Sharing

The big scratching thingie is one of Siren's most favorite nap spots.

Isadora came around 

After what seemed like hours of staring Isadora made a move

After what seemed like hours of Isadora sniffing the scratchy thingie and Siren not looking at her ...

... Isadora tempted fate

Neither one of them was pleased with the situation but no one wanted to be the first to move on.

Eventually they both left.

You might notice a stream of drool coming from Siren's mouth. He does get drooly a lot because of his meds but usually he wipes it away. Since Isadora required his full attention he just ignored his drool.

I posted some pics of Hope over at The Photo Blog

Siren's Big Adventure

The person took me to the terrible place this morning. She insists I'll feel better there but I don't remember that part. I remember the smells and the touching - oh!! too many humans - and they have sharp pointy things      that sting. Don't even try to tell me "only for a second". Do you know how long a second is?

Apparently the humans are getting complacent. Towels and extra hands indeed. Never assume you know a cat, we are ever changing entities of the highest possible will and intelligence.

The indignity of being dumped out of that ridiculous carrying device was the last straw. As Missy Silly Paw Prints Top moved to wrap me in a towel with a design matching her top I bolted. 

Let me tell ya. That first step is a big one.

I've never been free at the terrible place. It stinks. CSI should come in with a black light. I sensed the poor cats that had come before me and dogs!! oh the dog smell was more than anyone should have to bear. Silly humans think they're cleaning. I give them one moment with my nose. They'd never want to breathe again.

Once I adjusted to the smells I realized the humans were freaking out. This amused me. They were closing doors and moving chairs and best of all - they were asking me to come to them. Come to you? Are you freaking kidding me? 

My person was the calmest but she must stop apologizing for me. I'm in no way sorry.

I circled and leaped about. Hissing and growling at any attempt to catch me. I did my trick of making 4 legs seem to be 12. I did that Danger! Danger! thing with my tail. My teeth became huge and Edward Scissorhands had nothing on my claws. 

Dr. Dudley Do Right got down on the floor. Gotta admire his balls. Actually I was looking at them and my claws were itchin' for a little soft tissue.

He just sat there. A giant lump of furless human skin. They really are grotesque creatures. 

I took pity and stopped. The towel came down and my adventure was over.

Man it was fun while it lasted.

Exhausted Cats

Maybe it's spring fever. Maybe they can understand the late news and are as distressed as the rest of us. 

Whatever the reason, Siren and Isadora have spent the past few nights/early mornings rampaging.

They run the length of the hall at warp speed.

They knock over their water bowl and dance - yes, dance - in the puddles.

Isadora tries to get under the area rug; it's heavy and rubber matted underneath so when she fails she scratches at it as though she were digging her way out of an underground bunker. Siren enjoys watching this. He doesn't help, just watches.

I know it's coming to an end when they chase each other around the backs of the sofa and love seat. They weave in and out, intentionally not catching each other. It's just the chase that matters.

Then it's time to rest up for breakfast.

Isadora uses the last of her energy to settle into the clothes hamper.

Siren curls up in one of their homes.

Have a safe and happy weekend everybody.
My thoughts are with everyone in and near Boston.

Stop Turning Left

Who'd of thunk this pagan liberal would ever hate anything left.

Yet these freaking storms that come up from the south and then turn left just keep coming. The area by the marina and further down the road in poor hard hit Union Beach is already experiencing some flooding from this afternoon's high tide.

Thanks NJ.com for always being around to cover this area. You can see more photos from this afternoon
HERE
You might even recognize some of the places from my photos.

This howling wind is making me as skittish as the cats. 

Speaking of cats - thanks to all who asked how Siren is doing. He's fine. Actually he's very happy right now as he always is during the days immediately following his shots. It's a chronic condition and it is what it is. At least the meds still work.

Those of us about to float away salute you.

10 Pounds of Cat ...

... equals 100 pounds of dog.

So says the vet tech that helps Siren through his exams and treatments.

The tech takes the carrier apart to get Siren out. As soon as the top comes off a giant towel goes over Siren and with super thick gloves on the tech wraps his arms along the length of Siren's body and secures him.

Outside in the waiting room I can hear people saying things like "wow! he's loud" or "what are they doing to that cat!?". One of the women at the desk will eventually tell everyone it's OK, it's just an extra difficult cat.

Siren will quiet down as long as he's entirely covered by the towel. The moment an inch of him is exposed the chorus begins - wide mouthed hiss, then deep in throat growl followed by shrieks that sound eerily like a child screaming No No from the bottom of a well.

4 legs become 12 and his claws would put Edward Scissorhands to shame.

Through this all, my hero, vet tech superman, never loses his cool. He tells the others that he likes Siren, respects his strength and will and "gets where he's coming from".

I think Siren likes him too. After yesterday's ordeal, as we put the carrier back together, Siren actually let the tech lift him off the table.

Progress has been made.

The Cats Are Not Amused

I posted a few 'during the middle of the snowstorm' shots over on the photo blog.

We were all asleep when the snow plow came through and then just stopped behind our house with its yellow lights flashing. It was just before 5 AM Saturday morning. The room filled with light and there was a dull rumbling sound.

Siren and Isadora went from being sound asleep to running up and down the hall and then stopping to stare at the windows and then run again.

Siren listens to me more than Isadora does so I did convince him to stop. I sounded ridiculous as I tried explaining the situation to him. He hunkered down into his 'I am made of stone' position and just stared at me.

Isadora went to her favorite recliner in the corner.

When the plow started up again with a belch and a rumble and then a huge thump as the plow blade hit the ground Isadora had enough.

She threw herself against the wall, moved her recliner, and scattered all her toys.

Remarkably everyone else in the house slept through it all.

We got about a foot of snow and never lost power so all in all it was no big deal although Siren and Isadora would not agree.

Hope's Christmas Wrap-Up

I thought I'd share some photos from Christmas with Hope (sounds like a Lifetime movie) to start the New Year.

at uncle john's house in brooklyn on christmas eve

doing a move she calls 'ninja barbie'

her favorite doll from aunt lauren

just plain joyful

working hard to open the gift she got for the cats

a little exhausted

 Isadora likes her gift

Siren celebrated his 10th birthday on christmas day

Happy New Year everybody!!

Open Letter To My Cats

Dear Siren and Isadora,

You know I love you very much and I'm sure you love me too.

Yet sometimes love is not enough.

What a clusterf**k of a weekend you two handed me. I know it stinks to have health issues and that at times you're uncomfortable. It makes you difficult and grumpy; trust me, I get it.

Of course you'd feel better if you took the pain meds without gagging, shrieking, hissing, and flailing about with all claws extended. Just a suggestion.

Your vet and all his assistants are the best there is. Siren, you're like Norm from Cheers; everyone knows your name. Unfortunately it's followed by get the heavier gloves, maybe we need sedation and I think we need more people in here. You have made German Shepherds cry and Pit Bulls hide. Children think you're a bobcat.

Don't get too full of yourself Isadora; you're no picnic either. Knowing that you freak out in small carriers I got you one big enough for a large dog or 2 cats - god forbid you should just share with Siren. Of course not. The carrier weighs a ton Iza, and you're not exactly a tiny girl so thrusting yourself around like a crazed dancer doing a bizarre Merce Cunningham routine does not make it easy to transport you. Neither does sticking out your paw and digging your claws deep into my carrying hand. I do appreciate the pain though, it balances out the pain in my back and ankle.

You are always going to need meds. You will visit the vet once a month forever.

Let's work together eh?

No more hiding in the coils of the sofa.
No one is trying to kill you.
Wherever we are I will stay with you and I will always bring you home.

Can I get an Amen

Thanksgiving

After my town survived Hurricane Sandy it seems even more important to be grateful.

I'm grateful for the safety of my family.

I'm grateful for the people who always show up to help

I'm grateful for Siren and Isadora. They brighten any day and love unconditionally.
In their own way of course - they are cats.

I'm grateful for all of you. I realized it again when I couldn't share the storm with you and I worried about you worrying about me.

Most of all I'm grateful for Hope.

And on we go ...

Must Love Cats ... and Dogs

Purina is hosting  America’s Pet Debate  where you can vote for either cats or dogs as America's favorite pet. Vote once each day between now and Election Day and Purina will donate $1 per vote to organizations that provide our veterans with service dogs. Considering that Congress has not approved further funding for the service dog program this is a worthy cause. Check out the links on the debate page. You can also see the 2 "attack ads" run by the candidates. They're running on TV as well. I love the cats portraying dogs as slobs who spread germs and the dogs showing all the ways that cats get into things.

At the moment cats are leading by about 20 points.

Isadora is pleased by that but she has an issue to share with you all.

Hi everyone. I've been feeling better and enjoying my top perch by the window.

That is I was enjoying until ...

The envious one appeared, coveting my view and wishing to disturb my comfort.

I can be nonchalant for only so long

 He is getting on my last nerve

 Mom usually tries to let us work things out

 But I'm tellin' ya, I'm getting agitated

And I will rip that ear off if I need to

Mom says just settle down; that's fine for now but I'm sleeping with one eye open

thanks for bearing with my whinging in the previous post and for all the supportive comments

Isadora is much better. Siren not so much but he is eating a bit and he's comfy.
As the vet says - we play the hand we're dealt.

And on we go

Life Is ...

... not a box of chocolates I'm sorry to tell Forrest Gump. Not this week.

It's more like ...

a traffic jam and an oncoming truck.

The unseasonably warm and humid weather this week has made me hazy. And grouchy.
I'm always grouchy when I'm spritzing.

The cats have not had a good week. Siren's meds are not working long enough but to increase the frequency would cause other issues. We've been working on more nutritional and holistic treatments but if you know cats then you know that the smallest change to their routine is very stressful to them. Isadora goes to the vet this morning. She's been hiding and crying and I'm not sure why.

My battle with the bank over a mortgage modification based on my huge drop in income heats up next week and I'm not looking forward to that.

I haven't seen Hope at all this week and if there was ever a need for a good shot of Hope it was this week. She's been going to after school activities and to her aunt's house since their new baby is due any day now. I'm thrilled that she's so excited but I'm also selfishly wanting my time with her.

I feel a long series of whines and bitches coming on so that's enough for now.

Oy

Siren on Katz

Stop watching me! I'm fine. The meds worked. I'm trying to sleep.

Before I turn around and settle in I want to tell you about Ellen.

She has a blog called Katz Tales

She helps lots of cats in her neighborhood and is offering her e-books to help raise money for them. They are very very reasonably priced. I can't read but I imagine they are good since they make Mom laugh. She's difficult to amuse.

This post will help explain what Ellen is doing.

All the e-books are right there on her blog sidebar.

In addition to all the cats she helps Ellen is Mom to ...

Au

Guido 

Target 

I like orange cats. They're so easy to find and bite. Gently of course.

Mom likes Ellen because they are alot alike. I know this is true since without people like them I would be in a world of trouble. I probably wouldn't be here at all.

OK, I'm getting misty now.

Have a Good Weekend Everyone

Nap

Eat

Nap

Siren Is In Love

For those of you who know Siren's story this is an exceptional statement. The neglected/abused/thrown away cat of 9 years ago who had to be sequestered, handled carefully, sedated for vet appointments is in love. The cat who would not be carried or cuddled. The cat who would only stand on my lap for fleeting moments. That cat is in love.

With me.

All day long. Everyday. Treats or no treats. Hungry or full. Sleepy or frisky.

His main moves are pretty predictable

He circles wherever I might be

Finds a spot to watch me

The sofa is his favorite spot, especially if I'm on the laptop

He establishes contact

Let's me know he won't be moved

And then he attaches himself

If any of these shots are less than stellar it's because I was using the camera with my left hand while trying to keep Siren from grabbing it while making sure he didn't push the laptop off.

He loves me but he's still Siren

I have watched Siren mellow over the years but have never seen such huge changes over a short period of time. I'm guessing it's because of his health issues and that I'm the one who puts her hands into the carrier and nuzzles him at the vet no matter how much he hisses and growls and snaps.

Those Cats

that's what my granddaughter Hope calls Siren and Isadora. as in "what are those cats doing?" and "those cats are fighting" and "those cats won't play with me"

At the moment we are in one of those magical time periods where both Siren and Isadora are doing well. I've been waiting for this since I last posted about them back on April 26.

I'm going to let those cats fill you in

You home for good Iza?

So, she's the sick one and I have to be locked up too?

we put a screen door on my extra room so those cats could be contained without feeling isolated

You're like a freakin' shadow, I'm never sure where you are

Holy catnip! I don't want to see that.

If you let me out I swear I won't hide for 3 days. Really I won't.

Iza? You asleep? I'm up here if you need anything

A few days later the saga continues

You have that I'm going to scoop you up look on your face Mom

Of course I'm not trying to escape

Aw hell Siren, she's taking you. I won't mention that your carrier is smaller

Oh, and your towel is pink

Of course I feel imprisoned. Doc said I have to come in every 3 weeks.

Stop sulking Siren, you're home and I'm home and there's roast chicken

And on those cats go