Silhouettes in the Window

Silhouettes in the Window, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

These two felines are learning to live together. One has been with my daughter for a number of years, the other just joined her. They are negotiating territory and slowly getting closer.

Both are females and that makes a big difference. They seem to know that fighting doesn't solve anything, that sharing is part of life and that comfort and sunshine are some of the things that matter in life.

Cat Car

Cat Car, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

This car was parked near the restaurant where I ate in Ottawa. I started to wonder about the cat sympathy baskets. Now I "lost" a cat last March. Who should the recipient of a cat sympathy basket be?

Would a cat sympathy basket go to my other cat - to help him over his loss? What would be in it?
Or should the basket go to me to comfort me (I hope not with the same ingredients)? Then again - my spouse, has only been in my life for almost 5 years, whereas my current cat has been with me for over 14 years - should the sympathy basket go to P for putting up with this housemate? It certainly is purr-plexing.

Lever Handle

Lever Handle, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Many of the handles in my house are of this variety - a lever not a knob. My daughter has a cat that lives in our basement along with my daughter. She (the cat, not my daughter) was supposed to stay for one night, but about 5 years later she is still here. As my spouse of a few years is allergic to cats and barely tolerates my less allergenic Cornish Rexes, I have not allowed the basement cat upstairs. But that did not stop her. She learned to jump at the basement door and swat the lever, thus releasing the catch and pushing on the door to open it. Every so often I would find her wandering around the house, much to the chagrin of the upstairs cats. So we changed the handle. She still bravely launches herself at the door and swats, but unless someone has left the door ajar, which occasionally happens, her efforts are futile.

I did catch her wandering around the house the other morning. She quite enjoyed exploring and my old cats no longer seem bothered by her presence.

Feb 8/10: Life as a Cat

Feb 8/10, originally uploaded by susanvg.

My cats, as I have written before, are heat-seekers. They pass the day from the pillow near the radiator to the sunny window, to this comforter, to sunny spots on the floor. There is always a warm spot to accommodate them. They often can be found cuddled up together, their body heat adding to the warmth of the chosen spot.

Basil, the white cat, was wary of my camera. Sleep was disturbed by a previous flash. Elmo, a lofty 15 years old, was unperturbed. Today's cat photo was at the request of the Daily Shoot. I try to keep my pet photos and stories to a minimum. It's a bit like new parents and grandparents who go on about their babies, I don't want to be seen as just the cat lady. But some days, when work is busy and there just doesn't seem to be time for a walk in more interesting surroundings, the cats are handy subjects and they do make for rather cute photos.

Day 343: Let it Snow

Day 343: Let it Snow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The first real snow storm of the season blew through Montreal today. While predictions were for up to 30 cm (12"), I think we got about half that. Driving was slow but I have certainly been in worse. It's always a test of drivers: some feel they should drive as if it is summer (and still have summer tires on their cars); others are more cautious. On my way home from a meeting, I passed a couple of trucks that had gone off the road. While it was frightful outside....

Inside it was delightful. I sat by the fire and so did my felines. Tomorrow it will be back in the snow, cleaning off the car, navigating through snowy roads, but for now I'm cozy and warm.

Day 336: Curiosity

Day 336: Curiosity, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Mr. Curiosity (aka Basil) checks out every flower and plant in the house. He tests them for taste (with not always happy results) and checks their smell. Today he jumped up on the table (uh oh) and brushed against the lilies that were there. He now has a few swaths of yellow dye from their pollen. I wonder how long it will last.


The Guilty Flower

He is always curious. In 1998, during our infamous ice storm we were without power, but my trusty gas stove worked. He jumped up on the counter to check on what was cooking and didn't notice that his flank brushed the candle that was providing the light by the stove. I grabbed him and swatted at the smoldering fur. It was singed, but the flame had not reached his skin. The mark on his fur lasted quite a while but he was none the worse for wear.

We'll see how long he sports his yellow fur - just a little funky to go with the times.

Day 328: Warmth

Day 328: Warmth, originally uploaded by susanvg.

When the day is coming to a close and there has been little opportunity for a photograph, there are always the cats. My two senior felines, know how to get their needs met. They burrow into blankets as if in a sleeping bag and survey the world from their cosy nest.

As they get older, they spend more of their day sleeping, finding all the warm spots in the house, be it under blankets, in a sunbeam or under a lamp. They frequently curl up together, sharing their body warmth. I think there is nothing quite so relaxed as a sleeping cat, nor so relaxing as curling up under the blanket with them for warmth and a rhythmic purr.

Day 326: Kettle

Day 326: Kettle, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A new kitchen - a new kettle. I discovered my old copper-bottomed kettle should not be used with this stove. I know this will serve me well, its boiled water leading to those comforting cups of tea, tissane and coffee.

Some years ago during an insommniac night I went down to the kitchen and put on water to make a chamomile tea. As I waited for the kettle to boil I went to a nearby room to play solitaire on my computer, something mindless enough to calm my overactive brain. My cat came up to me, whining. I gave it a pat and continued my game. He returned, patting my leg and when I reached for him he ran towards the kitchen. I continued my game. On his third attempt to lure me to the kitchen I followed him. The kettle was glowing red hot on the stove. I snatched an oven mitt, grabbed the handle of the kettle, ran to the front door and flung the kettle into a pile of snow where it hissed back at me. The cat is still with me - a well-loved feline of almost 15 years. He earned his keep that night!

Day 301: Cat in the Bag

Day 301: Cat in the Bag, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This is Noel. I was playing music with my friend and Noel decided to crawl into my bag. It's a cat thing - cats do that. Noel was born in the apartment where he is living. His mother, Yuki, was found on the street and was brought to the SPCA. She was bedraggled, pregnant and scrawny and my friend fostered her "temporarily" so she could have her kittens in a warm and comfortable environment. Both she and Noel have never left. They share their space with Théo, a relative newcomer. Noel seems to enjoy music; he often sits in the room when we play.

On the left: Yuki In the middle: Théo On the right / front: Noel as a kitten

I know about "temporary" cats. My daughter brought one home a few years ago. It needed shelter for one night. It's been a long night as she is still here - a clever, lively, little feline. Once smitten by a cat, it is hard to let go.

Day 264: Maybe she won't notice

Day 264: Maybe she won't notice, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I went downstairs to answer the door and came back to find one cat sitting on the keyboard of my laptop and the other on my "Time Capsule". They were enjoying my electronic heating pads. I picked Basil off the keyboard and Elmo slipped behind my computer and curled up behind the screen, soaking up the heat it gave off. His head poked out and I couldn't resist photographing, but it didn't come out quite right, so here he is in duplicate: on the screen and behind it.

It is amazing how these cats love heat. I have described their trajectory around my house before. In the evening they get more creative about their search for warmth. As I write, Elmo is on my chair behind my back, a feline lumbar support. Cats know how to get their needs met. I just found this quote

If a dog jumps into your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. ~Alfred North Whitehead

I know it is true - but not quite, because cats are picky with laps and know where they will get the best reception and added benefits. And there is nothing quite so relaxing as petting a cat.

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 212: Foggy

Day 212: Foggy, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Foggy, my Toronto sister-in-law and brother-in-law's cat (this is a very flattering shot of her) is getting on in years. Like many of her human counterparts, she has added girth as she aged, has her share of aches and pains and indulges in a daily dose of painkillers to keep limber. She lumbers down the hall a couple of times a day to eat, but otherwise spends most of her day sleeping. A strategically placed stool helps her attain her goal of the bed. Foggy reigns over her territory like a queen, looking down on those who are visiting her realm. Once feisty, she is now just haughty, allowing the interlopers to visit, but keeping her distance and her pride.

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!

Day 141: It's Love

Day 141: It's Love, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It may not look that way - but Elmo is purring away. He has two favourites in life, my daughter and myself. As I write, he is sitting behind me - a living heating pad against the small of my back. Life is good when he is getting affection. He is 14 years old - a gift for my daughter when she was 13. Hard to believe that so much time has passed and she will be celebrating another birthday on Monday. I marvel at this beautiful young lady who is finding her place in the world.

I see signs of Elmo's slowing down, a measured gait and less spring as he jumps up onto surfaces. But his purr remains loud and appreciative as he loses all dignity getting his belly rubbed. There is nothing quite so relaxing as stroking a cat. He and his buddy, Basil, wreak havoc in the house at times, but all is forgiven as we settle in for a cuddle.

Day 77: Basil Loves Yogourt

Day 77: Basil Loves Yogourt, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Apologies for the quality of the photograph; I grabbed my camera and it was not on the right setting. This is my cat, Basil and he loves yogourt. When I buy this size container, I know it will produce some entertainment. Once I have finished eating, I put the container down and Basil gets to work. At first he licks daintily down the sides, but then he really digs in, getting his head stuck. For a number of years he would try to back away, sometimes slinking all around the room. Of course, eventually the container would fall off, proving that his technique worked. Recently he began using a new strategy - nodding his head from side to side as he licks inside the container. While this strategy is no more effective than his former one, eventually the container does fall off.

He never seems perturbed by his predicament; in fact he sometimes digs in again if he thinks there may still be some yogourt left, getting his head stuck for a second time.

Day 31: Taking the sun

Day 31: Taking the sun, originally uploaded by susanvg.

My cats are heat seekers - both Cornish Rex (not wrecks) - their fur is not very thick and they follow the sun around the house. I visited a blog this morning and saw two cats trying to stay cool by sprawling on the floor. I think my two would have been in heaven. Nothing seems to be too hot for them. They lean against my hot radiators, snuggle under a comforter, perch on my computer - wherever there is warmth - there they are.

Cats know what they need - they listen to themselves. And they make their needs known. We, people, have distanced ourselves from understanding our needs - especially with the frenetic lives many of us lead. I think I should start observing my cats more and learn when to eat, when to take the sun, when to stretch and when to curl up and enjoy a good nap.

And an extra: Patch

And an extra: Patch, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Cats have such a sense of entitlement. As I worked at my colleague's house, Patch joined us at the table (and sometimes on it). A dog knows its place. A cat would like us to know ours.

I have two at home and often think about what I can learn from them. Independent yet dependent, they know how to get their needs met. My cats know how to relax and stretch and often know which stranger has a kind heart. Once they trust someone, they open up to them and are not afraid to expose their underside. They are never afraid to look silly and always know where to find a comfortable place. There is no pretense - a cat is who it is.

I started my participation a couple of days late - so this makes up for January 2.