And then there was one

And then there was one, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This little guy is feeling quite out of sorts. His buddy had to be euthanized. I don't know how cats feel grief, but he certainly is avoiding the spot he loved to curl up in with his pal. Each of my cats had its own personality. Elmo was terrified when I brought him home. I had to finally haul him out of the cat carrier and held him beside me that first night he was here. He bonded with me because of it and was a real cuddler. A year and a half later we decided to get a second cat. Basil, seen here, marched out of the cat carrier as soon as I opened the door and went exploring. He bonded with Elmo, once Elmo got over the shock of having another cat in the house and the two of them could often be seen curled up together and grooming each other.

Since Friday, Basil has spent more time on my lap than usual. He still is making the rounds of the house to find the sunny spots, eats his food and waits patiently by the dinner table in case there is anything to scavenge. I know he is missing his buddy. In the meantime he is getting lots of attention and love.

Mar 14/10: Portrait

Mar 14/10: Portrait, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Sunday challenge: Catchlights in the eyes make a portrait sing. Make a portrait of someone with catchlights in their eyes.

Well - one eye caught the light. I don't often feature portraits on my blog - so I chose my feline subject. Basil is often distracted by what he sees (a tuft of fur in the air, dust in a sunbeam....). He twists his head backwards, upside down - it doesn't seem to matter to him. Sometimes I wonder what he is thinking - or does he think? He certainly knows how to get his needs met.

Basil can always be counted on for distraction with his silly antics. He purrs very softly so you have to cuddle close to hear it and meows quite loud when he is alone in a room so you call him to remind him that others are around. Then he comes prancing into the room grateful for the company. He can still be kittenish at the age of 13 - that's one of the traits of a Cornish Rex.

Day 245: Sunshine Boys

Day 245: Sunshine Boys, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Every day my cats spend part of the day following the sun around the house. Both are Cornish Rex, a breed of cat that is missing a layer of fur, the guard hairs, so they are not as cosily dressed as most of their feline cousins. Thus they have become heat seekers, hunting for hotspots.

The morning starts in the kitchen with each trying to find the right spot on a chair, window ledge or on the floor to catch a few rays. As the day progresses the sun shines into the side of the house. My windows have perfect cat ledges, a place to lie down and bask in the sun's heat as it radiates from the window pane. And that is where you see the "boys", soaking up the heat. As the sun moves, so do they until they are confined to a corner on the floor near the front door. When entering the house in the late afternoon sun, it is important to be careful opening the door.

There are other hotspots they enjoy, from cuddling under a comforter on the couch (we call it the cat sleeping bag) to lolling on a pillow near the radiators in winter. But I think this window ledge is a favourite as they can look out at neighbourhood birds in between their cat naps.

Day 168: Elmo has a Bath

Day 168: Elmo has a Bath, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Cats have such different personalities. Elmo, our 14 year old cat has always been more skittish. He loves his cuddles and will ask to be held several times a day (and sometimes several times an hour). Basil, almost 13, is a more adventurous cat. His favourite perch (when on a person) is right on your shoulder. Maybe there is a bit of parrot in him. The two are best friends who sleep curled up together, cuddle, play and tussle. Tonight, Elmo lay back while Basil washed him.

Squabbles usually happen in a certain order. Basil wants to play. He chases Elmo. Elmo starts to run off followed by Basil. Elmo gets cornered; he lashes out. Basil gets hurt. The actual cat fight can last 15 seconds - long enough to result in a trip to the vet and a course of antibiotics. Fortunately, it doesn't usually come to that. They bring joy, delight, exasperation, warmth and much more to the house. And they think they own it!