Sarge's week

Kitty fountain

The kitty fountain came recently. Pepi and Lena took to it quickly. It took me about 2 weeks but tonight Daddy saw me taking a nice long drink from it. He's relieved that I like it. It's still not as good as faucet water.

Last Friday Daddy brought home a book case. It was fun to play on. I jumped up top ... and slid off because my old family declawed me. But I got the hang of it and was sitting pretty batting at Pepi under me.

I'm going to back to grooming Lena now.

Daddy is home!

It's been an interesting few weeks. First Daddy has his friends over. I get a few pets. Pepi knocked a drink on someone's books. Very naughty girl! The next morning Daddy left to visit his human family for a weekend. The nice people with the dog came over and I got some wet food! Yummy! Daddy gave us the rest of the food when he got home. Unfortunately two days afterward I asked to go into the garage. I led everycat in for some fun. It was unfortunate since Daddy was very tired and busy and he forgot about us until the next morning. I can't believe he forgot about his three loving kitties! No wonder he slept so poorly that night. And that night he went to help out at the local sci-fi convention. He was gone for part of that night and most of Friday and Saturday and Sunday! We were so lonely! We stuck around him for days afterwards until things got back to normal. In the mean time I'm still sneaking drinks of milk from Daddy's breakfast bowl.

And some good news! Daddy is getting me a kitty drinking fountain! It should come in a week or so. Now I won't be hanging around the sink. Daddy hopes I like it. It's expensive. We guy kitties need to drink more water. And if I like it, my grandmeowmy might get it for her kitties. They're older than me so they need to take better care of themselves.

Hello!

It's been a while and I wanted to let everyone know what's been going on here. Not much has changed. I sneak out on occasion when the front door is open. Today it was just for a few seconds when Daddy tried to harvest some herbs. It looks like 1/3 of the pot isn't growing anything. I barely had time to roll over before he scooped me up and brought me back in. I spent the rest of the afternoon meowing at the window.

Pepi wants to wrestle with me on occasion. I don't like it much. She's almost as big as me and she has CLAWS! Lena is much more fun to play with, especially those times when she doesn't want to play.

I'm still hanging out with Daddy. For a while I was moody but it passes. I'm a cat, it's what I do. I'm happy to be here. I was abandoned when I was 4. No one wanted a middle-aged cat, except Daddy. That's why I bonded with him so fast. He accepted me for what I am from the start. Sometimes he'll just pick me up and hold me. It usually happens when he reads about some poor kitty on Catster who went to the rainbow bridge. One day I'm not going to be with him. I won't share his pillow at night or try to grab a few quick swallows of milk in the morning or greet him when he gets home. Daddy will be very sad so he wants to spend time with me while he can. I don't want to go for a long time. Thank you Daddy.

Shamrock!

One of Daddy's former girlfriends gave me a shamrock! Pepi was getting all the attention because she turned 1 and got adopted and everything. I was feeling left out. Life is good though. I've adjusted to a 3 cat house. Daddy is going to get the bathroom retiled. He took out the vanity. I don't like that because I like to sit on it when Daddy is in the shower. Also I don't get fed there anymore. Daddy needs to remove the food dish and quit taunting me! MOL!

Valentine's Day

Turned out our annual vet appointment was on what the humans call Valentine's Day. I was the first one to get caught. But I got even. The vet said that next year I was to be examined first so I wouldn't be as bad. Heh heh heh. The good news is that I lost 2 pounds and am in good health. We don't know if it's because Daddy is measuring my food or Pepi is giving me more exercise. But life is good. Having a third cat hasn't cost me any attention time with Daddy and I occasionally get to eat yummy kitten food!

Happy purrday to me!

I turned another year old on Monday. I got some canned cat food. But I had to share. I was in a bit of a funk for a while. Pepi was getting too much attention. Daddy held me and cuddled me for a few days, said what a good cat I was and how I was his #1 bud. That got me back to normal happy self.

Another year older with my furever home. Except for the addition of a kitten, things are good here. I got Daddy's new chair too. Live is good.

Christmas Time

Daddy went home and came back last week. He was gone two loooong days. I missed him. When he came back I jumped up and sat on him for hours. Then he got a visit from his human family. (Daddy forgot something important. MOL) They brought him a second easy chair. It's nice! It smells like other cats though. I love it! I behaved myself. I didn't try to go outside. Daddy's mother said I was very handsome. I showed everyone what a loyal cat I was by jumping up on Daddy when everyone was there. Now us cats have our own chair to sit in. But I'll still use Daddy's new chair when he wants to sit in it.

New litterbox!

Daddy set up the new larger litterbox tonight. So now we have 2 bigs ones instead of a big one and a small one. This is so much better! And I got to be the first the new one in the bottom of the basement. Nothing cleaner than that right!

Not much new going on. Little black one is still here and still has more energy than any cat has a right to have. Slowly she's working her way into our family. Lena is the big hold out. Daddy had to start feeding us separately because Pepi gets stinky poo when she eats my food. I want her food, she wants mine. Go figure.

It's that time again

Well two days ago Daddy packed a bunch of stuff in his car and left. It's that time of year again. He leaves us for a few days now and in a month he'll do it again. I miss him. The nice neighbors come over and clean our litter box and give us food. They also bring their puppy over to play with Pepi. She loves it, I'd rather stay away. When he got back I was so happy to see him! I got to go outside. I love going outside! I want the world to know how happy I am! I even got my harness. Now Daddy tried to take me for a walk but I wanted to sun myself. I don't think I can be harness-trained, but it's necessary for my safety. Or so Daddy says. But he's home and save and everyone is together again.

Another Update

First the little black one is still here she is still growing. She's still full of energy and whenever Daddy tries to play with either Lena or myself Pepi comes charging in to take over. If she ever learns how to like being petted and held, we're in trouble. Fortunately she still likes to claw Daddy's chair which annoys Daddy. He went to the trouble to get her a scratching post. The least Pepi can do is use it!

But who's blog is it anyway? Mine that's who. Not much has happened to me. It's getting cold outside. Daddy let me in the garage last week and I wanted to get back in quickly. It was freezing! I was on Daddy's car to keep warm. We're still best buds. I make briskets on his head at night and hang with him for most of the night. He loves that.

Tonight Daddy opened the patio door so I can look out. He said it was possible some kids would walk by and I could say hello. Unfortunately nobody came. Or if they did come it was after Daddy got home. He likes his new job and I like how he's more more. I'm not fond of sharing home with another cat though.

An update

Not much has been happening to me this month. Pepi is still here. Daddy took her to a few adoption shows but it's tough for any cat to get adopted, even a kitten. She's been playing with everything and it sometimes gets on Daddy's nerves. Remember Daddy, we live with her all the time!

The worst part is that Daddy gives her special kitten food she and Lena get to eat. He keeps me out of the foster room when he feeds them. I still get my usual food but once he lets them out, he puts my food away. He waits for me to finish though and sometimes I get the leftovers Lena and Pepi leave behind. I love that food. I ripped the bag open and made Daddy put it in the closet so I could get more.

The three of us have learned to share the bed with Daddy. The rule "Daddy takes priority" is still in effect. I get the head of the bed (naturally) and the other two get the corners. Life with the kitten is moving to a new normal. Maybe things won't be too bad if she was here furever provided I get some of her food.

I adopted your cat two years ago.

You cared about him enough to see he would eventually would get a home.
But you didn't care enough about him to keep him.
You didn't care that he spent 6 long months waiting.
You didn't care he almost froze to death in a cat carrier before he was found.

Why did you remove his claws?
Was it to protect your precious furniture?
Was it because he was affectionate and you didn't want his claws poking holes in your clothes as you held him?
Did you know that a scratching post and proper training would have been enough?
Do you think that was why he was passed by so many times?

Why didn't you give him a collar that fits?
Did you know he has a worn area around his neck now?
It's mostly covered up by fur but you can still see the skin if you look.
Do you care that you've scarred him for life?

Why did you give him up?
Was it because he pestered you too much to go outside?
Was it because of allegeries that could be fixed by medication?
Were you tired of him now the he was bigger and no longer a kitten?
Was it because he was you were moving and couldn't be bothered to take him with you?

He's happy now.
He knows he has a home and someone who loves him.
He knows he has someone who will care for him even if he gets sick.
He knows that he won't be abandoned again even if he can be a pain sometimes.
He still misses you despite what happened and would like to see you again.

I would like to know too. Because he is my cat and I love him.

Black & White is back

Daddy brought Pepi back today. She's different from before. She doesn't have much energy. She played a little and slept and didn't cause any trouble like she did before the trip. She smells different too. I'm sitting on Daddy now as he types in my diary. He thinks I'm well on my way to accepting her. Maybe I am.

A Cat's Prayer

Pepi is being spayed today. I'm back to my usual self. Lena is still upset. Daddy says Pepi's coming back tomorrow. Daddy found this poem from Kujo I wasn't skin and bone, but I was abandoned in the cold, but this prayer does remind all of us what every cat needs.

I hope I'm not asking too much, Lord;
All I want is a home of my own,
And to know when my next meal is coming
Instead of the scraps I get thrown.

I've been out in the cold for so long now,
Just coping as best as I can;
But it's not been so long I've forgotten
The touch of a soft caring hand.

I look in house windows at Christmas,
As cats doze by the fire, quite replete;
How I'd welcome a box in the kitchen,
And tasty food for me to eat.

For me there was tinsel and giftwrap,
But the fun didn't last very long.
They put me outside with the rubbish;
I still don't know what I did wrong.

I really don't want to be greedy;
At the moment I'm all skin and bone,
So would it be too much to hope for
That someone will give me a home?

Author Unknown

The Black & White annoyance is gone

Daddy took Pepi away to get spayed. Good! She was stinking up the place and Lena and I get Daddy to ourselves again. I was getting used to her too. A little.

Daddy found this poem by Kyla and wanted to post it here because I had some baggage when I came to live with him. We quickly unpacked it and put it away. I guess I should try to be sure Pepi gets as little baggage as possible.

Baggage (The Meaning of Rescue)


Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed,
I'd like to open my baggage,
Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry,
So much to regret.

Hmmm...Yes, there it is, right on the top,
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my perch hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.

Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things,
And take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage,
Will you still want me?

By Evelyn Colbath(c)1995 Baggage All rights reserved

Why Daddy why?

Yesterday Daddy came back with something horrible! A little black kitten. Nooooooooo! Aren't we good enough for you? Daddy says the kitten is a foster like we were and that she's staying until we find her a new home. So far she's been a real pest. I won't let her get near me and she hangs around Daddy all the time. And when she's in her special room (the room we're rarely allowed in) she cries! She sneaks into the garage and when she's there by herself, she cries! She hates being alone. What's going to happen when Daddy goes to work tomorrow? I've been getting used to this intruder. I'm going to have to show her who's boss. So far all she's been doing is crying for her littermates and poking her nose everywhere. Well too bad! They're not here and we want you to go back!

What Daddy? She's not going back just now. When? I don't like her. She smells funny and she hangs around you all the time.

Little Update

I wanted to give an update. Like most cats I go through phases. Sometimes I want to be held and sometimes I don't. I just got through a "don't touch me" phase. Last night I stayed with Daddy most of the night and this morning I shared his pillow and put my paws on his head until he got out of bed. But if the patio door is open, I'm there. I want to go out but Daddy doesn't let me anymore. Same is true of the garage. I can't go there either. Apart from that things are good.

I've started demanding that the bathroom sink faucets be turned on so I can drink from them. Sometimes I let the water fall on my paw and I lick it off. But however I drink it, I make sure that I find Daddy before I sake the water off.

It's grilling season!

Daddy started grilling today! You know what that means? Outside! He put me in my harness and let me go out as he tended the grill. I wandered around, nibbled on grass, lie on the sidewalk and sun. But when Daddy thought I wandered too far (including when I explored to the houses on the other side of the driveway) he got upset and dragged me by the leash back to where he can keep an eye on me. I hate it when he insists I go somewhere. I want to explore! He brought me in a few times but once he almost threw me out. I was getting sickie from the grass and was next to the door when I was making those sounds cat owners hate to hear. So I got sickie outside. I was out for a few hours until the grilling stopped. I had enough anyway even though Daddy had to carry me back inside. There was two kinds of fish and steak and chicken and veggies. But none for me. (I don't care, I got to go outside!) Why someone would want to grill veggies? But it makes Daddy happy. The letter carrier said it smelled like a restaurant! Daddy says if I'd remember to stay in sight and close by I can go out more. But I have to keep pushing my boundaries. I'm a guy!

A Fin for Daddy

I got to to outside again. I love going outside! Even if Daddy doesn't want me too. Yesterday he put me in my harness. I hate it but it means I get to go outside so I put up with it. Yesterday I convince Daddy to let me sniff around some trees and he found a $5 bill! See! That's what happens when you bring me outside! (You're buying this right?)

Springtime

The grass is growing and it's warm outside, that must mean it's spring! I got to go outside (on a leash of course) and I nibbled at the grass. Lena is not as interested about going outside, but she does love it when Daddy opens the patio door for fresh air. Things are pretty normal here except for the new vacuum. This one is stronger than the old one. It still makes horrible noises but it got more of the dirt, dust, and fur in the carpet. I'd swear the carpet is a shade lighter than before like when I first came to live here. Daddy brought down the plants and put them outside where I can't eat them. He's talking about getting catnip seeds for a pot outside. Yummy! That should be awesome. Daddy's not sure if I like catnip or not (25% of cats don't have the gene that makes them go crazy for catnip) but that could be because all the catnip I have so far has been dried. The fresh stuff should be better. But even if I don't go crazy, I'll get to eat plants!

The V-E-T

Daddy had the cat carriers out for a few days and this morning he put Lena and me into them and drove us to the VET! I didn't like the other kitty smells and being handled by strangers. Daddy kept me calm as the vet poked and felt me all over. I hate that! I growled a lot. Worst of all the vet didn't try to placate me with treats! The good news is that I am a healthy cat (except that I gained a pound since last time) and I got my shots. Yes, getting shots is good news because I didn't try to bite anyone while it happened. I stayed pretty calm on the drive and I didn't fight hard to get in the carrier. I'm glad I have a good vet otherwise I'd act a lot worse.

Happy purrday to me!

Yesterday was my (estimated) birthday! I got to go outside (there was snow everywhere so I stayed on the sidewalk and got cold quickly), Daddy got me a can of my favorite cat food, and I got lots of play time. Most importantly I got well wishes and friend requests from around the world! Thank you everyone! I want to have many more purrdays with my Daddy and Lena!

Daddy is home!

Last Saturday Daddy packed up his car, even his computer, and left! It's that time of year again. We had Thanksgiving last month so now it's Christmas. I'll just hop up on the table. Let's see what we have. A can of my favorite cat food, toys in a package, a note. Oh dogs, Daddy is going to be gone a while.

Sure enough the people with the eager dog came over and made sure we had food and water. Five long days later Daddy came back! I was so happy to see him! I ran into the garage and explored all over and in his car. I got in the trunk twice and tried to figure out how to get into the back seat from the roof. Oh, and I got to go outside. Daddy walked along to keep me out of trouble. I sat on him several times and purred. I'm so glad he's home. Now I find out he'll be here for several days, much longer than a weekend, before going back to work. I'm so happy! Humans get things as gifts on Christmas. Cats get humans!

One year

Over the weekend, I passed the one year marker. It's been a good year but my no means perfect. My cyst caused the biggest problem. When he took me to the vet's office to have it removed, I thought I was being abandoned again, or worse! But when they brought me down hissing and growling, Daddy called to me and I was stunned into silence instantly. I wasn't abandoned! He came back to save me! We grew closer the next night because I had to wear this stupid collar. I couldn't reach my favorite rubbing spot on my nose so he did it for me. I purred really loud. I wasn't the greatest patient, even by cat standards, but my Daddy stuck with me. I hope year 2 is uneventful but even if it isn't we're sticking together.

Happy Fourth of July

What a week. I found a new way to get Daddy to fill my food dish in the morning. First I get up on his bed and plop down around his head on the pillow. I purr and gently kneed his head. I follow him when he goes to the bathroom and shower. When he's drying off I remind him of his first important task and lead him downstairs to the food dish. I'm patient but the excitement builds up and I let it get the better of me.

Daddy had friends over in the middle of the week. He got to sleep in (I got fed extra the previous night so I wouldn't ask him to give me food at dawn). When his friends came over Lena and I got to go outside. We had to wear our harnesses, which stinks. Lena went inside after a few minutes. I stayed out more, but wearing the harness was really lousy. I got irritable and when I started kitty swearing I got carried inside. But over the afternoon I still sneaked outside a few times. I never go far, just to lie on the sunny sidewalk or nibble on grass. It's a chance to go somewhere I don't get to go. But inside I got petted and played with by nice people. Lena had a good time too, but she's less socialable and spent a lot of time asleep.

Friday Daddy's other friends came over. It wasn't too interesting. I made rounds and got attention. I knew these people better so I wasn't as curious. I still ran out when they left. But I got caught soon.

Today Daddy went to see the people he adopted us from. He showed them pictures and was told we look very happy. He held a kitten. It fell asleep in his hand. He was amazed at how small it was. Daddy is tall. He likes bigger things to cuddle like adult cats. Kittens are just too tiny for a good hug. Remember humans, fully grown cats are more fun! We don't need to be litter trained and we're smart enough not to gnaw on power cords. We still love to play and we know how important it is to be part of a family!

Update

Well Daddy should have updated my diary weeks ago. A bunch of stuff happened to me. Most of it is good.

First Daddy got a grill. This is good for me because when he grills he goes in and out so much that it's easy for me to sneak outside. He tries to keep me in, but he gives up and settles on watching me outside after a while. As long as I stayed in sight, it was OK. Naturally I couldn't leave well enough alone and went around the corner of the house. He said next time I'll be put in the bathroom as he grills. He's kidding right?

Daddy also went to visit his family this weekend. We didn't get to go. The nice people with the little dog came over to play and feed us. It was good, but they're not Daddy. He came back early and we were happy. He brushed me and got a lot loose hair I lost through stress. But we're together again. I'm going to take a catnap now.

Rollercoaster ride

I've had an interesting couple of weeks. Good and bad. First the bad. Daddy took me to the vet a while ago for my cyst. I expected it to get popped again then go home. But no! He left me there! Nooooo! I got examined again then the vets jabbed something in my arm and I went to sleep hoping for Daddy to save me. When I woke up parts of my head were shaved, I had trouble closing my right eye, and my mouth was sore. Worst of all, I had this big collar around my neck! How could I scratch my face or clean myself with it on? It took a long time for me to wake up. Then they picked up my kitty carrier and started moving me. I growled and howled but then I heard a very welcoming sound, Daddy!! He come to take me home! I didn't fuss at all. I was so happy to be back.

The nasty vets said not to climb stairs until the antithetic wore off, but I showed them. The second the kitty carrier was open, I jumped out and ran upstairs and hid under Daddy's bed. I wanted to go where I felt safe. I slept a lot that night and next day. Daddy gave me some canned catfood which I ate soon enough, then I had some dry food. Daddy also made me take yucky medicine. Later that week I had to go back to the vet so they could check my progress. They made me wait so long I didn't want to be touched by ANYONE. But I was getting along fine. A few days later I ran out of the medicine and learning how to get around this stupid collar.

Finally I got the stitches out. It was painless. I still look like I'm giving the evil eye to people, but apart from that I'm normal. I still ask before jumping on Daddy. I still fight and chase Lena. I still make demands. My fur is growing back so you can hardly tell it was shaved.

Then last weekend when the weather was nice, Daddy opened the patio door and a mini-human walked up and talked to me. I was the perfect kitty gentle-cat and didn't do anything Daddy disapproved of to the mini-human. I sat there and made welcoming meowing sounds. Because of that Daddy decided to get me and Lena a harness so we can go outside! It was a rough start, but we finally got to touch what we've been watching for months. We went outside several times by ourselves with Daddy holding the leash. There are many dogs in the neighborhood and Daddy has to look out for us.

Oh, the neighbors got a little black and white kitten. We greeted her by meowing. We wanted to see her up close and be friends, but the neighbors had to go. Bye little kitty! We hope we see you again!

Again with the cyst!

Yesterday morning was awful. First Daddy put me in the kitty box for a drive to the vet! I just went 2 months ago, why do I need to go again? The cyst I got before hasn't gone away despite Daddy's best efforts. This trip was to find out if more drastic measures should be taken. They do. This cyst can get worse so we have to treat it now. Soon I'll go back and have it removed. And they'll clean my teeth too.

Daddy was just looking out for my health, like any good Daddy should do. I forgave him and sat on him for a while. Then I got packed up again! This time with Lena! He took us to the place where we adopted us. No! Daddy you said we'd never go back. Please don't give us up! My old foster Mommy and Daddy were there. A bunch of people poked at us, but we didn't leave our carriers. So we're not being given up again. That's good. Everyone just wanted to see how I was doing. That's even better.

Daddy took us to another vet in the Petsmart and got ID chips injected into is! Then Daddy took us back to the Almost Home people before getting cat food and leaving for home. Don't scare us like that!

Lena forgave Daddy pretty quickly. I was a little miffed for hours. At least the injection doesn't scratch. We're all safe and happy now. I took a long nap behind Daddy's monitor and got treats and rubs. Life is good.

Stupid Cyst

Last week Daddy found a cyst on my head and took me to the vet on Thursday. The good news I'm in good health and put on over a pound since he brought me home. The cyst seems to be taken care of and is healing slowly. I have a good vet at least. He tried to keep me calm with food. Considering how I usually act with vets, I was pretty good. You should have seen me! I growled and hissed almost the entire time. Hey, at least I didn't bite the vet or struggle much. The only time I stopped was when I was accepting my bribe or when Daddy picked me up and held me. Daddy brought his big fluffy bath towel with me for me to rest on. That helped a great deal. A little bit of home in a strange place.

Happy Circa Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my pseudo-birthday. I was adopted into my fureverhome on Sept 2nd and I lost my old home in February when I was abandoned. They guessed I was 4 years old. So now Feb 2nd is my unofficial birthday. But there was some bad news. Yesterday Daddy found out Baby has passed on. It was last week, but Daddy was busy with work and couldn't check on her until then. Worse, my kitty aunt, the sister of the kitty Daddy's had growing up passed on too at the age of 18. She died in her favorite chair while napping. Daddy felt sad. Don't worry Daddy, I won't be leaving you anytime soon. We're one big happy family, Lena, me and you. Now since it's my birthday, give me kitty treats!

Daddy's Home

Daddy finally came back today. I got some cool toys, but nothing is as good as him coming back. He held me a lot and brushed me. I missed him lots. Now I'm hanging around on my kitty bed purring. It's great we're together again.

Daddy left

I had to comfort Lena a lot today. Daddy left for his human family yesterday. I knew it was coming. I've been around for a four years and know humans sometimes leave then come back a few days later. There's one when winter is coming and another soon after winter started. The nice people who have a dog came by to feed us. But most of the time it's just me and Lena. I hope Daddy comes home soon. I may act aloof at first, but I'll be happy to see him. Lena wants to go with Daddy sometime. But Daddy's Mom like to scoop up and hug cats. Just like she did to me when they came here. I like how she loves cats, but Lena won't be ready for someone who insists on holding her. Lena has issues about being held.

Sniffles again

I've been sneezing again. I caught a cold, probably from going into the garage too often. Daddy got to work from home today so I got lots of holding time. He gave me some yucky medicine. I threw it back up later, but some of it seems to have worked because I'm not sneezing as much. Daddy also set up the humidifier. That probably had more to do with it. I may have to go to the V.E.T. if I don't get better. Wish me well!

New things!

This was a week of fun new things to try. Daddy made a dinner for himself that had canned chicken. I got to drink the chicken water. Well I had to share it with my step-sis, but yummy! I love chicken. Daddy's dinner was something he called curry. But it didn't turn out well. I took a sniff and a few licks when he wasn't looking. It didn't make me sick or anything. Actually it was pretty bland. I still got to sneak some human food. I also got some new kitty treats because all the friends I made on caster. They're not as good as my usual treats. The important thing is I got to satisfy my curiosity.

Daddy also let me in the garage a few times. I kept hoping the garage would warm up. It never does. I want in after five minutes. Actually I want in after five seconds, but a cat needs to keep his dignity. On the plus side I got plenty of holding time.

Life is good.