A Cats Prerogative

Human
Rocky
Sebby

*************


Hey, hey , hey heyheyheyhey HEY!

Lemme alone.. No nononono

I don't wanna

No don't wanna

Hey hey hey hey no no nooooo

Stop, I don't wanna go! 

You have to go Rocky! Stop running around.

No I am perfectly fine! 

All better!

You were hallucinating.
There is nothing wrong with my belly.

You know very well this happens every summer. 

Summers over. You are to late. Must leave it now.

Stop right now!

No thank you!

Crap. 

Dammit!

I always catch you. You just upset yourself. 

It's my prerogative.

I don't wanna go! I don't wanna!

No no no no no no no.

Rocky stop!

Never!

This is cat napping!

Give it up.
And its nabbing, not napping. 

Lets just go back. 

Please?!

No.

Come on!

No. 

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

What!

We can still leave. 

We are not leaving till you see the vet.

I wanna go home! 

I wanna go home!  I wanna go home! 

I wanna go home!  I wanna go home! 

I wanna go home!  I wanna go home! 

Holy crap Rocky! Enough! 

I wanna go.. Oops..

What?

Nothing. 

It's our turn. 

Booo

Ahh Rocky!

Sorry.

I got it all over me. 

Sorry.

See what happens when you get so upset? 

Sorry sorry sorry.

It's okay, I will clean it up. It's just pee. 

I hate this. 

We are almost done. 

Ouchy

Good boy, you did great. 

Yeah, needles don't scare me. People places and things scare me.. But not needles. 

Tough guy eh.

Toughest. 

Toughest chicken I know!

Hey! 

Are we there yet?
Are we back yet? 
Huh are we?? 
Hey human pay attention to me. 
Now now now now hey hey hey HEY!

WHAT?!

Thanks. 

You're welcome. 

Love ya!

Love you too.

Now run.. Leeyah wants to chase you. 

.

Ack!!

See you later.

Back off doggie breath!

**************************

Rocky

That picture makes me look fat, I don't like it. 
Post the baby one, when I just got home from the vet after my eye surgery.
I am all sad and adorable. 

Aren't you gonna tell them what happened to me and my brothers?

I can. 
I found a litter of kittens under a bunch of garbage and boards out in the bushes behind a rather crappy neighbourood. 

There were 5 in total. 
Rocky, Apollo, Creed, Jesse, and James.

A few of them had some open sores on them, that we had treated at the vet. 

Unfortunately, James had more internal issues that we were unaware of and he passed away. 

The remaining kittens, including Rocky had to deal with being exposed to pesticides.   
This was more than 10 years ago, so it was still legal to use the highly toxic pesticides.

Rocky no longer had the use of his one eye. It had ulcerated so badly that it was destroyed with zero chance of regaining any sort of vision. 

This tiny little kitten had to have his eye removed and then the eye socket closed as if he never had a second eye. 

Glad you did not post the before picture. 

Never, nobody needs to see that. It's too sad.

And icky.

Yes, also icky. 


I adopted Rocky. Technically my family adopted him. I was still living at home at the time. I think this was in 1999 or 2000?

Apollo and Creed were adopted together. 

Before I could adopt out Jesse, he came down with Pneumonia.
I do not recall it ever being just a cold, or the cat version of the flu. It was bad. 

I wonder if the pesticides had compromised his lungs? or his ability to fight off this serious infection. 

After spending a few nights sleeping on the floor in the bathroom with him.. giving him IV fluids and force feeding him small amounts of food and supplements as directed by the vet. Jesse passed away in my arms. 
He went peacefully. 
His heart must have failed. 
He did not gasp for air..I am very thankful for that.
I hope he knew I was there with him.

You never forget do you?

I forget so many things on a day to day basis, but the suffering or sadness of an animal tends to imprint on my brain. 


If the person at the beginning just brought us to the Humane Society, or called and asked for help. Instead of dumping us in the bushes this never would have happened. 

I know, it sickens me. 

Some people suck. 

They sure do.

Not you though, I am glad you found us. 

Thanks baby boy.

I am 13 pounds and like 15 years old! When will you stop calling your baby boy?

Never.

I'm okay with that.





**********************************




Hey human...

I know.

You smell..

I know.

Like cat pee!

I KNOW! 

I don't like it. 

Yes Sebby, I know. 

Fix it.

I have no idea how they got there

Human
Sebby
Willow
****************


I ask this question a lot.. why do they do that?

Why do they do what?

Hoard toys.

Who? 

You!

Me?? I do not hoard toys. I rarely play with toys. 

True, you spend too much time watching me or attacking your tail.

NO my tail goes crazy and I have to control it.
I do not provoke it!
It just starts going all weird and twitchy and... seriously can I get some info on that?

Later.


Yes Master, we will follow your timeline Master.

I am on Team Tail.

You would be. 

Anyways. 
I have no idea who is doing this.

Willow

You rat!

Cat, I am a Cat.


Willow, why?

When I was a tiny kitten, I was given a single toy.
I loved that toy, slept with it.. carried it with me.
I even named it. One day this bully cat stole it from me. 
I put it down for a second and he took it! 
I never saw it again. 
It was so sad.

Oh really? what was its name?

Who?

The toy.

Uhhh...Mousy.

You are so full of crap!

Am not!

Are to!

Prove it!

What colour was it? 
Who was the Bully? 
Where was this?

Red, Bob, Mexico.


I call BS!

I second that. 

Was it the Bob or the Mexico?

Mexico.

Darn, I should have said St. Catharines.
Where did I come from?

Here in Welland. My Aunt found you in a Willow tree all scared and little. 

Clever name.. surprised my name isn't Tree, 


Back to the question Tree. 

I don't know. 
Maybe I am getting ready for a toy drought?
Maybe I am sick of the foster kitties stealing all of my toys.

Or.. maybe when I bat at them they all seem to get stuck under furniture and I can't get them out. 

That sounds about right. 

I found the most under the small bed. 

It's the location. 

Behind the couch? 

They fall.

Wrapped up in a blanket on the couch?

There's my yellow mousy! I thought I lost that. 

So basically there is no actual reason? You are all just bad at keeping your toys in one place?

Maybe. 


I think I give you guys too much credit. 

I think you blamed us for something we have no control over.
We feel bad.
You should get us more toys.

I suggest you figure out how to move the stove.

Mean.

Willow

Unlawful Confinement

     Human
     Zulu
     Charlie
     Willow
     Sebby
     Cubby
 *******************

Let me out let me out let me out!!!

Chill Zulu.

Nooooo let me out!! 

Yeah, I am with him on this one.. LET US OUT!

Will you calm down. It hasn't even been an hour.

That's 80 miniutes to long!

Good thing you don't have to count as a cat.

It will not be much longer.

What the hell is going on?! I demand an explanation! 

You demand an explanation? 

Yes. I have talked it over with everyone and we have decided you owe us an explanation.. And treats.. And wet food.

Catnip. 

And catnip!

I gave you treats. You will get food later and no.

Why no?

Because you are annoying me! Now get away from the door and stop trying to pancake yourself to fit under the door. It will never happen.

Ignore these children, can you let us know whats going on? 

Zulu is about to spin his head and spit green stuff.

House stuff. There is someone coming into the house and I don't want you guys in the way.

Are you embarrassed of us? 

Yes.

Whaaat?

I'm kidding. I just don't need Sebby all up in the guys face trying to help and I have no idea what you guys would do.

Protect you of course. 

Oh ya, I would feel so protected with you fur balls.

Besides, Sebby is my guard kitty. If anyone would be allowed out it's him.

Outta my way.. My human needs me. 

Not so fast. You are staying in here. 

Boooo

Wait.. Where is Cubby? 

Uhh

Where is he!

Another room?

Lies!

Ha ha

Shh

What? 

Nothing.

Not fair!

He's old, and is not inclined to help or run around all crazy.

Hes so gonna get it!

If anything happens to him NO wet food for anyone!

That does not seem fair!

You are right.

So we still get wet food?

No, I just agree its not fair.

Sebby if you do anything I will take your cape and pee on it.

You wouldn't

Wouldn't I?

Fine. The grumpy old man is safe.. For today.

When are we getting out?

When I let you out. 

Mean.


******************

A cat is a very unique creature.. by unique I may mean annoying at times.

If there is a closed door, you better open it. 
If you are in the bathroom, you better let them in.
If you close a door for any reason, you have to explain it.
If you go in a room and not let them in with you, how dare you!

Sometimes we have to herd them into an area - safety, sanity, sickness. There are many reasons why. 
So here are some things to add to their area of confinement 

She meant jail.

No I did not.

•  Scratching Post

Does not have to be elaborate, this one was actually a pretty good price..because it is rather light...because it is made out of basically cardboard like material. 

It does its purpose, may just have a shorter lifespan than something with
solid wood or even MDF.
 

• Roller Circuit

These toys are rather fun, and interactive. Also you can change it up.. kind of like the old hot wheels track!

• Crinkle Balls & Coils

It doesn't have to be these things, it could be any small toy. My felines fancy these

DO NOT  add any toys you do not feel would be safe for the kitties when you are not able to see them.
Any toys with a string - wands, elastic string that makes the toy bounce, toys you hang over the door, toys you hang on the door knob. 
These toys can, and have choked cats and kittens. 
If for some reason you put a collar on your cat - make sure it is a break away.
If you use flea collars - for the love of catnip...STOP...but at least take it off when you confine them.


*Water -  Food - Litter Box*

They better have not needed to be reminded of those things.

• If you are putting more than 3 cats in one room it would be a good idea to have at least 2 sets of those things. 

• Sometimes we have to put cats together that do not get along.. Give them both places to hide, something like a scratching post on one side of the room with a cubby.

On the other side of the room maybe a few boxes that are low enough for the cat to see out of, but high enough to feel like she is protected without being cornered. 

2 water and food dishes - you will  be dividing the room in to two imaginary spaces.
2 Litter boxes - If one cat is more aggressive than the other you may want to keep it basic, no hooded litter boxes. The cat could get cornered and then the fur could fly.   

*********************
They will all still complain- It is their job. 


I decided it would be simpler to just find everything on Amazon.ca. This means only one link.

Amazon  

Competitive litter toss

    Human
    Sebby
    Zulu
    Willow
    Charlie
    Tango
    Luke
    Cubby
    Onyx
 ********************



I wonder if you guys see it as a sport. 

What? 

The litter box.

In general or in action? 

When you fling the litter out of the box. 

Wasn't me. 

I know. 

It's Zulu & Sergeant. 

Hey, Luke & Laya do it sometimes too!

True, but you two seem to make it a sport. 

Who can fling it the farthest. 

Litter box Javelin

Maybe you should be happy it's just the litter. 

I realize you guys are young, and still learning, but do you not get the correlation between litter all over the floor and the evil vacuuminator? 

That jerk comes out anyways. 

And, of course they don't. They still think some magical force is spraying them with water when they do something bad. 

Huh, are you saying it isn't?!

Sebby!

Distraction! 
Oh look the red bug is back!

Where!?

Where?!

Geez Sebby.

Sorry, Super Sebby had a hiccup. 

Super Sebby may need to create his own cape. 

You would do that? You would deny me of my cat given right to wear my glorious cape? 

Bag!

Whatever.

Can I have it? 

Why do you want it Luke? 

I'm also a super hero. 

I knew it!

This I gotta hear. 

What is your super hero name? 

Panther Man! 

Gotta admit, that's kinda cool.

I need to know more. 

Why Panther Man?

Cuz you have black fur? 

So does Cubby and he is more like Senile Man.

I remember that you are a jerk.

No, it's cuz I am part Bombay.

You are part Bamboo?

Bombay! It's a breed of cat. 

You can't prove that!

Most of us can't even prove our age.

True, but look at me..

Now look at a Bombay..
 

Bombay

So what, Willow looks like an owl sometimes. 

It's true.

Okay, look at the breed characteristics.

Bombay Breed Characteristics

Above average intelligence ? 

I must be part Bombay.

You wish.

If you check out the personality you will notice that I am very much alike.
Except for wanting to be Top Cat.. I could care less.  I know the Human loves me, even if this isn't my forever home. 

I would have to agree with Luke, he is very much the epitome of a Bombay. Except the weight part, but I think that has to do with being underweight as a kitten. You have had to catch up. 

What are you old man? 

I don't even know what day it is.. how am I suppose to know my lineage ? 

I'm surprised you know your ass from a hat.

Breed really does not matter to me. 

I love you all. 

But if you could be a cat what breed would you be? Be honest!

That's actually a cool question Sebby!

I will have to get back to you on that. Maybe after I read up on the breeds and make a page about them. Then I can see the differences between them all. 

Fair enough. 

We kind of got way off topic. Though it's all very interesting. 
I think another post is in order. 
Maybe one dedicated to Super Hero's? 

As long as I am a part of it!

Me too!

Onyx? you are a Super Hero?


Yes.. I am the Invisible Cat.

But I can see you?

Of course you can, because I want you to. 

I can't really prove him wrong on that one.

So a Super Hero post will be in the works, but we still have to finish this one.

Why do you fling the litter with such force that it launches across the room?

Cuz it's fun. 

That's what I figure. 
I gotta invest in more hooded litter boxes. 

I still swear you guys should make this an Olympic sport. 

Problematic.

Why?

We would all get eliminated for catnip dosing. 

Catch me if you can

     Human
     Charlie
     Sebby
     Cubby
     Willow 
     Onyx

****************

Why do you do that Charlie? 

Do what? 

Run and hide when I am trying to find you?!

Cuz. 

Cuz?

Yup.

That is not an answer. I would like an answer. 

Sebby told me to. 

He what? 

He said that the last one caught gets a mousey. 

Really? 

Ya, he said it's a game and I had to play. 

Had to? 

Yup, since I am a foster kitty I have to listen to him. 

Says who? 

He said you said that. 

Oh did he? 

Lies, the boy is telling you lies!

I would never say such a thing!

He did!!

What else did he say? 

That if I didn't run he would hide my springy toy.

And that you needed the exercise. 

Sebby!

I never! He is making it up, quite a story teller that one is. Told me yesterday that he was in the military. That the military was named alphabet. 

Whiskey, Tango, Romeo, Zulu, Sierra & Charlie! 

The Military Alphabet you ninny! 

Who you calling a ninny?!

You!

You may want to sleep with one eye open little man.

I ain't scared of you!

Uh, Human..

Yes you can stay in my room tonight. 

Thanks. 

Sebby, I did name them using the military alphabet. Sergeant & Corporal were also military themed. 

I'm named after awesome.

Back to the running away thing, it really ticks me off. 

Well, when you bring out the carrier we kinda know somethings up.

But if I don't get it ready then y'all start squirming like little wiggle worms when I grab you. If you get out of my grasp then I have to chase you all over the house.

Besides, once I grab one.. You all know something is up!

So tell me, how do I make this simpler on both of us?

Get a dog. 

I should. I should get a Newfoundland.


Go for it, I will scare him off like I did that other one.


That other one you speak of is at my parents. 
Any you attacked her as a tiny puppy. 


She had it coming. 

She did nothing to you!



You are MY human. She was trying to own you. I own you.

You do not own me.

Technically I do. We have been over this, I own everything. 



Ya, well you would not do so well with a Newfoundland. 

Why is that?

They could barricade you in the basement, or you could get covered in their drool.


Sounds pleasant. Why would one want an animal like that?



Because they are smart, loving, loyal, kind, protective and..

Okay, I get it.. they are push overs.

They would push you over!

Savanna - I just found her picture on a rescue site, isn't she stunning! 


Newfound Rescue   


See her elbows?

Yeah.

That's your height!

What in the... that's not a dog! That's a friggen giant!



A gentle giant..but I would teach her to push you over. 

Hey! 


Are we getting a dog?????
I want a dog!!
I want one too!!
I want it to push over Sebby!


No, we are not getting a dog. 

Boo.

Yaa! I mean booo...



If I had land, and a bigger house I would love to adopt one just like her. 

What about us?

You guys are my first priority. I would never do anything that would not be beneficial to you or any other fosters in the future. 

Daww.. you're the push over aren't you?

What can I say, I am crazy about you guys. 

Crazy is the perfect word.

Way to kill the moment jerkface. 

Sebby.

Yeah?

Mean.


****************
I am trying to find some information on how to catch a cat inside the house, but I seem to be only finding things on how to catch a feral cat. Or live trapping. 

So.. I guess I will just have to use my own tricks as information.
Then maybe I should practice what I preach.

Plan ahead: Cat's are rather smart creatures, they catch on to things quickly. 

- Get the carrier out the night before, or before you go to sleep. This will give Fluffy time to freak out then calm down before you attempt to wrangle her the next day. 

- Make it comfy! A blanket, some toys and a few treats if she is not being fasted ( even then a few treats should be okay but ask your vet) This will give Fluffy some recognizable scents to take with her on her "horrific journey"

- Close the doors! Close ever door in the house that would give Fluffy a place to hide, she will still find one but at least it isn't under the bed!

- Play dumb. pretend nothing is going to happen. Be casual and ignore Fluffy. 
This also works if the above options fail and you have no idea where she is hiding. You gotta wait it out.

- Don't stress ( I still do) They feed off of your energy and it's scaring the crap out of them! 
The vet's are aware of the feline temperament. If you are going to be late then give them a call. 

- Bribery. Kind of mixed with trickery.. specially if Fluffy is being fasted and can't have food. 
Grab a can of wet food, you may have to put some on a plate and wait for her to approach. That's when you nab her. 

- Look up how to scruff a cat, you may need to. 

- Ask for help. Family or friends can help by going in one direction while you go in another. Charlie likes to do laps on the main floor. If I planned ahead I could get someone to help with this. 

- Drugs. Not for you...though a beer when you get home might be needed. 
Some kitties get very stressed out prior to having to travel outside of the house or to the Vet. There are medications that can be taken by the cat prior to the excursion to aid in the calming of the cat.. and a calm cat means a calm Human.
This is something to talk about with your vet.
 There are things you can buy at the pet food stores that may help. Calming treats and sprays. Our group uses the treats, we also use something called Rescue Remedy - ask your vet or someone at the pet food store for more information on it. 
I know Pet Valu carries the treats, the Rescue Remedy you may have to ask about. 


- I forgot something rather important! The Carrier!
This can be the worst part of the experience, also kitty may bolt when you are trying to get them in.

A Top Loading Carrier is what you are looking for. 

Sounds like I am talking about a washing machine.. I am not.

If all else fails.....find a vet that does home visits and put Fluffy in a room ahead of time.

 







Easy to get kitty into!