Today's Special: Christmas Brings a Treat Ball

That's right. A treat ball! What an amazing invention! We were given so many great toys for Christmas, but without a doubt the treat ball is my favorite. If you think about it, it's the perfect gift for me. It involves food. Anything that involves food is on the top of my list.

Here's how it works: Peeps fill the ball up with treats. It only holds about 10 at a time. I hear the crinkle of the treat bag and come running. Once filled with treats, peeps place it on the floor. And...I begin chasing it all over the house hoping that a treat will fall out. Every now and again one will hit the floor and I get so excited I nearly trip over myself to get to it! Ultimately it's a win/win situation for peeps and me. They've managed to get me a little more active and I've managed  to get a toy that actually dispenses food!

So...to quote Cousin Eddie from one of our favorite Christmas movies, Christmas Vacation, my treat ball is truly "the gift that keeps on givin' the whole year."

Happy Holidays everyone!
xoxo

Today's Special: Herbie Potter and the Catly Hallows

As many of you already know, my peeps and I love the Harry Potter books and movies. Today was opening day for the seventh movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1- or, as I like to think of it (after my friend Da Puttytats G suggested it) - Herbie Potter and the Catly Hallows. That has a nice ring to it don't you think?

Because I've been so excited about the new movie, I've been talking about it quite a bit on Twitter and Facebook and I've found that there are still many animals and peeps out there who haven't given the series a chance yet.  Believe me, I understand.  We weren't fans from the beginning. Neither peep had ever read anything in the fantasy genre - witches, wizards, magic...no way!  Also, since the HP series is officially considered a children's series, peeps really didn't give it a second thought. But finally, several different friends and co-workers convinced them to just give the first book a try. At the time, the sixth book, Half-Blood Prince was hitting the stands. So grudgingly peeps bought the first book, swore they wouldn't like it...and never looked back. They were hooked.  And the funny thing is, as often as we hear people say "I don't think I'd like it," we've never heard anyone who's given it a chance say "I really didn't like it."

It's pretty obvious that the books are a classic tale of good vs evil, right vs wrong.  But there's so much more. They're steeped in mythology and history.  Not only is there a running storyline throughout the whole series that progresses with each new installment, but each book offers it's own mysteries and secrets. The characters are extremely well-developed and as you travel thru each book you discover that they're more than just fictional characters...they're friends and enemies that you genuinely love or hate.

The movies, as a whole, are absolutely brilliant. Again, my feelings hearken back to what I mentioned above.  It's amazing to see these characters and places that you've come to love so much, on the big screen in front of you.  The movies compliment the books in so many ways while still adding a whole new dimension to the story.  Personally, we would choose to read the books before seeing the corresponding movie because the books allow your imagination free reign, but the movies can stand alone as well.

So, I encourage all of you that haven't yet started this incredible journey, to pick up the very first book, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (Sorcerer's Stone in the US) and give it a try. If you do, I'm almost certain that before long you'll be grabbing a ride on the Knightbus to Diagon Alley to share a butterbeer with me while we discuss the magic of Harry Potter.

xoxo

Today's Special: Along Came Polly

This blog post begs a certain question. Whose blog is this? Last time I checked, it was mine. Herbie. Me. But yet here I am again, taking up my time to write something about one of my sibs.  It wouldn't be so bad if I just had one or two sibs, but with eight...this could go on forever!  Forgive me for what some may think are just my paranoid delusions, but I feel there may be a conspiracy involved. And I'm going to point my paw at the usual suspect. I'm not going to mention any names here but...he has three legs.  You get me right?  It's just a little suspicious that ever since "suspect" has taken up residence here, "suspect" has been the topic of two blogs and now another sib, Polly (who could easily be in cahoots with "suspect") gets to be featured in a blog...

Cue flashback music:

Polly is the oldest of the 9 of us.  She was born in Feb 1999 and came to peeps in May of 1999 at 12 weeks of age.  She's pure Turkish Van (and a DIVA - wait - who said that?).  As a general rule, peeps don't normally adopt pure breed cats. Nothing against them or people who adopt them, but peeps just prefer to adopt cats from shelters. But...many years ago, peeps had a very good friend who was a breeder of Turkish Vans so...along came Polly.

Yesterday peeps noticed that Polly didn't seem to be feeling like herself...again.  A few weeks ago she'd been feeling under the weather too. The vet decided it was a virus that simply needed to work itself out.  Sure enough, a few days later, Polly was back to her old (Diva) self.  But yesterday Polly was once again showing similar symptoms, so peeps called the vet this morning and took Polly in for a check-up and some fluids.  Peeps try to act quickly because Polly loves to get sick on the weekends. I think she does it b/c she's jealous that I got to go to the "special vet" when I had my "boarding incident" back in June.

You see, we're very lucky that we have a very special veterinary clinic just down the road from us.  They work in conjunction with various regular vet clinics throughout the country.  People come from all over to have their pet taken care of  at this "special vet."  You can only go there if your regular vet refers you or in cases of emergency...like when I was so sick back in June or when peeps had a cat treated for cancer many years ago.  They're open 24 hours and they do just about everything there (emergency medicine, surgery, cancer treatment etc) and they do it extremely well. It's an amazing place! But...they have a very simple fee structure that frightens peeps. This is how peeps explained it to me: when you walk in the door, that's $1000. After that, just figure on an additional $1000 per day.MOL  So when peeps see any of us getting sick near a weekend, they quickly call our regular vet and try to get us taken care of so that we don't have to visit the "special vet" on Saturday night or Sunday when our regular vet is closed.  Now don't get me wrong, peeps will do anything they have to do for us to be happy and healthy, but they'd rather avoid the "special vet" when we really only need to see the regular vet.

So back to the diva...I mean Polly...she's hilarious in her own way. Her bark is much worse then her bite.  She loves to growl and hiss at just about everything, but it's all just for show. Underneath it, she's a very sweet cat who loves to snuggle and be held.  One thing I've always really admired about Polly (aside from her color and markings) is her ability to open just about any door or drawer in the house. This has often proved quite valuable for me if peeps happen to be hiding treats or food behind said door or drawer.  Mind you, I thought her talents were limited to the house, but after seeing the video my peeps showed me, obviously her talents are far reaching!  Thankfully peeps were able to extract her from the drawer (three times!) and the vet was able to take a look at her. Seems that Polly is indeed dealing with the virus yet again.  According to the vet, many cats have been coming in with similar symptoms recently.  Polly was given some fluids and is now happily resting in a cabinet upstairs.  Vet will check in on Monday and if Polly is still feeling bad, then we'll go from there.  Hopefully she'll be back to herself before we know it!

Until next time...
xoxo

Today's Special: Ground Control to Major Tim

I'm not sure how I feel about this. This is the second time my bro Tiny Tim has featured prominently on MY blog. Is this simply because I'm a kind and generous kitty? Well, of course I am, but ultimately it's because that Tiny Tim keeps doing things to get attention.  And so the saga begins...

Today was Tim's very first vet visit in our hometown. He had all his tests, operations and vaccinations done down in Alabama before he came to us. And yes, yes, everyone at the vet office fawned over him. "Oh he's so cute." "Oh he has 3 legs." "Oh his name is Tiny Tim." Blah, blah, blah.*yawn* Anyway, I digress. Today he needed to go to the vet because his leg "nubbin" (as you can see I'm well versed in medical terminology) had a big scab on it and was a little bloody. Peeps were worried that maybe he had an infection and they believe it's better to be safe then sorry.  Thankfully, to make a long story short, Tim is totally fine. The vet believes that Tim is most likely licking his "nubbin" and causing all the trouble.  See what I mean about him always doing things for attention?  So...and this is the very best part...Tim has to wear one of those collars so that he leaves his "nubbin" alone. But I'm jumping ahead of myself by mentioning the collar. I'm just so darn excited about it! But, anyway,  if the "nubbin" still doesn't heal with Tim's tongue out of the picture, then an x-ray will be necessary to make sure the bone is smooth at the amputation site. He's got some antibiotics to take b/c it is a little bit infected and peeps have to put some cream on it to help it heal. I think that's all the boring stuff. Now on to the collar...

Are you in there little spaceman?

So after the vet, Tim came home. And let me tell you...I didn't know what was going on when I first saw him.  "Ground control to Major Tim. Take your protein pills and put your helmet on" (obviously David Bowie had met a cat similar to Tim back in the 70s with the name Tom) is all that came to my mind . I can't say for sure if Tim took his protein pills, but he definitely put his helmet on!!  Haha!  I simply couldn't stop staring at him. I didn't growl. I didn't hiss. I didn't meow. I just sat down and stared. My gosh he looked funny! I'm fairly sure he wasn't, and isn't, very happy with his current situation either.  I feel like I've hit the jackpot. When I woke up this morning I had no idea this day would turn out to be so hilarious. I mean, have you really looked at him? Even he can't believe his fate.

Ultimately, poor little Tiny Tim has to get used to his new space helmet because he's going to be wearing the fashionable headgear for a couple weeks (the lengths he goes to for Halloween are ridiculous!) to give his "nubbin" time to heal. I don't think he'll be able to hang on me during this time. Maybe he won't even be able to bite my tail. One can hope, one can dream. For now though, his excursion to the vet and his funny hat have worn him out. So he and I both bid you adieu until next time...

xoxo

Today's Special: What will you be watching?

I know...I know...I'm supposed to be telling you all about my new house. And that is a work in progress.  But one thing I really enjoy is hearing your opinions about various things.  So I thought maybe every once in awhile I'd write a blog with just that plan in mind.  So today I want to talk about...Fall TV.

It's true...I'm a TV watching cat.  There's nothing I enjoy more than snuggling on the couch with my peeps and watching some TV.  The remote control still baffles me slightly, but I try not to let that stop me.  I can easily change the channels. Often times right in the middle of whatever show peeps are watching! I've actually learned a few new words from peeps by doing that, but I can't repeat them here.

So I've compiled a list of the shows that we will definitely, might be and I wish we wouldn't be watching. How about you? What are your favorites this season?  What shows do you wish would simply disappear?

TWO PAWS UP 

We love this show!  There always seems to be just the right mix of teams we don't like and teams we do like. I rarely change the channel during this one. ;)



Another great show in our opinion. How many shows are there on TV where people are called donkeys and donuts?  Mind you, I think I'm a much better chef then that Gordon Ramsey, but I'm not one to brag...

Bazinga! One of the funniest shows on TV we think. That Sheldon just makes me giggle.

What can I say? To me, sheer comedy genius. Whether it's Angela & Dwight's creepy love affair or Michael...well...just being Michael, this show makes me laugh my paws off every week. The original British show, also called The Office, is well worth watching too.


 

It's a show about various serial killers rampaging around killing people in numerous horrific ways. There's no chance my extra fav peep, and me by default, won't be watching this one!



 PAWS FLAT OUT

One of my peeps is very excited about the new Hawaii Five-O. Apparently they remember the original from when they were a very small child. I'm not so sure about this one. "Book 'em Danno." What kind of name is Danno? One thing I will say is that the theme song is very catchy. Once it gets in my head, it's there for the day!

I'm not sure I really care about who will outwit, outplay and outlast this season, but we at least like to give this show a chance each time it comes on. Sometimes it turns out to be quite interesting. Other times...not so much.


PAWS TUCKED UNDER ME

Two words will sum up why this show always finds its way onto our TV. These words cause my peep to somehow always manage to be in front of the TV at just the right time.  The words are...Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

I know this show is very popular (and one peep watches for a reason even they can't explain), but I honestly can not watch without feeling a bizarre mixture of distaste, loathing and fascination at the absurdity of what I'm seeing. This season I'm staying away until it's over.

So there you have it. If you're looking for me this fall, I'll be on the soft blanket in the middle of the couch with the remote control securely within paw's reach!
xoxo

Today's Special: 5 More Questions

Yes, I'm back again...answering more questions. It's tough being a celebrity! Heehee! Come to find out, many weeks ago, my BFF Cathy Keisha asked me 5 questions as well. Somehow I missed my name when I read her blog so...since she is my dear friend, here I am to answer those questions.

What is your favorite brand and flavor of cat food?

Peeps serve us Tiki Cat. I don't have a favorite flavor. I truly love them all. Tiki Cat is a canned food made with human-grade whole-food ingredients. It's pricey, but delicious.

 Which TV character, past or present, are you most like and why?

This is an easy one. I would have to say what others have said before. Newman from Seinfeld. First of all, we absolutely love Seinfeld in our house. We all think it's the funniest show to ever be made.  There are so many days when peeps will say "I feel like I'm having a Seinfeld moment." Specifically, there are many reasons why I've been called Newman. First and foremost...obviously...I'm a little on the rotund side.  Second, I love food. Finally, I'm a sneaky and devious little cat. I can't deny it. HerbsNewman I am!

How would you change the world?
I kinda answered this one in my last blog (we need lunch!!) so I'm actually going to answer another question that was asked (as a joke) - but actually appeals to me.

Who is your favorite serial killer? 

Well, it's funny that Cathy should ask b/c my peep is actually fascinated with serial killers. Not the act of murder so much, but the thoughts and processes that take place in the killer's brain. I can't tell you how many serial killer TV shows I've sat thru and how many serial killer books I've laid on.  Overall, for sheer shock value, we'd have to rate Jeffery Dahmer as our "favorite." Let's face it...it's just not every day that someone like him comes along.  And thank god for that!

How do you work your claws?

Personally I'm a carpet man myself. I normally don't scratch at furniture too much, but I go crazy with the carpet. I especially love doing it when I get excited.  When I'm playing sometimes I'll just take a break and give the carpet a good what for!  I really am a model cat aren't I? My bros Riley and Louie on the other hand are furniture men. Peeps have often said that Louie is the sweetest cat in the world, but also the most destructive!  He can fluff up furniture in mere hours. And I won't even discuss the time he ripped the drywall at our old house chasing a tiny spot on the wall.  Peeps were...less than impressed. ;)

How did you start tweeting?

Peeps came to me one day and told me about this thing called Twitter. Since it had nothing to do with food, napping, playing or snuggling, I really didn't care. But as always, I humored them by looking at them and pretending to pay attention. Once they showed me how Twitter worked though, I have to admit, I enjoyed it. I started out just kind of tweeting various thoughts and happenings in my life. I didn't realize there was such an incredibly kind and fun anipal community out there. As I went along I started looking for other cats to follow...one thing led to another...and voila...my twitter life began. :)

And that's my five questions answered! Technically I should think up another 5 questions for 5 more friends, but since I would like to do a blog soon that doesn't involve me answering 5 question...I'm going to conveniently ignore that technicality. Haha!  I'll be back next time with a tour of my new house as promised.  I can't wait to show you all where I live. It's great. :)

xoxo

Today's Special: Five Questions and Five More

Back in June, the lovely Shiva and Jaya challenged me to answer five questions they asked, then come up with five questions myself and challenge 5 of my friends. As most of you know, June, July and August have been extremely busy months for my family and I. Between getting our old house ready to sell, having panic attacks, packing, moving, getting a new sibling etc etc etc, I haven't had time to do this. So, now that things have calmed down a little bit, I wanted to take the time and answer their questions.


Question #1 from Shiva and Jaya: Are you in love? What is the kitty's/doggie's name? 

This is a difficult question because I'm in love with many things. I love my peeps. I love my friends on Twitter and Facebook. I love food, laying in the sunshine and my new house. But...ultimately I know what Shiva and Jaya are asking so...no I'm not in love. I am, without a doubt, a confirmed bachelor for life. But, if I were to ever change my mind there is indeed one...kat...who makes my heart beat just a little bit faster. She knows who she  is. :)


Question #2 from Shiva and Jaya: Are you picky when it comes to the noms your human(s) serve(s) you?

This question makes me laugh. I mean, really...do you know who you're asking???  I'm really not picky in the least. I'll happily eat just about anything peeps put in my bowl. Now mind you, I feel that my peeps feed me really delicious food. Maybe if they fed me food that didn't taste so darn good I'd turn my nose up at it. But as of yet, except after my "boarding incident" when I was sick, I've never passed on a meal. And if I'm honest, I usually eat my meal and if I can get away with it, I also help my siblings eat their meal. No one can ever say I'm not helpful!!

Question #3 from Shiva and Jaya: Is there any music that hurts your kitty/doggy ears so much it makes you go meow or whoo?

This is a difficult one for me, because there's nothing I dislike more than talking about music I hate. So...suffice it to say, there is alot of music that hurts my ears, however, I'm very open-minded overall when it comes to listening to music. I don't feel there's any way to truly appreciate music without listening to all that the world has to offer (painful though it may be.) I don't like alot of it. Or even most of it. Much of today's popular music is vile beyond words. Having said that, I'm very fortunate to live with peeps who have excellent musical taste in my opinion. Around my house we listen to some current music (Eminem and Lady GaGa come to mind), but also lots of older stuff. The Smiths and Morrissey are our favorites. Others that really get me purring are bands like The New York Dolls, Jobriath, T. Rex...the list goes on and on.  Without the joy of music, the world would be a wretched place.

Question #4 from Shiva and Jaya: If you ruled Planet Purrth, what would your policy look like?

Just let me say...if I ruled Planet Purrth, there would be lunch for every animal! I've talked to many over the years and lunch is the forgotten meal for us. Peeps eat lunch so why don't we?  I know many of you have shared your "lack of lunch" frustrations with me and I've heard you. Together we can make a change!  Together we can bring lunch to our bowls!  Who's with me?

Question #5 from Shiva and Jaya: Winter, spring, summer and fall? And why?

I've always been happy that I live in a state with seasons b/c on some level, I enjoy them all. Winter brings the white fluffy stuff that I love watching fall from the sky. Spring brings beautiful colors, lots of birds and bugs that grab my attention. Summer brings the smell of newly cut grass and the delightful cool air that comes from the vents in the house and finally fall (autumn)...my favorite season...brings a special warm, homey feeling.There's just something intangible in the air that I love. It's a time for beautiful weather, holidays (and the meals they bring) and to just simply be thankful for all that we have.

And here are my five questions:

1. When it comes to food would you consider yourself more a fan of savory or sweet?
2. If a genie came to you and granted you 3 wishes, what would they be?
3. If given the choice would you rather read a book or see a movie? Why?
4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you and your peeps would buy?
5. What one place would you love to travel to more than any other? Why?

I challenge the following 5 friends to answer my questions:

@HollieCatRocks
@BizbeeKitty
@CathyKeisha
@CrazyKittyKat1
@BeaverWonderCat

See ya next time for a tour around my new house!
xoxo

Today's Special: Meet Tiny Tim

This is a 12 week old kitten.
This is a 12 week old kitten with only 3 legs.
This is a 12 week old kitten with only 3 legs that is becoming part of my family.
Any questions?

Well questions or not, I'm going to tell you the whole story as it was told to me this very morning by my peeps. Pfftt!  Let me start at the beginning...

As some of you know, I was quite suspicious yesterday because my peep was talking to our BFF for most of the day and I kept hearing things like "3 months old," "only 3 legs," and "needs a home." BFF lives in Alabama. BFF gives us things. By "things" I mean homeless, abandoned kitties in need of a good home. The last "things" we got are named Louie and Petunia. They've been my siblings for almost 3 years now and we love them very much (don't tell anyone I said that).

So yesterday, BFF contacted my peeps because there was a little kitty that desperately needed a home. For now, said kitty shall be known as Tiny Tim. It's the nickname peeps have given him. Once we meet him and get to know him, peeps will officially name him, but for now...meet Tiny Tim.

Tiny Tim is the kitten of a feral mom cat living in a colony in Alabama. He was born without a back right paw and without part of his back right leg. He would have never survived in the feral colony so a very nice person rescued him. When she took him to the vet at 6 weeks old, the vet thought that euthanizing him would be best b/c it was unlikely that anyone would want to adopt him. Alabama has a HUGE amount of stray kittens so one little kitten with special needs probably wouldn't fair too well up against all the "perfect" little kittens looking for homes. Thankfully his rescuer just couldn't bear to let him be killed. She had rescue contacts and hoped and prayed that she could find him a home even though she knew...the odds were against her.

Fast forward to yesterday - 6 weeks after Tiny Tim was rescued. He is fully recovered from his surgery (he needed to have the remainder of his back leg removed and he got his stitches out yesterday), he's totally healthy and ready to run, jump and play like the kitten he is. And his foster mom is ready to start trying to find him a home. One of her rescue contacts just happened to be our beloved BFF.  As soon as BFF heard abt the little 3 legged kitten that needed a home...she thought of my peeps. And sure enough...they were up for the challenge of taking care of a special needs cat. So, Tiny Tim is no longer homeless. He's no longer a stray. He's a part of our family now. :)


He's due to arrive here on 30 July. Until then he's staying with BFF. He's one lucky little guy! And yes, 30 July is moving day! So it's going to be a busy day for peeps, but a rewarding one. It's been many, many years since peeps have had a kitten. They always feel guilty at the thought of adopting a kitten from a shelter because kittens always find homes so easily whereas the older cats sometimes have more trouble. So...peeps never really thought they'd have a kitten again which makes this even more exciting for them. And they're also delighted that he's arriving on moving day because they're hoping to just kinda incorporate him into the lump of cats moving into the new house. Haha! Good luck with that peeps! I've got your number and I intend to tell the others what you're planning! ;)

So for now I'm going along with this. You know how it is...keep the peeps happy. As they told me all abt Tiny Tim this morning I looked at them with my big green eyes and fell over. Well played! They bought it hook, line and sinker. However, once the little tyke gets here...it will be time to teach him the ropes around my house. No eating my food, no sleeping on my window seat etc etc etc. As long as he follows along and doesn't try any of that cute kitten stuff on me, we'll be good. But you better believe...I'll be watchin' him...

xoxo

Today's Special: The Shaved Tummy Issue

First and foremost I'm here to make a confession. I'm a sensitive cat. Why you ask? How do I know this? Well, let me start at the beginning and tell you the whole story...

A few weeks ago peeps' real estate agent gave them a call about a house in our current neighborhood that she thought would be perfect. The peeps were in the process of getting ready to start renovations on our current house - which we all love. Well, peeps went to see this new house and low and behold, it was indeed perfect. Peeps fell in love with it...mostly because they felt it would be wonderful for us. Not only is it bigger, but we'll have a room just for our litter boxes...which we'll access thru a kitty door!  And there's a place in the master bedroom that will be just right for a brand new kitty tree!  Be still my heart! A kitty tree! I can't wait! I can't wait!

So, to make a long story short, the peeps made an offer to this house and the house accepted it.  At first I was worried the peeps had offered it my food, but since that time I've come to learn that they didn't. Whew! So we are officially moving! As soon as this offer was accepted and lots of paperwork was signed, the peeps went into overdrive to get our house ready to go to the market. Or maybe it's on the market. I can't keep all this real estate mumbo jumbo straight!  It was a frantic time! One of the hardest things they had to do was...gulp...board us so that people could come look at our house and hopefully want to buy it. It was a really hard decision for peeps to make.  They did not want to board us. They even looked around at extended stay hotels or short-term apartments so that we wouldn't have to be boarded. But alas...in the end...boarding was the only option. With heavy hearts they inspected a few places and found one they really liked just 5 minutes from our house. It had these really nifty glass condos and each condo held two cats so none of us would be alone. So...they made the reservation and dreaded the day when we'd have to go. That day finally came on Friday 11 June. Peeps packed us up that afternoon and off we went. They got us all settled and left for a few hours. The boarding place already knew that peeps would be coming to visit us every day and they'd be feeding us dinner.  Sure enough, 3 hrs later peeps came back! And boy I'm glad they did...

When peeps arrived they opened up all the condos to let us out. But when they got to my condo, they found me in the bottom, foam all around my mouth and throw up everywhere. They were terrified...and so was I. They could see that I wasn't feeling well at all to say the very least. They got me out of the condo and I started panting so they quickly called the vet, explained the situation and the vet said that they should bring me right in. So into the carrier I went and off to the vet. On the ride over, I really started scaring my peeps b/c they thought I was going to pass out. They could see I was "out of it" and just drove as fast as they could to get me help. Once at the vet I was whisked into an exam room, quickly checked over and taken to the back to an oxygen cage. They set me up with an IV and waited to see if I would stabilize. Vet said as far as she could see, I'd had a panic attack and gone into shock. It was the shock she was worried abt. She said...I might not make it.

Fast forward abt 45 minutes later and I had stabilized and was ready to be transported to the local emergency hospital b/c I needed 24 hr care right now. So with one peep carrying the IV bag that was attached to me and the other peep carrying me we made our way out to the car and drove to the emergency place.  Once there I was admitted and taken to the back for all sorts of tests. I had blood work done (which all came back perfect may I just say!), x-rays taken (which showed "something" in my intestine - hopefully just inflammation) and finally I had my tummy shaved  (I'm not pleased abt this!) for an ultrasound which...thank god...did indeed just show a bit of inflammation probably caused by the stress and vomiting.  I spent that first night in an oxygen cage in the critical care unit.  It was a LONG night for peeps as they waited by the phone. They finally got the good news abt the ultrasound results at 2am!!

For the rest of the weekend I stayed at the emergency vet slowly getting better and better. On Saturday evening I was transferred to the standard unit and peeps visited me twice every day. I was always so happy to see them. I'd eat when they visited and then just cuddle up with them b/c I was so exhausted.  I charmed all the techs and vets there too so when it came time for me to leave Monday evening they were sad (but happy that I was better) to see me go.


So now I'm at home again and we have a contract on our house!!  Whoopie! Overall I'm feeling pretty good. I still haven't gotten my appetite back fully and I'm sleeping a little more than usual. Peeps actually took me back to the vet today (Saturday) to make sure I was ok. I am. Vet thinks I might have a little virus or sinus infection now. I probably picked it up at the hospital when my immune system was lowered from the stress. So I've got medicine to take for the next week and then, hopefully, I'll be back to my old self! :)  Well, then again, almost my old self. I still have the shaved tummy issue to deal with! I'm drafting the complaint letter this very week ;)

xoxo

Today's Special: The Lucky Winners Were Bellatrix & Max

It was that time again. A yearly visit to the v-e-t. This time the lucky winners were Bellatrix and Max. Before I get started, let me just say that none of us like going to the v-e-t. No shock there right? Peeps always bring the carriers out a bit before it's time to go so that we can sniff them up and get comfortable with them. I'm actually quite happy to relax in a carrier if the mood strikes me. And Bellatrix is quite relaxed around the carriers. She actually loves them. Anytime they're brought out, she immediately crawls inside, curls up and takes a nap! It's great when Bella is actually one of the cats going to the v-e-t (like this time), but it's awful trying to get her out of the carrier when they need to insert someone else!

Cue flashback music...

Bellatrix came to live with us in December 2006. We were at the same shelter. I left in April 2006. In December Bella was still there. :( How shall I put this? Bella is...and I mean this in the nicest way possible...crazy. Insane. Bonkers. She has a few behavioral problems to say the least.  Because of this, she wasn't exactly first on most people's adoption list. She's a tortie and from what we've been told, torties are just...wild cats! Bellatrix is fiercely loyal & loving, but also...well...may I say coo-coo?  Because she has spent so much time in shelters she really came to be totally content in carriers & cages. It's a sad thing, but it's true. If Bellatrix is accidentally locked in a room, she won't ever make a sound. She'll simply accept her fate, curl up and wait for someone to open the door. Having said all that, one might think she's a calm little kitty. Haha! I believe that's her trick. Bellatrix is like a live electrical wire when she has one of her "episodes."  Unfortunately she ALWAYS has one of her episodes at the v-e-t!

Max, on the other hand, avoids the carriers at all costs. When it finally comes time to put him in one, he grows exactly 12 additional legs, each with claws sharpened to razor sharp points! Then these 16 legs all move in different directions coming in contact with as much skin as possible. Eventually the peeps get him in the carrier, but they both look like living road maps. Max doesn't mean to do it. He's a very sweet, gentle cat overall, but leaving his home is not something he wants any part of!

Cue flashback music...

Max came to live with us in January 2008 at the age of 6. He started out in a shelter when he was 2. Then my peep's mom adopted him. He's always been a very nervous kitty, but once he got settled into his new home he was very happy. My peep's mom loved him very, very much and he loved her. He was the only cat and he relished all the attention. But, anytime anyone visited my peep's mom, he would hide away, sometimes for a day or two after they left.  Obviously no one knows what happened to him before coming to live with my peep's mom, but it must not have been good b/c he was very scared of everything. Sadly, in January 2008 my peep's mom passed away totally unexpectedly.  To say the least, this was a terrible blow to Max. Not only had he lost his most loved person, but he lost his house and all his security. He went from being a single cat to one of seven. For awhile after he came to live here, peeps were really worried that he wasn't going to make it. They felt he had just given up. He was completely terrified, wouldn't eat and didn't socialize. One look from any one of us and he'd run the other way and hide for days. So, as a last resort, peeps took him to the v-e-t to see if there was anything that could be done. Come to find out, all the stress had given him a pretty serious heart murmur as well. Thankfully the v-e-t suggested Prozac to help him relax a little and it really has given him his life back. His heart murmur has actually repaired itself somewhat, he's happy, playful and social now. When people come over to visit, Max is one of the first ones to greet them and give them some leg rubs. I know my peep's mom would be so thrilled to see Max so happy.

So off they go to the vet. Bella is napping in her carrier and Max is simply two enormous eyes in the back corner of his. Once at the vet, Max goes first. Again the 16 legs make an appearance but this time they fight to keep him IN the carrier. Eventually though, out he comes and he snuggles up to peep and never says another word. He's the type of kitty that you just can't help loving to bits. A perfect patient. Not a moment's trouble. And very happy to make a quick retreat back into the carrier when his visit is over.

Next up was Bellatrix. To quote the v-e-t, "she's hell on wheels." The v-e-t learned a long time ago that it's best if my peep holds her. One technician isn't enough. Two technicians just means more blood to spill!  So out from the carrier she strolls and the drama begins. She off the table in a flash and prowling around the exam room. Peep grabs her and puts her back on the table. The v-e-t starts to move closer. First the growling starts. Then the hissing. Then the screaming. As the v-e-t starts to check her over there's flipping, twisting and hopping. Yes, hopping! If it's a really special day, Bella might spit a little. Then comes the biting of the digital thermometer. Then the slapping of the stethoscope. The v-e-t can't hear her heart beat because she's growling too loud. Then comes the time out. And finally, the vaccinations. It's all over in about 10 minutes, but it feels like hours! Haha! The funny (and sweet) thing is that there's not a mark on my peep. Not a scratch or a bite. If it had been the technician holding her, there would have been casualties...believe me!

So as you can see, in my house, going to the v-e-t is quite an adventure. Don't tell anyone, but Louie and Petunia are next! Heehee.

xoxo

Today's Special: It's Not Just an Ordinary Cardboard Box

I thought today I'd tell you about one of my favorite things. We're all very fortunate in that we have just about everything a cat could want here. Food, toys, food, love, food...you get the idea right? But there's something else here that I love very much. It's my window seat. It's where I say hello to the sun every day.  I do sometimes share it with my siblings, but for all intents and purposes, it is MY window seat.  With that said, let me explain...

When I first became part of this family, we lived in another house. It was a nice house, but I like our current one better. There was a cardboard box that lived in the closet of our old house.  There was a window in the closet and as fate would have it, this cardboard box sat under it.  Not intentionally, just by chance. It was a box full of things that the peeps didn't use, but didn't want to get rid of. It was what the peeps call a storage box.

Normally we aren't allowed in closets. My peeps have something against hair covered clothing. Do I take it personally? Yes! But I digress... Back in the old house, whenever the peeps would accidentally leave the closet door open, I would go in and immediately curl up on this cardboard box under the window.  Peeps would find me there and at first, they would shoo me out, but eventually they just let me stay there until I left on my own. Then they'd shut the door and my window seat would be gone until the next time I could sneak into the closet.  Sometimes I would meow at the door, but my peeps just thought I wanted to get into a place that I wasn't supposed to be. They didn't realize I must have been missing my window seat...

I'd been part of the family for a little over a year when we moved to our current house.  It was a scary time, but also very exciting.  The house didn't have any of my smells (which I quickly rectified by rubbing against every nook and cranny) and was filled with boxes. Now mind you, boxes are fun to play in and jump on so I'm not complaining.  But there was one box, in the bedroom, surrounded by several others, that was my favorite. Peeps would find me laying on it every day. As they started to unpack, they realized that the box they always found me on was the same box that had lived in the closet in the old house.  They had no idea why I loved that box so much...even I don't know...but they couldn't deny that I did. So, although it's just an ugly, old, slightly ripped, cardboard box, peeps decided to put it in front of one of the windows in the big bedroom and make it an official window seat!  They put a comfy blanket on it and it's just perfect. I literally spend a good part of every day on this window seat. I love looking out the windows, laying in the sun, watching the birds and the neighbors...it's just really my special place.

Even when my peeps bought brand new furniture, my special window seat stayed just the same.  When it started to sag a little bit in the middle, the peeps opened it up and put a fluffy old towel underneath to add some support.  It's as good as new now and extra cushiony!!

I know it must bother my peeps to see a tattered old box sitting in front of the window when I'm sure they'd rather have a nice piece of furniture there, but that's why I love my peeps so much. They realize that looks can be deceiving. They can see beyond its ugliness.  They can see it's not just an ordinary cardboard box.  They can see it's a super-duper Herbie window seat!
xoxo