Audrey and I had to have a long talk today. Since Annie has been spayed and has had to deal with chin acne (of all things) she has been a bit out of sorts. Luckily, today I did see a positive change in her outlook but she has not wanted Audrey to be close to her for a week now. The problem is mostly that Audrey thinks that she can still nurse from her mom. Uh! Uh! Mom is not interested in that ANYMORE. I have had to stand back and let Annie put Audrey in her place a few times. It has hurt to watch but that is how they learn. A low growl, her body stiffens with a scolding yowl and if Audrey persists, Annie would give her the boot. Ahhh! Hard to watch this because Audrey gets her feelings hurt but that's life. Today, Audrey showed signs of 'getting it' (she's a bit of a knot head) and slowly worked her way into Annie's bed just to cuddle and once this was evident, Annie accepted her. It's obvious that Audrey misses her mom's affection. It was nice to watch and they slept for many hours together. I really hope this is the start of a new relationship for them.
Did ya know...
Winter can present special health risks to cats. The antifreeze we use in our cars, if ingested, can be lethal. Cats are attracted to it's sweet taste and can die from sampling it. It can immediately put them into renal failure if ingested. Renal failure is a progressive and irreversible deterioration of kidney function. So, if you use antifreeze, please keep it stored safely away from your cats and any outdoor cats as well.
Winter ice salt can create similar risks with your cats. If your cat is an outdoor cat, it will lick its' paws after being outside and ice salt can cause severe internal problems. If your cat must wander outside you should wash its' paws when it returns home.
Oh my gosh, how many days 'til Spring?
I met an intact male cat yesterday by the name of Eric. He resides in a thrift store and there is a sign on the entrance door that reads "Do not try to pet this cat". Thank you.
(I took this photo of him before meeting him)
I walked in and came face to big-jowelled face (his, not mine) with his lordship, Eric. The fellow, who Eric owns, was dusting his merchandise and I asked him why Eric could not be petted. He replied "OH GOD, DON'T TOUCH HIM ...HE'LL BITE YOU AS SOON AS LOOK AT YOU""OK, THEN." Big head, Eric was a stray cat that this kind man took to helping and eventually allowed in to his store. He fell hard and fast for this big guy and when Eric bit him the first time, he obviously forgave him. The second time was a bit more disturbing but his love for Eric continued and now he calls Eric the boss man and never touches him. Eric prefers it that way.
I noticed the big guy was wearing a pink collar. The song 'Boy named Sue' jumped into my head. I couldn't resist..."Do you think maybe he is a bit pissed about the pink collar he is wearing?" He laughed.."No, it was a freebie and I put it on him so fast he didn't even have a chance to see what colour it was." I liked this guy.
I wished him luck with Eric and after discussing possible ways to keep Eric's nails trimmed (Oh Lord help us), I went on my way.
I think I'll drop in again sometime and maybe bring Eric a bright blue collar. :-)
hugs, Deb