catscapades

Cats We Will Never Forget

Katy

A cat person who lives into their 60s, 70s and beyond, can conceivably know dozens of cats and kittens over a lifetime. I am such a person. I think I have always delighted in cats. Some of my earliest memories involve cats. I’ve been cat-less for only a few brief periods over the years and currently share my home with 3 precious felines. My book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales features many of the cats I’ve known including the beauty pictured here, Katy, a Himalayan.

I include a couple of stories in the book about Katy. One has to do with a technique I used one night to try creating peace and quiet between Katy (then 4 months) and Daisy (8 months)—each who had deemed the other, “The Enemy” in our home. The astounding resultsof my efforts was the overnight development of a beautiful feline friendship.

I also share the story of Katy becoming an indoor/outdoor kitty. After being strictly, and I thought, happily, indoors for all of her first 12 years of life, suddenly, she decided she wanted to be outside. And she let me know this in no uncertain terms.

So I started a routine of allowing Katy outside with me for short periods when I was working in the yard as long as she kept to the physical boundaries. Being a cat, she tested me frequently, at first. But she always responded dutifully to my stern orders for her to “Stop,” before sliding between the slats in the fence or to my hand-clapping when it was time for her to waddle back into the house through the open sliding glass door when playtime was over or a neighborhood cat was around.

Katy enjoyed her outdoor visits almost until the day she died of renal failure at the age of 17.5 six years ago. We buried her in her favorite spot, where the last ray of sunshine used to warm her on a late afternoon. I can still see her squinting contentedly into the sun.

How I miss you, Katy.

Catscapades, True Cat Tales: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html.

Some Cats Like it Hot

Lily

We had a HOT day yesterday and the house stayed quite warm all night. Lily does not like the heat. She gets totally lazy and lethargic on these summer-like days, reserving her energy for play only during early morning hours when it is cooler.

Max and Sophie don’t seem to be affected much by the heat, but it flat makes Lily wilt. It’s probably more noticeable with Lily because she is still young and active. Max (12) is lethargic on a cool day and Sophie (5) doesn’t romp and play as easily, anymore, as Lily does.

What I miss most on hot days is having Lily curl up on my lap. Instead, she stretches out in the coolest spot she can find on the floor somewhere.

Lily is the cover girl for my latest book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. The book is getting some excellent reviews. We had a book signing and sold quite a few copies. Amazon is placing orders fairly frequently.

I met a reader recently who said she cried so many tears while reading the book—tears of sorrow as well as tears generated from laughter. She said, “I am reading it slowly because I just want the stories to last. I don’t want the book to end.”

Order your copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales at my website: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html. It’s a beautiful book, illustrated by scads of real kitty photos and the stories are touching, harrowing and humorous.

Book Signing for Catscapades

Lily posing with our poster

Lily and I are looking forward to our debut book signing at Noah’s Apothecary in Ojai, CA Saturday, May 22 from 1-3 pm. I thought about taking Lily with me—she is a great ambassador for the book. But I decided that she is better off at home where it is quiet, there are no nosey dogs and people aren’t poking their fingers into her pen trying to touch her soft plush fur.

So I’ll be going it alone at the signing table greeting guests and talking about Catscapades, True Cat Tales, which includes stories about our newest addition, Lily, as well as many other cats.

A lot is happening fairly quickly with this book. Steve Dale featured it recently in his column, which seems to be syndicated everywhere—I’ve seen it in a St. Louis newspaper, one in San Diego; and another one in Gainesville, Florida, so far. The book is displayed at several pet and cat-related sites. The latest is Flippy’s site in Melbourne, Australia.

I’m getting orders and so are Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Oh yes, I notice that the stores downtown that have the book for sale are also selling copies.

I sold all the copies I had with me at a recent mini-class reunion—we call it the Old Broads’ Gathering. Several former classmates had their own cat stories. I’m collecting stories for the sequel—so send me yours, too. PLFry620@yhaoo.com

Lily is old enough now to have her booster shots and we’ve scheduled an appointment. She had such an awful reaction the last time we had shots, that I am going to request the antidote—which I believe is something on the order of Benedril—for allergic reactions. We used to request it for Winfield, our white odd-eye cat because his first experience with kitten shots was just awful. He was really, really sick. We had to rush him back to the veterinarian immediately upon returning home for a second shot and, still, he was sick, not eating, had a high temperature and seemed to be extremely sore to the touch for about 24 or 48 hours afterward. The vet assured us that if we had the antidote with the shots, he would not have another severe reaction. And this was true for the rest of his life.

Winfield died of cancer of the throat/mouth at the age of 14. That’s Winfield at the top of this blog page above little Lily’s picture.

Can’t make the signing? Order your book at http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Keeping Cats In or Letting Them Out

Neighborhood Garden Cat

I sometimes miss having outside cats. Actually, I’ve never had total outside cats, but I used to have cats that could go in and out as they pleased. In fact, there were periods when I left a sliding glass door open enough for the cats to come and go even when we weren’t home.

Most cat professionals and experts now agree that cats are safer and live longer when kept inside. I’m pretty sure that most of them experienced the learning curve on this and many other cat issues rather than being born knowing this. Sure, a few professionals may have been taught from childhood the dangers outside for cats. But I suspect that most of them learned this and other important lessons over time, just as I did.

Crystal was my first totally indoor cat. I bought this gorgeous silver-shaded Persian in 1972 from a breeder for a whopping (at the time) $125. I was not going to chance having her stolen or run down on the street. She didn’t mind wearing a harness, however, and enjoyed lolling on the patio with me occasionally.

Now that’s another lesson I had to learn along the way–not to encourage breeders when there are so many cats that need rescuing.

After Crystal died of leukemia (which she evidently contracted at the cattery), I rescued a few cats who were allowed the freedom of the out-of-doors. When we lost one of them to (probably) a coyote, I finally decided to change my ways.

Of course, as caretakers of cats, we must take many precautions inside as well. There are scads of dangers inside for cats and especially kittens—the toilet, blind cords, pin cushions, string/thread, certain plants, doilies and table runners with heavy vases that can be pulled off, sharp can lids found in the kitchen trash, unsupervised toddlers and even some toys and climbing apparatus designed specifically for cats. You may have read my blog post (or the full story in my book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales) about that awful day in June of 2009 when a carpeted cat tree fell over on our 12-week-old kitten, Lily and almost killed her.

Our three cats, Max, Sophie and Lily, all stay inside full-time. But I still miss having cats in the yard when I’m puttering in the garden. And, lately, I am taking photos of cats enjoying the out of doors every chance I get. I’ll share some of them in this blog in coming months. There are definite challenges when it comes to photographing cats indoors.

In the meantime, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to order your copy of Catscapades, True Cat Tales. http://www.matilijpress.com/catscapades.html. Read the first published review of this book: http://www.theproblemcat.com/misc/catscapades.html.

What’s in the book? You’ll read about Dinah, the cat who refused to be an inside cat. There’s the story of my daughter’s cat who was catnapped. The circumstances of his return are quite surprising and amusing. There’s Sammy, the cat who changed a heart—great story! And I think most who appreciate all cats, but especially the Maine coon cat, will appreciate the “Tale of Smoky’s Tail.” Have you ever seen a small mother cat fiercely defend her kittens? This amazing story has a couple of unusual twists. I love the story of Gomer and how he chose his person—who was only a toddler at the time. Gomer so wanted to be with Maria, that the owner finally agreed to let the family keep their beloved kitten. Gomer and Maria (now 13) are still best pals

Cats and Kids

Jayden and Lily

Lily has two special friends: our grandchildren, Alyzay (3) and Jayden (5). Alyzay was two when first introduced to 8-week old Lily and it was love at first sight for both of them. No matter what Lily is doing, when she hears Alyzay’s voice, she rushes to the door to greet her. And then she follows her everywhere she goes. She sits in the midst of Alyzay’s craft and art projects with her, she shares Alyzay’s makeshift tents, she hangs out in the computer room when Alyzay is playing computer games.

Alyzay watches out for Lily. The 3-year-old was here one day when we had loud thunder. She saw how the thunder frightened Lily. A few weeks later, while Alyzay was here, I turned on the vacuum cleaner. Alyzay came tearing out of the computer room into the living room yelling, “I have to get Lily, she’s scared!” She thought the sound of the vacuum cleaner would probably frighten Lily as the sound of the thunder had and she jumped right into action to help her furry friend.

We weren’t sure how Jayden would relate to a small kitten. When he first met Lily, we were told to keep a close eye on him as he is pretty rough with the family’s dogs. But from day one, Jayden and Lily seemed to have a special agreement—I won’t hurt you if you don’t hurt me. And Jayden has been nothing but gentle and sweet with Lily all of her young life.

Jayden tends to throw things—like alphabet blocks, small toys, etc. And it has been a worry that he would fling something in Lily’s direction. On the contrary, if he throws something, it is always in the opposite direction of where Lily is sitting. Jayden is not verbal, yet. But he sure seems to have a deep understanding of many things and one of them seems to be that he loves little Lily and he does not want to harm her. In fact, he barely touches her. When we encourage him to pet her, he places his hand about an inch above her fur and moves it back and forth—never actually touching her. When he relates to her, he reaches out slowly toward her with his face until they touch noses. Then Jayden giggles—probably because Lily’s whiskers tickle.

Children definitely need supervision with small animals of any kind. And they need guidance while they’re learning about how to behave around a kitten, puppy or even a full-grown cat. And I believe that the child/pet relationship is an important one. Can you recall, for example, some of your childhood memories involving cats and/or dogs? Most of us can.

In my latest book of cat stories, Catscapades, True Cat Tales, I write about what cats can teach us. One vignette has to do with the mutual attachment of a child and a kitten. “Gomer, a black and white kitten, taught two families a lesson in how to be true to oneself, when he chose to be where he wanted to be. Gomer had a home, but he preferred spending time several blocks away with Maria, who was just a toddler then. After taking him home day after day for several months, Maria’s family and Gomer’s family agreed to let him stay where he wanted to be. Gomer and Maria have been inseparable pals for nearly ten years.”

Order your copy of Cascapades, True Cat Tales today and read over 40 additional stories and vignettes featuring charming, mischievous, humorous and delightful cats and kittens. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Gus, The Babysitting Cat

I’ve been asked to share a story or two from my new book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. Here’s one from the long-ago past. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy remembering Gus, Molly and the incident.

Excerpted from Catscapades, True Cat Tales:

Gus: The Babysitting Cat

Gus was an ordinary gray and white male cat with an extraordinary heart. In the early years of my adult infatuation with cats and, while I was raising small children, I was not quick to get my cats spayed and neutered. Thus, I experienced the joy of a few litters of kittens. We raised Gus and his sister, Molly from PomPom’s second (and last) litter. Before long, Molly had kittens of her own.

Molly was an incredible mother. In fact, I didn’t see her leave the birthing box for days after the kittens were born and I wasn’t able to coax her out. So I carried food and water to her. Maybe she’s slipping out at night to use the sandbox and stretch her legs when we’re asleep, I thought.

On the third morning, as I sat next to the box stroking Molly and her babies, I crooned, “You’re such a devoted mommy. You’re taking such good care of your kittens. But you need to take care of yourself, too. Get out and move around a little. Your babies will be okay.” Molly just purred and licked one of her kittens so hard that he rolled over on his back. He reminded me of a tortoise for a few seconds as he clumsily tried to right himself. I reached down and nudged the chubby body until he was in nursing position again. I was still chuckling as I walked over to make the bed.

Suddenly, Gus walked into the room. His pace was deliberate—as if he was on a mission. Of course, I’d heard about male cats harming kittens and I became concerned. But Gus and Molly were so close—surely he wouldn’t hurt the babies. In fact, I kept both of these kittens because of their obvious devotion to one another. They were inseparable. When one was sleeping, they were both sleeping curled up in a gray and white circle of fur—always together. When one was outside, the other was always nearby. This was the longest period I’d ever seen them apart. And now here he came. I wanted to stop him. Don’t get any closer, I thought. Danger! Danger! Frightening thoughts filled my head.

I looked over at Molly. She seemed unconcerned. And then something happened—something I would never imagine—something I’ve never witnessed before or since.

Molly stepped out of the birthing box and Gus stepped in. I watched in astonishment as Molly walked calmly out of the room. I looked back over at Gus. To my amazement, there he sat arrow straight and upright staring into space—ears slanted slightly outward, eyes only partially open, a look of disgust and disdain on his whiskered face. He sat like a statue seemingly ignoring the motion at his feet as four newborn kittens squirmed and rolled around him.

A good ten minutes later, Molly reappeared in the doorway. Gus spotted her and leapt out of the box. He walked swiftly past her without so much as a “howdy do.” In fact, his demeanor was more as if to say, “You owe me one, kid—you owe me BIG.” And as far as I know, that was the first and last time that Gus ever agreed to be the babysitter.

Catscapades Table of Contents
View the full Table of Contents for Catscapades, True Cat Tales in the March 1, 2010 blog. I believe you will agree that there are stories for every cat person. There are stories of feral cats, colony cats, pampered cats, cats in danger, seriously injured cats, orphaned cats and even a cat that was catnapped. You’ll learn more about communication in cats, cat safety, things cats can teach you, using mind-talk with cats and there’s also the story of a woman who feels that she attracted cats that wanted help crossing over.

Order your copy of this charming book of true cat stories here: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html.

Aristocats Read Catscapades

Miss Bella has good taste

Meet Miss Bella. She is one of many cats who are enjoying Catscapades, True Cat Tales—especially when her “person,” Karen, drops treats on the cover.

Here’s what Karen says about her lovely girl:

“Miss Bella is a British Shorthair, hence the proper name, ‘Miss’ Bella! I adopted her from Forever Home Pet Rescue of Simi Valley, Calfiornia after meeting her brother at a pet adoption fair. A breeder had gone out of business and dumped nearly 100 cats on various rescue groups. Miss Bella was one of them! A volunteer came up to Santa Barbara to do a home check and brought along two kitties for me to meet. Miss Bella ended up running and hiding under the bed and we couldn’t get her out, so we had to adopt her!!! Since she had very little human contact during her 2 ½ years at the ‘kitty mill,’ she was shy about being petted and terrified of being picked up (which continues to this day). Even so, she was a sweet, calm kitty and she fit in from Day 1. She awakens me every morning by pulling the covers off my head and kissing my ear and then moves on to kiss my fingers. I wake up giggling every morning.”

Karen Stevens, founder of All for Animals
http://www.allforanimals.com

Editor’s note, Miss Bella no longer hides, even when strangers come to admire her. She has become a wonderful companion for Karen. It took Karen a while to decide to adopt another pet after her beautiful cat, Cassidy, died. Read the story of how Cassidy had been abandoned in a warehouse district in Santa Barbara, California and how Karen rushed to his rescue one rainy morning. This story is among over 40 in Catscapades, True Cat Tales.

Order your copy here: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Where Do Cats Live?

Lily Happy in Her Home

No, the boat is not a luxury liner or even a houseboat docked nearby. This is a small, one-man fishing boat that is parked on a trailer along a neighborhood street. The scrawny black and white cat seems to spend most of his time sleeping on top of the outboard motor. The first few times I saw the cat, I thought, “How cute—a cat in a boat.” Later, when I noticed a paper plate with a few kibbles sitting on the bow, I knew—someone is feeding this stray who has chosen to live what few years the old guy might have left on this old, abandoned boat.

This cat came along too late to be featured in my book of cat stories, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. But there are stories of cats in unusual living conditions. I write about Pebbles, for example, who had a perfectly fine home with loving people, but who chose to wander down the nearby ravine to join a cat colony that gathered several blocks away. It took her people a while to figure out where Pebbles was going every day. Eventually, they learned that, although she was sleeping in her cozy bed by night, she was hanging out with the colony by day.

Lily was born in an abandoned Volkswagen and experienced her first six weeks sharing an attic with 14 other kittens. Alma and her kittens live in an overgrowth of ice plant in a San Diego cat colony. Bootsie tired of living in a barn and moved into a neighbor’s home. Her story is interesting because, unbeknownst to Bootsie’s new “person,” she gave her the same name as she had when she was a barn cat. Max was raised in a woodpile until we rescued him and his sisters. And then there were the four aging cats that were orphaned when their young “person” died unexpectedly and who each had to adjust to new surroundings. This is a story of divine intervention.

All of these stories and more are featured in Catscapades, True Cat Tales. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html. Order your copy now for Mother’s Day giving.

How to Photograph a Cat

Lily

Do you have trouble catching the essence of your cat in photographs? I’ve been photographing Lily for almost a year and finally, FINALLY, captured her personality in a photo. She is just about as sweet as they come, yet her photos sometimes seem to show a hint of attitude—or should we say “catitude.”

The photo of Lily that I’m sharing today represents my vision of her—my sense of her. Here, you see pure innocence and sweetness. Or is this simply my perception?

For this shot, I had to lay belly down on the living room floor and focus on Lily as she relaxes inside her blue tunnel—a delicious splash of sunlight glowing from behind her. I did not have to use the flash, so her eyes look more natural. I just love this shot. What do you think?

Catscapades, True Cat Tales is illustrated by around 40 photos of Lily and many other cats: Winfield, Katy, Daisy, Frigie, Tober, Bootsie, Gomer, Crystal and others. One reader told me that she really enjoys having the photos so she can put the cat more visually into the story.

Speaking of reader comments—oh my, they are so positive. I’m preparing to post a new collection of comments at the Catscapades page: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html.

Order your copy today—remember, Mother’s Day is around the corner. If you order it early enough, you’ll have time to read it before wrapping it for your mom, mother-in-law, grandma…

You can also order this book through Amazon.com.

Lily Turns 1-year-old

The Party is Over

Lily, our precious kitty girl, turned 1 year old on April 1. She celebrated with two 3-year-old children, a 5-year-old and a baby. And boy did she have a ball. There were balloons, party hats, goodie bags and even gifts. You’ll never guess Lily’s favorite part of the party? The crumbly sugar cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles. She even walked away from her Fancy Feast treat in order to clean up the sugar cookie crumbs the children kept dropping everywhere.

Lily partied hardy as long as the kids were here. And afterward, like any party cat, she crashed.

She will wake up long enough to paw-agraph copies of her debut book, Catscapades, True Cat Tales. While she isn’t the only cat featured in this book—there are around 40 others—she considers this her memoir. Check out Lily’s story on page 110. You’ll see her favorite collection of photos there, too.

Learn more about Catscapades, True Cat Tales and place your order here: http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html

Remember, Mother’s Day is in May. This is a wonderful gift book.