Comments on: What Were They Thinking?

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:10:31 +0000

In reply to Badtux. Every cat is an individual, which makes them intriguing and annoying.

By: Badtux

Badtux — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:16:15 +0000

Yes, extra warmth is Mencken’s sole use for TMF. Well, and as something else to complain to me about… “that overly friendly cat you brought home is bothering me again, meow!” (Usually followed by a howl from TMF as Mencken applies the Lightning Paw of Attitude Adjustment).

Unfortunately when you get a shelter cat there’s no telling what kind of background they have. TMF apparently was in a family with lots of kids and other pets, he’s very friendly and curious and eager to meet anybody who comes to the house. Mencken is like, “bah humbug”, except when he either complains that I’m not catering to his every need at the moment or lolls ridiculously on my lap while getting a tummy massage (he’s the only cat I’ve ever had that likes getting his tummy massaged, usually when a cat opens up his tummy for you to stroke, it’s a trap!). But they’re both sweet kittehs in their own ways and I’m glad I have them (or vice-versa).

Regarding sharing warmth, usually TMF is curled up against me when I wake up in the morning. Mencken does not deign to descend to such things, especially since he adopted his pillow throne atop the tall dresser (the pillow that used to be *my* pillow, until he colonized it)…

– Badtux the Cat-owned Penguin

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:18:03 +0000

If they have lived in a single cat setting for an extended period, they never learn to socialize with other cats. Koshka was like that, even after Dot and Sox arrived.

OTOH, it is, in theory, extra warmth when its cold. The trick is convincing them to share some of it.

By: Badtux

Badtux — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:57:02 +0000

TMF is only talkative when he’s hungry, and only if you set him off by “meowing” to him first, otherwise he keeps trying to grab your hand and lead you to the food bowl to feed him (or just stands there on your lap kneading and purring and drooling, expecting you to get the hint). Mencken complains about everything. “Meow, it’s too hot! Meow, it’s too cold! Meow, my feet are sore! Meow, my old bones ache! Meow, you’re not paying attention to me! Meow, I’m hungry! Meow, I don’t like my water, change it, slave! Meow, put me on your lap and pet me, you stupid penguin!” In fact, I originally got TMF to give Mencken a new target for his complaints. Unfortunately Mencken largely ignores TMF, except when he needs a warm ball of fur to bury his nose in on a cold day…

– Badtux the Cat-owned Penguin

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:40:02 +0000

Siamese were bred to be temple guards, so they set off the “alarm” and will attack in groups.

By: hipparchia

hipparchia — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:30:12 +0000

when our first family cat died [after a very long life], we went to the pound to pick out another one. mom's one rule was no siamese!

By: Kryten42

Kryten42 — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 01:54:23 +0000

We had a pair of big Siamese purebred siblings. They were usually very quiet even when purring. But when they decided to let go, we had the neighbors calling the cop’s because they thought we were strangling babies! They used to drive my old man nuts (which we kids thought was an excellent reason to make the cat’s yowl loudly)! 😈

By: Bryan

Bryan — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:27:58 +0000

In reply to Steve Bates. Like Hipparchia, you have good acoustics where you are now, so you can hear it. In an apartment it wouldn't be half as loud, Lily knows who is a soft touch, and a sucker when a treat is wanted.

By: Steve Bates

Steve Bates — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:03:02 +0000

Esther talks loudly but seldom. Lily talks only right after Mama Stella leaves for work; she (Lily) is a real mama’s gal, and knows Stella won’t be back for hours. Lily has a fairly loud purr, audible across the room… I suppose every cat has some redeeming virtue, and that’s hers.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:46:46 +0000

She wasn't related to Hyacinth Bucket by any chance? I have been remiss in not noting your 8 year run as the most popular cockroach in blogtopia™, John.