Sunday,
Shelby hasn't been particularly conciliatory to anyone who visits here until this eve when my friend Dar came over and sat on the lounge chair with her. She let him pet her and sweet talk to her without flapping her tail in the process
My niece came over later with her 3 little ones, ages 9 mo, 2 yrs and 3 yrs. I was worried. But the cats seemed to be very interested in the kids, especially Sky. Tonight the two boys are sleeping on the mattress and Shelby is curled up between them.
Sky has discovered my LR closet and somehow gets on to the highest shelf and watches us all from this secret spot. We were all worried that he had somehow gotten out and went to search for him. After about 20 minutes I saw Keli head toward the closet and growl.
As soon as I saw him I asked him what he was doing up there and he leaped down. Keli thought he was rude and walked away ignoring him.
Sky Shel and Boo chased little plastic wiffle balls aroubd all night as the little boys threw them in all directions.
I finally got tired of all the excitement and hid the balls, but one. My grand nephew threw that one high into the air and it landed inside the 20 gallon dry fish tank. Sheby went after it. She was very persistent in trying to get to it. She could see it through the glass but since various other things were piled in there she had to poke and dig for it. After a while about half and hour I got it out for her and she chased it again
Sky and Shel still wont go into their cages. Maybe they are enjoying their freedom too much.
LIFE IN A ROYAL CAT'S REALM
Jun 5, 1994
Jun 4, 1994
Getting Ready to Move
Saturday
Getting ready to move, Xavier put his single bed mattress in the dining area/study, standing upright against the wall. Shelby took one look, climbed up and perched on top, so she could have perfect viewing of her bird friends.
When Keli saw this, since she has no claws, she was very frustrated and tried to leap up directly to the top.
Shelby wasn't the slightest disturbed. Keli gave up in disgust and went to pout on my bed. Shelby couldn't figure out how to climb off the mattress though and came down face forward, which was very awkward for her. She realized we were laughing at her "gracefulness" and she made it a point to climb down backward from that point on.
Keli and Shelby occasionally will come face to face with one another in a doorway and neither one will back down so they can pass by. So they stare at each other, hurl a few hissing insults at one another and pretend to attack. There's a lot of paw slapping on the floor about 3 inches from each other. Shelby never extends her claws in these episodes. She could take one serious clawed strike at Keli and that would be the end of it. Since Keli is so insistent on establishing her superior position as the alpha cat, I frequently remove her to my room so everyone can co-exist in peace.
Skylar has let me pet him often and rubs against my legs when I'm seated. Then I pet him a while. He rolls onto his back like a kitten to have his belly tickled, but it must be done just so, otherwise, he hits me with his paws and we play. I don't want to encourage rough play until we are all bonded better so I just rub under his chin and he turns into contentment... the dead cat look.
Sylar shares his window occasionally with Shelby and Boo. He does most of his pacing on the sill in the evenings when he presumes creatures of the night are out there. At these times he would rather have the window to himself as he seems to feel he is on guard.
Keli sneaked up behind him and when he turned around to come back she met him halfway. They faced off, stared each other down, gave polite growls, but neither would give their ground. So they laid there nearly nose to nose in a staring contest softly whining at each other.
Suddenly Keli squinted her eyes and Skylar bounded off the window ledge as tho he'd ben struck by lightning.
I wonder what she said to him.
Not too long after, Keli was bored with the ownership of the window and climbed down. By this time Skylar was on the massage table giving Shelby a bath... washing her face.
Getting ready to move, Xavier put his single bed mattress in the dining area/study, standing upright against the wall. Shelby took one look, climbed up and perched on top, so she could have perfect viewing of her bird friends.
When Keli saw this, since she has no claws, she was very frustrated and tried to leap up directly to the top.
Shelby wasn't the slightest disturbed. Keli gave up in disgust and went to pout on my bed. Shelby couldn't figure out how to climb off the mattress though and came down face forward, which was very awkward for her. She realized we were laughing at her "gracefulness" and she made it a point to climb down backward from that point on.
Keli and Shelby occasionally will come face to face with one another in a doorway and neither one will back down so they can pass by. So they stare at each other, hurl a few hissing insults at one another and pretend to attack. There's a lot of paw slapping on the floor about 3 inches from each other. Shelby never extends her claws in these episodes. She could take one serious clawed strike at Keli and that would be the end of it. Since Keli is so insistent on establishing her superior position as the alpha cat, I frequently remove her to my room so everyone can co-exist in peace.
Skylar has let me pet him often and rubs against my legs when I'm seated. Then I pet him a while. He rolls onto his back like a kitten to have his belly tickled, but it must be done just so, otherwise, he hits me with his paws and we play. I don't want to encourage rough play until we are all bonded better so I just rub under his chin and he turns into contentment... the dead cat look.
Sylar shares his window occasionally with Shelby and Boo. He does most of his pacing on the sill in the evenings when he presumes creatures of the night are out there. At these times he would rather have the window to himself as he seems to feel he is on guard.
Keli sneaked up behind him and when he turned around to come back she met him halfway. They faced off, stared each other down, gave polite growls, but neither would give their ground. So they laid there nearly nose to nose in a staring contest softly whining at each other.
Suddenly Keli squinted her eyes and Skylar bounded off the window ledge as tho he'd ben struck by lightning.
I wonder what she said to him.
Not too long after, Keli was bored with the ownership of the window and climbed down. By this time Skylar was on the massage table giving Shelby a bath... washing her face.
Jun 3, 1994
Cat Babysits other Cats
Friday,
Skylar, Buddha and Shelby, all peaceably stayed together overnite in the LR, Kitchen, dining area. Keli slept with me in the bedroom, of course.
I put small paper cups on shelf with water in them so that Shelby would leave the birds alone. If she gets near the birds, she would have to bump into the cups which would tip over and she would get the water shock treatment that most cats hate. How many times can that happen before the cat decides to leave the birds alone?
In the morning several cups were on the floor and Shelby was lying cosily on a chair nearby, licking her wet fur, and carefully birdwatching.
Skylar shows no interest in birds except yesterday when I was cleaning cages and one flew out right beneath his nose. Sky would have flown right after the bird if he could have. But by this time all four cats were on bird alert.
Thank heavens, birdie was easy to catch... for me, that is.
Skylar, Buddha and Shelby, all peaceably stayed together overnite in the LR, Kitchen, dining area. Keli slept with me in the bedroom, of course.
I put small paper cups on shelf with water in them so that Shelby would leave the birds alone. If she gets near the birds, she would have to bump into the cups which would tip over and she would get the water shock treatment that most cats hate. How many times can that happen before the cat decides to leave the birds alone?
In the morning several cups were on the floor and Shelby was lying cosily on a chair nearby, licking her wet fur, and carefully birdwatching.
Skylar shows no interest in birds except yesterday when I was cleaning cages and one flew out right beneath his nose. Sky would have flown right after the bird if he could have. But by this time all four cats were on bird alert.
Thank heavens, birdie was easy to catch... for me, that is.
Jun 2, 1994
Arrival of the Standish Cats
Skylar and Shelby Standish have arrived in their cages this evening. Their people are going away and we will be caring for them. They came out to play immediately, as they have been over to visit before. But, their cages were left open just in case they wanted to go back into them and rest on their own blankets.
Jul 21, 1992
Magickal Practice
I recently spoke at the Science Fiction Convention (Adams Mark Hotel) over fourth of July weekend. First, I led a group meditation. Then, a panel on developing psychic abilities, and another on the Goddess (pagan perspectives).
Two more for which i was recruited to participate spur of the moment were "Ghosts" and "Crystal Energy". I'm not a supporter of crystals, and if I am asked to do a presentation on the subject next year, I would love to have a knowledgeable geologist at my side to discuss the science and realities of rocks and their "energies".
I do believe that certain stones do have a measurable electrical field, Magnets for example? Crystals were used in the 1930's for radio transmission. But, I also believe that a lot of magickal practices I do are based on simple psychology as well as self affirmations and effective fantasy put to good use.
I like rocks and have a large collection
Two more for which i was recruited to participate spur of the moment were "Ghosts" and "Crystal Energy". I'm not a supporter of crystals, and if I am asked to do a presentation on the subject next year, I would love to have a knowledgeable geologist at my side to discuss the science and realities of rocks and their "energies".
I do believe that certain stones do have a measurable electrical field, Magnets for example? Crystals were used in the 1930's for radio transmission. But, I also believe that a lot of magickal practices I do are based on simple psychology as well as self affirmations and effective fantasy put to good use.
I like rocks and have a large collection
Dec 5, 1989
Gypsy with a Corset
My Mama, Gypsy, told us to be good little kittens and wait for her. It was hard to be good with her gone. The last time she came back and smelled so funny. And now, Mama had to go to the vet again coz she is bleeding from her incision.
She has been chewing on her stitches. She says she can't help it. Mama is still letting us kittens nurse on her. But we think it might hurt now, even though we try to be careful. Now she is bleeding and we are worried about our Mama, Gypsy. When she came back, the vet had put a taped on "corset" around her belly.
Nov 19, 1989
Cat Allergy
Taking Gypsy to the vet soon to have her spayed, as the kittens are pretty much weaned.
Keli was first to wean herself. Amazing because she has always been so little and has never caught up on the size of the other kittens
Gypsy is so allergic to fleas she has eaten the fur right off her legs.
Keli was first to wean herself. Amazing because she has always been so little and has never caught up on the size of the other kittens
Gypsy is so allergic to fleas she has eaten the fur right off her legs.
Telephone Cat
Martin Wilcox called. His sister is the very same woman who adopted Mickey, my Birman cat, from me last year at this time. We had a nice talk, though Keli kept meowing at me trying to get my attention.
He thanked me for saving his life when he was so depressed. We met in a bookstore. Both of us looking at psychology books, and began a conversation. It wasn't long before I understood what he was contemplating. He wasn't concerned about himself. Thought he would leave his family better off. I didn't try to appeal to his emotions, but discussed all the legal issues with him, instead. It would leave his family penniless. Insurance wouldn't pay if he went through with what he was thinking.
Keli climbed up my pant legs when we were talking and sat on my lap purring the whole time.
I was glad to hear he was feeling better. He'd bought some of the books we talked about, plus got some help.
As soon as he hung up she jumped down. It's almost like she knew. ...Odd!
He thanked me for saving his life when he was so depressed. We met in a bookstore. Both of us looking at psychology books, and began a conversation. It wasn't long before I understood what he was contemplating. He wasn't concerned about himself. Thought he would leave his family better off. I didn't try to appeal to his emotions, but discussed all the legal issues with him, instead. It would leave his family penniless. Insurance wouldn't pay if he went through with what he was thinking.
Keli climbed up my pant legs when we were talking and sat on my lap purring the whole time.
I was glad to hear he was feeling better. He'd bought some of the books we talked about, plus got some help.
As soon as he hung up she jumped down. It's almost like she knew. ...Odd!
Nov 16, 1989
Cat Snow Dance
Snow!
BLIZZARD!
I was very late in picking up X from school.
The traffic was the worst I have ever seen. The roads not plowed.
When we got home, even though I stomped them clean, Magic tried to lick the snow off my shoes.
The wind came through the door as we entered. Keli pranced around as though she was dancing.
BLIZZARD!
I was very late in picking up X from school.
The traffic was the worst I have ever seen. The roads not plowed.
When we got home, even though I stomped them clean, Magic tried to lick the snow off my shoes.
The wind came through the door as we entered. Keli pranced around as though she was dancing.
Nov 14, 1989
Vet Visit
Took cats to the vet today.
They were surprised to learn that Magic has taken over mothering duties. He jumps into the box with the kittens the minute Gypsy leaves it. He washes them and nuzzles them. And, would you believe? He lets them nurse upon his nipples!
Well, he is the Papa after all!
They were surprised to learn that Magic has taken over mothering duties. He jumps into the box with the kittens the minute Gypsy leaves it. He washes them and nuzzles them. And, would you believe? He lets them nurse upon his nipples!
Well, he is the Papa after all!
Nov 6, 1989
Chlorine Kitty
Went to Jordan YMCA today and joined the arthritis swim class.
MWF 1:30 pm.
Just exactly what I need!
It was odd. When I came home with the smell of chlorine in my damp hair, Keli went nuts standing on my shoulder, sniffing my hair, trying to chew on it.
Can't figure out why she would do that!!
kitty picture is from:
http://www.someonespecial.com/Rinconada-Family-Collection.html
Oct 31, 1989
Halloween Cats
Dressed as a witch for Halloween. Put a cape and babushka on X so he looked like one too. We stood on the porch with all seven pumpkins lit up and had fun handing out treats
Bobby cat joined us. Rusty Tom came by and I locked him in the cellar with food so no weirdo's would harm him.
Took X trick or treating later. He was recalcitrant to be seen in a witch costume. We met some dudes in the alley who laughed at what they thought were two old ladies.
Bobby cat joined us. Rusty Tom came by and I locked him in the cellar with food so no weirdo's would harm him.
Took X trick or treating later. He was recalcitrant to be seen in a witch costume. We met some dudes in the alley who laughed at what they thought were two old ladies.
Oct 28, 1989
And the Winner Is...
Went to cat show with Kathryn where she showed Pat's cat, Lasagna who won some ribbons. Took Xavier with me and we walked around and looked at all the different breeds in their cages, but didn't watch much of the show part.
I loved looking at the domestic pet cats that were there and fantasizing that my cats could do as well winning ribbons. Magic, yes, for sure. He is so graceful and has such a good sleek body. He's a classic. Gypsy... well maybe not. Shes such a chunk of muscle. If she were a person she would be called dowdy.
Darling Clementine, Keli, for sure would be a winner!
I loved looking at the domestic pet cats that were there and fantasizing that my cats could do as well winning ribbons. Magic, yes, for sure. He is so graceful and has such a good sleek body. He's a classic. Gypsy... well maybe not. Shes such a chunk of muscle. If she were a person she would be called dowdy.
Darling Clementine, Keli, for sure would be a winner!
Oct 27, 1989
Bird Cats
Bought a bag of birdseed to feed the birds. I had run out and was concerned they wouldn't have enough to eat. Especially the big blue jay that comes by.
I scattered the seed around on my porch. The cats watched through the window as if they hadn't seen birds before.
I scattered the seed around on my porch. The cats watched through the window as if they hadn't seen birds before.
Oct 21, 1989
Stranger Cat
October 21
A strange cat came on the porch, very large Calico (could be some relative of Keli's).
Bobby cat tried to warn her away. I went out on the porch to intervene. Gypsy shot out between my legs, ignoring Bobby and headed for the stranger cat. It's funny how she fought the other cat by laying down and fighting upwards and furiously scratching strange cat's belly with her claws. The other cat just seemed to not know what to do.
I pulled myself together enough to yell at Bypsy and she slunk back inside, tal all busy.
Rusty Tom, in the meantime had come running and finished shooing away Strange Cat.
The kittens, though not nearby to the scene of action were all freaked out.
A strange cat came on the porch, very large Calico (could be some relative of Keli's).
Bobby cat tried to warn her away. I went out on the porch to intervene. Gypsy shot out between my legs, ignoring Bobby and headed for the stranger cat. It's funny how she fought the other cat by laying down and fighting upwards and furiously scratching strange cat's belly with her claws. The other cat just seemed to not know what to do.
I pulled myself together enough to yell at Bypsy and she slunk back inside, tal all busy.
Rusty Tom, in the meantime had come running and finished shooing away Strange Cat.
The kittens, though not nearby to the scene of action were all freaked out.
Oct 19, 1989
Snow Cats
SNOW TODAY! First time in history... 7 inches. My Bones feel it.
I'm bummed out because I can't enjoy the beauty of it. Mad at myself for not appreciating it. But pain gets in the way.
It's funny, how the cats all jump up on the windowsill to look at it. If I had the energy I would open the door to see if they would go out in it.
I'm bummed out because I can't enjoy the beauty of it. Mad at myself for not appreciating it. But pain gets in the way.
It's funny, how the cats all jump up on the windowsill to look at it. If I had the energy I would open the door to see if they would go out in it.
Oct 11, 1989
Kitty Pneumonia
I've been not well again and then this morning awoke today to discover that Keli had a serious lung problem. She probably aspirated the flea spray that B put on her last night.
Then when I asked him about it he admits to not covering the kittens heads like I told him to. Why can't he just do things the way I say or at least offer up his objections face to face like a man. Instead he goes behind my back and does it his own way, without respecting that I know about these things.
The rebellous child gets even with mommy for being sick so much and needing his help. Why does he have to act this way. Like he has a secret grudge to get even at the expense of helpless kittens.
I took Keli to the vet and he gave her a shot and some penicillin to prevent pneumonia. I was pretty worried about her all day. She kept "standing up" on her haunches, and couldn't tolerate lying down. She wouldn't nurse or eat or drink. And she was shaky from standing so long. I put her in the bathroom with steam, and kept watching how she was doing, and comforting her. I kept rubbing and lightly thumping on her chest between her arms. She seemed to like that as she kept raising her chest up higher and higher, and her rasping became less. By late pm she wanted to come out to play.
I'm so glad she's better
Then when I asked him about it he admits to not covering the kittens heads like I told him to. Why can't he just do things the way I say or at least offer up his objections face to face like a man. Instead he goes behind my back and does it his own way, without respecting that I know about these things.
The rebellous child gets even with mommy for being sick so much and needing his help. Why does he have to act this way. Like he has a secret grudge to get even at the expense of helpless kittens.
I took Keli to the vet and he gave her a shot and some penicillin to prevent pneumonia. I was pretty worried about her all day. She kept "standing up" on her haunches, and couldn't tolerate lying down. She wouldn't nurse or eat or drink. And she was shaky from standing so long. I put her in the bathroom with steam, and kept watching how she was doing, and comforting her. I kept rubbing and lightly thumping on her chest between her arms. She seemed to like that as she kept raising her chest up higher and higher, and her rasping became less. By late pm she wanted to come out to play.
I'm so glad she's better
Oct 10, 1989
Oct 9, 1989
Moon Kitty
Caught a glimpse of the moon through clouds and was struck with angst, pathos, pain and loneliness.
Oh, Moon, Moon! Does your light glow to remind me of who I am? How will I find myself again?
But the pain of my loss is intolerable to bear.
Keli Kitten wound herself around my ankles, but went away when I started to cry hard.
Oh, Moon, Moon! Does your light glow to remind me of who I am? How will I find myself again?
But the pain of my loss is intolerable to bear.
Keli Kitten wound herself around my ankles, but went away when I started to cry hard.
Oct 7, 1989
Neck Wrap Kitten
Felt ambitious so I cleaned garage, weeded backyard, went to have car checked, stopped at a yard sale. Got home, cleaned house some, went down cellar and threw dirty clothes in the washer. Potted some plants and placed them on the new shelves.
At the end of such a day, I am exhausted and wonder why I did so much. I should be resting.
Keli cat is a love. She lies on my neck while I read. I think I should spend more time doing this instead of wearing myself out. Maybe she would like that too.
At the end of such a day, I am exhausted and wonder why I did so much. I should be resting.
Keli cat is a love. She lies on my neck while I read. I think I should spend more time doing this instead of wearing myself out. Maybe she would like that too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)