Family Photos

This is a very recent photo that I took of Motor that I really like. Just wanted to share.

And my big boy Tiger.

And me and Jack.

Mom: Oh no! We forgot to post a photo of Dad!

Tiger: Better luck next time Dad.

So Close

Yet so far away.

Tiger and Jack, sleeping right next to me on our couch while I am working on my computer. They are just about 1" away from touching each other. This would be Tiger's doing. He is trying to make a connection with Jack, but Jack is pretty oblivious. Tiger will get his way. He always does.

Nicknames

Tiger

Motor

Do you have any special names for your cats other than the one you named them originally?  I have so many names for Motor, I thought I would share.

Anyone who reads this blog knows Motor got his name because he constantly purrs.  When he goes on and on, he is like a revving engine.

But Motor gets called Da Motor, Da Motors, Motors, Mo, Mojo, Momo, Mo-me, Buddy, Little Buddy, Little Big Buddy, My Motors, Motorific, Pumpkin, Punkin, Punk.  I'm sure there are some I am forgetting, but that is a pretty good list.

I don't seem to have as many for Tiger for some reason.  I call him Big Buddy, Tie-tie, Mr T, Tigeronious, Tigerific, Punk, Punk Punk. That's all I can think of right now.

Together, though, they are the orange boys.  

Any special names you would like to share?

Tiger Gets His Way

In the evening, when Scott and I are home relaxing, Jack, our dog, usually likes to sit right by me.  Tiger and Jack have a little competition over who gets to have my attention.  So when Tiger sees Jack by me, he usually decides he will walk right on Scott and make himself at home on Scott's lap.  Many times, Scott is not to receptive to have any of the pets on his lap.  This does not bother Tiger.  He will just fit himself where ever he can until Scott moves his arms and opens up his lap for him.  Tiger does seem to get his way very often.

This is one of his times. (Isn't he beautiful?)

Go right ahead and make yourself right at home Tiger.

Sharing

Tiger:  Hey Motor, what are you up to?  Looks like you are blocking that heating vent so only you can get warm. 

 Motor:  Tiger, what are you talking about?  The heater is not even on.  You don't really think I would do that to you now?  Do you Tiger?  

Mom: Motor...I think Tiger is right. Why don't you share the heating vent with him so he can get warm too.

Motor:  Do I have to Mom? 

Mom:  Wouldn't you want Tiger to share with you?  

Motor:  All right.  I'll share.  But you better remember this Tiger. You're going to owe me for this one.

Mom:  Good boy Motor.  You're a really good boy.

Motor: Thanks Mom.  I am good boy! 

Motor in the Morning

Here's my baby. Motor, the demanding one. Every morning Motor is the first to greet me, with lots of meows and purrs.

Of course, in exchange, there is a lot of petting that he demands from me. Most mornings we hang out together for about 5-10 minutes.  I sing to him songs that I make up,  about how special he is to me and how loved he his.

And I remind him that he is my morning sunshine.

And this is the look I get in return.  Pure love.

Just a Short Update

It has been over a month now, and Smokey still hasn't been seen.  I look for her everyday.  I've walked my neighborhood, calling her name, I have called her from my yard repeatedly, and no Smokey.  I have even questioned some of my neighbors to see if they have seen her.  No luck there.

For a few nights, I even thought I heard her meow outside my bedroom window.  I quickly opened the window and called for her, but she was not there.

I miss her.  She was a sweet cat and part of The Very Best Cats' family.   I only hope she is OK, where ever she may be. 

Hiding

Mom: Hey Motor, what are you doing?

Motor: Hiding from Tiger.

Motor: Do you think it's working?

Today's Quiz

Tiger or Motor?  Can you tell the difference?

A Few of My Favorite Things

The idea for this  post came to me as I was falling asleep to the sound of my younger cat purring.  There is no way to describe the joy this sound gives me.  My cat will go on and on until he falls asleep.  He is just a sweet boy.

Another favorite sound is of birds chirping in the morning as I am waking up.  This is something I remember from my childhood.  Just lying in bed and listening, not wanting to get up.  Their sound was so very soothing.

The sound of a baby's laughter.  There is nothing else like it.  Just pure joy. 

Another favorite on my list is my trip to Hawaii.  Now that I went there, I can't wait to go back and just sit on the beach and watch the ocean.

Then there is my 2 cats Tiger and Motor,  and our dog Jack.  Pets are such a source of unconditional love.

Beautiful handmade jewelry.

Wire wrap jewelry.

The feeling of watercolor paint flowing from my brush onto thick watercolor paper.  This literally has the feeling of being in the "flow" of life.  I have felt when I am in this peaceful state like all is well.

Music and singing.  I love to sing.  I sing all the time.  I make up songs for my pets constantly.

Reading.  I love when I have a book I just do not want to put down.

That is all I can think of for now.  I'm sure more will come to me.

What are some of your favorite things? 

Christmas Cat Designs at The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts

I made some new designs for clothing and gifts for my online cat gift store. Actually, the artwork is not mine. It is artwork that is pert of the public domain. These pictures are Victorian, from the late 1800s. I love the artwork from that time. The images are very old fashioned. Winter scenes, Santa, snow men and children. They just seem to portray an idyllic time of year.

The images chosen for The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts, have cats and dogs in them. This is my Happy Holidays Dog.

And this is a very sweet image of a cat holding a sign that says Merry Christmas on it. I ordered a long sleeve shirt with this design for myself.

This last one has a beautiful image of a caped young girl, holding a cat.

All of these designs are available on short and long sleeve shirts, aprons, mugs and cards.

Come by and take a look to see what is new.  I try to add new designs when I can. If you haven't taken a look lately, you just may see something you like for yourself or for a gift for someone on your holiday list that is a cat lover too.

The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts

Today until 4:00pm Pacific Time, all clothing and gifts in my, The Very Best Cat Lover Gifts online store is 50% off.   This is the best time to make a purchase because you can save a lot.  You will need to use this coupon code, FFHSHUGEDEAL, and then the discount is applied at checkout. 

Zazzle, the company that my store is opened on, also has a way to get FREE SHIPPING that is worth looking into.

Last night, I bought a new sweatshirt for myself.  With the weather getting colder and colder, I want to be warm.  This is what I purchased... it is a sweatshirt with the saying...Crazy Cat Lady.  Sorry, I am having trouble with getting an image!!

So if you are interested in some cat related gifts for your self or others, take a look.  You just might find something you just have to have.

Having a Motorific Day

Sun Worshiping

Smokey (Part 2)

Smokey came back last night.  I was in my bed reading at about 9:30 when I heard a low "meow" outside my window.  Since the boys were with me, I knew it wasn't them.  So I went to the window, hoping to see Smokey, and there she was.  Oh my God, was I overjoyed to see her.  I went downstairs right away and brought her some food to eat.  She was her regular self, all lovey, like nothing was any different.

This morning she was outside my window again.  And she came for dinner tonight.  I just love that girl.  I wish having her inside had worked out better.  At least she didn't get hurt going out the window.

Now, to work on her outside enclosure, again.

And thank you to all for your encouraging words and good thoughts.  They are appreciated. 

Who's in the Catio

(Motor on left, Tiger on right)

Hey Tiger.  Guess who is in the catio again?

I don't know Motor.  I was sleeping.  Who is in the catio?

Come out and look.

Motor, will you just tell me.

It's that dog Jack.  Bad enough we have to share Mom with him.  Now he wants to take over the catio.  Doesn't he know the catio is for CATS?  Tiger, call Mom and have her get him out of here.
 

Mom!  Motor wants you to get the dog out of here.
 

MOM!  She doesn't seem to hear us from here Motor.

No.  But I do.  What do you two clowns think?  That I am deaf and can't hear you?
 

(in a hushed voice)  Tiger, I didn't think he would understand.  I thought he spoke a another language.

What a Way to Spend a Weekend

If you have to stay indoors on a pretty fall weekend because you are sick, having your good buddies around makes a big difference.  I either have the flu or a very bad cold.  Started friday night with a sore throat.  That's usually where any cold I get begins.  And now it is sunday, and I'm still sick.  And still at home.

Motor, right by my side.

Close up of Motor

Tiger at the foot of the bed.

And Tiger again.

I think it is back to bed and a naptime for me and the boys.

Hope you all have a healthy weekend.

Heating an Outdoor Cat Enclosure in the Winter

It's that time again.  If you have any outdoor cats that you care for, then you will be thinking about how to care for the in the cold winter months.  Because I have Smokey, I search the internet repeatedly to find more ideas on how to take care of her.  We don't get snow, but we have a lot of rain, and it gets pretty cold.  Actually both have all ready started.

Smokey stopped using her outdoor shelter when other outdoor cats came to check it out.  They may have even gone inside.  I'm not sure.  So my plan is to clean the enclosure and the blankets and try to insulate it again.

While searching the internet, I found this great idea for heating  the inside of your enclosure.  It is from a website called "Instructables."

This web article suggests attaching rope lighting to the top of their enclosures. The lights are kept on day and night through the cold weather to keep the enclosure warm. I also like this idea of using a ice chest for the enclosure. It is a good size and is all ready insulated.

There are some great minds out there with many different ideas on taking care of strays. If I find any more good ideas, I will definitely share them here.

And now, onto Smokey's shelter.