litter test results

The results from the litter test are in - the new corn-based litter fails miserably to meet our needs! If you remember, at the end of July, I started trying out a corn-based litter in place of the clay-based. I never got as far as switching completely to the corn-based, am still running a half-and-half mix. I was trying to use up the clay-litter stock and was afraid if I used 100% corn, Theo would feast on it.

The problems with the corn-based litter are many; the smell is yuck (even before the cats get near it), it gets tracked all over the house (much more so than the heavier clay), the cats kick a lot of it outside the box, even though we have the huge high-walled box (because it is a lot lighter-weight), it is still dusty (although less than the clay), and it is way more expensive.

The chief potential benefit of the corn-based litter was the reduction in dust - so Willow could breathe easier. So, time to think about possible alternatives to meeting that goal.

windoor training, day three

Training the cats to use the windoor has been quite the challenge. With the cold weather we have beenb having, I can certainly see how using such a door will save us a lot of money on heat! Although, the future of being able to utilize the door is uncertain.

For the most part, Theo has figured it out. He's still a little apprehensive about mashing his head against the clear plastic door, but he makes it happen, especially for treats! I haven't seen him carelessly travel through it without him stopping and thinking about it first. And even when he thinks about it he wants to use his paw to somehow open the door.

Willow has not been willing to touch any part of herself against the lexan door. She will pass through it only if it is propped open. I tried will all sorts of yummy treats right before dinner to lure her to touch it but she refuses to touch any part of it!

Nahum, is similar to Willow, only I have a hard time getting him even interested in thinking about the windoor. He has never been a huge fan of spending time on the porch, so his motivation to get out there is slim.

kitty hotel

I just made the reservation for the kitties for their super-deluxe accommodations at the nearby kitty hotel. Vacation is nearing, and this was one of the remaining tasks to be checked off the list before flying away.

I always feel horrible for leaving the cats. Even though I know they are in good hands, the people there love them! Staff members tell stories of fighting each other for the opportunity to hold Theo. It's nice knowing they are not alone, as Max was, because they get to hang out with each other. I picture Nahum and Willow snuggling close, licking on each other to soothe away the long hours of boredom. Although, now with three cats, one of them, most likely Theo, will be alone in his own cage.

It's hard to think of them being deprived of all the love they usually get. They won't have the opportunity to run like crazy or to play for hours. They won't get their morning and evening snacks. No more naps in the sun or watching the world go by from their perch on the porch.

I know its only for a short time and they will endure, but I know they won't be happy there as they are in their usual surroundings and routine.

In times like this I remind myself that sometimes, one must make choices for oneself knowing that it will cause a loved one displeasure. It seems that is the fact of living into life. I chose to play with Theo and I see it causes Nahum distress. Or I go away for the day doing something fun for me on a sunny day knowing that the kitties will miss the chance to soak up the sun on the porch. If I limited my life to only doing what made the cats happy, my desires and dreams would fall victim to their desires and my life would become very narrow. A life fully consumed by cats leads to an escape from the fullness of life and resentment from missing out on life. Neither sound fun, so I choose to step into the hardship of knowingly making my cats be unhappy.

I suppose in an ideal world, I would have the money and time to be able to take them with me. That would be fun! Although, after reading in the news recently about a motorhome accident where the two onboard cats got scared and ran off has gotten me less excited about that option too.

who trained who?

Once again, out of the corner of my eye, I see Nahum rolling over on his back and looking over at me. It's only the fourth time in the last hour. Upsidedown Nahum = getting tummy rubs, now an axiom. How this came to be is what got me wondering.

Who trained who? I want to say that I taught Nahum that whenever he rolls upsidedown and looks at me that he gets his tummy rubbed. Although, I suppose it could have worked the other way too. Perhaps I learned that whenever he rolls over he needs to have his soft tummy hairs petted. I am not really sure who started this or who's in-charge of this exercise now. It seems to happen more and more frequently as time goes on. I am not complaining though and I haven't heard him complaining either - so maybe the question is irrelevant.

friday fun feline factoid - cat racing

Competitive cat racing? They do it with horses and dogs, so why not cats?! Ok, maybe not a good idea.

In Liege Belgium in the 1860's cat racing was a part of an annual celebration. The cats would be tied up in bags and then all released at the same time. The first cat to make it back home was declared the winner. The owner of the winning cat received a ham or a silver spoon. On the occasion of the last race held, the race was won by a blind cat!

In 1930's cat racing returned, this time in England. The venue was a converted greyhound track. The competing cats were to chase a mechanical electrical mouse around a 220 yard track. Surprisingly, this venture failed quickly.

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Information from Fantastic Cats: A Feast of Famed and Fabled Felines

Nahum

ambush

The cats all love ambushing each other at every opportunity they can find. Here, Nahum flattens himself behind the shoes as he waits to pounce on the cautious Willow.