In my last post, I included a number of photos of our cats, Chris and Puck, playing while Rose and I were wrapping Christmas presents. Somehow I managed to miss one of the pictures so I want to include it here.
Next time I will try to pay more attention.
We have been collecting Christmas presents in the spare bedroom for several weeks and Wednesday Rose decided it was time to wrap them. Of course, Chris and Puck agreed that wrapping presents was a wonderful idea and did what they could to participate.
This is cool! It’s like a slide.
Move over! Let me try it.
I was here first!
You need to learn, Chris, that you can’t always get your way.
You need to learn, Puck, that I am the boss around here.
Are you watching this? Maybe The Lion King is on.
Nevermind, I’ll just play with the tree while I wait for a present to play with.
This one’s mine, Right?
This can’t be all?
I can’t wait until it’s time to open the presents.
We purchased a somewhat unconventional Christmas tree the other day. It is a trio of palm trees that seemed perfect for a Florida Christmas. Yes, I used the word Christmas instead of Holiday, so sue me. I just looked out the window and the sky is not falling and, as far as I can tell, the apocalypse has not begun so I may just use it again.
When we started to put up our Christmas… tree (whew, the world is still here) Chris and Puck took a strong interest in the box and the tree.
Wow, something new to investigate.
Cool. An electrical cord. I think I’ll bite it.
This thing is stuck on here good.
I claim this box for The Kingdom Of Chris.
Chris! Did you see this? We’ve got bubble wrap.
Ok, I’m ready to help decorate.
I was a little worried about Chris chewing on the power cords but it seems the novelty has worn off. Now all that is left is the decorating.
I wanted to add a video to my last post but my video software keeps faulting and shutting down. I finally was able to put it together using the software that came with my Canon camera. It’s funny but I did not even know I had it.
This video was taken after I took the photographs and about the time I wanted to get the cats inside but Chris and Puck would have none of it. They were having too much fun and wanted to stay outside and play. If they were kids they would whine a little but eventually listen. Cats don’t listen and need to be chased down, which isn’t easy.
Work was slow last Friday so I had the day off. Of course, when that happens I am not allowed to play all day and usually have a honey-do list that involves cleaning the house. I did have some free time though and decided to let Chris out for some fresh air.
Ahh… Grass eating time.
I didn’t want to let Puck out because he is such a pain to catch and bring back in but after seeing the look of rejection on his face I couldn’t refuse him.
You forgot me again!
What? You’re letting me out? Oh boy!
C’mon Puck, let me show you how to have fun outside.
First, you have to get some sun on your belly.
Then we can build a fort.
I don’t know Chris. I think I just want to go exploring.
I was glad they had a chance to be outside. Puck raced across the yard a few times getting exercise that is difficult to get indoors, although he does do some running around inside. Chris ate some grass, which he likes to do when he is outside. He caught a lizard too, which I did not get a picture of. Both had fun in a safe environment and, as predicted, puck gave me a run for my money when it was time to go inside.
Chris has been sick for almost a week now. By that I mean he has been sneezing a lot. Other than that he seems fine, which is why I thought he was having an allergic reaction to something that is in season now. I no longer think that because Puck started sneezing yesterday and, as far as I know, allergies are not contagious.
It seems Puck may be more affected by this cold (if that is what it is) than Chris is. This morning he got on the bed before I was quite finished making it and lied down where I needed to put the last pillow. I decided to leave him there and let him rest, which he did until we were almost ready to leave for work. That is when Chris jumped on the bed and started bothering him.
“Chris,” Rose scolded, “Leave Puck alone. He doesn’t feel good.” I had to remind her that Chris was sick too but she pointed out that Chris was tougher than the average cat and I couldn’t argue about that. Hopefully they will both get over this soon. I will have to keep a close eye on them and make sure they don’t get worse.
A few times a week I catch Chris holding Puck down by the scruff of the neck. I assume he does that to remind him who’s boss. On the other side of the coin Chris will also lie down next to Puck and wash his face and ears. I think he expects Puck to do the same for him, and sometimes Puck does, but other times he gets up and leaves.
The other day Chris was lying with his head resting on Puck’s head. It was a very cute picture opportunity but by the time I returned with the camera, the cuteness was over.
What are you doing with the camera?
Shortly after I took the above picture, Puck apparently had enough of Chris invading his space and was holding him down by the scruff of the neck. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The student was now the master.
Just so you know… YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!
I noticed yesterday that Chris is sneezing a lot and I believe he is not feeling well, which may be why he is seeking a little more attention from Puck than usual. Last night he was on the couch again in what I thought would be a repeat of the other night, but Chris was a little less obtrusive this time and Puck decided to put up with him.
I was feeling nostalgic and pulled this picture from the archives. It was from February, 2011, taken when Abbey and Tigger were still alive. Those two used to lie together and Chris would interrupt their nap by lying on top of or in between them. They didn’t like the interruption but would graciously tolerate his presence.
Chris loves going outside and sometimes he is just downright annoying about asking to go out. The other day I gave in to his demands and let him out.
When I let him out, it is usually for just five or ten minutes while I stand there and watch him. Sometimes he runs out the door when I come home, despite my best efforts to contain him, and I just give him a few minutes before retrieve him.
When he goes outside he usually just eats grass for the first few minutes, unless a lizard crosses his path. I have heard that cats eat grass when they are not feeling good but Chris always wants to eat grass. I hope that doesn’t mean he always feels bad. He sure does not act like he’s sick.
Chris enjoying the great outdoors.
Mmmm. Good grass.
What happened to the catnip plant? (Note: my plants are not always in disarray)
After Chris was outside, I noticed Puck inside watching him. I felt bad but it is difficult watching two cats at once.
What about me?
Finally I couldn’t take that sad look anymore so I let Puck outside too.
Hi Puck. Glad you could make it.
Let me show you around. This is our neighbors door. I think we can find trouble here.
I don’t know about trouble, Chris, but I found either poop or charcoal briquettes.
Letting Puck out proved to be a bad decision because when it was time to go in, he was the bad cat this time. Whenever I tried to pick him up, he would run off to a different location. I must have looked pretty funny chasing him around the yard.
The title may be exaggerated but lately it seems like I find the cats playing with a lizard almost everyday. Sometimes it happens more than once in a day. I can only guess that they come in under the patio door, Chris or Puck finds them, asks them nicely if they want to play, and when hearing no reply (lizards can’t talk silly) bring them into the house for fun and games. It always seems to be a group event. Apparently they think they are pack animals like wolves.
This past week I had to dislodge three lizards from either Chris or Puck and put them outside. A couple more times I was too late.
The other day I walked by the bathroom and noticed Puck in the litter box and Chris standing next to it as if he was waiting his turn. Upon further inspection I noticed that Puck had brought a lizard into the box. I was too late to save it and I am not sure if it was a ceremonial burial that I interrupted.
Hurry Puck! If they find it we will be in trouble.
I am burying it as fast as I can.
Bad Cat Chris 