Pussy Lover

2005-08-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

You are a Siamese! You are fun-loving, playful,
energetic, talkative, and exotic. You are the
center of attention and you love every minute
of it.

What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

A Funny Letter

2005-06-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

This was a forwarded email to me by an online buddy in a Cat Forum. It made me laugh big time, so i decided to share it with all my readers here. Cheers!

My dear Cats,

I love you guys, but you’re making my life a living hell right now. I hope this is just a reaction to some natural disaster looming in the near future and not how you intend to live the rest of your lives. Because, if this is the way you intend to live your lives, they will be very short indeed!

White cat: Shut the fuck up. Yes, I know you’re there. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes. Have you ever noticed how I leave the house for around 9 hours each and every weekday? I have this job thing. This thing keeps you in food and toys and stuff. It also allows me to purchase the furniture you so readily destroy. If you keep raising hell at 5am, I will continue to be in a pissy mood and stand a good chance of being fired from my job. Result? No more stuff for you.

Black cat: Ever heard of a courtesy flush. Well, that’s what we humans do when we let loose with a particularly rank dump. In case you haven’t noticed, you specialize in particularly rank dumps and I think a courtesy flush (or in your case a courtesy scratch) would be in order. And no, scratching the floor AROUND the litter box does not count. There is a reason for that litter. Think about it and use it.

To both of you: Work with me here; stay out from under my feet. I can’t feed you if I’m unconscious on the floor. Try lying on clothes that actually MATCH your fur color instead of contrasting colors. Stay the fuck away from my food. I certainly don’t mess with yours. Make sure that all wildlife brought into the house is actually dead. I’m getting tired of cleaning up after your slasher movies.

If you follow these few simple rules, you will live long and prosper and I will love you with all my heart!

Thanks,
Me

Boe's Special Day!

2005-04-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's Boe's 4th birthday!

I will never forget the first moment I saw Boe. Her eyes instantly cut through me and right there and then, she stole my heart. How time flies really and I still can't believe I have this awesome cat who never ceases to bring a smile to my face.

This is the second time she's spending her birthday with me and I know we'll both celebrate many more birthdays together. She's been a real blessing. Just a couple of weeks ago I found myself in the ER having a terrible case of gastritis. Days before that, I was bravely resisting the urge to bring myself to the hospital and throughout that time, Boe was a source of comfort to me. She would climb up my bed and lean againts me. She would normally stay in her basket below my bed but surprisingly, that very week she slept on my bed as if to convey that she's there for me. Cat's are sensitive creatures. They know when somethings not right. When I'm feeling down and depressed, she would always have a way to make me smile.

Happy birthday my baby Boe...you're truly an angel. Blow your candles now and yes, you can have extra servings of your favorite treat.

More Cat Tales

2005-03-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

I (sometimes) envy my cats. They are masters in the art of relaxation and creatures of contentment.

Take for instance, my Pozzy would sit hours on end on a window sill enjoying the sunlight through the smoked glass. I would often wonder what she's thinking of whenever she isolates herself that way. I look at her and instantly see that sense of contentment and peace in her face. She sits there with her eyes half closed, softly purring away. But aside from this, she has another way of expressing contentment. And each time she does it, she makes it difficult for me to resist the temptation of approaching her for a kiss on the forehead or rubbing her soft belly. How can I resist? She's sooo cute and adorable! I'm almost certain that if you we're in my place, you wont be able to resist Pozzy's charm. I highly doubt it.

And this is Boe's idea of relaxation

& contentment:snuggling next to me.

********

I bought a bigger Cat Track for my babies. This one has a scratching pad and the ball is exposed. I like the fact that it was built to really entice my cats to play. In fact I see both Pozzy and Boe frequently playing with it.

I get loads of fun watching Pozzy deeply engrossed in playing with it. She'd crawl inside the play tunnel and pretend to hunt down the white ball as her prey. She would reach out for the white ball, trying desperately to scoop it out and when she gets frustrated, she'd push it hard enough so that the white ball would to go round the track in a rather speedy fashion.

Boe on the otherhand absolutely loves the scratching pad and uses it to stretch out whenever she wakes up from her naps. Boe even found another way to enjoy this remarkable toy (and thinking outside the box so to speak) by making it her day bed!

********

Now look who's (stealing?) eating Pozzy's food?

And sleeping on my leather chair...

The Play Tunnel

2005-03-03T01:07:00.000-08:00

I drove to Ikea last weekend to get my dahling kitties the Ikea child tent I saw online. I told myself that would be perfect whenever Boe and Pozzy want to assert their feline privacy. Cat's love to hide themselves and take naps. But unfortunately, the red and blue tent that I wanted was out of stock. The creative side of me decided to choose the Ikea PS Fangst instead. It was designed in such a way that children can can use it to climb and stuff their toys inside. With this design, kids can practice hitting targets making tidying-up and sorting more fun.Trying to hit targets helps develop a child's ability to estimate distances and coordinate movements. I was suddenly struck with an idea how to transform this item into a fun toy for my babies. I bought 2 and chose the orange and yellowgreen.

I realized that the brightly colored polyester mesh was an even better choice than the tent I initially wanted considering its tunnel-like design. It was easy to see what's inside through the net so I can watch my babies when they play inside or whenever they choose to take catnaps inside. As soon as I got home, I immediately assembled the whole thing, attaching one end of the loop to another and hanging small toys inside so that they can play with it when they crawl in. I should have bought 4 so that the tunnel would reach the bedroom. Oh well. Will do that next weekend. As it is, it looks great and my babies loveee it. The pictures below show just that.

Pozzy comfortably seated inside the tunnel watching me

Hmm, maybe I should go out from this hole

Boe enjoying the green end of the tunnel.

Now I can have some peace and quiet

Cat Play

2005-02-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

Other than sleeping and eating, play is a major part of my cat’s life. Since cats are true carnivores, their games center on hunting. Rabbit, Bird, Fish, and Mouse are the four major games that cats play, and their mothers teach them these skills as kittens. Cat's can play with a human companion, another cat or group of cats, or another species of animal altogether. Some cats have the ability to amuse themselves alone, but cat's aren't as creative as most young humans. This is why they usually require a basket of toys. Toys and moving objects are great for cats and most of them relate to the four major games cats play.

Playing with my cats strengthens our bond, helps disperse their aggression, reduces whatever fears they have, builds trust and confidence and corrects any inappropriate biting and scratching. By setting aside playtime with Boe and Pozzy, I provide them with the necessary exercise for their mind and body. Let me briefly touch on the four basic types of play my Boe and Pozzy indulges in everyday.

The Bird Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy would leap through the air and swat on a particular toy. This is done for the purpose of capturing the elusive pretend bird. Most cats are able to leap five times their height from a standing position. Whenever I watch Boe and Pozzy play in this manner, it's a little like watching a cat ballet.

The Rabbit Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy grabs an object, wrestles it to the ground clasping with the front paws and kicking with the hind legs(Boe's picture above illustrates this even more, see her grab the scratching post and kick it with her hind legs). This is how any cat for that matter would attack a prey of similar size in the wild (and in the case of domesticated cats in the home including the owners foot).

The Mouse Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy would execute a finely executed pounce. This starts with pawing, stalking, biting, and capturing the object playing the part of the mouse. Sometimes it will look like the they are treading backwards when suddenly they would springs forward on the imagined object. This could be a squeeze toy, a furry mouse, or in the case of some owners, their big toe!

The Fish Game
In this game, Boe and Pozzy makes a scooping motion that imitates little hands pulling up a fish. This is often done with one paw reaching into the perceived prey. See Pozzy reach in with her paw, trying to pull out the ever illusive green ball.

Cat owners should really spend more quality time with their kitties. Personally I find a deep sense of fulfilment each and everytime I play with my cats. The laughter I derive from each activity wipes the daily blues instantly. I don't need coffee or chocolates to give me that "high". Seeing them enjoy playtime with me is more than enough to give me that happy feeling.

Here's to a constant playtime for you and your cats in the coming days!

Grooming Time

2005-02-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

I love grooming my cat's. By this I mean two things, brushing their coats and clipping their nails. It's my way of spending quality time with them.

I have to admit, I don't follow the book when it comes to cat grooming. For example, it is advised that short haired cats like Boe need very little brushing usually once a week or once every other week is enough. Just stroking her fur is enough to bring out the beautiful shiny sheen. But I can't stand not brushing it anyways at least every other day. She's ok with this except when I sort of get carried away and brush too much and longer than she could handle. She won't bite or claw me but usually she would swish her tale to warn me of her irritation, just enough to give me time to back off. I learned my lesson the hard way when I didn't really understand the swishing of her tail when I brushed her coat for the first time. As expected, Boe gave me a warning bite. After that incident, I started to read more about cat behavior just to understand what certain feline movements mean.

While Boe require very minimal brushing, it's exactly the opposite when it comes to my Pozzy. She needs to be brushed DAILY(and she hates it). It's not easy brushing her at all. At first she would swipe me with her claws. I had to think of a way to avoid getting hurt. And so I managed to attach the brush in a 12 inch flat stick. This way, even if she tries to swipe me away with her claw, she would only hit the brush and not my hand. Brushing Pozzy is like forcing a 4 year old kid to take a bath. She would usually run away the moment she see's my hand with that evil brush. I would follow her anywhere just to brush her coat. Eventually she felt resigned to the fact that I AM THE BOSS and I get things my way whether she likes it or not.

********

If it's a crime at all, then I would readily admit to forcibly cutting my cat's claws. Most cats do not like having their toenails trimmed. I have to "force" Boe and Pozzy to submit to this stressful session otherwise, they might hurt each other in one of their cat fights. When left uncut, their claws grow to be razor sharp weapons of defense.

This may seem like a daunting task at first, but trimming our cat's claws regularly is an important part of maintaining their hygiene. Keeping our cat's claws clipped will also minimize scratches that we might suffer. Trust me, it's not a pleasant feeling getting scratched by cats claws. From experience, the best time to trim my cat's claws is when they are relaxed/sleepy or when they just woke up from a nap. I literally avoid giving them a pedicure right after a stressful experience or an energetic round of play.

Some cat owners use clippers to cut their kitties claws. I use the ever dependable nail cutter instead. I would hold it vertically so that the claw is trimmed from bottom to top instead of across the nail. This position help prevents splitting the nail that usually occurs when it is cut horizontally. I would hold a paw in one hand and press a toe pad gently to extend the claw. I make sure I dont cut the pink tissue (also known as the "quick") on the inside of the cat's claw and literally avoiding it; cutting into it will cause pain and bleeding.

That pissed look from Pozzy before

and after a nailclipping session

Boe's resistance to the nailclipping session is nothing compared to Pozzy's. She just hates it and would do anything to break away from my grip. I would talk to her in the most loving voice just to calm her down and assure her I'm not going to hurt her. I somehow suspect that her previous owner must accidently hurt Pozzy in the process which explains her resistance. I don't know if Pozzy will ever get over the trauma so I am trying my very best to use "gentle force" on her( if there's such a word). I would usually shower her with praises right after each session and immediately spend some playtime with her. I want her to associate nailclipping to playtime so that eventually the fear and resistance will lessen and hopefully she would look forward to the session instead.

Sexier Boe

2005-02-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

A leaner looking Boe sleeping soundly beside me

I have a good reason to celebrate. Boe lost weight!! Yipeeeeeeee*jumping up and down*

My well planned strategy worked. Boe's slender form is back. If my assessment is correct, Boe lost around 5 pounds in just one week. That's a lot of excess weight chopped off her. Her agility improved drastically. I noticed in the past she had difficulty running away from Pozzy when the two of them engage in the usual cat fight. Now she can speed away in a blink of an eye and even Pozzy got a little bit surprised by this renewed speed from Boe. Ganun na sya kabilis tumakbo ngayon! Tuwang tuwa talaga ako.

Now I'm a little bit tempted to write Science Diet and let them know their product worked wonders for my Boe. I think they should even pump up their product campaign for Science Diet Light considering the alarmingly huge number of obese cats in the US. Seriously, a lot of cat owners should resist the temptation of feeding their kitties with table food. They endanger their cat's health when they take for granted this single most important rule of thumb when it comes to cats health. Kawawa naman yung pusa. Sigh.

I find it hard to believe na in a span of a week lang ay matatapyas na agad yung kinaiinisan kong taba nya sa belly area. What an amazingly fast transformation indeed. Sana ganun din kabilis mag lose ng weight ang tao. Buti pa si Boe nagawa ito in a week eh samantalang ako, hindi lang yata tatlong buwan kailangan ko para magawa iyon, baka isang taon pa huhuhu kainis. Sana may Science Diet Light formula for human consumption with the same potency para naman in one week, anyone who has weight concerns would get a leaner look. Ang tanong, ano naman kaya ang lasa nun? Ewww. Ok, halata na ba na naingit ako kay Boe? bwahihi

Here's to a long and happy life for Boe. Cheers!

********

First time

2005-01-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

I'm ecstatic! Finally, I witnessed Boe and Pozzy enjoy playtime without the stressful territorial fights and irritating hisses. At last, they both sat quietly enjoying the elastic string on a wand that I made for them and a new toy I bought from Petsmart.

According to Petsmart's survey, the Cat Track is one of the most popular cat toys sold last year. Given their storewide sale, I got it for $4 from the regular price of $9. What a steal. As shown in the picture, an enticing yellow-green lightweight ball is "trapped" inside a perfectly shaped blue-colored circular track. Curious cats like Pozzy and Boe can see the ball from every angle making it irresistible not to grab or swipe the ball with their paws. They would both attempt to scoop out the ball but just can't seem to "fish" it out. The ball would scoot out of reach just when they thought they've captured it. This toy offers not only great exercise for both of them, but a lot of mental stimulation as well. Cool toy!

My cats love to play. I enjoy watching them run after the elastic string when I swing it around. They would leap and move with grace and agility, extremely focused in catching the string and chewing on it once they manage to "capture" it like a prey. Cats love this catch and grab game and I'm really happy that their feline curiosity and love for play drew them a little closer now. I'm looking forward to more peaceful playtime between them.

Boe: Yipee! We have a new toy Pozzy...
Pozzy: Hmm, interesting shape. Let's observe it first Boe..

Boe: I love this dangling string Pozzy..oops, it slipped
through my paw. Grab it Pozzy!
Pozzy: Hold it right there Boe, let me try and catch
it...

Boe: Whew! That was fun Pozzy. Wanna play more?
Pozzy: I need a break Boe. This green ball intrigues me..

Boe: Why don't you try and scoop it out Pozzy
Pozzy: Later Boe. Hey look, I caught the string!!!

Boe: Good job Pozzy! Why don't we plan out a strategy
to capture this green ball, Pozzy?
Pozzy: I'm not much of a thinker like you Boe. I'd rather trust
my instinct, it never fails.

Boe: Well you're right about that Pozzy. Alright then,
no more strategic plans.Go ahead and catch that string.
Let me know if you need help...
Pozzy: I have a better idea Boe, let's just sit out here
and chill...

Shifting Hues

2005-01-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

I love weekends. This is the only time I get the chance to make changes to my blog. And as you have now noticed, I have given my blog a major facelift so to speak.

Not that I had anything againts the color scheme green and yellow(sabi nga ng feng shui experts, swerte daw ang green this year) but I felt that given the variety of colors available out there, I can make a shift to something a little bit better. And yes I admit, I'm the type who likes to change things when I feel there's a need to. And this weekend, I was in the mood to transform this blog into a more visually appealing page.

I've experimented with several color combinations, tinkered with the hex html color chart and finally went with my personal favorite: Purple. I combined this with shades of blue, pale red and yellow. I was torn between the blue and purple shades early on but after hours spent on trial and error, I managed to make a decision to go with purple. And so, voila! As a result, I'm pleased to offer a more visually pleasant blog page for everyone.

I have also added an email link for those of you who want to correspond with me re: my blog and whatever comes to mind. The pet photo and cat information marquee I added on top of the page definitely gives movement to the blog making it a little more interesting.

I honestly had fun tinkering with the blog template and will definitely continue finding ways to improve the overall look and feel of this page. This is just the first of many changes ahead. And like I always say, there is no limit to one's imagination and no limit to what can be done to make something better.

Here's to a fun week ahead. Meow!

Changes

2005-01-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

You guessed it right. I made the necessary shift from Science Diet Advance to Science Diet Light. I've surfed and read tons of information enough to convince me that this is what's best for Boe. And what perfect timing, Petsmart is having a sale right now so I rushed back to the store and grabbed 2 - 4 lb bags of the Light formula.

Boe should only be limited to 1/2 cup of food a day. If she finishes that half the day, then that's it. No more refills. But I'm surprised that after giving her the Light formula yesterday, the trips to the foodbowl drastically dropped today. Not that it's less palatable but based from the information, this formula keeps her feeling "full" given the high fiber content and more importantly, it's low fat and low calorie food for cats. This way she eats less but still gets the necessary dietary requirement for the day.

I'm so pleased that Boeboe didn't reject her new dry food formulation. I trust in the product guarantee written on the package which confidently state "Great Taste 100% Guaranteed" and the years of research that went into the making of this product. Most cats hate changes in their food but based from Boe's reaction, she didn't even notice the change at all. Being creatures of habit, cats hate any form of change. But being a responsible cat owner entails decision making especially when the changes directly apply to their health. I look forward to a leaner Boeboe in the coming months. Wish us luck!

********

You bet, I have my share of personal changes too. I decided to end that sickening sight of dust building up on my Total Gym...time to utilize my 2 year old investment. Ha! That's right, it's been 2 years since I had this equipment at home but due to umm lets see, sheer laziness?! I haven't really maximized the use of this powerful fitness tool. What better way to go into this thing with a fitness buddy in Boeboe to remind me of the goals we've set for ourselves.

It is time to trim away the unsightly flab in my abs for a more muscular, leaner and yes, sexier me. And do take note that this is NOT part of any new year's resolution. I don't believe in that crap. But I do believe in people making things happen and resisting the temptation of putting aside matters of great importance such as health. This means putting an end to a longggg list of my favorite high calorie food stuff(like pizza) and setting aside time for exercise. So wish me (more) luck!

********

Yipeee! Finally I managed to replace that darn twin size mattress I've been sleeping on for over 3 months now with a brand new twin- sized Simmons mattress. This much needed change has been a long overdue one. I'm tired of waking up feeling like a thousand people kicked me in the back. Trust me, it's that bad.

Have you ever experienced Thoraco Lumbar pain caused by a worn out bed? It sucks! Imagine sleeping on a mattress with a defective springset. Not only will your neck hurt, your spine would suffer as well. This is why orthopedic doctors recommend orthopedic beds. It's perfect for back related problems and avoiding sleep related pains. I had a tough time looking around for a reasonably priced twin size mattress. I don't want to spend USD 500-700 on a Queen size bed yet so, the next best move is replacing the worn out, hand-me-down twin size mattress that came with the Day bed. Luckily, Costco decided to sell twin size beds this season. I've been shopping there for 3 years and this is the first time they sold twin size mattresses. What perfect timing.

Thank heavens for the pleasant sleep this weekend. What a difference really. Oh and the cats love the new mattress too! It's a good thing I have my camera phone beside me to capture this fun moment. For the first time, Boeboe and Pozzy peacefully leaped in my bed to sleep minus the fight. I'm covered with the red flat sheet while my two babies peacefully snore away.

(More) Pussy Thoughts and Cat Tales

2005-01-13T23:24:00.000-08:00

As expected Boe's dry food ran out earlier than expected. I had to rush to Petsmart to replenish her food supply. She normally consumes a 4 lb-bag of Science Diet in less than a month. Hopefully, the 4 lb bag will be enough for 6 weeks given the new feeding method I'll introduce this week. No more free choice feeding for Boeboe. This type of feeding is similar to having a round-the-clock buffet setup, meaning Boeboe can go back and forth her foodbowl anytime she feels like eating. Now you know why she gained weight. Well that has to change. I want to see her leaner in the coming months. Wish us luck!

********

In a way I'm fortunate to have adopted a cat who's into dry food. Some cats prefer being fed with the wet kind. In other cases, fed with human food. This is a big NO-NO! What's even more shocking is that some cat owners allow their pets to eat ice cream, cakes, hamburgers and what ever they have in the fridge. This kind of feline "pampering" is similar to giving your cat a daily dose of poison.Table food is way too fatty for the digestive systems of cats(and animals in general) and can lead to severe stomach upsets. This can also trigger a possibly fatal pancreatic inflammation. Imagine feeding your cats "bulalo" everyday, do you think the poor thing will live long enough or beyond its normal lifespan? Certainly not.

In short, every cat owner should RESIST the temptation of feeding their cat whatever's on their plate. Companies like Hill's, Purina and Whiskas spend billions in research and development in order to come up high quality cat food. Cat food is designed to meet the dietary requirements of a cat.This is why it's a MUST to feed them ONLY with cat food.

Oh and before I forget, don't ever make that mistake of giving chocolates to your kitties. It is ultra toxic to them.

********

Having a cat entails commitment. It requires educating one's self constantly by reading books on cat care or any cat related literature for that matter as well as participating in discussion groups/online forums to learn how other cat owners handle problems with their feline companions. One has to take the time to know these things otherwise you won't understand what your cats are saying(and believe me they do communicate a lot). The motion of their ears and tails and even the direction of their whiskers mean something. Unless you equip yourself with the necessary knowledge, then there is no way you will bond seamlessly with your pet.

I noticed some people get carried away with the thought of having a cat of their own after seeing how beautiful Boe and Pozzy are but forgetting the responsibility attached to having them. I encourage those who are sort of "enticed" by the idea of having a cat to really take the time to look into themselves and find out if they are indeed ready to take responsibility for these feline creatures(or any pet for that matter). Getting a cat is similar to having a child where loads and heaps of patience and love is needed and required. If you think you have what it takes to be a cat owner, then by all means get a cat. You won't regret it.

********

Darn weekend sale. As a result, I bought a new sleeping basket for Pozzy(I wasn't even planning to get her one, err but i did). With it came a soft pillow and a thermal blanket to keep her warm this winter. It was fascinating to see her carefully inspect, sniff around and constantly rubbing her cheeks againts the basket. This is the cat way of saying "THIS ONE IS MINE" or Pozzy claiming the basket as her own. In less than 15 minutes, Pozzy comfortably lay inside her new bed (and eventually dozing off). What a lovely sight.

The next few nights thereafter, I noticed that Pozzy hasn't been sleeping in her other bed except that one particular night when it was freezing cold. Instead I would catch her sitting beside it for a while then moving straight inside the room to jump inside her basket. It seems to me that Pozzy now prefers the basket over her foam bed. Well I don't blame her. I'd pick the basket too if only for the thermal blanket that goes with it(not to mention the leg room).

********

Boe has a basket of her own. She sleeps there every now and then(or whenever she feels "safe"). Boe started to feel uneasy sleeping in her basket after several incidents of Pozzy sneaking up on her. She hates Pozzy for that. So I decided to make a pillow bed as an alternative sleeping station for her and made sure it is elevated to deter attacks from naughty Pozzy. I placed it next to my PC table so I could conveniently reach out to pet her whenever I want to. She in turn gets the pleasure of watching me surf the internet, and occasionally leaping straight to my lap to take a nap and get kisses on the forehead while sleeping. I love it whenever she tries to reach out to touch me with her soft paws whenever she feels like stretching. I would usually tease her with a bird's feather, swishing it in front of her face fast enough to prevent her from swiping it with her paws and biting it. She enjoys this game immensely. There are times I would catch her reaching out to play with the wires attached to my DSL modem, a ploy to get my attention(which works all the time).

What I enjoy most is seeing her sleep soundly beside me. It's rewarding to see one's pet sleeping contently. What a blessing it is for me to sleep each night with the thought that I tried my very best to make them happy, and to provide for their needs. I'm blessed with two awesome cats who always brings a smile to my face no matter how tough the day has been and I certainly look forward to many more happy days with them.

Here's to a purrrfect weekend ahead. Meow!!!

********

I promised to post Boe's latest pictures on a previous entry, so here is it. Enjoy!

Hmm, I wonder what Pozzy's up to...

Don't even think about it...

I'm feeling blue today...

Ramdom Thoughts and Ramblings of a Pussy Lover

2005-01-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

It's winter time. As expected, my cats have been sleeping longer than the usual. Playtime has been set aside to give way to their extended sleeping hours. I've been watching them in their sleep, observing silently. Boe usually has a certain curl position where she covers her face with one of her paws. She doesn't like the light from my PC monitor when she sleeps(hates it in fact).Pozzy on the otherhand sinks herself right smack her cat couch with her tail touching her face(uses it just like a scarf to keep her warm). Both her front paws extend as far as she could, strething it as comfortable as she can. I love watching them snore away. Every now and then I would run my hand across their backs, petting them gently just like a mother does to a sleeping child in a cold winter night. They would purr to encourage me to pet them more, and I would. It's their way of saying, "Thank you for watching over us."

There's this not-so-secret wish I have eversince I adopted them; to actually see them sleep snuggly together(better yet, on my bed). I would be pleased to see them sit side by side enjoying the outdoors while seated on top of the window ledge.

It's a known fact that it takes a longer time for cats to get used to the presence of another cat. I don't know how long this so-called getting to know stage would last between Boe and Pozzy. Maybe another month? Three months? A year? Hell, no one knows. But it's not just about the waiting. It's about hoping for things to get better, and believing that the animosity will cease. In life, we all hate the "waiting" part of things and find it tough to exercise patience in having to wait for something to actually happen. But when we really think about it, there are things in life we certainly cannot rush. We just have to believe that one day, the waiting will end. Just believe, period.

Maybe this winter would draw them to one sleeping spot, curled side by side minus the hisses and paw fights. Maybe this winter will make them seek each others warmth to make it through the many chilly mornings ahead. I shall wait...and believe.

********

I decided to transfer Pozzy's couch in the living room, right behind my PC chair.She can't stand the winter's chill inside my room(and i can't either). Now she has complete access to me.Funny that she somehow mellowed down a bit when I did that. By this I mean she lessened the attacks on Boeboe and appeared to be more relaxed and secure. Somehow I know the attacks are rooted on jealousy. She hates the attention I give Boeboe*rolleyes* Now that she sleeps where she can see me, she's so much calmer and is less bitchy. I've been giving her tons of attention lately, petting her more than usual. It's good to know that Pozzy has somehow adjusted to the reality that Boe won't go away and no amount of bitchin around would change this fact. I'm glad I moved her sleeping couch in arms length so that during breaks, I could just turn around and pet her(and take pictures too).

Lesson learned:

1. Never isolate the poor thing any longer than necessary.

2. Be fair. Never show the other cat that you favor the other one than her.

3. Spend EQUAL play time.

4. Praise them constantly when they behave well(especially when the day ended WITHOUT a cat fight).

********

Eversince I moved to a new apartment, I noticed Boeboe's body weight drastically changed. Yes people, Pozzy is right in saying Boe's err,a little overweight(like me hihi).Boe's weight noticeably increased from the time we settled in our new place. And lately,I experienced difficulty in carrying her in my arms. Ang bigat na nya talaga. I expect her vet to freak out the moment she steps on the scale. Kung pwede lang ba sabihin na "Pasko kasi eh, kaya ayan tumaba sya."

I really don't know how this happened. Maybe it was less stressful for Boeboe now. Maybe she's happier in this new place.And please don't think it has something to do with the amount of food I give her. Trust me,she gets the same amount/portion and I've been strict about measurements when it comes to her food.I've never even given her wet food(believed to be more fattening than the dry variety). The good thing is that she became more alert and playful eversince I changed from the regular Science Diet formula to the advanced formulation. I suspect that the new formula tastes much better which explains the increase in visits to her food bowl.

I started to worry when her belly pouch appeared more visible(kung sa tao pa, obvious na ang "bilbil" nya). Whenever she leaps from her couch to the floor, I would hear her struggle with her breathing(Imagine an overweight person jumping, di ba mabilis hingalin at maingay ang paghinga?).Kung dati hindi ko naririnig ang paglalakad nya, ngayon naririnig ko na. In short, she gained weight. When I got her from the pound, she weighed 14 lbs. And now I suspect she weighs around, err 20?( this is a just a conservative estimate).

If Boe we're human, I'd surely look into liposuction(para instant result). I know people will tell me exercise is the key. If there's such a thing as cat gym, I'd get her a membership. I'd even check out the market for a possible cat treadmill. If only there's a cat version of Total Gym, then I'd get her that too. But the question is, does she really want to exercise? Would she really enjoy the process of losing weight and be motivated enough to workout on a daily basis? Hmm, maybe not. Cat's love to sleep. And like human beings, they hate exercise plain and simple.

There must be another way, the so-called "cat-way" of losing weight. This type of concern calls for professional help.Time to call her vet. It's her job to figure out how to bring back my Boe's shapely body. I'm not a vet, therefore I shouldn't be squeezing my brains out trying to find the right solution for her weight problem. Ha! Problem solved*wink*

********

Yipeee!More good news my friends. I decided to submit the very first blog entry I wrote about Boeboe here at Blogger and fortunately, it got accepted in the journal entry section of the pet site I mentioned on my previous posting. In return, we we're given a one year subscription to Cat Fancy Magazine. Cool isn't it? For those of you who failed to read my first blog entry here, then here's your chance to read it(instead of digging through the archive section of this blog). Here's the link:

http://www.apetsblog.com/pets-journal/pet-adoption.htm

********

I checked out Catster(thanks to the suggestion of a new blog friend Dom)and opened an account for Boe and Pozzy. It is catdom's version of "Friendster". It's fun finding friends for my feline companions. Currently, they both have 100 plus friends since I signed up(and counting).
Check Boe and Pozzy's Profiles here:
Boe: http://www.catster.com/?104209
Pozzy: http://www.catster.com/?104230

Sleepyhead Pozzy is a WINNER

2005-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Sleepyhead Pozzy
Originally uploaded by PussyLover.

Yippeee! I participated in an online photo contest just this afternoon and sent this photo I have of Pozzy and fortunately, my entry won. I feel so proud.

Anyway, I'm planning to participate in the journal entry category as well and hopefully win that free subscription to Cat Fancy Magazine. Wish me luck! Here's the url of the site in case you want to check it out

http://www.apetsblog.com/pets-photo-album/index.htm.

Going Digital

2005-01-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

A close friend of mine urged me to get a digital camera about a year or so ago. I kept putting off the purchase. Then I started this blogging thing recently and that's when the need for a digital camera suddenly start to pinch me more and more in the butt. In reality, my Nokia 6600 camera phone cannot capture the real beauty of my feline babies given its technical limitations. When I started blogging, one of my objectives was to share photographs of my beautiful cats. Finally I shall put an end to mediocre pictures(can you tell i'm certainly unimpressed with the pictures i've taken and uploaded prior to the one i've taken using a digital camera?) I guess you can see with your own eyes the obvious difference in picture resolution.

And so armed with a brand new Canon S500, I literally spent New Year's Day taking pictures of Boeboe and Pozzy. I enjoyed it immensely. To a certain degree, I actually hated myself for delaying such a necessary investment. Then again, had I bought this camera earlier, I wouldn't be getting it at it's discounted value. It always pays to wait before investing in something pricey. It also gave me time to research which digital camera to get. I was torn between getting a Sony W1 and Canon S500. I had to read tons of customer reviews and see actualy print outs from both camera models to reach a decision. I am more than certain that I made the right decision by choosing Canon over Sony. Sure, it was a pricier than Sony. Then again, pricing wasn't my main buying consideration and I have a long list of reasons why I believed Canon was the way to go.

To my friends and recent blog acquiantances, many thanks for taking time to visit my blog. Here's to a purrrfect year. Cheers!

Here are some snapshots of Pozzy. I shall upload Boe's pictures next time. Enjoy everyone!

Hmm, inis na Pozzy(Hindi ko kasi tinatantanan sa kakakuha ng picture e)

Sleepyhead Pozzy

Pozzy showing off her tongue(actually she's sticking her tongue out at me)

Pat-si-yah

2004-12-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

I'm Pozzy. I hear I was named after a famous tennis player( but whoever that is no one knows). My dada lovingly calls me Pat-si-yah in an irritating falsetto voice. It's ok. I tolerate her, because she means well. I used to be owned by K.C. and she had to give me away because of that evil landlord from hell. He doesn't allow pets. I was depressed for a few days in my new home, because everything was new and horror of horrors, there's another cat--BoeBoe.

She's something. A Russian Blue they say. pshhhh. Russian Blue my foot, she's a grey cat is what she is. With olive eyes, ok those are nice. She's capable of just sitting in one place for hours on end saying nothing, to me the kind of boredome that stuns the mind. I'm different. I like to walk around. Sure I sleep, but they know when I'm awake coz I can be everywhere. But not BoeBoe. One thing though, she get's to sleep right next to dada. I have to sleep separately, because dada said I like to fight with BoeBoe. But who can blame me? And plus she eats a lot! And they wonder why I attack her every single time she goes to her food bowl which is about 25 times a day--she's fat!!!! And I'm diligent in all my watches. I could be sleeping in the corner or on the bed, but once I hear or get an inkling that she's eating again, I don't waste time--I make a run for it and hiss at her.

Did i mention that in my spare time, I read and surf the net? This morning I decided to research my breed. Everything was going well in my view, like "Persian cats were considered precious cargo carried by dusty desert caravans as they wound their way westward from Persia and the exsistence of the breed was evident even thru hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C, etc." until i got to the part of "Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected environment with proper maintenance that also requires a daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential drawbacks like tangles and hairballs. An occasional bath, attempted only after a complete and thorough clipping of the nail tips, will keep the coat clean, healthy and beautiful." LIES!!!!!!!!! Nothing but a pack of lies!! I don't need to brushed, thank you. I do cough up a hairball or two now and then, but hey, they don't know that I so hate brushings. And my nails are FINE. Having said this, dada never leaves me alone. She even figured out how to brush me safely by taping the handle of a brush on one end of a footlong ruler so that when she brushes me, i can't reach out and scratch her. Doesn't she know i belong to the Persian-Himalayan Division of Persian cats and that means I'm beautiful no matter what mattes and all. But it's a losing battle. With my Dada, I can run, but i can't hide. *groan*

Sabi ng dada, si BoeBoe daw laking convento at ako daw jologs. Mahilig daw ako maki-C.R. sa C.R. ng may C.R. I really don't see what the big deal is eh kay BoeBoe lang naman yun. Ginagamit ko yung C.R. nya kasi nasa sala na rin lang ako, so bakit hindi. Tapos malapit din dun yung food at water bowl nya so makiki-inom na rin ako. It's so convenient. Ako kasi praktikal lang. Si dada at yan si Boeboe, shadong proper chuva.

Sutil daw ako. "Ayan na si Sutil", "Sutil talaga!!!!", ani ni Dada palagi. Pero nakatawa naman sya pag sinasabi nya yun. Sus. Kaba-brush sa kin ng dada ko, lalo pa raw ako gumanda( as in!). Medyo tumaba din ako(pero di naman kasing taba ng iba jan huh *tingin kay Boeboe*). Kumportable na ko sa bagong home ko. Feel ko na. Ramdam ko na mahal na mahal ako. Si dada na lang eh kung lamutakin ako. Inaangilan ko na sya't lahat, di pa rin nya ako tinatantanan sa pagbuhat tapos i-hug ng sobrang higpit, sabay kiss pa sa cheeks ko. Nakakaiinis lang pag sumasali si alam mo na. Korni talaga ng Boeboe na yan. Hmpft. Tingin ko inggit sya sa akin. Sobrang tuwa kasi si dada in the way I dart across the room na may patalon-talon. At ako lang yata ang pusang tumatayo sa tuktok ng scratching post, hmp, beat that! With Boeboe, inertia is her middle name. Hindi ako magtataka kung isang araw mangitlog na lang sya sa pag-upo upo nya buong magdamag. At hindi ako magugulat kung isang araw bigla nalang yan pumutak na parang manok*laughing*.

Ooops, I have to go. Time to run around the house and play with my toys. Catch you later pussy lovers*winks*

A Day In The Life Of My Cats

2004-12-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

(6 am, Boe in dreamland)
"Kailangan mahuli ko na ang pesteng daga na yun!Grrr, lagi nalang sya nakakatakas. Hmm, makausap nga si Pozzy mamaya, siguro may mas magandang plano yun. Paghatian nalang namin, hating kapatid*evil grin* "

( 9 am, and STILL in dreamland)

"I can almost feel it, that darn rat will be trapped beneath my paws and there shall be no escape! Tignan ko lang kung makatakas pa sya.."

"Aysus, nananaginip na naman si taba. Hmm hilahin ko kaya buntot nito. Tanghali na, tulog pa din. Oh well, basta ako maglalaro dito sa PC table. Andito kasi yung mouse eh, ayan inupuan ko para hindi makatakas."

"Aha! At ano naman ginagawa mo dyan? Bawal pumatong dyan sa PC table, ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo Pozzy. Bumaba ka nga dyan. Isusumbong kita mamaya!"

" Che! Ewan ko sau! Inggit ka lang. If I know, gusto mo din umupo dito. Tanghali na noh, puro ka tulog. Ayan tuloy ang taba taba mo na! Maka baba na nga dito, baka hindi ako makapagpigil syo, masapak pa kita."

"Alam mo, ang kapal talaga ng mukha mo. May kama ka naman bakit dyan ka na naman nahiga?! Heller? At nagsalita ang hindi mahilig matulog. Excuse me noh, hindi ako mataba, muscular lang. Eh ikaw? Para kang si Palito na nakadamit ng furcoat, BLEH!

"Ah ganun?! Inggit ka lang kasi mestiza ako, samantalang ikaw BALUGA! Hay nako, wala akong panahon makipag argumento sayo. Sayang ang energy ko at malalagasan lang ako ng buhok syo. Tigilan mo nko pwede? Mind your own business! Hay makatulog na nga"

"Hay nako, bakit ko ba pinapatulan ang bruhang ito, masisira lang araw ko. Hmm, mabuti pa matulog nalang ako. I have no time for losers! Ako nalang huhuli dun sa pesteng daga na yun. Hindi ko maaasahan na tumulong si urduha tsk tsk. Hmpft mabuti na din yun, at least wala akong kahati."

"hehehe, wala namang sinabi itong tabachoy na ito e, hangang salita lang. Makatulog na nga para gumanda araw ko. Time for my beauty sleep."

ZZZzzzzzzzz

And they slept happily all day. The end.

Pozzy

2004-12-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

This was Pozzy's picture when I first saw her online. She's a 3 year old purebred Persian cat. Her previous owner had no choice by to give her away. In the U.S., some apartment owners don't allow pets and unfortunately for the previous owner, she overlooked the said rule on her lease contract and therefore had to offer Pozzy for adoption. It took her more than 4 months to look for a worthy owner. I was the lucky one.

The very first thing that caught my attention when I saw Pozzy was her beautiful face. She walked across the room with the grace of a ballet dancer. She had a sweet voice(so much better than Boe's in fact). I couldn't believe that I was taking home this charming cat.

I fell in love again! This time with Persian Pozzy.

*****************

This is Pozzy's very first picture, taken the following day while she's resting inside my cabinet. This was captured using a camera phone. Isn't she lovely?

Changing Colors

2004-12-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Most of the time I imagine my cats in rainbow-colored furs. Gusto ko may nakikita akong bago sa kanila, gusto ko MAS makulay sila. Obviously, Boe has a silvery gray coat and Pozzy in her mocha frap vanilla white shaded coat( oo na, para sa mga naghihintay ng pic ni pozzy, konting pasensya pa lol). In the eyes of strangers, black and white cats lang talaga sila. So ordinary. Walang kabuhay buhay na mga kulay at maihahambing sa mga pusakal( or pusang kalye). Kung sa pagkain pa, matabang at kulang sa lasa.
Kaya naman in my mind, i paint my cats. At times, kulay yellow si Pozzy at orange naman si Boe. Minsan pag malungkot ako, naiisip ko na maging kulay blue si Boe and Violet naman Pozzy. Pag medyo naughty ang mood ko, pareho silang green cats*naughty grin* Pag galit ako, color red sila. In short, yung kulay nila, pabago-bago ng shade. Parang rainbow. Nagyayari ito everyday and sometimes, every other moment.

Ang mga pagbabago sa kulay ay maihahambing natin sa buhay ng tao. Pabago-bago ang lahat ng bagay. Minsan sobrang tuwa tapos next minute, umiiyak na tyo. May pagkakataon naman na parang nakasakay tyo sa roller coaster, andun yung pinaghalong excitement at takot, yung thrill ika nga. Minsan naman, wala lang, matabang, walang spice at zest. Ibat-ibang emotion, pabago-bagong pangyayari. Ganun talaga ang buhay.

When I look at my cats, they aren't the plain and ordinary looking black and white cats. I choose to see them in changing hues, paint them in color and transform them into awesome creatures. Why should i limit myself to the ordinary when I can change the way they look simply by changing the way I look at them. In my life, I have the power to make things happen, and I can do so with my sheer will and the right attitude. There is no limit. The color pallette in my mind does not necessary adhere to the common color wheel. I choose to set the color tone, the shade and the overall look and feel of my life. I can paint my life the way I want to look at it. Keber ko sa ibang tao kung gusto lang nila eh black and white. Basta ako, gusto ko may kulay na higit pa dun.

We can choose to have ordinary lives but at the same time, we can choose to live a truly worthwhile and meaningful life. We have the power to steer our lives anywhere we want to go. We can deal with our life beyond what the color wheel dictates. It is our personal drive and the very passion for life that generates that unique color pallette. Live outside the box. There's so much more to see and experience once we break free from being boxed-up(meaning, being chained to past hurts, pains, failures and what have you).

Boe leaps straight up to my lap, sitting contently and watching me type away. She's yellow and orange colored dots today. And Pozzy, a combination of indigo, yellow and violet. How fun!

Paint your life. Paint it fun!

The Cat And Cat Owner's Test

2004-12-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

For A Cat Owner like me:

Your cat waits and meows at the front door when you arrive. Is it saying: a) Welcome home b) The phone rang twice while you were out c) Feed me, NOW
my answer: C

Your cat meows at the door when you go out. Is it saying: a) Please don't leave me here all alone b) Goodbye c) But what if I get hungry while you out?
my answer: C

Your cat digs its claws in your leg. Is this: a) An unsupressed primal instinct b) A sign of affection c) A demand to be fed now
my answer: C

Your cat scratches at the door after being fed: Is it saying: a) Lemme out - I need to use the garden b) Wanna go out and play c) Wonder what they've got to eat next door?
my answer: C

Conclusion: My cats only need me for food huhuhu

For my Pussy Cats:

Your human walks into the kitchen. Does this mean: a) It's hungry b) It's lost c) You're hungry
Boe and Pozzy's answer: C

Your human puts down a bowl of food for you. Is this: a) supper b) something to keep you going till supper's ready c) inedible junk to be scorned in favour of what the human's got.
Boe and Pozzy's answer: C

Your human removes you from the top of the television. Does this mean: a) You're in trouble - better not do it again b) Nothing - humans do this from time to time c) The human wants to play, so climb up again to amuse it.
Boe and Pozzy's answer: C

Staircases are for: a) Getting up to the human's bedroom at 4am b) Lying in wait in the dark at the top of c) Walking down just slower than the human in front of it. d) all of the above
Boe and Pozzy's answer: D

Conclusion: Cat's have a mind of their own so don't feel bad if they ignore you and act as if you don't exist(but trust me on this, when you're not looking, they have their eyes fixed on YOU!)

I'm NOT the boss

2004-12-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

Surely, any devoted pussy lover out there would agree, we're NOT the boss (akala lang natin tayo ang MASTER, pero HINDI HINDI HINDI!). Our feline dahlings have a mind of their own. Unlike dogs, they are less needy of us(except when it's time to eat) and will assert their independence (even if we scream our lungs out begging for them to stay in bed a little longer than usual). Oh I'm not complaining at all. I have gracefully accepted this fact eversince I adopted Boe and Pozzy. My love and devotion form part of my retribution- a conscious act of remorse for my past cruelty(OO na, pinagdudusahan ko na ngayon ang ginawa ko noon huhuhu).

And so here's a pledge made just for my MASTERS(in atonement for my past feline cruelty).

1. I will not laugh when my master chases her tail.
2. I will be ready to play whenever my master is.
3. I will not let my master in/out "when I feel like it".
4. There must always be food in my master's dish.
5. I will graciously accept the wildlife offerings from my master.
6. I will watch where I put my big feet.
7. I will not fuss when my master is patrolling the table/kitchen counter/dresser for prey.
8. I will not chase my master with the awful noisy vacuum cleaner.
9. I will supply my master with toys and will not begrudge him if he decides to find some new ones on his own.
10. I will not move my master no matter where she decides to sleep.
11. I will share any can of tunafish that is opened.
12. I will not make fun of my master's weight.
13. I will not stick my finger in master's mouth when she yawns.
14. I will keep the master's litter box as clean (cleaner than) the human's bathroom.
15. I will be sure that my masters are comfortable in bed, only then will I arrange myself around the available space.
16. I will provide only the choicest morsels for the master's bowl, not poultry scraps.
17. I will take thousands of pictures of my masters, and show them to everyone I ever meet.
18. When my master is sleeping on some portion of my anatomy, I will not disturb him or her by getting up to attend to such mundane matters as answering the telephone or going to the bathroom.
19. I will not complain when my master steps on the break key, or settles down on the computer keyboard.
20. I will not come home smelling of other cats or (even worse!) dogs.
21. I will not move my hand while my master is busy washing it.
22. I will change my masters' litterbox at the first sign of stink, not when they have to get the point across by whizzing on the comforter.
23. I will gladly roll onto my other side when my master paws me on the cheek at 3:30 am so she can "snuggle."
24. I will not "fraternize" with other cats.
25. I will not assume my master is done reading the newspaper just because she/he is no longer looking at it or just because I am done with that page.
27. I will not assume my master doesn't like whatever is in the can I am opening.
28. I will not surprise my master my kissing her while she is sleeping.
29. I will not brush my master when he jumps up on my lap just to be petted.
30. I will not spike my master's food with medicine.
31. Attempting to hide catnip from your master is useless, so don't bother.
32. I will not ignore my master's signs to tell me when to start/stop petting, cuddling, playing, etc., no matter how subtle they are.
33. I will not talk on the phone when my master wants me stare at her and talk nicely to her.
34. I will not answer the phone when I come home if I haven't fed my master yet.
35. I will *not* pet my master while she's taking her bath!!
36. I *will* feed my master on demand. I will *feed* my master on demand. I will feed my master on *demand*.
37. I will not talk on the phone unless my master gets a chance to say "hi".
38. I will get an ice cube and throw it on the floor whenever my master requests one.
39. I will share the spicy bean dip with my master.
40. I won't shove my master out of the middle of the bed.
41. I will not weigh my master, that's Taboo.
42. The human will not say "Ewwww gross" when the master sneezes and then licks the snots off her fur.
43. I will retrieve all the toys from under the daybed and refrigerator each and every day.
44. I will change the litter at least once per day.
45. I will feed my master all he can gorge.
47. I will leave the lingerie drawer open so that my master may strew my undies around the apartment for his amusement.
48. I will not close the bathroom door thus separating myself, however momentarily, from my master.
49. I will not place my *insignificant* belongings on the royal resting places (aka coffee tables, nightstands, and dressers), nor scold my master when (s)he pushes them off.
50. I will not pull my master out of the trash bin when she is busy inspecting its contents.
51. I will refill the water bowl no matter how many times my master tips it over.
52. I will leave the potting soil where it belongs -- on the floor.
53. I will leave the toilet seat up so my master can investigate.
54. I will let my master sleep on my notes as I'm trying to study. (I'm sure I can read through the fur if I try hard enough!)
55. I will not turn on the water when my master is napping in the sink.
56. I will let my master chase my highlighter as I'm trying to highlight texts.
57. I will not highlight my master's nose and ears in fashionable neon colors.
58. I will not de-flea my sister's new master in my master's bathroom and expect my master to forgive me right away.
59. I will not try to ignore my master when she comes over to join my phone conversation, because since no one else is in the room, I must be talking to her. (Who would *really* be talking to a piece of plastic anyway?)
60. The human will not stare at the master while she is doing her business, however, the master is permitted to stare at the human in various states of undress and/or physical activity.

Confessions of a Pussy Lover Part II

2004-12-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine taking BS Biology desperately needed a cat- an adult cat. Lowella fit her requirement to a T. She has been chasing every alley cat in our village and it was obviously futile. I saw it as an opportunity to help a friend, and more importantly, end mama's sufferings well. In my mind, I was doing everyone a favor including Gel. It would mean giving an abrupt end to his asthma attacks.

In one shift motion, I covered Lowella's nose with chloroform-soaked cloth to put her to sleep and as soon as that sleep inducing chemical took effect, my friend hurriedly placed her in a sack and off she went. No more Lowella. No more asthma.

It became my closely guarded secret for years. In Gel's mind, the poor thing was probably too old to go back home or probably died of natural causes somewhere else. Gel was inconsolable. Such loss was the ultimate heart shattering experience for him. He lost not just a cat. He lost a source of joy. I have regrettably overlooked this important detail. No amount of apology can erase the fact that I've caused him so much pain, that I deprived him of his feline companion.

And now as I go through this ongoing love affair with my own cats, I cannot help but fear for the same tragic loss, to go through that very same heart shattering experience. God forbid. I might cross the line between sanity and insanity should any of them die on me. I am drowning in this karmic whirlpool. If this is the price I have to pay for my feline cruelty, then so be it. Such feline cruelty deserve punishment. I accept. Bring it on!

*******************

I believe in retribution. It is a MUST. I see each day as an opportunity to make amends. I vowed to give my cats the top of the line food(and plenty of it), warm cozy beds, countless toys for their amusement, tons of yummy treats and most important of all, my unwavering love and affection. This is my commitment.

Whenever I go to bed at night, I tell my cats that I love them. I whisper sincere assurances of NEVER ever giving them away(like what their previous owners did). I try my best to make them feel secure and ultimately wipe away their fear. They deserve to be happy, they deserve a home.

Yes. The worst nightmare of any cat has turned into the passionate pussy lover. Ironic. Nevertheless I feel no shame, only PRIDE. Why not? I have been blessed with two awesome cats, loyal and affectionate and an endless source of joy. Thank God for the realization, thank God for my cats.

Dore and Marlin for Christmas

2004-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

Aha! That's it. Now I know what to get my babies for Christmas- an aquarium full of fish!

This is the ultimate amusement center as far as cats are concerned. They can sit in front of this brightly-lit fish haven enjoying the sight of their fish friends. What seem to be a dull and boring day for my babies can easily be transformed into a truly exciting and engaging experience at home.

Let me see, I'd most probably get them some Barbs(Tiger,Tinfoil), Tetras(Emperor,Blood Fin, Neon), Molly( Lyre tail), and a couple of Angelfish and some bottom feeders. This will be enough to make a well-lit 12-15 gallon aquarium look stunning. I can imagine Boe and Pozzy spending long hours gazing at their gift(and secretly wishing to scoop out a fish or two). It would be interesting to see how they can control that predatory instinct, much so contain their feline curiousity.

Here's to a purrfect feline yuletide celebration!

Confessions of a Pussy Lover Part I

2004-12-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

I used to HATE cats. I find everything about them repulsive. Our yard was never without feline feces and it ceaselessly reeked with urine stench leading anyone to cuss out and curse those worthless lazy creatures. I grew up accustomed to that disgusting feline odor permeating our house. I was furious at the sight of them eating on top of our dining table nibbling on our left over food. I always had that sort of uncontrollable urge to kick them when they got in my way and burn their whiskers when they climb up our kitchen counter to take a nap.

Yes. I was the ultimate pussy hater.

My brother Gel was exactly the opposite. He loved cats. He loved them all so much and treated each one like kings and queens. I remember seeing him wake up each morning with a smile and as soon as he stretched out in bed, but lo and behold, our cat Lowella emerges from underneath his blanket. My aunt would often freak out whenever he would secretly allow his cat to come in from his bedroom window, hopping straight to bed with him. He didn't care where that darn cat came from, whether or not it stinked. That didn't deter him from cuddling, kissing, and literally sleeping with his cat. I cringed at the sight of him rubbing his face againts that cat's nose. He had countless asthma attacks. He even went to to the extent of secretly feeding his cat half his favorite crispy fried chicken(which was actually a fave sunday lunch dish in our household). It didn't matter that he would deprive himself of enjoying a must-eat dish.

What shocked me even more was that even after being bitten by Catty our 2 year old cat, Gel remained the pussy lover that he is. That bite alone resulted to 21 excruciatingly painful anti-rabies shots on his abdomen. There was no sign of anger, resentment and even verbal promises of never ever petting Catty. He was devastated when poor Catty drowned. She accidentally fell into our water tank and floated there for a week or so. It made me puke when I learned what happened but not Gel. He took the bloated Catty and gave it proper burial complete with flowers and prayers. He mourned Catty's loss for months.

I saw it as sheer obsession and, utter madness. He shrugged off and ignored every attempt to convince him to do away with Lowella when she became really old. It was obvious that there was no apparent end to the sickening routine of waking up with the cat, and seeing countless hours of uninterrupted feline petting.

In short, my brother was the ULTIMATE pussy lover.

And as for me, i did everything to rid of Lowella out of our house, no matter what and whatever the cost.

And i succeeded.

Yes. It was victory for me, sweet sweet victory.

Find out how i carried out this sinister plan on Part II of my confessions....

What All Cats Know About Living The Good Life

2004-12-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Act nonchalant
Be comfortable
Control yourself
Discriminate
Explore
Fake what you don't know
Grab at passing opportunities
Have moments of wild abandon
Ignore the ignorant
Jog in your sleep
Knead people
Let it all hang out
Make friends with your neighbors
Nap often
Overstep bounderies
Play with your food
Quit while you're winning
Return to your favorite places
See things others don't
Take your time
Understand human limitations
View things from more than one perspective
Wait at least 60 seconds before responding
X-pect only the best
Yawn and stretch at regular intervals
Zzzzzz in the sunshine

Boeboe's Breed

2004-12-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Russian Blue cats are quiet and sensitive, sometimes shy and reserved but are also tremendously loyal to their chosen human being. They may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop a friendship with humans but it is often worthwhile as Russian Blues can become devoted pets. Once settled in a loving environment they love to play with toys and enjoy jumping, climbing and racing around and are extremely agile and light footed. They love human attention and can appear to be quite hurt when rejected. Russian Blues are quite content to be house cats as long as they have the company of their human friends.

Russian Blue is an intelligent cat which is renowned for its gentleness. It will often talk to its owner in a quiet voice, although a queen in season can make as much noise as any other cat. The Russian Blue is affectionate but not demanding. Many love to be picked up and cuddled but some are not so keen. Nevertheless, they are still likely to be loving and devoted companions to their owners. This has made the breed particularly popular with elderly people. However, it is also very good with children and as a general rule will tolerate the clumsy handling of a child. The cat will wriggle, rather than claw, its way out of a tight grip. It is rare for a Russian Blue to bite or scratch.

(source:Russian Blue Breeders Association)

Love At First Sight

2004-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

"Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!" Theophile Gautier

Those scared olive green eyes swiftly cut through my soul like lightning, blazing through the darkened skies. In a flick of a finger, I found myself wanting to have YOU. I MUST have you. Who am I to resist that silent call to belong and be loved? Those eyes begging for attention, wanting a home. You had me at first sight baby...smitten by everything that you are.

YOU are MINE.

Right that very moment I first laid my eyes on you, I knew instinctively that I shall be your last lover. Twice you've been given away. Abandoned. Well not anymore. I shall be your home until your very last breath. I shall put an end to your suffering and vanish that ever pressing anxiety of being put to sleep in that shelter. A beautiful creature like you deserves to live, to receive LOVE. I ache inside for the abandonement you went through. I despise everyone who contributed to every bit of your suffering but at the same time, thank God and the heavens for leading my eyes to meet yours and touching the deepest part of me enough to make me want to have you oh so desperately.

You see my dear, I have never really been a cat owner nor have I been into cats per se. I grew up having dogs for pets and the very day I visited that site where your picture appeared, I was actually looking for a dog for adoption. Then your picture flashed on the screen. I ceased to look further. I knew in my heart the search for a potential pet ended right there and then. Ironic as it may seem, but there I was wanting so much to have you. I got instantly mesmerized by your beautiful eyes. Suddenly I had the urge to rescue you from that shelter and give you a better place to live in.

I shall give you EVERYTHING your tiny heart desires. You can have all the tuna, salmon and chicken in the world if that's what pleases you. Take all the naps you want on my cozy bed. Take everything that I have and make it your toy and you won't hear me complain. What matters to me is that you have a good life, a truly happy life and to enjoy living to the fullest. I shall make sure you get all the necessary health supplements available in the market and take you to the best veterinarian in town. There is no limit to my loving you.

From now on, I shall name you Boeboe. But surely, I shall fondly call you my baby. At night I shall cuddle you close to me, stroking you ever so lovingly. I shall endlessly whisper words of assurances to wash away your feline fears. Let me heal you with my devotion and affection, now and in the coming days.

Here's to your long happy life and to the million laughters I shall have with you.

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Boeboe is a 3-year old purebred female Russian Blue cat adopted from the Humane Society. The photo attached is the one shown on the site.