Thursday, January 15, 2009

In Memoriam, January 14, 2009

Goodbye, Carlton

Beloved Carlton who shared his life with my friends Jane and Joe, passed away yesterday. He was 17. He was a handsome, funny, quirky, playful, affectionate and adorable cat.

Carlton had been ill for many years. In fact, when he was first diagnosed with a kidney illness in 2005, the vet only gave him 6 more months to live. But he was given the very best veterinary care possible. He went to every specialist who could conceivably help him. My friends simply doted on him. During his illness, there was at least one person at home with him. He wasn't left alone for even an hour.

I know many cat lovers, but few loved their cat as much as Jane and Joe.

Carlton couldn't have wished for a better life.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Adopting Cats That Aren't Brothers

Adopting Kitties Who aren’t Littermates

Ever wonder how if it’s okay to adopt 2 kittens who aren’t littermates? It most certainly can be done especially if the cats are young enough.

Here’s an amusing story by my neighbor and fitness guru CJ. It’s about how she came to adopt two cats that weren’t brothers. Oh, by the way, I’ve introduced her cats in a previous post:

Kidney Failure

I had a cat named Maudie, who was sick with kidney failure. I had her from the age of 8 weeks until she was 19 years old. When she had to be put down I swore I would never get another cat.

The Cutest White Kitten


About one month after she passed away I went over to one of my friends house, and she had the cutest white kitten I had ever seen. Long hair, big blue eyes, I feel in love. It dawned on me that my friend Betty wasn't a cat person, yet here she was with this adorable kitten. I told her if you decide you don't want this kitty I will take him. She just smiled and said this cat has been waiting for you!

Naming Cats by the Color

She knew that one day soon after Maudie died, I would want another cat. So I adopted this kitty who was named Madison at the time. Part of the story is that my family has always carried down from generations.... color specific cat names....all white cats in my family whether they were male or female, were named Phooey. All yellow/orange cats that were male were Maynard and all female yellow/orange cats were Pinky.

Dumped in a Dumpster

After I adopted Phooey, I decided I didn't want him to be alone so I knew someone who worked with "pets in need" and they had a couple of abandoned kitties who were dumped in a dumpster after just 3 days of life. They were rescued and waiting to be adopted.

Hyper Kitty

I went to visit these kitties and one of them was about 4 pounds. He had long, orange fur and was as hyper as heck. He was running around like a crazy cat, attacking his brother, flipping over the litter box, and just basically being a kitty. I applied to become his owner but had to pass a home inspection first.

Just Like Brothers

Shortly thereafter, I adopted Rocky, who then became Maynard. They are about 2/3 months different in age, but have always behaved as brothers. They are going to be 13 next January. They are the first male cats I have owned and, I have to say, more affectionate than females.

Long Live the Feline Siblings

I hope they live as long as Maudie did—or longer because I cannot think of them not being around. Again, I swear I will not get another pet when they pass on, but I also know in my heart that I will.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Celebrating New Year with Cats

Ring in the New Year with Your Favorite Feline Friends

Are you ringing in the New Year with your cat? Will you be spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with your cat? Or perhaps with a cat (or cats) and a significant other?

There were many years when I spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day alone with my black cat Saki. (Ditto for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.)

Holing up with Your Kitty?


I usually had a better time snuggling with my cat and a good book than at a raucous party, or in the company of drunks. Or indeed, with my family.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy getting together my family. But spending a major holiday in the company of a feline friend is much more peaceful—and generally more predictable.

A Good Cat is Forever

At any rate, no holiday is complete without the companionship of a cat. For those of you who have lost their beloved cat recently, my heart goes out to you. I understand all too well the grief, the despair, the emptiness. But you will get through it.

If you will, send a little prayer or a loving thought to your newly departed. Take very good care of yourself. Your cat wouldn’t want you to suffer.

Spreading Holiday Cheer


If you don’t happen to have a cat, or even if you do, but you want to usher in the year 2009 with a few more felicitous felines, try calling a local animal shelter and see if they’re holding a New Year’s bash.

In my area, Town Cats, a no kill shelter is offering a light buffet of food and drinks for humans on New Year’s Eve from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The shelter, which houses more than 100 cats, is also requesting treats and toys for their resident felines. Monetary donations are accepted too, of course.

You can make a difference in the lives of these cats—and yours, too—by visiting shelter cats, giving them some tender loving care, and offering donations to the shelters.

Happy New Year! May you and your cats enjoy good health and good times in 2009 and in all the years to come.