as is my husband, and I am more than proud of their contribution to our country. Not just them, but to all that have and are serving.
Thank you all for what you do and have done, you deserve so much more than has been given.
All the men in my parents’ generation were veterans. My father was an Army cook in WWII, and I have the huge flag we were given at his funeral which I display on every American holiday and sometimes just when I feel like it. I’ve been walking around singing the national anthem since Monday, remembering what it’s all about–and today enjoying my freedom to stay home and do as I please.
Bernadette my family has a long history of veterans. My husband was in the Army and of course you know my precious son Eric was in the USAF. He truly enjoyed his time there.
Well folks, an update on the Tortie, Justice, my gray tiger, Liberty and my Russian blue, Freedom.
I am amazed at the size of my kittens. I was only gone a couple days, and my son was with them, but they just seem to be growing by leaps and bounds. I watched them play, jump, and run and do it all over again, and again.
We had the craziest time with them this evening. I had given Jay a strobe light to play for his kits to chase the dots. It goes in different colors and designs. If I had to explain it, I would say it is like having a thousand different laser lights going at the same time. Well Justice and Liberty just went insane. We laughed and laughed. Then Justice went up my drapery after the dots and my son said, well Mom you asked if they had climbed on the drapes. He said I can tell you not while I was here, but you just gave them good reason to go up the drapes. They went up on the drapes, over the sofas , up the kitty tree, jumping to the floor and over and under everything thing they could to catch the elusive dots. Thousands of them. So I finally tuned it off, so they could settle down.
Then to my amazement, I came to my room to watch the news, check CC and rest a little. Well now here came Justice, right up on my bed, one big jump, followed by Liberty, with one big jump. They surveyed the bed, the computer, the nightstands and played on the bed. I just sat and let them do as they liked. It was really fun. Now they are sleeping soundly in the living room, all worn out from their exciting evening.
Freedom came out and sat in my room with me, but she is still not quite sure she wants to be a momma, but on the hand she is not making any type of hostile advances at the little ones anymore.
For the time being, I feel that this little special delivery group, is going to make nice, well, most of the time anyway. 🙂
Bernie – Momma cat is making progress. The tortie we had before Miss Gracie was called Cheeky (who was cheeky by name and cheeky by nature) was a former feral cat, who decided she wanted to live with us. When we got her she was indeed very wild, but we had her desexed and she eventually calmed right down to the point of being a lap cat (the SPCA said it would never happen!). She died of liver cancer at 11, but I know we gave her some good comfortable years. She was a character, that one. We already had an older ginger cat at that stage, and he accepted her presence very gracefully. We always refer to him as “Ginger the Gentleman”. There are going to be a few cats waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge when I get there!
Margaret, Momma Cat is ok with me. She still hides, but she wants me to pet her when she comes out. Then back she goes. So I will give her all the time and space she needs. I know she is a gentle feral. Gosh she is also so beautiful.
Miss Gracie, sounds like she had her own “attitude” about her. It sounds like Miss Gracie and Ginger the Gentleman had a wonderful forever home with you. You can be sure they will be on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge when you arrive with a few more also.
She will come round Bernie – time and space is exactly what she needs! (like we all do sometimes).
Miss Gracie is still here on this side of the Rainbow Bridge (thank goodness, she is only 3 or so). I have had 5 other cats in my life before her (Ginger, Cheeky, Mo, Buddie and Missie). Mo, Buddie and Missie were non-torties. Buddie was such a beautiful cat – black and white. I still miss him dreadfully more than 3 years after his passing. Mo was a little black kitten that went wandering (so I can understand Betty’s grief about her wandering cat that never came home). Missie was a tabbie who was just divine. She was so gentle. If she wanted to get on my knee she had a little ritual of jumping onto the back of the couch, walking over my shoulder, down my front and onto my lap … every time she wanted to sit in it!
What would we do without these kitties in our lives? They sure give us as much love as we give them.
Margaret, wow, I did make a mistake on that one. I am glad I was wrong. I understand Betty’s grief so well. I have this new little family of kittens with their mom. I still miss my Steeler and at times the grief still comes back. She was so special. Then all of us who are owned by kittens know each and every kitten is special.
Steeler was the only cat I had ever had. Now thru channels I don’t question I have received these special little ones. I just love them so much already. I didn’t think I would ever want any other pet
after I lost Steeler. I was so wrong. I am so glad, I was wrong.
and the best part is unlike so many humans, the love from our precious furry children is unconditional.
I am enjoying reading about your furry babies Margaret, they all sound so very special.
Bernie and I went to the Fireworks on Sunday night at the local park. The have an Army Band and their last selection is the 1812 Overture with real cannons to the music.
I recorded it and put it on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWdffIMpWSU&feature=youtu.be
Just posted two photos to the CC Facebook page – two wild and crazy tortie kittens at an adoption event (see, Glen – tortie kittens do exist!)
Harry you are teasing Glen and Jay with those gorgeous Tortie kittens. Folks they are adorable. From what I see of them, they are very, very active. I hope someone adopts them together. I would if I could, but I am in PA. and Harry is in VA. Harry ship them to me. 🙂 My family can grow 🙂
Meet me in Ocean City and we’ll hand them off. You’re into sets, so you want the mother too, right?
Harry, no Mom. I would love the two torties. They seem to be close to the age of the kittens. I can’t make it to Ocean City just yet. Have business to take care of here in W. Pa for until the 21st.
Harry, I will put down a deposit for you to hold those kittens for Bernie. Then it will be 3 torties for her and 2 torties and a tortie with white for me.
Buell smiles
A video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIcPhUyBSX4
This morning I released Styx into the “General Population”. Frankie ha come down, ued the litter box, saw her and walked away. Pumpkin was watching later from the steps. Styx wandered around and looked out the basement door windows to the utside. She turned around and was face to face with Stir. Stir had come down thinking I would go out and let her out too. Well Styx ran and Stir went into a corner under my fish tank stand. Se just glared out at me and not sure where Styx ran to.
So far things have been calm.All the cats upstairs and Styx down. Frankie did not come upstairs until 2 weeks later. I will give everyone time.
I’m guessing, which is known to almost always be wrong…that Frankie is the first “friend” that Styx will make. It sounds as though he is a little born diplomat and is going about meeting his new roomie in the proper way based on how Styx responded to him in your other post.
Sounds encouraging to me 🙂
Frankie seems like Henry. A greeting cat that welcomes everyone and doesn’t take rejection personally but keeps trying. He has been hissed and swatted by Stir and still comes back and tries to play fight. But he does realize that sometime turning and running away is the best option. He will accept Styx and so will Punky. Tabby a little while. Stir -NEVER. I will just have to hope for a cease fire.
I was with the kittens after Jay released Styx into his kitten family. She did not behave as she had with me. Jay is able to pick her up, give her kitty forehead kisses and she doesn’t hiss at all. If I did that, she would tear my face off. I watch her come into the room with all the kittens. She slowly looked over the situation and must have decided that she was outclassed by the senior Tortie Stir.
Styx being the youngest Tortie next to Stir, showed respect for Stir, from a distance. Quick study.
Well after becoming familiar with everything after a couple of days, Styx is doing what the rest of Jays’s kittens do. They go at each other playfully then stop dead in their tracks, not hurting anyone.
I was on pins and needles with these guys on Monday while Jay was at work, thinking Styx would pull a stunt. She was well behaved all day. When Jay came home, she did what all the kittens do. She greeted him and then to my surprise she went into his room with him, as if she has lived there
forever. Jay truly has a gift for understanding Torties and other critters (except Buell). So I returned to my home with a feeling of knowing I did the best possible thing I could for my Mom’s Tortie by letting Jay give her a good forever home. She adores him. Must be his smile. 🙂
Probably the smile has something to do with it, but mainly they can sense the love and caring he has in heart for them.
One of my boys, Rocky the tux has developed a bond with my hubbie. While he still comes to mommy for food, to be held (always like a baby since he was a little baby), and when he doesn’t feel good, he is daddys buddy cat.
It is so cite to see Rocky and his doggie sister Lucy contend over my husbands affection. They get so excited when he gets home from work. We have a daily routine when my hubbie gets home, we have our one cup of daily coffee and a donut or some kind of sweet and site at the dining table discussing the day. He can always look forward to both critters at his side begging for lovies. The dog tried to push the cat out of the way and the cat tries to push the dog away.
It is so cute to watch.
Anyway how I got started on this is I have found in both my babies and with friends that have furry babies that quite often they are either more fond of women than men or vice versa. My former tortie Magenta absolutely loved to be around men, and despite starting off being my kitty, has an undeniable bond with my husband. She more put up with me, but worshipped her daddy.
Styx may just be a mans cat. She is just a very lucky baby to have found a wonderful and loving daddy like Jay.
Betty you have said what I said to Jay. Styx is a man’s Tortie. She wanted nothing at all to do with me and she bit my Mom so many times. She now has a very loving and happy home. Jay makes a good daddy for all his critters.
This morning my plans were to get up at 6am (Donkey alarm was set) be ready by 7 and go get tires at 8am when the place opened. Bernie was going to be here by noon. Well, I was awakened at 8:30 by Bernie. She had left early(5 am) with 2 hours sleep but was delayed by bad fog. Well , my alarm did not go off duie to the fact that he was able to open his gate and get into the feed bucket with oats, a bag of sweet feed and a half bale of hay. No way was he going to wake me up or let me know Bernie was here. The barn was a mess.
We went to get tires and up the road (on a 3 car length street) I was forced into the side by a truck on my side of the road. Well, 1/2 mile down I told Bernie the car was pulling to the right. Got to the main road and pulled into a hardware store parking lot. Flat tire on the right front. We changed the tire and then drove the 5 miles to the tire store. 4 new shoes on the car now. Bernie complained aboout the air conditioning in my car – it was only used 3 times last year and about 2 the year before. I never use it cause my windows qwork just fine. Well, we gave up and just put the windows down. It was cooler than the window up and the air on. Bernie is trying to get sleep while Stir makes noises on the bed above her.
Jay had a really rough awakening. Stir giving him the “what for” for sleeping in and not filling the kitty food, even tho only a tablespoon had been taken out.
Buell did a # on the barn. Ate all he could and tore the hay bale apart. Usually he will bray when I arrive. This time it was really quiet. I thought he was out in the far pasture. Nope, he was gorging himself on all the food in the barn, while Nutmeg and Harley were locked securely in their stalls wanting to eat also. Buell did not share.
I did try to get some rest, it was a rough drive thru dense fog. Stir sat above my head and kept snapping her tail for me to get a hold of so she could talk to me. When I don’t she gets “peeved.”
Now I am back in my home and it is cool. Jay’s idea of AC is open the windows. Man that is hot.
I was wondering what people are seeing as trends in cat coat markings.
We were at the Petvalu in Buffalo NY and I looked at the cat adoption area, a futile exercise because Kasey would not do well with more cats.
There where not torties but the predominant markings were brown tabbies, these were all kittens. Nice looking little kittens, marked like wild critters, though very tame.
I have three tortie kittens at the adoption center right now 😉
Tortie kittens?
That challenges my belief in Kasey’s origins.
I find it hard to believe Kasey ever was a kitten.
I find it easier to believe she was conjured up, fully grown, from an eerie & foreboding swamp, by a medieval wizard, in a thunder storm, on a moonless night.
That would better explain her attitude.
Glen, there are Tortie kittens. One of my little ones is a Tortie kitten. I named her Justice. She is full of herself and I expect to have some trying times with her. I have already given blood for her. 🙂
Bernie
Since you haven’t raised kittens, you are in for an “experience” 😉
The cuteness is a natural defence, it prevents the human caregiver from getting the urge to kill them for some of their “transgressions” 😉
Taz was the most hyperactive kitten I have ever seen. Most kittens run for a while, then drop and sleep a while; for 6 months, he was basically set on “run”, with no “drop”.
It didn’t help that at 12 weeks, he was the size of a normal, half grown cat.
One time during this period, I was eating dinner.
I saw him run at the couch.
I sucked the breath in to yell at him and before I could say anything, he was up on the seat, up on the back and on the floor on the back side of it, all without breaking stride. And this was soon after the vet amputated 3/4’s of his tail due to infection (from some pre-rescue incident).
He was a hand full, but he settled down into a quite, good natured adult.
Glen, I am already watching the lightning fast movement of the 2 little ones. With all they have to play with, they love jumping, running and chasing up and over the couch. They climb the kitty tree and jump and I swear they are going to get hurt, but they don’t. I have given up the formal living room and let it become a kitties-in-training room only. 🙂 To tell the truth, they took the room over all by themselves.
I may hold Bernadette to her “grandma” status one day. 🙂 🙂
Glen, first the news sounds good on Morgan. I hope to hear she has more and more better days.
Looked at the product on GNC. I hope it works for Morgan. It sure won’t hurt and if I know you, like me, and others here, you will do everything you can to help her.
Harry is throwing a tease at you on the 3 Torties for adoption. However, if he could he would make sure you could get 1, 2 or 3 if you were interested. 🙂
I am so tempted to take a Tortie kitten. But I will have to be satisfied with being a father to Justice.
Glen, as to Kasey
“I find it easier to believe she was conjured up, fully grown, from an eerie & foreboding swamp, by a medieval wizard, in a thunder storm, on a moonless night.”
I think that wizard was in a real bad mood and conjoured up twins. But Stir and Kasey had to be seperated at birth and put in 2 different countries. Even then, North America has the world worried about about us.
I want another kitty SO bad, however due to Columbia it is nearly impossible to even consider. I would want a kitten mainly to give my Rocky someone to play with. I feel so, so bad for him when I see him playing in the kitchen by himself with his little mousies (and he will ONLY play with the black ones!). My Angelika that got out a coule of years ago was a close to being his baby as another kitty could be. I mean when she was a tiny new baby and also a preemie baby, she almost left us a couple of times but was a little fighter and survived. I gave her pt every day when my friend (she had the mommy) would bring her down to my apt., I fed her mommys milk with a dropper, and kept her in my bra while she was there to stay warm and comforted. The mother cat who also came for the visits had tried to abandon Angelika when a newborn as that is just their way when they have a baby with issues sometimes. Our interference kept her alive until the mother once again began mothering her. I would still put her through her little exercise routine daily and supplement her diet with the purchased mothers milk substitute.
It was a running joke that even though Rocky was neutered before meeting the mommy kitty and babies, that they were husband and wife. When they came over the mommy would perch up on an end table so she could oversee her babies Angelika and 1 male were the only survivors. The male was fully developed and twice the size of his little preemie sister. I would put a small quilt I had on the floor along with the babies. Rocky would always come over, wash them up good and lay down and snuggle with them. Mommy didn’t mind at all. Angelika still being like a newborn, would climb up as far as she could on Rocky’s belly and grab one of his nipples and try to nurse. He would just give her gentle kisses, put his paw around her and let her nurse away.
As she got a little older and her fragile legs had devloped enough for her to walk and eventually run and play she and Rocky were inseperable. She was and would always be his baby, she she moved in with us. Times when he would lose sight of her, he would walk around the house calling her with that “mother cry” that summons their children. She would come running to him. Of course it was rare that she wasn’t already following him around. They played together, slept together, ate together and were so close.
When she got out, she was about 5 and Rocky about 7. He was miserable, (still tears flowing remembering it) and would call her and call her and of course she never came. We did everything we could to find her but she has still never been found. I will only allow myself to believe that a kind and caring person found her and took her in. She had been spayed so I didn’t have to worry about her being alone with a bunch of feral babies.
My house and my heart are still so empty and mourning at life without her, as I’m sure in some ways so is his little heart still broken. I know I’ve told her story before, but sometimes I just have to let it out again. gotta go
I think I may have never said what kind of kitty Angelika was or if I did it was one of my first few posts, I don’t know what that just occured to me so I scurred over here to our kitty playhouse at Ingrids 🙂
Angelika was a beautiful 8 pound dilute tortie, as was her mother.
I also forgot to share a humorous aspects of her that always makes me smile when I think back to it.
Our Lhasa, Lucy, loved her to pieces. If you have never seen a 30 pound champagne lhasa wrestle with an 8 pound dilute tortie, then have you missed a sight! Lucy would play with her, they would chase each other, and sometimes even sleep together along with Rocky. It was just a funny…funny…thing to watch. They also both liked small stuffed toys and small soft rubber toys. There was a soft rubber dolphin that originally was Lucy’s that Angelika took over. So sometimes angelika would have hold of one end and the dog the other….(the effect of laughing while crying unhappy tears really screws with the head doesn’t it…anyway I digress)
What made me jsut remember all this was I went to go into the bathroom, and there lay Lucy and Rocky side by side sleeping away. I wondered of they were both dreaming of my precious little girl……
Loved the story about Angelika. Hopefully she is in a forever home and being pampered.
I have to believe that otherwise I’m not sure how I would be. She deserves a wonderful forever home with a loving mommy and/or daddy to love and love her.
Betty, I’m so glad to hear about Angelika, and what a loss. I can tell it still hurts, and one of my greatest fears is for one of my cats to just disappear, never knowing what happened. Especially after all the love and nurturing in her case, if there is kindness in the universe, which there is, I would hope she found her way to someone who possibly needed in their life as well.
My heart goes out to you about still missing Angelika. I’m glad you shared her story with us again.
Thank you all for being the best support anyone could ever desire.
I also want to thank you Ingrid for having this blog and for allowing it to be a place for we who love our babies, tortie and otherwise.
I feel that the fact I’ve been able to write about Angelika and let my feelings out in a place where the others around me understand how and why I feel the way I do has enabled me to begin to heal.
My husband tried to understand but I know he has no understanding of why I am still this torn about losing her. He looks so very confused when he sees the tears begin to roll slowly then faster when I see or think of something that reminds me of her.
I feel safe here, safe to let my guard down enough to express my inner thoughts and feelings without fear of them being used against me since they expose an open wound and a weak spot within me.
I guess what I am ultimately trying to say is just……thank you my dear friends and new family for allowing me to be part of this wonderful place and most of all allowing me to be me.
Any time, Betty. We may not be able to put our arms around you, but you always know we are listening, and we understand.
Betty, I know you are heartbroken about Angelica. Like Bernadette, I to can only hope a good family found her and gave her a forever home.
Don’t apologize about tears and heartbreak to us. We have all been through that and we do fall back on this Tortie family for support.
Betty, most of us have know a cat or dog that got loose and disappeared so we know your feelings. And we all hope that they were found and given a wonderful home by someone who really needs a friend. I always wonder if Stir or Frankie who are my family now really belonged to someone else. Frankie I would see for months hunting in the field across the street and Stir was TOO Feral to have been a house cat but I always wonder. But any cat that was put out as a indoor/outdoor cat was never really loved enought to be given a forever home and if they were a cat like Angelika that got out I wish I could tell the previous owner how much I love them. But I will never know. But as a family on here we understand where you are coming from and are here for you when ever ya want. I’m on 2nd shift and don’t always have time to get back to the messages right away but Ingrid, Kitten, Lynn, Bernadette, Harry, Glen and Bernie (plus all the others I have missed) will be on right away for you. That what make this more than a simple cat blog.
Thank you all for your previous words to me.
I am just used to having to justify and explain my emotions my whole life and old habits die hard.
I don’t know if it is part of being a 3rd generation Gemini w0man, that I am just naturally a highly emotional person, or the fact I have had major depressive disorder most of my life or a combination of all of the above. That I have had to explain and/or apolgize for being emotional over some things for most of my life from early teens to now.
I think that may be part of why I have pretty much always been a loner. I have no desire to go out and be around others as being around too many people gets me very tense adn uncomfortable. I was also raised a very sheltered and protected only child, which I have always enjoyed until I realized my mom is getting older and I am all she has. No brothers or sisters to help watch out for and care for her. She is a very strong independent woman though and at 82 still has her own apartment and is very active. I am so thankful for that as it helps me deal with it a little better.
Some get so concerned because I have no desire what so ever to go outside my home and go anywhere. I grumble every month because due to one of my medications I have to go to my doctor once a month. I like staying home and see no reason why I need to do otherwise if that is what makes me feel content. So in having to justify my emotions, my desire to stay home is often questioned.
What all this drivell means is a simple thank you for allowing me to feel safe and be me here.
Betty, Jay doesn’t realize it, but what he has said goes for all of us. He has a good heart and speaks from it and he means what he says.
Just remember on this site, you don’t have to hold back your thoughts or withhold your feelings.
You can come out of your box, and be yourself, that free spirit that all Tortie servants have. No judgmental folks here. Just family.
I haven’t checked yet, but is the full moon approaching? Did any of those here owned by torties have strange kitties last night? I sure did!!!
I am on day 3 of antibiotics, prednisone, and a codeine cough syrup due to a bad case of bronchitis. I haven’t slept since tuesday night, the last thing I needed last night was for my tortie to be in this bizarre mood.
As usual I was sitting on the couch in the middle of the night, my legs propped up resting on my knee scooter. Columbia took her place on her “woobie” next to me on the couch. She was all purrs and lovies as I was giving her gentle scrutchies on the back of her neck, one of her favorite spots.
Like she has done so many times before she reached one of her front paws out, curled her toes up and presented her paw to me. Normally this means she wants to hold my index finger, so I started to lay my finger in her “hand”. As I did she suddenly lunged her head forward and tried to take a good nip of mommy’s hand. It startled me as it was so unexpected so I jerked my hand away from her and yelled “NO!”. She got a very defiant look on her face and slapped my hand with her open paw. So being extremely irritated, I slapped (gently of course) her paw back and said “No!” again. She brought her paw back then forard she came claws fully extended and managed to put 2 deep slashes on top of my hand near the wrist area.
I grabbed the roll of paper towels I keep by the couch as my hand was bleeding quite a bit. By this time she was still laying on her wooby, ears still back watching me cleaning my hand up. I was SO angry at her I grabbed the bottle of the spirit essences I had bought for her, managed to fill the dropper up to full and squirt it on her side. This time I was faster than she was and got the full dose on her. She thought about it for a second then moved up to sit on the arm of the couch still watching me. Here I am up in the middle of the night with a bloody hand talking to my defiant kitty, giving her a lecture like she was my runaway teen.
I tore off some 1/2 sheets of paper towel to keep on the couch in case my hand started bleeding again. She looked down at the paper towel sections next to me on the couch as if she had just seen an alien from another planet. She got back down on her blanket, belly down, creeping a little closer to the paper towel sections. The other small blanket I keep on the couch to sit on had a bent under corner on it next to the paper towels. With her belly still down, she reached over and started slapping the daylights out of the folded under corner of the blanket, then took her paw and flipped the corner over so she could see under it. The next slap session was the paper towels. They seemed to be distressing her so much I moved them away where she couldn’t see them. She calmed right down and looked over at me with her big expressive golden eyes gently chattering what seemed to be kitty words of apology to me. She laid back down as close as she could get to the edge of her blanket to get closer to me. She continued with her apologies wanting me to resume her neck massage. Still not quite trusting my little devious child, I waited quite a while before I would touch her again, then making sure it was a as far from her mouth as possible. I would stop the petting once in a while and move my hand back to just laying between us on the couch. She reached over with her two front paws and gently laid them on my arm while air kneading at the same time. She was back to normal, and spent the rest of the night next to me. Finally falling asleep with her head in my hand and her paws laying across my arm.
It was a very strange night.
Sorry for the length of this post, I just looked up from it for the first time and realized how long I have been babbling. My apologies for deciding not to delete the post, but I really am curious to find out if anyone else had a weird night with their tortie companions?
The end…..Of this message anyway 😉
I don’t know that Kasey’s behaviour is governed by astrological conditions, it seems more random 😉
Kasey doesn’t get that rough with people she seems to save that for other animals); but, you never quite know what to expect.
Usually she lies up against you and likes to be pet.
Other times, she wants to nip your fingers and swipe at your hand, not to injure, it is more plat-like, though a bit rough. When she gets like this, there is no settling her down, either.
Betty, sounds like Columbia was, well maybe, getting back at you for some of the things she had not let you know about before. Maybe she was just plain angry that you were not giving her enough attention and she let you know it. I love the Tortie apology story on her. They are the most unpredictable, lovable and precious little ones.
Torties don’t need a moon to be a little ornery or a lot ornery.
Hope your hand is ok. Also hope you feel better.
She had me wondering about her all day anyway. I didn’t see hide nor hair of her all day. She was curled up sleeping under her chair at the diningroom table all day. So I had been wondering if maybe she was having one of those “just feel yucky” days.
It is usually her by my side when I am sick, but yesterday she was not around and her sister Janet took care of mommy all day and into the night instead. My shadow (works out well since she is pure black) followed me everywhere, kept me company in the bathroom, sat with me at the table, stayed on my lap when I was in my computer room, and of course snuggled tight up next to me on her side of the couch.
Columbia didn’t surface until around midnight or so.
So I’m basically looking at it as a day when neither of us felt well and you tend to always take things out on the ones you love.
Thank you for the get well wishes.
What a strange night indeed, Betty! I hope you feel better and everyone has settled down!
Betty, I am the WRONG person to answer this. I hope your hand is better today. And yes, Torties do not stay mad long. But what you described is an every day thing with Stir. That is how I found Ingrid’s site years ago. My cat (unknown what a Tortie was) would go from cute cuddly kitten to ferocious jungle cat and back in milliseconds. Giving blood was an everyday occurrence between teeth and claws. When I had her fixed I had her front claws removed. I would never do such a thing now after learning from Lynn, Ingrid, Bernadette and Harry how painful that can be to a cat. Stir is not as bad now but ask Bernie, you never know how things will turn out when Stir plays. Pumpkin and Frankie will bet into a slap fest or wrestling match with ears back and snarling. Minutes later they both decide they are hungry and walk side by side to the food bowls. They were just playing. Stir plays rough and for keeps. Like Steeler and Kasey – they play “Tortie style” and you get hurt. You will not find other animal family members messing with them.
” Stir plays rough and for keeps. Like Steeler and Kasey – they play “Tortie style” and you get hurt. You will not find other animal family members messing with them.”
Absolutely, Kasey will play with a toy or string (never left alone with string), but Kasey does not understand the concept of play fighting, it is for real, you never back up, don’t understand fear and there will be pain, usually for others.
They day after the “weird night” I showed my husband my war injuries. He got so angry at her he said she needed to have her claws clipped. I agreed that she could definitely use a good clipping however I don’t know of anyone that would be able to do it unless she were strongly sedated! I don’t know if the other torties have the same type of claws as Columbia, but her front claws are more curved than the other kitties I have. I call them little fish hooks. Of course as a side note I also developed a sharp pain in my right side from coughing so much. I looked at my tummy and right side and it is covered with a HUGE, very ugly purple bruise covering my right side. I have done that before only on my stomach when I had bronchitis. Between that and my hand I looked like I had just come home from war. Hubbie is not happy.
When we took Brad to the vet about a month ago the friend that took us there asked the vet about the cats and the fact that we may be moving later this summer. The doctor said to give them all some children’s benydryl liquid the day before we leave then again just before we leave and for a couple of days after the move. She also gave the dosage vs. weight which is written down with the bottle of benedryl she sent me home with. So I suppose we could sedate her with some of that to trim the claws, however I would MUCH rather have a professional that knows exactly how to clip kitty claws do it but I’m not sure if they would take her mellowed out with the bendryl or not.
I was woken up by Steeler at 4:20am this morning. It takes a lot to wake me but the thunder was intense.
Now I am up and just voted for Ingrid and Bernadette. Last day folks. Get busy.
Jay’s Mom had a dilute Tortie, Sarah. We visited his Mom on Sunday while I was there and seen Sarah. She was so very thin. Jay and I encouraged her to take Sarah to the Vet ASAP. We both knew she was not going to come back with her. On Tuesday, Sarah was taken to the vet. Sarah had to go over the Rainbow Bridge. Her thyroid had caused so many other issues for Sarah. Her age was against her and her organs were failing.
The Roar of Steeler with the Thunder was Steeler letting you know she had found Sarah and that she will be with Eric and her.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sarah. Although I guess I’m glad that she was able to end her suffering. It is also good that you and Jay helped his mother make a decision she had probably been pondering but was afraid to make it in case it was not the right one to make.
Sounds like it was time for Sarah’s sake for that decision to be final. Thank you both,
Betty, Jay and I did not help her make the decision on Sarah. We could not do that, even tho we both knew what the outcome was going to be. We urged her to take Sarah to the vet ASAP. Jay’s twin brother Tom and his Mom, took her on Tuesday, the first appointment they could get.
They are both so heartbroken and I and most of the rest of this Tortie family can understand the terrible pain of losing Sarah. I am only thankful that Steeler chose when to leave me. I don’t know if I could have handed her to a vet and walked out without her. Jay’s Mom and brother are truly in a very deep grief.
Jay and I will see them this Saturday and take them to a concert and firework display. Hopefully we will be able to give them some rest and moral support. As we all know, nothing can take the pain of loss away. It will take a long time. Our little ones are our children.
I need to learn to write less emotionally and more factually.
By helping her make the decision, I am aware you and Jay did not tell her that she needed to put Sarah down. What you did do was suggest that she take Sarah to the doctor.
I apologize if my words were the wrong ones, I need to curb my ways.
Betty please don’t change your way of expressing yourself. I know what you meant. Jay and I didn’t have the heart to tell her Sarah was not going to make it back home.
Jay’s Mom and brother are so deeply hurt for the loss of their little Sarah.
I’m so sorry about Sarah. It sounds like it was the right decision. My heart goes out to Jay’s mom.
Here is an update on my new kitten family. Freedom went to the Vet today and had her stitches removed. She healed nicely.
While at the vet, I met a woman that had 4 very small rescued kittens. She does rescues and then vets them and tries to find homes for the kittens. I told her I know myself and a special group of folks that would give her a medal.
Then she asked about my little Freedom. I then told her about the kittens and Freedom and how they came to me. There were others in the waiting room, and they all said, pretty much what we all have said. My 2 angels answered me, threefold. I gave them Ingrid’s FB address to read the article. The lady that had the rescued kittens said she was going to look at it. The other 2 people said they didn’t have a computer.
Today, it was confirmed that Freedom a definitely a Russian Blue. Now I will have to look that up.
I then asked the vet, if Freedom is a Russian Blue? He looked at me and said “I thought you knew that”. Of course I didn’t and let him know I had just been told that in the waiting room. The things I don’t know.
Justice and Liberty are growing and exploring. Boy are they active. Taking pics getting a lot of empty pics because they are in one place and gone in an instant.
Freedom is now upset again due to the vet visit. It took me almost an hour to get her to the carrier.
She did not want to be caught. She almost got her wish. She gave me a run for my money.
Tonight all is quiet, kittens sleeping for a short while. Freedom is in my room, laying on the floor and giving me “that look”. Maybe I should not go to sleep. 🙂
Well that is the latest. Pics will begin to be shown as soon as I can get some good shots of each of them. They 2 little kittens are growing very rapidly. Liberty is almost caught up to his sister Justice in growth. That is really good news. He was the tiniest one.
Just in case you are wondering, I have more better days now, than bad.
Thanks to you all and the special delivery by my angels.
Glad to hear, Bernie. No one can be sad when there are playful kittens in the house. I think Freedom has gotten a few lessons from Steeler, in which case you are safe in her paws but she will make you think otherwise.
OK I will tell her that while she is making me crawl on the floor in this heat to try to catch her the next time. I will ask Steeler to talk to her.
She is a very pretty and petite cat. Her coat is like a velvet. So smooth and soft, and she has those brilliant green eyes. I hope to get a really good pic of her sitting so all can see.
For the kittens, sitting does not seem to be on the list of things to do. 🙂
I wondered why you’d all been so quiet and I just went to my junk e-mail folder and found most of your messages from the past week or so, when I got my new computer. You forget about these things! I had my settings perfected on the old computer. Oh, well, I thought you folks had been pretty quiet!
Hey girlfriend, good to hear your new computer didn’t toss your junk mail. I was hoping you would pop up tonight. Somewhere along the way, during this fast and furious merry-go-round with the 3 kits, I do recall you saying somewhere that this episode made you feel like you just became a
“grandma”. I don’t recall the exact way you said it. Well just for future references, grandmas, take the little ones, spoil them rotten, and then send them home for the parents to deal with. So let me know when you want to fulfill the “grandma” role. These little ones are getting very rambunctious, and a delight to watch.
I think you’re making that up so you get a babysitter, Bernie! I wouldn’t mind a few play sessions if you were closer, though–I could never play with enough kittens. I’m in semi-retirement right now, though, but we’ll see.
Hey girlfriend, not making that up. If there are any grandmas’ on here you will hear about that one.
Grandmas’ are special to the little grandies. ’cause they always get their way at their Grandma’s house.
But I’m used to my great nieces and nephews who follow me around like I’m God. That’s my grandma experience!
That’s real grandma experience. So you do understand what your “grandma” status stands for.
Then again, you are a very intelligent person, so you could, now I say could, just be saying that to ward off any grandmas that you just dissed. 😛
Thanks, for the messages.
I will look for the Nutrical, I think or local shops list it in their inventories.
She is resting comfortably and grooming at the moment.
Glen, I hope Morgan is still eating on her own. Please keep us posted. Lots of kitty purrs for her and you.
Bernie
Thanks for asking, Morgan is doing quite well,
She is active, drinking and asking for food.
I am still hiving her the high calorie supplement and she fights me when I do so.
She is not eating the food I would like her to, the prescription diet, but we will work on that.
Glen, I hear progress. I hope she will continue to eat and drink. Even asking for food. Giving her the high calorie supplements may be tough, but it sounds like it is helping. I, like you, say if it is working don”t break it.
When she has regained her strength and feels a lot better, then you will know how to introduce her to a health diet. If that is what she will eat. If not, then give her anything she will eat.
Please keep up posted on her progress. So far it sounds good.
Morgan had another good night.
She kept everything down, this is two days in a row.
She fought me very hard last night when I gave her the supplement.
I called the vet, yesterday to check up on a few things; the supplement is not a problem medically for her so that will continue, I will try another brand to see if it is appealing taste-wise. It is not a problem to keep her on Pepsid, so she will get that every other day she is good about taking it.
I am going to pick up another product from the vet, a high cal thing that she might lick up, we will see how that goes.
She is quite alert, active and happy this morning.
Good to hear that she is keeping food down.
We all like to hear progress is being made.
A holiday day here and I am trying to get organized. All cat toys in 1 area and make room for climbing the kitty tower. So far only 1 cat at a time.
Glen, if she’s eating well, you can mix the Nutri-Cal, if that’s what you have, in with her food. In my experience they either lick it off the tube or off a plate, or they hate it. Whichever other supplements you may look at, be cautions with products like CatSure, which is like Ensure for people, a great idea and people like milkshakes, but they aren’t good for cats. They are heavy on the dairy and cats are notorious for being dairy-sensitive and it causes bowel issues. Those may not be good for Morgan.
Morgan had another good day.
I check with the vet before feeding her anything, so as to not cause any problems with something I give her.
On the vet’s suggestion, I am supplementing her diet with this;
http://www.hillspet.com/products/pd-feline-ad-caninefeline-critical-care-canned.html
…and she LOVES it.
Glen it is good news about Morgan. Something she likes that is healthy for her. You sound excited and I don’t blame you. Really good news about her eating. You go Morgan. Get better fast.
Morgan had a tough day, today; she vomited 6 times on the basement floor during the day.
We resorted to one instruction the vet gave us; give her half of a 10 mg Pepsid pill every 48 hours.
She had the pill at 6:15 PM and was very good about taking it.
Now at 7:30 PM, she drank some water and is eating.
She is alert, active and agile but thin.
We will continue to what and treat her, we’re trying to prepare for the worst but hoping for a good outcome.
If we could get the digestive system upset under control, I think we might keep her eating, if that goes well enough, possibly getting her eating the right food. I would like her to eat the healthy food now, but it isn’t the time to challenge her to eat what she doesn’t want to.
I’m really sorry to hear that, Glen. Keep us posted.
Hi Glen,
I am so sorry to hear that Morgan is having a bumpy day again today. Good to hear that she still has the desire to eat. I think (I know who am I?) the fact she is showing that she wants to eat and drink it’s a good sign meaning she hasn’t given up and is trying her best to get better.
I think I suggested this the other day as the vet had us use it years ago on my tortie I had then that was having some digestive issues and not eating. She loved it and immediately started eating anything that had this on it. I would even coat my finger with it so she could lick it off.
It’s called Nutrical. It’s a high calorie vitamin gel of sorts. This link will tell you all about it: http://www.1800petmeds.com/Nutri+Cal-prod1340.html btw I am not suggesting you buy it there, it’s just that when I did my google search it was one of the first sites with good product info on it.
As I said it’s just a suggestion as it worked well for my kitty when she couldn’t keep her food down and unlike your kitty did not want to eat anything.
Please keep us up to date on how she is.
I’ve used Nutrical with several of my cats too, Betty, it’s a great suggestion, especially with an underweight cat.
I’ve also had some luck with a hi-test liquid vitamin supplement for a short period of time. Sometimes intestinal disturbances result in mineral deficiencies, especially iron, but even the Bs and C can be appetite stimulants. This is something you’d need to ask your vet about, and if she’s already getting B12 that may be enough to help her appetite along. Ingrid uses supplements and probiotics too and that would help her as well.
Glen, it’s hard to handle this condition because it’s kind of vague and hard to know what to do, or not do, but Pepcid AC is something I have in my feline medicine cabinet all the time. It’s amazing how a cat can turn around from listless with no interest in food to happily eating and drinking an hour later. Think of really bad heartburn that takes away your appetite. Since this may be an ongoing issue with her condition, learn her symptoms and try to head them off before they go on too long. If it seems she needs it often enough, ask your vet about a smaller more frequent dosage–my vet recommended 1/4 of a 10mg once a day, even twice in extreme cases, and my Peaches was only five pounds.
Good luck with her, don’t be frightened.
I’m sorry to hear she’s having a rough time. I’m concerned about the frequent vomiting since you mentioned that her blood tests also showed that she has pancreatitis.
You’re absolutely right that you need to get her eating, even if it may not be the ideal food right now. Are you giving her probiotics with the food she is eating?
Ingrid
The vet didn’t mention probiotics, I am not sure where we would get them.
Since she has had her Pepsid, she has been eating an drinking and moving around, normally.
You can get probiotics at any pet food store, human health food store, or order online. I like the Dr. Goodpet brand: http://bit.ly/LkPlr1
Glen it tears at my heart to hear about Morgan. I don’t know the right words to say to you at this time. I will say, don’t go down that road. Morgan is a fighter and getting her to eat anything you can will be the best medicine for her. I am with you on not challenging her about what food to eat.
I am keeping and sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and Morgan.
I am with Harry on this, please keep us posted.
It is like what has been said before on this site. Every kitten is our kitten. So we are all sending the strongest positive wishes and prayers for Morgan.
Morgan is having a better day, today.
The Pepsid may be helping.
I took the day off and we went to Petvalu in Buffalo, NY this morning and picked up this;
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4448053
Cats are supposed to just want to lick this up but Morgan defies this trend, However, if I hold her and put a measured amount on a saucer, I can use my finger and place it in her mouth. She then swallows it, it doesn’t seem to distress her and she gets it down, so that is something.
She is eating and drinking water, is alert and moving around just fine. As I type this, she just climbed a 5 foot high carpet wrapped 2 x 4 to get to the basement window perch I made for the cats years ago (there is a ramp to get down so they don’t have to jump from that height).
Tomorrow she will get another Pepsid and I will keep feeding the supplement to her.
Morgan had a great day, today.
Still have to force feed the supplement but I use a syringe (w/o the needle), most of it gets in her, not on her that way and I can measure the intake more accurately.
She is bright and active today, climbed the 5 foot high climber.
She drank water frequently, but not at diabetic volumes and ate frequently on her own.
I am not sure how things will go in the long run but it is nice to see her doing better right now.
Great news Glen. We all were worried about Morgan. Good to know she is getting nourishment and taking fluids. We are saying prayers for her and know she will be better soon. Playing with Taz in a week, playing with Kasey ——- When Hell freezes over 🙂
Thanks, Jay
Not real breakfast conversation but I forgot to mention that she tossed a large hairball on Friday night, I am sure the hairball was not helping the situation. The vet said not to give her hairball products because they contain fibre, which she said would not be good for her in her condition.
She has kept all her food down for the last 24 hours.
She seems happy, comfortable and is moving well.
You are 100% correct on your last sentence 😉
Harry, just for my own future reference, how long as Vicki been getting in May’s face again? You are talking years here aren’t you? So I have years to find out if or when they will all be civil to each other?
Oh I can just see me now. Get the bandaids and ointment out and have it ready. That is my plan. LOL 🙂
Yes, years, Bernie. May just gets too close to Vickie, and gets smacked. But they coexist, just not well at mealtime. I don’t worry about leaving them alone together, unlike the situation with Brooke and Sabrina and Piper. Freedom will reach a point of tolerance, I’m sure.
I am hopeful. Freedom is starved for attention. She guarded her food and water bowls tonight. When I went to move them into the bathroom for her for the night she did hiss and snarl, until she could understand I was not taking it away from her then she settled down.
She was not to cordial to the kittens, so she was not permitted into the living room. She laid in the hall and watched without incidence.
I believe she is going to be a gentle cat in time, when she feels more secure.
It sounds to me as if she feels threatened by perceived competition for food – not uncommon in a cat that has had to live on her own for a while. That is, I suspect, Vickie’s problem. I wonder if some Spirit Essences Safe Spaces would help. Ingrid will comment when she wakes up 😉
Harry you may have hit on something there. I think Ingrid needs to fill me in on that. It is her food she becomes agitated about if anyone or any kitten comes anyway near her food. Tonight she actually laid down by her food to watch over it. I did think that was strange. Then I thought maybe she just wanted to be close. Now I think you have the right idea about that. Thanks
Folks since I posted and let you all know that the kitten playpen has been dismantled and the kittens, Justice and Liberty have free roam of the place, they have not “yet” left the living room. They have been very busy and energetic. They have watched Freedom move about while in the kitten pen. So now Freedom and the kittens are all free. The first face to face with Freedom, was not motherly. She was downright hostile. I will have to see what she does next. I am hoping they get to a peace treaty.
Freedom, for the time being, wants those kittens to leave her alone. I do believe that is wishful thinking on her part. Will keep you updated. 🙂
I know, museum glue. Got it. 🙂
That happened when I first got Shank’s mother too, they didn’t remember each other. Most adult cats will eventually accept kittens, though. Even if she doesn’t recognize them as her own anymore, she’ll probably end up being okay with them. Although Peaches still isn’t with Shanks. Then again, Peaches never HAD a litter. Monkey didn’t either, but she was a lot younger when we got Shanks. Peaches had been an only cat for about 10 years. Anyway, keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Vickie still smacks around May, her daughter, who wants nothing more than her mother’s approval (ok, that’s me making up that last part). But they were seperated for 3 months before we brought Vickie in. And they do coexist, mostly – just not friendly. If May wouldn’t constantly get in Vickie’s face, it would probably be fine.
“Vickie still smacks around May, her daughter, who wants nothing more than her mother’s approval” LOL
So far this early evening Freedom is not appreciative of the little ones. So for the night hours, while I should be sleeping, I am keeping Freedom in half of the first floor with me. She has the den, the hall, the bath and my bedroom to be in. The kittens have the living room, the kitchen, the dining room and the staircase and center hallway to romp in for the night.
Tomorrow, Freedom goes to the vet to have her stitches removed. I may keep her separated from the little ones for the day. I will have to see how it goes.
I do know I need to learn to do the video of them. Justice shows not fear, she almost antagonises Freedom to come after her. The Tortie is coming out in her as we write.
One key thing to keep in mind is that the babies smell different to Freedom now as does she to them. Being kittens they will adapt faster than the momma will until get get used to their new scent and realizes who they are.
We took Brad to the vet a couple of weeks ago to have him checked due to diahrrea lasting over a week. When we got him back home and let him out of the carrier we just did catch Columbia trying to go after him with teeth bearing, growls and ruffled tail. He smelled different and for a short time he was a new kitty to her and she was going to have none of it. About 15 minutes later she was back to normal.
Betty, thanks for the advice. It seems reasonable that they would not recognize each other any longer.
The kittens have been on their own for a time now.
Hopefully with a lot of love and attention, I can get them to accept each other and play without showing teeth or snarls.
Probably the beat situation has already happened, and that is that Justice is getting to get reacquainted with Freedom now while she is still a baby. While many here have said that they have introduced new cats to the adult torties without incidence I think is more rare that it is the norm.
When I first took Columbia to the vet she was about 4 weeks old and the vet cautioned me that if I had plans to get another kitty, I needed to do it soon as after torties are a couple of months or so old they will no longer be as willing to accept another kitty in “their house”.
I got Janet about 2 weeks later as I had to wait until Columbia got over the hookworms before I could get any other cats. To this day Janet is the only other kitty that Columbia totally accepts. She tolerates Brad who I got as a kitten when she was about 6-7 months old. In fact it was her starting a fight with Brad when she got her leg stuck and broke it.
Rocky’s acceptance never did really happen. She seemed to tolerate him when he was a kitten and even for several years after but for the last year and a half she stalks him, chases him (not playfully!) and pretty much confines him to the kitchen.
So anyway I know I’ve posted all this before, I guess I’m just trying to show you what the alternative could have been if Justice were older.
I would recommend treating this like any other new cat to cat introduction. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and go slow. https://ingridking.com/2011/08/15/cat-to-cat-introductions/
Ingrid, thanks for the advice and website. Freedom has had free roam of the house and seen the kittens in the playpen with no problem. I am going to follow your lead. 🙂 🙂 I hope that works for me as well as it did for you. LOL
Yes, Ingrid and Harry know the correct way to introduce kitties (they just don’t always follow them though).
So far my way of keeping the new one in a dog kennel where they can see and smell each other and not interact then released has worked fine.
Lsst night Styx hissed at Tabby who hissed back, Then she wandered over to the basement door a few feet away where Frankie was looking out. Frank turned and looked back then resumed looking out. Styx came closer and got on her belly and crawled towards him. Frank turned around and lay down. Styx then layed down exactly the way he was. I then went upstairs. A while later I saw Frank and Styx touch noses. After going to fireworks with Bernie we came home and watched a show called Bad Dog on animal planet. I saw Styx come upstairs and explore. She saw Punky and Frank in the kitchen and then went to explore the living room. Stir was in the bedroom at the window so I knew nothing would happen that the SWAT team would have to be called. Today she is back in the basement and all is well.
Ok now, all the announcements have been made. If your wondering what the heck is Bernie talking about, read Ingrid’s update on the kittens. Her url is http:conciouscat.net I just read it and she told it just as it should be told.
Now for the fun part. I dismantled the kitten playpen today. That means Justice and Liberty can now roam and find their momma, Freedom. I can tell you all now, I am amazed to see these tiny little kittens flying from kitty tree to my gold sofa and all around. Justice was sitting up on Steeler’s floor cushion, which was on top of a marble top table. I didn’t see her jump, but there is no other way to get there.
Now is the time for me to see just what kittens can bring into my life and “home”. I think I have lost the right to say “my home”.. It is now Kitty Central. Thanks all. By the way, the No Vacancy Sign is up.
Harry, Steeler was a challenge for sure. She and Eric really sent me double the challenge. This is going to be very interesting, very fast.
I will have to learn to use the video part of my camera. Catching them inflight is hard with the regular camera. I did, however, get some shots of them.
I must be doing something right now, there has been no thunder since I brought Freedom in to be a forever cat. By the way, I did have her chipped. The babies will be chipped when the vet says it is ok to do that.
Vet visit for Freedom on Thursday. Stitches come out. I know she will be more comfortable then. I hope to get some great photos of her for all to see along with her babies. :):)
You will get more enjoyment from watching those babies dash about the house and playing than you thought there could be. Your tv will be a second source of entertainment if you even think of it at all.
I remember when Columbia and Janet were babies running and jumping all over the place. I had slippery tile floors then and they would slip and slide on the floor when trying to get somewhere. It was too funny to watch. Unfortunately I didn’t have a video camera back then so I couldn’t save some of the more precious moments.
Eric and Steeler gave you this family to remember them by and to try and bring joy back into your life, now is the time it will truly begin. Savor and enjoy every precious moment Bernie, you deserve it.
This made me smile. I’m just so happy for you.
The update Bernie is referring to is in this post: https://ingridking.com/2012/06/13/liberty-and-justice-a-tale-of-loss-faith-and-kittens/
Great update Bernie and Ingrid! And yes!!! What Betty said…nothing is more fun than watching kittens play!
Well Lynn, you guys are right on about watching kittens play. They are so active. Surprisingly they are staying in the living room to play, even tho they can go thru out the first floor, “so far”. I am sure as soon as they realize there are more areas to inspect they will be all over the place.
Will be posting pics on FB soon. Just have to share my happiness with all of you. Just think, me, 2 kittens and their momma. Who would have thought that???
Okay, for those of you not on Facebook, this was freakin’ CRAZY!!!
Okay, now TELL me Monkey’s not a metal chick! She was sitting here on the desk, all cool and peaceful as I was listening to The Agonist, Slipknot, Obituary, Arch Enemy etc…..then I got all sentimental and pulled up Joe Cocker’s “You are so beautiful” I was rubbing her ruff (she loves that) and singing it to her (she usually loves that too!) She bit me, jumped off the desk, and started beating up poor innocent Shanks! I had to break them up. And she loves Shanks! Now if that’s not a metal cat, by God, tell me what is??? ROFL
NO MORE Joe Cocker for Monkey…..apparently he puts her into Mosh Mode
Uhm……are you sure it;s Joe Cocker ? Could be your singing…….lol
Lynn, I was wondering, the same thing Betty said. Monkey may have had enough for one day. Poor little sex confused Shanks is probably still wondering , what, what did I do? LOL
Hmmm, good point. Monkey doesn’t mind my screaming and Death Growls, but maybe my actual singing voice is just too much to bear…lol
Thank you all so much. My best friend and I are supporting each other and we’re doing alright(she lost her dog, Tasha – she had her for a long time like my Purdy)
I read that Poem, it was so beautiful. Thank you for showing it to me.
You are all so kind. 🙂
It’s so good you have each other for support. Losing a pet is a a terrble thing
My tortie cat Purdy passed on June 10th. I loved her so much, she was so affectionate and she was ALWAYS purring so loudly. I’d gotten her when I was a child and had fallen in love with her immediately. It was devastating when she started to show signs of her impending doom. She couldn’t walk without falling over, and when she did fall over she would cry out for me. I had her so long and we were so close that she unconsciously taught me to imitate her unique cries. When she was dying I lay right in front of her, our noses touching, meowing at each other.
After her passing I thought of all the times as a child when I would leave my room because of a nightmare, but was too proud to actually run to my parents. So I would sit outside their door, crying soundlessly, and then Purdy would always find me and lay with me. Purring so loudly that I would stop crying and pet her, then we would go back to my room and fall asleep.
I’m so sorry about Purdy, Jessie. She sounds like she was a very special girl. I kow it’s devastating when we lose them, and my heart goes out to you. Be gentle with yourself during this difficult time.
Thank you for your kindness, yes she was very special. I will be alright, it’s just a sad memory. I’ll see her again someday.
Jessie, I am so sorry for your loss. Purdy sounds like a wonderful furry baby. I am sure you were as comforting to her as she was to you. She knew you would be together again when you meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
If you have never heard of the Rainbow Bridge, the poem can be quite comforting and their site has some support resources on it.
This is the actual poem that I think (someone correct me if not please) started the Rainbow Bridge. http://petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
This is one of the sites about the Rainbow Bridge that has some support sources and can be comforting. You could also register Purdy there and write a bit about her, if you so choose.
http://rainbowbridge.com/
I was surprised to find out that the creator of the site is in the city right next to me. Small world…..
We are also a family here that offers great support.
That’s really difficult to loose a friend like that at any time, but especially after such a long bonding time.
It seems to me, we know they are older, see this signs, we may think we are intellectually prepared for their passing, but in reality, it isn’t that simple; it is always hard.
Jessie, I am so sorry to hear you lost your precious Prudy. I know it is a very emotional and painful period for you to lose her. I also lost my precious Tortie, Steeler, on April 30.
Please take Ingrid’s advice and be gentle to yourself. It took me awhile, but I am getting there. I know your little Purdy is over the rainbow bridge with Steeler and all their friends.
I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙁
So sorry to hear that. Torties seem to be able to worm their way into your heart like no other cat. When I lost Hatchethead I was devastated. I can’t even say for how long, because to this day I love her and miss her. SHe changed my whole perspective on animal care. I was one of those country people who thought cats and dogs needed to roam free to be happy, and losing several to the road didn’t change me. I was right outside town, and everyone dumped their unwanted animals on me. As an animal lover I took them, fed them, and gave them the best vet care I could afford, and I always had a “FREE cats and dogs” ad in the paper, but I lost a lot of them to the road. Then I lost Hatchethead, my right-hand cat, who helped me train dogs to be cat friendly, and…wow, I don’t even have words to describe how awesome she was.
The day I came home and found her flattend at the end of my driveway …..I had to scrape her off the pavement to bury her…I will NEVER have another out door cat or let a dog Offleash
Lynn, I am going to save those eloquent words for everyone who gives me that LOOK when I tell them our adoption contract requires that cats be kept indoors.
Please, use my name and full story, Harry, glad to lend my personal experience
Jessie,
I cried some tears for you and Purdie. I’m sure she is chasing lots of butterflies and not wanting you to be sad.
Diana
Our 13 year old tuxie-girl, Morgan has lost weight over two years, going from about 9.6 pounds to 7.6 pounds. She never was a big cat.
She is also prone to vomiting, often a clear liquid.
She is quite alert and active in spite of this, still a keen and effective moth catcher. She is still our most active cat, compared to Kasey and Taz.
We took her into the vet on Sat. June 23rd. They said that the weight loss may be due to some chronic condition, rather than something that has come on quickly.
We took their advice and had them take samples to do a senior blood test plus one they refer to as the “ain’t quite right test”, this was not inexpensive but we want to know what her condition is so the best course of action is. The vet said it may be something that can be corrected or managed with med.’s or a diet change.
We should have the results Monday, in the mean time, she is just to have her wet food, which she likes anyway.
I’m sorry to hear about Morgan. I know it’s worrisome. You’ll know more on Monday and hopefully, it’ll be something that’s easily treated. Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
Thanks, Ingrid
One of the things the vet said it could be is chronic bowel irritation (my words, not the vet’s).
It may be that she doesn’t efficiently process the food into body weight, if that were the case, it will mean a diet change; the challenge would be to get the right food that she will actually eat.
No use speculating too much though, we should have an answer sometime Monday.
One thing I am glad of, we switched vets over a year ago, this one is a bit more expensive but the detail of the care is excellent.
Right now, she has just finished some Royal Kanin Oral Mature canned food, groomed, watched me on the keyboard and is now curling up in a bed.
That is Sabrina’s diagnosis Glen – and why I’ve been giving her B-12 shots to get her levels back up to where they would be if she was processing the nutrients properly. We also were advised to switch her food, but honestly we felt that the diet she was on was better for her issues than what the vet recommended.
Harry
That’s why we went for the full blood test.
I am hoping it is something that can be corrected with an achievable, like you describe. I would feel very bad if it was something that could be treated and we didn’t get it checked out.
The vet doesn’t think it is something like cancer because of the slow progress of the weight loss, and she is quite bright and active.
She’s an “old girl” now, and I know the reality of that, but if we can “buy” her some more quality years, that would be a bonus.
Saying prayers for Morgan. Hope an easy fix such as diet or medicine (I cannot imagine giving shots myself) will be the results tomorrow. I know love works wonders so give her all the scratches and kisses you can.
I haven’t been able to get on here for the past 24 hours..
We received Morgan s results on Monday, she has pancreatitis ánd irritable bowel.
They have recommended Hills Gastro Intestinal High Energy wet food.
She is not to have dry food any more,
The big challenge will be to get her to eat the new food. It is a pate (SP? ). She has refused it in both solid & cut into little bits and with it mixed into warm water like a soup.
She will eat some Royal Canin Oral Mature wet food, not exactly what I want her to have.
She has refused Weruva and Blue Wildness, as she has with numerous other varieties of wet food in the past.
She would eat temptations treats but that is not an option, now.
Right now, I am at a loss as to what to do with her.
Try sprinkling some crumbled up freeze-dried chicken over the canned food. Other things that may work: grated parmesan cheese (yes, the stuff out of the green can), nutritional (not brewer’s) yeast, or bonita tuna flakes. I don’t like the latter, but as a last resort, it’s worth a try.
Glen, I am truly sorry to hear Morgan has pancreatitis and irritable bowel. Did you vet give her a B12 shot? How about steroids to try to help the bowel?
Steeler had B12 shots for appetite to get her to eat.
I think Harry has gone thru this just recently with Sabrina. He will be able to tell you more about it.
Then there is Bernadette our in house walking tomb of cat health.
I gave Steeler canned food. I gave her anything she would eat. The important thing is that she eats.
I think the experts here will have more suggestions for you.
Keeping Morgan and you in my thoughts. I had hoped, like you, she was just going thru a phase.
Thanks for the info, everyone.
I will try those suggestions and talkto the vet about the injections.
Steroids should only be used as an absolute last resort. I think the link I sent you yesterday probably mentioned probiotics – if you’re not already using them, I would most definitely add them.
At one time years ago when with hubbie #1 our tortie Magenta for some reason that is too long ago for me to remember needed to eat a special food for a while. In order to get her to eat it, her doctor hasd us pick up a tube of a supplement named “NutriCal”. It was something like a flavor enhancer paste. Smelled awful but it sure made her eat the food which she had previously turned her nose up over.
I think they still make it.
Murderdolls doing an EXCELLENT heavy metal cover of “White Wedding” Jay will love this, TOTAL Monkey music
Last night I decided to stop at Walmart on the way home. I needed kitty litter (don’t know why – I only have 5 cats). I did not leave there until 12:45 and home till 1am. I still had to put my critters into the barn. Buell and Nutmeg were in my front yard but Harley was tied 2 houses down in their back yard. Bernie had called and left a message saying she fell asleep at 10 and only woke at 1 and realized I had not called her. She had left 5 messages in a 20 minute time. Well I called and we talked till 2am and she said she was tired. I watched TV till 2:30 and went to bed. Woke at 7:21 and went out the side door to put the critters out.
As I walked around back I looked into my driveway. Bernie’s jeep was there. I went down and touched it to make sure it was not a dream. It was there but no Bernie. So I put my critters out and walked down to the driveway and in the front door. There was Bernie in the living room. She had come in to get me and could not find me in the house. We just crossed paths – I was going out as she came in. Now I know the drive is at least 3 1/2 hours from her place to mine so I know she was making good time.
Bernie had stopped for Pizza at a Turnpike stop and had to wait till they made a whole pie so there is at least 25 minutes more added to her drive. She said she went a little above the speed limit to get here.
She had to arrive with food because you know she was sure you had passed out somewhere!
Margaret my Luna is a diluted tortie or possibly a torbie. She is gray, peach colored and tan.
I was hoping that Bernadette, our genetics expert,was going to chime in, but since she hasn’t I’ll give you the unscientific sampling over 7 or so years of rescue – dilute torties are less common than the black/orange variety, but not substantially less so, so not “rare” as I’d use the word. You’re far more likely to run across a dilute, than you are a male tortie.
Sorry, I went to Carnegie Museum of Art to see the Impressionist Tortoiseshell Exhibit today!
Pictures – we want pictures.
Hi Guys! I haven’t been on for a while, but I have a question. I read online that dilute torties (bicolor, not tricolor) are rare, is that true?
Gracie is a dilute tortie … I don’t know if they are rare – but come to think of it she is the only one I have ever seen (my last tortie was a tricolour) and the two kitties who live across the road are tricolour as well. Heavens, Gracie doesn’t need to think she’s any more special than she already does!
Hey folks, I don’t know about “rare” tortie color. What I can say is Every Tortie is a Rare Kitten as not one of them seems to act the same. So they are rare to me.
My new little kitten, Justice, is a Tortie, and already she is leader and does what she wants. I have yet to hear her meow. However I have heard a bit of hissing.
By the way, my area’s electrical power went out about 1/2 hours ago. Just so you guys know, it is so darn hot up here as it is all across the eastern section of the country.
I am one of the fortunate people who a number of years ago had a long term power outage in the winter. I said no more. I installed a whole house generator. Best investment a person can make in their home. My whole house is automatically powered back up and it is nice and cool for my kittens, their Mom and I.
Tortie’s are just rare as they are 🙂
Bernadette where are you? 🙂
Hi Bernie,
I’m catching up on the board. So you took in the mama cat..how wonderful. And the kittens are brother and sister..too cute. 🙂
Diana
I sure did Diana. I went from a 1 prescious Tortie, Steeler, to two kittens, brother and sister. Then I caught Momma with the help of Jay. So Steeler is probably looking down and telling me, the Tortie is from me, mom. I know the way my family grew quickly has a very special message to me.
I encourage you to read Ingrid’s http://www.consciouscat.net to see how these kittens came into my life after the loss of Steeler. Just scroll thru her stories and you will find the article on , Loss, Grief and Kittens.
Glad you have a houseful now….too cute. 🙂
Okay, here’s an answer. All torties, dilute or not, are tri-color. They may appear to be only black and orange, but nearly all the time they have some white on them somewhere even if it’s only a few hairs on their lower belly. It’s the same with calicos, but you rarely see one that has no white because the gene that caused the patches creates larger and more easily distinguished patches instead of all-over speckles.
There are four basic fur colors: black, chocolate, which is rare, cinnamon, which is attached to certain breeds like Abyssinian, and red, which is also called orange. White is the absence of color when it’s albino, or the absence of pigment.
Then there are masking genes that modify the fur color given by genetics, sort of like human hair which is brown having red highlights or gold highlights. White fur can also be caused by a white masking gene gene that turns fur color “on” or “off” in familiar patterns: tuxedo, spots.
The gene for gray fur or tan fur is actually caused by another “masking gene” that dilutes the fur color, which is why they are called “dilute torites” or “dilute calicos”, but typically all over the body, not in spots or patches. You will also find gray cats and light orange cats or “caramel” cats whose fur has been modified by this gene.
So a female, sometimes male, cat has to have one orange gene and one black gene to be a tortie or a calico, then the dilution masking gene to be a dilute whatever, but if you consider the number of gray cats vs. black cats, that’s about the distribution of full-color torties vs. dilute torties. That’s not terribly rare. Numbers for these distributions are different everywhere you look, so I can’t give a number, but in my experience about a third of the tri-colors I’ve know have been dilute.
See why I didn’t want to reply 😉
The one other thing I’d add is that apparently you don’t have to be all dilute or all full color – Piper, our long haired calico, has about 4 inches of her tail at the end in dilute calico. I’ve always figured the next cat out of the womb was a dilute.
Wow Bernadette, thank you for that very definitive answer about the colors, etc. I learned a lot from it.
My one question is though I had read somewhere that discussed the colors of torties and dilute torties that said they don’t have white hair but instead a cream color. Both my tortie I had when i was married and Columbia have the cream color and no white anywhere. My dilute that ran away also had cream and not white.
I’m confused….so what else is new…lol
Monkey and Hatchet were both every-color-cats. They had and have black, orange, cream, brown, grey…but I have a friend at work who’s tortie only seems to have black and orange. But of course I haven’t inspected every inch of her….she probably has a white hair somewhere lol
Wow, have you guys seen this kitten on Tortie Lover’s United? I’ve never seen a torti with coloration this wild and different!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538580_4190734130392_1098370179_n.jpg
A Torbie with a stripe.
I have just posted 4 pics on my FB. I think you will enjoy them. 🙂
I should have put the url to my FB so you can see the family. So here it is. I hope to have better pics of Freedom as she heals and is not uncomfortable.
http://facebook.com/bernie.tracy
Julie, I am giving her the best I can. You have a great trip. Jay is great with naming kittens. Styx is very fitting for her.
Bernie — I think Freedom must be so happy. She will love living in your house. Jay, Styx is a great name for her — nice blast from the past thinking about those songs. Ingrid, I’ll be seeing you in Utah. Can’t believe we are going tomorrow. Our very kind friend, Krista, is driving us to the airport so a no – stress ride there. Looking forward to meeting all of Rachel’s blog friends, learning new things, seeing some sights, and not having to cook dinner or plan meals! Woo hoo!
My latest addition ( Steelers Playdate) has been given a new name.
STYX.
We listened to rock music on the way back and Styx was playing.
Styx is an underworld Goddess along with the name of the river that goes to the Elysian Fields.
Elysium or the Elysian Fields (Ancient Greek: Ἠλύσιον πεδίον, Ēlýsion pedíon) is a conception of the afterlife that evolved over time and was maintained by certain Greek religious and philosophical sects, and cults. Initially separate from the realm of Hades, admission was initially reserved for mortals related to the gods and other heroes. Later, it expanded to include those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic, where they would remain after death, to live a blessed and happy life, and indulging in whatever employment they had enjoyed in life.[
Thanks Bernadette. I will definitely keep any eye her. I just felt so bad that she was so alone. I will call you if I run into any problem that I can’t understand.
I have a good feeling about her being a gentle kitten. Hopefully I will have a lap kitten, like you.
Styx was an incredible band. I absolutely love…love…love Snowblind and right behind it is Renegade. Think I blew out a set of car speakers cranking up the cassette player (yeah I’m an oldie) to high volume…lol
I also think it is a great name for your newest addition from what you and Bernie have described about her.
Jay chose a very suiting name for Mom’s Tortie. Styx is a great name. I know she will be a good fit, eventually, for Jay’s other little ones. Stirfry, will definitely have something to say about all this. Most likely it has already been said, something like “Look sister, you get to stay but you just remember I am top Tortie in the house. Step over that line and you and I will have a summit meeting.”
Styx was the first rock concert I ever attended. Boy, does hearing that name take me back.
Ingrid, watch our what you say. We will soon be knowing where you are 29 or not!!!! 🙂
Ok here is an update on Freedom. I don’t have a rule book to go by, but I know it takes time to introduce cats to the rest of them. This instance I think may be different. I don’t have any little ones runny free, so here is what I have done.
Freedom has been given to ok to leave the bathroom. I carried her into the living room and put her on the bed she had been sleeping in. The kittens came over and checked her out and her ears stood straight up, as tho she recognized them.
So she now will be able to roam free on the first floor. The second floor is off limits. All the quest rooms have closed doors, so she cannot go into any of them to hide.
I hope this is the right thing to do. I just could not see her secluded in that little room any longer. She also did not make any attempt to bite or scratch me when I picked her up and carried her to the living room and placed her in her bed.
So now Freedom , is free to roam and become familiar with her new forever home.
As long as her surgery site stays clean and you can keep an eye on her with it, that’s fine–it’s better than she can socialize. But if you see her romping around, pulling at her stitches or even licking the site, or any redness or other discoloration AT ALL, back she goes. If it looks discolored or irritated or you see any swelling, she needs to see the vet. Otherwise, she can start getting accustomed to live in her new home.
I think letting her roam is a wonderful thing to do. Now she can familiarize herself with her new home, pick out all her favorite places to nap, hide, and just feel at home. I think it will also help her calm down and become friendlier as she won’t feel like she’s bad or did something wrong, almost feeling punished for a reason unknown to her.
I’m anxiously awaiting the day when the babies can roam outside their playpen. Kittens are so easy to litter box train. As I posted before, feed them and as soon as they are done take them to the new location of the litter box and put them in it. Usually once will do it (at least it did for me….YMMV).
You are such a great mommy Bernie, these babies and momma are VERY lucky to have you as their forever mommy in their forever home.
Betty, the kittens are already litter trained. I will keep them in the playpen for about another week or so. I want to bond with them a lot better before they come out of the playpen.
Freedom is free to roam and right now I have no clue where she decided to hide for now. The important thing for her is that she can go wherever she wants and not hear any real noises, other than the TV or music. I want them all to hear and get used to people’s voices and music.
I have to admit I was hope Freedom would stay in sight, but then she knows where her food, water and bed are. I will check frequently to be sure she is eating and drinking. I will give her all the time and space she needs to feel safe and secure.
Like I said earlier…you are such a good and loving mommy and I know what ever it is you do for them is the best for them.
Bopeeps: Diana I will be able to start enjoying the little ones more now that all the rush and vetting is slowed. Everything happened so quickly, there has been little time to really get busy and stay with them. Now I will be able to get into their playpen and let them know all is fine, although I do that everyday, I will spend more time there with them.
I also have to spend a lot of time with Freedom, their Mom, who is staying in my bathroom for the time being.
Maybe next week I will allow the little ones to venture around and leave the playpen open for them to return to. Hopefully then Freedom will be reunited with the kittens. Even if she doesn’t mother them, as long as she is compatible with to play with them. Somehow I feel she will be.
Gracie experienced her first earthquake last night (5.2 on the scale, so not too severe). It was centred a little bit away from where we live … being a New Zealander (New Zealand is known as the Shaky Isles because of the number of earthquakes they have) who now lives in Australia, I am more used to earthquakes than I would like to admit. Poor Gracie looked at me in absolute terror as the “rumble” started and when the house started to shake she was off and running. I finally coaxed her out from under my bed about 30 minutes later, all big eyed. There are reports of minor damage in the region, but nothing too major, thank goodness.
So glad you and Gracie are ok.
Hope everyone around you is just as well.
Bernie said she would be Big Eyed and under that bed too.
Well, Jay, that made me chuckle. I can just see me down on my knees going “come on Bernie, it’s OK” … ! I don’t think Bernie would like liver treats, somehow. Seems like everyone is just fine, but all the Aussies I work with were “rattled” in more than one way! Big topic of conversation in the office this morning.
Margaret, “I can just see me down on my knees going “come on Bernie, it’s OK” … ! I don’t think Bernie would like liver treats, somehow.”
I can see you doing that also, but I would be saying no way. Call the airport first and get me a plane so I could get up in the air safely.
Gracie would have to fight for space under the bed with me but I would hold onto her real tight. We both would not have come out.
Gracie would have enjoyed the company, I’m sure!
No, for Bernie, you have to use a fried chicken drumstick. 😛
Good one Harry. Score one for Harry, — again :P)
I’m so glad you’re both okay, Margaret. I still vividly remember the 5.8 earthquake we had in the DC area last summer. I had never experienced anything like it, and it rattled me in more ways than one!
I’m sure for you that’s just like a bad thunderstorm for us, but I’d still rather not feel the earth move under my feet. We just had a little one here last year and I thought my house was going to fall down.
My friends, you all know now how Liberty and Justice came into my life. Then on Saturday, we rescued their mom. I immediately named her Freedom. It all came together so easily.
Well today, I received a letter and information about my precious son Eric’s burial site. Now are you ready for this.
“Eric’s headstone will be placed this week. The forever resting site for my son Eric is in a portion of the cemetery called , here goes:
FREEDOM GARDEN
Can anyone dare to explain all this to me? I am shocked and pleased at the same time.
My little ones, are Liberty, Justice and little momma is name Freedom. 🙂
Bernie – wow – you are indeed getting messages from your loved ones. That is beautiful … who would have thought you would end up with two kittens and their mamma, all sent Special Delivery from Eric and Steeler!
Margaret, if I ever had any doubt it was put aside today. Eric’s family was first and foremost to him. So he and Steeler I believe wanted to send me this little family to take love and care for. It really is a Very Special Delivery.
Wow. And the signs just keep on coming. This must be so comforting for you, Bernie.
When our kitten Parker died of FIP, the strays started showing up. I eventually bargained with him that if we got very active in rescue, he would stop sending them directly to the house…
Harry, did you start going to them before or after Parker stopped sending them to you?
Before, we were just groupies, dropping into adoption events to play with the cats. After, we got serious and became real volunteers.
I can’t explain any of this myself. But I am not even going to try. Right now I have told Eric and Steeler, ok, I thank you, and love you, now I have a small family to love again.
They are all watching over you. Brings tears to my eyes.
That is incredible Bernie (as twilight zone theme plays in the background)…..
I am envious of the way that Eric and Steeler watch out for you and send you just what you need at the right time. I’ve been waiting 27 years for my daddy to somehow let me know he is there, but so far nothing. Kind of disappointing to a true blue daddy’s girl.
Anyway……
More than envious I am so very happy for you Bernie. To know they are still there with you and send you signs frequently. You needed something in your life to try and help fill a very large void, and your need was fulfilled. It couldn’t have happened to a more wonderful and deserving person such as yourself.
Betty, I am sure your Dad is looking out for you. I seen your lovely bridal pics and the glow on your face. So maybe you just didn’t know that he reached down and touched you.
As for my Eric and Steeler, I love Eric so very much, my heart is still broken as any parent would be.
Eric could be anywhere in the country when he was working or at home and he would call me every day. So I now have no doubt that Steeler is in Eric’s care and they have completed my family. A family that may keep me from feeling the deep sorrow so much, by keeping me really busy with the kittens.
Betty, I am no different from anyone else on here. It may just be that so much has happened in 6 months that brings me up so much. But like I have said for a long time, this is a family. It doesn’t mean everyone has a Tortie or other types of kittens. There is a deep love for all of our little ones. That is family. If one is sick or goes to their forever home in the heavens, we all care and try to help.
I know everyone on here are loving, caring, and all are definitely a family.
When I complement one person it doesn’t mean that I think any less of everyone else. I look at it as complimenting or congratulating someone that did something out of the ordinary worthy of pointing out and praising. It’s that simple.
It is a good feeling about this site to know we all care about everyone. You are so right. When we compliment one we compliment all. 🙂
All vets are different with closing up a spay. I’ve had regular stitches and ones that dissolved and glue. And sometimes individuals change!
Freedom sounds as if she’s happy to be there, and happy to see her babies. I’ll bet she’ll be a wonderful kitty once she gets over her little snit.
Kittens do sleep a lot–they play like hell, then fall asleep where they are standing. If they don’t play at all, then you worry. In the meantime, get in the playpen and let them run all over you!
Bernadette I do get into the playpen with them. They are still skittish. Altho little tough guy Liberty, will now only hiss and snarl and not run. I can pick him up easily and love him. He is then a happy little handful.
Justice, will still run away. Now tho the run is shorter and picking her up is easier. So the bonding is getting on.
Freedom will remain in the bathroom for a while. I spent time with her several times today. She is ok with my petting and talking to her. However, she is nowhere near letting her into the rest of the house.
I am hoping to have a circled family of kittens and Mom. I think I can feel that is coming.
Just be patient–one of these days you’ll realize they are all happy and playful and “remember” when they used to be skittish and run away.
I am giving them all the time they need. Heck they have the best room in the house. And their appetite is really improving. I know they are going to grow to fast for me. But then the fun will begin.
Well Tortie family, Freedom is back home from the vets. She is not happy about what she went thru.
On the way home I kept petting her forehead thru the carrier and she was fine. Now that she is home, of course she wants to hide and hiss. She is now in my bath down here with all of us. I am going to let her stay in there for a few days to settle a little. I will be going in and out to be with her and it is easier than me running up and down the stairs to be with her.
She checked our with no problems. She goes back in 10 days to have stitches removed. Hopefully in that period of time, she will be comfortable enough so as not to fear getting picked up and put in the carrier.
I let her sit in the carrier at the kitten playpen to see her little ones. The littles ones came to the screen to see what was in the carrier. There was not hissing or snarling from any of them. My hope is that they will all bond. Justice and Liberty are a thick as thieves.
So good news all around, ——-so far. 🙂
So glad to hear that Freedom had a clean bill of health and is back home where she belongs.
I didn’t know they still used stitches in cat spaying I thought they used glue so that they wouldn’t have to go back to the vet. When all my babies were spayed about 8 or 9 years ago the doctor used glue and they all healed wonderfully with a scar you can barely see. Of course with the glue you have to make sure to try and prevent them from doing anything that would stretch their tummies and open the wound. I was also lucky in that both of my girls were spayed at the same time so they both were in no mood to play.
Betty I did not question why she is stitched. I never gave it a thought. I was just so glad to know she is a healthy mom.
I did have her micro chipped also. I feel that she might try to be an escape artist and I want her back.
I know little Liberty, who thinks he is a big guy, is an escape artist already. I would rather feel safe than be sorry.
The kittens, of course are far to small to spay/neuter. They have to be at least 4#. They are about 12 weeks now, but quite a way from the safe weight and age to do that. 🙂
I just posted a photo of Bernie on my Facebook page from when she visited last Friday to pick up the portrait. She’s sitting in front of it with Mimi on her lap.
Bernie met all the kitties–Kelly greeted her at the door telling her a big tortie story, Mimi and Mewsette came downstairs to see who this famous person was and the boys were their charming selves, at eye level on the wardrobe, then Giuseppe “made my bed to his specifications” and the three of them met with Bernie in my bedroom. But most remarkable was that Mimi, who is friendly but not demanding, simply owned Bernie. Usually the boys are around a visitor, showing off and being charming, and Giuseppe is the lead cat, but they stayed on the bed, sleeping, and didn’t even join us in the studio. Initially, Mewsette took a step onto Bernie’s lap but Mimi literally walked under her and got there first. Even when we left to photograph the portrait and came back, Mimi was ready and curled up on Bernie’s lap again.
This was Mimi’s “this human needs some calming” action. I’ve certainly experienced it myself. I think for Bernie this was somewhat emotional and Mimi knew that.
It was a wonderful visit–we just had to get Bernie past Pittsburgh before rush hour started!
Bernadette’s family of kittens is amazing. Mimi is a very lovable lady. Although she would not share me with her little ones. She kept me all to herself.
What a pleasure to meet all the little ones from the wonderful site Bernadette has http://creativecat.net. They a fabulous in black. They are so black and beautiful, that when the sun is on them, they have a mahogany glow about them.
Our time was far to short, as I was truly enjoying my time with his famous artist at her studio and home.
Bernadette you a truly a very wonderful person and an excellent artist. The painting was beyond beautiful. It will give Jay a lifetime of memories.
You’ll have to visit again, and let Jay come along the next time. Hopefully I’ll have all these boxes put away by then so we can fit three people in here at the same time.
Bernadette, the one disappointment Jay had, or should I say envy, was that I got to meet the fabulous kittens. Then Kelly giving me a wonderful dialogue of the Tortie. What memories she awakened. It was a great time for me.
Jay would like to visit you also, and believe me, you would not need to worry about boxes. He just wants to see you again and meet the kitten family. Maybe when he has a longer weekend and can get a critter sitter, I will bring him down.
Hello, everyone! After sleeping off the late nights to get Jay’s portrait done (and a few other things last week, wow, busy!) I am today enjoying a new computer–one of the other reasons for the busy-ness last week, making sure everything was backed up, and trying to be patient with my sloooowwww old computer for its final days. Parts of it were nine years old. The Fantastic Four and their mom were only part of the universal energy then. This computer moves almost faster than me, but I’m glad to hand over some of the work of computing so I can do more art and pet more cats.
The kids had a great time with all the boxes and packing and trying to distract the tech guy who helped me set this up (yes, I meant he helped me). So now I can get back to reading and commenting all the time, and posting some time before midnight. Yesterday’s second post took me nearly four hours.
But I’ve been enjoying reading all the stories about Freedom and Liberty and Justice for all! I feel like grandma–I remember having kittens! They are the cutest things on earth! It probably saves their lives, just being so cute! I’m glad they are well, so you don’t have to start off with worries and medical care.
It’s not quite the same type of loss, but Mimi and the kids came to me all at once because I had lost their half-sister at 15 months, and just before that my four oldest and I was traumatized by the four seniors I had left. Mimi’s quiet sweet personality and four tiny loving kittens certainly did a job on healing me. I’m sure this little family will do the same for Bernie.
And don’t have any doubt, Freedom checked with Steeler long before you even saw her, just like Mimi checked in here–Steeler told her to stay away and wait until the time was right and she’d send a signal. You know that day when you needed it she sent her signal to Freedom, who dropped her kittens on your front porch and then later made her own entrance.
Darn good thing Jay only passed out on the screens though!
Bernadette WOW I can tell you have a new computer. You sure are missed on this site. Your knowledge of kittens and adult cats is legendary.
I do feel my little family will help me in many ways. Ways I am open to, by letting my heart take them in, as I did with Steeler.
Justice and Liberty have some catching up to do according to Dr. Lint. Especially Liberty being so small, Dr. said he is most likely the runt of the litter and got knocked around a bit. (no more). With love and plenty of food he will be fine. Well I have a lot of that to give.
Freedom, is spending the night at the Hotel at the Lint Veterinary Hospital. Tomorrow, she will be fully vetted and spayed. So her big day is tomorrow. I am considering having her chipped, since she is older and more knowledgeable of the “street life” so to speak. I am anxious for her to come back.
I also learned today that once the mom weans her young, she is done with them. They are on their own. That is surprising.
As for Jay, he scared me badly. I am thankful he passed out here and not on the road. He is such a good guy. It is also a good thing I had his hand and he did not fall on the kittens. Jay would have hated himself if he had caused injury to any kitten. He was in their playpen when this happened. I tried to make sure he understood that he had to eat better or more often. He has critters and kittens and me. 🙂 So his plate is full.
Bernadette, when we talked about the mother, Dr. Lint was explaining about feral females. They abandon their young after weaning and have to fight for themselves. I also found out how fast a female can become pregnant, even while still nursing her current litter.
Freedom will be free of all the fighting to live and the litter after litter of kittens.
Bernie, yes, cats are what is known as “polyestrous”, having nothing to do with mid-century vintage clothing and more to do with “multiple cycles”–if conditions are optimal, they can go into heat the day after giving birth, nursing does not stop their heat cycles. The misconception, in a manner of speaking, has probably led to more unwanted kittens than anything aside from simply not spaying. That’s how all Mimi’s kittens came to be–“Oh, we took her to get spayed but she was already pregnant again.”
See I told everyone you knew about kittens and cats. This was really a surprise when Dr. Lint explained this cycle to me. I thought maybe every 6 months. Wow, no wonder so many little ones are being thrown away or are born feral.
Tell Jay to stock his car with snacks so he’ll at least have that to munch on if he decides to take a wild ride again!
When cats are in a more wild state the kittens have to wean young and go off to leave their mother. They can breed at four months and they have to spread the genes around in the gene pool. They can interbreed but they shouldn’t and most of the time they instinctively move some distance away. It’s also physically hard on a feral/stray mother to continue nursing kittens for more than six to eight weeks.
Mimi says, unless you find a nice house with a human to feed you and warm beds, then all bets are off.
One thing I’ve noticed over the last 7 years of moms and litters is that if mom isn’t totally feral, and you put her and kittens in an environment where everyone has enough to eat, and attention, love and security, that you often – maybe even usually – end up with the relationship that Mimi has with The Four.
Harry I am hoping that is what I will have with the kittens and their mom. The mom, Freedom, is not so feral as to not come close to Wayne and even allow me to give her cat forehead scratches yesterday. Today, she did not want to come out of hiding. She had been sitting on the window sill in the bedroom but when it was time for me to take her to the vet, she hid under the cedar chest. I did manage to get her out. In doing so, she did not hiss or attempt to bite or scratch me. As soon as I put her in the carrier, she laid down and was very good on the drive to the vet.
She is a pretty cat. I hope I know what I am doing.
I am so happy that Jay took Mom’s Tortie. She attacked me and bit me on several occasions. Each time it was after I had been giving her chin rubs and forehead scratches. Suddenly she would turn and strike. The last attack was brutal. My left wrist and back of my hand are all bruised up. I went to Med Express tonight because of the ugly look of my wrist and hand. There is no infection, but the bite hit a vein and blood pooled into my lower wrist, side wrist and back of my hand. Just to be on the safe side, I was given antibiotics to take for 10 days.
She had did this to my mother on a number of occasions, and caused infections that needed lanced.Mom being in the dementia stage did not realize how bad the bites were. I had to take her several times for treatments. So I pray Jay can handle her. She is 6 years old.
Bernie, that sounds like serious petting aggression. Some hack amateur newbie cat guy wrote a post about it, and an otherwise respectable website repeated it:
https://ingridking.com/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
(PS – Ingrid – I noticed for the first time after reading this 50 times that the header is cut off: Biting the Hand that Loves “You”
Harry, I left the “you” out of the title intentionally so it would match the other article about “biting the hand that teases.” Call it artistic license. Of course now, standing on its own, it does look like I just forgot the “you”…
…and the last 50 times I’ve referred someone to that page, and copied the url, my brain has put the word there!
Harry, I read the article by that hack amateur and thought about how she behaved. This particular Tortie, is quite the aggressor. Just walk past her and if she has a mind to, she will attack your leg and give a really bad bite. My mother’s bites were always on her legs and they were bad.
I was biten on my hands and arms. The odd thing is that she bit me after she began to walk away. She suddenly turned and grabbed me before I knew what was happening. I know she sensed I was afraid of her after that second bite. She never bit my stepfather. She cuddled with him and would sit on his lap for hours. I could only pet her on the floor. My mom could never get her to sit on her lap.
Maybe part of the way my Mom treated her, trying to force her to eat when she wasn’t hungry or make her drink when Mom thought she should, caused her to behave this way to women. I know so far, she is being kept in the kennel fence area at Jay’s. So far he has been able to have her rub up to him and let him pet her. I think I did the right thing in letting her go. When she saw the kitten playpen she lunged at the kittens like a wild animal. Scared me silly. Jay will keep me updated on her. I will remind him of the article also, he may need it. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Well guys, I just looked at the clock and realized it is the middle of the night for me. I am going to try to catch a few more winks. I was up past three AM. My son could not sleep and he was up and down the stairs. I could hear him every time. Then he made coffee in around 5. Imagine smelling fresh coffee at that hour of the “night”. Then he was “quietly in with the kittens” talking to them. So I feel just a might tired. Later today if all is well I will pick up Freedom from the vet. Most likely around 2ish. Talk later. 🙂
Mimi,my little lap buddy is right. These little ones must have heard that one from her.
Liberty is all hissing and snarling, the little big guy who is all of 1.5#. Wayne just keeps teasing him and telling him, hey you, you aren’t big enough for all that hissing and snarling. Your only a teeny one. Liberty then hisses all over again.
Jay will hopefully never do that again. He wanted to get here so badly he just did not take care of himself. He had snacks in the car, “kitty snacks”. Jay, you, Betty, and Lynn have a lot in common. You all will make sure your babies have all they need for food and healthcare then you do for yourselves. I
I will remind him when he takes another trip here to bring his snacks along with a bottle of pop. I hope he never forgets to take care of himself like that again.
Columbia had her first vet appointment a few days after I got her and she weigh in a .5 pounds and somesparse hair areas plus her hair felt very coarse and wirey, not soft as other kitten are. She was my little half pound terror….lol My hands were a mess from her playing lets scratch mommy a lot”. I got her Janet after she was about 2 weeks older and cured of the hook worms.
With her it was her age (about 4weeks old) combined with the doctor found she had hook worms. It was the hook worms also causing the problem with her fur. Once she was treated for them her fur began to fill in and became nice and soft again.
I’m so happy that you and Jay have each other. You can look out for each other which can provide a very secure feeling. Plus provide a wonderful special friendship to each other.
ALERT: Kitten Update Both Kittens Vetted Today
Justice, my Tortie, weights is 2.5# has cleared all her tests and received her worming and distemper.
Healthy kitten.
Liberty, my Gray Tiger Tabby, weights on 1.5#. We will have to work on that. He to was given a clean
bill of health and is a Health Kitten.
They will return on July 18 for other kitty shots and checkup.
They were not happy campers at the vets. They did take pics of each of them for their FB page. They had to take a 2nd one of Liberty, because he was not happy looking at all in the first one. Go figure, wonder why? 🙂
http://petties.dogtime.com/nominate VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
Ingrid for
Best Cat Blog
Best Overall Pet Blog
Nominee URL: http://www.consciouscat.net
and
Bernadette for
Best Design
URL is http://thecreativecat.net/
My goodness, what a busy day you all had without me yesterday, tortie family!
I think Bernie may quite possibly hold the record now for getting the highest number of new cats in the shortest amount of time! I’m so happy that you were able to get Freedom, and now that Jay has taken Pumpkin, I can’t wait to hear how your new family of three will take over the whole house.
And Jay, congratulations on tortie number two. I can’t wait to hear Stir’s comments on this new addition to your family. On second thought, maybe I can wait…. 🙂
I suspect you’ll hear what Stir has to say all the way from there, without need for amplification. Jay, time to read up on what Jackson Galaxy says about space swapping.
We did have a busy weekend.
Started out rough as when I got to Bernie’s on Sat morning I went right in to sit with the kitties. After 20 minutes of sitting on the floor with kittens on my lap I stood up. My legs had a cramp in them and I held my hand out for Bernie to steady me as I stepped over the screens to get out. Felt dizzy and the next thing I knew I had passed out. Fell back into the cat pen and luckily not on a kitty. Not sure what happened. After that the day (and weekend) went much better. Hated to go back to my easter home in the mountains. But my little ones needed me too.
And Ingrid, I could not wait to write to everyone on here and tell them all the stories.
And for those not on Facebook – Bernie gave me a fantastic Fathers Day present ( get your minds out of the gutter) 🙂 . She had Bernadette paint a picture of me and my critters (Harley, Buell, Nutmeg, Tabatha, Frankie and Pumpkin. And me holding Stirfry and me holding Steeler at the bottom. Folks – Bernadette is a fantastic artist and I want everyone to know that. If anyone wants to give a gift to a friend or relative that has so much meaning, I recommend you contact her. You will not be disappointed. It is a gift that you will treasure forever.
Jay no one is more deserving of a great painting of his family of “critters” than you. What folks don’t know is Jay will cut his meal corners just to make sure his “family gets all the nutrition they need.
Jay is truly a very good and caring man.
The painting will forever show him as the good man he is. Bernadette did the most wonderful piece of artwork.
Yes Jay did faint. He had not eaten in almost twenty hours and drove here with only a cup of coffee.
It scared me. After we got his sugar up, I fed him and made sure he had plenty to eat.
Can’t let anything happen to him.
He promised he would take better care and eat more. No more not eating for that long a span.
We had an unbelievable weekend. I guess you could say Jay and I did have an announcement to make, even after the kittens.
Freedom was brought in on Saturday Evening. I had one Freedom in the upstairs bath, and Pumpkin in an upstairs guest room. Pumpkin charged the kittens immediately upon being brought downstairs. I knew she was not going to be a good fit with the kittens. Jay agreed, and said he was taking her home. So off she went. A good traveler. Now Freedom is in the guest bedroom.
There is so much to do about vetting. I am trying to organize things to get everyone taken care of.
The kittens are just adorable. For now they will stay in their playpen. 🙂
Jay has the real challenge. Stir and a new Tortie (6 years old), but if anyone can calm her a little it will be Jay.
Hey all my Tortie family. I want to thank everyone of you who walked with me thru all the loss and grief I have experienced in a short period. Losing Steeler almost did me in. You all had faith in me and I will never forget it.
Now for the announcement tease Jay and I had told you we would make, well it was just to easy for us. We knew what some of you might think, wonder and then laugh when the kittens announcement was made. Actually we made the announcement earlier because like Ingrid with the story of the kittens and how they came to be here, we could not hold back any longer. We wanted you all to share in my happiness and Jay’s.
Now that Momma is here, life is really changing.
But you folks are always the best. This blog is more than words on a blog, it is like family looking out for each other and helping, either quietly in the background for right up front when needed. Other blogs cannot bring all this to their bloggers. We have reached for and obtained the best of the best. )
I
sorry, for some reason the page refreshed while I was posting.
Anyway I also feel I’ve met a special family here. No one around me including my husband truly understands that my kitties are my children.
Betty, I wondered what you were saying. I sure am glad you came back and finished it for me.
I am fortunate that my son and my Eric, before he went to his forever home, knew how much Steeler meant to me. Now my son Wayne knows my feelings about my little kitty family and he loves them. He checked on them tonight as soon as he returned from Alabama. He went right to the playpen and started talking to them. So I have been blessed in so many ways. Sometimes it takes tragedy to show the real love and understanding of so many.
Maybe one day your husband will understand your feelings. In the meantime Love those little ones with all your heart. We never can tell how long they will be with us. <3
I tell my babies every day that they are loved and hopefully how I treat them let’s them know it.
I am still distraught over the baby that got outseide a couple of years ago and never returned. My husband drive me around the neighborhood every evening with me hanging my head out of the window calling her. I put posters up on every set of mailboxes and wherever I could find a place to hang them. I got a couple of calls but they didn’t pan out. The only fortunate thing is that she had been spade (as are all my babies). I just hope she found a new forever home and they are good to her. The thought of anything else tares me apart and sets me off into a mild hysteria again.
We all know what you mean. A great big family. And when 1 of our kitties is sick we all worry. Doesn’t matter where they are located Glen up in Canada, Sharon in Louisiana, Norka in London, Bernie and Bernadette in Pittsburgh area or Ingrid and Harry in Va we all feel the pain and anxiety of a Vet visit.
Jay left for home about 1/2 hour ago. His last attentions were directed with the kittens. He longed for them. I checked his pockets before he left. I still have Justice, Liberty and Freedom. All accounted for. Jay did return home with another cat. I am going to let him tell you guys that story.
You know the two of us together can get into more than a barrel of monkeys and we don’t even have to try. 🙂
I’m still anviouxly waiting for Jay’ds announcement about another kitty 🙂
Betty, Jay will make an announcement either tonight, if he is not to tired, when he gets home. Tomorrow for sure.
I am not giving it up. So another tease, another announcement from Jay.
Stay tuned, my friend. 🙂
I am happy to announce that I am now the proud father of 2 wild Torties. Stirfry and Steelers “Playdate”. She has already clawed and bitten Bernie every day she was there. As we went to get her from Bernie’s spare bedroom she was hiding under 1850 bookcase secretary (very high $$$$$). Bernie had a fuishing net and I had welders gloves. It was a 30 minute job. Now I know how Marlin Perkins feels.
Anyhow the drive hope went fine and she is now in my cage downstairs. Frankie came over to greet her before she was out of the carrier and then after. She hissed at him and he just stood there. He is used to that from a Tortie so accepts it as a greeting. Things are going well so far.
Betty have you read Jay’s announcement?
You are a lifesaver Jay. This is one wild Tortie. When you name her, it will be a really suitable name.
I know she will warm up to the other kits, but then, like Harry, you may need to feed her Prozac. 🙂
Wait! What?? Which tortie is that and where did she come from?
Sue, Steeler went to visit Bernie’s mom a 2 years ago and took Steeler to meet their Tortie. We called it a Tortie Playdate. Did NOT go very well. Steeler went in , saw their Tortie Pumpkin and hissed. Pumpkin disappeared. Playdate over. Now Bernie’s mom is in a nursing homme and her stepfather in the hospital. Playdate went to Bernie. Well the kittens an Pumpkin would not work out and I have no fear of a Tortie so I took her home.
Waiting for Harry to mention what dosage of Prozac will be needed for me or the cats. Tabatha has already said “WHAT ANOTHER TORTIE” a Frankie has said welcome to the house. Nothing from Pumpkin and Stir has not seen her yet.
Ain’t enough Prozac in the world, Jay. But just like the oxygen mask on the plane… take your dose first. (PS – there’s a special place in heaven for people who don’t abandon their elderly family member’s cats at the shelter.)
Harry, Heaven is being with cats. I am already there.
And who would ever turn away a cat in need. It is not their fault if something happens in their lives. They just need a home where they are wanted.
“ya dun good” Jay! You and Bernie should win some kind of award for rescuing the most kitties in a short period of time.
Betty, Jay and I could not get any better rewards than we did with the kittens, their momma and Jay being able to take “Playdate” to a new forever home. 🙂
Betty – any award should go to Harry. He spends almost every weekend finding cats and kittens forever homes thru the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. That is truly an act of love.
Bernie and I are just learning from him, Bernadette and Ingrid.
oops….sorry I forgot to give an award to Harry also. Forgive me please Harry didn’t mean to overlook all that you do with homeless kitties.
oh heck, I nominate everyone who has helped with or made a forever home for these poor helpless kitties. Harry’s award is just a little larger trophy 😉 Which is not meant to take away anything from the others.
No award needed here, Betty. What Bernie said about Jay is true – I know it for a fact. He has cut corners on his own food, to make sure his animals were not hungry. You don’t need to know any more about his character than that. Me, I am fortunate to be able to donate the time that I do without taking food off of the table.
Betty you did good. After this weekend’s very wild merry -go- round we all are a little confused. So Harry knows you did not let him out. Heck he is still spinning around “saying what happened”. Prozac, Harry. You, Bernadette and Ingrid taught Jay and I well. 😛
I understand how Jay is about taking food away from himself to make sure the babies are well fed. Have been there many times myself and will keep doing it if need be. Another way in treating my babies the same as real children, sacrifices are what all the kitties mommys and daddys here do.
Jay probably a little more frequently. I agree he is a heck of a man and definitely a keeper 😉
The mommy cat has been given a name.
FREEDOM.
She is now free from worries of living in the wild and all the dangers.
She has a forever home with her 2 kittens.
Did she recognize her babies and vice versa? In my kitty oriented brain I am picturing a happy and teary moment of being reunited.
You and Bernie are truly awesome and loving people to take this family in. Since the mommey hasn’t been able to nurse for a while she will probably go into heat again soon if she hasn’t already.
My ex-bf moved in with me kind of the same way. Each time he came over to visit me he would bring an item, i.e. computer, and say he was leaving it there for me to use since I didn’t have one, the next week it was his vcr, and in no time he lived there…lol My own stray.
That’s great, sounds like the area is like mine, typical of the dangers in a rural environment.
I am still thankfully amazed that Kasey survived since the facility where she lived was in farm country with all the expected hazards, wild and otherwise.
I am glad you caught her.
How is Liberty in regards to getting along with people?
Liberty is all puff and hissing. He doesn’t run when he is picked up. Then he is all loving and when he is placed on his back on your legs and given tummy rubs, he has the loudest kitty purr you could imagine and coming from such a tiny package.
He is going to be fine. There is a lot of love for these kittens and their Momma.
OPPS, I meant Freedom, the mom.
In regards to the little guy, it has been my experience that male pet cats are usually quite social and demanding of attention when they are older. Taz fits that description.
Glen just to update you on the Liberty, the little male. He is all hiss and snarl until he is picked up then he loves tummy rubs and purrs like and engine. I think he may be my lap kitten. Time will tell. 🙂
Freedom must have been someon’s cat at one time (why she was an outside cat we may never know. – But either tossed out or and indoor/outdoor cat by someone who does not care enuf to keep her in). But she was friendly to Bernie minutes after the trap caught her and also upstairs in the bathroom. Wanted chin rubs right away. And even when I picked her up with gloves to transfer her into the bedroom she did not bite but only grabbed the carpet. She had been placed beside the kittens when she came in while inside the trap. She sniffed at them. Liberty hissed at first but did not run. Justice just sniffed at her. Even though away from them for a week they seemed to be at peace with each other. Stir hisses at Punky minutes after she was laying close to him at the window sill for an hour.
Must be a Grey cat (or any “normal cat”) vs Tortie cat thing.
“She is now free from worries of living in the wild and all the dangers”
Though I hate to mention it in June, this would also include winter weather, I figure Kasey had enough in 8 seasons, she doesn’t “do” winter any more 🙂
You are right Glen, no more looking for shelter from the cold or weather. Storms or anything else. Her mind is going to be at ease forever. The only thing she will have to wonder about is, “why is Mom sleeping when I want to eat”. 🙂
I don’t do winter anymore either.
Give me hot summer weater any day.
Happy Fathers Day to all the guys on here. Not many of us but the list is growing.
From Bernie and I.
You are already a daddy Jay in a couple of ways, your son and your furry babies.
I second the fathers days wishes to all the dads in here.
On days like this I am always sad as I still miss my daddy so much and it has been 27 years since he died. Especially hard for a true blue daddys girl.
Betty, Jay will not be “moving in” here. He has his home in easter PA. and his job. We commute back and forth and take turns, when we can.
He is so excited about the kittens, especially Justice, the Tortie, he could not let her go. Then when he saw Liberty go into his defense mode with his hissing and puffing, Jay could not resist him. He is just a little big guy.
That is not at all what I was referncing Bernie, I would never assume something like that, it is way too personal and none of my business.
What I was referencing was the momma kitty bringing her babies first then her moving in.
So sorry if I soike wrong and offended you in any way, it was not my intent.
Betty, I was laughing when I answered because Jay was standing here saying “see I can stay”. You did not offend me. I knew what you were referencing. You could never offend me, you are just to nice a person. I often will tease folks and let me reassure you, no offense is taking. Just keep on writing. <3
Now going out to cook 2 lobsters to celibrate.
Fathers Day and a FULL Cat house.
Correction to Jay’s cooking the lobsters. He showed up in the kitchen after I had dropped those wiggly guys into the water. Jay said, awe, I was going to help. 🙂
He had been playing with the kittens. 🙂
Well, I did help eat them 🙂
Yes you sure did.
That was part of his Father’s Day gift. I hope I was able to give Jay a Father’s Day to remember for all time. Whatever happens with us, he will always have some really great memories of the Father’s day of 2012. Jay is a treasure. He is like a diamond in the rough with a heart of gold.
Bernie went from being a 2 kitten house to a 3 cat house. We just caught Momma cat in a trap. Took her in to see her kittens. Will put her in the upstairs bathroom until she can go to the Vet on Monday.
That’s fantastic, Jay. Tell Bernie she’s awesome for trapping momma. You, you know you’re awesome already 😛
What did Momma look like?
An all gray cat. Very Friendly. We just put her in the upstairs bathroom.
I told Bernie there are 3 more cats on the back porch waiting to come in.
She said NO !!!!!!!
But we know how that is, don’t we. 🙂
0 to 3 in 4 days… I had a ’72 Ford about that fast. That’s awesome that you took her in
LMAO…..Bernie has become “The neigborhood cat lady!”
Bernie….they have a network. Once they figure out you’ll take them in, they’ll start calling their friends!
Lynn I have the no kitty vacancy sign out. Since we brought the momma in, we haven’t seen any other ferals around. Hopefully, I don’t. I truly don’t want to bring in another Tortie, but if another Tortie kitten shows up, heaven help me. I will be looking to home it, maybe, I hope.
Wow the vet bills already for my efforts are interesting. And the little ones will still have to be spayed and neutered soon. They all get their follow up shots on July 18. They will be going to the doctor more than I do in a year. They will surpass me within the month.
So Justice, Liberty and Freedom do cost us all, one way or another. How’s that for a comparison play honoring our Country? 🙂 🙂
Harry, I am a failed foster, even before I ever started. Momma has been around a long time. I have been feeding her and providing shelter outside for over a year. She came and went but would never come to me.
She is very slender, and a very pretty solid metal gray in color with brilliant green eyes. Now I have to find a way to take her to a vet. I gave Steeler’s carrier away. The only other carrier I have is a cloth bag, but when she is vetted I don’t want her to stain the white fleece padding. I was thinking that was perfect for the kittens.
I also made a mad dash for adult kitty food, more litter and gosh, those kittens are beautiful. 🙂
That was the cat who was talking to Steeler through the door? Well, talking in a fashion. I think she got the scoop a long time ago and planted her kittens on the front porch. My neighbor’s cat did that once, the same household that “owned” Mimi but a different unspayed kitty. She brought her two kittens over, put them on a chair at my picnic table and they stayed put because she told them to. Believe me, they are little schemers!
This is the gray cat that kept her distance on the far end of the back porch. Steeler would allow her there, but it never came near the door. They may have exchanged words when I wasn’t looking. Now she no longer will have to be stressed about staying alive.
She and her kittens picked their forever homes. I could not rest well knowing Momma was on the back porch alone. So we trapped her in a have-a-heart trap.
My world is really different as of this past week.
“My world is really different as of this past week.”
Kind of like the line part way through the song in this link that goes; “Sometimes the world begins to set you up on your feet again…….”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmqZdPoPTG0
Glen that song is pretty appropriate for me right now. Thanks.
I thought you might like that song.
It makes me think of Kasey, whose fortunes were going from bad to worse in 2008.
Bringing her home in May 2008 literally “set her back up on her feet again” 🙂
Glen, that song was saying that to me. It seemed as tho it was being me ““Sometimes the world begins to set you up on your feet again…….” Thanks for the faith in me.
See. that’s what I’m sayin’ it’s a plot! lol
That’s wonderful that you were able to catch the mom!
I am sure you thought of this but I wonder if there were just two kittens out there?
Glen, we have thought of that. Maybe others that did not survive the wild.Fox, Raccoon and Hawks around here.
Maybe mom knew these 2 would be safe here and taught them to cross the street to Bernie’s house. She had seen Steeler here and knew it would be a loving home. We know Steeler and Eric steered them here.
Yeah, I wondered about that, too.
Sounds similar to here, I’m on the edge of town but the outside world here is hostile, with similar concerns.
I agree, it sounds like she brought them there as a safe haven.
I could not leave her out to keep coming to get food. She belongs with her little ones. I have no idea what these little ones will be up to. I don’t know about kittens and cats jumping up and over. What a different world they will have and so will I.
I no longer have a living room. It is a kitty playpen. 🙂
I no longer have 4 quest bedrooms upstairs. One is for the kittens Momma until she is vetted.
I think I am all kittened up. The no vacancy sign is going up. 🙂
Always room for 1 more. (Never heard that from Stir though)
“Playdate” is doing well.
Yesterday she would not get closer than sniffing my hand. This morning she was rubbing against me and arxhing her back when petted. She did hiss and back off when Frankie came down and did box my hand. But then went back to rubbing me. She will fit in. Just has to get used to the sight and smells of everyone before she is released to “general population”. I will guess about 2 weeks. That was Frankie’s time and he stayed downstairs for another 2 weeks. Now he fights to be “bed kitty” with Pumpkin.
So progress is being made in my house along with Bernie’s.
Jay watch out for her “boxing”. You know what she did to me when she was boxing me. I am still feeling the effects of that match. Playdate won, all three times.
Bernie, any updates on the “little ones” ?
Glen, Justice, the tortie is showing a lot of attitude. She drew blood already. Liberty “the tiger grey” is very talkative, and loves to be held. He enjoys tummy rubs and you can hear tiny kitty purrs.
Justice also likes the tummy rubs, (after you can catch her). She to has purred very softly. But then she is up and gone. Liberty will stay to be cuddled.
They are adorable. Just adorable. 🙂
That little gray tabby is adorable! He’s trying to look rugged.
I have a tortie! She is called Naomi. I got her from a shelter last Nov. She’s 4 now & she lives with my 7 year old marble tabby named Ralph.
I love them both so much.
Welcome to the world of tortie lovers, Crystal! Feel free to post photos of your babies on our Facebook page.
Welcome Crystal! We’d LOVE to see pics on the FB page!
i find tortie cats as a whole love to be held. almost to the point of annoyance. lol.
i used to cuddle my cookie like a baby in my arms. she loved it. she also adored belly rubs too and used to throw herself on her back when i came into the room with a big loud “meow!”…..as if to say….oi you get over here and attend to me! 🙂
i miss my cookie everyday xxx
That’s proably exactly what your Cookie was saying, Rich – “get over here and attend to me!”
Rich, I’m feeling your post, Monkey’s annoying me right now. It’s SOOOOO hot, ans she’s insisting on snuggling. She’s a chub, plus she has big wooly Persian fur, and she throws a LOT of body heat! *sigh* But I will snuggle until she’s done lol
I have seen and held both kittens. They are so cute and Liberty have hissed and tried to protect Justice (like a Tortie really needs protection 🙂 ) But he does his best to save his sister.
I saw the photo of you on FB holding Justice – she’s so tiny!
They’re both so adorable!
I have been owned by torties for nearly 20 years now. My first one was nearly 17 years old when she died, opinionated to the end. I still miss her.
We were lucky enough to be blessed with another, with whom we have shared our lives for about 7 years now. She is beautiful, bright, loving, and a major tease. She flops on her side when she wants a tummy-rub, and the entire family obliges on command. Spoiled? Not THIS cat!
I’ve shared my life with many sorts of cat; but now, I’m a confirmed tortie-junkie.
You’re in good company here with all us other tortie junkies, Jenny!
lol….what is it about a tortie? They steal our hearts like no other cat can, huh?
i have been around cats and dogs my whole life, but just acquired my first ‘tortie’ and her brother (an orange tabby) a year and a half ago after our last generation of cats passed away. Whoo boy, is she different! After visiting a few websites for info on torties, I guess her outsize personality is par for the course and part of the genetic makeup. What made me respond to this post is that Persephone (aka Her Plumpness, aka Her Highness, aka Princess) isn’t much on being held, but she LOVES tummy rubs and flops on her side to let us know that we may commence the tummy rub. She then proceeds to flop from side to side and flop her way across the entire living room floor while said tummy rub in is progress. The first time this happened we figured she didn’t want us touching her so we stopped. She looked at us like “Why did you stop?” We started up again, she started up again. We figured out it is her expression of utter contentment at our abject abasement as we crawl across the living room floor rubbing on her stomach…PS—I don’t know that she talks much more than some of the other cats I’ve had, but she is definitely louder. Also–extremely curious–has to be right there watching anything new that happens within her territory. Even the guy that showed up to clean our furnace when she was 8 weeks old said she had to be in his face watching him.
Persephone (what a great name!) sounds like a real character, with lots of tortitude, Joanna!
Joanna, hi. Sound like you have a very energetic Tortie. Love the name. Torties are curious to the point of making us stop and pay attention to them, now matter what we are doing.
Glad you found the site.
Welcome Joanna.
With Persephone in your life, things will never quite be the same..and isn’t it nice!! What is her borthers name? Is she close to him?
Both my past and present tortie have been/are very leary about any changes at all to “their house”. Even rearranging the furniture will throw them into a wor;d where everything that may have been there for years, is suddenly a new alien invasion that they must inspect and approve.
Again, welcome and we look forward to some pics of both your babies as we may be tortie mommy and daddys but we’re not tortie snobs in that most of us also own other types of kitties in addition to our torties.
Jenny you said that right, owned by torties. They do have that charm about them. Tummy rubs on demand. Well yes, that’s the ways of the Tortie. Whenever they want something it is on demand and now. nice to have you here.