How long is a piece of string?
posted by Bunnery on Sat 14th Jun, 08 at 20:59:53
Hi Kitty Lovers :-)
This story involves a rather unpleasant subject - so anyone of a sensitive disposition (or tucking into their dinner right now) should maybe pop over to The Daily Kitten or something equally cute, for a little while.
The kitties have got into the habit of playing in the dining room - they seem to enjoy sitting on the windowsill to see if anyone is going by. They also like toying with the string that is attached to the curtains - the long bits that you use to loosen or tighten the tops. These ones have some rather long bits dangling down, which they loved to leap at to try to catch hold of.
The other day as I went to empty the litter tray - Buddy was just finishing off in there. They seem to feel the need to build a little sand castle over whatever they have produced and spend a long time doing it! When he'd eventually got out - I saw what looked like a huge long creature. OMG - I thought the worming tablets hadn't worked! Then on closer inspection - there was a very long piece of string in there, It looked very much like a once-white length of curtain string! I had a look in the dining room - and sure enough it was missing from one side! How on earth had such a little kitty managed to swallow all that down?? I think he needs to join some kind of freaky circus when he grows up :-)
But despite this odd mishap they are both thriving. They love going outside now - and I can let them out the back and potter around in the kitchen while they play. They haven't figured out a way past the defence systems yet - into the wider world. Buddy keeps popping back in - to make sure we are still here, but Kurt doesn't bother. He is still too busy trying to catch his first fly. It is easy to get Buddy to come inside - but when it is the end of playtime Kurt has to be either:
a) tricked into coming inside - by shaking the cat food box or his favourite jingly toy
or
b) physically grabbed and brought back in spitting and hissing and kicking and scratching
I prefer the first method myself!
Lazy Sunday Afternoon
posted by Bunnery on Sun 8th Jun, 08 at 18:14:13
The kitties are flat out and fast asleep after their busy afternoon. We let them out into the back once more and they spent the whole afternoon out there. L and I took it is turns to keep an eye on them from the swinging seat. I had a good book I wanted to finish - so it was very pleasant with a nice cool drink in hand.
(The book is one of Ben Elton's btw - Blind Faith - it is very scary, but brilliant and thought-provoking - and seems to be the direction we are heading, I guess this discussion belongs to another blog though...) (Actually it is about blogs - but I digress) :-)
Kurt and Buddy ventured as far as the fence at the bottom this time and seemed a little more relaxed in the great outdoors. Buddy saw his first butterfly and sat watching it for ages until it lazily flew over next door's fence. Kurt seemed even more determined to catch a fly - and sneaked up and pounced and leapt and jumped for all he was worth - but they always got away!
They had a very nice meeting with the cat next door - the all-black one. She popped over the fence and jumped down to check them out. She kissed Buddy on the nose - then did the same to Kurt and spent ages sniffing his head! They seemed to be getting on really well until Kurt said "Miouw" really loudly and she fled. I don't know what it meant but it can't have been very nice! I thought he liked her!
They also had a not-so-nice, almost meeting with the dog next door - the other way. It is a yappy Yorkshire Terrier and was loose in his garden and must have heard the kittens playing - or smelt them. He started hurling himself at the fence and trying to stick his horrible wet nose through a gap. Kurt fled - but Buddy was intrigued and enraged him even more by putting his paws up on the fence and watching him with a "What on earth are you doing?" look on his face. Eventually the man next door came out and dragged the dog back inside.
Heehee - one up to the kitties I think :-)
Happiness is a warm kitty....
posted by Bunnery on Thu 5th Jun, 08 at 21:50:53
...especially one that is purring. Even better is two contented kitties stretched out on your lap. Doesn't leave much room for your laptop or book or Su Doku- or whatever you were actually trying to do. Well - their comfort is more important after all ;-)
It seems that the little monsters are getting used to the humans that they now own. When they first arrived they would only cuddle up together to sleep and looked horrified if you tried to stroke them or brush them. Now they have realised that is is quite nice being stroked and will purr happily and stretch out on whoever sits on their sofa. Sometimes Kurt will sit on me and Buddy will sit with Laura - each with their rightful slave - but quite often they will swap - or both choose one. Whichever looks busiest,. I think they like to relieve stress! Listening to their contented puring certainly can calm anyone down.
This is not to be confused with the hungry "Are we glad to see you!" purr that we get when we come in from work. That is when they will circle our feet as we try to walk to the kitchen, tripping us up several times before we make it to the Whiskers pouches. Hmm - it is nice to be appreciated.
Meanwhile some helpful soul at work sent this link to me - not sure it is entirely serious :-)
The Great Outdoors
posted by Bunnery on Mon 2nd Jun, 08 at 17:34:11
Well, Kurt is asleep next to me on the sofa - but Buddy is trying to chase the cursor on the screen, so I am not sure how much of this you'll be able to read.
I'll give it a go anyway.
Saturday was such a nice day that we opened the back door and let the kittens explore outside.
For a change, Kurt was the brave one - as he walked right out of the door, down the step and timidly walked along the patio. Buddy stood looking at him for ages two paws still indoors and two outside. Eventually he plucked up enough courage to step outside and have a sniff around like his brother. They both hugged the edge of the house - then the fence. They spent a lot of time looking up into the sky - as if wondering where the ceiling went to. The birds unnerved them a little - they were amazed at them flying over. Eventually they came over to us where we were sitting on the swinging seat. Kurt was pre-occupied following an ant with his nose, while Buddy seemed intent on seeing what dandelions tasted like. Kurt was rather less brave when he spotted a woodlice - and walked backwards as it advanced towards him. It was great to see the look of wonder on their faces as they experienced things for the first time ever. It certainly tired them out - they slept for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
They haven't been out again since. On Sunday they had visitors again! Sarah and Emma came to play with them. They enjoyed the attention! They can stand any amount of teasing, cuddling and kissing, they just lap it up. They showed how cute they could be, chasing grey mouse and jumping up at their ping pong ball. Maybe we should enter them in "Britain's Got Talent" next series :-)
Tonight Kurt was being a bit naughty while we were eating. Laura let him try a bit of her curry - so I don't think he'll be bothering us at mealtimes again! He shook his head a lot - and walked around with his tongue hanging out. Hold on - I'd better go and refill his water bowl.........
Jabs, pants and other embarrassments
posted by Bunnery on Sat 31st May, 08 at 06:27:35
Hi Kitty Lovers!
This week has been quite eventful for the Terrible Two - they had their first jabs! It was also Buddy's first visit to the vet's (Kurt is already a VETeran! Heehee!) - so I wasn't sure how it would go - or how I would control two wriggly kitties in a basket.
He asked for Kurt to be taken out first - as he already had him on the Vet Computer. He was timid and looked worried - but let the man put a red pill down his throat (I think he even swallowed it!) and then did not even squeak when he had the jab in the back of his neck. He looked relieved to be put back into the basket though.
Buddy was just the opposite - he was fascinated by the place - so many strange smells and sounds. He tried to jump off the table and have a look around.I had to restrain him a little! He also swallowed his worming tablet and did not squeak either when he had the jab. he was too busy sniffing the wall. Then he refused to go back into the basket! He splayed his legs out - so we couldn't stuff him back in! It took us both, with two legs each and a few scratches to get him back in.
They have to go back for the next one in three weeks!
Kurt and Buddy are enjoying playing around the house and exploring every room. They love the spare room - but have invented a new game to embarrass their owner! They take pants off the clothes dryer and bring them downstairs and put them in the dining room! I have no idea why - but just when we are having visitors - and they go in there - right in front of them is some underwear. It wouldn't be so bad if they'd chosen a nice pair - but no - it is the big Bridget Jones pants they like! I just have to pick them up and stuff them in my pocket - and pretend it is quite normal.
They've done it twice now!! I think the spare room will have to be out-of-bounds until they learn some manners!.
Anyway - now that they are jabbed they will be able to explore the garden. I might let them out later as it is such a nice day. I don't think that they will stray too far if we keep an eye on them. Will let you know next time......
Kitty Update
posted by Bunnery on Sun 25th May, 08 at 11:33:07
Wow - is it really A WHOLE WEEK since I last blogged? How time flies when you are being mauled..I mean Having Fun!
The kitties are both having their afternoon snooze (which can last until bedtime!) so I may get chance to write this unscathed - and have some lunch too.
Well - I seem to have been on no end of training courses recently - you think I'd know how to do this job by now wouldn't you? Plus there have been two or more important family birthdays this week too. Not to mention the great Eurovision Song Contest and the associated party. Now before you rush off to phone the RSPCA - we didn't subject the kitties to it - the party was elsewhere ;-)
So what have the Monsters been up to this week?
Well Buddy seems to have developed an irrational hatred of newspapers (maybe he was batted by one when he was a baby) If he sees one - or more to the point hears you rustle one slightly - he will pounce with a vengeance. He will attack and bite and rip and shred until he's happy that it is no more. I was trying to read one this morning and he wasn't happy until he'd drawn blood (from me!) and run off with half a page in his mouth - looking very pleased with himself. It is just a good job that it wasn't the SuDoku page - that's all I can say!
Kurt has been quite adorable as usual :-) He does get very frustrated when Buddy squeezes his tiny frame under the cupboard upstairs knowing full well that Kurt is too fat to get under too. He just grabs his tail - and teases him until he has to pretend he doesn't want to get under there after all and it is much more interesting to sit on the window sill and look at next-door's black cat that sits on our fence.
He seems very taken with her. When they are downstairs and she is outside the patio door Buddy will look and then carry on what he was doing - but Kurt puts his paws on the glass - and she puts hers on the outside - and they try to reach each other. How cute!!
Next Wednesday I am taking them both to the Kitty Torture Chamber (aka "the vet's") to get their vaccinations. Then they will be able to venture outdoors at last.
Looks like they are going to have visitors over the Bank Holiday - so here are a few pointers:
What to Wear When Visiting the Kitties: (All culled from personal experience....)
Tousers- thick, stiff denim is best - claws can't quite penetrate that ALL the way through Bare legs could result in severe lacerations.
Boots - steel toecaps are probably safest, thigh-length if possible. Whatever you do - don't come in open-toed anything especially if you have eye-catchingly, brightly-coloured toenails
Tops - nothing knitted or delicate or likely to show pulls and rips, Fleeces seem to be okay,
Earrings - studs are okay if not too sparkly - but nothing dangly at all. Not if you value your jugular veins.
Hair - best to have it tied back - so no inviting whisps will be visible. If you intend to sit on the sofa - it might be wisest to shave your head before you come.
If you abide by these guidelines you'll have a lovely time playing with the kitties. No, really!! :-)
Secret Stash Discovered at last.....
posted by Bunnery on Sun 18th May, 08 at 18:24:42
Yay!! We found the kitties' secret hiding place - and there was Grey Mousie, (tailless) Black Mousie and (new) Red Mousie - as well as the sucker from their window toy and even the screwed up silver foil ball.
We couldn't believe they were all in one place!
It came to light when I was playing with a multi-coloured ping pong ball with them this morning. They love it - because it bounces really high and they can jump up to catch it. A good way to run off some of their early morning energy! Kurt was batting it by the TV and it suddenly disappeared! On investigating this phenomenon I found that although there is no gap under the TV cabinet at the front - at the back there is. I crouched down and peered under there - and what did I see but ALL their missing toys!
Using a coat hanger I fished them all out - and placed them all in a line on the coffee table. When L came down for breakfast she couldn't believe her eyes!
Now Kurt is walking round once more with his favourite Grey Mousie in his mouth - looking very happy. Buddy doesn't know what to play with first!
Happy Kitties :-)
This is getting beyond a joke...
posted by Bunnery on Thu 15th May, 08 at 23:43:37
..I think that we have discovered an previously unknown Black Hole in our lounge. Or maybe a Bermuda-Triangle type phenomenon affecting furry rodents.
The kittens have lost two more mice!
One was old Black Mousie - with no tail. He had been well chewed- but was still loved. I have no idea where he is.
So, tonight to make up for all these missing mice we gave Kurt and Buddy a brand new Red Mousie with a flourescent green tail, Can't miss that - it practically glows in the dark. They were both happily chasing it round the room, trying to take it off each other - so we took the chance to sneak into the kitchen and prepare our evening meal undisturbed. No kitties tripping us up every time we turned around.
We came back shortly afterwards - and the was no sign of Red Mousie!! We have hunted all over the room, even tipped up the sofa, been behind the TV - and there is no sign of this new toy. It is a complete mystery, How can a solid object just disappear into thin air?? It can't be possible. Surely they don't make these cat toys edible these days do they?
We are completely foxed.
They obviously have a secret stash of mice - and they aren't letting on where it is. They are just messing with our heads!!
On a lighter note - they enjoyed all their visitors yesterday. Janet and Kate came by - and were entertained by them. Then DOM and Sharon popped in too for a bit of kittie fun. DOM got some great photos. I'll post a few on this blog - when it is possible :-)
Kurt and Buddy were so tired out after everyone had gone - they just flaked out along the back of the sofa - and we got to watch The Apprentice in complete peace! Thanks guys - any time you want to come round and tire them out again - feel free!
Look What we did....
posted by Bunnery on Mon 12th May, 08 at 21:48:54
The other morning I came down to find the kitties sitting either side of the sofa looking very pleased with themselves. It is the kind of look I remember Cleo having when she had brought in a mouse.
Each one had a tissue between their front paws - and a mouthful of half-chewed paper, which I had to go and try to fish out before they choked! Now the box of tissues has been added to the list of things to put out of their reach.
:-)
The boys have made the acquaintance of two young ladies. Next door's two girl cats, who go by the rather classy names of Phoenix and Isis, (even though one of them looks like Hitler due to an unfortunately positioned black moustache splodge on her face) have taken to sitting outside the patio door and looking in at the kittens antics with bemused looks on their faces. I know that they are 12 months old now (according to the man next door) but surely they can remember being kittens themselves? Kurt and Buddy like to go and sit on the other side of the glass and put their paws up on the window. I'm sure that when they have had their jabs and are big enough to be allowed to go out alone, they will get on well. They seemed very impressed when one of them jumped up onto the fence and walked along it, balancing elegantly. Bet they can't wait to try that!
Today, as we were all back at work again - we left them with a new toy - a large cardboard box. They seem to have had hours of fun jumping inside and pouncing out at each other.They were still at it when we got back! It also makes L laugh when they rear up on their back legs and wave their paws about before pouncing on something - or each other. We should video them.
The search for Grey Mousie has been widened to take in the Dining Room - but no luck yet. If only cats could talk.....
The Mystery of Grey Mousie.....
posted by Bunnery on Sun 11th May, 08 at 08:36:23
Well - we have had the kitties for over a week now - and I am sure that they have grown! They do have healthy appetites that's for sure.
There is a mystery though - they seem to have lost their favourite toy!
It was a grey mouse with a suede tail. They played with it much more than anything else - but we can't find it anywhere! We've had the sofa out - it's not under there. We've checked under the coffee table, behind the TV, behind the curtains and under the cushions. No sign of him. They can't have eaten him can they?
Talking of TV - Kurt loves it!! Buddy is far too busy racing around to even notice it is on, but Kurt will sit in front of it and gaze at the moving pictures in fascination. In fact, when Goldenballs was on (the quiz - not David Beckham) he put his paws up on the screen and tried to catch them. He makes us laugh!
They still enjoy fighting too - in fact L was so worried she looked it up on the 'net to see if it was normal. It is - so we refuse to be worried any more! We just get the bubbles out when there is too much ear-biting or squealing. :-)
Hmmm - there is a bit of a pong drifting in here - I think the litter tray might need emptying again.....
PS Will keep you posted if we find Grey Mousie ;-)
