A toast to the new year

JoJo loves checking out my water glasses. First he sticks his paw in. Next he sticks his head in and tries to get a drink. I have to watch my drinks closely and remember not to sip from a glass he has enjoyed.

Pretty girl

Maggie Mae discovered the dining room windowsill today. I think she was more interested in the lace curtain than the view.

Merry Christmas!

The kuttues got some new toys in their stocking. A multi-pack of fur mice, JoJo's favorite, and a laser pointer which quickly became a favorite of both of them, At one point I noved it back and forth and watched Maggie's head look like a bobble head doll. They chase it up walls and slide all over the wood floor.

Yarn cravings

JoJo has quite a thing for wool. First there was the beautiful pink cashmere. Then, the love silk and wool blend I'm trying to knit a gift with. And today I came out of the shower and found a ball of green yarn in the bedroom. I picked it up and discovered it was a small part of the ball. I followed the yarn down the stairs, around the family room, into the dining room, around several chairs several times and out into the hall. The coat closet had been left ajar and JoJo hopped in (not the first time 0 last week I found many balls of yarn scattered all around the living room) and found a treasure.

Time to clean the closet floor and move my stash of yarn!

Everything is a toy

Maggie Mae and JoJo are going to be sad - well at least bored - when the holidays are over! They love playing with everything. Here the toy is a box some gifts came in.

A new game

Brand new jumbo roll of Charmin in the powder room - ready for party season. Heard a few strange rustling noises. A little later went into the powder room and found what it was. Maggie Mae and JoJo had invented a fun new game. Might have to get used to turning the roll the other way so it isn't so easy to unroll.

Who me?

Look at these sweet innocent faces. How could they possibly misbehave? Ha! I found a few ornaments on the floor this morning. I hung them back on the tree. Later, the same ornaments were on the floor again. I hung them back on the tree. A little while later I saw the tree branches shaking. I went closer to explore and the same ornaments were back on the ground. I looked closer and found JoJo sitting in the tree. Yikes! A quick squirt and (hopefully) he won't get back in there.

These Christmas preparations are exhausting!

The holidays definitely bring too many things for these guys to get in! They love the tissue paper I wrap ornaments in. As I decorate, I drop it on the floor and they jump on it and slide across the floor.

2nd vet visit

We went back to the vet for the kittens second shots. They got weighed and checked over too. They are definitely thriving! JoJo weighed 2.2 pounds a month ago and 5.2 pounds today; Maggie Mae was 2.6 pounds last month and 4.6 today. That's a lot of kitten food!

Adoration!

Just over a month and the bonding is quite complete! JoJo and Maggie Mae spend most of their time hanging out near me. When I go downstairs in the morning, they follow. When I go up for my shower, they follow. They sit nearby while I do things. When I go up to bed, they follow and come to bed with me for pets and purrs.

I sit in my chair in the family room quite a bit. I put my feet on my ottoman and they shove each other aside to sit near a leg.

I've got it covered!

Put up the tree today. Could see those little kitty brains trying to figure out why in the world THAT was in the house. I did a little ornament hanging and then sat in the living room with my squirt bottle. Each of them made a swipe at it and got a squirt. Seems to have done the trick (so far).

New toys

I was spending today baking cookies. As soon as I started working I heard the cats getting into everything in the living room. I decided if I was going to get all my baking done I had to distract them so I gave them each a feather toy. They chased them, batted them and generally had a wonderful time playing with them for over an hour. Then they collapsed on chairs and took LONG naps!

Meet my new friend Charlie

When I was cleaning out Pat's room I brought this stuffed St. Bernard downstairs. It was Ward's mom's and she had named it Charlie. I walked into the living room and found that Maggie Mae had decided she enjoyed snuggling with Charlie.

Wow - wish we could find the whole bird!

Remembered that I had a few peacock feathers left. I pulled one out and waved it at the kitties for a bit. Then I let them  play with it. They love it! Chased, kicked, chewed it and otherwise reveled in it's beauty!

Paradise lost - and found again

Well, we developed some litter box woes in the last week. JoJo decided things weren't quite to his standards. He started marking on a spot Jasper had peed on in the living room. Then, just to be sure I got his point, he peed on the end of my bed, near my feet, while I was trying to sleep. Yuck.

After a conversation with the vet (thank you Dr. Erdman!) I tried a number of things. Downstairs,  I recleaned the spots with enzyme cleaner, installed a kitty pheromone diffuser in that area, and put a bowl of food on the prevalent spot. Upstairs, I also got a second litter box, with different (clumping) litter. Interestingly, JoJo now uses the new box and Maggie the old. He still seems to not be sure about the sandy texture but I think it keeps it smelling better for him. Maggie sniffs and even pokes the litter in his box but seems to know better than to use it. The boxes are only about a foot apart but JoJo seems to have decided this situation is much improved!

Phew!

They started it!

Ahh - decorating for Christmas WILL be more interesting this year! These snowmen are clearly a little too accessible. One has a girl with long fuzzy hair hugging him - or maybe I should say had. I found clumps of the hair around the living room. He has now been relocated a little higher up and more out of the way!

Simple pleasures

I had some shelves delivered today. They were wrapped in LOTS of packaging including some brown paper. I could tell the kittens would enjoy playing with the big piece of paper, with its crinkles and folds. I was right!

Kitty love

Maggie and JoJo have decided they like to hang out around my chair in the family room. They have spent some time on my lap - I am holding out hope that I will (after 3 other cats) finally have at least one lap cat.

What a fun place this is!

First all the smells of turkey, stuffing and all the other food. Now Christmas stuff wrapped in tissue paper.

Kitty paradise!

It's a LONG way down!

So I thought writing about taunting kittens with a turkey wing might portray me in a bad light. This one is worse. My apologies to the kittens' first home - truly things are better than this 99% of the time!

The second floor landing is open to the main floor. There is a wall about 4 feet tall with a flat top. Jasper got on top of that a few times and totally freaked me out. I've been worrying about Maggie and JoJo They can't quite jump that high yet so I figured it was okay.

I had switched Chris's mattress with Pat's and left the extra in Chris's room. Last week, since Chris was coming home, I moved it into the hall and leaned it against the wall - yes, THAT wall. I also put a hamper full of Pat's old stuffed animals there. Well, no surprise here - the kittens climbed onto the mattress and from there onto the wall. The first time they did it I almost grabbed for them but decided that might scare them and cause a fall. They did it a few times and seemed to walk agilely along the ledge so I stopped worrying. DUMB!

This morning we heard a loud bang, a thump and scurrying cat feet. Looked up and saw Maggie running away and upstairs. She may be more shy around people but definitely is as much as an adventurer as JoJo. She had decided to perch on the light fixture that is a few feet under the ledge. Of course her weight knocked it off and they both fell. Fortunately, she is fine - poken and touched limbs and tummy with no pain, she's running fine, eating, etc. Phew! The light fixture made it okay too. Needless to say, the mattress is now in the garage and I hope they never try that maneuver again! 

Thanksgiving at the Cunninghams

We're having our Thanksgiving today since Pat and Sevanah spent yesterday in Medford with her family. The boys are trying to win over JoJo and Maggie Mae but the kittens remain skeptical.

After dinner the cats got really interested in the food around the kitchen. Tried to eat the Creme Brulee. Looked longingly at the turkey leftovers. 

While I was cutting the turkey off the carcass they looked for hand outs. I taunted them a little with a wing. JoJo was the most insistent but I didn't give in.

I'm thankful for ...

Among all the other things I'm thankful for are these 2 terrific new kittens who have become great friends to me in the last 2 weeks. They tend to come to where I am and really enjoy getting pets and love from me. Yesterday I came home from running errands and was getting voice mail, etc. without saying anything out loud. Didn't see any cats. Then I returned a phone call and as soon as they heard my voice they came scrambling down the stairs. I guess they've decided they like being with me.

Chris came home last night and they are a little afraid of him. We'll see how the bathroom sharing goes!

Murder and mayhem

My board meeting was scheduled to go until 10:25 and actually didn't end until 11:30. Then I had about a half hour drive home. Got home and needed to help Chris edit a paper. I went upstairs with a little drink to edit and unwind. On the floor I found fur spread everywhere. Not actually sure what this toy was but I found fur, a 99 cent Western Pet price tag and a cloth covered ball that must have been the guts. My cute little hunters!

This morning Bonnie and Valerie came to meet them. They brought fur mice and tinsel balls. Maggie adores the ball and they both think the mice are a-okay. Can't wait to see if they dismantle them.

Maybe the downstairs IS safe ...

This morning when I went down the stairs JoJo and Maggie Mae sat at the top of the stairs watching me. I looked at them and said, "You can come with me. Come on."

Amazingly, they followed! They ran around and then hung out in the family room while I read email. After a while JoJo started meowing in his "I'm uncomfortable" way but settled down again. At one point, the phone rang and I got up to answer it. The kittens freaked out and tripped over each other running part way up the stairs.

After about an hour, they took themselves back up to their calm and safe place.

Feathers = Friends, part 2

Ward went upstairs yesterday afternoon for some kitten time. I went up a few minutes later and saw that he had adopted the same technique I did a few days earlier: the feather fishing pole. They were having a great time. He had them flying through the air to catch the feather. The best move was Maggie Mae jumping about 3 feet and flipping over in the air.

Moving from scaredy cats to curious cats

We have a cat tree - left over from Jasper - on the landing between the upstairs and the main floor. It is a tall structure, around four feet. There are multiple parts covered with sisal for scratching as well as carpet covered tunnels for sitting. There is a large window in the landing so it seems like a good spot to look out and enjoy the scenery.

This morning, I stopped on my way downstairs and scratched on it. The kittens pretty much follow me around the upstairs so they saw me - and heard it. I got downstairs and heard a thump and some scratching. JoJo had decided to check it out. I'm not sure how he got up on top - it is a pretty big jump for a little guy!

Next, I kicked one of their kitty jingle-balls on the fllor down there. Wonder of wonders - 2 kittens appeared! They ran all over the main floor. I could tell they were a little freaked out. JoJo ran around squawking - which is what he does when he isn't comfortable. Maggie just ran - which is what she does much of the time. I let them check it out for 10 minutes or so and then walked back upstairs with them following.

They haven't ventured down again but I bet they will soon! If not, I know how to entice them.

If she's there it must be the right spot ...

The kittens usually hang out together, play fighting or running around or hiding and napping. Eventually one decides to get close enough for some pets, especially if I'm lying down on the sofa or in bed. One of them snuggles close and enjoys a good kitty massage. Inevitably the other waits a few seconds and then jumps up right on top so they can get the same attention. I try to move one so they can both enjoy my company but there is clearly only one place that is appropriate!

Refreshing!

Not much of a story here. We are still hanging out upstairs - sure glad I worked on this room all fall! Tonight I brought up a small bottle of Orange Calistoga and my glass. I set it on a tray on the bench in front of the sofa - we use it like a coffee table but it's much for comfortable for feet. Much curiosity ensued. I had finished most of it so they didn't get a taste. I did worry JoJo might get stuck!

Ward meets the kitties

Ward arrived home from his trip to Pakistan today.  We headed up to Maggie Mae and JoJo's room :-) and sat on the sofa. Somebody immediately scratched the back of the sofa - hadn't happened before. Of course that is one of Ward's cat issues so I found it quite ironic. They kept checking him out from afar.

Trip to the Vet

I've never had 2 kittens before. 2 cats but not 2 kittens. Went to our new vet today. Got both kittens in the carrier with only a little trouble - JoJo was in and tried to escape when I put Maggie in.  JoJo does NOT like travel. He wailed the whole way to the vet, I thought it was close by but it seemed endless while he cried :-( They heard him coming from outside. He quieted down once we were inside.

Having 2 rambunctious kittens weighed, examined, temperature taken, blood drawn, vaccines given, etc. is quite an adventure. Even vet technology has changed - they gave them each a pill that would kill any live fleas on them. The fleas started to bail from Maggie within minutes. Another dose of Advantage in a day or 2 should finish the flea problem off. Otherwise everything looks okay,

The bed

My bed is up pretty high - high frame, thick mattress and memory foam pad. The kittens haven't been able to get up on it. Until last night.

I helped JoJo up the first time. He figured it out after that. Maggie does not want to be left out. I offered her a hand but she ignored me and figured it out for herself. Somehow I imagined them snuggling up and sweetly sleeping with me. Right!

That big, smooth, empty (Ward's still in Pakistan on business) place was an amazing playground in their eyes. It seemed JoJo was sliding around like it was a skating rink. They ran in circles and wrestled for what seemed like hours. It was in reality not that long. I had set the TV sleep timer for 30 minutes. When it turned off and the room became quiet and dark they froze for a few seconds. Then the action started again.

Eventually JoJo settled into the space just behind my pillow and an extra at the head of the bed. He purred so loud it was almost as hard to sleep as when they were playing. I'm not sure where Maggie was but she was most likely close by.

Notice they got a good nap in this afternoon :-)

Why kittens are so cute

Today I was reminded why kittens are so cute. If they weren't, they might not live to become cats!

 I came upstairs after lunch and they were nowhere to be found. I got on the sofa and looked behind it and saw my fuzzy fine pink yarn. I've been working on a lace sampler scarf. It is quite challenging for me at the moment. I've started over 3 times and it goes very slowly. I fished the yarn out and realized the knitting wasn't attached. UH OH. Explored a little more and found pieces of yarn wrapped around the leg of the bench in front of the sofa. The plot thickens.

Finally I got down on the floor and looked under the sofa. There was JoJo sitting on my knitting. I should have taken a picture but instead I calmly took my knitting and realized he had ripped out half of about 8 rows as well as tearing it off the rest of the ball. Here's the scarf after a little work at trying to get to a place I can continue from.

The Downstairs if safe. REALLY!

Definitely going well! These guys are definitely feeling okay with me and with the upstairs. They happily go from the bathroom to my bedroom to Pat's room. They really love Pat's room. Lots to explore, a sofa, hiding place and it doesn't hurt that I have a few toys in there for them. They have no problems finding the litter box (knock on wood) - a skill Jasper never excelled at - and are hearty eaters.

I did catch them accidentally venturing down the stairs while chasing each other. But they immediately turned around and headed back up the stairs. How will I convince them the downstairs is okay too?

Branching out

I let Maggie and JoJo out of the bathroom while I got ready for my day. They were nowhere to be found when it was time to leave so I left more doors open and went to the OSBA convention.

I came home after lunch, found them happily resting in my room and LOTS of their food eaten. I had forgotten how much like babies kittens are! Of course that statement means I've also forgotten a lot of what babies are like! JoJo plays like crazy and then walks around meowing (whining) until he figures out he''s tired and finds a spot to conk out.

Feathers = Friends

9:30 PM

It was a very long day - OSBA convention reception, Beaverton Community Math Forum. I got home and brought my glass of wine upstairs to watch TV with the kittens in Pat's old room, recently converted to my craft haven. I grabbed the kittens out of the bathroom and they started exploring, but were still not too interested in me.

I stretched out on the sofa and played with an old kitty toy - kind of like a fishing pole with feathers on the end. They loved it! Eventually JoJo came and snuggled next to me on the sofa. What a motor he has! Maggie thought he might have the right idea and approached for some more pets. Breakthrough!

Out of the carrier!

At 5:30 AM I woke up and went to check on the kittens. Still in the carrier! I took it to my bedroom, put it on my bed (Ward was out of town), and left the door open. Every now and then I stuck my hand in and petted them while I dozed. Eventually, Maggie decided I needed a bath and licked my hand rather completely. They had no interest in leaving the carrier. When I got up, I put them back in the bathroom.

The funniest thing is that every time I get near Maggie, she hisses at me. It is really very comical to see this teeny tiny creature try to scare me off with her petite little hiss. Maybe I should have named her after a snake. Or a flat tire.

Around 11 I went to see how they were and (FINALLY!) they were out of the carrier. And hiding behind the toilet.

Home with the cats

 8:30 PM

We got home and I opened the carrier. JoJo immediately hid under my chair and Maggie hid in the back of the carrier. On my way to bed, I tipped the chair, got JoJo out, put him in the carrier and took the carrier up to the boys' old bathroom. I set the litter box, food and water up in there, opened the carrier door, closed the bathroom door and went to bed.

New Cats

After Jasper died in June of 2006, I decided my next cat acquisition would be 2 cats from the same litter, preferably a boy and a girl. I was hoping for them to look different from other cats I've owned. This weekend I learned of a litter of kittens that I decided to visit.

The mama was a stray, similar in color to Jasper. She had 6 kittens on August 26. There were 3 left, 2 boys and a girl. The  couple that took the stray in had named the kittens after jazz artists since the mama had calmed down when they played jazz during the birth. I chose Dizzy, a black longer haired male with a white bib and paws and Ella, an ivory female with Siamese-like markings.

The initial meeting was a little rocky! First I took Dizzy and he scratched me and jumped away. Ella hissed, snuggled into my arms for a minute and then ran away. In spite of this, I decided they were healthy and friendly enough and took them home.

I decided to rename Dizzy JoJO from the Beatles song "Get Back." Ella was going to be Eleanor Rigby until I remembered that part about "dies and was buried along with her name." She instead became Maggie Mae for the song by another favorite musical artist of mine, Rod Stewart.