Welcome to Caturday! Reader Muppet2171 shares a quirky fact about her cat Teller: “So I think I’ve mentioned I work from home. I’ll get up on my break and wander into the bedroom. Teller will be napping there. Every. Single. Time. Thing is, he doesn’t sleep in my bed except when I’m working. I honestly think he’s just rubbing it in. Brat.”
There’s nothing wrong with sleeping in shifts. They’re more comfy than pyjamas.
Shifts are fine during summer, but in winter I prefer pajamas…
Just think of it as keeping it warm for you in case you decide it’s time for a nap. Beautiful kitty.
Fall/Winter has finally shown up in SoCal. We went in one week from having temps in the high 80s to 60’s and torrential rain storms. We’re pretty much settled in the new house, just need to hang pictures which we’ll do this weekend. Other than that pretty normal weekend, just doing errands and maybe a movie.
Happy weekend everyone!
I agree with AJ – you should be grateful to Teller for constantly testing your bed to assure it meets your high standards and that it’s worthy of you. 😋
Hope everyone has a good weekend. I have some news: Monday I took Teddy Bear the cat to be neutered. The procedure went well and the vet techs say he was very sweet.
They gave me a Cone of Shame which I did make him wear on some days, but he really hated it so on other days I just monitored him and stopped him from licking the incision area. That annoyed him as well, and it got to the point where he would stop himself from licking and look at me like “oh, right — Mr. Control Freak’s watching me.”
The incisions seem to be in good shape and I think he’s healing correctly, but I’m not an expert on these things.
Today he seems more lethargic than normal and he seems a bit cross with me, but he still let me rub his belly. We’re going to see his regular vet in a couple of weeks but if I think he’s having problems I may take him sooner.
Mike, I’m sure Teddy Bear is getting the best possible care and that he’ll be back to his old self in no time at all. The fact that he let you rub his belly sounds like a really good sign. You guys are so lucky to have found each other. ❤
Kisses and hugs to Teddy Bear as he recuperates. We’d love to see a picture of the new baby.
It sounds to me like Teddy Bear has found the right Papa Bear! And also like he’s a very smart cat, as he figured out he should stop licking the incision site!
If you’re concerned (and it sounds like you are, just a bit), maybe you can do what I do: Call your vet, ask if it sounds like a visit is warranted, and if the answer is no, ask what specifically you should look for as potential sign(s) of problem(s).
I second the request for pix! Best to you, Teddy Bear, and Ani.
I can’t imagine a better home for Teddy Bear than with the glorious leader of Cutetropolis. Maybe we can have a Teddy Bear Thursday where we can meet this lucky boy…?
Hear, hear!
Is he peeing and pooping and drinking and eating normally? Possible low grade fever from secondary infection? Keep a close eye on the above actions. He may perk up in 24 hours. But if not don’t wait long.
He just vomited a few times so I set a vet appointment for Monday morning. Unfortunately he threw up the lycene medicine I had just given him to help his immune system. He’s gotten more cranky since this morning.
Oh, dear. I’m not surprised he’s cranky.
Is Teddy Bear on antibiotics? Those can cause upset tummies. Sometimes it helps to give probiotics at the same time, or a little bit of live-culture plain yogurt. (But I’m not a vet, so remember that my free advice is worth what what you’ve paid for it).
Not antibiotics, but lycene, which boosts the immune system. Teddy Bear is FIV positive, which means he has a weak immune system.
Oh, I see. Well, sometimes plain yogurt or pumpkin can help upset tummies, which I suppose might let Teddy Bear keep his meds down. I know from reading other blogs that many FIV+ cats do very well indeed; it’s not a death sentence anymore. I have no first-hand experience with it, though. I hope the vet visit on Monday makes you both feel better—and that your Bunday is not too anxious in the meantime. Bibi and I send puppy kisses and scritchies! Do keep us all posted.
I know you would have anyway, but please be sure to update us on your boy’s condition after the vet appointment. I had forgotten that he was FIV positive with all the associated health concerns. I’ll be thinking of you guys.
Oh good, hopefully he is just having a bad day but the coming vet visit is a good plan. Oh, forgot to add– big hugs to you both.
Mike try to use a syringe to increase fluids. Cats get dehydrated fast when vomiting. Or give wet food with a bit of added water. Best move is the vet visit.
Thanks. He’s had some water recently, and I just hand fed some treats to him. Vet is scheduled for Monday morning.
I want to chime in here too…best wishes for the T Bear.
Happy Caturday! Hope Teddy Bear is okay, Mike. Maybe he just likes a lazy Caturday like the rest of us.
Not much going on this weekend. I had yesterday off; did some laundry and dishes and stuff. Oh, and cleared my semi-clogged kitchen sink drain. Found this little plunger at Home Depot and it worked like a charm. (Though if they’d had it I might have gotten this one…)
I have a check I need to cash and I need to get cards for my Christmas card exchange, so I might drag myself out of the house later. We’ll see.
And here’s a fun fact I came across recently.
I don’t think I’d enter a triathlon if a hippo was also competing.
Yeah … me, neither!
I don’t think I’d enter a triathlon
if a hippo was also competing.Fixed that for you.
I’d watch, tho.
Me, too.
Yeah , that actually seems more realistic.
hahahahahahahaha!
After 10 years, discovered quirky fact about my cat recently: at night after I had fallen asleep, she would come to sleep in my bed near my foot. Then at 4:30 when the automated feeder makes the dry food available, she would jump off for breakfast. She would then spend the rest of day pretending to not pay attention to me, but somehow managed to be in the same room 90% of time.
Stealth love.
Hee hee that’s cat love!
Our cat generously takes all shifts on the bed- she doesn’t care if it’s morning, noon, or night.
Been an interesting weekend so far. We took the train to Portland, OR yesterday, and at 4:45 this morning our hotel’s fire alarm went off. So we blearily made our way down the stairs and into the 30 degree darkness outside, then around the block to the hotel lobby where we and about a hundred other people stood around until the fire dept. finally arrived and figured out how to shut off the alarm once they determined there was no fire. Half an hour later we trekked back to our room and tried unsuccessfully to get back to sleep.
At least there were some cute doggies down there who were quite excited to have all these people loving on them. Still…worst slumber party ever. 🙄😂
Hello, everyone! I’m gearing up for truffle-making over Thanksgiving weekend, plus I’m trying to get some small repairs done to make the dye kitchen usable. I recently figured out what to do with lots of my handspun yarn, but it must be dyed first. Since the light in the basement kitchen doesn’t work, that has to be fixed before I proceed. Repairing lights is always tricky because you kind of have to do it in the dark. It’s a sunny day, so the perfect opportunity.
Teller has the right idea. I like how he’s so considerate of Muppet.
Neither of my cats will sleep with me because they KNOW I will roll over on them without a second thought. I’m such a mean mommy…especially when unconscious.
It is nice when we can coordinate “shifts” and he leaves me a kitty warm spot just about foot-level on the bed. 😁
Greetings to all.
I received a rather stunning phone call yesterday from my specialist and I’m still processing what he said.
I had called him on Thursday to point blank ask him if I am terminally ill, and if so, how long. He phoned yesterday evening to tell me that, since we had caught things so early and had treated it so aggressively, he no longer believes that I am considered terminal. At least not immediately.
I feel numb right now. I’ve put in a great deal of time and thinking preparing myself for one conclusion to take place within the next eight years, and now I’m told it probably won’t happen. I have absolutely no idea how I should be feeling. Hubby was so happy he nearly cried. My first thought was that I’m going to be a burden for much longer than I had expected.
I know this is extremely wrongful thinking, and potentially damaging. I will get through this, but for now…
Teller, you know you are truly gorgeous and spoiled rotten, and we all agree that you deserve it.
Yesterday I was in our grocery store, and I came across a huge bin of those ‘Squooshimals’. They were at least three feet tall. I took out one and wrapped myself around it. A little old lady walked past and looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. So I suggested she hug one. She did, and then said “now I understand.”
Crazy busy weekend here, but not really doing anything. Hubby is taking his dad grocery shopping this morning, and then we have a funeral to attend this afternoon. Tomorrow is church, and then hubby is male bonding with his friends over the football game. I plan to lounge in my jammies all day with a pile of books, a never ending mug of tea, a fleece blanket and the fire channel on TV.
The chickadees outside claim they’re starving, so I better get off my lazy butt and throw out some seeds. Have a great week, everyone.
Hugs, Duckie.
I don’t think it’s “wrongful” thinking. I think it’s human thinking. Is there a therapist/counselor you can talk to to help process things? (Maybe your doctor can recommend someone?)
The never ending mug of tea and fleece blanket sound good. I’d probably fall asleep, though. (Which also sounds good.)
This is wonderful news Duckie? Maybe I’m misunderstanding because you don’t sound that happy about it. I guess I’m going with your husband’s joy.
Same here. Hoping your health has taken a permanent turn for the better.
I can understand your conflicted emotions. Hard to switch gears like that. But take comfort in the positive prognosis of the moment. Hugs to you Duckie.
Duckie, I am very glad your physical health outlook is so much improved! This is cause for celebration. I understand that your psyche has not caught up with the news. Long-term pain, and/or long-term fear, can cause depression, and while that’s natural, it’s sure as heck not fun. Try to take things one day at a time, and do call a professional for help. I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t asked for professional help whenever I needed it. In the meantime, maybe treat yourself to a Squooshimal of your very own?
Bibi sends encouraging puppy kisses. Enjoy the jammies, tea, and no-muss fire!
Dear Duckie ~ I’m glad you asked the question! You needed to know – and it was good news, not what you expected, but good news. It’s good news for us too! The world needs more great Aunties who tell their nieces and nephews about square wombat poop and teach old ladies the joy of hugging stuffies in public. Lots of love to you and I always love reading your posts here. xoxo
I ditto what Tara said😊. Apparently I missed this info on earlier posts. I’m very glad you aren’t terminal, Duckie. I can’t imagine going thru that.😧 I do so enjoy your comments and personality on this site. Best wishes to you on your recovery. DO see someone as others have suggested.💜💜
Im sure husband would choose to have you to take care of rather than having to lose you! Focus on his reaction as a guide until you can gain more insight on your own.
I am delighted at your news, Duckie! And thank you, Mike, for having Teddy Bear neutered. Muppet, thanks for sharing Teller with those of us who don’t have fur babies. I am currently enjoying the company of Chiara, aka Vanta Kitty (https://cutetropolis.com/category/thats-cute/page/56/) who has deigned to grace me with her presence. SoccerSue, gotta love those fire alarms – at Vanderbilt during finals week, we got to trudge down 11 flights of stairs for a false alarm.
Nor triathlon for me, Allein, hippo or no hippo.
It has been an up and down week. The biggest down: I had a visceral reaction to a figure my students had “hanged” from the pull down screen in our classroom but I used it as a teachable moment to explain why a noose is the American equivalent of a swastika. My ups include: a first former who expressed his desire that I remain his English teacher until graduation in five years; a fall leaf that my father had picked up from a tree in front of the Grant Wood house in Iowa City; and a very productive Saturday that makes me feel like I am living up to my potential.
Happy Caturday, one and all!
Teller you are a very handsome boy!
Duckie, I think your husband has the best way to look at your great news. If he’s not upset, perhaps you’re putting too much on yourself. I agree that a talk with a counselor or a minister would probably be very helpful.
Mike, best wishes for Teddy Bear to recover quickly!
We are just trying to teach Yoofi manners. ANY manners because she has zero! We’ve learned how lucky we were with Melody, whose behavior was perfect; Yoofi came from a kennel that clearly did nothing with the dogs but try to make money off them. She is relaxing on her desperation for attention, but she steals and chews on my slippers, likes to eat the cocoa butter sticks I use for lip balm finds hand lotion particularly tasty, and steaks food off counters. And on and on!
She also still hasn’t learned to jump in the car, and is completely terrified by sliding doors or any strange door, for that matter — a pet store (we still haven’t managed to get her past stopping JUST inside the door), a friend’s house, you name it.
She jumps on people, she doesn’t know how to walk on a leash without instant tangles (except with our neighbor teenager who dog sits– she walks perfectly for her, go figure!), and when my husband leaves she stands at the door and HOWLS. It’s hilarious!
On the other hand, she is learning a few things. Slowly. Less jumpig now, and she no longer demands breakfast at first light but lets my husband (the food person) sleep till he gets up on his own, to his relief. And she has a ball playing with the other dogs at the dog park. She and Sebastian also are very fond of each other already. And she is a total loveable clown. I’m just not sure she’s ever going to be a therapy dog! But Sebastian still is, so that’s good.
One quick story and I’ll shut up. My husband stopped by the nursing home he visits weekly with Sebastian to talk to the activity director. One of his “regulars” saw him, dogless, and started crying as she knew Melody had died, and she thought something had happened to Sebastian, too! He was able to reassure her. But that speaks to how much these folks appreciate visits from dogs, doesn’t it? That’s why he does it, obviously. I only wish I could, too! (I can’t, physical issues.)
Have a good week, everyone!
Wow. What a funny girl Melody sent you! Definition of Quirky! Goofy Yoofi! She sounds delightful. I’m sure she’s trying hard to enjoy all the fun and love she missed out on for so long.
Videos?!
Such an enriched life you live NFritz. Ups and downs give life it’s texture!
For the people who asked for a picture of Teddy Bear, here he is in his Cone of Shame after the operation. After this was taken, I had to cut two inches from the outside edge because it was making it impossible to eat.
Poor sweetie! Our cats usually put the cone over the food, excluding other cats!
Teddy Bear is lucky to have you, Mike, to take such good care of him! My best wishes for him to feel better soon. He’s a very good-looking boy!
Teddy Bear is darling!! He definitely landed at the right home. Hope he feels better soon. And I second the idea of giving him some plain yogurt. You could also try feeding him some baby food 1st stages plain beef or chicken. That’s what I used to spoon feed my cats when they weren’t feeling good. Spoiled brats just loved that stuff (especially the spoon feeding, lol).
Oh, Teddy Bear! I just want to smoosh his little face full of kisses! Get well soon, sweetie!
We had the same problem with Marci. He received a huge cone on Monday but I wasn’t creative enough to cut off from the cone :), so I fed him with a spoon.
Teller – you handsome boy you! I agree with everyone, I think he’s keeping the bed warm for you Muppet2171.
Teddy Bear – you have my sympathy! Especially since I am dealing with my own cone-of-shame situation here… Butch had an enormous abscess right at the base of his tail. He couldn’t sit. And not sure if it was another abscess (he had one last week) or a blockage situation, off we went to the emergency vet. They said that after they shaved the area, it looked like half a clementine under his skin. 🙁 Now he is sequestered in the bathroom, desperate to escape the dreaded cone. He’s sequestered because he kept trying to back out of the cone and thereby kept backing into other things. Not so great when the wound is in that spot. At least in the bathroom he keeps going forwards to escape. And there is radiant heat in there so I hope he’ll settle down. Maybe I just have to take a bath tonight to keep him company.
Other than that, I’ve had an unwinding week for once. November started out with lots of hiccups at work, frustrations with students, and two new employees, who need lots of training. A total roller coaster. This past week slowed down and settled a little. I’m really looking forward to the holiday though.
Happy weekend to all of you! xo
Hey Phred’s mom…how are you doing? Haven’t heard from you in a while. Hope you are doing well.
Update on Teddy Bear: He licked open his incisions tonight, so I’m here with him at an emergency vet hospital. I’ll keep you posted.
Oh no! You must be beside yourself with worry. Thinking all good thoughts for you and your boy.
Thinking of you, Mike! And of Teddy Bear. Good luck!
Another update on Teddy Bear: He has an infection and will need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.
You and T-Bear can’t seem to catch a break. But at least you know he’s in good hands and hopefully you can get a good night’s sleep tonight. Hang in there, Mike! 👍
Aw – poor Teddy Bear. Sending lots of healing thoughts to you both!
Yup. Lethargy after surgery = infection. Good thing you got him to the vet Mike. I’m sure you are worried but your boy will bounce back.
Marci and I wish speedy recovery to Teddy Bear!
I’m so sorry to hear this, Mike! Sending healing thoughts to Teddy Bear—and to you! You must feel exhausted. Hang in there!
I hope you can spend some time with him while he’s admitted. Poor boy.
I don’t think that will be possible because the facility is closed to guests and he’s sedated anyway. But I just got a call from a doctor who says he’s in good condition, and he’s likely to be discharged tomorrow.
Oh good news! Crummy night for you ahead of you. Hang in there and I hope you get some good sleep.
Sedated is very good then. And wonderful that he’s being discharged tomorrow.
Wonderful news Mike!
Hey, Mike, are you doing a calendar for 2020?
I’m sorry, I have discontinued the calendar. It was a demanding project and I could no longer give it the time it needed to be worth selling.
🙁 I’ll miss your wit on my wall.
I just thought of it because I was in the bookstore and picked up the We Rate Dogs page-a-day for next year. Guess I’ll be browsing the wall calendars next time. Thanks for all the work you did in the past few years for us. 🙂
Just with the animal kin alone you have a lot on your plate; completely understandable to discontinue. Maybe another year? Thank you so much for all you have done and are doing on this site.
I’m really sorry to hear it. Thank you so much for doing them at all and for this wonderful site. On the up side, I have a complete set and no doubt Sotheby’s will be interested in the not-too-distant future!
Oh, that’s too bad, I’ll miss it! But I certainly respect your reasons. And we still have Cutetropolis every day, right here!
Update on Teddy Bear: The hospital called this morning and said he did well overnight; ate food, urinated, purred during bandage change. He should be clear to come home today.
Yay!
Hurrah!! throwing my cap in the air
Great news!