Michele

Two things. Get a larger bed...there'll be room for all of you. Second, if you ignore them, and push them off, they'll either figure out where your legs go (everywhere) and find another place to sleep while on the bed (usually on a pillow), or they'll settle in on the sofa. There isn't a night during the cold times when all of my herd comes on the bed, even Penguin. The others come over and get a good night scritch, and Pengy just curls up on the foot of the bed. I love it, I wouldn't stop it for the world, and I am a flipper in bed too...they all have learned how to deal with it. After all, there's got to be one thing in this house that is mine...and my 4 poster elevated queen sized covered in fluffy blankets is mine. ..... Or so they let me believe. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I had a long discussion with the monster who lived in my thumb while standing in a cold shower with all my clothes on (I was scared I'd get cold) and waiting to go to the hospital. I don't remember very much after that for a few days. Chicken Pox is very dangerous when you're 30. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As someone who has provided a home to significantly abused animals, either while in foster with me on the way to being rehomed or the few times I found them or had been called into a situation (kittens being the more common call I've gotten...), I can't say I'd do anything differently. There is not much I wouldn't do for a four legged fur baby, even if it means euthanizing them because they are just not going to make it, and the pain is too great. I've even done the holding when I didn't know the pet or owner, simply because the owner couldn't bear doing it (several times at the emergency vet while I was there for something different) and the animal needed loving arms around them while they went to sleep and then died. Squeak, I have been in your shoes. It's terribly hard to let a friend go, especially one who's been there through thick and thin. It's your decision...often, vets will come to your home and euthanaize there, so the pet doesn't have to go through the upset of going to the vet. If the decision needs to be made, you might want to ask if your vet is able to do that. But the decision is yours - I've had pets die in their sleep, I've had them die in my arms, and I've had to put them down. It's no easy decision in any event...and I'm sorry you're facing that right now. As for the woman in the story, I would, as I've said, do the same thing...especially if I had gotten a call, tried to locate the owners, and failing all of that, had a dying animal on my hands. I can say that, because I've done it...not the same circumstances, but still...very similar. So I can speak from a position of similiar experience...I'd've done the same. And no, I likely wouldn't say anything about where the pet was, either... (And yes, I am the local crazy cat lady...

Victoria, how blessed you are to have had Josh. Yes, at times it's overwhelming. When those moments come, reach inward for those cherished memories. See his smile, hear his laugh, know his love again. Find them in the rays of the sun, the whisper of the wind, the soft warmth of a fireplace...and know he lives on forever, and is reaching to you to let you know he's not gone, not really...just gone for now. You have had a rough, rough few weeks, and have been in the prayers of many here. Rest assured that you will continue to be in our prayers, and that if there's anything that you need, all you need to do is ask. Godspeed, Josh, and peace to you and yours, Victoria. Blessed be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No food? That's unusual. Do as your Dr. says, though. She must've had the surgery later in the day. That she's had water and that she's peed is good. She might just need some lovin...how about bringing her to the sofa and letting her sit/cuddle with you and Lucy? That might make her feel better, and feel less isolated. I know that my kitties feel better when they're in the normal rooms, and not in isolation. She should be fine, if you keep her from jumping. And you are going to have one really hungry cat in the morning... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

She's gorgeous...Conner and she will have so much fun - great age difference, too. Be forewarned, though...if they're anything like my niece and nephew, Conner will drag Lauren over to the new thing "they're" doing together, sometimes by the heel, sometimes by the arm. It was terrifying to see the first few times, but Jonathan only dragged her on the carpet. Once his Noni (me) taught him the proper way to drag her (i.e. with the blanket, not down the stairs or into the kitchen...), Jonathan was just a draggin' dude. his little sister never even cried when he was doing it, either...she seemed to understand that they were "sharing". ROFL. You both look wonderful, and the baby is too darned cute. Congratulations again! And give my best to Erin. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yep, Lisa is pretty cool. Not sure what she's done for you, but she indeed does rock. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

How long has Maya been home? Is she very groggy? Has she eaten? Peed? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I've never had good luck with the water thing; I always had to clean up the mess, too. I had a cat who thought it was a toy, a game...I'd rather have you not even throw anything at them, you know? They really are just finding the edges...and it will be done either with you or without you. It's part of the process. Again, as long as there's no blood, there's not much to concern yourself with. Yeah, that's scary. But if you're very careful, you'll be fine. Just don't go too far - it hurts like hell. If you need tips on how to hold them while you're doing it, lemme know. I clip two of my cats claws regularly, because they never learned to not use them. So...how's Maya? Doing all right? Did you use the vanilla on their chins? It really helps mask the whole "Dr's Office" smell... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That's not too much, Lisa. They're fine. What's happening is that they're learning the limits of each other. "Lick my ear!" "Don't touch my whiskers!" "Stop the grooming NOW!" Belly attacks are very normal, and not a big issue. Often an invitation to play rough, the bite is sometimes too rough and there's some squeaking and hollering going on. Remember when you were a kid, and your friend play-punched you? You'd holler "OUCH!" even if it didn't hurt too much; it's a startle reflex. It's a reaction to a strike of any kind. And yes, Maya may be grouchy because she's hungry. Don't you get grouchy then, too? When she comes home, she'll be tired and sore. Watch them very carefully, so neither gets bothered, and let Maya recover. Tomorrow, she'll be fine, and they'll be back to playing. One of the most effective deterrants to a cat fight - when it's starting - is either a loud clap or a loud voice from you. It interrupts their focus, and will get them separated. DON'T ever separate two really fighting cats...you'll be the victim. Instead, grab a pillow and toss it at them; grab a shirt and drop it over them. Either one of these methods is very, very effective, and a lot better than water bottles (since we don't always have them handy...). So shout STOP or toss (not pelt, TOSS!!) a pillow or shirt or something over them. But honestly, they don't sound like they're having issues. They're just getting used to each other, and it seems like they're actually doing really, really well. And so are you, Lisa. Not nearly as panicky as you sounded the other day; good deal! Cat behavior is very interesting, and counter-intuitive. But once you see and understand it, you'll realize when there's a problem and when there's not. You will totally know if there is a *real* cat fight going on...especially with such a vocalizer as a Russian Blue. There is a tone, a sound, a quality to that situation which, once you hear, you'll say "oh, I get it now. The rest was just something else...this is a fight!". So worry not, all seems to be well and happy in the house. And that is a good thing. (And if anyone owns a bengal kitty, can you pm me? I have some questions for you. Thanks!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That is a great shot!!! Thanks for posting it; made me laugh! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am not sure it's permanent, but it's fun to watch them change colors depending on the locality they live in. And then there are snowshoe Siamese, which your Neko and my Simon are. They are genetically colored differently to start with; sort of opposite than regular Siamese in the feet and belly. Siamese will have colored feet, but Snowshoe Siamese will have white feet, like they're standing in snow. Simon's coloring includes white on his belly and chin...with a black nose. I've put a shot of him so you can see his face (it's the one I usually show off - perfect "Simon" shot; I call it "Catittude!"). Also be aware that for some siamese, they don't reach full coloring for a while; Simon took about 18 months to fully darken on his back. Simon's odd spot is a bright white bit - about 50 hairs, I'd guess - on his hip. One side of his hip. I guess he has a hot spot there. LOLOL!!! As for Lucy and Maya, I don't think they've got Siamese in them; Maya has a lot of Russian Blue - the pure grey coat and structure of her face is telling. Lucy is simply a moggie, a regular cat. They are both absolutely adorable...and seem to be working out just fine. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

WOW!!!!!!!!!! Yay Jerry and family!!!! A little girl will become the apple of her Daddy's eye...you're very, very blessed with the two of yours, and your wonderful wife. Give her a hug for me, all right? And had I known, I'd've made the new baby another blanket in pink!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, darlin. You and Gramma and your family are in my prayers. You know that. Hugs, my friend. Hugs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You most certainly are denigrating them...no doubt or question. And I think that's completely wrong to do, especially on this of all days. And frankly, I think you're out of line. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And also those who didn't pass, and served or are serving. My heartfelt thanks to you, brave souls, who protect me and others like me; who are willing to put your life on the line so mine may remain free. I hold you all in highest respect, and thank you from my heart and soul. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, Tigra has it on the nose. The fresh water is why they like the potty... I've had bad luck with ice; Simon takes it out and plays with it, careening it around the kitchen, then into the hallway or dining area...leaves wet spots on the floor that I just can't get behind. So I stopped with the ice. Doesn't seem to phase my herd, though. 'Course, all mine are bonkers...just like me! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, yeah, hidey holes are always found...behind the entertainment system, under the covers, beneath the bed, in the laundry dryer vent...they are found without fail. It's normal. Upsetting, but normal. I'll bet Maya got there after Lucy, and there will be some "patting" going on. LOL, Maya's trying to figure out what Lucy is...and so is Lucy. Maya's showing Lucy who's the boss in that house. It will be like that for a few days or so, until the two sort out their dominance issues. And think about all that Lucy's gone through in the last few days...a surgery, a new home, new people, new cat, new everything. Aren't you always skittish until you get used to a new place? Same thing for kitties...they need some time to get into the flow. It's fine, it's normal...and it's totally understandable. Worry not. And if it's only been some hissing and a wee scramble, you guys are doing just fine. Imagine how hard it is to bring a 6th adult to the established adult herd...the pecking order can take a long time to resort itself...LOL! As long as Lucy's eating, drinking, and peeing/pooping, all is well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Russian Blues are amazing animals - they have NO problem running the household, no matter how big, bold, or slobbery the dogs are...I had a Russian Blue who'd climb up the dog to get to the sofa, and then lay there, patting the dog's head. She'd also curl up in the dog's belly. The dog would always look at me like "erm, is this supposed to happen???" and then lay her head down and sleep. That cat was an amazing animal, and completely responsible for my love of cats. Until Penny came along, I didn't like, want, or even think about owning a cat. She so rocked...I still miss her, years after her death. She lived to 20 (thereabouts...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You'll learn how to not freak out, I promise. And the calmer you are, the calmer kitties are. It's weird like that. But it is hard to learn cat behavior, and when to be concerned and when not to be. Tell hubby "thanks"...and see how bad it does get. My bet is that there won't be blood...yowling, growling, hissy-fits, sure...but no blood. Let me know how things progress - I love to hear about cats! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Of course you're very welcome, Lisa! And if Lucy is already wrestling things, she's feeling fine. Does she have the removeable stitches/staples or the disolvable kind? Either way, she should be just fine. She will let you know when she's not well...she won't be behaving like a 2 month old kitten; full of beans and energy. You'd not be able to keep any kitten calm for 10 days, let alone 2. She'll tucker out and rest when she needs it, and she will be active and goofy too...she's a baby, and she has the energy of one. With Maya, it will be hard to keep her quiet for 24 hours, so let her call the shots. The only precaution is the drugs they use to anesthetize the cats - can make them very uncoordinated and loopy, so that's why I like to keep them quiet/separated for about 24 hours after the surgery. Other than that, they really should be fine. As for you getting cats when your hubby is going out of town, I don't think that's too much of an issue...the first hard bit will be over by then, and you will more than likely have two cats who are getting used to each other and enjoying being, playing, wrestling, and chasing ghosties together. And that, Lisa, is a joy to watch. Yes, cuddle on Maya right now. And the bed switching is a wonderful idea. Well done, and again, no hesitation to ask me, all right? I'm happy to help. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Why do you have a knot because of normal kitty play/demonstration? No issues. Try to not do the water bottle too much - they will have to sort out dominance on their own, according to the Mysterious Cat Rules that no mere human will ever understand. So don't interfere unless there is blood, because you're simply preventing the inevitable...the moment you/your husband leaves, they'll start sorting it out Kitty Style...so easy on the water. I've never found it too effective, anyway... Trick 1: Dab some vanilla flavoring (the kind you cook with) under their chins. This will make them smell only vanilla, and not the "other cat" scent. This will help them accept each other, as it will be only visual issues for right now. This effectively separates the scent and visual issues, so that they can get used to each other slowly without having two instincts triggered. This is also very, very useful when kitties come home from the groomers/vets, and they "smell" funny to the other animals...again, neutralizes the smell aspect of aggression. Tip: Make sure Maya gets good attention. Maya is used to being the only cat...so she will wonder and worry if her position is in jeopardy. She might also not realize she's a cat; there have been no other kitties around her for a while, and she might've forgotten she is one. I had a cat bite my eye (my fault...sigh...) upon introduction to a kitten; the older cat didn't know what a kitten was, was terrified, and lashed out when I got too close. So be aware that some cats don't realize they are/were kittens. Trick: make sure Lucy has something that Maya has laid on to cuddle/play with. Intermingle their scents that way. For the next day or overnight while Lucy's in the bath, give her something of Maya's to use. No matter what happens, even if Lucy pees on it, tomorrow give that same item to Maya. Again, if they need to be separated again, give Lucy the same item that Maya was laying on. Do this any time they are separated, because it will bring the other cat's scent to the cat in a non-threatening manner, and will get them used to it; it also joins the scent of the two cats into one place, and gives them the idea that it's all right. Tip: Maya's getting spayed on Monday. Quiet time after that for her. Make sure that for about 24 hours she is not in a place where she can jump, be threatened, be intimidated. She needs quiet and peace for the first 24 hours, long enough to get the drugs out of her system and recover from the initial shock. Realize, though, that cats recover very, very quickly, and are usually up and about the next day. So allow Maya (using the vanilla trick) to have free reign of the house again come Wednesday...sooner, if she's losing her mind being separated from her family. You all will be fine. Worry not, there will be territory/dominance issues. And again, there is some strange Feline Rule Book that we humans don't have. They operate within certain relatively strict behavior patterns, (which, btw, will change as they get older...) and those behavior patterns will be carried out. We can limit it, but it won't stop it...and it is more likely to get rougher the more we humans interfere. So don't interfere unless blood is flying...'cause it has to get done. Again, anything I can help with, I will. Just shoot me a pm or post here...Lucy is a dear, Maya is a dear, and pretty soon you will find them cuddled with each other, snuggling and best friends furever....it's funny how fast that can happen, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Happy birthday, my friend. It's always great to see you and get a hug from you...so here's mine for your birthday... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HUGS

Happy Birthday!!!!! And have a drink tonight - why not??? It couldn't hurt... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~