Tag Archives: Cats

Into the Storm

Our cats are not normal. It’s true. I don’t know how else to word it. Even Puck, who is as normal as they come, sometimes gets caught up in the craziness.

Yesterday evening, just after sunset, I looked out our back window to blackness. There was plenty of light still coming through the front window but I could see a major storm was coming from the east. Then the rain started, slowly at first but soon it was pouring down and the wind was blowing it through the screens into the patio. Soon there was lightning all around us and the loud thunder was cascading through the house.

Any normal cat would have been under the bed at that point, and that is exactly where I expected Puck to be, but he wasn’t. He was on the patio with Chris and Frankie, standing on the wet floor and watching the lightning show from the best spot in the house. I wish I was able to get pictures of that but Rose shooed them inside before I had a chance to get my camera.

I don’t think I will ever fully understand cats, or at least not my cats.

Paper or Plastic?

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Paper or Plastic? Our cats are very conscious of the environment and much prefer paper. Of course, that could just be because paper bags are easier to climb inside of. Here is Frankie and Chris making good use of a paper bag.

I know what you’re thinking, Chris.

Our cats Frankie and Chris fighting over paper bag.

That’s an interesting bag you have there Frankie. Can I join you?

No! It’s mine! Go away!

C’mon Frankie! Look at all the room.

Fine! Take it! You always get your way, Chris.

Don’t be mad, Frankie.

Frankie, Look! There is room for both of us… Frankie?

The Woobie

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The first time I heard the word “woobie” was in 2005. Rose heard her mother use it to refer to a blanket that her brother would carry around with him like Linus from the Peanuts comic strip. I thought it was a made up word but it really exists and it means “security blanket.”

I was introduced to the word after we adopted Tigger and Flash. Initially, Tigger was adopted by Rose’s mother, but the next day the shelter called and said they wanted him back because his brother Flash was in much distress without him. We tried to talk her into adopting Flash (they had different names then) but she only wanted one cat at that time so we ended up adopting both of them.

They lost their mother at a very young age so Tigger developed a habit of sucking on Flash’s belly. Rose referred to Flash as Tigger’s “woobie” and would jokingly say to tigger “No sucking on the woobie!”

Tigger sucking on Flash’s belly.

Tigger and Flash with Alex watching.

Later we bought a fleece blanket and discovered that the cats were attracted to it like catnip. Soon the blanket was referred to as the “woobie blanket” and we bought several more over the years.

Last week Rose put one of the woobie blankets on one of the chairs in the living room and it instantly became Chris’s new favorite place to nap.

Chris napping on the woobie blanket

The Conquest of Fort Box

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Recently I gave the cats a nice box that they liked to play in and then I took it away because we had to ship something and it was just the right size. I felt bad about it so when I came across another box at work I grabbed it.

I decided to make this one better than the last so I taped the top closed and cut two openings; one on the front and one on the side. I then cut a few peep holes in it so the box could feel like a little fort with spy holes to watch the “enemy.”

I named it “Fort Box” and the cats took to it right away, especially Colonel Chris who took over command of the fort.

I hereby assume command of Fort Box.

I know you’re there Frankie

Okay, Puck. Your turn to stand guard.

It’s scary in here. I’m shaking.

Puck! You’re supposed to be inside the fort.

Like this. I’ll show you.

I wonder if there is an attic?

I can see you guys so don’t try anything.

You can have your turn Frankie, when I am done lying here doing nothing.

Finally! What’s this?

Yuck! Tastes like cardboard.

C’mon Frankie! It’s my turn again.

Where did you go Frankie? I was just kidding. You can come back. I’ll share.

Rebuilding Burnt Bridges – Part Two

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Several weeks ago I wrote a post called Rebuilding Burnt Bridges where I talked about how Chris tormented Frankie for weeks after we adopted him but then had a change of heart and decided he wanted to be friends with Frankie. Unfortunately, that came too late and Frankie didn’t trust him. Not only that, whenever Chris tried to be nice, Frankie would attack him.

Since that post Chris has continued in his efforts to make peace and lately I have seen signs that things are getting better. They still fight, and Frankie is by no means ready to be Chris’s best buddy, but there are occasions when Chris moves in close to Frankie and Frankie doesn’t attack him. Indeed, sometimes he doesn’t leave either. I know it is not much but it is much better than what we have been used to seeing. Chris may be a bad cat but he has a good heart and sometimes it shows.

I was shocked to see this scene yesterday. They are actually sleeping while touching each other.

Sorry about the quality but needed to get a quick picture of this before it was over.

Share Your Boxed Cat

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Yesterday’s Post was about cats and boxes. It seems, not unexpectedly, that everyone who has a cat has a lover of boxes. I am sure all the cat bloggers out there reading this have at least one blog post with one or more cats enjoying a new box. I would like to ask that you share your best “box” post by commenting and adding a link (don’t forget “http”) so everyone can enjoy a bit of cuteness today.

Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

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Everyone who is owned by a cat knows what happens when you bring a new box into the house. It is like Kitty Christmas. The first thing they have to do is get inside like a child with a new playhouse. But why are cats so fascinated by a simple empty box? I suppose there are a number of things at “play” here.

I think the main reason is that cats love to play. The reason that they have an instinct for play is probably because it helps them practice for survival. Attacking their housemates, assuming it is not for reasons of dominance or territory, is practice for the hunt. Playing in a box is just an extension of that.

A box offers something a wild cat is looking for: stealth. Nevermind that they are not wild cats, they don’t know that. From inside a box a cat can see but not be seen. It is a great place to lie in wait until their prey is close and then pounce. It also offers a bit of protection from other “wild” household pets that might want to attack them.

Finally, cats are great nappers. Curling up inside a box could feel very cozy for that afternoon nap and offer protection as well.

This is great. A box all to myself.

Okay Puck, We’ve waited long enough.

Ha, now I have the box.

Stretch…

Don’t even think about it, Frankie.

This is just my size.

I wonder if there is a trap door in this thing.

That’s weird that Chris just disappeared. Oh well, it’s my box now.

If anyone can shed more light on why cats love boxes, or if you just want to comment, I’d love to hear from you.

Caption This: Frankie’s Throne

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I know this picture is very similar to my last post but it is perfect for adding captions. See what you can come up with and then click here for my idea.

Photo Friday: Royal Portrait