ChatCat Chats

Almost a Year

2008-06-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

It'll soon be a year since Chatham crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My husband and I still cry from time to time ... like now. Salem is a wonderful kitty and it would certainly be worse without him here, but truthfully, he can't hold a candle to Chatham.

(Don't feel sorry for Salem - we heap lots of love on him!)

I just don't have the heart to blog much anymore, not on Salem's or my own. I was hoping to chronicle Chatham's life here, and perhaps I will some day.

I hope that all is well with you all ... I do miss the good time we had here with you.

~ cat couch

New Year

2008-01-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

This holiday season has brought alot of memories and tears. DH hung Chatham's stocking up, along side everyone else's. Salem has started to sleep in Chatham's old bed that we had left in the front room. We have decided that, for now, Chatham's ashes will stay with us.

I hope that 2008 will be a good year for everyone, and that health and happiness will find us all.

Peace & Goodwill

2007-12-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing You, Your Families

and Your Friends

Peace and Good Health.

Four Months . . .

2007-10-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

. . . Since our dear Chatham died. My husband and I miss him so much. Salem sleeps at our feet at night; Chatham had slept between us, taking turns snuggling against us. That empty space feels really big some nights.

Chatham Video

2007-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Now that Blogger has made uploading videos easier, I've got this little bit to show everyone. It was taken with my digital camera, so it's not very good. We've got great footage of him w/ our real camcorder, but I don't know how to get those things up right now.

We went to New Hampshire for four days recently. My mom came twice a day to feed and look in on Salem. This was the first time that he was really, really alone - no Chatham sleeping somewhere in the house. He stuck like glue to us for some days, crying pitifully and demanding attention. He seems to have gotten better about it now.

Missing My Ol' Boy

2007-08-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was long and trying. I went down to Bethesda, MD (a 2 hour drive from home) for a conference. Got bad directions twice and was 30 minutes late. Got stressed out and a migraine. Took too long to get out of the metro-Washington, D.C. area (if you've ever been inside the Beltway, you might have noticed how signs or lack of signs can mess you up, and then it'll take a long time to get back because of all the one way streets and no-left/right-turn signs). I didn't get home by 8:15 pm, after 14 hours of travel and conference.

All I wanted to do was sit or lay down with Chatham.

He was such a comfort. I miss him so much.

Ashes

2007-07-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

We picked up Chatham's ashes from the Vet this afternoon and started crying all over - not that we haven't been shedding tears all along.

Such a small package (we did pay for a private cremation) ... We haven't opened it up yet. Under the neatly wrapped brown paper, it feels like a hinged box. We're still talking about what we'd like to do. I'm sure that we will scatter some of Chatham's ashes, but we're not ready yet, I guess.

We're also looking to donate unused medicine and fluid bags to shelters, if they want them.

Chatham was such a big part of our lives for such a long time, that it hurts that he is gone. I can't tell you how much it has meant to us, knowing that all of you have kept us in your thoughts. It has helped.

The Rainbow Bridge

2007-06-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Chatham crossed the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon at 4:30.

With kidney failure and paralysis in his lower spine, I am happy to know that he now can bound without pain; that he can eat whatever he wants and that he will never have any more pills or needles.

We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. This is a wonderful community that we belong to.

Legs

2007-06-22T03:09:00.001-07:00

Suddenly last night Chatham lost strength in all four of his legs. Up 'til now it was just his back legs that gave him trouble. This morning I held him so that he could pee in his litter box. He would drink and eat some when I held bowls for him. I was just now encouraged that he did lift himself up enough to reach over the cat bed to drink some water by himself (the bowls are on boxes to bring them up to a more comfortable level for him).

We don't know what today will bring. We'll call the Vet and see if there is anything that can be done.

This photo was taken last month. Chatham had fallen asleep with his chin in his water bowl.

Chatham Update

2007-06-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

Cat Couch here:

Well, after a good birthday, Chatham has taken a rather sudden downward turn.

His arthritic back legs seem to have gotten much worse - it's as if his hips are now turning both legs to the right.

We knew that his eyesight wasn't great, but now he is bumping into things a good bit. I've watched to see if there was a pattern; are we moving things around too much? But Chatham bumps into things that are never moved.

And we're not sure where he is mentally. He doesn't respond to us like he used to. He walks in circles as if he's confused about where he wants to go; however, this may also be because with his bad eyesight he isn't sure where he is or that his especially bad left rear leg is pivoting him around (and I do mean pivoting, sometimes!).

He cries or meows - we're pretty sure that he's not in pain - and we can't figure out what it is that he wants. We go through all the usual desires: food, getting him to the litter box, cuddling in just the right way, etc. All without satisfying whatever it was that he wanted.

So, we're just not sure what's up with our old baby. We continue to try and make him as happy and comfortable as possible and hope that this is just a bad phase - he's had them before and then took a good upward turn in health.

These photos were taken the day before his 20th birthday at my church. I sponsored the flowers at the previous Sunday's service in honor of his birthday; I took him in to meet our minister and secretary (and to pick up items for the newsletter that I do for the church).

I'm tired!

2007-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like furrybody had a good time yesterday! I'm tired - not because of the party, but because Cat Couch took me out for awhile.

First, we visited the Vet. No, I didn't see HER, but we left cupcakes with Kira for everybean there. Cat Couch sez that we have to say thank you for all their help in keeping me around. (I WON'T say thank you for all the pricking and prodding, tho'!)

Then we went to Dad's office. He works on a Navy Depot base. I don't understand, because we're really, really far from any of the big waters. Dad sez it's because they need wearhouses in different places. (I didn't know that ships and submarines needed to have clothing.)

Everyone there made a big fuss over me. Cat Couch sez that I cost the Governmint alot of money because lots of people stopped working to admire me.

Aren't I worth it?

Welcome to the Party!

2007-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Chatham is 20 years old today!

(I forgot to say that the party is an all-day affair:
please feel free to come and go as you like!)

Cat Couch and Dad made cakes and cupcakes. Dad is taking the cake to his work. Cat Couch will take cupcakes to the Vet, the Guest Vet and the Emergency Vet.

(Granny, there is plenty of cupcakes for you here, too!)

Silly Cat Couch had to put fake flowers on me and a stupid hat:

But then she put the hat on Salem, too! Heehee!

But now everything is ready for my party! Cat Couch says that we all can go and do whatever we want in the house today. She has stocked up on yummy foods, toys, soft beds and pillows and borrowed lots of climbing cat furniture. Dad put food in the birdy feeders, so we'll have plenty to watch out the windows (the squirrels will come, too, and they do alot of chasing each other!).

Since I'm so old, I am likely to nap a good bit, but don't let that keep you away and having fun. I can sleep through anything.

Yum

2007-06-06T18:51:00.001-07:00

Salem's food tastes good!

Rabbit Birthday Rabbit

2007-06-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, not yet. It's coming up. My 20th Birthday, that is.

And everyone is invited over for the party on June 13.
Lots of tuna, catnip (for those of legal age), stinky food,
soft spots and toys, plus all kinds of critters to look at thru the windows.

Much the same with me. Cat Couch and Dad still give me medicines and sticks with the needle. I'm getting crankier about that. And fussier about food. If the stinky goodness can is more than a day old, then I won't eat it any more.

I'm tired of pumpkin and now my pooping is a bit of a problem. Cat Couch did take me one more time to the Vet for depooping, but the next time I was "full" she called the Vet to see if she could do something at home (yah!). Cat Couch went to a store and brought back something that she stuck up my butt (BOO!). But then I was able to poop, which was a relief.

Argh. Life is weird.

Hey, I want to nap! Take that flashy thing away!

Monday Update

2007-05-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here again:

Chatham hadn't had a BM since Thursday afternoon. He was peeing all the time (and not always making it to the box. He got me a couple of times when he couldn't move fast enough or I couldn't move fast enough out of the way). Thank goodness for your suggestions to use the "pee pads"! They sure do help.

Anyway - we were really concerned, because it seemed like Chatham was straining alot without result. I took him in to the Vet in the afternoon (first available opening) to see if he needed depooping.

As it turns out, he didn't. It appears that the infection is urinary and that he just needs to take the full course of medicine.

Now, the bad part of all of this is that once we were at the Vet's, Chatham started to growl and meow angrily. And it got worse and worse ... he hissed and snapped at me. The Vet had to eventually MUZZLE him!! It was awful.

The others in the waiting room couldn't believe that such an old cat could cause such a ruckus.

Friday morning UPDATE

2007-05-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

(see the post below from yesterday)

Chatham has slept with us since he was eight weeks old, we weren't about to stop that now, even if he has been peeing in bed. We've had middle-of-the-night bed and clothing changes now and then. Well, Hubby and I didn't get much sleep last night because Chatham was urinating so much. And now he really can't hold it long. If we can wake up enough to get him to the box (next to our bed) when he starts to meow, then we're okay; but if we can't ... well, let's just say that there's alot of laundry to do. (We have plastic on top of our flat sheet, then towels or another flat sheet on top of that - that's what we've been sleeping on lately) (anything for our ol' boy, ya know)

Chatham's urine has gotten to look more bloody, so we did our share of crying overnight, especially since we were getting up every 90 or so minutes to tend to him (and the bed, etc.) and were exhausted. Finally, it looks like the frequency has slowed, so I'm letting Hubby and Chatham sleep in. I called off work (my work hours have been cut back severely; this was my only day scheduled this week).

We'll keep a close eye on him, and take it day by day. So far his outlook (grumpy and bossy) hasn't changed.

It's sad when a body doesn't keep up with the mind. eh?

UPDATE to the UPDATE at 8:34 am:
okay, after having a pretty scary-red pee at 3:30 am, Chatham just presented us with a clear stream ... what's up? I'm cautiously happy, but I'll have to see if I can research what's going on. He had only one dose of the antibiotic yesterday, so I can't believe that that would be the answer this soon.

Update

2007-05-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here ...

Sorry for the long absence! I haven't been to Blogger in a long time. I have my own issues that I'm trying to deal with, but I shouldn't have left you all in the dark for so long.

Chatham seemed to be getting better. Oh, yeah, he still has all those medicines to take (our fingers and hands bear the marks of his displeasure!) and get hydrated, but he is feisty (our "grumpy ol' man in a fur coat"), eating, pooping, demanding and bossy.

He has taken to begging to going outside.

We did let him out in the backyard for a little supervised walk and he really enjoyed it (and eating and barfing up grass, too).

Unfortunately, this afternoon we discovered blood in his urine. We did take a sample in to the vet, and there are no crystals. We have an antibiotic in hopes that it's "just" an infection. My husband was the one that took the sample in, and was quite upset - the vet's staff had to reassure him that Chatham has pulled thru lots of things and he was feisty (I had visited the office earlier today and Chatham scared the pee out of a puppy) and should pull thru.

Chatham will be 20 years old on June 13.

Heavier

2007-04-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch decided that I was getting heavier and that she needed to make sure. So I made a trip to the V-E-T. {{growl}}

Sure enough, I'm up to 9 1/2 pounds!

Grey & Gloomy Day

2007-04-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's grey and wet outside. A good reason to stay inside and sleep.

Cat Couch has been sick, so the 'puter hasn't been on much lately. She needs the sunshine.

well, so do I!

Hoppy Easter

2007-04-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves, wherever you may be!

Rabbit Rabbit

2007-04-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's the first of the month again and time to say

RABBIT RABBIT!!

Warm Sun

2007-03-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's gotten warm here - and we had snow not long ago! Weird weather.

I just love napping in the sun!

Cat Couch here: well, we had a small crisis this weekend. We discovered Saturday night that we had run out of the fluid that Chatham gets twice a day. We did not want to have him go until sometime Monday morning without hydration - Dad was in a minor panic. Of course, we could take Chatham to the emergency vet clinic to be hydrated (they wouldn't/couldn't sell us a bag of fluid), but that's rough on Chatham (and our wallet!).

We did leave a message on our Vet's machine, hoping that someone might check it before Monday morning. Then we remembered Dr. Henry who used to subsitute for Dr. Gratson. We looked in the phone book and thought that we might have the right Dr. Henry and left a message for her ("... if this is the Dr. Henry who..."). She wasn't in the area, but she had checked her messages and called us later Saturday night. She did indeed have bags of fluid to sell to us (she now has a large animal practice). And it turns out that she lives not too far away. She remembered Chatham and was happy to hear that he was doing okay.

Monday morning our regular Vet's office called after they listened to the messages - they were worried about Chatham. Dad had to assure them that Chatham was okay and everything worked out fine. And then he went in to get extra bags and needles.

Nose-to-Nose

2007-03-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I got taken to the Vet again. And she did UNSPEAKABLE things to me. geeez. Just because I hadn't pooped lately, I get abused! {{humpf!}}

So when Cat Couch carried me out from the back, I wasn't in a good mood. And it didn't get any better when a humungous dog stuck his nose up at me.

Yah, sure he was just being friendly. Big, dumb, dopey smelly drooly dog wants to be friends.

Well, not with ME and not after what I had just been through.

So without a flinch or pause, I hissed/growled my loudest.

HaHA that big dumb scaredy dog buried his face in his bean's lap (she wasn't happy about the drool on her pants!).

I guess I told him who was boss!

(Cat Couch note here: The dog in question was a Mastiff and his owner told me that he weighed 175 pounds. Chatham weighs less than nine pounds these days. It was truly funny!)

Update

2007-03-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here:

Well, about a week ago we came home to discover that Chatham had come downstairs. He hasn't come down the stairs in many weeks! He's done it about five times now, which is encouraging. He's still not getting his business entirely in the litter box (somehow we can't quite convince him that just because his feet are in the box that it means that his rearend is in!).

Starting last night he's not been feeling well - I think he's constipated, despite getting pumpkin and Laxaire. I'm taking him to the vet this afternoon to have him checked out (and to get "it" out if need be).

(In this photo, you can see how Chatham's fur on one side of his face is fading in color. Siamese cats are born light-colored and get darker with age.)

Rabbit Rabbit

2007-03-01T05:47:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new month already. I still get stuck twice a day. My stupid legs still are wobbly. I'm saying "Rabbit Rabbit" in hopes that they don't get worse. Cat Couch and Dad aren't happy about me missing the litter box, but they keep cleaning up. (sometimes it's ME that gets cleaned up!)

I "got" to visit the Vet to get weighed. I haven't lost weight, which makes everyone happy. Cat Couch had a couple of errands, so I got to visit a flower shop and a HomeDepot (wow, was it big!). At the HomeDepot people kept fussing at me. Cat Couch had bundled me in a blanket and put me in her coat. Some people thought I was a babybean or a dog (!?). Silly beans.

I hope furryone is doing well. I'm hanging in there.

Ooops!

2007-02-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Uhh ... You're supposed to have your other end in the bowl, Chatham!

No Fair!

2007-02-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

Just because I'm not as agile as I once was and sort of dehydrated,
doesn't mean that I want a bath!

New Medicine

2007-02-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Chatham suddenly has stopped making the short jumps up and down off of the couch and bed a couple of days ago. (We've got stools set up to make it easier.) He would just sit there and demand to be picked up or taken down. Clearly, the arthritis in his rear legs has gotten worse.

He doesn't seem to be in any pain, just frustrated. He's as bossy as ever! He did get into the litter box (well, his rear end didn't always make it all the way in...) as long as he was on the floor.

There is a medicine that our Vet told us about, Metacam, that could help his arthritis, but she said it would be hard on his kidneys (which are already in bad shape). My husband did some online research and there are other people whose cats did very well on it. Naturally there was one or two whose cats were harmed by it.

So I'm off to the Vet's to talk to her and get this new medicine. We'll keep a close eye on Chatham and see how he does with it.

Stare

2007-01-29T10:54:00.000-08:00

My legs may be weak, but beware the power of my glare!

Snow ... Sort of

2007-01-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

We got a little bit of snow the other day.

Just enough to show the tracks of the critters that pass by.

Did you get any snow where you are?

Getting Along

2007-01-18T15:38:00.000-08:00

I can't say that I enjoy getting stuck with a needle twice a day. But I do have to admit that I'm feeling better. That ol'Vet was right - I was dehydrated!

And Cat Couch and Dad are being very cooperative in other ways. I get food every time I ask for it. heh heh ... but Salem doesn't!!

Breakfast in Bed!

This is how Cat Couch got her name.

Better Liver, Worse Kidneys

2007-01-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Chatham finished another round of antibiotics, so we took a urine sample to the Vet. There was still evidence of blood in his urine, so we took him in for a blood test.

Chatham has been on Denosyl for some years now for his liver ... and his liver has improved. Unfortunately, his kidneys have worsened. He is now in moderate kidney failure, and this is what probably will ultimately send him over the Rainbow Bridge.

However, at the moment he seems okay. He has actually gained a little more weight. He has an appetite and can still get to the litter box (although he doesn't always actually eliminate INside it...). He bosses us around all the time, too.

The photo above shows a peacock feather that I brought home from the Pennsylvania State Farm Show, as well as a tuft of hair from a cow (thinking that he might like to sniff it ...). Salem later ate the end of the feather and then threw it up.

Warm Day

2007-01-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today it got really warm - Cat Couch told Dad that it was 67. There should be snow outside, the Twins whined! They like the cold snow.

Anyway, Cat Couch and Dad opened up some windows. It was nice to sniff the wind, but then it got too windy and things started to blow around inside and they had to close the windows.

~~~

My dumb back legs aren't so good anymore. They slip and slide on the wood floors. And sometimes I get so tired that I have to just sit down and rest. Well, I'm halfway thru my 19th year, I guess I'm allowed to get tuckered out.

Happy Rabbit Rabbit New Year

2006-12-31T21:20:00.000-08:00

I hope that furrybody has a good new year.

I'm hoping that my back legs continue to work and not get any worse.

Happy Holiday

2006-12-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody:

It's been busy around here lately. Cat Couch hasn't even been on the 'puter! The Twins have unwrapped their gifts and are playing with their new tv'puter game. Salem and I got catnip toys and he's now sleeping off his catnippedness.

I have my good days and my not-so-good days. I have gained more weight, which is good. My back legs aren't so good, but I can still get up and down on things with the help of all the stools and steps that my beans have put around the house.

Field Trip

2006-12-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last week, before she got sick, my Cat Couch took me on another Field Trip to PetSmart. She said that I needed to get out of the house for a while.

I didn't like this trip so much because there were too many big, loud, barky dogs all over the place. Even in the Cat Aisles!

I did like looking at the fish.

Fighting the Meds

2006-12-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here again:

Chatham is getting pretty annoyed by all the medicines he has to get ... My hand bears the mark of his trying to keep them out.

And last night he growled during most of his hydration session.

When I go into our bedroom ... *ahem* his room, he usually yells at me for food or for me to lay down so that he can snuggle.

His legs continue to be on the weak side. I might just have to take him out of the room, if only to make him walk back inside so that he has a little more exercise.

I'm sick ... I hope it's not the flu, 'cause I still have shopping to do!

Up and Down

2006-12-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Well, Chatham is eating well, and is pooping big poops. He fights the pills harder than ever, which I take to be a good sign. His back legs continue to give him trouble, and he's fallen and slipped a few times. He is still able to get up and down off our bed to get to the litter box, with the help of a big footstool. For the first time in over 20 years I'm sorry that we have mostly hardwood floors - a short-napped carpet would be easier for him to get traction on.

We took in another urine sample, hoping for more improvement. Unfortunately, the infection hasn't cleared up any further. Fortunately, it hasn't gotten any worse. We've been assured that this is not unusual for winter-time illnesses. I'm off to get more medicine now.

Thanks for all of your good wishes and kind comments.

Sleeping

2006-12-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Well, Chatham seemed so good on Saturday - almost spunky. But yesterday and today he's all weak and wobbly again.

He's as bossy as ever, tho'

This photo is of Chatham in September 1987, when he was about three months old. Back then it was easy to believe that he was the runt of the litter ... he was so tiny at the time!

a late rabbit rabbit

2006-12-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

You're supposed to say "rabbit rabbit" first thing in the morning of the first day of the month to have good luck throughout the month. Since I didn't, I have to say "tibbar tibbar" to avoid bad luck.

TIBBAR TIBBAR

The vet says that my infection isn't as bad, but it's still there. I'm tired of being sick! And my back legs have gotten really, really wobbily.

The wind is very strong this afternoon, so I'm watching everything blow around.

Wednesday

2006-11-29T13:45:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch again:

Chatham is on another ten-day round of antibiotics. His urine sample showed that he has improved, but the infection isn't gone yet. So we'll keep on doing what we've been doing, with the addition of trying to get him to move around more. His hind legs are pretty wobbly, probably from lack of use - he lays around most of the time; just getting up to go to the litter box.

Sunday

2006-11-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Today at church, our intern minister spoke about being content and thankful for the important things and not wanting more than food, shelter and loving relationships. She had us do this as a responsive reading:

Meow.

Some humans call the way "the Tao."
All I know is it rhymes with Meow.

Meow is the beginning of all things,
The source of everything I want.
I don't actually need all things,
Although some humans think they do.
Food, shelter, catnip, and mice to catch
Are enough for me.
Although -- I will admit
It's nice to have someone provide these things for me.

I do not know their names -- they are the Nameless Ones.
I just call them "Meow."
Meow. They come. They open the door.
I don't know how they do it.
But they do. They know the Meow.

Through the Meow, it is possible to perceive the Subtle.
Through the Meow, it is possible to get what you want.
The Tao of Meow --
The way to get the best of both worlds.

And when I have the best of both,
I lie down on a simple blanket
And contemplate the profound
Even that which is more profound than the profound,
More subtle than and subtlety
The purr of perfection
Which is the door to all contentment.

Meow.

(this is adapted from The Tao of Meow by Waldo Japussy)

This evening Chatham came down the stairs on his own, looking for food. We haven't seen him come down the stairs yet, so I don't know how hard or precarious it might be. His appetite seems to be good, tho' he's not pooping enough to make us really happy, but we're trying to push the fiber. At least he's pooping some!

We are concerned mostly about his back legs. He's lost so much muscle tone and is weak and wobbly. We've been catering to him, making sure that he can easily get to his food and water, even holding it for him so that he can eat without getting up. Now that he's back up to 8 pounds, perhaps we shouldn't make it quite so easy ... but can we really get a meezer cat to get some more exercise? I don't know.

From the side, Chatham doesn't look bad ...

... but from the top you can see his thinness. But he IS getting stronger - it's getting harder to give him his medicine! He has been struggling more strongly lately. He really doesn't like the taste of this batch of thyroid medicine (we've ordered the other flavor that he liked) and he REALLY doesn't like the current antibiotic. We'll find out by the end of the week how the infection is (or isn't, hopefully!)

Doing Well

2006-11-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

Chatham had a good weekend. We couldn't remember when he last had a BM, so we fed him pumpkin (for the fiber, ya see) and he finally produced a couple of small, hard BMs (don't ya just LOVE this?). He seemed perkier after that. Can't believe that he ate canned pumpkin. He's been doing plenty of peeing ... it's the pooping that we were worried about.

Normally we've been keeping our bedroom door closed - the room is set up for him with everything he could need. But the last few days we've let the door stay open as long as there wasn't anything for Salem to mess with. We decided that Chatham wouldn't come down the stairs because he knew his limitations. Well, to our surprise, he DID come down. We found him in the kitchen by the spot where his food bowls used to be.

Today he produced a WHOLE LOT MORE little poops. Wore himself out doing it, too. Lay right down in his litter box, the poor thing was so tired. I did take him to the vet clinic today for a check up. The substitute Vet was there - Dr. Henry just LOVEs Chatham. She felt him up - no more poops inside - felt his hips and back legs (he often holds one at an odd angle) and proclaimed that everything was in the proper place, just old age stuff going on. Keep up the good work, she said. She praised him, even when he was acting up - who'da thunk that a 19 year old cat would cause so much trouble? She had to get April in to help hold him while she was examining him.

Best news is that he has actually gained weight - he's back up to 8 pounds!

Field Trip

2006-11-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

My Cat Couch decided yesterday that I had been cooped up too long inside. (I've taken up residence in her and Dad's bedroom. Ahem. Taken OVER their room.) So she wrapped me up in a small blanket, put me in my car seat and off we drove.

We went to the PetSmart store. Cat Couch used the blanket as a seat cushion in the baby-bean seat of a big cart. She pushed me around and we looked at new food bowls. Many people admired me and said very nice things ... especially that I didn't look like I was 19 years old.

Then Cat Couch took a long, slow walk along the fish tanks. The smell was really interesting, and all the colors of the swimmy fish was fun to watch.

I like field trips.

Sunday

2006-11-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Meow
Some humans call the way "the Tao."
All I know is it rhymes with Meow.

Meow is the beginning of all things,
The source of everything I want.
I don't actually need all things,
Although some humans think they do.
Food, shelter, catnip, and mice to catch
Are enough for me.
Although-- I will admit__
It's nice to have someone provide these things for me.
I do not know their names -- they are the Nameless Ones.
I just call them "Meow."
Meow. They come. They open the door.
I don't know how they do it.
But they do. They know the Meow.
Through the Meow, it is possible to perceive the Subtle.
Through the Meow, it is possible to get what you want.
The Tao of Meow--
The way to get the best of both worlds.
And when I have the best of both,
I lie down on a simple blanket
And contemplate the profound__
Even that which is more profound than the profound,
More subtle than and subtlety__
The purr of perfection
Which is the door to all contentment.
Meow.

Sunday update

2006-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Hubby stayed home while I and our Girls went to Marching Band Championships yesterday. DH called to say that Chatham had a good day - ate a little more and didn't fall over once. Still wobbly, but we'll take any encouraging signs. Perhaps the new medicine is beginning to work (he sure doesn't like it!!).

Meanwhile, our bedroom has become a haven for Chatham. I'm off today to find items to make it even easier for him to get up and down off the bed.

Update

2006-11-11T03:19:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Chatham's bladder infection is no worse, but also is no better. He's on a new antibiotic now, hopefully this will do the trick. Unfortunately, it's a liquid and he really hates it. Even putting it in tuna juice didn't work.

He seemed okay after that last emergency vet visit, but then the next day we noticed that his back legs seemed weak. This has gotten worse. He has trouble walking on very soft surfaces (such as the litter in the box or the bed if the bedding is not stretched out flat. So far he has been able to get down and up from our bed (we've set up "steps" of a sort) to visit the box (we've put one in our bedroom), but we're worried that soon he won't be able to. It is so sad to see him stumble and fall. Yesterday he shook his head and actually knocked himself off his own feet.

Today my husband is going to see if he can find a way to make a ramp or small steps so that Chatham can get up and down from our bed, since it is his preferred spot. We've also put the card table up back between the window and bed, so that when the afternoon sun is on that side of the house he can lay in the warmth.

We did ask our regular vet about his legs - there is a different, stronger arthritis medication available, but Chatham's liver can't take yet another thing to process at this time.

And yet, Chatham seems clear-headed and communicates with us. His purrs have gotten softer, but are still there when we lay down with him. He is trying to adapt to walking with his current handicap.

Thank you all for your concern and well wishes ... they certainly help.

ANOTHER emergency trip to the V-E-T

2006-11-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Last night around 8 pm I noticed that Chatham was walking like he had a "load in his pants". I examined him and saw that his penis was extended and an angry red color. While we were calling the emergency (after hours) vet clinic, he managed to pass two large BMs.

Dr. Lee said that there was a small amount of urine in Chatham's bladder. He wanted to hydrate him and observe him to see if he could urinate on his own. Our fear was that he had a urinary tract blockage (he's had it before. The odd thing was that I know he had been using the litter box successfully during the day). Dr. Lee said that if Chatham didn't pee or if they couldn't manually express the urine, that he would have to catherize him by 4 am.

The difficulty in this was Chatham's age - at 19 years old, we were afraid that he would never awaken after the procedure. The Vet said he could do it without the anesthesia, but that would be horrible!

So we left Chatham at the clinic and hoped for the best.

I called at midnight to check his progress. They said that they were able to express urine, so they felt that they would not have to do anything but observe until 6 am, when we would have to come and get him. (They would have called at 4 am if they felt like they had to do something.)

Chatham came home this morning and went straight to his litter box and PEED a long, steady stream (makes me wonder how much fluid they got in him!). He then demanded food.

So far today he seems fine. We need to get a urine sample in to his regular Vet to see what's up.

Doin' Good

2006-11-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Cat Couch here:

Chatham seems to be much, much better lately. He is eating and drinking again. He even came downstairs and and went to his window bed for a while.

We needed more of his thyroid medicine, so I took him to the Vet's office to have him weighed - I was nervous about how much he might have lost because he had eaten so little earlier in the week.

To my surprise, he didn't lose any weight at all!

We're continuing to monitor him closely, but hopefully the infection is clearing up. We've still some days of antibotic left, so we'll know better when we go in for a follow-up.

Thanks for all of your well-wishes and concern. I'm sure that it has helped.

It's Heck Being Old

2006-11-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I haven't been feeling like eating or drinking much lately.

Does that mean that Cat Couch has to keep that camera in my face when I do eat?

GEEZ!

I must say that I do appreicate that she put a table between the bed and the window.
I haven't looked out in a long time.

Another Trip to the V-E-T

2006-10-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here:

Chatham made another trip to the vet to see if the bladder infection had finally cleared up - it hasn't. So a third round of the antibiotics for him. Dr. Gratson said that it's not uncommon for older cats to have a hard time during the winter to shake off this sort of thing. My husband, who took him there, started to cry and the vet said that Chatham was alert and not in any pain. She said that we shouldn't lose hope yet.

Unfortunately, Chatham's weight has gone down again. I feed him in our bed a good bit (if only to keep Salem from getting to it!). Baby food ham and tuna - even his favorite, saltine crackers - are offered. We do try to get him to eat his real cat food because of the nutrients. Chatham is still interested in food, just doesn't eat what we offer.

The litter boxes are no longer in the basement, but are on the first floor. Chatham does come down from upstairs to use it. (He's not that good about covering up and Salem has taken to doing it after Chatham leaves.)

For the most part, Chatham has been spending his time up on our bed. I go up several times a day to offer food or to visit. Sometimes he'll come down in the evening when I'm watching tv and sit on my lap.

Yesterday I went down to the basement to do some laundry. The basement door has been closed to Chatham and Salem since we moved the boxes up, and this time I forgot to completely close it when I went down. Chatham came down and went straight to where "his" box used to be. I told him "no" and to go back upstairs. Naturally, he did.

He's such a smart boy.

Back from the V-E-T

2006-10-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Well, Dad took Salem and me to the V-E-T. It was a regular check-up, so we got shots. For good measure, our nails were clipped. Dad told Cat Couch that I scared him because I got so mad and made so much noise!

I haven't lost any more weight, which is good. Dad asked if I could be given some TUNA and she said if it didn't upset my stomach - YES!! I can have baby bean food, too, but I still have to get some cat food because of new-trish-yun.

(That fat ol' Salem is more than 13 pounds and has to eat less ... hee hee ...)

I still have some medicine left so I'll have my pee checked in a few days.

Thanks to furryones for all the well wishing and kind thoughts. I could feel them! I'll have to have a nap-pile soon with everyone.

Update

2006-10-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here again:

Chatham seems to be feeling better. This morning he spent an hour and a half on my lap, which he hasn't done in a long time. Yesterday he actually forced Salem out of the catbed that was in the afternoon sun! I also gave him a bath - the Vet didn't advise that I do this because she thought it would stress him out. But quite frankly, nothing really fazes Chatham (bothers, yes, but not frighten). He's just not limber anymore and is dehydrated - just can't bathe himself like he used to. I think that he feels better now that he's clean.

He's still not eating enough to make us happy. And since his Cosequin (for arthritis) gets mixed in his food, he's not getting a full dose. We'll have to give it to him in a pill form if he doesn't do better. He's interested in food, but won't always eat. We've taken the suggestions given to us and we are trying everything ...

Needless to say, this Grumpy Ol' Man in a Fur Coat
is getting the royal treatment!

We offer food and beg him to eat it frequently. Yesterday he ate dry food offered one nugget at at time, but not all at once (does he have us wrapped around his paw or what?)

Hopefully his check up on the 19th will show improvement.

NOT feeling much better

2006-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch here ...

Chatham was getting better, but then seemed to be feeling bad again. He had a follow-up exam with the Vet on Tuesday. The good news is that the bladder infection was better, but the bad news is that it wasn't gone. So that means another ten days of antibotics.

And Chatham has lost more weight. In his "hay day" he was over 12 pounds. Now the scale didn't even quite get to 8 pounds. He's lost .3 pounds in ten days. He seems to be a little nauseated. We bought a "Magic Bullet" to puree food and to mix in some fiber and the Cosequin.

He's been spending most days up in our bed, coming down to use the litter boxes (I did move one up to our bedroom for a day, but he seemed annoyed by that). I bring food up to him frequently and encourage him to eat. He'll usually eat a little each time I do this.

Hopefully the medicine will work better this time. I'll keep you all updated.

~ Cat Couch (aka dddragon)

Feeling Much Better

2006-10-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

All your good wishes have made their way to me and I'm doing much better now. I spent pretty much all week in Cat Couch and Dad's bed. Today I did come down and stay awhile in the window.

I know that I complain about all the stuff my Beans do to me, and all that medicine stuff - and I also know that it's all helping me. The Cosequin is helping me stiffness and the fluid makes my fur softer and my mouth doesn't feel so dry.

I just don't have to like it!

(and yup, the litter boxes are still upstairs.)

Getting Old is No Fun

2006-10-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bad day for me. Just felt bad and sick all day. The Beans kept checking on me - which is nice - but I just wanted to be left alone. {{sigh}} I can't even use the litter box without one of them coming to see what I'm doing. {{geez}}

I am feeling much better today. Cat Couch keeps bringing me food, but I'm not that hungry.

This bunch of stuff is from my medicine box. Well, one of them is from the coldfoodbox. The water bag hangs in the noisebox room (aka TV). Grandpa Poppie says it looks like his medicine box. {{swell}}

Rabbit Rabbit

2006-10-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's time to say "Rabbit Rabbit" for good luck during the month of October!

I could use some luck ... Cat Couch had to take me to the V-E-T a couple of days ago because I couldn't poop or pee (well, I finally did poop on the kitchen floor). Turns out that I've got a bladder infection.

*sigh* another pill for a while.

Good Grief . . .

2006-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

. . . What they make me do to get a treat!

In all honesty, Cat Couch hasn't asked me to "sit up" in years. She decided that she wanted to see if I could still do it. The treats were yummy, so I did.

Just once.

Sharing the Window

2006-09-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

I'm WAITING

2006-09-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

My dish is EMPTY!

Doing OK

2006-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for your concern! I just haven't been to the 'puter ... spending lots of time upstairs getting hair all over Dad and Cat Couch's pillows and sheets. (hee hee)

Our litter boxes have been moved up from the basement - boy, is THAT weird! The Beans think that maybe the spider problem is down there. Then why didn't the stupid spider bite stupid Salem?! Anyway, we're getting used to having the boxes in a different place. I have an extra pill every day for 10 days to keep the swelling from coming back.

Not sure what happens after that ... I guess they'll see if going off the new pill will be okay, and then MAYbe the litter boxes will go back downstairs. Don't know what the plan is right now.

Sad Day

2006-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

My great-Granny would have been 97 years old today, but she died in February 2001. Cat Couch says that her Granny would have been really, really mad that her birthday was ruined like that.

My Cat Couch started her day, five years ago, really sad because she missed her Granny. Then the day got worse. Salem and I tried to comfort her by sitting with her, but she kept jumping up and walking around and around. Because Dad works on a Navy base, he didn't know if could get home that day - the base was locked up tight. He did finally come home in time for dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sorry to say that yesterday my face got fat again. My Dad was in a panic, trying to figure out why. Cat Couch gave me one of the pills that the V-E-T game them. This morning I was still all puffed up, but now it seems to be better. I guess that I'll be getting another pill later today just to make sure.

All Better . . . My 100th Post

2006-09-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to use my 100th post to report that my face is back to normal. The medicine made me really hungry yesterday, and my Beans were kept hopping to provide food. The swelling did take all day to go down. It was kind of funny but irritating how everyone kept checking out my face to see how it was.

Thank you EVERYONE! for all your very kind words of comfort and concern. I do hope that this is the last time for a long time that I go to the V-E-T!

(drat - I just overheard Dad and Cat Couch say that Salem and I have our yearly check-ups coming up . . .)

Emergency V-E-T . . . sigh

2006-09-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke up to find my face all swollen.

My Beans panicked and took me to the emergency V-E-T, who thinks that I am having an allergic reaction to something (Dad thinks a spider bit me). So I got a shot and my Cat Couch hydrated me again (argh - she did it last night, too!).

The medicine makes me really thirsty ... and hungry, too. Dad served me breakfast in bed!

And he's staying home today to make sure that I'm okay. Unfortunately, he's going to call our regular V-E-T when she gets in at 8:00 so that I can get checked again later today.

sigh

Follow Me . . . .

2006-09-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Okay now, follow me to the kitchen -

I'm ready for my mid-late-afternoon snack now

Back from the V-E-T

2006-09-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it's always fun to hiss and scare the dogs when I'm at the V-E-T's office. Not fun to have a needle stick.

{{sigh}}

My thyroid is okay. The V-E-T doesn't know why I've been throwing up the last couple of days, but didn't think it was the medicine. She was pleased that the medicine was working.

The V-E-T asked the Cat Couch about hairballs. Cat Couch didn't think that I groomed enough to have a problem with that. (because I tend to be dehydrated, I don't always have alot of saliva.)

Silly Cat Couch. Just because she doesn't see me groom much doesn't mean that I don't!

As Dad found out early this morning when he stepped on a huge hairball on the stairs.

hee hee

Rabbit Rabbit

2006-09-01T04:34:00.000-07:00

In the tradition of my Beans, it is time to say "Rabbit Rabbit" for good luck.

We could use some luck this week - Luna is still missing, and I'm not doing so well. I did alot of throwing up and spitting up yesterday. Cat Couch and Dad keep talking about me. I think that they're calling the V-E-T today. Cat Couch sez that it's good that I still want to eat. Dad sez that my new thyroid medicine might be making me nauseated.

Where, oh WHERE! is our poor Luna?

2006-08-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Our little Spanish friend Luna has been missing for days now. I hope that she is alright - I am very worried about her.

Trixie Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

2006-08-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Trixie Meezer has gone over the Rainbow Bridge. She had a long and happy life with her family and we know that they will miss her very much.

We will all miss you, Trixie!

Thank You

2006-08-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you and return-purrs-and-head-butts to all of you. I really appreciate your kind thoughts.

I am pretty good, just not happy about getting more medicine. Right now it's a liquid in the morning and evening. My Beans put it in mushy stinky goodness, but it kinda makes the food taste funny. They said that they might get it in pills next time.

In the meantime, I'm milking the sympathy for all its worth. I got to go outside for a little walk the other day. The grass was yummy.

Ugh ... More Medicine

2006-08-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, last week my Beans decided that there was something wrong with me and took me in to the V-E-T. I was weighed (haven't lost weight, which is good) and had blood drawn (which is not good).

Then my claws were trimmed. I really, really hate this. I make a fuss, too. Daddy said that I was so loud that I scared all the dogs in the waiting room. Wish I could have seen that!!

Later on the V-E-T called to let my Beans know how my blood is. My liver and kidneys are okay. No diabetes.

BUT . . . I have thyroid problems. That means a new medicine. Just great. That's twice a day for that, and once a day for the old medicine. PLUS getting stuck with the needle every other day because I get too dry.

Sigh . . .

Millie has found a new home!

2006-08-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

Many of us posted about "No Name Kitty" a while back - a kitty that a great guy saved from certain death. Blogging cats and beans even helped to give her a name!

Well, now little Millie has her own blog ... go visit!

Hot

2006-08-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

Cat Couch told Dad that the van's therm-meter said 102 yesterday. And the noisy-box weather-bean just said that the heat index is going to be 112 today. That sounds really bad.

I feel sad for the critters outside, especially the kitties that aren't let inside houses. Cat Couch made a sort of little pond outside for the birds and squirrels, so that they can drink. She told Dad that she saw a big ol' ant go in and take a swim across.

Rabbit Rabbit!

2006-08-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, another month has gone by. And boy, oh, boy, is it ever hot outside! The Twin Girls have band camp this week (mornings and nights). They came home yesterday for lunch all hot and sweaty. I'm happy to stay inside.

The other day I almost escaped! Daddy said he was happy that I was feeling so spunky, but scared that I might get away.

heh, heh.

As if I would really go far away. Nah ... just to that catnip bush out back.

Life is Good

2006-07-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Some mornings I don't go back to the big bed upstairs, but stay downstairs. Lately, I've been taking afternoon naps in one or other of the Twin Girls' rooms - that way Salem doesn't know where I am and can't bother me. At night I go upstairs to the big bed and demand that Dad and Cat Couch come to bed. I like to snuggle!

Blogs of Summer Kitty Nominees

2006-07-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of our friends who got nominated in the Kitty Kat Blog cat-egory in the Blogs of Summer contest! I can hardly wait to see who won!

A Blog for Emma
Bonnie Underfoot & Victor Tabbycat
Calico Girls
Grr, Midnight & Cocoa
House of the (Mostly) Black Cats
Kat's Cat of the Day
Kukka Maria
Man Oh Manny
Manx News
Meezer Tails
Melange
Oreo
Pet's Garden
Rose and the Royals
Zeus Excuse

(sorry that I don't have links for everyone - I can add links if you let me know)

Also, I am honored to be Kat's Cat of the Day today!

My Cat Couch

2006-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Some of you might remember that I was a Guest Blogger at Waking Ambrose last month. Doggie Doug has a guest each Wednesday to define a word. It's fun.

ANYway, my Cat Couch is once again a Guest. Go visit.

{{yawn}} I'm off to nap.

Yeah!

2006-07-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

DaisyMae Maus is now receiving comments! Go on over and visit today!

Join the Campaign to Help DaisyMae!

2006-07-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Please see the post below ... Poor Daisy thinks that no one cares about her and her blog.

You can help by posting on your blog that we are trying to comment, but she has her "comment moderator" on. Thus, the comments are not showing up automatically. If we ALL put a message about her on our blogs, then there is a chance that she might see it.

Beau's mom has offered to help. She also suggests that we all send messages to support@blogger.com to let them know, on the theory that lots of emails about the same problem will prompt help.

Poor DaisyMae! Hang in there, girl! We're trying to reach you!

Help DaisyMae Maus!

2006-07-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

Poor DaisyMae Maus thinks that no one is stopping by her blog because there aren't any comments ... but she's got the "comment moderation" is on, so she has to approve of comments before they appear. Poor DaisyMae! If you read this, please contact Beau's mom and she can help you!

The Twins Have a Birthday

2006-07-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Today the Twins are 16 years old. How clearly I remember Cat Couch (whose lap had be disappearing for months!) and Dad bringing those noisy, stinky things home!

I wasn't too happy about it at the time.

The Blogs of Summer

2006-07-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Bloggin Outloud is hosting the Blogs of Summer Awards. The categories are

The Best of the . . .
1) Chick & Mommy Blogs
2) Humor & Satire Blogs
3) Milblogs and Military Support Blogs
4) Random Blogs That Don't Fit a Category
5) Kitty Kat Blogs (And Other Assorted Pets)

Nominations will be taken July 20 through July 23; voting July 24 - 27; Winners announced on July 28.

So get over and nominate your favorite kitties! (okay ... and dogs, bunnies, etc.)

Just Smile

2006-07-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

My Granny found this video ... it will make you smile!

And Now a Message From Our Sponsor . . .

2006-07-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Well, as you all know, I've been around a long time. Seen my share of the world. Chili Cook-offs and train rides. I've been around more than just my block.

Because I'm such an experienced feline, I was contacted by a public relations firm to try out a product. And of course I could not just turn my back on such an offer!

I tested Fresh Step's ® Scoopable Litter. I've been a Tidy Cat® Litter user for a very, very long time. I'm very particular about how clean the boxes are. Sometimes I have to go upstairs and get Dad to come down and scoop the litter. (Those Twin Girls aren't always on top of the job, you know.)

As a bit of a background, Dad is very fussy about cleanliness and ordor. Most of what he and Cat Couch get from the store are "odor free" because he hates smells of almost any kind.

So, on to the evaluation. Dad was afraid that I and Salem wouldn't like and use the boxes because has Fresh Step's ® Scoopable Litter a really different feel. It's more like soft sand. And it has a fragrance! But when Dad mentioned it, Cat Couch asked if it was too strong for him, and did he smell our ... ahem ... business? And he had to admit that he didn't.

Dad's fears were for naught. Salem and I used the new litter. No poopies or other messes around the house. Just in the boxes. And he had to admit that this litter does clump up peepee better than Tidy Cat (he says that Tidy Cat's® litter seems to make the clumped urine stick to the litterboxbag and Fresh Step's® doesn't.)

If you're not happy with your brand, consider this one. Conveniently located in your pet product aisle in your favorite store. Remember, your results may differ. Let me know what you think.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program.

Food

2006-07-10T06:47:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE it when Cat Couch brings me breakfast in bed.

I have a new bowl - do you like it?

Cat Couch and Dad went to New Hope (PA) and there's a store there named "Meow Meow". Cat Couch was disappointed because they had sold their bigger store to Starbucks and are now in a much smaller space ... not as many kitty things! Dad reminded her that Cape May (NJ) still had "Whiskers". Yeah, but it's not all kitty-oriented. It's also bunny and doggie stuff. They should have their OWN store. hmpf

"No Name" Is Millie!!

2006-07-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

>
The little rescued kitty now has a name, and her Vet bill money has been raised. Malcolm is very happy, and so are we!

Millie seems to be healing, but she's still acting scared. Malcolm isn't sure what to do, but we just know that he will do just great with her!

Rabbit Rabbit

2006-07-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the Pez Family Traditon,
it is time to wish everyone "Rabbit Rabbit!"

And Happy Canada Day to our neighbors to the North!

(what's up with the Rabbit, Rabbit? Read here.)

"No Name Kitty" Needs Your Help

2006-06-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Visit "Drop-In" and read the story of a 12 week old kitten that was hit by a car and saved by a Good Samaritian. The surgery bill is high, and they need help paying the bill. Also check out the voting for "No Name's" real, permanent name.

I'm really glad that this pretty little kitty is being taken care of!

Guest Blogger

2006-06-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today I am the Guest Blogger over at Waking Ambrose. Doggie Doug is a family friend, and is the papa of Lela and Willie (pictured here).

Every Wednesday Doug has a guest define a word that he gives them. Since many in my family have done this, I thought that I would give it a try. Catnip is my word; let me know if you like the way I defined it.

~~~~~~~

It's raining alot here in Pennsylvania. We can't use the water from the sinks, and my people are using paper plates and bowls and plastic spoons and forks. We might be able to use the sink water by Friday.

Our house is okay, but there are others who have to get out of the way of the creeks and rivers. The Susquehanna River, the big river here, is supposed to get to 25 feet today, and 17 feet is "flood". Cat Couch has the news on (she's such a newshound!) and most of the Beans on TV are talking about all the rain and the flooding.

I hope that everyone is safe from any rain and rivers that might be nearby!

Ride

2006-06-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today Cat Couch took me to the Vet. I just HATE going to the Vet. I complained the whole way there.

But it turns out that she just wanted to get me weighed. Last November I weighed 10.1 pounds, but at a check up in March I was down to 8.8 pounds. Today I was back up to 9.2, so Cat Couch is very happy.

I got to hiss and scare a big dog on the way out. I like doing that. Dumb dog!

This is a photo of me in the car booster seat that was one of my birthday gifts. It's really for dogs, but no one seems to make one for cats. That's okay, this one's got my smell on it now and IT'S MINE!

Napping after the Cat Olympics

2006-06-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Nap-a-thon as everyone rests after all the exciting events this evening.

Check out the results!

Cat Olympics

2006-06-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Cat Olympics will be held Saturday evening, June 17. I'm one of the announcers and brother Salem is entered to compete in two events, Fits in Small Boxes and Climbing.

Check the Cat Olympics site for what's been going on. It should prove to be an exciting event!

If Icy Can Do It, So Can I!

2006-06-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

If that ol' Icy can skateboard, then I can, too!

Happy Birthday . . . to ME!

2006-06-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today I am 19 years old! So come on in make yourself at home. Scratching on the furniture is allowed - I can always blame my brother Salem!

There is a catnip plant out back, help yourself. Take a good look at the squirrels, rabbits and birds that surround the bird feeders on your way out.

Plenty of water and food bowls are around - Cat Couch broke out the Stinky Goodness for this occasion.

We've got four big, comfy cat beds around, plus couches and 'bean beds to nap on. Catnip mice and other toys for those that like to bat things around. Music for those that would like to dance, too.

Only one thing . . . can someone help me put up the party flag outside?

Come Back Tomorrow

2006-06-12T05:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday - be sure to stop by for the party.

Wobbles, the Lighthouse Cat

2006-06-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

My Dad really, really likes lighthouses. He and the Cat Couch have been to about a hundred. The Twins don't like 'em so much, tho.

Anyway, Dad was doing lighthouse web work, and found a website about a kitty that has been to a bunch of lighthouses. The kitty is named Wobbles, because he was born with a brain problem that makes it hard for him to walk or sit right.

Wobbles has his own blog, too. However, there is more to see on his lighthouse adventures website.

When I was little, I went on a train ride with Dad and Cat Couch. Everyone did the Chicken Dance. Boy, 'beans can be really wierd!

My-Grains

2006-06-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

My Cat Couch has been having head-hurts called My-Grains, and the 'puter hasn't been on. I've been spending my days laying in the sun and my nights laying next to Cat Couch. Hope everyone is doing okay. I'll have to catch up with the torch relay later.

Rabbit Rabbit

2006-06-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

In keeping with my family's tradition, it is time to say "Rabbit Rabbit".

(and if you're wondering about this tradition, check Cat Couch's explanation)

Warm Days

2006-05-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, if unofficially. Yesterday it got to 96 degrees. Not that I really know that, because I don't go outside. Inside is just fine . . .

Look to the Heavens

2006-05-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Edsel's mom has to see the noo-ro-surgon. Please send healing thoughts her way. The Calico Girls have set up a special time (9 pm here in the East of the USA) to do this.