Remembering My Accident

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

My owner has told you that I was involved in a car accident and that I can no longer run, hopping like a kangaroo instead, with my back legs together. Here is what happened...

The house I live in now is in the middle of a very quiet estate and near to a golf course, my new territory, but I used to live in a house with a busy road right outside the front gate. I had still not learned that cars were dangerous when at 6 months old, I was nearly killed trying to go across it. I was very lucky to survive. Five months later, my brother Jet was killed by a car, not too far from the same spot.

Jet and I were handed in at a rescue centre with our littermates and our mother. Our owner had no choice but to take us there, as she was not allowed to keep us in her rented home. We stayed there until we'd been weaned and could be put up for adoption. Jet and I were picked together and at two months old, we moved in with our new family. I was so pleased to have found such a lovely home. And to be with my favourite brother. The baby picture you see on my page was taken around this time.

We were kept in the house for a while but were eager to get outdoors and explore. I had only been going out for a few weeks, when the car hit me. If it had been a direct hit, I would have died but it was a side hit. The blow sent me rolling onto the grass verge, mercifully on my own side of the road and I dragged myself home. Mum called the vet and warned them to be expecting me and then rushed me there. I'd not yet turned one and had lost 1 life.

The vet was expecting me and immediately sedated me for X-rays to see what needed to be done. The news was not good. All of my lower chest organs had been pushed up under my rib cage and were pressing on my lungs and I had broken my hip and pelvis. He called Mum to check that I was insured and could be treated then set to work straight away. Just an hour or so after the accident, I was in theatre having an emergency operation to repair the damage to my chest. There was no guarantee I would live and I twice had to be revived after my heart stopped on the operating table. I had now lost a total of three lives.

Mum came with my sister to collect me afterwards as the vet believed I should be allowed to recover a little before having my pelvis sorted out. With pain relief, I would not feel my pelvis injury and the second operation would be safer if I had recovered from the first. The vet only worked weekdays and because it was a Friday afternoon, he recommended that I be moved to the nearest 24-hour vet, for observation over the weekend. When Mum saw me in my basket, I was awake but very calm as I was still sedated. I had a shunt fitted in my front paw, which the vet had wrapped in a red banadage. Mum and my sister dropped me off at the 24-hour vet. I didn't expect to see them again until Monday but the following day I had a visit from them, as they brought in a bird which Jet had caught. The vet was a hospital for wild animals as well.

On Monday, they took me back to my usual vet for a second operation to pin my pelvis and leg back together. It went very smoothly, although I woke up shaved and feeling sore. The vet let me go home but I had to spend six weeks confined to a large metal dog crate in the living room, so that my leg could heal. It was very boring and I longed to be outside in the sun with Jet but my family were strict because they knew it was best for me. Finally, the six weeks were over and I was free again. The pins the vet had used were designed to stay in place forever but because mine were in my leg and I was a young kitten, they posed an issue when I started to grow. In August, Mum took me in for an X-ray as the pins seemed to be impairing my movement. It showed that new bone was forming and my repaired joint would be stable enough without the pins, so I had another small operation to take them out.

That October, Jet was killed. It was a huge blow to my family given the difficult year they were having with me. I turned one in November, a bittersweet occasion and for a while I was the only cat in the household. The following April, Tidge arrived. Perhaps because of my youth, I was lucky to suffer no ill effects because of the accident. I felt the cold a little more in winter because my leg would get stiff and ache but I ran around and climbed trees like any other cat would. The vet had warned I might always have breathing problems but I didn't. In 2007 when I was four and Tidge was three, they got a dog, Zack. Then last year, I suddenly started limping badly. A course of anti-inflammatory drugs for my hip didn't do any good, so I was taken in for an X-ray.

The X-ray showed that although my injury had been properly repaired after the accident, arthritis had since set in and caused the ball of my hip joint to change shape. It should have been round and smooth but was knobbly and curved, causing me lots of pain. The vet said that he could remove it and the joint would repair itself. Really! I had the surgery the same week and now, though I don't have a ball in my hip, a lot of strong muscle tissue has formed in its place. I'm 5 and a half now and my hip is different to a normal one. Because it is made of muscle not bone, it is looser than an ordinary hip joint and a little too flexible. I do all the things I used to, though, including climbing trees! I also hop like a kangaroo as opposed to running because as I pick up speed, my back legs come together as one. Apparently, most cats who have had similiar surgery adapt this way.

All the stress of the original operation to insert the pins, plus the one to remove them and my latest operation to remove my hip bone has cost me another life- so that's 4 I've lost!

I've still got five left, though! I am healthy now and hope to remain so for years to come.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

Settling In On Catster!

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

I'm really making my mark on Catster now. As you can see, my page has been customised with some lovely stripes and a new cursor. Any cat who wants the code for either can have it. Just ask. I've also got loads more photos uploaded and captioned. And all of this before the end of my owner's 7-day free trial of Catster Plus. Haven't I got her well trained? She has even made a video for me to give you all an insight into my life as The King!

I've also made lots of new friends. It's lovely to meet you all! Thank you to everyone who has sent me a message or a gift.

The weather has been glorious here the last few days, much to my satisfaction. I have been able to spend several nights outdoors and cut a swathe through the local rodent population. Just kidding... I mostly enjoy getting my 20 hours per day of sleep outdoors, in the basket my humans have thoughtfully provided for the purpose.

Here's hoping that it continues.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

My Lovely New Page

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

As you can see, the transformation of my page is almost done and it's looking really nice. Enormous thanks are due t0 Flicka the dog- yes, I know- for providing me with the codes I needed to do it. And not only me, but my brothers' pages too. Thanks, Flicka! I hope you're pleased with your diamond ring.

There isn't much otherwise to report. The British summer seems to be over before it's even begun-much to my royal disgust- as the week of sunny weather we have had recently is well and truly over. We've had nothing but rain for two days. I'm so glad we don't live in a flood-risk area. Otherwise, I'd be worried.

Unable to enjoy my usual outdoor activities, I have passed the time grooming and sleeping, fighting with Tidge whenever the urge struck me- all strictly necessary, of course, as part of maintaining the much sought-after position of King. If you haven't already, see my video for a glimpse of the day-to-day trials of running a kingdom.

I must get on now. Lots to do...

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

A New Video, Sunshine and Thoughts on Time

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

As you can see, there is a new video on my page. The uploader really hates me but those lovely people at Catster have very kindly helped me out again and uploaded it for me. It's a little clip of me purring a lot and loving the camera. I was intrigued by it and kept head-butting it, which made my owner laugh.

We've had a bit more sunshine here recently but still not as much as I would like. I love the sun because it eases my bad hip. It often hurts if it's cold and wet. And when the weather is nice, I can stay outside for longer. Or even overnight!

I can't believe that we are nearly halfway through June already. This year seems to have gone so fast! I'm already 5 and a half and don't feel a day over four. How many cat years are there in a year again? I think it's about 5. And 7 for dogs. That means I'll be 30 on my birthday. 30! Surely not...

I've had enough thinking for one day. I want to update my PhotoBook and check my new video is working.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

An Introduction To The King

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

Zack has recently added a 'Getting To Know You' to his diary and I thought I would do the same. Enjoy!

NAME: Simba.
AGE: 5 years 7 months (human years).
BIRTHDAY: 14th November 2003.
BREED: Domestic Shorthair (British).
SIBLINGS: 2 (Human), 1 (Canine), 6 (Littermates).
COLOURING: Ginger Tabby (Amber Eyes).
SIZE: Average. A little stunted due to my disability.
WEIGHT: Not sure. I'm not overweight though.
NEUTERED: Yes.
ADOPTED: Yes. From a rescue centre.

Why do you have the Rainbow Bridge badge on your page?

It is there in tribute to my littermate Jet, whom my parents also adopted. He was knocked down by a car and killed on 19th October 2004, at 11 months. I miss him. It was very traumatic for my family too because when he died, they had already been through the nightmare of a car accident with me- when we were six months. Luckily, I survived. For a while I was the only animal in the household but my parents got another cat in April 2005. And then a dog.

What is your disability?

I was left disabled after my car accident at six months. As well as severe chest injuries which were immediately corrected in emergency surgery, I'd broken my pelvis and hip and needed pins placing in them. Shortly afterwards, I had to have the pins removed and I've since (last year) needed my entire hip joint removed due to arthritis so I have a permament impairment of my rear legs. I don't run, for example, I hop with my rear legs together instead. Check my archives for my detailed description of the accident, in my very first entry.

* Favourites *

FOOD: Whiskas Sachets. And steamed fish fillets.
NAP SPOT: Beds, Clean Laundry.
HUNTING SPOT: Local golf course.
WEATHER: Sun.
HOBBY: Being The King.
THING ABOUT MYSELF: My ringed tail.

* Have You Ever *

BEEN WALKED: No way! The King goes out alone.
LANDED ON YOUR FEET: Not literally. But I am a survivor.
SCRATCHED ANYONE: Human? No. Dog? Occasionally.
CAUGHT A MOUSE: Yes, loads. And birds.
EATEN ANYTHING NASTY: I scratched my throat on a bird's beak.
NEEDED THE VET: Sadly, too often.

* Trivia*
I died twice during my emergency surgery and was revived.
My insurance company paid out for my sore throat as 'anorexia.'
I acquired the pepper spots now permamently on my nose hunting.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

My Favourite Books

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

The weather is not very good here at the moment. As Zack has said in his diary, the day started all right but it is now dark and raining. I am chilling out in my cosy spot in the lounge and have been sleeping lots. The King will only ever be found indoors on a day like this. I thought I would tell you about some of the cat-themed books that my owner is enjoying.

Cat's Miscellany: Lesley O'Mara

This is a compendium of facts and figures, trivia and true stories all about cats.My owner received it as a Christmas present and is now rereading it. It's a very interesting read that you can dip in and out of and educational too.

Feline Witches and Wizards: Elizabeth Hardy

This is beyond cute. It's a 'spell book' but written for cats. The spells given include one to cure a human of cat allergies and one to make a visit to the vet fun. There's a list of materials and a step-by-step for all the spells plus an incantation to say. My owner thinks it's very clever and they've all worked for me.

The Sound Of One Cat Purring: Elizabeth Hardy

Also by Elizabeth Hardy is this wonderful 'self-help' book which again is written for cats. It is a definitive guide to five different 'new age' practices including aromatherapy and dream analysis. For each practice, there is an A-Z, with the aroma of perfume and the dream of scampering mice among the things explained. The owner thinks it is very original and I found it very handy. We both found the chapter on affirmations (e.g. LOVE: I radiate love to me, myself and I) very funny.

Spells For Cats: Daisy Pepper

This is another 'spell book' but this time with a more serious tone- for cat owners. We think it's lovely and most of the spells will appeal even to those of no faith or who don't believe much in magic. They include a spell to protect a cat from road accidents and to stop cats clawing your furniture. There's some lovely rituals to use for the naming of a cat and other events and a beautiful funeral reading, as well as little tips and tricks to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Dewey: Vicki Myron/Bret Witter

Lastly, there is Dewey. This is the fascinating and heartwarming true story of gorgeous ginger cat Dewey, who grew up in a library after he was abandoned in the out-of-hours returned books box as a kitten. I thought that Dewey looked a little like me and my owner liked reading about how Dewey charmed all the staff and visitors to the library.

That's what we're reading right now. I hope you liked it. I'm not going to post any links because I'm not trying to sell you anything- I just thought I'd tell you what we were up to. If you do fancy any of the titles, they're all around online.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

The King Faces A Food Fight

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

Did you like my book recommendations? My owner doesn't know the half of what I get up to when I'm out on the prowl- The King operates alone- so she can only report to you an edited version of my daily activities and there hasn't been anything interesting enough to merit reporting.

As Zack has probably told you, the owner has switched us all to a new brand of cat food. I was most unimpressed. The King has a well-established and very precise daily schedule and I was perfectly satisfied with Whiskas, which we have enjoyed for several years. No one may alter the routine of The King without at least three months advance notice- in writing! It could not be tolerated. so I made sure to protest my displeasure and left the first new sachet I was given in my bowl untouched overnight.

Unfortunately, these days you just can't get the staff. Zachariah- one day I will catch my tail- Herbert wolfed down not one but two of the new sachets and seemingly satisfied, the owner did not yield to my protests and immediately provide my preferred Whiskas. Of course, by morning I was too hungry and had to at least sample the new stuff but the battle is not over. I'm very picky about which of the new cat food's flavours I will try. And, for the record, Zack has no taste. He who wolfed the new sachets, is equally satisfied by manure and fox poo. So how come he gets the fancy name?

The weather was nice yesterday- warm and dry. It's a bit overcast today and the air is damp, although it's not raining, thank goodness. I believe it rained in the night. I plan to hunt today and maybe eat some grass to settle my stomach.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

My New Video

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

As you can see, a new video has been added to my page- a little clip of me and Tidge. Tidge joined my family as a friend for me, after my littermate, Jet, was killed. To be honest, I was not very impressed with him at first. I had been the only cat in the house for 6 months when he came and had grown used to that, so it was a nasty surprise, waking up from a nap and finding an odd new cat on my sofa. He had lots of health problems then as well. We are friends now, though, most of the time. We fought a lot until it was firmly established that I was The King and then things calmed down. Now we only play fight and I enjoy the companionship because I miss my brother.

I have spent most of today outside. I hunted a little but mostly kept close to home, rolling around on the pavement, trimming my claws on the trunk of the tree opposite or dozing in my den. This is the old cat basket, filled with old towels that my owners have thoughtfully provided, in the trailer parked outside my house. Nobody can see me once I climb into the trailer, as it's hidden behind bushes and the basket is a very comfy and safe place to have a nap, while still being able to enoy some fresh air. I sometimes wait in there, if they've gone out and I can't get back in the house. Or take shelter in it, if it rains.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

Lazy Summer Days

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

As Zack has no doubt told you, we are in the middle of a heatwave. It is quite pleasant but The King has been very lazy of late. It is so much easier to lay and do nothing than go hunting in this heat. Because the owner has graciously conceded defeat and reverted back to our usual Whiskas food (the dog will be finishing the other brand off), I haven't felt the need to wander too far and adopted the living room, where it's sunny nearly all day, as a sun lounger. The owner sleeps downstairs- so she has left the patio door slightly open for the past few nights and given Tidge and I the run of the garden, while Zack's safely indoors.

I have done most of the patrols I usually make of my territory after night has fallen because it is cooler come twilight and the nights are so clear right now. When I have ventured outside in the daytime, I've kept close to home, catching some sun outside my neighbour's house (her doormat catches it) or taking a nap in my 'den'- the cat basket my owners have provided in the trailer outside our house for me.

In the absence of my owners, who seem to be going out more now it's sunny, the window in the downstairs toilet is proving to be an excellent cat flap for me. I made my oldest sister (who no longer lives at home) jump terribly by doing this when she popped in there while visiting. I leapt down from the windowsill, having let myself in and practically landed on her lap.

I came into the garden while the dog was out on his walk today and had a sniff of everything then went into the house via his entrance into the kitchen- sniffing around his blankets and dishes before I left.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX

I Have Crossed The Line

Greetings My Loyal Subjects,

The suite in our living room includes a large pouffe with storage room underneath and to protect it from our fur after Tidge and I adopted it as our favourite chilling out spot, our Mum bought a little cat bed for the top of it. The bed, which is in one of the photos on Tidge's page, is a rectangle of soft lamb's wool, surrounded by a cotton trim in tartan fabric.

Tidge, who is normally scared of everything, adopted the little bed as his new snuggle spot immediately but I would go nowhere near it. For some reason that even I don't know, I could not cross the tartan onto the lamb's wool. Even when Mum lifted me over the border, I would leap off the bed as soon as she rested me on the wool.

A few weeks ago, Mum found me asleep on the little bed and I've been there every day since. The pouffe is now in front of the patio doors so the little bed is a convenient place from which to observe my domain and the garden, the territory of our loopy dog, baring the rare times I wander around there while he is sleeping or out on a walk.

The past few nights, I have sat there while my lovely young mistress- I better be complimentary because she is typing for me- sits glued to Torchwood: Children Of Earth. I roll my eyes at least several times a night for she is a bit mad about John Barrowman but she also tells me how gorgeous and wonderful I am every two seconds and strokes me lots. She tells me that you people 'across the pond' won't be getting to see Torchwood until the 20th. That makes her laugh.

It's cooled down here and we've had rain but that doesn't bother me much. It's only when it gets really cold that my dodgy hip plays up. Tidge and I have had some great 'giddy sessions' running around the garden after it's dark. It's the only time Tidge will go out. And, even then, the door must be open so he can dash back in if he wants to. He stays in the garden, too. Usually. I once persuaded him to follow me onto the golf course and he panicked at something and ran away. He tried to get home but got lost and Mummy found him, wandering the streets with a torch, calling him. I got in trouble for that.

Thank you for reading.

The King XXX