Sneakeasy's Joint

MRPPT 13: Presence of Melamine Identified in Contaminated Food

Hello...

Nikita here...

Welcome to Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat!

Man, oh man, the Pet Food Crisis just keeps getting worse.

The FDA has found the out something new about the toxin in the food, primarily that it wasn't Rat Poison.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released the following to the Press on Friday:

Three days ago, the ASPCA ( The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ) cautioned that aminopterin was an unlikely suspect in the illnesses and deaths of animals that ingested the recently-recalled contaminated foods—a suspicion that was today confirmed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a news conference held today, the FDA announced that further laboratory testing identified the presence of melamine in food samples from the recalled lots. Melamine, which is not highly toxic in general, is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.

“Melamine at high doses causes a pronounced diuretic affect in dogs and rats, as well as the development of crystals in their urine,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, including its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). “The twist in the tale is that melamine itself has a very high safety margin, especially when compared with a toxin such as aminopterin.

“Cats, however, are a very sensitive species, and can react adversely to many chemicals and drugs,” continued Dr. Hansen. “Because of their unique physiology, we suspect that they may also be more sensitive to the adverse effects of melamine.

“Further, crystals in urine have been reported by veterinary diagnosticians and clinicians in some of the pets affected by the contaminated foods. However, the direct connection between melamine and renal failure, especially in cats, is not clear and requires additional investigation.”

The ASPCA recommends that the treatment of pets for kidney failure, which has been directly linked to ingestion of the contaminated food, should continue. “It is imperative to stay in close contact with your veterinarian and follow their direction,” said Dr. Hansen. “In addition, if you have any suspicion that your pet is displaying signs other than those previously noted, and believe these are directly linked to ingestion of the contaminated food, you should notify the FDA immediately.”

Adverse effects or deaths of pets conclusively linked to eating the contaminated foods should be reported to the FDA. The FDA has also posted answers to frequently asked questions about the recall here. Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has a wealth of resources here.

More and more foods are being re-called every day, now including dry food.

What's a poor Cat, or Dog to do?

Some of our Human Companions are even wondering what non-pet foods are good for their pets, as an alternative, for the duration, but, in my view, that's a sign of panic that is not called for at this time.

MRPPT 12: Pet Foods NOT on Recall List and What Next?

Hello...

Nikita here...

Welcome to Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat!

Boy, have I been making up for lost time this weekend or what.

No, it's not because I feel guilty for not posting since the end of January!

I began posting again because of a very serious threat to the Cat, and  Canine, Communities.

This evening comes word of an invaluable post by The PetsitUSA Blog, that spreads the word about SAFE FOODS.

With the massive pet food recall that is going on, I have had people asking me what pet food is safe. At this point, feeding our pets any commercially prepared food can feel quite risky. The following companies have made statements that their food is not affected by the Menu Foods recall. Keep in mind that we are not “recommending” any of these foods. Rather, we’re compiling a list of foods that are reported safe by the manufacturers.

Check out this article on their Blog, for the List, and updates, and don't forget to read the NOTE at the end of the list

As for the all important question of What Next?

The wonderful, and dedicated, folks at Pet Connection are asking for thoughts on the subject, and start things off with 4 Legislative Suggestions.

Itchmo has started a Petition to demand changes, and people can learn more, and sign it, if they are so inclined, here: Petition to Require Pet Food Companies to be Held Accountable for Damages. ( Another, shorter, URL for the Petiion. )

Daddy signed, and I added my name in symbolic solidarity, as he posted a JOINT STATEMENT for us both:

My 9 yr. old Feline Companion, Nikita, and I wish to express our solidarity with our fellows in the Cat, and Canine Communities, in this terrible time of crisis.

We agree wholeheartedly that the marketers, and manufacturers, of the food, and treats, that people purchase, for the nourishment of their Animal Companions, need to be held accountable for what goes into their product, and for it being safe for consumption before it reaches the shelves of Retailers.

We also want to encourage all Human Companions to do all they can to inform themselves about care, and feeding, issues related to their particular Animal.

Pet Connection has an informative post of useful information:

What you need to know -- and do -- in the wake of the news.

As far as the number of casualties is concerned the company, the FDA, and AP ( Among other Media Outlets. ) are apparently not buying the notion that far more than just 16 animals have died nationwde.

Either that, or they are keeping quiet about what they know.

Pet Connections, from its self-reported database, is now reporting 1,716 dead pets as of 9 p.m. PT..

They have just posted a story about the numbers that nails the above with regards to this discrepancy, and links to stories by Newsweek, and USA Today.

The USA Today piece, in tomorrows paper, and now up on its website, is pretty much confirming that the above numbers may actually be closer to the mark.

Data from the nation’s largest chain of pet hospitals, Banfield, suggest it is as high as hundreds a week during the three months the food was on the market.

During that time, the more than 600 Banfield hospitals in 43 states saw 200 to 250 cases of kidney failure in cats above the usual number that would have been expected, says Hugh Lewis, president of Data Savant, Banfield’s data collection arm.

During that period, Banfield vets saw 100,000 cats. Extrapolating to the entire cat population of the USA, that could mean “we’re probably talking several hundred cats a week across the country being affected,” Lewis says.

Check out the post by Pet Connection, here.

MRPPT 11: Cats Who Blog, and those who Encourage Them

Hello...

Nikita here...

Welcome to Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat ( As of today MRPPT for short! )!

I am 9 years old, this month, and have had a presense online for all but 6 months of that time, thanks to the encouragement of my Human Companion.

I began Blogging in Sept. 2002, rather infrequently, until Daddy bought a Digital Camera, and we could work together to show off my handsome personage to the world, but enough to know that people enjoyed reading my thoughts, and looked forward to more.

I Blog when Daddy is either asleep, or not at home, that way we don't get in each others way. ;-D

My entries can be found in a particular archive, and I want to encourage you to get to know me, by checking out the 1st 4 entries, as a way to introduce myself to new readers:

9/9/02 = If it's All the Same to You I'd Rather be Inside!.

9/11/02 = A Cat Prepares to Return to Writing His Memoirs ( Only still existing chapters shared here! Tell me what you think, and if I should try to start over, or just try to continue telling the story! )

7/03/05 = Puzzled Pussy Ponders Peculiar Place.

9/10/05 = Bouncer: Help Humane Society help Animal Companion victims of Katrina.

On Dec. 18, 2005, I began to identify my contributions to Daddy's Blog as "Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat". ;-D

Except for 2 entries, since, all my contributions have been so labeled.

Whether labeled as MRPPT, or otherwise, you will immediately know I wrote the entry, and not Daddy, I promise. ;-D

In between Blogging I take my duties as Bouncer here, seriously.

You can tell that by my Serious Looking photo in the sidebar, and my Motto:  "You No Giva Me Problems, I No Giva You Smack!"

I am, and always have been, an Indoor Kitty ( Occasional Misadventures notwithstanding! )

The life of an Outdoor Cat is not for everyone, and those who enter into it voluntarily, full time, or part time, should do so with open eyes, and all 9 Lives intact.

Those born into the Life, who come in from the cold, often have a hard time adjusting, despite the best efforts of their Human Companions, and any Cats in the family.

I have known both a Part time Outdoor Cat, and one who, reluctantly, came in from the Outside Life, as a Kitten, and so know from what I speak.

But enough about me.

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 10: Pet Food Recall

Hello...

Nikita here...

Yes, I know, its been nearly 2 months since I last appeared, and I apologize.

I've been thinking about how to best proceed, as promised, with more posting ( If you are new to SEJ see Archive for everything from the last few years. ), and something has occurred in recent days that has encouraged my return to action.

As everyone, and their Human Companions, are aware, by now, there is Fear at the Food Bowl all across the land.

A week ago it was reported that many brands of Cat, and Dog, Food were being recalled.

Animal Companions, nationwide, have been reported becoming ill, and some even have died.

This crisis may have begun in February, if this timeline is to be believed.

It has now been reported that Rat Poison was found, though how it got in the food is still up in the air: Was it an accident, or deliberate?

The Mainstream Media is reporting an official death toll of 16, so far, but there seems to be a lot more to this story, and the very real possibility of many more deaths, so far, and yet to come.

One place worth reading, on a daily basis, for stories related to this Crisis, is Pet Connection.

Its Blog has been on top of this since the beginning, with some great reporting, and links to other related news stories, not to mention the comments to nearly every post, by concerned Cat, and Dog, lovers.

They have begun a Database for people to report illnesses, and deaths, and are being swamped with e-mails,and tips.

As they write in this post:

Help us out on this! Yes, you should report your pet’s illness to the FDA. Yes, you should call the manufacturer,  company that marketed the brand, retailer or grocer. (Good luck getting through to any of them, by the way.) But call us crazy, we think there needs to be an independent place for this to be reported, which is why we opened our database over the weekend.

So go to the database. Take a few minutes. Help us stay on top of this tragedy. Much of the media is still reporting 10 pet deaths — in essence, only those animals killed by Menu Food’s own tests. We know there are dozens if not hundreds more, but we can’t work with blog comments and e-mails. Anecdotal evidence is not going to cut it. We need names and details.

If you have a sick pet because of a recalled food, go here and enter the information. It’ll just take a minute.

There has been a lot of confusion all week, and so it is important to keep abreast of the story for the best, most accurate, information.

Pet connection reports the following, current numbers in their data base, with a caveate:

1,459 deceased pets ( 857 cats, 602 dogs ). As we’ve said before, these are self-reported numbers, but if nothing else they strongly suggest the numbers are higher than the “official” count of 16, more than half of which included animals killed feeding trials.

In a round-up, from which the above quote was taken, they also give a little backround on why "We made the decision to get the news out, and collect information on our own, in addition to that being offered through official channels. Not instead of, but addition to."

It seems that "we have been accused of offering ourselves as an official reporting site."

They clearly have not, from what this Cat can tell, while exploring the blog.

Check out this post for more.

Other websites following the story:

Howl 911.

Itchmo.

Vetcetera.

iVoryTowerz has a fascinating report about "How the Media Massage the Pet Food Scare".

***UPDATE - 11PM***

Go to Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 12 for important updates!!

***END UPDATE***

In case you are wondering...

I have always been a Dry Cat Kitty, and over the past year I've discovered the pleasure of a good bowl of Hill's Science Diet for Indoor Cat ( Mature Adult 7+ ). ;-D

Yes, yes, I know, based on some of my photos on display on this blog, the claim that I am "Mature" might be considered to be up for debate, but humor me, okay.... ;-D

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 9

Hello...

Nikita here...

Hey did you know that January 22nd was "Ask Your Cat a Question Day?"

Me neither.

Daddy submitted some questions, and helpfully provided all the paper he thought I would need to answer them.

1. What does "Living the Purrfect Life" mean to you?

2. What do you do all day besides sleep?

3. What do you dream when sleeping?

4. Is Catnip overrated?

I plead the 5th. ;-D

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 8

Hello...

Nikita here...

I am sooo over the Election.

I last posted on Halloween, and since I am still in full possession of my hair, it means that enough of you went to the polls, and I thank you!

I still don't understand why the Liberals won, but what's a Cat to do when you humans go off your meds?

New Year's Day came, and went, and Daddy and I just hung out, looking out the window, as WW3 seemingly erupted outside, just after Midnight.

As for my plans for 2007... I hearby resolve to just be ME, but only more so, in the coming year.

I'm sleepy, it's about midnight, and I want my tummy rubbed....

Is that too much to ask? ;-D

Happy New Year, everyone!!

VOTE or the Cat Gets It!

Hello....

Nikita here....

Daddy, and I, come to you, a week before the 1st of 2 of the most important Election Cycles in the history of the United States of America, with an important message.

Don't end the  American Moment.

The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.—Dwight D. Eisenhower

We read the paper, and watch the news, and can't help but wonder if too many of us are only good at enjoying the freedom living in the greatest nation the earth has ever seen affords us.

Here is something to think about:

According to statistics from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance... when looking at Election Turnout, country by country, in all elections, between 1945 and 1998...

The United States, the cradle of modern freedom, is ranked a pitifully disgraceful 114th!

48.3% of us bothered to vote!!

THAT, all you happy people, is a FUCKING SHAME, and an utter disgrace!!

( To say it in any other way would be a sign of appeasement, and so we won't back down from the use of such a harsh word. )

The Brits, the nation whose Ass we kicked for the right to be free, were ranked 42nd ( 74.9% ).

In the 2000 Congressional Elections 46.6% voted, a 12 point increase from 1998.

In the 2000 Presidential Election 49.3% voted, measely 2 point increase from 1996.

No stats were available for 2002 and 2004, but all these numbers speak volumes.

After the 1992 Presidential Election turnout took a dramatic dive below 50%!

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.—Thomas Paine

If the people fail to vote, a government will be developed which is not their government…. The whole system of American Government rests on the ballot box. Unless citizens perform their duties there, such a system of government is doomed to failure.—Calvin Coolidge

The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. —John F. Kennedy

Do teachers even mention these quotes  ( And the others you will read here. ) in our schools today?

Critters, Critters, Everywhere! 2

House of the ( Mostly ) Black Cats  presents Carnival of the Cats #134.

The Modulator has its usual extensive collection of Critter pics in Friday Ark #108.

The Cat Blogosphere has the Weekend Cat News #9.

Rosa's Yummy Yums has Weekend Cat Blogging #71.

The Prayer and Praise list for the week of 10/15, and a Sermon for good measure, are up at the Pet Prayers and Praise Blog.

Do You enjoy YouTube?

Then check out Kitty Movie Monday for a growing collection of Cat Videos. ;-D

Critters, Critters, Everywhere!

Another weekly sampling of some of the best in Critter Blogging!

Pet's Garden Blog has Carnival of the Cats #132.

Curiouser and Curiouser has Carnival of the Cats #133.

The Modulator has its usual extensive collection of Critter pics in Friday Ark #106 and #107.

The Modulator also debuts the Friday Ark Arkive Page!

The Cat Blogosphere has the Weekend Cat News #7, and #8.

House of the ( Mostly ) Black Cats hosts Weekend Cat Blogging #69, and The Hidden Paw has #70.

The Prayer and Praise list for the weeks of 10/1, and 10/8, and a couple of Sermons for good measure, are up at the Pet Prayers and Praise Blog.

A home with Pets can be Chaotic

Fun, of course.... but still a tad chaotic at times. ;-D

For a weekly sampling of some of this chaos I recommend the latest editions of 2 of my favorite Critter Carnivals, plus some new members to my list.

House of Chaos hosts Carnival of the Cats #131, and shares over 50 entries.

Friday Ark #105, at The Modulator, has its usual extensive collection of Critter pics.

Cats, Invertibrates, Birds, Other Vertibrates, and Dogs. ;-D

Another festival of Weekly Cat Blogging I have discovered is organized by Chef Sarah Jane, and has just had its 68th edition.

This week I am, at the request of Nikita, adding 2 new links to the 3 above:

Nikita added 2 new links in HIS sidebar.

The 1st is to a wonderful site called The Cat Blogosphere.

We cats are taking over the blogosphere. It's the first step to taking over the world. All blogging cats, kittens, kitties, pussycats, and other felines are welcome to become members or email us info. Friends of felines are welcome too!

Each week there is a round-up of links to stories, and news, under the title of Weekend Cat News.

Here are links to the 1st 6 editions:

Weekend Cat News #1.

Weekend Cat News #2.

Weekend Cat News #3.

Weekend Cat News #4.

Weekend Cat News #5.

Weekend Cat News #6.

The 2nd is a new site called Pet Prayer, and Praise, Blog:

This blog will be a group effort and will be for any PET prayer requests, praises, or remembrances. Sundays a new list will be started and if you want to post a special request, praise, or remembrance, all you need to do is send ML or Kat an email, and we will in turn send you an invite so you'll have access to post on this blog.

The Prayer and Praise list for the week of 9/24/06.

Though neither Nikita, or I, are the most Religious sorts we think this is a wonderful idea.

Cats, More Cats, and Some Other Critters

Carnival of the Cats #130 is up over at Justin's Random Thoughts, and has a bit less than 50 entries, which was probably why Bruiser was able to keep things organized as co-host. ;-D

Just kidding Bruiser!  You join a Rottweiler of my, and Nikita's, acquaintance, who is not just very smart, but thinks Cats are swell, too. ;-D

The Friday Ark #104, at The Modulator, has its usual extensice collection of Critter pics.

Cats, Invertibrates, Birds, Other Vertibrates, and Dogs. ;-D

I almost had a Fly pic to share this week, but the critter would just NOT stay still!

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 7

As I have written: I believe in moderation where that bit of bliss, known as Catnip, is concerned.

I'm a RESPONSIBLE Cat!

Sooo....

Here I am....

Taking in the bliss.... moderately....

and... RESPONSIBLY!!

Oh, yeah... I LUVS my Catnip ball!!

My message to the Cat Blogosphere is.... Yes, yes, it's harmless, I know that ....

Just don't over do it! ;-D

Of Cat, and Animal, Carnivals

I'm playing a bit of catch-up, here!

Carnival of the Cats #128: The Labor Day Edition occurred at Watermark.: A Poet's Notebook. ( As a writer, and budding poet, I'm gonna take a closer look at this place  ( Over 55 entries! ). ;-D

Carnival of the Cats #129 is now up over at Begin Each Day As If It Were on Purpose , and also has over 55 entries to enjoy. ;-D

The Modulator, of course, has The Friday Ark, and its huge menagerie of animal related posts:

#102 is here.

#103 is the new edition.

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 6

Hello, Nikita here, and I want to show off my refinement, and culture.

As Daddy announced earlier the new Carnival of the Cats is up, and so I went prowling around for a look see.

Elisson has channeled his inner Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and his effort made me purr with pleasure. ;-D

Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day’s occupations,
That is known as the Kitties’ Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of fuzzy feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And meowing soft and sweet.

Isn't that suspenseful?

Now go read the rest! ;-D

Carnival Time: Cats 127 and Ark 101

This week’s Carnival of the Cats is brought to you by Aloysius Pangur Ban, M.F.A. (Master of Feline Arts) at Catymology.

There are more than 60 entries this week!

On a related note check out the Friday Ark at The Modulator.

Carnival of the Cats 126 is Purrfectly delightful!

This week’s Carnival of the Cats is brought to you by Red Peonies.

There are more than 50 entries this week!

On a related note: Friday Ark celebrated its 100th edition!!

Carnival of the Cats 125 is now up!

This week’s Carnival of the Cats is brought to you by Hakuna and Matata, the Resident Kitties at Blog d'Elisson.

There are more than 40 entries this week!

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 5

Hello, Nikita here, and I want to show off my new hairdo, in 4 new photos!

Does the shading make me look mysterious, or what?

There we go!

A good look at The Bouncer of Sneakeasy's Joint at his ( Well, Daddy's ) desk.

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 4

Hello, Nikita here, and I've got Holidays on the brain.

National Tap Dance Day

National Boss Day

Groundhog Day

Pet Week

Hug a Rottweiller Day

April Fool's Day

What's wrong with this picture?

A whole damn week as a catch-all, for all Companion Animals, no doubt covering everything from Ants to Zebras?

How so PC!

Fortunately there is someone working hard to rectify an indefensible oversight of the Holiday Naming Committee....

Tiger Hample, author of HAPPY CAT DAY....

124th Carnival of the Cats is up

The 124th edition of the purrrfectly delightful Carnival of the Cats is ready for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Its creator, Laurence Simon, of This Blog is Full of Crap, hosts it this week:

The Carnival of the Cats is a weekly roundup of cat-related posts on weblogs. Its purpose is to provide a non-political respite from the vehement echo chamber that the Blogopshere spins itself into during the week, demonstrating that even the mightiest and meekest of pundits have a love of cats in common.

Carnival #124 has over 60 entries.

Sneakeasy's last participated when Nikita contributed a piece in #121, and there have been 2 editions before this new one:

#122 was hosted by Creatures of the Earth, and has over 40 entries.

#123 was hosted by The Scratching Post, and has over 50 entries.

***UPDATE - 8/7***

Animal Blogging ain't just for Cats!

We'll post links to sites that have Friday (plus or minus a few days) photos of their chosen animals (photoshops at our discretion and humans only in supporting roles). Watch the Exception category for rocks, beer, coffee cups, and....?

Thanks to the Modulator the 97th installment of the Friday Ark is up!

***END UPDATE***

121st Carnival of the Cats is up

The 121st edition of the purrrfectly delightful Carnival of the Cats is ready for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Musings is the host who introduces you to 59 entries to keep you occupied until next weeks edition rolls around.

Technorati Tags: Cat, Cats, Kitten, Kittens

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 3

I AM the TOMCAT! ;-D

VET: "Nikita is such a HANDSOME Boy!"

ASST: "Nikita is so FRIENDLY!"

ASST: "What a BIG Man!"

VIEW OF LADIES EVERYWHERE: "Awww... He's so CUTE!!!"

Official Report by the Doc after my appointment at my new Vet:

Nikita is a Handsome Boy.

He weighed 16.5 lbs. today. ( I'm not overweight, just a HUGE Cat, hee, hee. )

His Physical Exam was normal except for a few scabs over his shoulders/neck, and some mild dental tartar.

The Scabs are most likely due to allergies. ( Wassup with this? I didn't notice I was allergic to ANYTHING! )

If they don't clear up after the Bath ( Not so hard to take, fellas, as long as it's only yearly, or every 3 years. ) and Advantage treatment please let us know.

Recommend tartar control treats like the CET Chews for his teeth. ( Those things sure are TASTY! )

He received his FRCP Vaccine booster as well. ( Needles don't scare ME! )

Much to my embarrassment Daddy let them give me a Damn Lion Cut, instead of the full body shave I got the 1st time I suffered this fate, in 2003, so I've got a Mane from my head to my shoulders, uncut hair on my paws, and... a puff ball on the end of my tail. ;-D

As for the rest.... I've got my DIGNITY, but what can I say.... I AM cooler in all this heat, just like the last time, so I won't go hide under the bed for a week, or anything like that.

Besides, I WOWED them at the Vet, and the Ladies were putty in my paws everywhere we went, especially AFTER the Haircut. ;-D

Including a bag of the chews ( $15 ), the visit cost Daddy around $152.

And I'm worth every penny, we both agree. ;-D

Next year, when I officially become a Jr. Member of the Senior Ranks, I will get Blood Work and a Urinalysis done, as well as my Annual Physical.

What a day!

I think this is the beginning of a beeyouteeful relationship! :-D

Technorati Tags: Cat, Pussycat

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat 2

Hello, Nikita here...

The other night Daddy was speculating on why I've suddenly begun to contribute around here again.

Some would say I don't need no stinkin' reason to do what I do, I'm a CAT.

There is some truth to that theory, I suppose, but not in my case.

I have always enjoyed writing about my life, and expressing my opinions, it just took a while for me to understand just how much.

With access to Daddy's Computer, and 10 hours alone in which to find something to do other than just eat, sleep, and stare out the back window, contributing the occasional post is a fine way to spend some part of my day.

Daddy is a true Cat Person, you know.

Who else BUT a Cat Person could dream up a post like THIS ONE, risking the ire of Radical Feminists, and other women with no sense of humor, worldwide, with his wit, and insight?

Sadly Maximus is no longer with us, and while how that came about might disturb some folks, I respect Daddy more because of his compassion, and caring.

You may have noticed a collection of links in the sidebar under my picture.

I will get to those soon, but for now encourage you to take time out from admiring my glorious pose, and check them out on your own.

Today I wish to re-acquaint you with my previous writings on this blog.

The Cat in the Bag

2 Crinkle Toys at $30.

1 ordinary Paper Bag at no cost.

The choice a curious Cat makes about which one to crawl into?

PRICELESS!!! ;-D

Bag Diving! It's the Sport of Cats! ;-D

Technorati Tags: Cat

The Bouncer of SEJ Celebrates 8 Years of Life

All work , and no play, makes Nikita a bored Pussy. ;-D

Hello...

Nikita here.

Last month I celebrated my 8th Birthday.

No I did NOT have too much Catnip!

I believe in moderation where that bit of bliss is concerned.

I'm a RESPONSIBLE Cat!

Daddy was at his desk, after just coming home from somewhere, and I was just SOOOOO glad to see him. ;-D

Don't I look just purrrfect?

Look at that coat!

Look at that SIZE and sculpted body ( I may be 16lbs., but I'm a well built Tom, I'll have you know! )!

And doesn't that beautiful belly just cry out for a celebratory Birthday Belly Rub? ( Yes! and I got one, too! )

I wish to thank the readers of this blog, and those who have commented over the years ( especially those who have commented about me! ).

You make my job an easy one, and have given me little trouble these 4 years as Bouncer of this fine establishment, and for that I am grateful. ;-D

All in all, life is good, and as I approach double digits in age I do it with front paws at the ready and all 9 lives still in place. ;-D

Technorati Tags: Cat, Pussy, Catnip

Meowsings of a Right Paw Puttie Tat

Hello, Nikita here, filling in for Daddy.

He's been sick for at least a week, and the last 4 days have been the worst.

I will never complain about hairballs again! When Humans get sick enough that they start coughing, and losing their voice, the sound of that cough can rival the worst episode of hairballs.

Trust me.

At night he spends most of the time sleeping sitting up so as not to cough so much.

I try to take his mind off it by playing with him, but his belly scratches are not full of their usual expert technique so I eventually settle down next to him and take a light nap.

Hopefully he will be well in time for Christmas, and can enjoy his 3 days off from work.

Regular readers know that it's been a while since I last contributed anything here, but I am feeling the writing bug again, similar to when I wrote my well received, unfinished, memoirs in my youth.

You can find old stuff, including the only still existing chapters of the memoirs ( Tales from the Litter Box ), here, and see my picture on the Left Sidebar.

Anyway, what prompted me to consider a return to regular writing?

Blame Ferdinand!

Nude Cats, and lots of them

I came home this evening to catch Nikita, online, drooling over nude pictures on the internet.

Can you blame him? ;-D

What type of Cat Parent are you?

Decent Cat Parent: You treat your cats very well
and are deserving of praise. You might want to
pick up a few extra cat toys and treats during
your next shopping trip...

What kind of Cat Parent are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Mom? MOM? ( Dropping his pants, and drawers, and staring downward in puzzlement )

Pardon me while I go shopping for some dresses, and then go get my nails done, and what's left of my hair permed. ;-D

Here kitty, kitty, kitty

Nikita submitted his essay to the latest Carnival of the Cats, and is quite pleased to join a select company of his fellow felines, over at Blog d'Ellison, for Carnival #77.

My favorite stories:

1. Cats are really Woobies:

I am sure that they are the manifestation, in this dimension, or a far older, wiser, and highly intelligent creature, whose interface into this plane of existence appears as these two creatures... Like the tips your fingers from the perspective of a mollusk...

That's right, which, since there are two of them, means that some inter-dimensional S.O.B. is flipping me the double bird...

Okaaayyy...

As for what Dogs are... there's a revelation about them in this piece as well. ;-D

2. Seeing-eye Dogs everyone knows about.

Seeing-eye Cats, however...

Our dog is blind. Her name is Nadine and she is part Springer and part Border Collie. She's always been a spunky, active dog, but now that she can't see, she's slowed down a lot, because she's afraid of bumping into things. When we first got V and M, she thought he was a mouse because of his gray color (she could still see then) and chased him, so it took him a little while to warm up to her.

Well, as you may know, Mercury likes to sneak out whenever he can. Even though we try our best, with 3 kids and their friends the doors aren't always closed. This morning, he got out again. My husband came in later in the morning with an amazing story.

The story of Nadine and Mercury is as amazing as it is touching.

Of course, the real reason to read the Carnival of the Cats is to admire the photos everyone takes of their wonderful companions.

Bouncer: Help Humane Society help Animal Companion victims of Katrina

Hello, Nikita here...

When my Mother was pregnant with me, and my litter mates, she was taken in by the Humane Society in Pomona, Ca.

It was there that I was born, and it was from there that I chose ( even he admits to thinking that in describing the event ) the human with whom I'd be a companion for life, the one I call Daddy, who writes this Blog.

He's off doing some errand, and that left  me to my own devices for a few hours.

So I chose to lay on the open copy of the OC Register on the kitchen table for a while.

While doing so I noticed the list of organizations doing great work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

One stood out to me...

Puzzled Pussy Ponders Peculiar Place

Good evening!

It's me, Nikita, the Bouncer of this fine place, and the Boon Companion of its owner.

For those who are new to the place, you can see my picture over on the left ( Daddy's the one with no fur, and wearing glasses ).

Since Daddy's away I figure I'd tell you the REAL story of the move in to our new home on Friday.

It's for times like these, when our Human Companions decide to discombobulate us by picking up, and moving lock, stock, and Litter Box to new surroundings that I think we, of the feline persuasion, are blessed with 9 lives.

This is the 2nd time in 2 years I've gone through this, and well...

It's a Cats Life.

My cat, Nikita, is 6 1/2 yrs. old this month.

It's been a while since I've written about him.

In addition to being this establishments Bouncer, Nikita is my roommate, friend, and Best Buddy.

At times he has also been my creative inspiration: I've written, in previous entries, about the Memoirs Nikita "wrote" a few years ago, elsewhere, and even shared the only existing chapter ( I didn't save them. Long story ).

He may yet try to re-write them here, if he can get over his writer's block. :-)

Cat Haiku's

A friend passed these, anonymous, Cat Haiku poems, along to me.

Enjoy. :-)

The food in my bowl
Is old, and, more to the point,
Contains no tuna.

So you want to play.
Will I claw at dancing string?
Your ankle's closer.

There's no dignity
In being sick, which is why
I don't tell you where.

Seeking solitude
I am locked in the closet.
For once I need you.

Tiny can, dumped in
Plastic bowl. Presentation,
One star; service: none.

Am I in your way?
You seem to have it backwards:
This pillow's taken.

Carnival of the Cats

Cat Lovers rejoice!

There is a new event in the Bloggerverse where you can share your best stories about your cute widdle Pussy. :-)

If your Pussy is a big one, or you have more than one, you can share that. :-)

Laurence Simon, of Amish Tech Support, is famous for posting pictures of his cats, and for his CatCam.

Now he has begun The Carnival of the Cats and, with this weeks edition it is up to 3.

As he says in the intro to #2:

Unlike other Carnivals, where people are challenged to find their best or worst posts of the week on a particular subject, instead we turn to the most important thing anybody could blog about....

Their feline friends.

Here are the links to all Three:

Cat Tales 1

Cat Tales 2

Cat Tales 3

Cats and Xmas Trees Don't Mix

A contributor to a Rootsweb Message Board posted this gem yesterday, and I thought I share it:

I guess you could call it "A Cats 12 Days of Xmas". :-)

Enjoy!

Pussy Personality Changes After Haircut!

The fleafestation is gone after a bath, dip, and cut.

Nikita was returned home, friday evening, with a full body haircut that left nothing to the imagination with regards to physical features normally hidden by his being a medium-hair male cat.

His dignity is in tatters.

Who says cats don't have any intelligence and awareness of things around them? :-)

He has apparently decided not to hang out in his favorite window perch for more than 3 minutes at a time.

He hangs out on my bed or on the table.

Some might say the occasional breeze is too chilly, but I think he's just too damn embarrassed to be seen by the neighbors, especially the 2 other cats on our floor. :-)

Another change is that he has become more cuddly than he's been in a couple of years.

He has always been a friendly, and playful cat, but that trait has become more pronounced in recent days.

He now has re-discovered the joys of sitting and/or sleeping in my lap, and of sleeping curled up next to me at night.

Must be the warmth of my body or something. :-)

The War on Domestic Terror Hits Home

In other news, this weekend I discovered that NIKITA has fleas, or maybe its ticks, I don't know.

All I know is that the little black buggers are great jumpers, and must have got in the apartment because I leave the window open everyday, and the neighbor cat hangs outside my door alot.

I thought I couldn't close the window because, since the landlord advises us not to leave the air conditioner on when we are not home, the apartment would get too hot for Nikita.

Now I've got to hope it doesn't or I fear we will be overrun. :-)

I went and got a pack of those 4-in-1 drops that supposedly kills everything in sight for a month and am hoping for the best.

I am also considering putting a NO VACANCY sign in the window. :-)

You Know Your Neighbors Cat is a Republican When...

He spends every chance he gets, since you moved in, loitering outside your window growling in discontent, and peeking in your window, and hissing menacingly at YOUR cat ( NIKITA is an Independent ) who is doing nothing more incendiary than laying on your bed sleeping, or staring back at the nosey-poker in bemusement.

Poor VALHALLA (that's the Republicat's name appparently), he's discovered Non-Conservtives infiltrating the neighborhood and doesn't know what to do about the situation.... :-)

THE CHOICE

I'm not a bad man, am I? :-(

I've been hugging my cat, NIKITA, alot tonite.....

I'm feeling torn over what I did with my younger cat, MAXIMUS, today.......

Those of you who visit here regularly will remember my posting of how I brought MAXIMUS into my household less than 2 years ago:

YOU ADORE YOUR PUSSY, ADMIT IT! - Tuesday, July 2nd, 2002

I can only keep one cat when I move and that cat is going to be NIKITA.......

So I've been calling ADOPTION AGENCIES, and checking such sites online as well......

But they are either all full, have waiting lists, and even so cost too much for me to give them the cat......

So my vet, upon hearing that I may have to consign MAX to a quick death at the hands of the humane society said take him down to a certain no-kill shelter and offer to donate $20 to the cause if they take MAX.......

As I've mentioned before he hates to be handled and dislikes being caged for the visit to the vet....

I managed to corner the frightened dear, cage him, and cart him on my bike to the shelter.....

Their first reaction was to say he looked traumatized and quiz me about my care of him. I told them I was the only person he had mostly been around, that he let me pet him and scratch his belly, and that he played with 1 other cat.

They then said he appeared not to be a socializable cat ( even my sister has said that ), and wasn't of a popular breed, anyway, and even if they took him I'd have to pay $40. I said I could only pay $20 and so they offered me a list of agencies, and I refused it because it had names I'd already called or checked into. Then I took Max & left.......

I rode my bike away all the while thinking how horrible I'd feel going to the humane society and giving them the required $20 and essentially saying to them...here kill my cat......

Sooooo....

I found an empty industrial complex....

I sat on the curb and upended the carrier, forcing poor Max out of it. I held him in my arms a while. He was too frightened to argue like he usually does.

Finally I walked over to a gate, and stuck him underneath. Then got on my bike and pedalled away without looking back.....

I couldn't even cry.....

Damnit! He deserves to live, even if only for a week or a month longer. He really deserves a chance to find a home where he can somehow learn to let others love him the way he deserves.

It wasn't his fault he was born in the wild, and has never really acclimated himself to humans......

I was the one that brought him in out of the wild at just a couple of months old.

I decided to give him back his freedom and a slim, fighting chance, at survival.

Does that make me a bad person for tossing him back on the street? :-(

Damn Humanity for being so careless with their cats that they refuse to get them fixed, and then let so many run loose on the streets day & night instead of keeping them indoors.

There are so many strays loose in the land that Humane Societies, shelters and adoption agencies are overwhelmed with the task of keeping up with the problem of CAT OVERPOPULATION.

It is unrealistic to expect every apartment owner to allow multiple cats into an apartment, especially when even allowing one seems to make some owners cringe, and so folks like me are forced to choose who lives or dies amongst their loved ones.

I choose, instead, to give MAXIMUS his freedom, and hope that, GLADIATOR that he is, he can survive and maybe even find a new home.

Forgive me, Maximus, for not being the Daddy you deserve.......

Well, Well, When Daddy's Away the Cat Will Play, I See

That's good. :-)

I hope y'all enjoyed his contributions and express your thoughts in the comment area. :-)

Right now he is relaxing in the living room window. Quite content with his days activity. :-)

A Cat Prepares to Return to Writing His Memoirs

Hi, it's me NIKITA again!

All 2 ft. long, 16 lbs, lovable black, gray, and white striped cat of me.

My white paws, and belly are adorable even if I do say so myself. ;-D

And all MALE, too! Um, well, except for the fact I'm fixed that is.... Sorry Ladies :-(

It's been 2 years since I last wrote an entry in my memoirs, and the best excuse I can give for my writer's block is that it was just exhaustion from writing the latest of 22 chapters.

I wish I could say that I had all 22 chapters saved on file, but I don't. At the time I wrote them Daddy was still learning many of the ins and outs of his computer (And so was I!), and besides, we never gave a 2nd thought to saving what I posted on the old HOWLING WOLVES BOARD from Entertainment Weekly.com.

Maybe we should have. Think of the possibilities for a book or something, who knows?

Anyway, today I want to share with you the only piece left from those days. Luckily it is the last one so makes it easy for me to prepare for continuing from where I left off as well as maybe trying to re-write those missing 21 chapeters someday.

I never thought about starting over before because I felt I couldn't duplicate the quality of writing I brought to those stories. I felt it was best I carry on from where I left off but am still unsure if i want to do so

The following is a good place to introduce you to my story because the period covered marked a new beginning in my life.

Let me begin with  a  PROLOGUE that led into the much more lengthy main piece itself....

Hello dear reader, when last we gathered here our weeks old hero had just been introduced to his new home environment, exploring the unfamiliar sights of a bedroom cut off from the rest of the house, and ending up under the bed to get his bearings....

After a few minutes I started calling out "where are you?"

Not knowing what I said, but responding to my frantic cry, the person I came to eventually call DADDY beckoned me out of hidi