Ruby’s Reflections

Allegra, Ruby and the moth

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 8 Comments

cats_on_table

The other day, I was sitting in my living room reading when I heard a commotion on the landing below. I got up to check, and found Allegra and Ruby intently following the movements of a small moth, and occasionally pouncing on it. They rarely play together, so even though I felt sorry for the moth, it was delightful to see the two of them in cahoots like this.

True to form, Allegra mostly watched and waited, while Ruby batted the moth around. Occasionally, Allegra would take a half-hearted swat at it, but she seemed to have more fun watching Ruby play. After a minute or two, I went to get the camera.

As I was filming the video below, I reflected on how this was a reminder of our housecats’ true natureContinue Reading

Allegra and Ruby’s surprise

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 36 Comments

Allegra: Ruby, do you know what day it is today?

Ruby: Of course I do, Allegra. It’s Mom’s birthday! Happy Birthday, Mom! Allegra, do you think she’ll get mad at us for sneaking into the computer room in the middle of the night to post this?

Allegra: I don’t think so, Ruby. I think she’ll like our surprise. We should do some other nice things for her today. You know how she always makes our birthdays so special?

Ruby: We should make her a tuna cake! Yay!Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: First Anniversary

Ruby's Reflections| 41 Comments

Tortoiseshell_cat_on_bed

Today is my first adoption anniversary! I’ve been here with my Mom and sister Allegra a whole year!

I had no idea what to expect when Mom picked me up at my foster home. But look how happy Mom was that day! Even though I was really nervous about what was happening, her happy energy made me feel good.

Ingrid with Ruby

I know my new sister wasn’t too crazy about me when I first arrived. Mom broke all the rules of proper cat to cat introductions, and just let me out of the carrier when we arrived at my new home. I immediately started exploringContinue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: House Cleaning

Ruby's Reflections| 13 Comments

tortoiseshell_cat_by_window

Hi, everyone! It’s Ruby! Mom says I have a “propensity to get myself in trouble.” I think that’s human speak for “I know how to have fun!”

The other day, I was helping Mom clean the house. I like almost everything about that, except for when Mom brings out the big scary monster. It’s this big blue thing with a long tail, and it makes this really scary noise. And it moves all over the house, and eats stuff that is in its path. I hide all the way in the corner of the living room behind an end table when the monster is running free, because I know it can’t get back there. I don’t know why Allegra isn’t afraid of that thing – she actually follows it around the house!

Other than the monster, though, helping  Mom clean is great fun. Allegra and I both like to bat at the lambswool duster. It’s like a big fuzzy toy, and we like to try and subdue it! I think Mom likes when we help her, because she always praises us, and we even get treats after the big monster goes away.

But the other day, I guess I did something Mom wasn’t thrilled with. She had sprayed something on a small stain on the carpet, and then turned away to grab a paper towel. I immediately went to investigate. There was some white bubbly stuff there that looked very interesting. I cautiously stuck my paw in it. Next thing I know, I hear Mom scream “Ruby, no!”Continue Reading

Allegra and Ruby on bedtime rituals

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 39 Comments

tortoiseshell cats on bed

Allegra and Ruby sleep with me every night, which makes bedtime one of my favorite times of the day. Most nights, Allegra joins me first, usually within a few minutes of me going to bed. Ruby tends to be busy at night and often has mysterious Ruby things to tend to before she joins us an hour or two later. But why don’t I let them tell you about bedtime rituals at our house.

Allegra: I love when bedtimes gets near – it’s one of my favorite times of the day, too! I can tell we’re getting close when Mom brings out the toothbrush and toothpaste. She brushes Ruby’s and my teeth, and then we get a treat.

Ruby: Yay, treats! I don’t mind having my teeth brushed, but the treat is the best! It’s really big, and before I eat it, I bat it all over the house! Wee!!!

Allegra: You’re so silly chasing that treat, Ruby.Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: what’s in a name?

Ruby's Reflections| 39 Comments

tortoiseshell cat in pink cat bed

Did you know that I’m a trendsetter? I didn’t, either, until one day last week, when I was sitting on Mom’s lap while she was reading a press release about the Top 10 Trendiest Cat and Dog Names. I couldn’t believe my eyes. What? You think I can’t read? Think again! Anyway, here it was, in black and white: the name Ruby made the top 10.

At first I was a little miffed. Don’t get me wrong, I love my name, but I thought I was unique and special and that no other cat in the whole world has such a beautiful name! I know Mom didn’t pick my name because it was trendy. Mom is too cool for that – she doesn’t do things just because they’re “in.” But then I thought it’s actually kind of flattering that so many other people named their cats Ruby. Just because of me! How amazing is that!Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: Ruby Gets a Visit from the Vet

Ruby's Reflections| 8 Comments

kitten cute cat tree

Boy, do I have a story to tell today! I know Mom loves me, and everything she does is for my own good (or so she tells me), but sometimes, you have to wonder about these humans.

The other day, I was snoozing on Mom’s lap, all nice and cozy, just loving my life and being close to Mom, when the doorbell rang. Allegra and I ran to the top of the stairs to see who was coming to see us. I always let Allegra go first. She’s the official greeter, and with very few exceptions, I’m a little shy around new people. Mom seemed happy to see the woman who came in, and Allegra ran down the stairs to greet her.

I wasn’t so sure. I had vague memories of that woman. She’d been at our house before, I just couldn’t remember when. Mom invited her to come into the living room, and she and Mom sat down and started talking. Then it hit me: of course! The last time she was here, I wasn’t feeling so good. Continue Reading

Allegra and Ruby have a secret

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 8 Comments

tortoiseshell cats table

Hi, everyone, it’s Ruby! I had to wait until Mom left for a little while to get on the computer. She told Allegra and me that we couldn’t write anything until after our big blog anniversary next week, because she doesn’t trust us not to spoil the surprises she has planned. But it’s just so exciting, you have no idea! It’s so hard to keep quiet!

Allegra: Ruby! Get away from the computer. You know Mom made us promise not to say anything to anyone!

Ruby: I’m not saying anything. I’m just typing away on this keyboard…

Allegra: Come on Ruby, you know better than that. Everything we write on here is read by thousands of people.

Ruby: Really? That many?Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: Ruby “Meets” Jackson Galaxy

Ruby's Reflections| 1 Comment

cat-watching-my-cat-from-hell

Hey guys! I’m famous! I made an appearance in Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy’s most recent newsletter!

I encourage you to read the entire issue of Jackson Galaxy, The Cat Daddy, and if you’re not already a subscriber, you should subscribe! In addition to my adorable self, you’ll also find Jackson’s position on declawing, which I applaud wholeheartedly, helpful hints on reintroductions, information about his upcoming book, and some really cool toys!Continue Reading

Ruby’s Reflections: Tooth Brushing

Ruby's Reflections| 11 Comments

tortoiseshell-cat-belly-cute

Hey you guys – it’s Ruby! It’s been too long since I’ve written something here!

I’m having the best winter. Normally in the winter, our windows are closed most of the time, but it’s been so mild here lately that there have been many days when Mom could leave the windows open for part of the day. Allegra and I enjoy the breeze wafting in while we sit on our window perches. We both love the one in the bedroom, because on sunny days, it’s in the sun almost the entire afternoon.

Since we both love that perch so much, we alternate between it and the bed. We’re good sisters! I know Mom wishes that we’d just figure out how to cuddle on it together, but if you ask me, that’s a little too much togetherness. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister, but I love her just fine at a slight distance.Continue Reading

Allegra and Ruby’s Excellent Christmas

Allegra's World, Ruby's Reflections| 16 Comments

cats-christmas-tree-Santa

Where is this Santa dude Mom has been telling us about? 

 

This was Ruby’s first Christmas at our house. After the last three years of bittersweet Christmases, I was looking forward to a happy Christmas and to making new memories. As you’ll see in the photos below, the girls had a great time. I was too busy enjoying watching them to take a lot of pictures, but I’ll share the ones I have!

We opened our presents on Christmas Eve. But first, Allegra and Ruby got a little taste of eggnogg.

cats-eggnogg-treat

Continue Reading