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Meow!, Why do you love your Cats, or Kittens? |
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 Nov 10 2006, 10:47 AM
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Shopping the sales rack at Madam Malkins
Posts: 2,534
Joined: 1:36pm August 4, 2006
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe
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I have two wonderful Kittens:
Bear Helyx a black Male cat, and
Phoenix Helyx a tiger stripped brown cat..
Yes, I did give them my name. The Vet thought this was unusual. Since they are doing a new Chip System, I felt it was best to give me my name as well, as a way to make it easier to find them if they are located. That way, if they are scanned, they have their name, and my name as well.
My adopted family had one relative that wanted to let their cat get pregnant. I told them to tell her I would take a male and female from the batch. So it was about a year, and finally the cat had kittens.
They were born Feb 28th 2006. They are brother and sister. There was also another male kitten in the batch that was born, but I wanted to have a male/female pair of cats in my flat. I went through such difficulty in making the choice of which male cat to take.
I had no idea what they looked like. I made arrangements to go see them. The woman who owned the cat was a bit stern, but the Dutch are just like that. The kittens were playing in a box in the kitchen. The Black Mama cat was with two of the kittens. One had decided to hide under the kitchen cabinet. Immediately, Phoenix licked my hand, and she just melted my heart. She has this patch on the top of her head that looks like a bit of fire coming out - or a third eye. It's an unusual mark. I feel immediately in love with her.
She had bonded more with the bigger male kitten. So I was a bit torn. I did not see the other kitten, because he remained hidden. So my friends took pictures of me holding the kittens. I thought I had made the choice. Then, when I put both of these kittens down to their mother, and they went to feed, the smallest kitten came out from under the cabinet. It went right up to my boot, and put it's head on my shoe. It started to lick my boot. I started to cry.
Originally, the woman thought that I would take the bigger ones, and the smaller one would go to the neighbor. However, I felt the smallest one picked me. So we had to mark the kitten with some nail polish to tell which one it was. He looked half starved, actually. I noticed that he was bullied away from the food. I thought I could give this kitten a better start in life. The woman told me to call her when I made a decision.
I was torn. Should I get the bigger kitten, because Phoenix had bonded to it, or should I take the chance and get Phoenix and the smallest kitten? I called the women in a few days, and told her I wanted the smallest kitten. My gut instinct told me to get him.
So two weeks later - around end June 2006 about 23:00 hrs, I received two very sleepy kittens. My adopted family brought the kittens with them on the way back from seeing all the sisters. They came in a wicker basket. I was up with them most of the night. They were adapting to a rather large play area. They were used to a small part of a kitchen. Now they had a whole room to themselves (1/2 of my unfinished flat). This is the area I have a 510 cm long table, with an Airline Plane Fin at the end (about 3 1/2 meters high) at the end of the table. It doubles as a visual room divider. Then I had some shelves up, and two couches, some chairs. So I ended up sleeping on the floor that night with the kittens till they felt more adjusted.
I would have to say the first few days with them I was very touched. Emotional. I was so glad to have cats back in my life. I will say more on this later.
I took them for their flu shot injections at the 9-week period. This caused havoc. They were stressed about the visit to the doctor, and we just did the flea medicine. So I could not touch them for several hours. So I went to my Art Classes. When I came back, they had destroyed my leather sofa. I could not get the smell of their pee out of it. They also did no. 2 in it. So I had to put the couch on the street. I think the kittens just smelled the cat smell - the leather couch someone gave me. He had some cats in the past. Strange enough, they did not even mess with the other couch; with I had from my x partner - that had the smell of the cats from upstairs (since I loaned my neighbors my couch for a few years) and the cats I had previously. I had a few days where they marked their territory. Then they stopped completely. I am glad to say I have had no problems with them since.
The second injections they handled better. The vet wanted me to get Bear fixed at 5 months, but I refused. I wanted Bear to have more of a chance to grow. Soon I will get Phoenix fixed. I would love to let her be a mom once, but it would be tough on me to give out the kittens. Secretly, I hope she gets pregnant anyway. At this point, I don' mind having a house of kittens. I don't really have the space for them to go outside, so it hurts like hell to fix Phoenix. Bear I will fix if he starts to spray in the house. If he doesn't, I won't
The only real problems with Phoenix, is her stealing Bears food. So I normally have to be between both of them when I did some soft can food for them. I leave out the dry. I have them on Science Plan now. At first it took me a bit to re-budget so I could afford to get the Science Plan. I did notice a remarkable difference when I changed them to this cat food. They drank more water, and they grew! BEAR is BIG and STRONG NOW! He's my little Kitten BEAR! Phoenix is still growing, but will remain smaller.
Bear likes to stretch out. He likes to have his belly rubbed. He has the most interesting face for a kitten. He's tough, yet sweet. He now can jump from my high cabinets to the table to another cabinet with ease. Phoenix is also quite co-coordinated.
I made them some new toys. One is a String Octopus. Its random bits of different string I have. I tied it all together, and made one end long, so I can make whip it in the air, and both Bear and Phoenix chase after it. Lately, we have been doing what I call "Butterflies". That is pieces of Bubble wrap, which I flap up in the air, and then they jump to get it. Bear sometimes will do a back flip when he jumps.
I have days where I get my advertisements. That means I put the paper on the floor from what I am not reading. They like those days. They play in the paper for about an hour, before I put it in the bag for recycling.
I feel quite blessed to have two fine Kittens! I have them now almost 5 months. Phoenix and Bear usually try to sleep either on my chest, or when I am laying on my side, they like to sleep on between my arms to my leg. Or when I come home, and just rest, they usually curl up in my legs and fall asleep.
Bear likes to sit in this one chair I have like a Bear. He has both his paws over the armrest, and he sits up!
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So Share some of your stories about your Cats or Kittens!
You can also share about Cats or Kittens you had in the past as well.
Or Talk about some Cats that you like of your friends or family.
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Cheers,
Helyx 
Until I got my kittens, I had this funny computer program I would put on. It's a purring sound of a cat. I would leave it on at night. Now I have the real Kittens! Phoenix purring is really wonderful to hear! Bear has more of a smooth purr...
This is the link:
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http://www.iserenity.com/cat/cat.htm
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This post has been edited by helyx: Nov 10 2006, 11:02 AM
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Nov 10 2006, 11:57 AM
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Professional Diagon Alley Window Shopper
Posts: 74
Joined: 5:29pm June 8, 2005
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we currently have 2 cats
Nicodemus (named after the Rabbi that came to Jesues in the night), and Charlotte (Lizzy Bennett's friend). Nic is all black w/ green/yellow eyes and Lotte is Blk/Wht w/ white wiskers. We also have a neighbor cat that is welcome here at any time, and he does spend quite a bit over here. His folks call him Willie, but I call him Liam Dhu (gaelic for Black William). Nic & Willie get on really well, but Lotte's not thrilled w/ Willie - she'll put up with him, but would just as soon he stayed at his house.
In the summer, we don't see much of Nic. He comes in for meals, but like to be out. In the winter, its a different story, and we can hardly keep him off our laps. Lotts is a home girl, and is much happier in the house.
Cats are great company. I'm not saying dogs aren't OK, but cats are less boisterous. I like larger dogs, and we don't have the area for one to run around in, so we've kept it to cats & Koi.
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Nov 10 2006, 06:18 PM
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Expert Wand-Waver at Ollivander's
Posts: 2,106
Joined: 9:13pm February 18, 2005
Location: Snubbing the mortals
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We have 3 cats. My parents won allow any more than that.  I want to own no less than 5 when I get a place of my own. 
We have 8 year old brother and sister. The male is orange and white. We named him Cheddar. He's more independent and dominant. He used to be more my sister's cat when she lived here. But now she has 2 of her own, and I've never cared for him much. So he doesn't get a lot of attention from me.
His sister is my baby! She's a calico tortie, meaning all of the calico is on her back. Her name is Maggie. I refer to as my "sponge". I hold her all the time, and she's wonderful buddy. She always makes me feel better when I'm depressed. It's like by petting and holding her, some of my stress and other negative emotions go away. 
But she's "all fuzz and no brains". She's the prettiest cat we've ever had. But also, the stupidest and laziest by far. I've seen her nap all day long, only to stretch, turn around, and lay on her side.
Then we have an all black 3 year old male. His name is Sambo. I like him a lot too! He's one of the sweetest, most affectionate cats we've ever had. You only have to touch, and he starts purring. He's very playful. He used to run around with a tiny wicker basket on his head like a helmet. 
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Nov 11 2006, 10:09 AM
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Expert Wand-Waver at Ollivander's
Posts: 2,106
Joined: 9:13pm February 18, 2005
Location: Snubbing the mortals
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QUOTE(nando @ Nov 10 2006, 10:19 PM) [snapback]1002625[/snapback] She wandered into my garden as a lost kitten and although she had a fancy velvet collar with "diamond" studs on I could never locate her owner so she stayed with us.
Speaking of cats that wander over, our house seems to be a magnet for them. For a couple years in a row, we'd have kittens wander over and hide in the bushes. Our cat Cheddar would usually find them. But he never hurt them. Actually, he'd start licking them. That's quite unusual for a male cat.
One kitten did this and wouldn't go away. So I chased him out, and he ran downhill towards the cattails, and he ended up in the pond. He must've thought he was just heading for a tall weedy spot. Not knowing where to go, he swam away from me in a panic. So I ran up the hill, and grabbed the fishing net. I waded in, and scooped him.
My Dad told me to leave him be and ge'd go away. But I'm not one to listen.  I brought him inside, kicked the other cats outside so they wouldn't pester him, and gave him some kernels. Then he stayed outside under the pine tree till my Mom came home. Eventually, we asked some of my parents friends if they wanted a new kitten, since it'd been awhile since their cat died. So he ended up with nice home, and I'm glad I didn't listen to my Dad!
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Nov 12 2006, 11:51 AM
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Shopping the sales rack at Madam Malkins
Posts: 2,534
Joined: 1:36pm August 4, 2006
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe
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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TUNA NIGHT!!!!!
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Bear and Phoenix love these nights. Since they arrived I always gave them the tuna water. Then as they grew, I put tuna crumbled up in a bowl for them. Then they now can eat a bit of Tuna. Usually one small can of Tuna in water.
I used to do it in bowls, but I noticed they had a hard time opening their jaws properly in the bowl for it. So now the Tuna is served on a Cup Dish. This way the juice still remains in it, and then I slowly add to the tuna as they finish what they have. I
am with them the whole time.
Then its switch the plate time, so Bear can eat off Phoenix's plate, and Phoenix off Bear's. They keep watching eat other to see that they are eating. This drives up their appetite, and I can get them more tuna if I do this.
Tonight I had success. One small can of tuna with water between the two of them. I am a very proud Kitten Dad!
I stopped doing can food for them several weeks ago. I only did it because I was a bit broke. Now that I have them on Science Plan, 2 kg's for 16.50 euros a bag - for the kitten. It comes in Chicken, Tuna and Lamb. However, they don't like the Tuna flavor, and they get real tuna now - so I am starting them now on the Lamb, and another one for sensitive skin to mix in occasionally. I am very pleased with the results. They drink more fluids - which means I change their water bowl several times a day. They also now use up more cat liter - which I use the wood pellets. I prefer that, then the gravel one.
I also am looking for another brand of dry to add to their flavor selection. As for canned food - I am not really sold on it. I know once I get them to a certain age, I can get them fish, and meat, and chicken. I just would prefer to give them the real thing.
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I mentioned the Butterfly toy I did - using what people send as mailers. I cut strips of it (half paper/half Bubble wrap). A word of CAUTION! BEAR IS SO GOOD AT IT NOW THAT HE GETS ME! I don't release the paper fast enough. That makes me proud of him, but - ouch! So please use some Worker Gloves if you do that trick with your cats. I don't want anyone to have any pain from something I mentioned.
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It's wonderful to read about the other kittens and cats. Thanks everyone for contributing!
MEOW!
Helyx
For awhile I made them a fun Cat house from a cardboard box. I gave the box a cardboard tail, and the opening of the box was shaped for a cat head! They even have a small stuffed kitten on a leash in front like a dog house. Bear is so heavy now that I have to get a new stronger box for them this week.
By the way - I LOVE EVERYONE'S CAT/KITTEN PICTURES! It's great to hear the stories behind these cats as well.
I think chocolate89 has a fun pic of the Cat with the Magic cape/Wizards Hat is just so adorable!
I also like Snowy that is stretched out a bit in the sigggy Pic Dumbledoris's_Favorite!
It reminds me of Bear stretching out!
This post has been edited by helyx: Nov 12 2006, 01:45 PM
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 Nov 12 2006, 12:13 PM
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Leaky's Official Donut Maker and Mosquito Man
Posts: 10,043
Joined: 10:51am August 25, 2005
Location: Playing kal-toh with Professor Snape
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QUOTE(helyx @ Nov 12 2006, 02:51 PM) [snapback]1003591[/snapback] As for canned food - I am not really sold on it. I know once I get them to a certain age, I can get them fish, and meat, and chicken. I just would prefer to give them the real thing.
My kitties only have the dried food. I quit buying the canned stuff several years ago because it made them vomit like the whole time, & I had to wonder what gets put in the food. The seem perfectly content with dried food.
To make things more interesting they also have what I'm eating, which they seem to enjoy (especially if I turn my back for like two seconds, & I find them helping themselfs to my lunch ... maybe *stolen* food tastes better)
QUOTE I made them some new toys.
My kitties also love home-made toys. They've never been the slightest bit interested in toys I buy, with the one exception being a *cigar* stuffed with catnip (why make a kitty's toy shaped & colored like a cigar??). At one time, a year or so ago, I got various CD-roms in the mail, promoting internet or something like that, & they made great toys too, shiny things that roll, what can be better
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  I'm 1 of the 99.99% W.L.Y.J.  When I sleep I dream, and when I dream I can rise above the walls Remember Cameron Duncan |
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Nov 12 2006, 12:17 PM
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Expert Wand-Waver at Ollivander's
Posts: 2,106
Joined: 9:13pm February 18, 2005
Location: Snubbing the mortals
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No problem. I got more cat stories than I count!
Speaking of feeding cats, my Mom and I are infuriated with the way my sister feed her 2 cats. She grossly underfeeds them. Her cats search our house for stray bits of kibble when she comes over with them. They'll even resort to eating old, crusty vomit. 
One time, I found one of my sister's cats trying to eart a piece of vomit it found. We never know where all the vomit is because one of our cats has digestive problem, and no matter what we feed him, he still throws up several times a week. But that time, the cat found a piece that was so old, we couldn't even bite through it! I threw it out! The poor cat was so desperate he growling over it.
Sambo loves fuzzy toy mice. He ran and jump across the furniture when you throw them. Even if over a person if you're in his way. All the cats like peacock feathers too.
Maggie won't play much though. You've got to have really soft toys. Even if you playing with a string and wacks her softly, she'll run off. But then we found a tiny square, catnip scented pillow. She'll chase that all over the house because she knows it won't hurt her.
This post has been edited by Aphrodites Lady: Nov 12 2006, 12:22 PM
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