The Chair Speaks

Cinders is Better, Award Received and Thank You!

2012-01-31T13:14:00.000+08:00

Both Kenggy and Pebble always stay nearby to keep Cinders company when she crawls in to rest in this bottom-most cubicle in the cat condo.

Last Saturday EJ felt a wave of panic when Cinders was not sleeping in her usual cubicle. She sleeps here because she cannot jump (arthritis suspected as well; part of her supplement has chitosan).

EJ went round looking and found her fast asleep on the podium where her roommates usually hang out.

This meant that Cinders is feeling much better to be able to move up and down.

She has even started to clean and groom herself though a little clumsy and ungraceful but who cares as long as she is well enough to do it!

Oh, we received an award from our friends, Tillie and Georgia, Tiger,Treasure and JJ.

“Liebster” means dear, dearest, favorite or beloved in German.

The requirements of receiving the award are to link back to who gave it to you, paste the Award on your blog, then choose 5 of your favorite blogs to pass the award on to that are up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers, let them know by leaving a comment on their blog and hope that the 5 blogs chosen will keep on spreading the love by passing the award on to 5 more blogs.

We are bending the rules of this award a wee bit and would like to give it to all our friends for visiting us and giving so many encouraging, comforting words and purrs.

It's our way of saying 'Thank You'. So please don't be shy, just help yourself to this award.

Wishing Sundays Could Stretch a Little Longer?

2012-01-29T11:42:00.000+08:00

Pebble says 'Three Cheers for three chairs!

And have a great weekend everyone!'

Procrastination Breeds Innovation?

2012-01-25T03:14:00.001+08:00

Few years ago, before EJ got lazy, the tiny Christmas tree was put up with full trimmings and blinking lightings.

Then procrastination struck!

The Christmas tree with all those trimmings stayed through the New Year and beyond.

When the Lunar New Year approached, instead of taking down and packing them away, EJ decided to decorate it with Lunar New Year trimmings like these mini red laterns and pink plastic Plum flowers.

Well, it did look rather cute, didn't it?

On behalf of EJ and the kitties, we wish all who celebrate this Lunar New Year of the Water Dragon, PROSPERITY, GOOD HEALTH and HAPPINESS always.

Slow Walking

2012-01-20T15:10:00.000+08:00

Cinders vomited! She was miserable and weak. It was more than a week ago.

She refused to eat or drink. On top of that, she was behaving strangely. EJ promptly made an appointment with the vet for the next day.

Cinders lost 10 percent of her body weight which was not a good sign. After EJ explained her strange behaviour, her vet checked her thoroughly including her eyes.

There is totally no vision in her right eye while her left eye could make out light and shadows. This explains Cinders' slow walk, plodding along walls as well as in circles. Her vet said there is nothing much we can do except to continue her usual medications/supplements, observe and make her as happy and comfortable as possible.

On reaching home, Cinders wanted to eat not the usual wet food but kibbles only. She even refused to eat her favourite steamed shredded chicken breast meat which EJ bought it raw from the wet market.

EJ laughed out loud when Cinders shoved her head into Kenggy's food bowl and started eating. Kenggy, shocked at that behaviour, just stood wide-eyeing Cinders munching away. (EJ do not know but love to visualise mentally that Kenggy's jaw dropped as well!)

Glutton Kenggy always do this to others and none has done this to her.

Cinders now has put on a bit of weight and EJ is keeping a close watch on her.

Squirrel Came a-Visiting?

2012-01-14T15:24:00.000+08:00

Before EJ get rid of any box, permission has to be obtained from the cats.

And was rather surprised to see this!

A giant squirrel came a-visiting?

No, it was Pebble checking out the box before giving her permission for disposal.

Our Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK found it a rather cosy spot to rest in and took several days to decide.

Christmas Captain Gotcha Day

2011-12-24T11:05:00.000+08:00

The postman delivered a card. It was posted from the other side of the globe — from EJ's brother.

This year EJ did not receive any photos showing the amount of snow they get that side. Over here, in forever summer, it is rain, rain and more rain.

Tomorrow is Christmas. It is also Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK's Gotcha Day. This Christmas is his fourth with us.

On behalf of roommates, grand dame Cinders, haughty Tanya, pretty Pebble, whimsical Winnie, rotund Kenggy, our trusted CHAIR and our human EJ, this is Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK wishing all friends, 4-legged, 2-legged, 3-legged included, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

May Peace, Love and Prosperity follow you always.

Hostile Takeover

2011-12-18T11:33:00.000+08:00

The green plastic stool is the perfect height to sit on to work on the laptop placed on a friend's unwanted old TV stand on wheels.

EJ wondered why Cinders always hang around when EJ worked at the laptop and realised the reason after a brief break to the toilet.

It was a hostile takeover.

EJ had no choice but to take out the tiny child-sized wooden chair used during much younger days in elementary/primary school. It was uncomfortable to sit on as an adult body could not fit in properly.

To prevent more hostile takeovers, EJ now sits on another plastic stool of almost the same height.

Cinders loves that little green plastic stool!

True Love

2011-12-11T11:21:00.000+08:00

Being hugged like this by these two lovely girls together is beautiful happiness.

Something every house should have — true love. Indeed this is what the world needs.

Sun Worshipping

2011-12-04T10:48:00.000+08:00

It is the monsoon season. It pours when it rains.

And when the sun is out, Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK takes the opportunity to bask in it.

Butt What is This Pompom?

2011-11-23T13:21:00.000+08:00

Guess what kind of pompom ball is this?

It does look suspiciously familiar, doesn't it?

It is Tanya's pompom tail.

Her pompom tail goes up every time when she drinks from the mini pail in the corner.

Head On!

2011-11-13T12:01:00.000+08:00

Our human just could not figure out why Pebble slept like this!

She was not scolded or punished as Pebble is a well-mannered, good-natured girl and does not disturb her fellow mates.

Any ideas, dear friends?

Pet Pride

Legs Up Folks!

2011-10-30T11:15:00.000+08:00

EJ wants to and definitely will follow our Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK's way of spending the weekend.

It's one great stress reliever.

Put your legs up folks!

Pet Pride

Hard Talk on Hard Pillow

2011-10-23T14:44:00.000+08:00

Of all my roommates, Kenggy is the one who is most attached to me.

While all the others don't really need me, Kenggy, because of her missing two front paws, uses me as a stepping stone to get from window ledge to the floor and vice versa.

Kenggy loves me lots and at times I become her pillow, like this.

It feels good to be loved and appreciated!

Pet Pride

Monkey in the House?

2011-10-16T17:24:00.000+08:00

Well, we thought we, the cats, besides our human live in this house.

Look! We have a weird-looking monkey!

Pet Pride

Styles of Zzzzzs!

2011-10-04T23:55:00.000+08:00

No two living beings sleep the same way. Each have their own preference. Here are some shots on how my roommates sleep.

Cinders ~ comfortable

Tanya ~ ridiculously uncomfortable

Pebble ~ bed isn't big enough

Winnie ~ heavy eyelids

Kenggy ~ flat out

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK ~ ballerino

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Free Massage?

2011-09-20T18:03:00.000+08:00

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK must be happy, now that he is the ONLY male. All his five roommates are females ~ Cinders, Tanya, Pebble, Kenggy and Winnie.

To celebrate his happiness, he gives EJ massages...

...and headbutts...

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Fanged Over

2011-09-18T14:21:00.000+08:00

Pretty girls and handsome dudes, fangs or no fangs need their beauty rests, so says Winnie who is showing a great example here!

Simple Happiness

2011-09-14T10:41:00.000+08:00

'Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.' ~ Dalai Lama

This is so true in Kenggy's case. Inspite of her handicap, she finds pleasure in the simplest of things like this plastic raffia string.

And spread happiness to EJ who watched her play.

Kenggy is such a joy!

' Don't you dare touch it! '

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

'Hang Down Your Head' Position

2011-09-06T02:40:00.001+08:00

EJ's heart always skip a beat whenever Cinders goes into this 'hang down your head' position. This unusual resting style means something is wrong. Even the clicking sound of the old beaten-up compact digital camera did not wake her.

She was fast asleep. She was tired, perhaps really stressed out in the morning having to travel almost 30km to see her vet for blood test and check-up.

Cinders seemed to recognise her doctors and staff. She looked at them in the face and greeted each one with a soft mew. The humans smiled and greeted back.

A thorough physical check-up showed that one of her kidneys had shrivelled which is one of the many symptoms of CRF (Chronic Renal Failure). EJ left the room when Cinders had her blood extracted. The doctors said Cinders was a good girl sitting still unmoving allowing them to draw blood from her neck.

Her blood test results were encouraging. Urea and creatinine went down to just above the normal range. All other test results were either within the normal range or just above which is really good news considering her age of over 17 years. And she put on 100gms.

For now her medication and dosage remain the same with four pills being shoved down her throat and half teaspoon supplement powder to swallow daily.

For more stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Clawed!

2011-08-30T23:59:00.000+08:00

Just like humans, handicapped animals has sharpened and heightened senses to compensate for their loss. For survival, handicapped animals are extraordinary fierce and have extremely fast reflexes and reactions.

Few months ago, EJ was carrying and talking to Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK when suddenly there was a strange whirring sound. Captain Jack vanished from EJ's arms in a flash! EJ listened hard for a few minutes; it sounded like one of the neighbours using a blender.

EJ felt pain...and looked.

This was taken after a few hours when the bottom most scratch has almost subsided. Good thing all Captain Jack's claws were clipped otherwise EJ's forearm would be ripped open in three places!

And no, EJ did not, for how could you scold such a face!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Beautiful Claws

2011-08-28T10:07:00.000+08:00

Winnie says, "Our human says my claws have to be trimmed as it has grown longer and sharp. The trimming will not in any way affect the beauty of my paws. So here I am admiring my paw before it's done."

Pet Pride

Brahma Kamal

2011-08-26T10:54:00.000+08:00

EJ finally found some old travel photos taken in India some 17 years ago. It was the time before digital camera was available so the colours are slightly off. Postings on travels will not be in the right order and sequence but will be posted as and when the photos are found.

Brahma Kamal, the much reverred flower, is a species of flowering plant named after Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. It is native to the Himalayas, India, Northern Burma and South-West China. In Himalayas, it is found at an altitude of around 4,500 metres. Source: Wikipedia

These photos do not do justice to actually seeing Brahma Kamal. Perhaps due to decreased oxygen level in the high altitude and weariness of climbing, there seemed to be a glow emitting from each Brahma Kamal. The flower bracts were very thin, fragile and felt papery. And beautiful!

Oh Lordy!

2011-08-23T22:38:00.001+08:00

Without two front paws, Kenggy cannot jump up to higher places like her other roommates. She really would love to if she could and would never pass up any opportunity like a solid pile of old newspapers on the floor.

Here is Kenggy enjoying precious moments.

Certainly feel good up here lording over my imaginary domain.

Got to look my best!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Looking Through the MeowHole

2011-08-21T00:21:00.000+08:00

Being the small in size, Cinders usually curls up comfortably on one their chairs in the MeowYard. It is not often that Cinders crawl in to rest at the cat condo in their MeowRoom. And when she did, EJ quickly snapped a photo to record it.

The was the result.

It was a bonus with Tanya resting in the MeowYard staring wide-eye curiously at EJ probably thinking 'what on earth is EJ doing in such a funny crouching position?'.

For those who want to know why the MeowHole was created, please click Here

Pet Pride

The Other Side of the Window

2011-08-14T09:45:00.000+08:00

When EJ snapped our pictures relaxing and looking out the window, many of you guessed there were interesting goings-on outside.

Well, we decided to show you, dear friends, what is on the other side!

It's a white wall!

There are no interesting views or chirping birds, only fellow roommates lazing. Here, a rather amused Winnie paw-waved at EJ who tried to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Pet Pride

Me, Too!

2011-08-09T21:01:00.000+08:00

Cinders, now feeling much better, decided to throw out her simple play things from this little basket and climbed in.

This bamboo basket being springy, stretched a bit under her weight and she must have felt comfortable in it to have rested there for a long time. It was an uncomfortable sight for onlookers.

Then along came Kenggy who wanted to do the same thing and tried...

...and tried...

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Jack's Contempt

2011-08-07T16:33:00.000+08:00

EJ clipped Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK's claws.

His reaction after the clippings?

Here's the Captain showing his clipped claws with his upper lip curled...like Elvis Presley...in utter haughtiness and bitter contempt!

Pet Pride

Beauty Secrets!

2011-08-02T22:27:00.000+08:00

EJ loves to disturb, prod or poke Tanya because she is so haughty and obnoxious!

She has this attitude because she knows she is beautiful. Each prod or poke will result in zealous cleanings and lickings. Sometimes a 'how dare you touch me' glare is given and worse if a soft growl accompanies it. EJ has experienced swipes of the paws including attempted bites!

According to Tanya, there is no short cut to being beautiful. It is just hard work cleaning and cleaning making sure all the fur are clean and in place.

Jack Thinker

2011-07-31T10:40:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

If only we know what goes on behind that eye and between those ears!

Pet Pride

Scary Dreaming

2011-07-26T23:01:00.000+08:00

Winnie looks fierce even in sleep.

Her permanently visible fangs gives her this look that fooled many. In reality, she is extremely timid and would be the first to zoom off or disappear at the slightest strange noise or things.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Relaxing Unique Style?

2011-07-24T09:46:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK sure has a unique way of relaxing on weekends!

PetPride

Wobble Kenggy

2011-07-19T08:46:00.000+08:00

It was easy to keep children entertained 40 years ago.

EJ remembers those egg-shaped toys with weight at the fat bottom end that wobble when pushed but never fall completely over. They were either animal or human shaped, some even had sounds when bouncing back and forth.

Japanese traditional doll, the daruma doll, is one such toy and has become a symbol of optimism, good fortune and strong determination.

Kenggy has those qualities of strong determination and optimism. And doesn't she remind you of those roly-poly wobbly toys of yesteryear?

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Keeping Cool

2011-07-17T10:35:00.000+08:00

It's hot these days!

Wearing fur coat on such days is not a good idea. But if you wear one that you cannot possibly discard, what do you do? You will have to make do and find ways and means to cool off!

Like many of his roommates, Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK voluntarily climbs into the cage to sleep to get and feel soft breeze around him including from below.

Pet Pride

Laundry Loafing

2011-07-05T19:06:00.001+08:00

It's laundry day.

EJ changed the bedsheets and left it on the floor while collecting other pieces like towels and clothes.

On return this was what EJ saw - Cinders relaxing comfortably on the laundry pile.

She refused to budge and crossed her legs!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Kung Fu Tanya

2011-07-03T09:55:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Is Tanya practising kung fu in her sleep? Is she dreaming that she is the world's kung fu champ?

Now EJ wonders what kick is that - side kick or scissor kick!

Pet Pride

The Sneeze

2011-06-28T01:16:00.000+08:00

Most times EJ sits on the floor with back leaning on the sofa side to watch TV. Cinders would either be on the knees or somewhere near the legs.

It was a hot night.

Not wanting to use the ceiling fan which directs hot air down, EJ decided to place the table fan on the floor near the main door to direct cooler air from outside into the hall.

To get more comfortable, EJ laid stomach down with hands supporting chin on the sofa with the fan blowing the full length of the body from feet to head.

Wanting to be near, Cinders climbed up and sat on the nearby little plastic green stool facing EJ.

EJ was enjoying the TV show and the fan when Cinders had a sudden bout of frenzied ah-choos!

Both EJ and Cinders went into a frozen shock wide-eyeing each other.

It was at least 2 seconds before both realised what happened and both rushed off in different directions ~ EJ to the toilet to wash hands and face wet from the sneeze and Cinders to some corner.

The fan blast tickled her nose!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Mine! All Mine!

2011-06-26T08:46:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

It was a cool morning in this hot season.

Winnie claimed this little sunspot and did not budge for a long time.

Pet Pride

Father and Sons United

2011-06-21T08:55:00.000+08:00

EJ believes that when Tommy used to stare into nothing, he was mulling over his sons.

At times he mulled till his ears curled up. Perhaps he missed them both, 4Head and last-born handicapped Tortie.

4Head had heart problems resulting in fluid in his lungs; Tortie had severe kidney problems; Tommy had all of these.

Both Tommy and Tortie sat alike and slept in the same style; with 4Head, they relaxed in the same manner with that special air.

In the earlier years, these three always slept together either head to head or head to butt.

Now they probably are doing the same over at the Rainbow Bridge...and EJ misses these 'three stooges' so.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Greetings, My Friend!

2011-06-19T00:53:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Most sleep late on this day. Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK did, too.

EJ wanted a picture of the sleeping Captain but he woke up.

And what a greeting sight EJ got!

Pet Pride

You See What I See?

2011-06-14T09:46:00.000+08:00

EJ noticed Pebble had been staring hard unmoving at the wall for a long time and even had time to take the camera to snap her in that position.

Well, EJ did try to see what Pebble was staring at but cannot see what captured her total attention.

It was when she stood up and stretched to reach it that EJ looked up...

...and saw...

...the tape that marked the spot EJ stopped work for the day painting the high 18-foot long common dividing wall in the meowyard last year.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

How Do You Relax?

2011-06-12T01:59:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

And a day of relaxation.

Pebble pretended to be relaxing on the poolside deckchair soaking in the sun.

She said, "Now where did I put my sunglasses?".

Pet Pride

Siesta Break

2011-06-07T01:28:00.000+08:00

EJ loves to have sneak peeks at cats siestas.

When discovered that Winnie's head was buried in Pebble's furry behind, it was a dash and grab for the camera to immortalise that comical moment.

The camera, being an old, cheap compact digital one, produces whirring and clicking sounds when a picture is taken. Those sounds woke Winnie.

She was not happy and gave EJ that look of "how dare you interrupt my dream!".

Oops...a thousand apologies! EJ stopped immediately and tip-toed off.

On looking back, Winnie returned to dreaming; Pebble was unaware of what happened and nonchalant fastidious Tanya did not stop cleaning herself. EJ quickly stole a shot.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Getting Fit Kenggy's Way

2011-06-05T10:26:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday!

Some use this special day to get fit like taking a walk in the park or recreational area but some prefer to laze in bed.

But what if you want both?

Kenggy shows how ~ stretch lying down!

Pet Pride

So Far So Good

2011-05-31T08:49:00.000+08:00

Last week, Cinders had her check-up and fourth blood test. She put on a teeny weeny bit of weight which is good news. The blood test and urine results were encouraging.

She has gotten used to having pills shoved down her throat. Those times when she spit it out was when the capsule went sideways instead of straight down.

Cinders used to sleep on old newspapers.

To make her feel good and to pamper her a bit, EJ cleaned out and prepared a personal basket for her which she now constantly sleep in.

Cinders went one step further and claimed this little low wooden stool as 'her throne' to rest on.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Thank You

2011-05-28T21:20:00.000+08:00

Hi, we are back!

Endless purrs, headbutts, purrayers, wags and love sent by you all made us feel very much loved and comforted.

We thank you.

Tired Out

2011-05-10T08:46:00.001+08:00

Results of Tommy's second blood test was worse than his first. His kidneys worsened considerably. Additional meds was prescribed and dosage increased.

During his check-up, Tommy's favourite doctor listened long and hard at his heatbeat. Tommy had a 'gallop rhythm'. Normal heartbeat goes 'lup dup lup dup'; Tommy's enlarged heart went 'lup lup dup dup lup lup dup dup'. It did not beat in sync.

Yesterday, in the early morning, Tommy's tired heart succumbed to its weariness and gave up.

Usually gregarious Tommy was the one who would let others use him as pillow but for the first time a very thin Tommy borrowed Kenggy's fleshy rump to rest his head.

Claws, Fangs and Trots

2011-05-01T10:26:00.000+08:00

Cinders has put on a little wee bit of weight. It was confirmed at her third blood test, weigh in and evaluation last week.

This reminds EJ of a very slim lady wearing a coat with fur collar showing off her slim neck looking relaxed crossing her limbs.

This is what you get after being shaved for the third time at the same area.

She has started eating kibbles though she mostly consume wet food now. Next to her is 'fatty' Kenggy gorging in.

Cinders seems happier now and has started trotting!

With that little increase in weight, her meds dosage increased which means additional pills to be swallowed. With both Cinders' and Tommy's numerous pills combined to be shoved down their throats daily, EJ's hands take the beating of being accidently bitten. Index finger holding the pill take the brunt of being bitten at the same spot all the time.

Unfortunately Tommy didn't fare as well as Cinders. He lost weight and has no appetite. His favourite vet gave him appetite stimulant pills. His second blood test results will be known early next week.

Pet Pride

A Visit to Tommy's Favourite Vet

2011-04-17T10:09:00.001+08:00

He was a glutton. Now his appetite is poor. Tommy is losing weight. And this worries EJ.

After confirming his favourite vet was on duty, EJ drove Tommy to the clinic yesterday in a drizzle.

Tommy's favourite vet was about to leave for a house call but on seeing Tommy, he exchanged duties with another doctor so that he could attend to Tommy. Read about Tommy's reaction on their first meeting here.

A thorough check-up was done and an irregular heart rhythm was detected. Blood had to be extracted for tests. Tommy put up a fight and only a small amount was obtained. More staff came to help and EJ left the room. EJ is known to have scratchy eyes only but when Tommy gave a long, really loud heart-rending wail, EJ's eyes welled up.

The x-rays confirmed his enlarged heart.

Tommy has cardiomyopathy -- heart problems.

Results of the blood tests to be out early next week will show whether Tommy has other accompanying complications in the liver or kidneys.

EJ would love to but could not visit all you wonderful friends as often and will post on Tommy's and Cinders' health progress.

The now aging 14-year-old not-so-handsome Tommy but still as vocal and loving.

A Thousand Million Thanks

2011-04-10T00:03:00.000+08:00

Cinders had her second blood test two days ago. Urine test could not be done then as her bladder was empty.

This afternoon, EJ managed to get Cinders' urine and immediately took it to the vet for testing. The urine test result was fine except that it was rather diluted.

The blood test results showed there were improvements but not to the desired level yet. Another good thing was she did not lose more weight. It remained the same. She is still thin.

Cinders loves resting on a pile of old newspapers. Here she is dream-jetting her appreciation and a thousand million thanks to all who sent her get well purrs, prayers, positive vibrations and vibes, encouragement and love.

Hang Down Your Head Poor Cinders

2011-04-03T11:08:00.000+08:00

It is the first time in her life Cinders had to take medication. It is the first time she got sick in 17 years.

With so much medication to swallow on the first day, her frail body simply could not stomach it and she threw up. Here feeling absolutely miserable and feeble, she hung her head down.

Since then EJ spread the medicine-giving throughout the day to some in the morning, some in the evening and the remaining medication late at night. Cinders is responding well either because she is getting used to pills and medication being forced down her throat or EJ is getting better in doing it.

Cinders seems a little stronger now. Only a blood test can confirm whether this is true.

Pet Pride

Cinders' Blood Test Results

2011-03-29T14:10:00.000+08:00

Cinders is feeling better. She moves very slowly and rests a lot.

Most times, Cinders follow EJ round the house. On Sunday, EJ decided to follow Cinders when she walked towards her toilet tray. EJ wanted to check whether there were any blood traces in her urine.

Cinders pooped! Not much but this meant she ate enough for this to happen.

EJ never knew that watching a cat poop could give such happiness. And finding an empty food dish gave even more happiness.

Cleaning herself after eating. The arrow shows the area shaved for blood extraction from the carotid artery.

Late yesterday afternoon, Cinders' vet phoned and said the blood tests confirmed that Cinders has Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). And off EJ went to the vet to discuss what is best for Cinders at this stage.

A daily dose of five pills, a supplementary powder plus potassium citrate liquid was prescribed. Among the prescription is Azodyl. This was packed with ice on the way back from the clinic and has to be put in the fridge immediately on reaching home.

To put it very briefly, Azodyl is a non-prescription nutritional supplement designed to help slow the advancement of chronic renal failure in cats and dogs. It contains bacteria believed to support the "flushing out" of the waste products associated with azotemia, a condition where creatinine, urea and other nitrogen-based toxins are not properly filtered by the kidneys.

SubQ fluid has not started yet and will be done when needed.

EJ shudder to think of the number of pills and medicine Cinders has to take. Not being sick often, EJ, a human many times Cinders' size, need at least half a glass of water to swallow one pill and would certainly need many hours to finish what Cinders has to take.

PS: We thank all for the purrayers, purrs, positive thoughts and vibes, and still may not visit as often as we would like to.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Cinders' Appetite and Blood Test

2011-03-26T23:57:00.000+08:00

Despite appetite stimulants, Cinders still refused to eat. Her weight dropped rapidly from 2.68kg two weeks ago to 2.5kg last week and now 2.34kg.

Special food AD formula (AD stands for anorexia diet) could not entice Cinders to lick from EJ's finger. Feeding via the syringe was messy resulting with most feed flung all over instead of inside Cinders' mouth.

Lately EJ resorted to forcing wet food like mashed tuna and AD formula down her throat. Each time only a 'nail-sized' amount could be consumed. Cinders fought violently and pawed seconds and thirds.

During the visit to the vet this morning, Cinders was a good girl when blood was drawn from her carotid artery. Some tests were done immediately. Her glucose level was normal meaning she is not diabetic. She is also FeLV and FIV negative meaning she does not have feline AIDs or leukemia. The rest of her blood was sent to the lab and the results will be known next week.

In the late afternoon, not wanting to waste an opened can of chicken kept in the fridge, EJ decided to heat it for the other greedy cats who had been clamouring and meowing for Cinders' wet food. Suddenly EJ found Cinders at the foot looking up hungrily. And gave it to Cinders.

Cinders ate!

EJ was so happy and promptly phoned the vet to say, 'She is eating! She is eating!'

Cinders received all those get well purrayers and wishes from world-wide blogger friends and all who did. EJ would like to convey many thanks to them all.

Right now late at night, Cinders is resting behind EJ as EJ pounds the keyboard to post this.

These photos are Cinders' second round of eating -- at night.

An anorexic Cinders.

She is eating.

A short break between slow eating.

Cinders' Turn

2011-03-22T10:30:00.000+08:00

When everything seemed to go well, Cinders took a turn for the worse end of last week.

There were spots of blood in her urine again and she refused to eat.

The visit to her vet last Sunday morning showed that her white blood cells were high indicating infection but without a temperature. She lost weight and is now getting anorexic.

(This photo was taken in late February. Cinders is much thinner now.)

Antibiotics, appetite stimulants, vitamins and Cystaid were prescribed. 'Assisted Feeding' was recommended to prevent her from losing more weight.

The term 'Assisted Feeding' is preferred as the cat is helped to eat, not forced though the cat may disagree. 'Assisted Feeding' refers to finger feeding or syringe feeding. EJ is using both methods. But still Cinders is not eating enough as more energy is used up during sickness. EJ is trying very hard to coax her to eat.

Cinders howls a lot lately. Other cats sort of avoid her but not good-natured Tommy. Good old Tommy keeps her company by squatting beside her and gives encouraging support with cleaning licks.

EJ is keeping an eye on Tommy too as he has not recover fully.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

We are still stylish!

2011-03-16T11:11:00.000+08:00

Having received many 'get well soon' and 'healing' purrs from bloggers all over the world, both Cinders and Tommy are much better.

EJ would like to thank all for those positive thoughts, prayers and vibes, and believes that it helped greatly to put these two on the road to recovery.

Cinders' urine is not bloody anymore but is straining to urine constantly and a little each time which means she probably has incontinence.

To make it easier for her to take her medicine instead of shoving the capsule down her throat, the powder from the capsule is mixed with wet food. With that strong fishy smell of wet food easily permeating throughout EJ's small house, all the other cats clamoured to have a part of it. There were times when EJ had to give the other cats the same wet food so that Cinders could have hers with 'hidden medication' in peace.

There is still another week of medication before evaluation of her progress on whether antibiotics and other medication is necessary.

This picture shows one of Tommy's scratch wounds below his ear clearly. The smaller ones are near his eyes and nose.

These wounds healed after being cleaned with antiseptic liquid and as soon as scabs formed, Tommy would scratch till it bled and the whole cycle starts again, at times creating an even bigger wound. Temporarily, steroid cream for these wounds have been stopped to prevent adverse results, so EJ has to be more diligent in monitoring and cleaning the wounds. EJ is happy that the wounds are now getting smaller.

Even in dire discomfort and itch, Tommy relax in style with paws crossed. Cinders lost a bit of weight and is resting well on the right. That furry butt below belongs to Pebble.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Bladder Out

2011-03-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

Being out and busy yesterday, EJ came home in the late afternoon.

As soon as EJ opened the door, Cinders, a senior cat, walked out to the porch to greet EJ which was unusual. Before leaving in the morning, EJ left Cinders to roam the whole house while the other cats were limited to their room and yard.

On entering, EJ was horrified to see the state and mess the house was in. There were drops of blood on the floor.

Her vomit was on some old newspapers and her wastes on the floor mats. Two floor mats had to be thrown away as it was too messy to clean.

Cinders has urinary problems with blood in her urine. A phone call was promptly made for an appointment with her vet this morning.

By the time the cleaning the whole house of the mess was finished, EJ was too zonked out to do anything including checking emails and blogs.

The journey to the vet this morning was full of wails from Cinders.

Being 17 in 3 months', her vet decided against giving any antibiotics. Instead Cinders was given Cystaid Capsules, a complementary feed to sustain the production of Glycosaminoglycans in the bladder.

Tommy, still suffering an allergy from mosquito/insect bites, had his bath this afternoon to help clean and ease the itchiness from the healing scratch wounds.

EJ is tired and may not be able to visit as many blogs.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Black or White

2011-03-06T15:55:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

'It don't matter if you're black or white'...so sung Michael Jackson.

Yes, it don't matter if you want a cosy corner to nap. And EJ was lucky to have snapped this shot as Tommy and Tanya don't exactly nap in sync with senior Cinders eyeing them.

Pet Pride

Imaginary Foe?

2011-03-01T10:39:00.000+08:00

The saying goes 'Curiosity killed the cat'. This does not apply in our home.

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK, though timid, is one very curious cat and a busybody. He never fails to check out new things or stuff that fancies him.

Somehow there is this EJ's favourite old, very comfortable apple-green drawstring pants that seems to irk Captain Jack. Each time EJ wears it, Captain Jack would stand up fully stretched to claw the pants down or fight with its drawstring. So far the pants held up and has never gone down, luckily.

Captain Jack eyeballing the imaginary foe...

...and whack...

...whack, whack...

...sniff, sniff. Still alive?

Whack, whack, whack!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Roly-Poly Tommy

2011-02-27T09:46:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Though he loves resting all stretched out on two children's-sized chairs, there are times when Tommy do enjoy curling up like this.

Pet Pride

Loving It to Bits

2011-02-22T15:06:00.000+08:00

Kenggy has a favourite toy. It's an old battered cheap two-dollar hedgehog soft toy from Ikea.

She doesn't play like a normal cat does. Without both front paws, Kenggy cannot claw any make-believe 'prey' or chase after it.

She plays in her own unique way. Standing up kangaroo-style, Kenggy would toss the toy in the air and tries to catch it with her stubs. It is such a cute sight when she uses her best weapon, her teeth, to attack the 'prey' standing up looking like a giant obese squirrel.

Lying down, she does side rolls while holding on to the 'prey' biting and using her powerful hind legs to kick much like a crocodile thrashing in the water.

The very battered hedgehog. It's loved to bits, literally.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Total Relaxation

2011-02-20T09:41:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Now that the festivities of Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day are over, it's time for total relaxation.

Too lazy to move, note how Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK eyed the photographer.

Pet Pride

Secret to Looking Cool

2011-02-15T21:37:00.000+08:00

The torrential monsoon is over, finally.

Scorching hot weather is here. With high humidity, the air feels muggy.

It would be torturous if you are wearing a fur coat like Pebble here with her fur longer than most of her roommates.

She has a secret on how to look cool and good on such days.

Here is what she does.

Relax completely and let your tail hang in the water; never mind if it is the water bowl.

When you feel that the coolness has crept all over your body, lift your tail out and start cleaning it.

Then relax and let your tail go limp allowing air to go through the damp fur thus cooling it.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Hanging Loose

2011-02-13T10:03:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Let it all hang out...

...beer belly and foot!

Pet Pride

Bubbling Drool

2011-02-08T23:52:00.000+08:00

Cats are normally light sleepers.

Female cats usually sleep slightly less embarrasing than males. But not Tanya. She sleeps in weird positions. She snores. And drools.

The inelegant sleeping Tanya...

and close-up of her drool.

Can you see the two drool bubbles?

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Something's in the Air

2011-02-06T09:47:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK couldn't really tell exactly what's in the air due to the many festivities in this month of February.

The air has a blend of all smells in this multi-racial country that celebrates festivals of all races.

Is it the smell of the good spread of scrumptious food and oranges for Chinese New Year with an acrid touch of the after-smell of burnt fire crackers and fireworks?

There is also the sweet scent of chocolates and roses...for the coming Valentine's Day.

Pet Pride

Just Checking

2011-02-01T21:34:00.000+08:00

Since Cinders was the only one who knew about this gift from Puddy, she goes the box regularly.

These were taken at night and the first one was snapped without flash in a dimly lit area.

Tanya suddenly stopped on her tracks when she saw the box.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Beautiful Girls and Award

2011-01-30T10:35:00.002+08:00

Presented this Stylish Blogger Award by Mr Puddy, my roommates' good buddy, made me want to jump for joy. Thank you.

There are simple missions attached on receiving this award. They are:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself that the people out in Blog Land might not know

3. Award 7 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Now seven things about me.

1. Having survived four human generations, I'm not sure whether I could survive to the fifth

2. Never alone, I always have company and treated well as I have never been thrown about

3. When first acquired, I was of a different colour which was rather pale; now I am beautifully tanned through the aging process

4. Much loved by human and animals, being patted and pawed (lovingly mauled as well) by them, I am really richly polished

5. Though all my legs are getting slimmer, they are still strong to support a human weight. EJ still stands on me

6. I do have a close friend who is older than me - that table beside me is more than 50 years' old which was EJ and siblings' study table when young

7. Beautiful girls like Pebble and Kenggy love to hang out with me because I make them look good! :)

The seven blogs I picked belong to those who have walked on this earth more years than many and hope they will walk many more healthy years to come.

http://unfittie.blogspot.com

http://boo-bahslittlesunshines.blogspot.com

http://spiritifelici.blogspot.com/

http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

http://gooeylounge.blogspot.com

http://sylviafromoverthehill.blogspot.com

http://jabblog-jabblog.blogspot.com/

Yours truly,

Pet Pride

Walking On the Wall

2011-01-25T20:32:00.000+08:00

Moving like a normal cat must be hard for Kenggy. She walks slowly and carefully on the ground.

Perhaps like humans, Kenggy possibly may have dreams. Dreams of wishing to walk less cumbersome and less painful.

Walking on the wall could be it! With zero force of gravity and no stress on joints, there is no pain.

EJ was lucky to have captured these never seen in public before pictures of Kenggy's walk.

Kenggy even had time to clean her belly...

...yawn...it's getting boring.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Unity Aspirations

2011-01-23T10:19:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday!

They are united even in sleep.

When in elementary/primary school, EJ had a tiny diary. It had little sayings in it. One which EJ still remembers vividly is 'Unity is strength and so is onion'.

Pet Pride

A Buddy's Gift

2011-01-18T15:56:00.000+08:00

The sun was bright and hot today.

A little after noon, EJ heard a horn that sounded like the quacking of a duck at the gate. It was the young affable postman alerting EJ. He had a big grin on his face and a box in his hands. The box was sent from Australia.

It was from Mr Puddy.

EJ opened the box immediately. All the cats were fast asleep but the rustling sound of opening the box and checking its contents woke Cinders. Like human senior citizens, Cinders, the feline version is a light sleeper.

She was the only one who came to check it out...

...took a look at the book...

...and pawed this lovely card of sweet feline love in a glass with a note inside handwritten with much care.

All the cats were still asleep when Cinders finished her tour of gifts and EJ put them back in the box.

Thanks very much Mr Puddy.

We love you, buddy!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Dangerous Dreaming!

2011-01-16T20:40:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Tanya has many sleeping positions, mostly funny, some ridiculous and occasionally dangerous like this.

Once, few years ago, she slept dangerously and fell off EJ's bed. EJ managed to snap a few shots then and will try to locate them.

Pet Pride

Into the Twilight...

2011-01-14T23:44:00.000+08:00

Last Christmas, EJ and elder brother went to the graveyard. It was cool and misty that early morning. EJ was surprised to see many people there cleaning graves of their loved ones and placing flowers.

After cleaning their father's grave, flowers were arranged in a plastic container.

Being at this graveyard brought back frightened memories of what happened more than 30 years ago.

**************

Travel time boarding two buses from work to home takes at least two hours. EJ had to reach home as quickly as possible that day and decided to hail a taxi.

Just a few kilometres from reaching home, the taxi driver turned off the main road and went into a narrow road. Soon it led to many trees on both sides.

Taxi driver: 'I think I made a wrong turn.'

More than 30 years ago, EJ was youthful and attractive. There were many cases then of passengers being robbed, assaulted and even killed.

EJ hid the nervousness by trying to appear cool and replied nonchalantly.

'Don't worry! I know this area very well and know where it leads to.'

As soon as EJ finished that sentence, graveyards were seen on both sides.

It was dusk and getting dark pretty quickly.

There were many rumours and stories about the young and good-looking usually females getting or asking for help and then at the most critical moment morphed into some horrible inhuman creatures.

Seated upright and tensed, the driver kept looking at the rear mirror fearing that EJ might morphed into something.

EJ too stared straight into the rear mirror without blinking and gave one word instructions.

'Right'

'Left'

On seeing dad's grave, EJ felt reassured and became even more calm.

The driver never uttered a word.

As the taxi turned back to the main road, the driver gave a barely audible sigh. His body and shoulders relaxed visibly.

He must have prayed very hard while driving through 'twilight' and thankful that EJ did not morph in front of him.

Making the Best...

2011-01-11T23:56:00.001+08:00

EJ is a tad busy and stressed.

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK would gladly give EJ a tip or two on how to handle such situation, emotion included.

When he first came home, EJ confined him in this cage to give soft introduction to the gang. He was safe as all members of the gang paced round and sniffed him out.

Here, see how he took it all in his swanky stride, rest his tired head on the food/water dish with a big satisfying yawn in such a sexy relaxing way.

Now if only we understand his meowrrrrrs....

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Ouch! Ouch!

2011-01-09T09:43:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday!

Whenever EJ sits in the meowyard to spend quality time with the cats, Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK is usually one of the first to sit on EJ's lap. If other cats got to EJ first, he will wriggle and push for a spot.

He doesn't sit still; he starts play fighting like this.

Ouch! Ouch!

Soon others will join in and pounce on EJ from all sides. More ouch, ouch!

And when the situation gets too much to bear, EJ has to get up and leave.

Pet Pride

The Opposite

2011-01-04T12:11:00.000+08:00

Living on opposite sides of the globe, EJ and brother experience life differently.

Weather is different too. EJ copes with the tropical heat with once a year rainy monsoon while brother braves the four seasons.

EJ feels year end is worse for both as it is the monsoon season with torrential rain for EJ and heavy snowfall for brother.

There is an air of festivity to brother's house with the front beautifully decorated with Christmas and New Year lights. The road on the foreground is completely covered with snow.

Backyard is lighted up too. It is too cold even for desperate squirrels to visit.

In contrast, the only air of festivity in EJ's house is the tinsel-wrapped one leg of the dining table! To see the picture, please click here.

This is the cats' eye view of EJ's postage stamp sized garden after heavy rain...

...and the covered tiny backyard where the cats lounge even when it rains.

From left: Winnie, Pebble, Tommy cleaning Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK and Cinders.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Start the Year with Good Health

2011-01-02T09:43:00.002+08:00

It's Sunday!

On behalf of her buddies, Kenggy wishes all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Exercise and live healthy!

Pet Pride

Full House

2010-12-29T11:38:00.000+08:00

Since the cats constantly jostle to rest on their two chairs, EJ decided to add one more chair. These three chairs are popular and usually occupied.

Cinders glared at Tommy when he rested his head and E-collar on her. That glare did not bother easy-going Tommy and he promptly fell asleep. Pebble on the right did not stir when Tommy shoved his butt into her space. Tanya, in the foreground, watched the whole scene.

Tommy wears the E-collar for about an hour daily to allow the cream applied to be fully absorbed before the E-collar is taken off. He is responding very well to this method.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Caught!

2010-12-26T09:46:00.003+08:00

It's Sunday!

Tommy caught Winnie doing...

Spiderman, Spiderman Does Whatever a Spider Can...

Yesterday, Christmas day, was Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK's Gotcha Day!

How he came can be read here.

Pet Pride

Christmas Decoration Help?

2010-12-21T15:51:00.003+08:00

Tanya had been using one of the dining table legs as her scratching post.

Too lazy to put up Christmas tree this year and to deter Tanya from scratching the table leg, EJ took out a tinsel to wrap it round that leg.

It served its purpose perfectly until Kenggy came along and checked it out.

On realising that she was being watched, rotund Kenggy tried to hide behind the slender table leg...

...and attacked when she thought EJ was not looking.

Here she is sharpening her potent invisible claws!

Have you ever had a cat with invisible claws use your legs as a scratching post? EJ had...several times. It's very ticklish!

This was the result after the attack!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Love and Tolerance

2010-12-19T10:34:00.001+08:00

It's Sunday!

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK says Sunday is a day to practise love, tolerance and patience as Pebble's bushy tail tickles his whiskers and can sneeze anytime!

Pet Pride

Challenge from Cute Soldier and Winnie Hatted

2010-12-17T15:15:00.003+08:00

Since EJ and brother live in different countries, communication is easiest through emails.

One day EJ's brother emailed a picture of a cute squirrel dressed in full combat gear. That sparked off an interesting email conversation which is funny as well.

We are sharing this so that you can laugh or grin with us.

The very cute soldier.

BRO: I hope my backyard squirrels do not dress up in combat fatigues to declare war on me....

EJ: Well, in a way I hope all the area squirrels do dress up in that very cute combat fatigues, hold hands round the trunks of all your fruit trees staring hard at you. And you throwing your hands up in the air in exasperation. Would certainly be a hilarious sight! Hahaha!

BRO: Squirrels here are pretty aggresive. If you chase them, they will run but after a safe distance, they will turn around and stare at you, with tails lashing and making noises as if to challenge you to further chase them if you dare.... Quite cute but at times annoying.

Once, I threw an apple at one of them at ground level for doing it and it grazed its side. It rolled over a few times in pain and slowly got up to a tree and disappeared. I felt sorry for the poor thing and never did it again.

I am sure if they have the technology, I will never be able to go to my backyard again...or worse, they will evict me from my house or area...and send me packing back to Malaysia in a stretcher....

EJ: Next time don't throw the apple, you should roll the apple, the lawn bowl way. Better still If you could put a side spin to the apple and watch the squirrels' reaction looking at the apple spinning round it.

Who knows if you do it often enough, they may line up and beg from you.

*************

Winnie is a timid cat and not exactly very pretty.

Thanks to blogger cat friends Sammy and Andy and their human mama Judy with her artistic skills and talent made Winnie look so attractive with that lovely summer hat so fitting for the hot tropical heat!

You can visit Sammy and Andy here.

Trophy Prize?

2010-12-14T14:59:00.000+08:00

The magazines were collecting dust. Some were old issues published in 1974.

EJ decided to go through them before giving it away but will keep a few.

Cinders came to help sort the magazines.

Here she is trying to blend in placing herself in an empty magazine filebox. And she looks like a mini trophy head mount, doesn't she?

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Take a Breather

2010-12-12T15:23:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Tanya would like to let friends know that when they find the Christmas preparations too overwhelming, please take a breather, put your legs up, stretch a bit and continue later.

Pet Pride

A Gift for Just Because!

2010-12-10T11:56:00.000+08:00

EJ has many mugs. Most of them were gifts. One of the favourite is this cup and saucer, Arthur Wood, made in England.

Almost 14 years ago one afternoon in the office, EJ was pleasantly surprised when three young colleagues presented a gift. It was neither EJ's birthday nor Christmas. They explained that they went shopping and the moment they laid eyes on this cup, they immediately thought of EJ. They simply just had to buy it.

This is precious to EJ and do not use it daily. It is only used whenever EJ thought about the old work place and colleagues.

Here it is filled with cappuccino ready for sipping while reminiscing the various expressions, appreciation, laughter, differences and love shared with colleagues.

Thank you PohLing (Malaysian Business), Nazatul (Malaysia Business) and Anis (Her World) for this lovely set and memories.

Kenggy is Cross!

2010-12-07T15:57:00.000+08:00

Most of my roommates cross their legs often. It is hard for Kenggy to do so because her two front legs are shorter. When she does that, EJ would quickly grab the camera to record those moments.

*****

The weather is perfect and my stomach is full. It is nice to relax on the mini rug and watch the outdoors as we are not allowed to go out at all.

Huh? The flash thing is here again!

My morning relaxation is interrupted. I am annoyed!

I am leaving this spot now!

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Stretch!

2010-12-05T10:24:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Winnie says giving yourself a good stretch after being in one position for some time is good for you. It helps in preventing body aches and pain.

She would like to remind all blogger friends to stretch regularly while blogging.

So streeetch!

Pet Pride

Tommy Wants Two

2010-12-03T13:43:00.000+08:00

With so many comforting and healing purrs received, Tommy is getting better and says 'thank you'. Skin has formed on those sores on the legs. The ones on his face will take a longer time.

As EJ is a vegetarian due to allergy, the cats usually eat kibbles. Occassionally wet canned food is given as a treat or to entice as well as reward an unwell cat in taking medication.

EJ found out that Tommy possibly could not eat fish. He vomitted when fish was given with his antibiotics. EJ tried the same thing again the next day, Tommy vomitted again. From then on Tommy took his antibiotics after eating the usual kibbles; no vomit. So Tommy do not need food treats.

He wanted something else. He want to rest and relax comfortably.

Wearing the E-collar, resting on the chair seems to be his favourite. The chair is also Cinders' favourite.

Inspite of the squeeze with the E-collar taking up more space, Tommy was relaxed enough to cross his legs.

With Cinders, who is 16 going on 17, pushing intruding Tommy back, he still kept his crossed-legs position.

Tired of sleeping uncomfortably, Cinders left. Finally Tommy got what he wanted...and splayed across two chairs.

Tommy Collared and Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK hatted

2010-11-30T12:44:00.002+08:00

EJ had trouble digitally camouflaging Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK's missing right eye globe and asked for help from blogger friend Sammy and Andy. Their mom did it wonderfully. Our Captain look so very sauve and dashing, doesn't he? The Captain is also featured in Sammy and Andy's blog http://samandy007.blogspot.com

To EJ's horror, a number of sores suddenly appeared on Tommy on Sunday morning but could not go to the vet as an appointment was made to visit an elder relative.

Journey to the clinic was yesterday, Monday, and as usual Tommy wailed all the way there and back. Tommy meowed so loud that he could be heard through the wound-up car windows. Traffic was smooth. It was only while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green that drivers of vans and lorries would grin and meowed back at Tommy.

His vet checked him and found that the possible cause could be environmental allergy. A course of antibiotics for two weeks and topical cream was prescribed. Cleaning of the wounds and application of the cream must be done three times a day.

Now it is Tommy's turn to wear that E-collar to prevent him from scratching and licking.

The pink arrows shows those wounds where the cream has been applied.

Tommy being checked out by his roommates.

He tried hard to remove the E-collar.

Angered by having to wear the E-collar, Tommy transformed into a stegosaurus - a mini albino stegosaurus. Can you see the wound on his leg?

A very unhappy Tommy.

PS: To see whether it helps, EJ stopped using floor cleaner and is now using just plain water to clean floor.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Visit

2010-11-28T08:50:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

On such a day with fine weather, less traffic on the road, a leisurely drive to visit old friends and elderly relatives is most fitting.

Pet Pride

Curtain Calls

2010-11-26T12:24:00.000+08:00

EJ never bothered with curtains till the new neighbour did major renovations to the house from front to back and top to bottom.

With all foreign workers working and staying in, EJ felt a little insecure and decided that it was time to put up curtains on the two front windows.

Lugging this borrowed old drill that weighed like 16 tons to EJ up the low ladder on creaky knees wasn't easy. Holding the heavy drill above eye level, drilling was not exactly accurate. EJ took many tea breaks. Frequent climbing up and down lugging that ancient drill was tiring. It was a vicious cycle.

Putting up these curtains up probably take a couple of hours for professionals; EJ took days.

Soon the weight of the curtains and the rod took its toll on that amateurish drilled part. The whole curtain threatened to fall.

Down came the curtain and the rod and up went EJ again on the ladder. This time EJ took the easy way out. All EJ did was stuff white cement at where the screw was and hope it would hold after the cement dried.

So far so good and hope it stays that way.

Labour Over Box

2010-11-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

Wanting to make sweet corn pudding in cute teddy bear shapes for the grandniece's belated birthday, EJ had to go to the supermarket to get the ingredients.

It was a Saturday. And imposed on every Saturday in Selangor state is "No Plastic Day". Free plastic bags will not be provided to customers by participating shopping centres and retailers. This is to educate and encourage shoppers to bring their own bags and change their habit of excessive use of plastic bags which are environmentally harmful.

EJ clean forgot about this "No Plastic Day" but was pleasantly surprised when a free cardboard box was offered at the payment counter to contain the stuff bought.

On reaching home, this free cardboard box became the cats' property. This was what happened.

Captain Jack Sparrow HAWK peeked with his one good eye from the box.

Tommy came along and decided that the best way to conquer the box was to just pounce on it with Captain Jack still inside. He's that dark patch just below Tommy's belly.

The minute Captain Jack jumped out, Tommy guarded the entrance.

Not giving up easily, Captain Jack made a turnaround and confronted Tommy. A staring contest ensued. Tommy stood his ground, more of sat his ground, till the fur on his spine spiked up like a dinosaur (stegosaurus). Those spikey furs did its job well.

In the foreground is Kenggy who did a perfect timing of shoving her butt at the camera just as EJ clicked.

Just as written on the box, Tommy laboured and enjoyed an all stretched-out relax.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Games Watch

2010-11-21T09:47:00.003+08:00

It's Sunday!

Cinders plonked herself in front of the TV with EJ to watch the 16th Asian Games live.

EJ was impressed the opening ceremony held in the middle of the Pearl River on Haixinsha Island and can't wait to see the closing ceremony on 27 November.

Pet Pride

Neighbourhood Meet

2010-11-19T16:03:00.000+08:00

EJ opened the front door early one morning and was greeted with this sight - a neighbourhood meet.

Can you see four cats?

These cats belong to various neighbours. EJ believes they concregate here to escape the rough handling and disturbance by their owners including children. These cats are not neutered nor spayed and EJ doubt they were not even brought to a vet.

Since these cats are not exactly healthy, EJ would not touch them for fear of bringing parasites and diseases into the house and then transmitting them to the indoor house cats. It is sad that their meals are not exactly regular and EJ has seen these cats drinking from puddles on the road.

On seeing EJ, they moved on. One went up the roof. They roamed everywhere.

This little fellow rested on the pot of plant placed by the neighbour on top of the shared common wall. EJ recognises this plant as ZZ plant.

Please do take note of this plant especially pet lovers as it is poisonous.

Also known as the Aroid Palm, the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a tropical perennial plant that originated from the eastern portions of Africa. Other names include Zanzibar Gem, fat boy, eternity plant and Jin Qian Shu.

All parts of the ZZ plant are poisonous. The ZZ plant is part of the Araceae family and contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic when high levels are consumed.

In pets, insoluble calcium oxalates can cause varying degrees of toxicity. Some pets may experience mild oral irritation while others can require hospitalization or in rare cases when extreme levels of the plant are consumed, die.

Source: http://www.ehow.com

Warm Compromise

2010-11-16T10:00:00.001+08:00

In difficult unpleasant situations, cats instinctively know how to resolve them with warm results.

For more cat stories, please visit http://gattinamycats.blogspot.com

Meal Bonding

2010-11-14T10:44:00.000+08:00

It's Sunday!

Having a hearty meal together is a pleasant way to strengthen family and relatives' ties as well as friendship bonds.

Pet Pride

Driveling Yowls

2010-11-12T15:02:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was the scheduled day for Tanya's stitches to be removed.

As soon as Tanya was placed in the cage and strapped down with the safety belt to prevent the cage from sliding, Tanya started to howl.

During the journey, she showed signs of stress, started panting and drooling. Her two long drools stretched unbroken from her mouth to her feet and she was sitting up.

Rain started in mid-journey and soon became a torrential storm. Tanya continued yowling.

With decreased visibility and that home-made onboard sign up, EJ drove slowly.

There were stretches on the road where even motorbikes overtook EJ but EJ was not concerned as safety on a wet road is more important than showing off. EJ just kept at that tortoise pace on the slow lane.

On reaching the clinic, EJ was delighted that the heavy rain became a light drizzle and right in front of the clinic was an empty parking lot. It was good timing.

After Tanya had the stitches removed, heavy rain started again.

While waiting for the rain to ease, EJ had biscuits and a hot drink with compliments from the friendly vets and staff in the clinic.

Miraculously, Tanya slept quietly during the long drive home though traffic was a little heavy as it was still drizzling.

Last night Tanya still had her 'bonnet' on to prevent her from licking the antiseptics sprayed on the stitches' wounds.

The 'bonnet' came off this morning. Tanya is now sleeping on EJ's Mickey Mouse shorts, obviously tired from yesterday's ordeal.

And she snored too.