Cat in the Buff

You Gotta Get Up in the Morning

2010-02-27T07:22:00.003-06:00

It's a heck of a morning. I'm sure Spouse and Son think so. You see, Firestar, our self-appointed alarm clock, has been of the mind that it is time for EVERYONE to be awake and active. Not just he and me. So for the past two hours he has been patrolling the hall outside the bedroom doors - and inside the master bedroom - calling revelry.

Not so loud as a bugle, but just as annoying. Even to me sitting at the desk wide awake. Well, awake.

Cats don't use a clock to tell time. It seems they use sunlight. And with the sun rising earlier and earlier each day his wake up call is coming earlier and earlier.

I'm not keen on moving clocks forward and backward, but I expect Spouse and Son can't wait for the clocks to jump ahead. So it's dark again at 6 a.m..

Some days I can pick Firestar up, rub his head with my chin, set him on the rocking chair, and watch him go back to sleep. Not this morning. He's up and about.

Most annoying. And I'm not even trying to sleep.

Better Than Catnip

2010-02-10T08:49:00.003-06:00

We don't get catnip toys for Firestar anymore. But don't think he's being deprived. There is another "toy" which he actually has been enjoying far more than he ever did his old catnip mouse.

What's cool about this "toy" is that it's something we use on a regular basis ourselves. So not only does Firestar have a constant supply of something fun to play with, but we benefit directly from it, too. And it isn't tremendously pricey!

Cool.

So, what is this new toy?

Dryer sheets.

You know. Those scented things like look like thick tissue paper you put in the dryer to remove static electricity and provide a nice, fresh smell to the laundry.

Well, Firestar goes nuts with them. He plays with them for hours. The only real problem is he doesn't let us throw them away. He hides them and we have to wait until he brings his entire stash out to play with. Then he has anywhere from two to six sheets he rolls around with. At that time we toss some, but always leave him with a stash to keep himself occupied. Having him chew on those instead of our hands and arms is much better.

Playing with dryer sheets. That's how dull it can be in an apartment.
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Firestar Escapes

2010-02-05T07:50:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, Firestar left the apartment on his own. I was bringing Son back from school and Spouse opened the door for us. That was the moment Firestar had been waiting for. He dashed around feet and into the hall. I saw him slip by and turned to go after him.

No need. By the time I had even turned to see how far he had run he was stopping and dropping low. Apparently, the long hallway was an entirely unexpected occurrence. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he was sure he didn't like it. He turned and slinked back into the apartment and jumped on the office chair next to mine. I came in and sniffed noses.

He probably won't be doing that again. At least, not for a while. But some of his curiosity about what draws people out that door has been resolved. He must think we're nuts. What could we possibly be doing out there in that long hallway?

I ask myself the same question every time I walk it.
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Must Have Been the Aftertaste

2010-02-04T12:12:00.004-06:00

Hmm. Yesterday I posted how Firestar and I are buddies. I think he must have read the blog because I haven't seen him all morning. At least four hours.

So much for the flavor of the month.
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True Friends

2010-02-03T17:46:00.002-06:00

Looks like I'm flavor of the month again. Firestar has been keeping close today. Not all day, but for the past couple of hours anyway. I was out at the desktop computer and he came to sleep in the chair next to me. I got up to come to the bedroom while Son was (is) doing his music. Firestar came and lay down on the floor at my feet.

It's difficult to explain fully, but to others who live with animals there is no need to explain at all. Having cats, dogs, birds, or whatever find one likeable is a wonderful feeling. It is probably one of the truest forms of friendship there is. When an animal accepts us, we know without question that it is accepting us for who we are and not because of any gain it gets. After all, they are not always friends with those who give them food.
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Cheshire Firestar

2010-01-27T15:43:00.003-06:00

Today is Rabbit Hole Day. It honors Lewis Carrol, who wrote Alice in Wonderland.

The big thing about Alice in Wonderland is the Cheshire Cat. The big, grinning, cat.

But you know what? I got to thinking. I bet Firestar could produce a big, toothy smile, too. So I decided to give it a go. This is what I got.

It's Back to the Routine

2010-01-03T19:29:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year everybody. I hope you made it through the holidays all right.

With Son returning to school Firestar and I will be returning to our daily routine. He likes (sometimes) to keep me close. When I go for a lay down he comes into the bedroom and lays near (without touching). When I wake and head back out to the desk he will follow and take the second chair, which is within arm's reach.

This is our routine. And here is what Firestar looks like doing it.

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Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T21:41:00.003-06:00

On behalf of Firestar and myself I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas - even if you don't adhere to the holiday. I hope it is a good time for you.

Cat and Bird

2009-11-30T13:35:00.001-06:00

There was a cat and there was a bird and they were friends that’s what I heard
The cat was grey and quite a fellow, the bird was flighty and painted yellow
The two would play around the yard and hit each other but not too hard
It was all in fun like friends should be and they sat together in a tree
At night the bird sat in its nest while the cat went in the house to rest
This friendship lasted through long days until days grew short and they parted ways
The bird the cat did never eat instead it savored the bird’s sweet tweet
Would that people could from them learn and be nice to each other in our turn
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Thoughts Behind the Looks

2009-11-19T10:09:00.003-06:00

So I was holding Firestar this morning. He wanted to fight (play) and I didn't. So he didn't want to hang around me. I wanted to calm him down so he would quit biting so I didn't let him go right off. I just kept petting him until he actually did calm down. I was actually amazed he let me think it worked.

When I let him go my nice clean shirt was covered in cat hair. I complained, telling him I had cat hair all over my chest. He looked at me with doleful eyes as if to say, "What are you bitching about? I have that all day every day, dummy."
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The Cat's Tale Waving

2009-11-17T11:31:00.004-06:00

I am considering turning off access to this blog and shutting it down. Should make a decision by Thanksgiving. But even if the blog continues it is not unreasonable to think I will be making the decision again later.
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The Cat

2009-11-08T08:42:00.002-06:00

The cat was known as Firestar
He wandered here he wandered far
His teeth were sharp and he bit quite hard
Often he bit this timid bard

But a cat is gentle a cat is soft
So when a cat stalks through the loft
Be sure to know it’s on patrol
To find something new is it’s only goal

Things that move it’ll pounce upon
From late at night until early dawn
And if in bed too long you lie
The cat out of reach will loudly cry

If cries don’t work it’ll jump on you
And getting up you have to do
And once you’re up the cat is gone
It’s running off but not for long

For soon it steals its way back to bed
And lays down nearly where you put your head
It falls asleep as if to say
You sleep at night and I sleep at day
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Firestar's Diary

2009-10-11T12:21:00.003-05:00

Hello. It's Sunday (I'm told). First or last day of the week, depending on your perspective. For myself - I don't care. My days are all pretty similar.

Let me demonstrate.

5:00 a.m. Sleeping on rocking chair. Bevie gets up and turns on light. How rude.

5:30 a.m. Spouse gets up and wanders around making noise.

5:45 a.m. Spouse leaves apartment. I now wander around meowing loudly. This is to get Bevie's attention.

6:00 a.m. Sitting on chair beside Bevie. Every time Bevie's arm moves close I bite it. Not hard. Just enough to entice play.

6:15 a.m. No play. Just back scratches. Not bad, but not what I wanted. Go to bedroom and sleep on Bevie's bed.

8:00 a.m. Return to main room. Sleep on rocker.

9:00 a.m. Son is up. Son comes to rocker and gets bit.

10:00 a.m. In Son's room sleeping on Son's bed.

11:00 a.m. Back in master bedroom sleeping on Bevie's bed.

12:15 p.m. Fill out blog entry and return to bedroom. Sleeping on Bevie's bed.

These busy days just wear me out.
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Here's Firestar

2009-10-04T10:58:00.004-05:00

Nearly a month since anything has been posted here. Sorry. Posting to blogs isn't an easy thing to do right now.

However, Firestar is still alive. Not going to say well because I think he's incredibly bored. Like Spouse and Son I think he was kind of excited to be in a new place. No stairs meant life was easier on his legs. But now he's discovered the other side of that coin. There aren't any windows to speak of. Two. One in each bedroom. And then there is the sliding door which leads to the deck. But there are no rabbits and few birds. And Firestar seems to find people watching a dull activity.

So, he walks around the place crying out for something to do. Son will toss his toy for a while, but Son is also bored about the place. But circumstances have allowed for Firestar to find a few creative outlets.

Hide and Seek is a game Firestar enjoys. This is a throw rug in the foyer just outside the kitchen area. With no windows to speak of the place is quite dark and we have to have lights on even at noon. I had to lighten up this image so I could see it on my dark monitor. Hope it isn't too much for those of you with newer monitors. This is where Firestar lays when any of us returns to the apartment after leaving him alone.

King of the Mountain is a newer game Firestar's discovered. He jumps from box to box until he can nearly touch the ceiling. He's even taken to sleeping up there. That's a unicorn bedspread he's sitting on. You can't see the unicorn because it got reversed when Son did a reconassaince through boxes in search of a specific hat.

Not sure what he's looking at. There's nothing there but the ceiling. Maybe he's praying we can find a different place to live. A prayer I share.

Temporary Shelter

2009-09-05T16:46:00.011-05:00

So, it has been about a month since the last post on this blog. We haven't disappeared entirely, although it might seem like it. Life just isn't filled with a lot of happiness at the moment. Of course we are aware of others who are suffering far worse than ourselves, so that our approach to our own unhappiness seems even petty. But there it is. It's all we've got.

Not a lot to say. Just felt I should let those who might be interested know we are still alive and as well as we can be at the moment. Still waiting for that rainbow to shine a pot of gold upon us. Maybe tonight, right?

It hasn't all been unpleasant. In fact, I believe I can honestly state that of the four of us (myself, Spouse, Son, Firestar) there is one who is still happy about the move. Spouse and Son were excited - until we actually arrived. They've changed their tunes (as I knew they would).

But Firestar is happier, or seems to be most of the time. I think I know why. Stairs. He doesn't have to navigate any now.

The house was five levels, and we spent most of our time on levels one and three (with one being the highest floor). Firestar's personal bathroom (litter box) was on level four and his food was on level three. He liked to sleep on our bed, which was level one, and he liked to watch the rabbits from ground floor, which was level four. So, here is a typical day in the life of a cat in a five floor house.

Wake up on level one and go down thirteen steps to level two. Go down four steps to level three. Go down thirteen steps to level four. Use the litter box. Come back up thirteen steps to level three and get something to eat and drink. Go bother Bevie at the computer. Go back up four steps to level three. Go back up thirteen steps to level one and take Bevie's place on the bed. Repeat this scenario several times during the day.

Here at the apartment/flat there are three rooms. The living room is nearly filled with boxes, two office chairs, some banquet tables, a glider rocker, a treadmill (which won't work at the apartment), and a desk. There is a two foot wide path allowing passage from the kitchen to the sliding doors.

Son's room has no space for walking. His mattress takes up the room's center, his dresser one corner, his book shelves an entire wall, and his saxophone and tuba another corner.

The master bedroom actually has the most open floor space, but no wall space. Boxes have been stack too high.

So, Firestar never has to go very far at all before he has reached the end of how far he can go and has to turn around. We have the same problem, but it doesn't seem to bother him as much it does us. Even so, I think he misses the rabbits. And he has been going stir crazy more often this past week. Perhaps the novelty of living in a different place is wearing off for him, too.

For your (possible) enjoyment/amusement, here are some pictures Son and I took at our current place of residence.

Son doing his daily exercise under Firestar's intense tutelage.
Actually, this becomes my sanctuary to escape snores in the middle of the night.

Firestar after one of his campouts.
Actually, Firestar has a penchant for crawling into sleeping bags, under blankets and towels, and going to sleep.

Another good idea shelved.
This is one of two desktop shelf units I used at the house. After this picture was taken the shelf units were both moved and now I haven't a clue where they are - beyond some place in the apartment.

Local friends having a quiet chat.
When we first arrived there was a flock of swallows who were convinced our deck belonged to them. Haven't seen them now in more than a week.

Reflections of a cat's life.
This was taken from the deck. Firestar is in Son's room looking out. The glass is reflecting the pool area and parking lot below.

It isn't home and it isn't sweet, but this is where we live now.
It's a corner apartment, so the first two windows from the deck are Son's room and the master bedroom. The air condioning box on the wall has to cool off the entire apartment. That's all right this year because it's been so cool. My plastic white rocker, which is older than Son, is finally cracking apart. But I kept it anyway. It's one of the more comfortable chairs we have. We can't keep windows open long because absolutely everyone around us smokes and the smell congregates in that corner. Son actually gets sick and has to go back inside. I grew up around cigarette smoke, so it's only a nuisance for me.

What a bath tub!
Actually, it's our pool area, shared with about one hundred other units. The sign claims forty people can be in there. Maybe. If they're all leprechans. For normal sized people, though, I would say ten to twenty is max. And on the best days that is about how many are in there. Son and I had it to ourselves one day - when it wasn't too cold.

A symbolic end to a day and an era.
This was taken by Son from our deck, which faces west. It wasn't the prettiest sunset we've had, but it was nice. We're out of the house now, and unless it starts to rain money down upon us we will probably never again see the inside of one we call home. I must say, none of this makes any sense to me. But then I've always been thick.

Comments for August Kitten of the Month

2009-08-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Shut Down

2009-08-07T13:20:00.003-05:00

I apologize up front for this post's connection to cats is at best - remote. Stretched like cat gut harp strings. (I've played harp strung with cat gut.)

The past month or two I have often neglected this blog in favor of other things, and for that I also apologize. But now I am taking something of a forced sabbatical. I will be offline for a time. Any time from a day to infinity. Chances are it will only be for a few days, but there are no guarantees. So I want to take this opportunity to thank you cats, and cat lovers, for your visits and your comments.

Check every few days to see if anything new has been posted. If September arrives and you still haven't seen anything new you will know things have gone poorly. There are two more days for me to post, but I'm not sure I will on this blog. My mind is a bit stressed right now.

So, if you will, play the following YouTube link and sing along. This is what I'm listening to at the moment and this is how I'm feeling. You take care now, you hear?

Meow.

You tell 'em, Firestar.

Everytime that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face gettin clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dust to dawn
Isnt that the way
Everybodys got their dues in life to pay

I know what nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know everybodys sins
You got to lose to know how to win

Half my life's in books written pages
Live and learn from fools and from sages
You know its true
All the things come back to you

Sing with me, sing for the years
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears
Sing with me, if its just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good lord will take you away
(x2)

Dream on, dream on
Dream yourself a dream come true
Dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on...

Sing with me, sing for the years
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tears
Sing with me, if its just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good lord will take you away

New Kitten of the Month

2009-08-02T06:36:00.002-05:00

Sorry I am late with this, but we have a new Kitten of the Month. She's a cute and shy little one named Tara.

Comments for July Kitten of the Month

2009-07-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Cats

2009-07-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

The cat would walk around the house and meow at this or that

It rubbed its head on legs and chairs, because it was a cat

The cat would jump on window sills and stare out at the birds

And when a human called its name, it feigned it had not heard

At times the cat would sit on laps, and purr loudly half asleep

Other times the cat restlessly, about the house did leap

Aloof, alone, the cat did roam, and own the house it walked

And the looks it gave when spoken of, showed it knew of human talk

The cat comes not at request of others, for that it does ignore

Obeying others is not its way, what an unpleasant chore

But be interested in something else, and soon the cat is there

Demanding your attention, to show it that you care

Some do not care for cats at all, they hate the cat’s strong will

They do not comprehend the fact, that cats and love us still

We need not cat’s compliance, nor need them to obey

They need not come because we ask, nor remain when we say “stay”

A cat need not be else but what a cat can only be

A creature loving as ourselves, who just needs to be free

And so when a cat will come to me, because it wants my touch

That a cat should want my touch, you see, means to me oh so much

Culture Lesson - Class #1017

2009-07-20T08:39:00.004-05:00

Just checked my email for the first time in weeks. Apparently I have won a lot of money. Now what's a cat supposed to do with money? Money's for humans. Now there was something about male enhancement, but Bevie deleted it before I could read what it was all about. I had kind of been hoping it was a way to reverse that trip to the vet I had a year or so ago. Now I'll never know. Humans.

Anyway, we have not had any real culture here in a while so I thought I would return to our lessons.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

Cymric
(picture taken from this site)

The Cymric is a breed of long haired cat. They are often considered to be a long haired variety of the Manx breed of cats rather than being considered a completely distinct breed. In fact except for the long hair traits of cymric, both the breeds are similar to each other in all aspects. The word Cymru from which this name Cymric is derived is the indigenous Welsh name of Wales, though this is a myth that this breed of cat has any relation with the Welsh, the origin of cat is related to the successor of Manx Cats from the Isle of Man. Though most of the cat associations believe Cymric to be an original breed, the TICA and ACF regard it as a variety of the Manx.

History
Though the official acceptance of Cymric as a breed is a very recent phenomenon, the breed has existed on this earth for a long time. Their origin is traced back to the Isle of Man, an island located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland where it is said to be introduced by human settlers and explorers. Cymric was earlier known to be Longhaired Manx, its name was later changed to be the name was changed to Cymric in 1970s. According to the records of the island, the special trait of taillessness in Cymric began as a mutation amongst Isle of Man's domestic cat population. As there is not much scope of varied gene pool in this small island, this trait became dominant and was passes from one generation to other along with the long hair genes. Many long haired tailless kittens were born from Manx but were often discarded as mutants. However, when the same kinds of kitten were born in Canada in 1960, they were treated with much respect and some time later recognized as a breed.

Appearance
The Cymric cat is identified as a tailless furry cat with a round head and full eyes. It is compressed and chubby in appearance. It has a short and thick neck over a mall to medium-sized muscular body. Adult males of Cymric breed weigh 9 to 13 pounds; adult female cats weigh 7 to 11 pounds. The ears of Cymric cat are medium-sized and widely spaced, narrowing gradually to a rounded tip. The hair of Cymric cat is mid length and dense over the main body adding more to its chubby appearance. The hair gradually grows from shoulders to rump. The hair on the abdomen and neck ruff is usually longer than that on the main body. The cheeks of Cymric cats are thick and full and its facial hair extends towards its cheeks like bib. This cat breed has impressive tufts.

Personality
Cymric cats are intelligent, funny and are friendly with other pet animals. They are impressive learners and are very soft and non-fussy in nature. They are very obedient and loyal to their owners. Cymrics very quickly bond with their human companions. They love cuddling and lap swinging. Some of the Cymric cats' owners describe them as cute as teddy bears. Though they love company, they are usually not overly demanding of attention. They love water and love playing with it, however do not assume they love bathing. They are moderately active and playful.

Intelligent cats. Isn't that kind of redundant?

Obedient? What nonsense is this? Just who are they obeying? Other cats? Well, that would make sense. Loyal to owners. Nobody owns a cat.

Lap dance cats, huh? Now I really wish I had been given a chance to read that email.
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Don't Talk With Your Mouth Full

2009-07-13T06:17:00.003-05:00

It has taken weeks, even months, to get this picture, and I didn't even get a good one. Had to snap it quickly, before the moment was lost.

I think Firestar gets nostalgic at times. I will hear him cry - almost whimper. Then, he will show up with his favorite toy in his mouth, as though wanting someone to throw it. Back when he was a kitten, he and Son would play catch for long periods. Son would toss the toy across the room and Firestar would chase it, sometimes catching it in the air. Then he would bring it back to repeat the process.

He will still chase the toy - sometimes. But never catches it and never, ever brings it back anymore. But every so often - particularly if someone has just left the house - he will carry his toy around the house and cry. I've tried several times to get a picture of it, but once he sees me he drops the toy, and it will be days before he picks it up again. Yesterday, right after Spouse left for work, he brought his toy downstairs. He got distracted by movement outside the dining room door and that gave me time to get the camera. Didn't have time to wait for it to focus. He was realizing I saw him and I had to snap the picture. This is what I got.

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Firestar: Lion-Cat of the North

2009-07-12T07:48:00.014-05:00

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Look into my eyes and come to me, you who have entered my lair.

You are under the power of my will.

I control your actions. Your very thoughts. I am -

Your Master!

Do remember that. Okay?
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Inasmuch as a certain human, who shall remain nameless (but who's name rhymes with "heavy") believes himself to be a writer, I have endeavored to undertake my own foray into the world of words.

To put it simply: I am going to write a story.

A cat story.

About me.
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I began life as a kitten, but I quickly advanced to the major activities of an adult cat.

I majored in rest and sleep. Everyone knows you can't do great things unless you get plenty of rest. And food. And rest.

And so it was that I was engaged in a period of much needed relaxation.

And I dreamed.
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I was stalking my prey from the shadows. (I was in the shadows. Not my prey. Well, it was kind of in the shadows, too, but I was the one really in the shadows. I was a black terror in the night.)

Making a game of it, I allowed my prey to run, chasing in order to maintain the flight-pursuit game, but not trying hard enough to end the game too soon.

Cats are so cool!
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Suddenly, I came upon an ancient artifact of old. (Is that redundant?)

It radiated power. It spoke.

"An ordinary cat you shall be no more. Heneforth, you shall be known as: Lion-Cat."

Cool!
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And I was made anew, granted the power of the great Savannah cats. (Not the city in Georgia - the African Savannah.)

I grew apace in strength, knowledge, wisdom, and cunning.

My new life as Firestar: Lion-Cat of the North, had begun.
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Zoo Update

2009-07-10T13:03:00.001-05:00

Did a quick update on Firestar's Virtual Image Zoo. Added three (3) pictures of snow monkeys, nine (9) pictures of Kamchatka bears, and 16 pictures of wolverines.

Never Make a Cat Jealous

2009-07-05T07:07:00.003-05:00

Firestar did something interesting yesterday. Well, he usually does interesting things. It's just that, often, one must be a cat to find them interesting. Staring, for instance. He likes to do that. I think he gets a kick out of us trying to figure out what he's thinking. Sometimes it's evident: he wants to bite something - someone. Sometimes it's also evident: he thinks were nuts. Most of the time it's a bit disconcerting.

Anyway, Son came and told me this. He found it amusing and I thought I would pass it on.

In typical fashion, Firestar decided to sucker punch Son while Son was watching television. This is one of Firestar's favorite games. It usually happens after staring for five or ten minutes. Firestar will rush foreward, whop (or bite) Son and then take off. This time Son made pursuit.

He found Firestar in his room, sitting on the bed. Son, deciding to "rub Firestar's nose", so to speak, picked up several plush animals and hugged them closely, telling Firestar how soft they were, and how cuddly, and how much he loved them. Finished, he arranged the plush animals on his bed and left. Before he did, though, he turned around to see what Firestar was doing. (It's never safe to turn your back on him for long.)

Within the span of a few seconds Firestar had ravaged the stuffed animals and was calmly walking away as though he hadn't done it. He came to me, all innocent, seeking a back rub. Son followed and ratted him out. He's going to get you for that, Son. Oh. I suppose he's going to get me, too. I posted it on the blog.

Oops.
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Just What Do Cats Need Anyway

2009-07-04T10:49:00.014-05:00

All right. It's been a long time since I've posted. I'd say "I'm sorry," but I'm a cat. We don't do that. Others do it to us.

Anyway, was walking some of the cyber streets and found several places where humans wrote what they believe cats need. Humans are such fools. They've got the basics down, sure. But they don't know how to live. So, here is a short pictorial walk and talk on what cats really need. I call it, Ten Things Cats Really Need.

Something to stare at. (And then destroy.)

Plenty of Rest

Plenty of Fluids

Something to Play With

Human Companionship (or something close)

A place to lay down.

A place to explore.

A way to get down.

A place to hide.

A place to snuggle.

A Feline's Excellence in Education

2009-07-01T08:23:00.003-05:00

Found a very cute (and very accurate) picture on LaughingWolf's blog. Yes, yes, I know. Shouldn't be visiting canine blogs. But there is a lot of good stuff which passes through, as is evidenced by this post.

I can just imagine Firestar as obedience School. Talk about a juvenile delinquent. When he wasn't sulking he would be shredding. In any case, I doubt he would finish the course.

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Comments for June Kitten of the Month

2009-06-30T23:59:00.003-05:00

Sethra, who owns Talpianna, is the June Kitten of the Month. Sethra comes with a darling exchange with her housemate, Aliera.

The Kitten of the Month Archive has been updated, too.
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Lazy Days

2009-06-29T12:39:00.003-05:00

We've successfully emptied a couple of rooms now. The play room is mostly emptied. What remains is a mattress and a sleeping bag. Firestar found the sleeping bag and decided to play camp out. He crawled inside and popped his head back out. Then he fell asleep.

The other day Son was making a stuffed bunny dance about. Firestar found it interesting.

Ane here is the bunny.

The Easiest Way to Use a Treadmill

2009-06-26T07:13:00.008-05:00

So once again I go down to the fourth level (sounds like something from a video game: You have now reached the fourth level!) to weigh myself this morning and what do I find - Firestar in the middle of the room, sitting like he's waiting for something - or someone. It isn't me, because he hardly gives me any notice. Just enough to let me know he'd rather I ignore him. Didn't have the camera with me at the time, but I returned and found that while he had shifted position, he was still waiting.

I think it's for rabbits. There is a warren of them nearby and they like to come to our yard where the play area used to be and eat grass and clover and such. Sometimes they come right up to the house. Possibly, Firestar is waiting for them to get close to the door so he can play the big "boo" on them. As long as he doesn't smash his face in the process.

Since I was down there with the camera I took a couple of shots. Son had taken some a couple of days ago, too. Here they are.

I appreciate you all doing this for me, but really, Bevie, when are you going to make your bed?

Now don't go ruining anything. I've got a plan.

Ah, shucks, Bevie! I knew you'd ruin it. Bunny's gone now.

Well, since you're here, why not get on the treadmill and walk? C'mon, it's easy. I'll show you. Lose that weight.

See? It's easy. Now, if I can just figure out how to turn the dang thing on.

Zoo Update

2009-06-22T06:04:00.006-05:00

Made a return visit to Como Park. Got some more pictures for Firestar's Virtual Image Zoo (see link upper right corner on sidebar). Wolverine submitted some pictures, too.

Right now, most of the images are from animals already in a zoo. But there are a few "wild" pictures, too. Give a look see, but block out some time. There are nearly 100 images now - 55 loaded in the past 24-hours.

If you have any photographs you/your children/spouse have taken and would like to make part of Firestar's Virtual Image Zoo, just email them to: firestarthecat@gmail.com
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Pranks, Purring and Playing Rough

2009-06-20T12:09:00.006-05:00

Our garage sale is over. Officially. Unofficially, a few people have showed up anyway and bought some things. We made nearly $100 without being open.

But Firestar has not been a happy kitten since we shut the garage sale down. He had got used to going out to the garage and sitting in his kennel cab and watching everything. Now we don't spend time in the garage so he doesn't spend time out there.

The other day Spouse left for work and Son left to visit. When the door closed, leaving Firestar inside, I thought someone had come in and was beating him to death. Such a commotion. I called from where I sitting and said I wasn't going anywhere either. Silence. Then he shows up at my side and we commiserated together.

Sometimes Firestar and I are good buddies. Other times he seems to go out of his way to make my life - interesting. He likes to play with my shoes. My shoes. Not Spouse's shoes. Not Son's. My shoes. What he does is stuff his fluffy toys into the toe area. That way, when I put my shoes on, my foot gets uncomfortable. With my feet now numb it can be a long time before I realize what kind of discomfort is being put on my feet.

With warmer weather I have been wearing sandals more and more. Firestar has tried his fluffy toy thing with them, too. Fortunately, I'm not likely to get caught with this prank.

Not bad in a sandal, but try walking around all day with one of those tucked inside your shoe.

He was chewing on my stockings the other night. What he wanted was to play. Before I knew it I had a raving lion at my hands, trying to tear the stocking away. Firestar bites hard when he plays. So I took the stocking and stuck it on his head. Son thought it was funny and snapped a photo. Firestar thought it was - something - and bit me thoroughly. I tossed the stocking away and suggested we calm down and sit quietly. So he lay by my side (not a lap cat) for about twenty minutes and then walked away.

He likes to play rough, and he interpreted the stocking on his head as a go-ahead for all out play. So he got quite rough.

When he got especially viscious I pulled it down. Mistake. That made him mad. So I took it off and apologized.

We're good buddies, although I cannot say I have ever had any other friend bite me.
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Culture Lesson - Class #1016

2009-06-19T08:42:00.001-05:00

It's time to return to real culture.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

Javanese

(picture taken from this site)

History
The Javanese cat breed has originated from Siamese cats. This breed was developed by breeders who wanted to take the qualities of the Siamese and alter the coat and colors to their liking. One of the foundation cats of the Javanese breed was created by crossing a Balinese to a Colorpoint Shorthair. The outcome was a cat with all the characteristics of a Siamese but with a longer coat length and a color outside the basic four (i.e. seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac). These cats with colorful longhairs were recognized by the CFA in 1987.

Appearance
The Javanese are medium-sized and have fine bones and firm shoulders. They have a long, silky coat, which comes in a range of colors. These cats have coat style resembling to that of the Balinese. These are pointed cats though fall outside of the typically known point colors seen in Balinese cats. Javanese are also known as colorpoint cats, considering odd or rare colors, like red or white, and patterns, like tabby and tortie. Though the Javanese are almost identical to Siamese, the major difference lies in the color schemes and hair lengths. As compared to the Siamese, the Javanese have softer lines and less extreme body type because of the longer hair.

Personality
Like their Siamese relatives, these cats are very intelligent and talkative Javanese are curious, intelligent, excellent communicators and playful. They have a fascination for food and love high places. They are very talkative and have loud voice. Javanese are responsive and interactive in nature and thus, are easy to train. Javanese cats usually love to play, and are noticeably good at jumping. Like the Balinese, Javanese are also quite vocal and will "talk" for no particular reason.

Genetic Defects
Since Javanese are directly related to Siamese and Balinese cats, they might suffer from some of the similar genetic defects. Though these defects are bred out of the active lines and are becoming infrequent. They are very social cats and love to be around their owner. If they are left alone frequently, they can become depressed. The Javanese also have a tendency to become overweight if they do not receive enough exercise.

"Talk for no apparent reason". Sounds like humans.
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Firestar's Compromise

2009-06-13T06:20:00.002-05:00

Been having a massive garage sale. There are dozens more across our little town. This week has been Carnival Week. They call it, "City Days". We've attended none of the festivities. Too exhausted.

It's been a good week for Firestar. He's been outside a lot. True, he has been outside in his kennel cab, but he's happy with the compromise. (He would like to roam free.)

When he is in the garage with us he is frequently the center of attention. People who come with no intention of buying anything (why are they here?) will fuss over him. Several have offered to buy him. Spouse always says he's not for sale. I take a different approach. I tell them, "He's quiet now. That means it will cost you $5,000 to buy him. When he starts meowing the price starts to drop."

A man with two young boys came by, making sarcastic comments about all of the things he could buy. He ended with, "and a free cat". I corrected him with my $5,000 price tag. The boys knelt by the cat and wanted to know if I was serious. I said I was. They rushed to their dad, impressed that they had just seen a $5,000 cat. Firestar turned to me and began meowing in his annoyed voice. I told him to hush up. Five thousand dollars is a lot of money. No one is going to pay that for me. He went quiet. (I may have told you this before. Told it to someone. My old brain just can't remember who.)

Yesterday we did some rearranging and Firestar got the premiere position in the center of the garage doorway. He got to see everyone who came, most before we did. He was quiet all day. Son taught him that when he meows too much he goes back into the house. So he saves his cries for those times when he wants to eat, drink, use the facilities, or just stretch his legs. Then he rushes back to his kennel cab and waits inside for one of us to see he's ready to come back out.

He's probably going to be all upset with us when we quit going out to the garage to sit.
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More Images in the Zoo

2009-06-09T11:12:00.008-05:00

Got some new pictures posted on Firestar's Virtual Image Zoo. Spouse, Son, and I went to Como Park, which is a small zoo/amusement park/park area in St. Paul, MN. If you stay near the gardens you'll find it quite peaceful. Gets quite hectic around the amusement park.

Anyway, I put up maybe a couple dozen pictures. Adjusted the naviagtion, too.

Anyway, Firestar is unhappy with us. Not only did we leave him alone to take this venture, but we haven't been going outside to do our garage sale for several days in a row now. He's enjoyed sitting out there with us. What he doesn't understand is that we - not having any real fur - find it too frikkin' cold! And it's been raining.

He's napping now. Tomorrow he'll get outside again.
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Showing Off

2009-06-08T11:55:00.002-05:00

We took down Son's bed today. He outgrew it years ago, but we couldn't afford to buy him a new one. Now we're selling the frame and he'll have to sleep on the floor like Spouse and me.

Anyway, Firestar was curious about the activity and decided to demonstrate his skills. He has a fine sense of balance, even if he doesn't have much other sense sometimes.

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Kitchen Cupboards and Drawers

2009-06-07T06:40:00.002-05:00

Firestar can open kitchen drawers. Not the small ones just below the counter surface, but the big drawers closer to the floor.

He taught himself to do this after teaching himself how to open the cupboard doors. Spouse used to keep his food there. After he was able to open cupboards Spouse put his food in one of the big drawers. After he was able to open that the food went into the laundry room. He's working on opening door with a handle, but he's not quite tall enough. What he needs is a step stool or something. God help us if he figures that out.

Although his food is no longer in the big drawer he will still open it up on occasion to look inside. It's where we now keep cookie sheets, pizza pans, and things like that. He sees me use the drawer often enough that he wants to make sure about what's in there, I guess.

The other day Spouse was at the sink and I was at my computer station. From my computer station I see all of the kitchen. The kitchen is about two-and-a-half feet higher than the family room, where my computer station is, and all that separates the two rooms is a wooden rail.

Anyway, Firestar goes to the big drawer and begins working it open. Takes him about a minute. He jumps inside to make sure all of the pans have to be rewashed. Then he hops out and walks over to Spouse as if to point out the fact that there isn't anything of value in the drawer.

Spouse talks to him, bragging him up for being so clever about opening the door. He struts and purrs. Then Spouse looks at the drawer.

"Hey! You left it open. Close it when you're done."

Firestar immediately responds with his angry meow.

They don't take orders, you know.
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Culture Lesson - Class #1015

2009-06-02T06:25:00.003-05:00

Culture time again. It's been awhile, but I've not forgotten to keep humans abreast of what's important: cats.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

Cornish Rex

(picture taken from this site)

Cornish Rex is domestic cat breed. This breed of cat has no hair except for down i.e. like as most of the cats, Cornish Rex breed of cat do not have outer fur and awn hair but they have a simple and thin about 1 cm long undercoat. Despite having only a thin undercoat, they are found in variety of coat colors and patterns. White, black, chocolate, orange and dilutes of blue, lilac and cream are few colors in which you can find a Cornish Rex. They are also found in all kind of tabbies from classic to mackerel and ticked to tuxedo. They have been accepted as an original breed by all the cat associations except TCA.

History
The origin of this breed is traced back to Cornwall. These cats are said to be a natural breed was created as a result of a spontaneous natural mutation, which occurred in non-pedigree cats in Cornwall, England in 1950. Serena, a tortie and white short hair pet cat gave birth to five kittens in 1950, out of which four were entirely normal. The fifth kitten was however formed with curly coat and whiskers. This kitten named Kallibunker was the first ever seen Cornish Rex breed cat. He was then bred to his mother to produce two other kittens similar to him. Later one of the female kitten produced by this cross was brought to England and breeded with Siamese breed. All the Cornish Rex present today are the successors of Kallibunker.

Appearance
Cornish Rex is long and slender. The shape of its body is gently curved throughout its outline. Their size varies between small and medium. They are also very soft. They have very large ears and their coat comprises of very short hairs, very close to their body. Their head is egg shaped and their cheekbones are prominently high. Their face is distinguished by their hollow cheeks and high-bridged Roman nose and strong chin. Cornish Rexs have a small waist but very fine long legs. Despite their slender body types, they are extremely well-built and muscular. They also have long, slender and flexible tapering toward the end. An adult Cornish Rex weighs around 5-9 pounds.

Personality
Cornish Rex are said to be very affectionate, friendly, alert and people-oriented breed of cats. They are said to be one of the most attractive and interactive breeds amongst cats. They are very active, even at the age of 15 years; they behave as if they are 15 months old. They are also very curious, so in case you are planning to get along with a Rex, it is always suggested to make your home cat proof first. They are very lively and love to indulge in jumping and getting nosy with others.

A cat proof home. Is there such a thing?

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Comments for May Kitten of the Month

2009-05-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Zoo Update

2009-05-31T14:15:00.001-05:00

Just posted a couple of robin pictures at the Zoo. Nothing noteworthy. See link on sidebar to Firestar's Zoo.

What Does the Cat You Choose Say About Your Personality

2009-05-30T06:14:00.004-05:00

Humans love to take silly tests. Real tests seem to fluster them to no end, but give them a silly test and they rush to complete it.

Probably the most silly of all are the so-called "personality" tests. Give me a break. Humans don't have personality. Only cats do. Besides, don't they already know what they're like? Me - ow.

Anyway, Bevie's sister sent him another one and of course there was the big rush to complete it. And of course the results were exactly what Bevie wanted. Isn't that how these things are supposed to work? The humans decide what result they want and then answer accordingly. Anyway, since a lot of humans sneak into this alley I thought I would throw a test at them, just to be nice. Cats know how to do that, you know?

So, without further meows, here is the test. I have adjusted it slightly to better fit this blog. Word of warning to you humans: think carefully before answering. Your answer says a lot about you.

Question: Suppose you went to a shelter for homeless cats intent on helping one of the little darlings out. You see five cats in five kennels. The cats are as follows:

Orange Tabby - male

Bengal - male

Persian (white) - female

Norwegian Forest Cat - male

Russian Blue - female

Remember, think over your answer and be sure before reading what it says about you.

Here is the personality profile:

Orange Tabby - male means you like male Orange Tabby cats

Bengal - male - means you like male Bengal cats

Persian (white) - female - means you like white female Persian cats

Norwegian Forest Cat - male - means you like male Norwegian Forest Cats

Russian Blue - female - means you like female Russian Blue cats

I hope you learned something about yourself. [puurrrrrrrrr]
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Kennel Cab

2009-05-29T06:16:00.004-05:00

Back in January, when we nearly lost Firestar to a severe illness, we transported him in his Kennel Cab. For some time afterward he associated the Kennel Cab with going to the vet, being poked and prodded, being forced to wear a catheter, and a host of unhappy feelings.

He would run away at the sight of it.

The weather is nice now, and we have been spending a lot of time out in the garage preparing for the sale. Firestar hasn't liked it that we have been outside while he has to stay in, so he has taken to letting us know his feelings with an assortment of vocal messages.

This neighborhood is not especially safe for him, especially since we foolishly had one of his primary defense tools taken from him. Firestar is declawed on his front paws. So we don't let him run free outside. But he wants to be there. So we made up a compromise. Firestar can come outside with us - providing he remains in the Kennel Cab.

The first time we did this he wasn't keen on it (actually, the first time he never made it because he saw the Kennel Cab and ran away) and we brought him back in right off. But it didn't take him long to realize that the Kennel Cab was his ticket to the garage. Now, not only does he not mind being in it, but he will go inside it even when we are all in the house. In fact, it has become his way of telling us he wants to go outside. A very nice arrangement. Very quiet.

Cats are clever things, aren't they?

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Comprehension Without Speaking the Language

2009-05-27T06:48:00.003-05:00

Every day I become more and more convinced Firestar has a complete grasp of the English language. Time and again he will sit, or lay, quietly while I talk to him. Then I'll say something he disagrees with and he'll correct my thinking. It happened again yesterday.

Spouse and I were in the garage pricing items for our garage sale. Firestar was whining about being left in the house so we brought him out. Now unlike other cats, Firestar is not allowed to roam free through the neighborhood. The number of dogs around here has increased exponentially, and they all hate cats. And there are no trees to climb, so Firestar would be in a constant state of attack. Therefore, when he goes outside he has to be in his carry case. It's not his first choice, but he likes being out of the house. I think he feels he's closer to the birds.

Actually, I will, on occasion, let him roam free in the yard. Just not for long.

Anyway, Spouse and I were talking, discussing pricing agreements and such. Spouse keeps pricing her items at $5 and mine at $0.25. Son gets a compromise. His stuff is priced at $1. While this 'debate' rages, Firestar goes quiet in his box. Then, Spouse makes this comment.

I guess he's asleep now. I don't hear anything.

Immediately - and I mean immediately - Firestar meows.

Later, he and I were in the house while Spouse was in the garage. He stood by the door demanding to be let out. Finally, I told him he was being annoying. He denied it. I assured him he was. So he comes over to me to rest on my shoulder and purr. He returned to the door and repeated his demand, only softer. I told him it was still annoying and that if he didn't knock it off I was going to put him down in the office. He quit.

He's been by three times already this morning, each time wanting to be on my shoulder. Normally he only does that once. I assured him I don't find him annoying at all.
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It's Just Not Safe to be a Goblin Anymore

2009-05-25T08:57:00.003-05:00

Found this at this site.

An irate cat assaulted a defenseless Goblin in an abandoned warehouse in Washington, DC yesterday.

The cat, a Persian kitty with a vicious temper took out it's rage in an unprovoked attack which saw the Goblin being taken away on a magic carpet to hospital where he received 900 stitches.

"The poor thing was in shreds", declared eyewitness Beverly Hoskins, "blood was all over the pavement".

Why the Goblin was in the area of the abandoned warehouse, or indeed why the female eyewitness was in such an area, remains a mystery, but the assailant remains on the loose.

"We're hunting for a female cat-casian, medium build,approximately 4 years old and with excessive hair", said detective Ron Rollins of the Washington PD, "we would warn all citizens to be on high alert and to approach with extreme caution. This thing is an animal".
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Quick Update

2009-05-23T17:18:00.002-05:00

Just to let you know I've put up a few pictures in the zoo. Mostly older ones.
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What Do You Think of These Ideas

2009-05-22T07:32:00.002-05:00

A couple of new ideas for Cat in the Buff.

First, we've got a Kitten of the Month Archive site. This is a place to view all Kittens of the Month.

Second, and this is the really cool site, we've created Firestar's Virtual Image Zoo. This is a place where we can share photographs of wild (and domestic) animals.

The rules are simple:
1. You must have taken the photograph and not just downloaded it from the internet.
2. Try to keep human elements (and humans in particular) out of the photographs.
3. You must email the photograph to: firestarthecat@gmail.com
4. You must include a caption describing where and how the picture was taken

If anything, maybe it will encourage us to all get out and enjoy nature a bit more.

Hint on pictures: Use a zoom and try to fill the frame with whichever animal you are photographing. Don't be concerned about background and such. We just want the animals.
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Chain Yanker

2009-05-19T07:12:00.004-05:00

Firestar has been around three times already this morning. He had been down on the fourth level looking out the walkout door. Rabbits like to graze across our lawn just before dawn. Then, when the sun wakes up, various birds have their walkthrough.

But some mornings he will come quietly up the steps and over to where I sit in front of the computer. I learn he is there when he rubs against my legs. Other times he stands in the dining room, which is about three feet higher than the family room where I am, waiting for me to see him. Once I do he comes down the four steps so I can rub his back, beginning at the ears. I put one finger on either side of his head and slowly scratch backward toward his tail.

When he's feeling especially friendly, like this morning, he will put his front paws up on my hip. This is his signal for me to pick him up. I cuddle him up in my arms and he purrs while I lift him to my head. Then, cat-like, I rub my forehead against him. I try to communicate with him using the same methods he uses with me. Doesn't always work. I'm not that familiar with the language. But he shows little interest in learning mine.

Son has taken to doing some of the things, too. Spouse, on the other hand, does not. Spouse insists Firestar learn and understand our language. So when he gets in one of his aggressive moods, it becomes an endless barrage of, "No! Bad! Stop that! I said no!" It goes on ad nauseum. Spouse tells Firestar to knock it off, and he gives a right cross. Spouse tells Firestar he's bad and it's a left jab. Sometimes he bites.

I don't do that. I hiss. I can make him stop doing something without hardly moving a muscle. He can be on the other side of the house. If I see him doing something he's not supposed to do I just hiss and he stops. Sometimes, if he doesn't think he was violating any rule, he will meow at me. Other times (and this is so cute) he will half run away, meowing as he goes. The effect is a kind of vibrating meow which sounds absoulutely pitiful. This usually happens when he is interfering with a print job. He loves to play with the printer.

Firestar is amazing. He has the power to make me feel so loved and wanted. Then, just a few minutes later, he will show me equally how I am about the most useless piece of sh*t in the place. I couldn't get him to come near me if I opened a can of tuna. (I know. I've tried this.) And there doesn't appear to be much of a rhyme or reason for it. It's whatever his mood is.

He knows he has the power, and sometimes he just likes to use it. He's a chain yanker. That's what he is.
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Something New to Chew On

2009-05-17T06:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I would try something new. Well, new to the blog. Not new to me.

This telling is based on something I began thinking of in 2008, or maybe even 2007. I conceived it as a television show. The main characters, Old Cat and Young Mouse, would be played by humans in costume. Old Cat would be a man and Young Mouse would be a woman. The show would begin with the two of them meeting and chatting. Their dialogue would be filled with innuendo and double entendre. Eventually, one or the other would begin to relate a story. Old Cat's stories would be historical, from his past. Young Mouse's stories would be more recent. At the point where the tales begin the show would revert to animation. The voices for the animation may, ormay not, be the same actors. At the story’s conclusion the show would return to a live action epilogue.

The post which follows is the opening for this story.
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T.O.C.A.T.Y.M.

2009-05-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

The Old Cat and The Young Mouse
Bevie James

Part 1: THEY MEET

He padded quickly to his place in the sun. It as a small, allowing for only a little sun for a little while, but it meant peace and quiet and comfort. He liked comfort. Always had.

There had been a time when he might have spent this part of the day searching for something to do. Some mischief to get into. Some sport to play. That was a long time ago. And yet, sometimes it seemed like yesterday.

That was the trouble with getting old. Memories. They filled his mind. Some were happy and joyful. Others less so. Even sad. And on certain days, even the happy memories brought only grief over what was no more.

Once he had been young. He had been a lion in his house. He had tossed his energy about like it would last forever. Now he would be glad to have even a portion back. His muscles ached. He felt tired most of the time. And instead of companionship he sought solitude. The others weren’t interested in his memories. They were too busy making their own.

He lay down, wrapping his tail neatly around his bottom and laying his head down on his paws. This wasn’t his sleeping pose. It was his nostalgic one. He would let his thoughts drift now and remember the days when he was young. But what was that noise?

* * *

She scurried quickly down the dark tunnel toward the light. Reaching the opening she paused only long enough to see if she was being pursued. Nothing. No. She could hear them. They were talking about her. They knew she’d gone this way.

Without checking to see if it was safe she burst into the light, intent on putting distance between herself and the opening. If she remembered correctly, there was another opening on the far side of the room. If she could only get there they might leave her alone.

It wasn’t so much that she was afraid of any one of those who chased her. It was that there wasn’t just one chasing her. There were about a dozen. And much as she hated to admit it, even she couldn’t take on a dozen at once. Maybe her father was right; she should just resign herself to being a simple mouse with a simple lifestyle. Find a suitable mate and produce a few litters and watch her offspring grow. But that wasn’t the life she wanted. She wanted to know more. The world was a big place. She wanted to explore.

She made her feet work fast as she hurried across the wooden floor. About halfway across she paused to venture a look back. Sure enough, there was Feedle, stopped at the opening. A nose was trying to poke past him. Most likely Tisser. The two mice looked scared. Then they disappeared.

As she suspected, they were afraid to leave the safety of the wall during daylight. She was safe. Turning slowly to finish her trek across the room she suddenly saw the real reason for Feedle and Tisser’s concern. A cat. A big one.

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A Cat's Pornography

2009-05-13T10:30:00.007-05:00

So I've always wondered about Firestar, and now I know. He's a bit of a pervert.

The other day Spouse and Son were playing cards in the living room. They called me to come and see what Firestar was doing. He was at the window, very interested in some mating activity going on with some ducks. Now true, the ducks should have booked a room. There's a hotel just under two miles from here. Very nice. Pool and everything. They were doing a threesome, you know.

I suppose he has to get his jollies somehow. We don't have any x-rated films about the house. Nor do we get the dirty magazines. So this was probably quite the spectacle.

By the time I could get back with the camera the ducks had left and Firestar's intense posture had settled into something more relaxed. All he needed was a cigarette. But we don't have those in the house either.

What? I'm not doing nuthin'.

Culture Lesson - Class #1014

2009-05-12T06:21:00.004-05:00

Once again it is time to expose ourselves to the important things of life: Cat Culture.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

Colorpoint Shorthair

(picture taken from this site)

Colorpoint Shorthairs cats are the cousins of Siamese cats. They are identified by the sixteen different "point" colors on their body apart from the four Siamese colors- seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points. Hybrid breed and half cousins to Siamese breeds, the Colorpoint Shorthairs cats are very much similar to their first cousins even in their body structure- small to medium in size with svelte body shape. In USA, these Colorpoint Shorthairs cats are treated as an entirely different while in UK they are treated just as a variety of Siamese breed.

History

The first Colorpoint Shorthairs were developed after breeding Siamese cats with other varieties in 1940. Since then, out-breeding with Siamese cats is common. The earliest breeding were focused on generating cats with red or cream colors at their face, ears, legs, and genital regions. However, later Abyssinian, and the red domestic breed were also used for breeding with the Siamese cats to give rise to more varieties of Colorpoint Shorthairs. The place of origin of these cats is Britain and North America. These crossbreeds' cats were acknowledged as a breed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1964. The Colorpoint Shorthairs was also later in 1974 accepted for CFA championship. Today, CCA and TCA other than CFA regard the Colorpoint Shorthair as a separate breed than Siamese.

Appearance

Colorpoint Shorthairs cat are very similar to the Siamese cats in appearance except for the similarity in their traditional four. Very much like the Siamese breed, they also have long, tube-shaped bodies, wedge-shaped heads, beautiful vivid blue eyes and big ears. However, other than the traditional seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac color points they are available in red point, cream point, lynx point, and tortie point. Their size varies from small to medium and there coat is formed of very shorthair. The colorpoint shorthairs have a svelte body and angular legs but they are still very strong and muscular. They have a slender neck and long tapered tail. They generally weigh around 7-8 pounds.

Personality

Colorpoint Shorthairs cats are said to be very loving and naughty. They are also very active, outgoing and intelligent. Whenever they are awake, you will find them busy in some work or another. They love jumping around and behave very affectionately if kept in lap and cuddled. You may ever found them curled around your bed when you are in deep sleep. They return 200 percent of the loyalty and love they receive from their master. Colorpoint Shorthairs are also interactive and chatty. They make great companions for people who love funny adventures. Color points is very sensitive towards her owner, she often tries to entertain him/her through her vaudevillian stunts and gymnastic activities.

Loving and naughty? Now this sounds like an interesting cat. Interactive and chatty? Better all the time. Great companions for people who love funny adventures. That's code for: Keep all breakables locked away. This has got to be a cool cat.
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How's About These Colors

2009-05-09T08:51:00.007-05:00

Okay. I think I've got the right combination of Blog colors now. Blend the post in with the regular background and set the sidebar to the lighter blue. I like the colors, and I can read the text at the edge again.

Some people like to put clothes on cats. Not sure why they do that, but I am mostly certain that the cats aren't especially keen on it. I have an idea of what would happen should I attempt anything like this with Firestar.

Shut up.

Not exactly keen on playing Santa Claws.

A New Roost for King Cat

2009-05-08T09:10:00.005-05:00

A new try with the colors. Any thoughts?

We're putting out some things in preparation for the big sale in a couple of weeks. Firestar was happy about us clearing off Son's old computer desk. He likes to sit up high.

Okay. Snap your picture. See if I care.

Now are you doing?

I think Firestar's going to be a bit torked when some of our things go away. He's going to have fewer things to jump on. What does he care about the problem of moving things? He doesn't have to do it.
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Favorite Animated Cats

2009-05-07T10:52:00.008-05:00

Okay. I changed the blog. Been experimenting with things on this blog and SOF-The People. I'll confess and say I'm not sure I'm entirely satisfied. I can change it back easy enough. I saved the original html. Let me know.

Meanwhile, I thought I would post about two of my favorite things: cats and cartoons.

Here are some of my favorite cat cartoon characters.

Of course I must start with Garfield. To be honest, Garfield is not one of my real favorite cartoon cats. Liked him in the comics, but that cartoon they did of him was horrible. The voice they chose was completely wrong. The one with Bill Murray was all right. I felt Bill Murray captured the true heart of a lazy, self-centered, cat.

The Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland always intrigued me. The Disney version was a bit over the top. There was a movie made not too long ago with a host of stars in it. Whoopie Goldberg played the Cheshire Cat and did an all right job.

I've always liked the pink panther. Right from his first appearance in The Pink Panther movie, which I bought. They did a cartoon series of him in the 70s, I think. It was all right. What made it good was he didn't talk.

Sylvester is a classic. Not as funny as Bugs Bunny, but I love him. I HATE Tweety. Always root for Sylvester, even though I know he's going to lose. I should have included Catnip, from the Herman and Catnip series. But Catnip is a lot like Sylvester.

Now we're getting to my real favorites. Here's Felix the Cat. I like Felix, both the original and the one with the "Magic Bag of Tricks". I've only got one Felix cartoon, and it's an old one. But I like him. He's a cool cat. But then I tend to be partial to black cats.

And here's my favorite: Top Cat. This entire blog is kind of based on the idea of Top Cat and his band of Alley Cats. This was a great cartoon I used to watch in the 60s. I wonder if it's on cable, or dish, or whatever it is people have now. I got regular TV. Wouldn't mind owning the complete set of Top Cat and Felix the Cat.

Let me know about the blog. I can change it back.
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Some Cat Pictures

2009-05-06T06:48:00.004-05:00

Spouse was rummaging through something yesterday, looking for what to toss and what to sell and what to keep. Found two old calendars I have been saving. One is from 2004 and one from 2005. Both are cat calendars.

The picture above is from the newer calendar. That's the picture from my birthday month. It's one of the few calendars I've ever got in which my birthday month got a good picture. Normally, I would get a picture of a hairless cat. Not to imply there is anything wrong with a hairless cat. It's just that my favorite cats tend to be long-hairs. Fluffy and soft.

But the truth is, I have learned that no matter what a cat looks like (or dog, or any other living creature), it doesn't take long before one discovers that it is lovable. I suspect that is part of why I originally tried to keep Firestar out of the house. Didn't particularly want an orange cat. I wanted a fluffy bluish grey. Of course, now I can't imagine not having an orange cat. Firestar and I have kind of become buddies. He gets up and stops by me every morning to get his back scratched. And many days he follows me around the house. When I leave a room and don't come back right off, he seeks me out, giving me a look of, "You could have let me know." So now I tell him where I'm going and whether I'm coming right back. I don't get the looks then, which makes me suspect he really does understand every word I'm saying.

Anyway, as much as I like my picture, I think Spouse did slightly better. I almost think of this cat as being elegant. I don't because there is something about the face which tells me this is a warrior cat. Possibly a male, but not necessarily. This cat is cool. I can tell.

Son's picture beats mine, too. On cuteness and comedy. It's tempting to believe this cat was put here by a human, and it may have been. But I wouldn't bet the house on it. Firestar has put himself in some very similar positions. Then he gives the, "What are you looking at", look.

Couldnt' think of anything to post, and I didn't feel like searching the net for something. So I did this.
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Some Basic Rules We're All Aware Of

2009-05-05T08:19:00.003-05:00

Good morning, fellow Alley Cats. Have you got a house to run? Well, I found a web site with a few tips. Nothing really new. Just common sense stuff.

If you have to throw up, get into a chair or on the bed quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get on an Oriental rug. If no Oriental rug is available, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so that it is as long as the human's bare foot.

Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get door opened, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. If this does not work, reach under the door pulling it towards you. Should this fail, stand at the door and scream until one of your humans responds. Once the door is opened, it is not necessary to use it.

After you have ordered an outside door open, stand halfway in and out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold or very hot weather, rain, snow, and mosquito season. Swinging doors are to be avoided at all costs.

Quickly determine which guest has allergies or hates cats the most. Sit on that lap. If you can arrange to have "fish 'n Glop" on your breath, so much the better. For a guest who claims, "I love kitties," be ready with aloof and disdain.

Always accompany any guest to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything ... just sit and stare.......

If one of your humans is engaged in some close activity and the other is idle, stay with the busy one. This is called helping, otherwise known as hampering.

Following are the rules for hampering:

When supervising cooking, sit just behind the left heel of the cook. You cannot be seen and thereby stand a better chance of being stepped on and then picked up and comforted.

For book readers, get in close under the chin, between eyes and book, unless you can lie across the book itself.

For knitting projects or paperwork, lie on the work in the most appropriate manner so as to obscure as much of the work or at least the most important part. Pretend to doze, but every so often reach out and slap the pencil or knitting needles.

When a human is holding the newspaper in front of him/her, be sure to jump on the back of the paper. They love to jump.

Any small item is a potential toy. If a human tries to confiscate it, this means that it is a Good Toy. Run with it under the bed. Look suitably outraged when the human grabs you and takes it away.

Always watch where it is put so you can steal it later.

As mentioned above, in order to have enough energy for playing, a cat must get plenty of sleep. It is generally not difficult to find a comfortable place to curl up. Any place a human likes to sit is good, especially if it contrasts with your fur color.

There's a lot more. I just took some of the high-lights.

Feel free to offer your own.
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Spring

2009-05-03T08:29:00.002-05:00

So Firestar is enjoying the spring. He gets all excited that the windows get opened, and the doors. He's not so keen on the screens.

This year he has been making a greater effort to get outside. He's not supposed to be out, however. Although tough and feisty, he has no front claws with which to defend himself. And there are a variety of dangers in this neighborhood, including several oversized dogs who like to chase things.

Spouse offered him the chance to be outside in his carry case, but he wasn't keen on that. He remembers the last time he was in there (when he nearly died and was forced to endure tubes and things) and no longer likes it. Besides, sitting in a small box is hardly being outside. Right now I wish we still had our octagon screen house. I remember BJ and Baby Boy loved being in there. It was eleven feet across, and with cat furniture, food, and a litter box included it made for a nice place. Sorry, Firestar. The screen house was destroyed in a wind storm.

But there are windows all over this house (except on the west side, where we only have two - which Firestar cannot get to). He will go to one and watch something of interest, and then suddenly bolt and run to another window. We think he's following birds in flight, but we're not sure. Firestar plays a lot of imaginary games, such as war. (I caught him at it.)

I've included a picture of Firestar by the sliding glass door in the dining room. He's sitting atop the chest freezer and giving me that, "Leave me alone so I can play," look.

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You Gotta Love Cats - Or Else

2009-05-02T06:38:00.006-05:00

Just some more things I found about cats.

From this site.
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Time spent with cats is never wasted. -- Colette
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There are no ordinary cats. -- Colette
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Although all cat games have their rules and rituals, these vary with the individual player. The cat, of course, never breaks a rule. If it does not follow precedent, that simply means it has created a new rule and it is up to you to learn it quickly if you want the game to continue. -- Sidney Denham
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Charles Dickens What greater gift than the love of a cat?
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Robert Heinlein How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven.
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Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia. -- Joseph Wood Krutch
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I've never understood why women love cats. Cats are independent, they don't listen, they don't come in when you call, they like to stay out all night, and when they're home they like to be left alone and sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat. -- Jay Leno
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Adolf Hitler is known to have despised cats.

I think this last say a lot. I've met few people who truly dislike cats who don't make me uneasy to be around. I've met people who didn't think they liked cats. Then they got one and fell immediately in love with it.

Cats are such powerful creatures. They lure us with gentleness.

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Culture Lesson - Class #1013

2009-05-01T06:20:00.004-05:00

Bevie has been having a lot of fun at my expense lately, so I thought it was time we returned to some real culture. But don't worry. I fixed Bevie pretty good. Gave my back three times yesterday.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

Chartreux

(picture taken from this site)

History
The Chartreux is a natural French breed of great antiquity. Legend has it that they were raised as a companion by the Carthusian monks. However, in all likelihood due to the woolly character of their fur, Chartreux were given the same name as that of the well-known Spanish wool of the early 18th century. Its documented History is as early as 16th century.

Appearance
The Chartreux is characterized by large, sturdy, and muscular physique. It is known for its beautiful grey-blue colour, woolly double coat, quiet voice, and smiling expression. The woolly double coat is very soft and lush. The Chartreux has large eyes that are copper to gold with deep, brilliant orange as the preferred eye colour.

Personality
Chartreux are calm attentive, gentle, and adaptable cats. They enjoy the company of people. They have a mild temperament. Chatreux are highly intelligent and are quick learners. They are extremely agile as per their size and are natural hunters.

Natural hunters, eh? That certainly makes up for their enjoying human company instead of merely tolerating it. (Or taking advantage of it, right Rufus?) Heh, I could be a Chartreux.

Oh, by the way, this picture is of a "British Blue" cat. In honor of our new Kitten of the Month.

The Month Has Changed - So Has Kitten of the Month

2009-05-01T06:12:00.002-05:00

Please congratulate, Caitlin, who lives with BuffySquirrel. Caitlin is our new Kitten of the Month.

Buffy also posts other pictures of Caitlin on her blog, if you're interested.

Comments for April Kitten of the Month

2009-04-30T23:59:00.000-05:00

Firestar's Excitement

2009-04-30T08:29:00.005-05:00

Well, Firestar had some excitement yesterday afternoon. Shortly before suppertime a visitor arrived and sat atop the edge of our garage roof. Son brought Firestar to see and he sat and watched with interest as Father Duck stood and called for Mother Duck. They have been living in a tiny little decorative house at the neighbors. In the mornings and evenings they fly across the street to swim in the other neighbor's goldfish pond.

Here is our Mallard friend. Odd how the house across the street looks like it's only a few feet away. Father Duck stayed for about five or ten minutes before flying off to the pond.

And Here is Firestar's reaction of complete amazement.

Oh, to be a cat, huh? Unless someone locks you up inside. Right, Rufus? Don't fret it. Your week's almost over.
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Cats are So Subtle

2009-04-29T06:27:00.008-05:00

Back when I was a teenager (in the "olden days") I worked at a pizza parlor. These were not fast food places then. They were bonafide restaurants. But that's not the point of this post. The owner put his sons in charge as managers. One of these managers was a very funny guy who used to do "The Man of 1,000 Faces". He was great. Can't say I saw him do 1,000 faces, but he did a lot.

Well, Firestar is so expressive I thought perhaps he could do the same. So, I had Firestar put on expressions of "fear", "anger", and "curiosity". Here are the results. Tell me what you think.

FEAR

ANGER

CURIOSITY

Isn't it just amazing what one can do with all of a cat's distinctive expressions?
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Time For Tidbits

2009-04-27T13:21:00.003-05:00

From this site.

Of all families of predators the cat family is the one that varies most in size. Biggest of all is the tiger which may weigh several hundred kilos. The smallest of the small cats is the black-footed cat in South Africa which weighs only just over one kilo. There are many similarities between the two multi-specied genera. Both have retractable claws, all are stealth hunters, i.e. they approach their prey stealthily, and all except the cheetah are skilful climbers. All except the lion live alone.

The large cats can roar, but not the small cats.

Far to the north, the Norse goddess Freya, is portrayed as riding a chariot drawn by cats, and is always surrounded by cats. The Norse, being seafarers, revered shipboard cats for their rodent control abilities.

A 13th century Egyptian sultan left his entire fortune to the needy cats of Cairo. For many years afterward homeless cats received a free meal daily.

A cat's got her own opinion of human beings. She don't say much, but you can tell enough to make you anxious not to hear the whole of it. -- Jerome K. Jerome, English author

Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want. -- Joseph Wood Krutch
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Just an Idea in My Head

2009-04-24T07:46:00.003-05:00

Got this idea which has been ruminating around in my head for a few weeks now. It intersects with other ideas on other things and takes energy from them. They bounce around like atomic particles. Quite fascinating to watch.

Anyway, I'm not sure I'm ready to implement it yet, but it's getting close. I think. Hope.

It's similar to what a bunch of us bloggers are doing on Legion of On-Line Super Heroes, only with real cat pictures. I can't honestly say which idea came first, but the Legion blog was hatched first. (The ideas feed on each other, and leave remnants as they pass, so they kind of cross-pollinate.)

This idea would NOT involve readers becoming writers, so don't get all panicky. This would be one of my writing projects. However, should anyone wish to add their creativity that would be fine with me. It's got some more cooking to do, but I wanted to throw a bit out just as a kind of taste test.
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Culture Lesson - Class #1012

2009-04-23T19:01:00.003-05:00

Bevie wasn't going to have me post today, but I won out. It's important that we retain our culture.

The information for this post has been taken from this site.

California Spangled Cat

(picture taken from this site)

History

California Spangled is a recent breed. It was developed in 1980s by a California breeder, Paul Casey who wanted to create a domestic breed similar to endangered spotted wildcats. A complex breeding program including an Abyssinian-domestic shorthair cross, a British Shorthair, an American Shorthair, a feral cat from Cairo, a spotted Manx, and a Siamese produced the desired results after eleven generations. Presently, the breed is registered with the The International Cat Association (TICA) and is slowly working its way toward Championship status with TICA and the ACA.

Appearance

California Spangled Cats are large, well-muscled cats. They have prominent cheekbones and pale, well-developed whisker pads. The forehead is slightly rounded; the eyes are almond-shaped and blue colored. The ears are rounded at the tips and set high on the head. The tail is dark-tipped and blunt. With its well-defined spots, California Spangled looks like a little leopard.

Personality

Though California Spangled is a wild looking cat, it is purely a domestic breed. They are sweet natured, intelligent and energetic. They are very devoted to their humans. They have strong hunting instincts and are easily intrigued by anything that moves. They do not demand their owner's attention.

Don't demand their owner's attention? I see two major problems here. Do you recognize them?

First, they have the ownership thing all mixed up. Humans belong to cats.

Second, what kind of cat is it that doesn't pester its humans for attention? You can't keep them trained if you just let them be. I've had to take Bevie, Spouse, and Son into paw more than once. It's hard work, but it works.

These California cats. Must be the beach air or something. At least they're colored nice.

Another Round of Tidbits

2009-04-22T09:51:00.003-05:00

From this website about cats.

Another cat? Perhaps. For love there is also a season; its seeds must be resown. But a family cat is not replaceable like a wornout coat or a set of tires. Each new kitten becomes its own cat, and none is repeated. I am four cats old, measuring out my life in friends that have succeeded but not replaced one another. -- Irving Townsend

Maybe the reason that so many people love the cat is that she is the only example that you can breathe in the presence of man without becoming his slave -- and maybe that is why, so many people hate her. -- Heinrich Saas

Cats are a mysterious folk. There is more passing in their minds than we are aware of. -- Sir Walter Scott

An ordinary kitten will ask more questions than any five year old. -- Carl Van Vechten

Confront a child, a puppy, and a kitten with a sudden danger; the child will turn instinctively for assistance, the puppy will grovel in abject submission, the kitten will brace its tiny body for a frantic resistance. -- Saki

Sir Isaac Newton, who first described the principle of gravity, also invented the swinging cat door for the convenience of his many cats.

Albert Schweitzer: There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.

Gotta go with you on that, Albert.

What's Wrong With This Picture

2009-04-21T06:52:00.005-05:00

Came up with this idea the other day and decided to implement it. Have you ever seen those pictures in which something is "out of place"? (Such as missing limbs, cats with bird's feet or such.) Or perhaps they show the same picture twice, but in the second picture certain things are changed or missing?

Well, I decided to do the former. Here is a picture of Firestar on Spouse's desk. See if you can find five (5) things "out of place" in this picture. Answers below.

1. Firestar is not supposed to be on Spouse's desk
2. The hand lotion belongs in the bathroom.
3. That's my tape dispenser, not Spouse's. (So why is it here instead of at my workstation?)
4. The paperclips are mine, too. (But I don't use them, so it's all right.)
5. The books to the far right belong on the "to be sold" pile.

So, how did you do? Give yourself 5 points for each correct answer. If you got #1 right, take a bonus of 1,000 points.

....0 points = Not bad
....5 points = Amazing
...10 points = Very Amazing
...15 points = Incredibly Amazing
...20 points = Beyond Belief Amazing
1,000+ points = YOU WON
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Physics and Cats

2009-04-19T14:50:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of Fairyhedgehog, here are some facts regarding cat physics. The information has been garnered from this site.

Here are just twelve of the laws. (And these have written in stone.)

Law of Cat Inertia
A cat at rest will tend to remain at rest, unless acted upon by some outside force - such as the opening of cat food, or a nearby scurrying mouse.

Law of Cat Motion
A cat will move in a straight line, unless there is a really good reason to change direction.

Law of Cat Magnetism
All blue blazers and black sweaters attract cat hair in direct proportion to the darkness of the fabric.

Law of Cat Thermodynamics
Heat flows from a warmer to a cooler body, except in the case of a cat, in which case all heat flows to the cat.

Law of Cat Sleeping
All cats must sleep with people whenever possible, in a position as uncomfortable for the people involved as is possible for the cat.

Law of Cat Acceleration
A cat will accelerate at a constant rate, until he gets good and ready to stop.

Law of Dinner Table Attendance
Cats must attend all meals when anything good is served.

Law of Obedience Resistance
A cat's resistance varies in proportion to a human's desire for her to do something.

First Law of Energy Conservation
Cats know that energy can neither be created nor destroyed and will, therefore, use as little energy as possible.

Second Law of Energy Conservation
Cats also know that energy can only be stored by a lot of napping.

Law of Refrigerator Observation
If a cat watches a refrigerator long enough, someone will come along and take out something good to eat.

Law of Cat Composition
A cat is composed of “Matter” plus “Anti-Matter” plus “It Doesn't Matter”.
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More Tidbits

2009-04-18T11:34:00.006-05:00

From this website about cats.

In the 9th century, King Henry I of Saxony decreed that the fine for killing a cat should be sixty bushels of corn.

As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows, cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human mind. -- Cleveland Amory

As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. -- Ellen Perry Berkeley

Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later. -- Mary Bly

Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat. -- Mark Twain

If I called her she would pretend not to hear, but would come a few moments later when it could appear that she had thought of doing so first. -- Arthur Weigall

Some humans are actually quite wise. Amazing, isn't it?

One Hundred Posts Strong

2009-04-17T07:20:00.009-05:00

Got no suggestions for a 100th post, so I figured I would post pictures of - me!

Yesterday, I slipped outside when Bevie opened the sliding screen to tell the little boys they shouldn't play on the yard equipment without asking. I saw my opportunity and made it out easily. I padded down the patio (a monstrous thing) until I allowed myself to be caught around the corner. Bevie must have been annoyed, because all of a sudden I had two little boys I had never seen or smelled before running their hands on me. I didn't hiss or growl. They weren't rough or anything.

But this morning Bevie opened the door again and let me out so I could pose for some pictures. I didn't mind. Lots of things out there I've been looking at for a long time.

I'm at a crossroads. Where do I begin? I guess at square one.

Ah! Weed. That's what they called it in the sixties.

Now what's that over there?

How do I cross this? Those rocks hurt! What's this? Grass? Bevie! You're a dopehead!

A bridge! This is more like it.

Actually taken yesterday. This is the top of a display stand Bevie and Spouse used to show musical motion dolls they sell. It's four feet high with four shelves, each shelf smaller than the one below. I climbed it like stairs. Then Bevie joked about selling me. I'm worth more than those dolls.

And so there you have it. One hundred (100) posts on Cat in the Buff. Maybe I'll do something like this for 250.

Culture Lesson - Class #1011

2009-04-16T10:27:00.003-05:00

It's time to touch on culture again. The information has been taken from this site.

Burmese Cat

(picture taken from here)

History

The modern History of Burmese cat dates back to 1930 when a female cat named Wong Mau was brought to San Fransisco, USA by a naval doctor Joseph C. Thompson from Yangon, Myanmar (previously known as Burma). Dr. Thompson mated Wong Mau to a cat most similar to her type - the Seal Point Siamese. The CFA accepted the Burmese in 1936. In 1947 CFA withdrew the recognition as many hybrid Burmese/Siamese cats were being sold as purebred Burmese. The CFA reinstated the Burmese for recognition in 1953, and for Championship in 1957. The renewed recognition was based on a new standard that permitted only solid coat colors without markings.

Appearance

Burmese are small to medium sized cats with a muscular frame. Their paws are neat and oval shaped with slender legs and neck. The tail is medium in length, with a slight taper to a rounded tip. The most characteristic feature of the Burmese is their wonderful coats. Their coats are short, fine, sleek and glossy, lying close to the body, and satin-like in feel and texture. The Burmese cat has ten main recognised colours - six fully coloured (brown, chocolate, blue, red, lilac and cream) and four mixed coloured (Seal tortieshell, Chocolate tortieshell, Blue tortieshell and Lilac tortieshell)

Personality

Burmese are intelligent, boisterous, lively and alert in nature. They are gregarious and love the company of adults, children and pet. They are very affectionate and are interested in everything that humans do.

Interested in everything that humans do? Hmm. Seems like the Burmese are easily amused.

Cat Tidbits

2009-04-15T07:36:00.005-05:00

Found another website about cats. This one has a wealth of interesting bits of information.

Some examples:

Ancient mariners believed that a cat's behavior could foretell a change in the weather. Some sailors considered black cats unlucky since they were thought to bring bad weather. Tortoiseshell cats were often held by seafarers to be lucky and Japanese sailors in particular would carry a tri-colored cat aboard. They believed that such a cat could give early enough warning of an approaching storm for the vessel to return to port to avoid it, and would also send the cat up the mast to "put the storm devils to flight".

In the 1930's. The white male cat, named Napoleon, lived with his owner in Baltimore. His observant owner, Mrs. de Shields, noted that every time before it rained Napoleon would lie on the floor with his front paws extended and tuck his head between them. During Napoleon's lifetime there was a drought. The drought had continued for over a month when his owner noticed the clever cat adopt his "rain on the way" pose. According the official forecast the weather was to continue dry. Unconvinced, Mrs. De Shields telephoned a newspaper and told them that it was going to rain -- her cat had prophesied it. It did indeed rain, and thereafter Napoleon's forecasts were published in the paper. When he died, the tombstone over his grave was inscribed "Napoleon the Weather Prophet 1917 - 1936". It was said that in all the six years that he made his predictions he never got it wrong -- which is more than be said for human meteorologists!

They say the test of literary power is whether a man can write an inscription. I say, "Can he name a kitten?" -- Samuel Butler

More forthcoming, I'm sure.

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Nearing 100 Posts

2009-04-14T16:42:00.004-05:00

This is the 97th post for Cat in the Buff. Reaching 100-posts is something of a mild milestone. Should we do anything special? What?

Post ideas as comments to this post.
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Excerpts From Firestar's Day

2009-04-14T08:40:00.006-05:00

You know, Bevie, you really should clean your closet.

It was fun getting up here. Now how in the h*ll am I going to get down?

This may work.

Bevie, that had better be clothes in the basket down there.

Ah, my new toy!

Pity about the old one. Chewed the stuffing out of that one.

Literally.

Didn't think I'd like this one. Spraying it with catnip sure helped.

Like, wow, man!

Rats!

Do I really feel like bringing it back up here?

Laundry day.

One of life's simple pleasures.

Rolling in a scented dryer sheet.

Now I'll smell clean and fresh.

Uh, not that I ever don't. purrrrrr

Heck of a day.

What Do People Do When They Go Away

2009-04-13T05:46:00.003-05:00

Did any of you other cats have this happen?

My humans all left around mid-day. Didn't get back until it was time to eat. (At least they did that. Some of my training has taken, at least.) But when they returned they had all kinds of strange smells about them. It took a bit for me to place the one, but at last I figured it out: dog.

Son virtually reeked of the smell. Spouse wasn't much better. At least with Bevie it was only hands. But there were other smells, too. Food smells. Not sure what the food was. Don't recall it ever being in my house.

Wonder where they went. Couldn't have been too great for Bevie seemed awful happy to be home.

Even so. Once again I had to punish them. Ignored them all night.

Humans. They never seem to learn, do they?
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Being in Charge is a Chore When Humans Don't Cooperate

2009-04-12T08:07:00.003-05:00

Sometimes humans are just no fun at all. Take Bevie (please). We used to have all kinds of fun. I would come downstairs from my comfortable place on the bed and walk by to get my back scratched. Sometimes I would reach up and I would be treated to a nice, close hug while I rested on Bevie's chest. Then I would find a comfortable place in the family room and go back to sleep.

I could sneak around a corner and Bevie would play hide-and-seek. I could also count on Bevie to give scratches, hugs, and to rub heads in proper cat fashion.

Not so this week. Bevie has been most annoying. Spends the entire day making rude noises into a white piece of paper, which then gets tossed without even batting it about. I tried to. Do you know what Bevie did? Hissed at me. Hissed! Of all the things.

So I have taken to showing Bevie my back. But the silly thing doesn't even seem to notice. Just keeps making the rude noises into the white paper.

Sometiems humans are just no fun at all.
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Culture Lesson - Class #1010

2009-04-11T09:03:00.003-05:00

Okay. I've been walking the cyber alleys of human existence. I see Bevie had the decency to include cats in the Hero story. I'm still not clear on why the cats weren't the major focus, but we'll deal with that later.

It's time to touch on culture again. The information has been taken from this site.

British Shorthair

(picture taken from this site)

History

The British Shorthair is the British counterpart of American shorthair. It is probably the oldest English breed of cat, and can trace its ancestry back to the domestic cat of Rome. In the late 1800s cat fancier Harrison Weir was instrumental in establishing the British Shorthair as an officially recognized breed. World War II resulted in their near extinction but dedicated efforts afterwards saved this species.

Appearance

The British Short hair is a compact, well-balanced, and powerful cat, with a short, very dense coat. They are round headed, broad chested, have short and strong legs and a thick tail. One of the most appealing features of the British Shorthair is their built-in smile caused by their round whisker pads. The British Shorthair comes in various colours with blue being the most popular one.

Personality

British Shorthairs are quiet, even-tempered, intelligent, alert and affectionate cats. They are extremely loyal, gel easily with people and are especially good with children and other pets. They are low-profile and tend to be independent.

Sounds like a very decent cat. Even if it does smile too much.

A Blog Advertisement

2009-04-10T15:24:00.001-05:00

I need to take classes in marketing. I should have posted this hours ago.

The Stories Have Begun Arriving at
The Legion of On-Line Super Heroes!

Today, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday will all produce first entries by four different Authors

Read works from Internationally Known Authors such as:

Writtenwyrdd - the famous Speculative Fiction Writer in the east
Blogless Troll - the dashing Writer from Kiribati
Whirlochre - the clever King of the British Isles
fairyhedgehog - Castle Windsor's Lady in Waiting
freddie - the midwest's Star of Music and Wonder
Lisa - the Poetic Mistress of Feline Purrs
Ms. Sparrow - Famed Minnesota historian

and, how could we forget

Bevie James - ambiguous, paranoid, but good-hearted

If you have time, give the blog a look-see.

Well worth the 500-word reads

A Cute Cat Story

2009-04-10T07:51:00.003-05:00

I wasn't going to post this, but something about it just made me laugh and smile. Found it at this site.

Fly-strips are very sticky
An e-mail from cat Gina to tomcat Jonas.

"Boootiful !!!!!!!!" :o)))))))))

Sorry that I take the Mickey, Jonas, but we rarely see such a brush :o)

By the way, you have a partner in the suffering, and that is ME!

Some weeks ago I got stuck with my tummy to a fly- strip which had been attached to the kitchen cupboard. When I tried to get rid of the damn thing I got more and more entangled :o(

My Missus saw this and tried to help by pulling the fly-strip out of my fur - of course it did not work!

After a seemingly never ending time and plenty of the disgusting hot water the
terrible thing had disappeared out of my fur, but some of the glue wouldn't come out.

So my Missus got out the scissors, and ...do I have to say more? Absolute disgusting,
I looked like a plucked chicken. Meouw !!!

But now for the icing of the cake as they say: The girlfriend of my Missus came to visit us, and she greeted me with gusto. She loves me very much, I don't know why. Then she noticed the bare spots on my behind and asked for the reason of my disfigurement. My Missus told her about my mishap, and she wanted to show her friend another spot where some of my fur had been cut off. She lifted me up, so the friend could look under my tummy. She lifted me higher, and higher, and then it happened! She pushed me on to another fly-strip which was hanging from the ceiling, she had overlooked this one, and now I was wrapped up again! Heeeeelp !!!!!!

Once more the scissors came out and I lost my newly grown hair again.

Well, don't YOU talk about embarrassment, I presented a much worse sight.

By now I am as beautiful as ever, yeah.

All my love

--->> GINA <<--- (one of Eki's cats).
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Award For Cat in the Buff

2009-04-09T09:44:00.003-05:00

Lisa (think Bessie, Bruiser, Scarlett, Tara, and Amelia) has just awarded this blog the "I Love Your Blog" award.

Bevie will post the image on the sidebar, and has addressed the fowarding to other worthy blogs on The Great Sea: My First Award.

Thanks, Lisa.

I think I should create an Alley Cat Walk award.

Cat Lover, But No Slave

2009-04-09T09:28:00.005-05:00

Took another cat quiz. This time it was What Kind of Cat Person are You? As opposed to What Kind of Cat Would You Be?

Here are my results:

You are definitely a cat lover and meet most of the tests of responsibility. but you haven't yet made a slave of yourself over your cats. That isn't all bad, you know, as you may be a better caregiver and cat parent for it.

Hmm. Not a cat's slave yet, huh? I guess that's Firestar's problem with me then.
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Firestar Would Like This Game

2009-04-08T09:51:00.004-05:00

Here's an odd sort of game. It was used on the old 1934 Laurel and Hardy movie, "March of the Wooden Soldiers (Babes in Toyland)". Laurel, playing Stannie Dum calls the tapered wood a "peewee" and demonstrates to Hardy, playing Ollie Dee. Of course, Ollie Dee is totally incapable of doing it.

Wonder how the game got its name. Nothing about it looks like a cat. Cats don't behave like this. Maybe, when whoever started it began doing it, they had a cat which would try to chase down the tapered piece of wood and would get all tangled up trying to catch it. Firestar has done that when Son tosses stuffed cat toys across the room. He kind of "tips" in his effort to catch the things while they're still in the air.

TIP CAT

Tip cat, also called ONE-A-CAT, is an outdoor game dating back at least to the 17th Century. It was introduced to North America and elsewhere by English colonists. The game was widely popular in 19th-century Great Britain and in early 20th-century North America.

Although there are many varieties of the game, all involve a stick about 3 ft (1 m) long used as a bat, and a piece of wood (the cat) about 4 in. (10 cm) long, 1 to 2 in. (2.5 to 5 cm) thick, and tapered at the ends.

The cat is placed on the ground, struck at one end to propel it upward (tipping the cat), and then slammed with the stick as far as possible. In one version, the batter tries to round the bases, as in baseball, before the fielder retrieves the cat and throws it back to home base.

If a batter misses the cat three times or if a fielder catches it on a fly, the batter is out. Earlier versions of the game are based on guessing the distance that the cat is hit, scoring points according to the number that comes up on a four-sided cat, and running from base to base on a large circle while the cat is being retrieved. Some authorities consider tip-cat a forerunner of baseball and cricket.

Culture Lesson - Class #1009

2009-04-07T12:04:00.003-05:00

Here is the next in our series of culture lessons. The information has been taken from this site.

Bombay Cat

(pictures taken from this site)

History

The Bombay was created in 1953 by an American Breeder, Nikki Horner who wanted to develop a cat that possessed the conformation of the Burmese but with a sleek black coat and copper eyes instead of brown fur and yellow eyes. She named the breed after Bombay, India, land of the black leopard. In 1976 the Bombay was recognised for championship status in The Cat Fanciers' Association.

Appearance

The Bombay cat is a medium sized cat with a solid muscular body. They are jet black in colour and the eye colour ranges from golden to deep copper with copper eyes considered the more superior. Though the Bombay Kittens look rather ordinary but like scotch whisky they improve with age.

Personality

Bombay cats are extremely agile, affectionate and intelligent. Bombays are very attached to their owners and want constant attention. They are silent in nature and are not very vocal.

Silent cats? What the use in that? The only time I'm silent is when I'm sneaking up on someone. Usually Spouse or Son. It's fun to walk up and wop them on the leg.

Creatures of Habit

2009-04-06T07:46:00.002-05:00

Found this. It's not the best one I found, but I couldn't get an embed link for the good one.

They say the cats are stupid, but how to they know it wasn't just cats setting up a human?
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Dispelling a Few Cat Myths

2009-04-05T08:31:00.004-05:00

Thought I would pass on some myth-breakers today. I think we all probably know these, but on the chance it's new information, here goes:

(Oh, got the information from this site.)

If a cat urinates/defecates in the wrong spot (ie: on your favourite Persian rug), rub it's nose in it.

Not only is rubbing your cat's nose in it's urine/faeces cruel, it serves no constructive purpose. All this type of punishment will do is frighten your cat. A far more constructive method would be to try & find out why the cat has started eliminating outside it's litter tray. Sometimes, owners think they are teaching the cat a lesson by rubbing it's nose in it's urine/faeces & then placing the cat in it's litter tray. The cat will start to associate punishment with it's litter tray & avoid using it all the more. The first stop should be to your cat's vet to rule out a medical problem. If your cat gets a clean bill of health then you will have to try & work out what is preventing your cat from using it's tray. Some possible causes are...

The tray is too dirty, easily solved by cleaning the tray out more often.

Your cat was ambushed by another cat while in the tray.

Your cat doesn't like hooded trays, or alternatively, your cat doesn't like open boxes.

Your cat doesn't like the location of the litter tray. Common location problems are...the tray has been placed in a busy area. Cats like privacy when they're on the loo. Because cats are vulnerable when they are going to the toilet, they like to ensure they have an escape route, therefore some (but not all) cats will refuse to use a tray for this reason.

For further information on inappropriate elimination, please visit our Health Links page.

Cats can have cow's milk

While a lot of cats love to drink cow's milk, it's not recommended. Many cats are lactose intolerant & giving them milk will result in them getting an upset tummy. This is especially dangerous in kittens who can dehydrate quickly.

An adult cat doesn't need to drink milk at all. If you must give your cat milk, it is recommended you purchase special "cat's milk" which has been specifically formulated for cats to drink.

For further information on cats & milk read here...

My female cat should have one litter before she is spayed

Not at all, in fact it is better to have her spayed before 6 months of age to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Here is a very good article on why it is important to spay/neuter your cat. Spay & Neuter Q & A.

Cats always land on their feet

Do cats always land on their feet? Well...it depends, if the catfalls a very short distance from the ground it doesn't have enough time to right itself. A cat will be seriously injured & quite possibly killed if it falls from a great height. There is a new term coined by American veterinarians called "high rise syndrome". Due to the ever increasing human population, high rise apartments are becoming more the norm & vets are seeing many cats who have been injured falling out of high rise apartments.

Putting bells on a cat's collar will stop it catching mice & birds

This theory has been around for hundreds of years. I used to put bells on my cat's collars, in fact Eliot, who was my best hunter had three bells on her collar at one point & it did absolutely nothing to stop her catching the wildlife. In fact, there is new research to indicate that cats who have had bells put on their collars are better at catching prey. This is because they learn to move without the bell making a sound & therefore they are stealthier.

For further information on putting bells on cat's collars, read this article. Cats Indoors.

There were others. Some, I'm ashamed to say, I have been guilty of.
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A Happy Cat Film

2009-04-04T09:47:00.002-05:00

This was hysterical!

Looks like I need to get Firestar a companion.

Oh, by the way. It kind of looks like someone may have hijacked Firestar's account. He's going to have to post through me for a bit now.
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In Memoriam - Beloved Cats of the Past

2009-04-02T10:51:00.006-05:00

I've been feeling guilty and bad about not having included Baby Boy in this. He is no less distinguishable than any, but at the same time I did not want to have memorandum posts every day. Then there was always something else to post, or I wasn't ready to put up something more sobering. But I think this is a nice place to put Baby Boy's memorandum.

Baby Boy was another of my choices. Like B.J.Honeycat, who came before, Baby Boy was in mortal danger. But not from starvation or other, more aggressive cats. Baby Boy was in danger because he would never, ever SHUT UP! And that was driving my boss crazy. (Actually, my boss was a bit of a pussy cat himself and would never have harmed Baby Boy. He just liked to talk big.)

This would have been back in the summer of '87, when I worked for a small town newspaper as reporter, photographer, editor, proofreader, layout editor, paper stuffer, and paper delivery person. All for $10,400 a year. Before taxes. For that I worked seventy to eighty hours each week. It worked out to a little more than $3.00 per hour when minimum wage was about $5.00 per hour. Ah, well. I digress.

Baby was just a kitten. His name was Socks then, because of his white feet. Larry, my boss, came into work one day haggered and sleepy. He had been up most of the night trying to catch Socks and put him outside. But while the kitten was big on crying for attention, he refused to allow himself to be caught, and he was small enough to get into places Larry couldn't go. Larry asked if anyone wanted a cat because he was ready to threat, threat, threat, threat, threat. Wanda, the office manager, dared him to do it and Larry sheepishly conceded he wouldn't. But he did want to find a home for Socks. I thought BJ might be lonely, with me now putting in so much time at the newspaper, and Spouse working three jobs to earn another $10,000 a year. So I volunteered.

I remember at first being worried about our new addition. BJ seemed to just hate him. But then I caught the two of them together when BJ thought no one was around. They were playing together and having a ball! Until BJ saw me. Then he belted Baby Boy (he got the name because he NEVER shut up) across the room.

Baby was the active cat. He was the one who jumped into the upstairs window, knocking out the support and having the window collapse on his back leg. Wound up in a four-week cast for that.

He was the one who figured out that when the new human baby arrived, he could get all kinds of loving attention by just being around. Eventually, this would cause him to bond with Son, and the two became good buddies.

Baby was a camera hog, too. Take out a camera and start filming or snapping pictures, and within a couple of minutes Baby Boy would be there, standing next to whatever you were trying to film.

In his last years he was the lone animal. Nikki was gone. BJ was gone. Even Lady was gone. It was just him in the house, until I lost my job. Then I would sit downstairs at my desk in the wee hours of the morning. Baby Boy would come down the steps, stop at the bottom, wait until I looked at him, and then cry out to me. I would lower my hand and snap my fingers and he would hurry over to get his back scratched. We did that every day. Several times.

I can still remember hearing the thumping above my head. The computer was set up in the basement then. Twice before in his life, Baby Boy had managed to get himself caught in a cloth through his mischiveous playing. His flopping would make the noose he had got himself into tighter and tigher. Once was with a torn chair cover, and once was with one of my t-shirts. Hearing the thumping, I suspected he had repeated his youthful behavior in his old age and had got caught again.

He was in the dining room, but not caught in anything. He had had a stroke. A bad one. Just the year before we had spent nearly $1,000 we didn't have to save his life. The vet told us he might not last another year, but we spent the money anyway. This time I could see he was much worse off. I immediately got on the telephone and called the vet. Then I raced Baby to the only place where he could be helped. But this time it there would be no miracle. Spouse left work and I took Son out of school. The vet clinic tended Baby while we raced to get there for his final time. It was - emotional.

Sometimes, after suffering such grief, we tell ourselves we will never fall in love again. We will never get another cat, or dog, or horse, or turtle, or spider, or whatever. We're so silly. Not only do we fall in love with these creatures who are so different (and somehow alike) to us, but we do it over and over and over again. When Spouse brought Firestar home I refused to even look at him. Spouse began to cry. Then, I turned my head and found myself nose-to-nose with this buff little kitten. Once again I was hooked. We can't close our eyes forever.

Current loves do not replace past loves. They just fill the void left from those who have gone on. And it almost seems like current loves mean more than the past. After all, they're here, aren't they? Let us enjoy them while we can.

NOTE: The picture at the top is one of my favorite Baby Boy pictures. There are other good ones, showing him in his profile, but I thought it appropriate to show him with his buddy. Amazingly, Son NEVER pulled his hair, so Baby Boy was quite safe under his hands.

Passing of the Crown

2009-04-01T06:34:00.002-05:00

We have a new Kitten of the Month. Please weigh in and congratulate Mikey, who lives with Writtenwyrdd.
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Comments for March Kitten of the Month

2009-03-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

More Culture

2009-03-31T05:25:00.012-05:00

I was thinking we needed another day of culture, and since cats are never wrong, I decided that it was the right thing to do.

Here are a few pictures I pulled from this s ite. Not the best, but they'll do.

The strange, green thing with pink eyes is actually a cat bank. I don't think they were going for realism. Bevie thinks it's cute.

Culture Lesson - Class #1008

2009-03-30T11:38:00.002-05:00

I thought we should return to something positive and hopeful, and what could be more positive and hopeful than to learn about cats. Right? So here is the next in our series of culture lessons. The information has been taken from this site.

Birman

(picture taken from this site.)

History Origins of Birman cat are not clear but they are believed to have originated in Burma where they were considered sacred. The modern History of Burman cat started in 1919 when a pair of Burman cat was brought to France from Burma. The male cat died during the journey but the female cat that was pregnant survived. The breed flourished and in 1925 the Birman was formally recognized in France. The Birman became recognized in England as a separate breed in 1966 and by The Cat Fanciers' Association in 1967.
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Appearance The ideal Birman is a large, strongly built, elongated and stocky cat. They are colour pointed cats with long, silky hair and four pure white feet. Birmans are born pure white, and then develop color on the points. The shading of the legs comes later. Their hairs are not very thick. Birmans come in blue, chocolate, lilac and seal points.
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Personality The Birmans are loving, gentle, active and playful with a docile, quiet demeanour and a soft-spoken voice. They are very intelligent and affectionate and generally greet visitors with curiosity rather than fear. Because of their soft temperament they are easy to handle and care. They get along very well with other pets

Sounds like the Birmans have trained their humans well. Sacred. I like the sound of that.
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How Dare They

2009-03-29T04:32:00.003-05:00

Okay, my property has returned. Finally!

I knew something was up. They were all acting strange. (I mean, strange, even for them.) I tried to keep a keen eye on them, but they managed to give me the slip. My real clue was when they brought in other humans and showed them my food, water, and litter box.

They got up earlier than normal. Then they brought a bunch of things out of the house. Then they came in, gave me good pets, and left. I expected Bevie and Spouse to return right off. They didn't. I waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing. Finally, someone came through the front door. That was suspicious. They hardly ever use that door. But it wasn't Bevie, Spouse, or Son. It was the humans who had been here before. They were okay. They gave me food and water. The little one even raved over me and gave me gentle pets. Then they left. I was alone!

Yes, Bevie had turned on the radio. Like that was going to make me believe I had people in the house. I figured they would be home late, like that time a few weeks ago. But they didn't show up at all! They spent the night away. In the morning it was the same strange humans again. I waited all day. Nothing. In the evening, the strange humans again! And Bevie and company didn't come home again. Same thing in the morning. This time, I was in no mood for play. So when the little human wanted to play, I punched him. No claws. But they got the message and left.

Finally, late in the morning, I hear the garage door opening. The only time I hear that is when Bevie or Spouse is leaving - or arriving. They were home!

I went to the door leading to the garage and waited. Sure enough, it opened, and there was Son staring me in the face. Bevie was behind him. Finally, they had saw fit to come home. The prodigal people. Well, I turned my back and slowly walked away. Of course, Son had to catch me and hold me. Like I wanted that. But I went along with it - for awhile. I'm sure they were very stressed about being away from home so long. So I spent the first while making sure they were all right. Oh, except Spouse. It was my understanding this entire thing was Spouse's idea. So I punched Spouse in the face. No claws. Then, when Son and Spouse went upstairs to watch a show, I knew they were okay. So I punished them.

I went up and sat with my back to them. And when they tried to make up, I played feisty. They got the message. So I went downstairs. Sure enough, Bevie was at the computer. So I plopped down in plain sight and scowled. Bevie saw me, too. Even acknowleged the rightness of my actions. But I could tell Bevie was still stressed, so I gave in early and worked on comfort. It isn't always about punishment, you know. You have to take care of your property. So when Bevie went upstairs and lay down, I lay down, too. Just for a bit. To make sure Bevie was all right. I certainly didn't need the comfort.

I got my final revenge when they all went to bed. I sat outside the bedroom doors and howled. Did that for about an hour. Then I came and lay on the bed. But later, I did it again. Would have done it all night, but I need to get my rest, you know.

Hopefully, they have learned their lesson this time.

People! They just don't know how to behave.
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When Cats Won't Cooperate You Find Something Else to Post

2009-03-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

The original plan was to take a picture of Firestar sleeping on our suitcase, which is where he spent the night. But of course he has double-crossed me and is back on the rocker this morning.

He knows something's up, and I don't think he's going to be overly keen on us not being around for a couple of days. We have a neighbor who has agreed to look in on him and make sure he has fresh food and water, but he's not going to be happy. I wonder how we'll be punished when we get home.

Anyway, Son and I were browsing through YouTube yesterday and came across and old cartoon I used to watch when I was his age or younger. It's called Top Cat, and it was one of my favorites. I haven't seen it in years upon years. The episode we found is in three parts of about seven to nine minutes each, and they automatically jump one to another. So you'll need about twenty minutes to watch the entire episode. Also, it wanted to jump to a completely different episode at the end, but we didn't watch that.

I'm being lazy because I think this will be my last post until Sunday or Monday. Going to be away from the computer a few days.

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Cats Make Good Buddies

2009-03-24T09:14:00.004-05:00

So, I had to run a new scan of my computer this morning. Downloaded SpyBot's SpotZilla software. It found 44 instances of spyware and other malicious things. The worst came from our MixCraft music software which Son uses to create wonderful music. (In order to remove all of these things I had to pay $10. Didn't like doing it, but I didn't like having the junk either. So now we're "protected" for a year. Right. Thought my current security software was supposed to protect us.)

Anyway, Firestar loves to watch the computer screen. I find this interesting because he shows no interest for the television screen. He'll occassionally look at it, if an unusual sound is made, but otherwise he ignores it. The computer, however, seems to fascinate him to no end. I suppose it's because the computer monitor virtually never shows people. I don't know.

I do know he spent about an hour with me this morning watching. Then we both got tired of watching the screen and left.

Firestar has the most wonderfully expressive face. Sometimes it's wonderfully inexpressive. Those are the times he just sits across the room and picks someone to stare at. It can be most disconcerting sometimes.

This morning I need to clear out my throat. So I got a drink of water and gargle. I turned and saw Firestar staring at me with one of those, "Just what the h*ll do you think you're doing", looks.

He's been my buddy lately. Not sure why. But he will come and walk across my chest, rub my face with his (I do this to him, too), then settle down in the crook of my arm. Should I get up and move to another room, often he will follow. So I've taken to letting him know if I plan on returning soon, or inviting him to come along if not. Right now he's in the rocker just behind me.

How to Stress a Cat: Move

2009-03-23T10:15:00.005-05:00

Poor Firestar. All of the packing seems to be stressful for him. We're going through our things and separating that which we hope to keep from that which we are letting go. The result is a chaotic mess throughout the house, particularly in the living room and family room, which are two of his three favorite rooms (master bedroom being the third).

He's been having more "crazy days" than usual. These are the days when he can't sit still and takes off running at full tilt throughout the house. I took out a dozen boxes containing The Archives, and he couldn't explore them fast enough. All of the empty boxes become new caves into which he can hide.

That he's stressed is evident in that he's been more "bitey" than normal. He has no patience, even for gentle caresses across his back. He knows something's up, and he's concerned. Everyone's schedules are off. The routine is broken. He's really going to stress out, I think, when we're gone for three days and two nights. We're having a neighbor come in twice a day to make sure he has food and fresh water, but that is not a routine he has ever experienced before.

Cats aren't keen on changes. They just aren't.
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Culture Lesson - Class #1007

2009-03-22T09:33:00.003-05:00

We've had some delay in our cultural education, so I'm posting our seventh lesson on Cat Breeds. As always, the information has been taken from this site.

Bengal

(picture taken from this site)

History
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The Bengal cat is a distinct, unique breed of spotted domestic cat originated from the ancestral crossing of a domestic cat such as an Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese or Egyptian Mau with an Asian Leopard Cat. The main credit for this breed goes to Jean Sudgen of the USA. Jean Sudgen crossed a black shorthaired domestic cat with a female Asian Leopard Cat in 1963. Offspring were produced proving that a second generation was possible. Jean carried further crossing and finally in 1984 Bengal cat was recognized by the International Cat Association.
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Appearance
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Bengal are usually short haired . They come in six colours - the Brown (Black) Spotted, the Brown (Black) Marbled, the Blue-Eyed or AOC-Eyed (any other coloured) Snow Spotted Bengals, and the Blue-Eyed or AOC-Eyed Snow Marble Bengals.
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Personality
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The Bengals are very mischievous and boisterous. They are also very vocal, intelligent, loving and people oriented cats. They are very affectionate and mix well with children and other animals

There were better pictures of the Bengal, showing off their spots. But this picture shows attitude. I like it. By the way, isn't saying a cat is intelligent kind of redundant? Mix well with children and other animals? I guess that means the cats are in charge. mrrrooowwwll

Hey, I Can Write, Too

2009-03-21T16:43:00.005-05:00

Why is it that humans think they are so special? They do something silly and useless, and suddenly they think they have value. When are they going to learn that their value is entirely dependent on how we happen to view them at any given moment in time?

Take today. I had to punish Spouse and Son this afternoon. They were in the study going through some of Son's things, putting them into boxes. Now Son probably has the best things of the three of them, although I like watching Bevie in front of the kumputer thing. All of that movement. Can't catch anything, though. I've tried.

Anyway, I figured this was a good opportunity to explore the room and play with some of those cheweable things. Normally, I can't get in there. Well, I'm hardly in there any time at all and Son whacks me on the head. And Spouse blames me! Son claimed it was an accident, but humans are not allowed. Well, there was only one response. I had to walk to the door and sit with my back to them. Bevie saw me. Asked me what was up. Upon Son's confession, Bevie congratulated me on my firm paw and walked away. Bevie knew better than to interfere in a disciplinary action.

But humans are so silly. Bevie writes and thinks that's some kind of a big deal. Well, meow, meow, meow. I can write, too. And to prove it, here is a poem I wrote just today. I call it, Why Did God Make People?

Why Did God Make People
by Firestar

So why did God make people?

It’s my understanding he made them last.

That means he made them after cats.

But from a different mold he cast.

People aren’t like house cats.

They aren’t like wild cats, too.

In fact, they aren’t like anything.

Except, perhaps, baboons.

They’re noisy and they’re smelly.

And they can’t catch things like mice.

They aren’t much good at anything.

‘Cept feeding, which is nice.

I keep three humans here with me.

I try to keep them trained.

But training humans is a full-time job.

My patience oft is strained.

But their bodies do have warmth.

And their hands can be so tender.

So laying on their laps,

Is the way to spend a winter.

So, take that, Bevie! Mrrrooowwwllll

Cat Instincts

2009-03-19T05:08:00.004-05:00

Here's another submission from Rufus and his slave, FairyHedgeHog. Here we see a cat's mothering instinct in action. Very nice. It's a darling video.

Funny Looking Kitten
Uploaded by funnytoo

How Old is Kitty

2009-03-18T06:40:00.004-05:00

So I've been revisiting my writing Archive after several years of neglect and I have been discovering a wealth of cool things I have kept over the years. This one was photocopied from the Minneapolis Star Tribune paper back on June 13, 1996. It was in the Fixit column. Firestar's comments will be listed in RED.

A Guide to Figuring Out a Cat's Age in Human Terms
no byline

Q: Is there a way to figure my cat's age compared to human years? Is this important? Why not compute a human's age to a cat's? What about a dog? Definitely NOT important.

A: Veterinarian Terri Derr knows of no chart that compares a cat's age to a human's. But such charts are published for dogs. Oh, talk about discrimination!

Derr said kittens generally mature more quickly than puppies That makes sense, and a cat's adulthood and middle age are longer than a dog's Sounds good, too. Also, cats tend to live longer than dogs. Well, this sounds like it might be a good article after all. purrrrr

Here is Derr's best guess for comparing cat age to human (six months for a cat is equal to 12 human years):

One year equals 18 years
Two years equal 25 years
Five years equal 35 years

(Firestar is older than 25 but less than 35
In my prime, baby
That's Bevie)

10 years equal 45 years
12 years equal 60 years
15 years equal 80 years
21 years equal 100 years

(I'm including the dog chart at Firestar's objection. Yes. I objected.)

For dogs the comparison for human years goes something like this (eight months for a dog equals 13 human years):

One year equal 16 years
Two years equal 24 years
Three years equal 28 years
Five years equal 36 years
Seven years equal 44 years
Nine years equal 52 years
11 years equal 60 years
13 years equal 68 years
15 years equal 76 years

I see no dog is likely to reach 100.
Totally makes sense. purrrr
.