Catz 'n' Ratz

Dark Cloud

2007-06-06T10:26:00.001-07:00

I feel like my little animal kingdom is living under a dark cloud that just won't go away. David called me at work just now to say that the baby hummingbirds are gone. Something, probably a crow or hawk, must have gotten them because I don't think a cat or other large mammal could have reached them, and they're way too young to get out of the nest on their own. Momma hummer is still coming to the nest, looking for her babies.

Momma hummer was building her nest about the time I realized that Elsinore would die soon. Knowing that new life would be coming to our patio gave me something to look forward to. I feel very sad now.

Catching Up

2007-06-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lots of changes at Catz 'n' Ratz recently. My eldest kitty, Elsinore, died on May 16. Even though I knew this was coming, it was still pretty hard. I miss her a lot. Like some elderly people who have Alzheimer's, Elsinore's unique personality and traits that made her "Elsinore" had pretty much faded away. She no longer got talkative when I got on the phone, hadn't walked on a leash in several years, didn't "happy crap" anymore, etc. I think this made it a bit easier for me to let her go and accept her death. When Armand died in January, he still looked and acted like the Armand of old. Nothing had changed, which I think made his death (from cancer) a huge shock for me. I don't think I've fully come to terms with it yet.

The 2nd batch of hummingbird babies hatched last week and are growing quickly. David is already making plans for his second video. The first video has, so far, been viewed more than 25,000 times on YouTube, and several school teachers have e-mailed him, asking if they could have copies to show to their classes.

Sally Salome Ratty Rat has fully recovered from her Myco flare up. Thank goodness!

Simone McSkitterson was spayed last week, and you'd never know she'd had her belly opened up from the way she's flying around the house and tormenting Dougie (as usual!).

Newest Catz 'n' Ratz Member

2007-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

I was refilling the water jug in the aquatics department last weekend at Petco during my bi-weekly cat visit (I'm a Rescue House volunteer) when I saw him. Reddish-blue body, white and blue flowing tail..."My, what a pretty boy!" I thought. After my cat care shift, what do I do but grab my purse and the fish and head for the cash register. I couldn't resist. His name is, appropriately, Pretty Boy. (He's lurking on the right side of the bowl near the top of the stone arch.)

We've had a freshwater aquarium for around five years now. We've had bettas before, too, but not for several years. I had even Goodwilled my two betta bowls, so I headed to Wal-Mart where I found this oversized plastic margarita glass that works perfectly and cost less than $6. I cover his bowl with cheesecloth, because bettas can be jumpers.

Pretty Boy lives on top of a pantry cabinet in the kitchen where I keep a cookie jar, boxes of tea, various doodads, and this happy-looking yellow cat...in other words, my important things! Here, he's away from direct sun and the clutches of MacDougall and Simone McSkitterson. It's nice having a pretty betta keep me company when I cook, though I admit I feel a little funny when he's watching me cook salmon or trout!

Lightening Does Strike Twice

2007-05-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

What are the odds of this: another hummingbird is building its nest on our patio! It's only been about three weeks since the last hummer and her young'uns vacated the wax plant, and now another momma-hummer-to-be is busily nest building in the same hanging plant, only higher up. Word must have gotten out on the hummingbird grapevine that our covered patio makes a great nursery. Judging from our last guest, her nest is about half built, and we should have eggs sometime next week.

Well, I got some gardening done and planted some herbs, and we had one barbecue before the current feathery resident moved in. Now it's back to watering and dead-leaf plucking between her trips to the nest. You haven't been scolded until you've been scolded by a hummingbird for getting too close to her nest!

David has named this momma hummer Eleanor (the last one was Elizabeth). David is in the process of rigging up the Web cam again, so the photo on the right shows some strange ropes and stuff hanging off the plant hook. He's hoping to catch some of her nest-building activity and the eggs hatching this time.

Eleanor is registered at Hummer Babies 'R' Us if anyone is interested in sending a baby gift. :)

Rat Doctoring

2007-05-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for several days now because I've been doctoring a sick rat. Sally Salome Rattie Rat has mycoplasma, which is a common respiratory disease in rats. She's been wheezy and lethargic, with porphyrin discharge from her right eye, and feeling all-around crappy. I've been treating her with liquid Baytril and liquid Vibramycin (doxycycline). It's been touch and go, but she seems better today. I've also given her some dark chocolate, which can help rats with breathing difficulties. Chocolate contains Theophylline, which is known to help breathing troubles decrease in patients with asthma. (See, there's another legitimate reason to keep dark chocolate around the house!)

If you have rats or you're thinking of having rats as pets, I recommend reading about the illnesses that affect them. Sooner is way, way better when it comes to treating your rat's illness, so if you're aware of what symptoms to look for, you can get a head start on helping your buddy. Hours can make a difference. If you can, keep a supply of tetracycline, Baytril, and doxycycline on hand (this can be ordered without a prescription from Jedds, a pigeon/bird supply company...no fooling. They've got the stuff.) I also recommend the following Web sites for learning about rat illnesses and how to treat them:

http://www.80stoysale.com/ratsickness.html
http://www.rmca.org/Articles/dchart.htm
http://ratguide.com/

If possible, take your sick rat to a veterinarian with experience treating rodents.

Catz 'n' Ratz Product Endorsement

2007-04-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Elsinore turned 19 years old sometime during the first week of April. Due to her heart problem (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), the after effects of her systemic infection, and old age, she goes through some incontinent spells. When one of us isn't here to supervise, she stays in a large dog kennel complete with food, water, bed, and litter box so that she doesn't foul the carpet.

She's had a bad spell this week, and tonight I'm doing her "laundry" (i.e., bedding) for the second time this week. Anyone who has had a cat pee or poop on fabric knows how hard it is to get the smell out...laundry detergent alone doesn't do the trick.

Years ago, I had a landlady who was caring for her elderly mother who suffered incontinence. My landlady, too, washed a lot of bed sheets, and fortunately I remembered her telling me that she added a capful of Lysol Concentrate to each load. It disinfects and really, REALLY eliminates poop odors. This product has been a lifesaver for me during the last six months or so. I highly recommend it to anyone taking care of an incontinent loved one, be it human or animal.

Hummingbird Video

2007-04-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

David created this lovely video of the hummingbirds from "egg" to take off. Enjoy!

TGIF

2007-04-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy Friday night, and here at Catz 'n' Ratz, we're staying dry and bedding down. Patty Rat, Marcy Rat, and Sally Rat are cuddling together inside their hammock/sleep sack. Elsinore is under my desk, Toby is asleep on the couch, Dougall is asleep on top of the couch, I'm in my PJs getting ready to curl up with a book, and Simone McSkitterson is...skittering, of course.

We hope you have a relaxing, safe weekend no matter what you plan to do!

Here's a closeup of Dougall snuggled against a pillow.

Hums, Before and After

2007-04-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's still hard for me to believe that what you see on the left side of the photo turned into what you see on the right.

On the left, the hums had hatched only hours before this photo was taken. I took the photo on the right the day before they left the nest.

Empty Nest Syndrome

2007-04-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

The baby hums fledged yesterday afternoon. The first one fluttered around the nest and then darted to a nearby eucalyptus tree around 1:15. It's sibling lifted off around a half hour later and disappeared into the trees and foliage on the hill behind our apartment. Mother hum buzzed around the general vicinity for the next hour and visited the nest several times. I haven't seen her in the last 24 hours.

Out of habit, Simone McSkitterson and I periodically peered between the blinds at the patio during the remainder of the day, expecting to see our backyard lodgers. No luck. Toward nightfall, the first baby hum had moved from the eucalyptus tree and disappeared into Bird World.

The nest is empty now. While I'm so very pleased that they matured into "fine young birds" and followed nature's call, I'm very sad as well that they're gone. The baby hums and their mom became a part of my life for around seven weeks.

My neighbors and I have hummingbird feeders and lots of flowering plants on our patios that attract a lot of hummingbirds each year. I hope that our hums will visit in the future. It's a strange but wonderous feeling knowing that, somewhere out there, these little creatures who we watched grow and who shared our space are buzzing around bottlebrush and fushias, living the lives they were born to live.

I'll have a few more baby hum pictures to share in the coming days.

Latch-Key Hums

2007-04-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

The baby hums are covered in feathers now and look like birds instead of aliens or porcupines. On the Web cam, we can see their little tongues flick in and out as they wait for momma to return with dinner. When they eliminate, they "squirt" over the edge (yes, the patio is getting rather messy!).

The babies are alone most of the time now; momma returns to the nest to feed them every hour or so, but she takes off again as soon as she's finished. She no longer sits on the nest at night. I don't know where she's sleeping; no doubt, she's somewhere nearby in case of a crisis.

Baby Hums, 10-Days Old

2007-04-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo David took about an hour ago of the baby hummingbirds, who are 10 days old today. Their eyes have opened, their wings are getting bigger and feathered, and their beaks are much longer. They look less like space aliens and more like baby porcupines now. They jostle each other for room in the nest.

Momma hummer spends more and more time away from the nest collecting food. Actually, there's no place for her to sit anymore when she does come home!

Yep, that's poop on the side of the nest!

Poison Alert

2007-04-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

MSNBC has a good article about foods and substances that can poison your pet. I was surprised to learn that grapes and raisons can be lethal to dogs. I sometimes give the rats a couple of grapes, especially frozen grapes, during the hot summer months.

Baby Hums, 1-Week Old

2007-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo taken last weekend of the baby hummingbirds. They hatched one week ago last weekend (March 31-April 1). Momma must be feeding them steak and potatoes, because they've really grown. They fill out the nest now. They're getting fuzzier, and I can see the feather "buds" beneath their skin. They're beaks are also getting longer. But they still look, how shall we say, rather "reptilian."

Public Service Announcement

2007-03-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

If you have a dog or cat, please check the pet food recall list every day or so. Today, a variety of Science Diet dry was added to the list. Here's a few sites containing updates:

Orlando Sentinel
Menu Foods
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

I'm Cuckoo for Ratty Rats!

2007-03-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Simone McSkitterson really got into being close up to the rats while I did some maintenance on their cage. I don't know if twisting around on the floor and contorting herself like a pretzel was suppose to impress them or what.

Mother's Day

2007-03-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've posted several pictures of the hummingbird eggs and babies, so I thought it was time to feature a photo of momma hummer. She looks so sweet sitting on her nest!

We've been trying to figure out which species (?) she is. Any hummingbird experts out there?

Hummer Babies

2007-03-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Baby hummingbirds look more like the offspring of space aliens than the hatchlings of the vibrant, beautiful birds we see at nectar feeders. I doubt their photos will ever be featured on a jar of Gerber's. But I'm thrilled with these two little birdlings who hatched on our porch last weekend. David took this photo about an hour ago.

Catz 'n' Ratz 'n'...Hummingbirdz?

2007-03-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

One Saturday afternoon earlier this month, I noticed that a female hummingbird kept landing in the wax plant I have hanging from the porch roof. Upon closer inspection, I saw that she was building a small platform between a couple of vines and leaves. By the next day, that platform was shaping into a nest. Later that week, two tiny white eggs the size of Jelly Bellies appeared several days apart. This photo was taken after the first egg was laid.

David set up a tiny Web cam in the vines over the nest, and we've been watching the progress of nest building and egg laying and momma's comings and goings for several weeks now. Despite the semi-public location of the nest, momma hummingbird doesn't seem too bothered by people or our cats watching her from inside the sliding glass doors. When I have to water the potted plants near her nest, she remains very still, and it's hard to tell where she ends and the nest begins.

The eggs hatched on March 25, and we now have two baby hummers. It's going to be fun watching them grow!

By the way, David named momma hummer "Elizabeth." The babies have yet to be christened.

Epilogue

2007-03-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Armand was put to sleep around 11 a.m. on January 22, five weeks short of his 17th birthday, due to cancer. I literally cried for weeks, and I still get very upset when I think about him much. I tried to watch a short video of him a month after his death, but it tore me up. He was my kitty soul mate, and I feel his loss so deeply.

I was almost certain that I would be ushering Elsinore into the next world shortly after Armand, as she was so sick. But Dr. Slossberg had a few miracles up his sleeve, and he must have used one to bring her around. It took a week's stay at the vet's and a week at home until she was truly "back on her (four) feet." The vet did discover that she has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which someday will kill her, but the systemic infection is now a thing of the past. By no means is she springing around like a spry young thing, but Elsinore is eating well, walking around, seeking attention, and enjoying life. She'll see her 19th birthday, which falls around the first week of April.

I'll be back to blogging normally next week. This past two months have been too painful to write about until now.

"...a Heartbreak Waiting to Happen"

2007-01-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

In the movie My Dog Skip, the father says, "A dog is a heartbreak waiting to happen" because they eventually die. That sentiment came home to me last night when my beloved cat Armand was diagnosed with cancer. The little kitten that was born on March 1, 1990, was actualy a time bomb that one day would explode my heart. That day has come. I don't know how long he has, as the cancer seems rather advanced. He gave no indication of how serious his condition was until last night when he began to stagger. I rushed him to the emergency vet clinic at 10 p.m. I feel like a bus hit me between the eyes.

On top of that, 18-year-old Elsinore, who has been sickly for quite a while now, is spending a few days at the vet's. I thought that she, too, would be entering the netherworld in the next week or so, but Dr. Slossberg is optimistic. She doesn't have cancer or kidney disease, but she does have a raging systemic infection. He says that it's bacterial and treatable, so she's staying with him to receive antibiotics, fluids, and follow-up tests. By no means is she out of the woods, though.

I look at five-month-old Simone and see that heartbreak, that time bomb, that will eventually shatter me all over again. It could be in eight years, it could be in ten or twenty, but it will happen. Oh, it will happen. And I ask myself, "Is it worth it?" Right now it doesn't feel like it, but I know better. It's hard to remember the good years when it feels like someone is wringing out your heart like a wet washcloth.

Armand is very quiet and doesn't move around a lot, though he is eating and still likes to cuddle in my lap. But he's going soon. Elsinore...I don't know. The verdict is out for now. She's always been a feisty force of nature, so she may outlive us all. I've been lucky to share so many happy years with both of them, and I tell myself (and others tell me) that they've had wonderful lives full of love and care. Someday I'll remember that. Right now I only feel the heartbreak.

I Hate Vacuum Cleaners

2007-01-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

Dougie has serious issues with the vacuum cleaner. This photo was taken before I even turned on the vacuum.

My Weapon in the War Against Cat Puke

2007-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Since moving to an apartment with carpeting, I've been in a never-ending war against cat puke. Most of the pet stain removal products I bought at the pet store were only so-so. Then I found Folex.

Most stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target, sell Folex in their cleanser aisle. Do yourself a favor and buy a bottle. It's the best stain remover I've ever used. I haven't won the cat puke war yet, but Folex has advanced my position from "pathetically losing" to "have them on the run." Folex receives two thumbs up and a Catz 'n' Ratz product endorsement.

Something Other than Santa Came Out of the Fireplace This Morning

2007-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Guess what I did this morning? I played in the fireplace! It was great...lots of ashes and soot to roll around in. You'd now never believe that I'm actually a grey and white kitty and not a solid grey kitty. My face is the only remnant of white left on my wiry little body. What fun I had!

(*Looking in my crystal ball* "I see a bath in Simone's near future.")

A Very Kitty Christmas

2006-12-29T21:12:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely Harmony Kingdom piece called "Gertrude Stein." It's a present from my best friend, Beth Anne, who lives in New Jersey. I fell in love with this little kitty in a gift shop in downtown Medford over Thanksgiving. She remembered and sent it to me for Christmas. Everyone should have a best friend like her!

The next present is a small picture frame given to me by my college bud, Roseann. Aside from its proshness that makes it special, part of the purchase money goes to an animal rescue group. Everyone wins with this gift!

Another gift from BF Beth Anne is this beautiful cat calendar, another item I squeeled over while we were shopping in Haddonfield (which is the most Christmassy, best place on earth to go Christmas shopping!) The cat illustrations are lush, but what I like most about them is the cats are ordinary kitties doing ordinary cat things.

When I was a child, several of our neighbors had cool "TV lights" in their living rooms. I always wanted one, especially the gorgeous, sleek black panthers with the jeweled emerald eyes. Guess what? I finally have one! It's another excellent present from David, who put in some elbow grease to clean it up, replace the cord, install a new light, and re-glue the eyes. It's a flawless specimen. Although it's a "big cat," it reminds me of McSkitterson stalking Dougie.

Humans made out well at Catz 'n' Ratz this Christmas, but the critter folk didn't do too poorly. The cats got several bags of treats in their stocking with the promise of a homemade catnip mouse to come. The rats will receive a new hammock just as soon as I get around to stitching it.

Christmas at Catz 'n' Ratz

2006-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is the uber-cool shoes David bought me for Christmas. I love them! He's a wonderful boyfriend and an excellent cat rancher.

More cat-related Yuletide gift photos tomorrow.

Merry Christmas from Catz 'n' Ratz!

2006-12-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Armand in his holiday finest, being a very good sport.

Heaven...I'm in Heaven

2006-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak.
And I seem to find the happiness I seek,
When we're here together sleeping cheek to cheek.

Pet Nicknames

2006-12-19T15:06:00.000-08:00

Simone has been a member of the Catz 'n' Ratz staff for only six weeks and already she has a couple of nicknames: Princess Hissy of Hissalot and McSkittersons.

MacDougall the Maine Coon also is known as Dougall, Dougie, Dougeroo, Dougums, Big'un, Coonie, Cooners, Cancoon (Cancun), and Cooneroo.

Toby is Tibbs, Mr. Tibbs, T, Mr. T, T-bone, Bones, Tibster, Tobster, The General, and The Squabbler.

It would take me all day to list Armand and Elsinore's nicknames.

Marcy Rat, Patty Rat, and Sally Rat have been dubbed (in order) Delivery Rat, Scaredy Rat, and Adventure Rat.

The tropical fish don't have nicknames. In fact, they don't even have names.

Do you nickname your pets, or is it my own weird fetish?

The Lions Sleep Tonight

2006-12-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

The Little Kitty Who Stole Christmas

2006-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's 14 days until Christmas, and I still haven't decorated the house for Yule. And I'm not sure I'm going to. Sure, sure, part of my reluctance is due to my own laziness and the knowledge that I could be doing scads of other productive things during the time I'd spend hanging ornaments.

But then there's the Simone Factor.

Yuletide decorations create a paradise of mischief for young kitteroos. Ribbons are great to chew on. Glass tree ornaments are fun to swat at. Trees are made for climbing. Garland is cool to swing on. Mantlepiece ornaments can be knocked off and batted under the sofa.

I'm not sure I want to spend the next two weeks screaming "Stop, stop, stop!" instead of "Ho, ho, ho!" I may skip the holiday trimmings this year in favor of peace on earth and sanity. What do you think?

No Jelly?

2006-12-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

Rats enjoy a dab of peanut butter now and then. Too much isn't good for them because most commercial peanut butters contain a lot of sugar. However, a taste now and then given as a treat adds interest to their diet and gives them something fun to do.

Out of the Woods and Into the Night

2006-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Simone has greatly improved since my last post. The diarrhea has ceased, she's putting on weight, and she's more lively than ever. That little kitteroo has many happy years ahead of her.

Elsinore is another matter. The vet said that what came out of her during the enema was "not what he had expected." Her loose bowels and eliminating outside the litterbox have returned. We're not sure what's wrong with her. Basic old age problems and senility could be factors, the vet said. I'm going to explore it further after Thanksgiving.

Elsinore is five months shy of her 19th birthday. I know her days with me are numbered. She is in her twilight time...she sleeps a lot and stares out the window thinking who knows what deep kitty thoughts. She is beginning her walk into the night which we all take at some point in our lives; she is leaving me ever so slowly, inch by inch. Even the best of vets cannot slow time. I want to hold her tight against death's call, like someone grasping the hand of a loved one who's slipping over the side of a cliff. It's painful to watch, and despite what some may think, I know that she's aware of what's going on in her life. But for now, she's basically happy...she has warm, comfortable places to sleep, her appetite is good, and she gets lots of love from the people in her life. I hope her journey is peaceful and the memories she takes with her are joyful.

It's strange having two cats at such opposite points on life's continuum: Simone, full of wonder at every new thing she encounters, so full of energy and mischief; and Elsinore, a wise sage who has seen it all, whose energy is nearly spent and who seeks comfort from me as night falls...and whose purr, still strong and rhythmatic, soothes me to sleep on nights when my mind is restless.

Deep Doo Doo and Cat Chauffering

2006-11-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

We've been fighting the Poo Wars here at Catz 'n' Ratz this past week. Oldest kitty Elsinore has had an ongoing bout of loose bowel and going outside of the litterbox. Youngest kitty Simone has rampant diarrhea. I spent my day off last Friday running poopy cats to various vets.

I took Elsinore to a different vet from the one she saw a year ago who said she had giardia. Treatment had no effect. So Dr. Slossberg examined and x-rayed her and found that constipation, not diarrhea, was behind the problem. So Elsinore received an enema, which I'm told she enjoyed very much (Not!) So far, so good.

Simone saw a different vet, one that David's family has used in the past. The good news is she doesn't have FIV, but the bad news is nothing showed up in her fecal exam. The vet thinks she may have eaten something bad before we took her home, and now she has a belly full of bacteria that she's trying to rid herself of. She's on liquid Imodium and Flagyl, but so far she's not showing any change. I began feeding her baby food today in hopes that it will be easier on her system than the kitten chow. She has pooped up every towel in the house, and we've already gone through two washings. Poor kitty. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Sponge Bob Square Pants Has a Rough Night

2006-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Where's Patrick when you need him?

We Have a Name

2006-11-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Temporary House Guest, a.k.a. Princess Hissy and Spooky, was named Simone last night during a ceremony following the first commercial break of Cold Case. David held her high above his head, ala Lion King, and announced her name to an audience of cats, rats, aquarium fish, and me. Simone was wearing a rather puzzled WTF look on her precious pointy little face. I'm pleased with the choice of name; Simone hasn't given her opinion.

The "Temporary" House Guest

2006-11-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

On the night before Halloween, my boyfriend, David, found this little kitteroo running around the parking lot when he got off of work. So he put her in a box and brought her home. He called on his way home, saying he was bringing home a "house guest" (at this hour?). When he arrived and we opened the box, she came out with paws and claws flying, spatting and hissing and ready to take our faces off. I think she's a semi-feral cat...maybe the offspring of a domestic mom who was dumped somewhere due to being "in the family way," or perhaps little kitty was raised outside and dumped off when a home couldn't be found for her. This same sad scenario happens every day somewhere in this country.

Anyway, we set up the big kennel and made a temporary home for our temporary guest, as David intended that kitty should be cleaned up, fed, tamed, and handed over to the cat rescue group I volunteer with. Yeah, right. Within, oh, say, 35 hours he decided that we should keep her. Fine by me. Never expect me to be the one to say "no, we don't need another cat." Ain't gonna happen. She's calmed down now and is the sweetest little furball. She purrs at first touch, rolls and stretches and plays with her back feet when she's in my lap, and chews gently on my thumb. I'm in love.

We haven't come up with a name yet. David originally named her Spooky, but that just didn't fit. I nicknamed her Princess Hissy, because during the first two days of her residency, she hissed at us everytime we reached for her. I want to name her either Fiona, Hermoine, or Molly, but David wants to name her (he did find her), and I'm praying it won't be "Spot" or "Fluffy."

This kitteroo landed in tall cotton, let me tell you. She's in for a future of spoilin' and adorin', even if the price tag is having to put up with two exceptionally crazy humans.

The Five Seasons

2006-10-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, there are four official seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer. Then there's those unofficial semi-seasons such as Indian Summer and Blackberry Winter that occur every couple of years. What I'm proposing is a fifth season, a season that can be counted on like flowers in the spring and leaves turning in the fall. This fifth season is Puke Season.

Every cat owner knows about Puke Season. It usually begins around late spring and runs through mid-summer, ending sometime after Independence Day. This is the time of year when cats shed and ingest an extraordinarily large amount of fur, which then gets regurgitated on your favorite rug or carpet...or shoes or jacket or pillow or quilt. Cats puke anyway, sometimes I swear it's because they think its fun to listen to us curse, but during Puke Season, it's a 24/7 activity.

Puke Season came late this year at my house. We sailed through spring and summer with only an odd hairball here and there, but for the last two weeks, I've been on my knees with the papertowels and cleaner several times a day. Fall is my favorite season, but not when it coincides with Puke Season.

Sssshhhhh!

2006-10-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

*Whispering*
This is Poncho. He belongs to Cathy, one of my co-workers. He just came back from the vet (got neutered...ouch!) and is spending the afternoon under my desk in his carrier because my office is in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot where he won't be discovered. He's being a VERY good boy...no meowing, no fussing about. He's a great office mate! I'm going to shut my door in a little while and let him roam around, though I imagine he's a bit sore and is probably enjoying the peace and quiet.

My office is decorated for Halloween and includes several big, black, stuffed cats. If Poncho holds real still, he'll blend in.

I Want My Lawyer!

2006-10-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, jailer! Let me out of here! I'm innocent, I tell you! Hey! What about my phone call, huh? What about my phone call! I want to call my lawyer, you hear! I'm innocent! I don't belong behind bars! GET ME MY LAWYER!!!!!

Paper Towels = Good Time

2006-10-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

The ratkins love to play with clean paper towels. Every now and then, I put one in the bottom of their cage and then watch as they haul it up to their nest on the top floor. It's then shredded and incorporated into their CareFresh bedding or arranged in their hammock. One of the nice
things about ratties is they're
easy (and cheap) to please.

Things You Wish Someone Had Told You Were Bad Ideas

2006-10-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Marcy Marcella Ratty Rat was restless, leaping back and forth on the lower level of her cage. I was in the middle of doing laundry and making muffins and couldn't stop to play with her. So I stopped up the bathtub and put her in it, closing the sliding doors. Twenty minutes went by.

I checked on her, and what do I find but a tub full of smelly rat poo. She had lots of vegetables for dinner, which, well, make rat poo rather soft and stinky and plentiful. Then putting ratty in an unfamiliar place just inspired her bodily functions.

Moral of this story: an unwatched rat always soils.

Furry Desk Accessory

2006-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

The reason I don't blog as much as I should is I have a 20-lb. Maine Coon who thinks he's a desk accessory. Problem is, a fully extended Coonie makes it difficult to operate the mouse or reach the keyboard. And when that Coonie constantly pokes my forearm with his paw and butts his head against my elbow, typing becomes darn near impossible.

So meet another member of the staff, Dougall. He's the office assistant here at Catz 'n' Ratz. Loves to have his face rubbed, hates to have his feet washed. Hisses like a snake at the vacuum cleaner, even when it's not running.

Animal Charity of the Month

2006-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

The good folks at the Fairfield Area Humane Society in Lancaster, Ohio, could use some help. Someone recently dumped a mixed-breed dog named Sugar there that has suffered such abuse that it can't open it's jaw. The Humane Society is trying to raise the $2,500 necessary for Sugar's surgery. Visit their Web site and read more about the good work they do and where you can send donations.

Catz 'n' Ratz Word of the Week

2006-09-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ratpage: a form of rampage that takes place when a rat is upset at being returned to her cage after spending time outside. This involves frenzied running around the cage and brisk grooming of cage mates.

Ratsicles

2006-09-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

A great ratty treat for a hot day is a "ratsicle." It's easy: buy a small bottle of baby food (fruit or vegetable flavor, low-sugar content), place a few dollops on cellophane or on a dish, and freeze until solid. Ratties love them!

Sally Salome Ratty Rat is devouring a banana/peach/oatmeal ratsicle in this photo. Yum!

Ta, Steve

2006-09-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm truly sad about the death of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. He educated a generation of people worldwide about conservation and nature, and glorified animals that don't always make the "cute list." His enthusiasm was infectuous.

His life may be over, but I doubt that his influence is. I wonder how many children he inspired to become veterinarians and vet techs, zoologists, wildlife officers, and animal rehabilitators. I believe that the ripple effect of his life will continue for many years to come.

Ta, Steve. I know there was much excitement at the Rainbow Bridge when you showed up.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

2006-08-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is a great story about a pint-sized, drug-sniffing dog. I think she's grand!

Meet the Staff, Part III

2006-08-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is Patty (aka, Patty Patrice Ratty Rat), one of my three rats. She's the shyest of the bunch, but is the most athletic: not only can she run from her hammock to the safety of the hide-away house in record time, but she can jump from the top of the cat scratch post to my shoulder. The best distance jump she's achieved so far is 29 inches.

Patty came from Petco last February when she was only a couple of months old. Her coloring is termed Siamese. Although she's hard to catch, she's a sweet rat once she's out of the cage and enjoys exploring the house while riding on my shoulder.

This Explains It All

2006-08-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you any more. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."

And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.

And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal." And God said, "No problem. Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

And dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them. And they were comforted. And God was pleased.

And dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."

And God said, "No problem! I will create for them a companion who will be with them forever and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."

And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.

And cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.

And Adam and Eve learned humility.

And they were greatly improved.

And God was pleased.

And Dog was happy.

And Cat didn't give a shit one way or the other.

Meet the Staff, Part II

2006-07-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

This golden boy is Toby, who came to live with me in June 1992. Toby is 15-years old and one of my best buds. He visits me in the bathroom each morning, sitting on the counter to get pets while I comb my hair. He's next to me on the couch when I watch TV. He likes to sleep under my left arm.

Toby came from the Knox County Animal Shelter when he was around a year old. The staff were desperate to find a home for him because he was slated to be put down; they had already given him one "stay" of execution because they thought he was such a wonderful cat. I'm glad they did.

Although his name is Toby, he has a number of nicknames: The General, because he takes charge; the Taliban Cat, because he always watches the morning news with my boyfriend (and for the past five years, the news has been about the Taliban); Toby Joe; and plain ol' T.

T is a cat of routines. He wants his breakfast and dinner at the same hour every day, and will beg for food at the appropriate time whether there's food in his bowl or not. He scratches on my bathroom door at the same time each morning, which coincides with me drying off after a shower. He leaves when I finish combing my hair. He jumps on the couch at 7:15, 'cause that's when he and David "Taliban" (catch all the bad news on CNN). It's very disconcerting for him to have his routine disturbed.

Toby likes Just Right cereal, catnip, chicken, anything salty, and laying in front of the fireplace. And best of all, he likes me.

Baa Baa Black Sheep, Have You Any Wool?

2006-07-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

The floor of my office room looks like I've been shearing black Welsh mountain sheep. In reality, I gave Dougall and Armand a good brushing with this brush. Looks rather medieval, doesn't it? The cats love it, and it removes enough undercoat to knit sweaters for a family of five.

Yes, that's a big pile of cat wool on right side of the bottom photo. That's Armand in the upper left, one of the wool donors.

Excuse me while I get the vacuum.

No Sour Grapes

2006-07-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Frozen grapes were a big hit with the rats last weekend. At first, they didn't know what to do with them; they ran around the cage, carrying the grape in their mouths. Then they settled down for a nice, cool munch.

Catie Copley

2006-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

I love this story about the dog who lives at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. It seems that the greatest luxury a guest can have is a fuzzy face greeting them in the lobby.

One of my favorite things about the B&B I stayed at in Bangor, Wales, was Oliver the cat. He'd sit on the dining room table while I ate breakfast and curl up on my bed if I left the door open. He made me feel quite at home.

Cat Burgler

2006-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

I love this story about the glove-thieving cat! When Elsinore was a kitten, she stole my jewelry. Things kept disappearing: my watch, a bracelet, my new Cross pen. Then I saw her dart under the bed with something shiny one day, and when I looked underneath, I found a glittering stash of my stuff. We could have made a fortune together at Tiffany's!

Please Help

2006-07-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Vandals broke into the Humane Society of New Braunfels Area (near San Antonio, Texas) last night. They maimed and killed animals, poisoned food and cat litter, and damaged the building and equipment. Please make a donation to these folks to help them get back on their feet. Their address is 1920 Kuehler, New Braunfels, TX 78130.

Send Me Your Spare Kleenex...

2006-07-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Cause I'm reading John Grogan's Marley & Me. Since Lucy rat died a few days ago, this probably isn't the best book for me to read at the moment. The author reported in a recent Philadelphia Inquirer column that Howard Stern cried so hard while reading it on a cross-country flight that a flight attendant asked if he needed assistance. I'm in trouble.

I had a Barnes & Noble gift card burning a hole in my wallet, I enjoy Grogan's Inquirer columns, and I love animal stories; I've read all of James Herriot's books multiple times. I know I'll love this book, even if my waterworks run full blast.

The Ice Rat Cometh

2006-07-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

We're still suffering due to the heat wave. I gave the rats a bowl of ice cubes tonight to help them keep cool. They like to graw on ice and drag it around their cage.

On the other hand, the cats have elected to hang out in my non-airconditioned office room (aka, The Cat Room), even my Maine coon. Go figure.

Stop all the clocks...

2006-07-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with the juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and, with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin. Let the mourners come.

We had a death last night at Catz 'n' Ratz. Poor little Lucy Rat died of unknown causes. She was only about 6 months old. She took ill on Thursday evening, and I took her to the vet on Friday afternoon. The vet, a specialist in exotic animals, couldn't even say what was wrong. Maybe viral, maybe bacterial. He began treatment and gave me some Baytril and Prednisone syrups to treat her at home. But around 10:30 last night her little heart gave out. We buried her near some bushes by the swimming pool. I miss seeing her happy face at the top of the cage when I open the lid, and I'm going to miss how she gently chewed the ends of my fingernails. She had a short but very happy life. No rat was spoiled or cared for more. In that I can take consolation.

Waste Not, Want Not

2006-07-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Rats love the vegetable parts we don't. The tip of a carrot or broccoli, cauliflower and spinich stems...the parts we often throw away...these can make a feast for ratties, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and mice. They're especially good for rodents in the summer because they contain water and help keep our pets hydrated. When I make a salad for me, I make a salad for them.

Meet the Staff, Part I

2006-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

At age 18+, Elsinore is the oldest animal at Catz 'n' Ratz. She showed up on my front porch in June 1988 when she was approximately 8-weeks old. I opened the screen door, she ran inside, and that was that.

"Kitty prison" came into creation due to Elsinore. I had three older cats when she was a kitten, and she went through a spell of terrorizing them every night. One night I had enough. I put her in the cat carrier (aka "kitty prison"), placed her in the living room, shut the bedroom door, and got a decent night's sleep.

She's doing pretty well for an old kitty. She walks with some stiffness, has lost some weight, and doesn't get into trouble like she use to, but she can still jog a little, eats a lot, and loves to be petted. She also like to "talk" while I'm on the phone.

Cool Pad

2006-07-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hot weather can be rough on caged pets, whether their pen is outside or inside an unairconditioned apartment. A manager at my nearby Petco gave me this advice: fill an empty soda bottle with water and freeze it. Once it's frozen, wrap it in a towel and place it inside your pet's cage. It will chill the surrounding air, and animals often will curl up next to the bottle to stay cool.

One caveat: I tried this and didn't wrap a towel around the bottle. When the ice melted, my rats chewed a whole in the plastic bottle, making a watery mess for me to clean up first thing in the morning.

By the way, my rats love to lick and play with ice cubes. Try it with yours; it gives them something to do and keeps them hydrated on hot days.

Talking Cats

2006-07-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest cat video I've ever seen.

Cat Can't Hold Its Licker

2006-07-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Need your computer screen cleaned? Then click here. Give it a few moments to download.

This is only one site featuring this cute kitten. I've also seen screensavers similar to this featuring other cats and dogs, too.

Animal Charity of the Month

2006-07-07T16:02:00.000-07:00

The July--and Catz 'n' Ratz innaugural--animal charity is Road Home Animal Rescue in Crossville, Tennessee.

Road Home serves mainly as a shelter where abused women can leave their pets while they get out and get settled away from their abuser (most women's shelters don't allow victims to bring their pets). However, these good folks drove a bus to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and filled it full of abandoned pets. Now they're not only trying to find homes for the original pets, but for the babies born before they could get the moms spayed.

This organization truly does the creator's work. They don't spend donation money on further solicitations or high-paying salaries. Please visit their Web site and donate if you can.

Welcome!

2006-07-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Catz 'n' Ratz! I'm the chef, housecleaning staff, and masseuse for four cats, four rats, and an aquarium of tropical fish. I'll be posting about my pet experiences and tips on pet care (please send me yours!), as well as sharing photos.