A Tale of Three Kitties

This post is nowhere near epic as the title suggests. Sorry, Mr. Dickens, for any copyright infringement. ~grin~ But I just had to share each of our girls’ unique quirks.

Polly is known as The Great Ribbon Slayer. I think she wanted her sister’s assistance when this image was taken.

I just needed a beauty shot before continuing...

This time, Terra did not assist in killing ribbons. She enjoyed peering out the bedroom window before jumping to the top of my dresser. For reasons I cannot comprehend she occasionally becomes fascinated by my fan, which was running when she made the leap.

Your photos cannot do my majestic beauty justice...

Our One Fanged White Wonder (so nicknamed after her expensive dental extractions) received a very unprofessional haircut from me. At the right angle viewing her backside, it looks like she’s wearing a frilly miniskirt. Alas, my botched job did not prevent the buildup of a hairball.

Excuse my superior digestive system,
frail human...

In my effort to apologize for shaming her I took this much more flattering photo of her lounging. It disturbed her nap, though, so I guess a further apology is needed.

I am gorgeous no matter what you do to my fur...

Should I expect a thanks from craft stores for protecting their stock of ribbons? Do you think I have a future as a pet grooming trendsetter?

The Floof of Doom

As mentioned before, our kitties each have multiple silly nicknames. Polly with all her extra toes and fluffy fur still earned some boss ones, or what I like to call Biker names. One of them follows the theme from my title: Floofing Thunder. I literally knew some bikers who went by Lightning and Thunder, some of the sweetest guys you can imagine.

The one used specifically for my title is especially appropriate for this post. I had my Suncatcher unit that simulates sunlight, gifted a few years ago by my husband. She got on the cat tree beside my desk and sat just far enough forward that the bright beam below lit her fur just so.

She believes in catch and release, even
for the most annoying bugs...

Is she adorable even looking somewhat villainous? Are you familiar with products that allegedly lessen depression from Seasonal Affective Disorder?

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My very Biased Toktoberfest 2024 Family Winner

My husband accused me of faking this... Nope.
How can anyone fake silly Polly's pose?
All I can say to our silly girl is,
"Please don't ever change."

 

Why Our Carpet Looks Awful

This house, built in 1978, has all original carpet as far as we know. My husband and I had one bathroom and the kitchen renovated years ago, plus new entryway flooring installed. Outside is another story altogether. Anyway, the following illustrates why we’ve left the carpet alone.

While I make grooming attempts, Terra and Polly wrestling gets the job done better. Check this out…

I must be clear that we’d rather have our silly kitties than a neat and tidy house. They are well behaved felines with only the expected issues.

Meanwhile, Dandelion is a long legged female with great strength. We think she never enjoyed a proper kittenhood before we took her in. By the way, my husband doesn’t know she’s shredded anything but cat furniture.

Look at those pink ear tips as she
surveys her efforts...

Do you prefer rugs and carpeting? If not, what is your favorite flooring material?

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Three's Company

Upon returning from the grocery store this afternoon I was pleased to see Terra about a foot away from Dandelion on our bed. Several minutes later, Polly had joined her sister for a mutual grooming session. This development made us very happy.

Before I got up, Dani had settled on my side. We have the sweetest cats. And I can say the same about the three who lived here before passing away.

I like having my smart phone handy...

I took the next image a while back. This little unicorn tent sits on the guest bed. If Terra had a bushy tail like Polly’s I might assume there is just one cat in there.

I once feared the tent too small for a cat;
Obviously, I was wrong...

Can you see the second pair of kitty ears in the tent? Isn’t it funny that I sort of ‘photo bombed’ both of my own images?

One Wild Bird and Six Pet Kitty Names

Our kind friend Strayer expressed interest in video I took during my riverside walk. Here are two, in fact. ~grin~ The first shows a very determined crane on the hunt. I’m impressed by how still they can stand even near raging waters.

Then I must have gotten too close, which made me feel bad. At least I got to see its majestic flight.

On her blog, Pam shared a cute game in which you try to describe a pet’s name without declaring it outright. I just had to join the fun. I’ll start with the three sweethearts we’ve lost over the last decade, listing each in order of their arrival into our hearts and home. Of course each is listed under my blog’s labels but I’ll put the answers below…

Our Earth’s moon in Latin
Actresses Meg and Jennifer
The wicked wife of Israeli King Ahab
The Earth, ‘firma’
Who wants a cracker?
A prolific yellow flowering weed

Do you think the bird recognized my predatory ocular orientation? And since cats are both predator and prey, why don’t they have a second set of eyes on the sides of their heads?

Here are the girls’ names:
Luna
Tilly
Jezebel
Terra
Polly
Dandelion


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A Curious Analysis Has Me Baffled – & – Our Silly Polly

Yesterday morning I took Terra and Polly for their annual vet check-up. Last year the clinic sent me home with Gabapentin for their next visit. It irked me that I was expected to drug my cats.

Worse, the listed expiration date was sometime last summer, so no way did I plan on using it. I told the technician they hadn’t been given this expired (!) medication but that I’d trimmed their front claws the day before. Well, the girls did great other than some hissing and growling.

Apparently they have a reputation, though, as the veterinarian I’d never met before mentioned Terra climbing on top of the wall mounted computer monitor and heading for the built-in high cupboards last time. She didn’t try any stunts yesterday.

He did have to wait until her lengthy low growl subsided in order to hear her heartbeat. lol They each received a CVR booster shot and we came right home.

My husband is equally confused by the vet’s diagnosis of mild obesity and thought perhaps it was to sell me some expensive diet pet food. But the doctor’s sole suggestion involved set feeding times. In agreement, I can’t convince my spouse to stop leaving kibble constantly available. ~sigh~ Meanwhile, neither gained weight over the past year.

Our athletic Terra remains at eleven pounds, her sister at eight. I do agree that Polly’s long coat needs more attention. For that matter, so does Dandelion’s; she will get her check-up sometime in late spring.

Should I be more open to sedating my pets? For experienced cat caretakers, do you think the vet rightly judged them overweight by feel despite lack of any gain?

 

A Queen on Her Heated Bed & Two Princesses in a Cozy Tent

The day before our cat Tilly passed away a pet heating pad arrived for her. I’m happy to have seen Jezebel enjoy the warmth until she passed away. Now it’s Dandelion’s turn.

I still cannot get over how pink she is under that white fur...

And this adorable unicorn tent is seeing more use. Terra is inside as I type but here’s a slightly older image of her with sister Polly.

 

These two have super pale skin beneath their black fur...

Aren’t animal coat varieties fascinating? Do you know some mammals (such as Dalmation dogs, leopards, and tigers) wear their fur pattern like a tattoo?

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The Dumb, the Fun, and the Cute

Somehow I managed to post the title “Two Clarifications” after believing it deleted. Back-dated to November 1st it got buried in my timeline. ~sigh~ Twice addressing the same issue about my interaction with the lifeguard is embarrassing but I don’t really consider myself dumb, just technologically challenged. My subject tag stating the contrary is all in good fun.

In other news, my husband discovered wall plugs, a power strip, and even light bulbs that are controllable via smart phone. Now when I’ve been outside or away from home I can tell if his oxygen concentrator is on. If it’s on I know he’s napping and enter quiet as possible.

Electrical outlet controls are obviously limited to on/off but the bulbs are fun. They allow us to change intensity as well as color (!) which means we can set mood lighting for a creepy movie. Anyone who knows me in the slightest can probably guess that I sometimes enjoy messing with him from afar. Don’t judge; he does the same to me on occasion.

A Blurry Dandelion glows in the black light setting...

More cuteness comes in the form of Terra spending time near my desk on the newly purchased cat tree. She’s a bit tough to photograph being in near constant motion.

She is one of my best friends...

Precious Polly is more of a lounger. Seeing her toes dangle off a different piece of cat furniture inspired me to take photos.

She does not let me trim her claws but I do make sure her
ill-formed ‘Polly Wogs’ look healthy...

Isn’t it fortunate that Polly only uses her murder mittens for good? And had you seen a glow-in-the dark kitty before?

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A Funny Flashback

I am not certain whether or not I shared this video of Polly being ridiculously adorable. So here it

Aren’t her mitten-like paws adorable? Am I not incredibly lucky that her numerous malformed toes don’t trouble the girl?

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Playtime!

Dandelion goes absolutely nuts over her fish toy. I purchased a second from Chewy after the string lost its elasticity, fearing it would get stuck wrapped tight around a limb. This happened to poor Luna back in the 1990’s and she never played with her squeaky mouse on a string after that.

Dani makes it very clear when she wants time with her fishy but apparently still doesn’t understand that sisters Terra and Polly only want to play fight. At least the paws exchanged haven’t drawn blood again, though Dandelion’s nose looks a bit scratched. 

Don’t the siblings sound like they mean deadly business? Do you agree that their white counterpart doesn’t act her supposed age (7 or 8!)?

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My New Axiom – & – A Failed Creepy Farm Photo

I made the mistake of allowing Polly to lick my emptied cereal bowl one day. Now I can’t help thinking of that old proverb:

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Only in my case it goes like this:

Let a kitty lick your bowl and you’ll never eat alone again.

She wanted my lunchtime lasagna so bad my husband said she went all Garfield on me. Poor thing didn’t understand it’s not good for her even after sniffing.

Once again, my picture does not do this justice...

Did you spot the horse in the above image? Aren’t I lucky to live surrounded by lots of farms?

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Life’s Ups and Downs – the Silly & the Serious

Once again, my husband and I shopped where that giant inflatable dragon is sold and a lady told me to watch for it to be discounted (!), perhaps after Halloween or even earlier. I’m guessing they’re not selling because so many folks struggle financially these days, which makes me sad. However, my childhood chum living across the state and I enjoyed a nice conversation, during which she said they have an inflatable dragon and would give it to me as incentive to visit. I should go because, unfortunately, her mother’s health is in steep decline while her father has his own issues.

Heartbreak and chaos are everywhere you look these days, it seems, so we need to seek any positivity. I found some just this afternoon. Dandelion jumped off my napping husband’s lap wanting some canned food. As expected, Polly wandered in and received a tiny plateful. What happened next amazed and delighted me.

Not surprising, my fluffy black cat finished first and strode toward her pale furred elder. Uh, oh, I thought. But they sniffed one another, all but touching noses (!), and Polly just sat down a short distance away. Dandelion did slink away a few inches. However, she resumed eating when I moved her plate over. The site made me very happy. When he woke, my husband heard the news and could hardly believe it.

On another note, the woman I talked to this morning was a store representative soliciting flu vaccinations. Since they’re offering a five dollar digital store credit to every recipient, I urged my husband to go for it. Ten dollars is ten dollars. And next week, a Hill Air maintenance guy will be coming for our autumn HVAC inspection. I’m crossing my fingers that I get another $300 (USD) Kroger grocery gift card for leaving reviews.

As I type, I’m enjoying a gorgeous day under my shade tree. A delivery driver pulled up at the next door neighbor’s house and surprised me by walking over with my latest online Amazon purchase.

I look forward to playing with these...

I ordered this and another holiday light set yesterday. These leaves are a set of four, one of which will go on my outdoor wreath in place of my silk sunflower blossoms. It’s nice they are battery powered except I can’t put them on an electrical outlet timer.

If it looks cute during daytime should I leave them on? And ooh, do you think these oversized leaves would look fun in my haunted dollhouse?

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A Decent Retort & First World Concerns

Not long ago I purchased an apron. When our friend Phoenix visited I modeled it for him.

He asked, “Who are you and what have you done with my friend?”

“I ate her,” I replied.

On a different note, I’ve been going outside during my husband’s daily afternoon naps if the weather is good. Sometimes I use his hospital assigned walker (which, again, he no longer needs!) as a laptop stand. Other days, I roam around or just enjoy the view. Let me know if you think it’s wrong, but sometimes I pet fuzzy bumblebees. Here is video evidence.

As for our household, things are not all peaceful. To my dismay, Dandelion has been urinating and even defecating on the carpet just off the stone kitchen flooring.

My guy knows about the former. When he heard her pawing at the couch late Monday afternoon he asked me to check. That’s when I saw her little brown ‘gifts’. He asked if I found any wetness and I replied in the negative while surreptitiously cleaning up. I’d already placed a box with some litter where she peed. Now there is an old folded towel where she pooped. ~sigh~ While I dislike the idea of litter and whatnot all over our kitchen floor, this situation is nigh untenable. Any and all recommendations are appreciated. This kitty isn’t going anywhere. ~grin~ And I’m sure my husband would agree. I just don’t want him stressed.

No stress here for Dandelion...

Polly just hanging out...

Terra enjoying other kitty furniture...

Have you been following the horrible events in the Mediterranean? How can I complain with all the misery around this world?

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Caught Red-Handed, Sort of…

A Photo Fail I Will Explain...

Since the bloody catfight ruined our nice evening several days ago, things have been blessedly quieter between Dandelion, Polly, and Terra. But the black-furred twins ganged up on poor Dani when she slunk out from a hiding place late last week.

Not Very Prime Real Estate = Safe (?)

Athletic Terra didn’t continue the pursuit like her floofy, innocent looking sister. Today, I’m happy to report, peace has reigned. Nonetheless, Polly got caught wearing evidence of her transgression.

White Fur Between the Right
Toes Equals a Brat...

Should I instead say Polly was caught ‘white clawed’? Have you ever tasted the tasty alcoholic beverage White Claw?

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A Good Friend and Random Silliness

Not long after meeting my future husband I encouraged him to attend gaming sessions at a hobby store. Yes, you read that right. We’ve been together since 1989. At these events he met a man who would stay a friend all these decades later. Yesterday he stopped by bearing surprise gifts.

For my husband he brought a dart. Yes, you also read that right. He gave us a board and darts long ago but was missing the one. Now the set we never use is complete. ~rolls eyes~ That may need rectified as long as our cats are safely out of the way.

lol

I received a coil of barbed wire. And yes, you read that right, as well. My love of all things horror related made me want to spookify some wood and his artistic mind conjured the perfect solution. I’ll have to share whatever becomes of it…

Meanwhile, he met Dandelion and the “White Wonder’s” friendliness was overwhelming. Unfortunately the twins hid. Nonetheless, Phoenix remarked that he always expected us to have black cats. My husband asked if we gave off that vibe. The man turned to me, smiled, and said, “No. But she does.” We all burst out laughing.

On that same note, he made my day. The moment he strode through our front door he exclaimed, “Oh, cool!” He truly admired my haunted dollhouse.

And for one last silly bit, I missed a great opportunity years ago. Visiting my doctor, with whom I have a great relationship, I asked about grinding up one of my medications using my mortar and pestle.

“Who needs a mortar and pestle?” he blurted.

Instead of telling him the culinary uses, I should have said, “For potions and spells, of course.”

How often have you missed out on a good quip? Do you or would you consider owning a mortar and pestle?

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A Frightful Encounter

The other evening, our newer cat Dandelion took the highest cat tree spot near the television. Much younger Terra and Polly decided they wanted to play (?) or perhaps just mess with their elder. Whatever the case, this altercation ended almost before I registered what happened.

I’ve tried to stay calm despite flying paws whenever witnessing these situations. This was different. We think maybe Dani went into a more offensive mode and the sisters reciprocated. Whoever struck the worst blow(s), Dandelion didn’t back down, continuing to strike out as her foot bled.

My husband acted all calm, just disappointed by our ruined movie plans while I assessed the damage. I tilted the cat tree and, bursting into tears, found some blood soaked into the carpet. Worse still, I needed my ladder to clean blood specks off the ceiling.

I went to bed soon after and essentially cried myself to sleep. Nightmares are a near constant these days. This one has a very obvious origin. I will warn you it’s graphic.

In the dream I stood admiring a showy black bird with an impressive crest. This creature and several colorful little songbirds perched on wooden beams, something like those supporting a barn roof. Without warning the large raptor snatched a songbird in one gnarly black claw, bit off its head, and crunched down the rest in a few vicious bites.

Needless to say, tears leaked when I woke and continued as Dandelion jumped up in bed to snuggle. She flipped on her back, soft white belly exposed, and let me examine her wounds. I am thankful she suffered nothing serious but it almost broke my heart finger combing tiny dots of blood from her fur.

Terra and Polly, still very much loved, didn’t receive my usual cheerful chatter that day. Here is a video to end on a lighter note.

Isn’t that dragon cool? And isn’t it a shame the price is $300 (US)?

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A Big Win, One Loud Scream, & a Gigantic Squee Over a Teensie Weensie Itty Bitty Critter

Our heating and cooling service offers gift cards via raffle in exchange for reviews. Winning a twenty-five dollar (US) for Kroger purchases delighted me. Imagine my thrill upon learning the stakes were higher. Instead of several small awards, the company owner decided a single $300 card would be offered. No doubt you know who won this time around.

Woo hoo!

My husband has been napping every midday, which leads to my second title point. He fell into a deep sleep until Polly ran under my feet. I shrieked upon feeling multiple kitty legs underfoot. Thank heaven she did not get any broken bones, nor even cry out in pain. How I kept my weight off her without falling is a mystery.

Referring to my critter encounter, a garden perusal led me to finding a few pickling cucumbers and the tiniest amphibian I’ve ever seen. This creature would fit fine on my thumbnail.

"I am huge in my sphere."

Do you think this tiny animal is a frog or a toad? Have you ever heard the song ‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini’?

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Plans: A Creature Feature – & – Crap

My mild frustration with the YMCA led me to discovering an interesting event at our Caesar Creek nature center. I planned on attending two Sunday afternoon seminars on local critters. And I forgot. The place is a half hour away and the event started fifteen minutes ago. I could attend the second but am just not feeling it.

The other day I even typed up the following to share here (and obviously didn’t):
Fingers crossed, there won’t be a ton of kids there and I can see some captive (rehabilitating?) specimens followed by a natural pond exploration. Both hour long events are free. I don’t even need to register.

And I concluded with:

What odds do you think I have of a peaceful visit sans rambunctious children? Have you ever walked out on an event, paid or free, due to annoying crowds?

Isn’t that a shame? Can you believe I not only let a spat with my husband wreck my day but allowed my upset to spill over to our innocent kitties?

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Aging Health Issues

I’ve (half) joked that Jezebel is my Voodoo doll. When my left shoulder hurt a few years ago I found her limping on her front left leg. As of today we both have kidney issues. ~sigh~ I had to cancel my MRI kidney scan last week due to an upper respiratory infection and, lo and behold, poor Jezzy developed a urinary tract infection (!) that requires twice daily antibiotics.

“Make no mistake, she is my Voodoo doll.”

My active imagination foresaw not bringing her home from Friday’s vet visit. ~shakes head~ My husband assured me as much, though he couldn’t accompany me due to his own medical appointment. Jezebel is officially on a kidney care diet now.

Playing ‘magical plates’ all morning is exhausting, especially since my lungs and sinuses are still phlegm filled. Jezebel’s health is worth the effort of denying her unhealthy foods. Her prescription stuff is safe for the other two kitties, a good thing since Polly seems to want whatever the old gal gets. Thank heaven, Terra is not as food centric.

Why are there no treats produced for pets with CKD? Any fellow cat caretakers have any suggestions?

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