Chaos

The teenager's bedroom is currently being redecorated. He is sleeping in the living room, which is, still, a living room. All his stuff, however, is in my bedroom. As you can see.

This includes the cats. The teenager doesn't like cats in his room, and given that it is his room, I am not going to insist (although I do occasionally let the better behaved cats in for a break if things get a bit tense.) We've also had the walls in the kitchen and bathroom bleached and repainted with anti mould paint (damp... sigh) so those rooms have been out of action too. The hall is full of mattresses and not yet put together furniture. So they really have been all thrown together in the one room.

It's been interesting really. Six months ago, I couldn't have considered it, of course, Indigo would have had to go to a cattery. Now... well they have all coped. Remarkably well, actually.

It hasn't been ideal. Poor Ava has found herself out in the hallway at night as Indigo won't let her near the bed, (which she naturally insists in being in ALL NIGHT, under the bedcovers, and my goodness, how comes one normal sized cat takes up about 75% of the bed?) I have quite a long scratch from Indigo as she launched herself at Ava one evening whilst having a cuddle. There have also been several 2am yowling matches with Sofia, and Theo has taken to spraying the door, just to let everyone know it's HIS room, actually. It's upset their little equilibriums (equilibrii?) enough to say Indigo won't be getting full time bedroom access any time soon.

 It's funny to think I used to have to keep the two sets of cats totally separate. It seems a long, long time ago, but it wasn't really. I'll still be using a cattery for holidays away- they all get along, sort of, if I am there to referee, but I dread to think of the shenanigans that would ensue if I wasn't about. But still, it's promising.

The Circle Of Life

It's been a fraught couple of weeks. All is fine with the cats, and my title, sorry, doesn't indicate there are kittens on the way. Life's been in the way though, so I thought I'd go a bit Lion King for a moment. All together now..... from the day we arrive on the planet....

A friend of mine, V, has been fighting ovarian cancer, the same cancer that struck her mother and her sister; and like her mother and sister she lost the fight. She was buried last week in a quiet ceremony with many tears. It was early, as relatives had to fly back, the snow fell gently, it was bitterly cold.  Ovarian cancer is one of those cancers that is virtually undetectable until the latter stages, and survival rates are not good. It's made me incredibly thankful for my grandmother, still with us after her own brush with this particular cancer 19 or so years ago.

V had always admired my gardening shenanigans. I'd planted some flower bulbs, in the hope of bringing her a steady supply over the summer. They were the first thing I planted this year.  I'd say something trite and comforting at this point if I could, but I don't believe in an afterlife. She won't be able to see them anyway, sitting on a little fluffy cloud and twanging a harp (she was more of a wine and cigarette girl anyway!). I do believe she knew she was loved though, flowers or no flowers. I hope that was a comfort to her in her last days.

On the day of the funeral, later on, I visited my friend Y to meet her very new grandson. It was a perfect antidote to a funeral. There's something very healing about baby cuddles, and seeing the love and happiness all around. And another new life, in a way... between my friend's death and funeral, a dear friend was married. I was bridesmaid, and despite being incredibly nervous AND managing to fall up the church steps (yes...) it was a lovely day. Funny how things balance each other up.

And move forward. Today I was delighted to see the flower bulbs, V's flowers, have begun to sprout. The sun came out today so I took myself out front to plant the garlic, and there they were, little green and purple shoots, tentatively poking through the soil. Perfect.

Oh, and because no entry would be complete without cats, I thought I might just share with you that this happened...

Briefly. Before they resumed trying to murder each other. But still, for a brief few moments there was purring, there was butt sniffing, there was even the touching of noses. OMG!!!!!

Cold

There's been plenty of this in the Indikon household in the past few days. Radiators have become fiercely defended hangouts and activity has ground to a halt. Soft southern housecats, the lot of them...

Indigo, in particular will scarcely allow me to sit down without her climbing all over me. I'd be flattered, but I know it's only because I'm warmer than the bed! Still, it's quite pleasant, unless I'm trying to work and then it becomes rather less so. Indigo can be VERY persistant, and being a pampered princess doesn't help, 'no' doesn't seem to exist in her vocabulary.

Brrr. Can't wait for the spring. Stay warm everyone!

Bad Girls, Bad Girls...

 

Ava looks THRILLED doesn't she? Hehe.

 

Yes, I have all three girls in one picture. For about 30 seconds. The camera never lies they say, but it can be deceptive. This is how it happened.

 

Indigo got into bed with Ava.

 

Ava made some not very happy, growly noises.

 

Sofia sidled up, sniffed Ava, and settled down on her other side (not in the bed though).

 

I took a photo.

 

Sofia thought better of it, and sidled off.

 

Ava decided she wasn't happy either and stood up.

 

Then Indigo bit her in the leg, and it all descended into anarchy!

 

Oh well!

They're At It Again

 

Inds, looking very smug

My goodness. Seems the cold weather is addling my cats' brains somewhat as once again Indigo has climbed into a cat bed with Ava. I may have encouraged her a little, but she got in of her own accord. She even tried grooming Ava a little, but Ava said grrrrrrrrrrmeowwwwrrrrr so Inds backed off on that one. (yes, backed off, not thwapped her or growled back...)

Inds is purring.. Ava is... well, I suspect Ava is seething, she doesn't look too happy and the looks she is shooting Indigo are most unsisterly. But she hasn't moved and she can move pretty quickly when she chooses to. So, y'know... she's OK.

And they've been there for half an hour now.

Speechless

Oh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my.

Entry written several days ago- have managed to upload photos another way but NOT COOL blogger, please to fix your upload function asap!

Yesterday, Indigo did this...

Nope... you aren't seeing things. Indigo was faffing around on my desk, tromping over the mouse and keyboard as she does and acting like she wanted something. I thought she wanted to go on the windowsill, which, being lazy cats, they find unable to do unless I hold the curtain up for them. Of course when I am out of the room they manage just fine without any help. Little... dears.

Anyway, that wasn't it. Inds then very carefully got into the cat bed whilst Ava was in it. They were actually touching. Truth be told. Ava looked appalled, and neither of them 'relaxed' as such. Inds was twitchy, they were watchful and their ears were alert- Ava's were somewhat flattened. I say watchful, they glanced round at each other regularly but were careful not to make actual eye contact.

They stayed in there for a good ten minutes. I suspect they might have been there longer if I hadn't needed the loo, Ava clearly wasn't happy about staying there if I wasn't there too! Plus there was a new cardboard box on the bed she hadn't investigated yet. So up she got, but again, there was no hissing or smacking.

As if that wasn't enough, Sofia watched the whole proceeeding with interest, and snuggled down a metre away on the bed!

 

Ava and Indigo used to be close. Indigo had a rocky beginning here as a kitten, it took a LONG time to integrate her but she did develop quite a strong bond with Ava, snuggling in bed with her and Ava used to wash her ears. Ava has a thing about ears.Then Indigo got big and bolshy and it all deteriorated from there really. Inds is nearly 4 now though, could she possibly be mellowing with age?

Hah- the way she'd behaved today, somehow I have my doubts!!!

The Mighty Huntress

And all that was left was a feather...

Heh... lots of pictures of Sofia of late! I couldn't resist, having managed to take several that didn't just come up as a vaguely cat shaped black blob. It'll be another 6 months now before I manage to get a passable one

Sofia is very brave when it comes to duffing up a feather teaser, but not so brave when when confronted wuth a live enemy! I forgot to shut the living room door earlier, and Sofia decided to saunter in. Of course Indigo objected to this state of affairs. Indigo chased Sofia up the hall and naturally much kitty foul language was uttered. Mainly by Indigo I suspect, who is never slow to let loose, vocally. A lady she is not!

*sigh* poor Sofia! I suspect that Sofia would, now, co-operate with Inds given the chance, I'm not saying they would be buddies, but they might at least avoid/ tolerate each other. But Indigo now has a total hate on both the other girls, and won't budge from that. I must say it does make things jolly difficult.

Well, unless I get the catnip out. Then it's a different story, for a few minutes, at least...

Buddies

Theo and Indigo, or rather Indigo-shaped blur. Theo has his 'mousies' and is asking me to throw them, Indigo is alert and hyper because she's a tonkinese and they are all bonkers she knows there's going to be a game soon and she's determined to have a part of it.

Another blog entry so soon because surprise surprise, it's raining and I haven't been able to go to my allotment. Well I did go there, but the heavens opened, so I didn't last long. Plus I feel I've been extraordinarily lax this month and I feel I must improve matters.

Congratulations

Alfie, sleeping (photo S.P.)

He doesn't know it yet, but Alfie has a few changes in store. He's getting a big sister! Yes, S and D have found the kitty they want to add to their family. She's nine months old, and a Bengal, who has been returned to her breeder when the family couldn't care for her any longer. Everyone deserves a second chance, so it's lovely to hear this kitty is getting one.

Be nice, Alfie... remember she'll be scared and anxious, oh and she'll probably be bigger than you, so don't hiss at her too loudly eh? Just think of all the games you and she can play when you are both used to each other!

Theo And Indigo

What?

Snuggling.

Theo has such a chilled relationship with all the cats. Ok, he terrorises Ava, but frankly a shadow would terrorise Ava... and even then I caught Ava and Theo snuggling the other day. But Indigo is especially fond of him.

Theo, of course, takes all the adoration as only his right...

Looking Down Her Nose

Probably at Theo. Theo seems full of the joys, at the moment, and is terrorising his sisters at every possible opportunity. He wants to play, but his antics haven't been going down too well with the girls... hissing and much arching of backs has ensued!

Kitten Updates

Photo C.F

Jacob and Jonah (Wendell and Monty) have been charming their extended family. They've been full of the joys, climbing, racing and generally enjoying themselves hugely. What a handsome pair they make don't they?

Photo E M

Lisl (Hope) is slowly setting down with big brother Boo. There's been a bit of hostility, but also some grooming and affection as well... so that's all very positive I feel. Apparently Lisl has pinched Boo's favourite behind the sofa warm spot, the minx!

Photo S A

Kensey and Lotti (Kensey and AnnElise) left a while after the others, but have settled down nicely. Their new home is quite large, so they are restricted to quarters at the moment. Lotti is quite happy about this arrangement, but apparently Kensey is most indignant, and makes his feelings quite clear when someone goes through a door and he isn't allowed to! Patience, Kensey, it's just for the moment!

Photo S P

This must be one of my favourite kitten pictures ever! Stunning.

Reminds me that I need to do a blog post on cats and plants though. Tulips (above) might give a kitty a tummy ache if ingested, but some flowers, like lilies are highly toxic to cats. Basically, if you suspect your mog has munched on a lily (any part of), get him to a vet immediately. Don't wait to see if he shows any symptoms of being unwell, because by then it may be too late. Lilies are my favourite flower, but I simply do not have them in the house these days... not worth it.

Hmph- that was depressing! Wasn't I supposed to be updating on the kittens???

Alfie (Kenneth) settled in well, but in the past week there's been a couple of incidents of inappropriate urination. No big deal, he's a baby and it happens, but his family and I are trying to work out how to fix whatever it is that's bothering him. Otherwise he's a happy chappie though, and most adorable :)

Evidence Of A Theo

Originally posted on my private blog- posted to http://indikon-tonkinese.blogspot.com/ on 06/01/11

Theo is an intuitive cat. When another of my cats is unwell or not quite right, I'll often find that Theo gives me more clues by HIS behaviour than the unwell cat does. He is the same with humans... he has a sense for vulnerability and likes to be on the spot, protectively. I mention this because Theo has spent a good proportion of today so far grooming and snuggling with Indigo.

Indigo has been most tolerant of all this attention, although when Theo got into her bed (on my desk, this isn't her kittening box that's much bigger) with her she wasn't too impressed. It's not really big enough for two full grown cats, especially a big old floof and one with a very wide load of kittens, and it was a bit of a squash. I removed him shortly after I took the photo! Indigo was rather relieved!

Anyway the point being that he's showering attention on Indigo today, to the point where I've noticed it and wondered what vibes he's picking up from her. I've had a good cuddle with Indigo myself, and haven't been able to feel any contractions, she's not had a show, her bump hasn't 'dropped' as I've read about, but I am wondering if the evidence of Theo's concern means something is imminent. Her behaviour IS different today, now I think about it. Yesterday she was running (well waddling) and playing, today she's been very quiet and been content to stay still... not sleeping, but- how can I express this- waiting?

I wonder if it will be today...?

Of course now I've posted this, nothing will happen till Sunday. :D Bet you anything... lol.

Two Seperate Households...

Originally posted on my private blog- posted to http://indikon-tonkinese.blogspot.com/ on 06/01/11

Indigo and Theo, taken this morning. They cuddle, groom, sleep peacefully together and are genuinely fond of each other... the picture of cat harmony. And...

Ava, Sofia and Theo, taken last night, again all coexisting peacefully in the same space. They groom each other, cuddle up together, again having a close knit relationship.

So why do Sofia and Indigo hate each other so much???? It's baffling. Neither cat is simply an antisocial cat, (I could understand it if they were!) both have close relationships with at least one other cat in the household, they just don't like each other. At all.

Currently, I am maintaining two seperate households of cats, with Theo flitting between the two. At nighttime, Indigo is shut in the living room and Ava, Sofia and Theo have the run of the bedroom, long hallway, kitchen and bathroom. The morning sees the bedroom door shut, and Indigo (and Theo, usually) has the hall and bathroom and kitchen as well as the living room. The afternoon sees Ava and Sofia taking another turn, and the evening it's Indigo's time again. And so we go on. Both rooms have food, water and litter, cat furniture, soft spaces to sleep, high places to climb and plenty of toys, so even when restricted to the one room the cats have all that they need.

Re-integration of the cats takes a lot of hard work, here... and the smallest thing takes us back to the start again. Indigo going off to stud, for example. We were just starting to re-integrate, when Indie developed her allergy, and because of the concern over what it might be, I kept her seperate from the other cats. Well by the time the lab tests came back clear she was quite far along in her pregnancy anyway and it wasn't worth integrating them only to seperate again in a couple of weeks- it takes longer than that to do so anyway!

I'm starting to feel that it isn't worth 'forcing' the cats to integrate. It's a pain in the butt having to keep them seperate, but it's a good deal more peaceful, and the cats don't seem to mind. Moreover, Indigo has not had any incidences of inappropriate urination at all since keeping them seperate. I did forget to scoop her box one night (I scoop them twice a day, usually) and she did a big steaming turd on my nice clean washing, (sorry, potential cat owners... they do gross things occasionally!) but then she's always been finicky about not using a dirty box. My fault for forgetting to scoop. But the 'marking' has all but stopped since she 's had her own territory that her rival does not access.

So perhaps that's what's going to work for us- two seperate households, so that both my dominant, clashing girls have a space they can call their own. We'll see.

Introducing... Sofia

Originally posted on my private blog- posted to http://indikon-tonkinese.blogspot.com/ on 06/01/11

Sofie as a kitten- already you can see how much more confident she was than her shy sister.
Sofia is the reason I have cats. I love black cats, and when I went to see her litter, I wanted 'a black girl and a sister, please'. I didn't mind what colour the sister was... but I did want my black cat! Seems daft when you consider that Ava is a highly desirable, and rather unusual, grey tabby smoke!

I will admit to being very green about cat ownership in those days and totally oblivious to the fact that the price I paid for Sofia- £150- was far more than the usual price of a black moggy kitten. Was I had? Not a chance... I adore both these sisters and they were the best decision I ever made.

Sofia, also called Sofie, Sofe and Portly Puss (she's a little overweight!) is the Grande Dame of the cat community. She can quell Theo with a smack, Ava with a glare and even Indigo's posturing doesn't move her any, not that Indigo doesn't try her best. She and Indigo do not get on: both believe they are top cat and neither are prepared to back down. They are kept mostly separate, which makes life a great deal easier... for me!

Sofia loves the feather wand, being brushed, a good chin scratch and as for catnip... oh yes! She's not vocal, the only time I ever heard her meow was at the vets with a thermometer stuck somewhere unmentionable, and frankly I'd have meowed too! She does have a lovely purr though. What is it that's so satisfying about a cat purring? I'll occasionally wake up in the night so find Sofia sitting on my head, rumbling away, which makes me very happy.

Ah, happy thoughts! Anyway that's Sofia. She's rather reserved and aloof, and then suddenly unexpectedly friendly...  I love her very much.

Smug Sofia

Originally posted on my private blog- posted to http://indikon-tonkinese.blogspot.com/ on 06/01/11

When you have a community of cats, especially in a limited space as I do, you must be very aware of the cat dynamics, potential issues and how to ensure your feline family remains calm and mentally healthy. For example, Ava and Sofia were littermates and are still quite closely bonded. Theo likes everyone, but he's not above jumping on them, kitten like- Indigo likes it and responds in kind, Sofia will swat him on the nose determinedly and Ava will utter an agonised howl and run for safety and so on. Sometimes, there will be a clash.

In our house, it is Misses Indigo and Sofia, who face off from time to time, apparently to their mutual satisfaction. I believe the reason is this: Sofia has been top cat since she was 7 weeks old, despite being the tiniest of her litter she was markedly more confident than Ava when they came home. When Theo arrived, she added him to her dominion. However, in the wild, entire (not neutered and spayed) cats have an advantage over their altered counterparts and naturally, an entire female will come higher in the pecking order than a neutered one. So naturally Indigo, as the only entire cat in the house, feels SHE should be top cat. And so she is in a way, she lords it over Ava (everyone lords it over poor Ava) and Theo is so easygoing anyway he couldn't care less. But no-one told Sofia about this natural order, and Sofia isn't about to relinquish HER dominance any time soon.

(Incidentally, this is why the FIRST thing you should try, if your cats are clashing and if they are not breeding animals, is to neuter them... it's often the answer)

So they occasionally face off, circle each other, yowl... Indigo is more energetic about it, floofing her tail out and prancing round Sofia, howling, whereas Sofia parks herself on her fluffy behind and keeps up a low growling and refuses to back down. They are separated at night (more about that another time) and we use Feliway (and more about THAT another time as well) which keeps the situation well under control and the cats' stress levels down. As any breeder will tell you, caring for a multi cat household is not easy!

Anyway to cut a long story short, Indigo has been away this week and for the past few days Sofia has been, without doubt, super smug. If a cat could smirk, she'd be doing it.

Sorry Sofia. Indie's coming home in a bit to burst your bubble!