Hellos...and Good-Byes

Persephone

Aries

You may remember that I mentioned a mean neighbor's cat who I've tried to shoo out of the yard.  Anyone with a cat knows that cats cannot be shoo'd!  So, taking the advice from some smart comment's, I tried to make friends.  Aries, the boy in the second photo, growls and makes these really threatening noises when I approach.  But after a couple of kibble feedings, he's now letting me pet him and scritch him under the chin!  He continues to growl, while he's head-butting me!  Weird, but I accept his friendship offer.  And his sister Persephone is a little doll; she just keeps purring and comin' back for more luvin'.  She would not sit still for a good photo, but obviously Kindness works!  A big hello to Aries and Persephone!  Oh, and there is a mini-dachshund named Zeus living there too, but that little dog knows better than to wander into our wild-cat backyard sanctuary.  Great names, no?

And I'd like to welcome Emily at Stillness at Cherith.  They just lost their sweetie kitty Lucy, and quickly decided that Oscar and Winston needed a new sister.  Emily is a cute little kitty, and I am wishing the whole family purrs on the loss of Lucy, and hugs to Emily.

More 'Welcome!' signs to Magoo at my niece's house, and Izzy and Ivan at William of Mass Destruction, whom I have mentioned before.

Poppy

Now some goodbyes:
Poppy was 20 plus years old when she left for the Rainbow Bridge in October 2013.  I just recently learned she was gone, as she lived Up North with her humans.  Poppy arrived as a kitten, with her momma and sisters, in Macomb Township, Michigan.  All were trapped, spayed, then fed and cared for.  When the humans moved, Poppy and a few remaining sisters went along.  Poppy was the last of her family, and although deaf and blind, she still enjoyed getting brushed and snuggled.  Farewell, Old Girl.

My aunt lost her kitty Putchka to a bladder tumor a few weeks ago.  I have no photo of her, but I know she was once a pariah cat at a home full of people and animals.  My aunt removed her from that awful experience, and gave her a home of her very own.  The two lived together for many years, so now it's quiet at the house.  However, the neighbor's cat is welcome to find his way inside from time to time, and he continues to visit for a nap on the couch, some petting from my aunt, and a nibble of food.  She is considering a new cat, but will give herself some time first.  Adieu, Putchka.

Amber

Amber has been ill for awhile, with a fast-growing tumor.  Her humans took her to the bestest veterinarian, and they started on a course to keep Amber as healthy and pain-free as possible.  She left for the Rainbow Bridge a week ago, less than two weeks after her sister Sugarbear.  Amber and Sugarbear's humans are sad, yet they have Tonya and Spit Spot to hug and purr with.  Tonya and Spit Spot were strays, but they hung around the backyard long enough to become tamed, then incorporated into the feline family, called The Cat Crew.  Amber and Sugarbear's brother cat Colby passed in 2012.  So long, sweet Amber.

Tonya

Spit Spot

I love my cats, and heck, I love other people's cats too!  It is hard to live without them, but the tremendous joy and love we receive when they are with us is just too fantastic.  May we always remember the warmth, the purrs, and the beautiful moments of love.  Kindness...that's the key!  Open your kitty-loving arms and say, "Hello!"

Mr. Magoo finds a home

You may remember a recent post, entitled "Niece On The Job!", about a found friendly stray kitten.  I am very happy to report he's been named Mr. Magoo, and her last text to me, niece said: "My parents said we are keeping him instead of taking him to the shelter!"

Super news!  I cannot wait for new photos, and an update on how Mr. Magoo is settling in.  Yay, Mr. Magoo, and kudos to niece and family for adding another member!

And, Sugarbear's humans express their thanks for all the purrs sent their way.

Mia

Where is Mia?

Oh, there she is!

The two images at the top were taken last night.  Mia just wanted to be left alone!  

I took the video today at lunchtime.  This was a short attack; often, she heaves like that for minutes, and many, MANY sneezes or coughs.  I believe it is asthma...what do you think?  She's only half-feral now, but I cannot hold or touch her more than a few quickie strokes on her back or a scritchy under the chin.  Time to read some more homeopathic books to see if there is an herb or combination of herbs that I may be able to add to her food to help.  

On the happy side, thanks for the greetings sent for Angel and Chuck.  They don't care for birthdays, and I wish I could emulate their casualness toward gaining another year.

But here's some sad news: Sugarbear in FL was too sick to stay here on Earth, so she's crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  She was 15 pounds when first diagnosed with kidney failure, and was down to just over six pounds yesterday.  A few purrs would help the whole family, so send some along.  My heartfelt condolences to P and M, and the rest of Cat Crew.

Rest in peace, sweet Sugarbear

Growin' fresh cats

Growing fresh cats in the garden urn

Discovered Patty O'Malley had potted himself in the garden urn.  Looks like I'm growing cats in my yard!  The tree house in the background was designed as a ship prow, for my neighbor's son.  Ahem...the outside cats now use it as a napping spot sometimes...

Pile 'o kittens!

Here's a photo taken last Saturday, while I visited with Paws for the Cause Feral Cat Rescue at their weekly adoption event.  Squee kittens!  That's a whole pile of them too, and each one just as cute and cuddly as the last.  Hard to walk away without putting one or two in my pockets and bringin' 'em on home!

Cat socks

On another note, these are my lucky orange cat socks.  Well, yeah, there are other colors of cats there, but the orange one's are like real life, while the others are just play (green or blue?)  I wear these to send healing orange cat vibes to my friends Amber and Sugarbear, who are holding their own right now in sunny FLA.  These cats have fantastic peeps who dote on them, aiding them to live their furry lives with as much normalcy and dignity as possible.  I could write a whole book on how deeply my friends love kitties, but for now they are concentrating on their cat crew of four, with two who need extra, EXTRA hugs and purrs.  May the power of my orange cat socks help add healing power to their ministrations!