8 May 2010
We made a few pictures of our ’babies’. As you can see Leevie gets along great with his Mom Mia and his friend Mambo. He has adjust just fine and is so easy going. But as other kittens he is very bold from time to time. He climbs in every plant we have just to steel some leaves or twigs. He also pushed one of our plants on the ground and chew on a wire of one of our speakers. Besides his bad behavior he is also very sweet of course. And kittens do grow fast. Leevie isn’t that big, but he feels really heavy. Mambo is bigger, but ironically not weigh that much more than Leevie. Leevie weighs around 3.6 kg and Mambo about 4 kg. Mambo is already a big boy but hasn’t have those fat cheeks yet. Also he isn’t interested in females yet, but they aren’t in heat (thankfully). So maybe by that time he will be ready ... I hope he knows what to do and that he can handle those females. Because that still requires some skill. Also I got some updates. Always nice! Last week I forgot to put Laura’s update on my website. But I will update her story this week.
This is what Laura wrote to me about Bubbels and Bengel:
Hi Linda,
I laugh a lot at Bengel. How he runs and how he puts his feet down. And he is so cuddly. Bubbles is a really smart girl. How she looks at you, what they do, so nice to watch. And you notice how they both become more and more familiar with us and their environment. Bengel his most favorite toy is still a wad of (toilet) paper. He will sit on the toilet faster than you are. And he will growl at Bubbles when she comes near his wad! If you throw the toilet paper into the toilet you should be careful that he doesn’t jump after it. Bubbles is still completely fascinated by (running) water. Yesterday morning when I took a bath she was constantly sitting next to me on the edge. If you're at the sink, she will sit next to the tap and watch what you are doing. Pretty soon she will drink from the tap. And chasing flies is also a favorite pastime of hers. Besides that she can jump extremely high and far. Only in the garden you need to watch out, because they also try to catch bumblebees and wasps. And she even stalked her first blackbird. Luckily he just flew away on time. Yesterday I bought a small tent for B & B. What a success! They love it! Highly recommended. I do not know how long the tent will stay in shape, because they are quite rough with it, but it's so funny to watch them play together in that tent. When one of them sits in the tent the other will jump on it. Or they run torch it with high speed so that it falls down. Bengel takes his wad of paper into the tent and plays with it inside. That story of Major peeing in your bag isn’t surprising to me! Bengel has peed twice in their beautiful, soft sleeping basket. So I had to wash it twice already. So now I put the basket but in the closet, because they do not sleep in there anymore. He has also peed twice in the lid of the litter box. And he also peed in the empty litter box when I tried to clean it. I had just cleaned it and walked down to put the garbage bag with the dirty litter out and when I came back upstairs he sat in the empty box (looking at me) and peed!!!! So very naughty! But despites his bad behavior he is absolutely a wonderful cat. He always wants to be pick up and hanging over your shoulder so he can look at everything from a certain height. He is not afraid of visitors. He likes to walk between them and their belongings and loves to lie down on their stuff. Bubbles can enjoy cuddling when she is tired. She likes our daughters very much, especially Fleur. She often sleeps on Fleurs pillow. She doesn’t like strangers very much and prefers to remain upstairs. We have recently added a screen door which she finds a little scary. She loves sitting in front of it to look outside and smell the air, but when the screen door gets opened or closed, she disappears. Bengel on the other hand comes rushing to the screen door when you open it. He sees it as a chance to go outside. This week, he discovered the rabbits in our garden. He finds them very interesting. The rabbits themselves were not so happy and began to stamp their feet. Bubbles can already jump on the counter in our kitchen and that's pretty high! Bengel is very jealous about that and will start to meow and wishes he could jump that high too. Last time Bubbels came to me with her own bag of food which I put on the counter. Smart girl. How nice for Leevie that he may live with you and that he is doing great. Regards, Laura
Laura, again thanks for this nice update and pictures! Your stories sounds so familiar. Cats are crazy creatures;-).
This is what Laura wrote to me about Bubbels and Bengel:
Hi Linda,
I laugh a lot at Bengel. How he runs and how he puts his feet down. And he is so cuddly. Bubbles is a really smart girl. How she looks at you, what they do, so nice to watch. And you notice how they both become more and more familiar with us and their environment. Bengel his most favorite toy is still a wad of (toilet) paper. He will sit on the toilet faster than you are. And he will growl at Bubbles when she comes near his wad! If you throw the toilet paper into the toilet you should be careful that he doesn’t jump after it. Bubbles is still completely fascinated by (running) water. Yesterday morning when I took a bath she was constantly sitting next to me on the edge. If you're at the sink, she will sit next to the tap and watch what you are doing. Pretty soon she will drink from the tap. And chasing flies is also a favorite pastime of hers. Besides that she can jump extremely high and far. Only in the garden you need to watch out, because they also try to catch bumblebees and wasps. And she even stalked her first blackbird. Luckily he just flew away on time. Yesterday I bought a small tent for B & B. What a success! They love it! Highly recommended. I do not know how long the tent will stay in shape, because they are quite rough with it, but it's so funny to watch them play together in that tent. When one of them sits in the tent the other will jump on it. Or they run torch it with high speed so that it falls down. Bengel takes his wad of paper into the tent and plays with it inside. That story of Major peeing in your bag isn’t surprising to me! Bengel has peed twice in their beautiful, soft sleeping basket. So I had to wash it twice already. So now I put the basket but in the closet, because they do not sleep in there anymore. He has also peed twice in the lid of the litter box. And he also peed in the empty litter box when I tried to clean it. I had just cleaned it and walked down to put the garbage bag with the dirty litter out and when I came back upstairs he sat in the empty box (looking at me) and peed!!!! So very naughty! But despites his bad behavior he is absolutely a wonderful cat. He always wants to be pick up and hanging over your shoulder so he can look at everything from a certain height. He is not afraid of visitors. He likes to walk between them and their belongings and loves to lie down on their stuff. Bubbles can enjoy cuddling when she is tired. She likes our daughters very much, especially Fleur. She often sleeps on Fleurs pillow. She doesn’t like strangers very much and prefers to remain upstairs. We have recently added a screen door which she finds a little scary. She loves sitting in front of it to look outside and smell the air, but when the screen door gets opened or closed, she disappears. Bengel on the other hand comes rushing to the screen door when you open it. He sees it as a chance to go outside. This week, he discovered the rabbits in our garden. He finds them very interesting. The rabbits themselves were not so happy and began to stamp their feet. Bubbles can already jump on the counter in our kitchen and that's pretty high! Bengel is very jealous about that and will start to meow and wishes he could jump that high too. Last time Bubbels came to me with her own bag of food which I put on the counter. Smart girl. How nice for Leevie that he may live with you and that he is doing great. Regards, Laura
Laura, again thanks for this nice update and pictures! Your stories sounds so familiar. Cats are crazy creatures;-).
I also received a funny update from Martijn and Corrinda about their Pipo and Momo. This is what they wrote me:
Hey Linda, everything ok? We have been very busy these last weeks so we apologize that it took so long for us to write. It goes very well with these little dragons. They really grow fast :-) Especially Pipo. It seems like there is pokon (food for plants) in his food, ha, ha :-). He also is getting those fat cheeks :-). They are really trying everything: how to fit in, come out or how to go through. So we have the (plant) spray within reach. And gladly they are afraid of this, but most of the time Pipo won’t learn…. But we knew that already when we chose him as a kitten :-). A few weeks ago they have learned that when they bring their mouse toy to their boss, he will throw the mouse for them. And they really like that:-D, ha, ha, ha. How cool is that! And Pipo also caught a full toilet paper and began to run with it ha, ha. Not the intention, but still very funny (as you can on one of the photos). Momo also has discovered that water is not so bad. So every night she will sit on the sink (with her wet feet by then) when we are brushing our teeth. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Greetings Martijn and Corrinda.
Martijn and Corrinda, thank you for this funny story and cute pictures! I couldn’t stop laughing especially when I saw that picture of Pipo with his toilet paper.
I also received an update from Astrid about Bruce. This is what she wrote to me:
Last Saturday we took Bruce to my parents. I put him in his travel basket and just in case I also took his litter box with me. Since I was wondering if he could without it a whole day. When we were driving, he started a to meow and was really stressed. But I did not understood what was going on. The last time we drove with him he was very quiet. The last part of the trip he became a bit more calm, but when we arrived at my parents we saw that he peed in his basket! Fortunately his smell isn’t that strong yet and we put his blanked in the washing machine. At my parents he was a little bit afraid of all the new noises. But he dared to investigate everything and even got on the steps to the lower part of the room. He really loved the large windows in the living room to look outside watching the birds and the blossoms falling of the tree! The neighbor of my parents and her granddaughter came to meet Bruce and he behaved very well. He stayed calm and sniffed at the guests. But he stood on guard and did not eat or drink true the entire day. When it was time to go home, he did not want to go in his travel basket. But during a game with his favorite toy I managed to get him in and closed the door. On the way home he was very quiet and once home he was extremely tired. Even to tired to eat or drink. So when he was lying on the couch I gave him something to drink and eat. This gave him some energy and he crawled on my lap afterwards. Of course I normally don’t want him to eat on the couch (mostly they make a mess while eating), but he got the idea and ate some. The next day he was active, but after playing he slept for 3 hours. It was a tiring day for him. Meanwhile we also have bought him a larger climbing pole, because he began to scratch our seats. Slowly but surely he begins to understand that he needs to sharp his nails on the climbing/scratching pole. Regards, Astrid
Astrid, thank you for this nice update. And can you send me a picture of your new climbing pole? Just curious;-). Why do pixiebobs get so spoiled;-).
Hey Linda, everything ok? We have been very busy these last weeks so we apologize that it took so long for us to write. It goes very well with these little dragons. They really grow fast :-) Especially Pipo. It seems like there is pokon (food for plants) in his food, ha, ha :-). He also is getting those fat cheeks :-). They are really trying everything: how to fit in, come out or how to go through. So we have the (plant) spray within reach. And gladly they are afraid of this, but most of the time Pipo won’t learn…. But we knew that already when we chose him as a kitten :-). A few weeks ago they have learned that when they bring their mouse toy to their boss, he will throw the mouse for them. And they really like that:-D, ha, ha, ha. How cool is that! And Pipo also caught a full toilet paper and began to run with it ha, ha. Not the intention, but still very funny (as you can on one of the photos). Momo also has discovered that water is not so bad. So every night she will sit on the sink (with her wet feet by then) when we are brushing our teeth. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Greetings Martijn and Corrinda.
Martijn and Corrinda, thank you for this funny story and cute pictures! I couldn’t stop laughing especially when I saw that picture of Pipo with his toilet paper.
I also received an update from Astrid about Bruce. This is what she wrote to me:
Last Saturday we took Bruce to my parents. I put him in his travel basket and just in case I also took his litter box with me. Since I was wondering if he could without it a whole day. When we were driving, he started a to meow and was really stressed. But I did not understood what was going on. The last time we drove with him he was very quiet. The last part of the trip he became a bit more calm, but when we arrived at my parents we saw that he peed in his basket! Fortunately his smell isn’t that strong yet and we put his blanked in the washing machine. At my parents he was a little bit afraid of all the new noises. But he dared to investigate everything and even got on the steps to the lower part of the room. He really loved the large windows in the living room to look outside watching the birds and the blossoms falling of the tree! The neighbor of my parents and her granddaughter came to meet Bruce and he behaved very well. He stayed calm and sniffed at the guests. But he stood on guard and did not eat or drink true the entire day. When it was time to go home, he did not want to go in his travel basket. But during a game with his favorite toy I managed to get him in and closed the door. On the way home he was very quiet and once home he was extremely tired. Even to tired to eat or drink. So when he was lying on the couch I gave him something to drink and eat. This gave him some energy and he crawled on my lap afterwards. Of course I normally don’t want him to eat on the couch (mostly they make a mess while eating), but he got the idea and ate some. The next day he was active, but after playing he slept for 3 hours. It was a tiring day for him. Meanwhile we also have bought him a larger climbing pole, because he began to scratch our seats. Slowly but surely he begins to understand that he needs to sharp his nails on the climbing/scratching pole. Regards, Astrid
Astrid, thank you for this nice update. And can you send me a picture of your new climbing pole? Just curious;-). Why do pixiebobs get so spoiled;-).
1 May 2010
I thought was busy with my household .... Well this I can’t beat! 12 cats in moulting!! It’s driving me insane;-(.It is almost impossible to keep our home clean for more than a few hours. When I am finished cleaning the floor, one begins to vomit (again). When I just vacuumed, they shake off their fur. Although I brush/comb them every day, hair continuously falls off! Maybe I should consider Sphinxes? No, I love them and I'm going to help them get rid of that winter coat as soon as possible. But what made me felt even worse is that I caught Major peeing in my briefcase! And this includes my working documents! The bag I true away, but those documents could not simply be discarded. I was very angry at him and chased him true the room and he understood the message. He did sat for an hour in his basket. And every time I walked by, I looked angry at him. And he looked back at me with his head down. Well the message was clear. Anyway. I can’t stay mad at my cats and took him to our roof terras afterwards. The rest of the day he behaved really exemplary! I also received a few updates on my former kittens and pictures which I want to share with you.
To begin with an update on Tommy from Frencis. This is what she wrote me:
Hi Linda,
As promised here an update on Tommy. Everything is fine with Tommy. He eats and drinks well. He sometimes wants to have the last word. When I come home after work, he first rolls on the doormat at my frontdoor and wants me to cuddle his belly. He plays with everything, but his cat tunnel he finds really great. He tries to crawl through the smallest holes, but he is too big for those by now. But very funny to watch. He also loves to play with the brush of the brush and canned. So I found him a toy that has the same kind of hairs as this brush and again a big success! Asking if he notices that Piet is gone ... ... I do not really believe that. But I am very happy that Tommy is with me, otherwise I would come home to a quiet and empty house. I have enclosed some photos. Normally, of course, he may not lie down on my table, but it is such a nice picture of Tommy. And Linda we will meet soon and of course you are always welcome at my home. Greetings, Frencis
Of course I've asked Frencis if could put her update on my website. Frencis has until recently lost her beloved husband Piet at a far too early age. I feel so sorry for her and can’t imagine how she must feel. Sometimes life is so hard and unfair ... I'm glad she enjoys Tommy’s company, but it only gives her some distraction and he can’t fill the emptiness she is feeling right now. I want to wish Frencis all the strength and of course I will keep in contact. Thanks again for the update and pictures and know that all cat lovers who read my diary will think about you in this difficult time.
I also received an update on Bruce from Astrid. This is what Astrid wrote:
Saturday, Bruce has been out in our garden for the first time! To leash him had been no problem, but when I put a line to his leash he wasn’t so happy. Bruce could not walk anywhere he wanted. At first he hardly dared to take a step and stayed very still. But when he discovered that there was still a lot of interesting things in the garden (especially behind the hedge), Bruce wanted to explore his new environment. I am actually still a bit scared to leave him outside, so I brought him back a bit too soon. Next time some more practice ... Meanwhile, besides his sweet nature he can be really bold from time to time. Cracking my flowers and throwing glasses of the counter. So he gets the occasional spray (which I use to water our plants) or a timeout in one of our rooms. But he doesn’t care…. He will be Bruce.
To begin with an update on Tommy from Frencis. This is what she wrote me:
Hi Linda,
As promised here an update on Tommy. Everything is fine with Tommy. He eats and drinks well. He sometimes wants to have the last word. When I come home after work, he first rolls on the doormat at my frontdoor and wants me to cuddle his belly. He plays with everything, but his cat tunnel he finds really great. He tries to crawl through the smallest holes, but he is too big for those by now. But very funny to watch. He also loves to play with the brush of the brush and canned. So I found him a toy that has the same kind of hairs as this brush and again a big success! Asking if he notices that Piet is gone ... ... I do not really believe that. But I am very happy that Tommy is with me, otherwise I would come home to a quiet and empty house. I have enclosed some photos. Normally, of course, he may not lie down on my table, but it is such a nice picture of Tommy. And Linda we will meet soon and of course you are always welcome at my home. Greetings, Frencis
Of course I've asked Frencis if could put her update on my website. Frencis has until recently lost her beloved husband Piet at a far too early age. I feel so sorry for her and can’t imagine how she must feel. Sometimes life is so hard and unfair ... I'm glad she enjoys Tommy’s company, but it only gives her some distraction and he can’t fill the emptiness she is feeling right now. I want to wish Frencis all the strength and of course I will keep in contact. Thanks again for the update and pictures and know that all cat lovers who read my diary will think about you in this difficult time.
I also received an update on Bruce from Astrid. This is what Astrid wrote:
Saturday, Bruce has been out in our garden for the first time! To leash him had been no problem, but when I put a line to his leash he wasn’t so happy. Bruce could not walk anywhere he wanted. At first he hardly dared to take a step and stayed very still. But when he discovered that there was still a lot of interesting things in the garden (especially behind the hedge), Bruce wanted to explore his new environment. I am actually still a bit scared to leave him outside, so I brought him back a bit too soon. Next time some more practice ... Meanwhile, besides his sweet nature he can be really bold from time to time. Cracking my flowers and throwing glasses of the counter. So he gets the occasional spray (which I use to water our plants) or a timeout in one of our rooms. But he doesn’t care…. He will be Bruce.
Astrid, thanks again for your lovely update.
I also received an update on Bumper from Mireille and some nice photos. This is what Mireille wrote to me:
I agree totally. What you give your cats you will receive in return... These last few nights all three cat ladies sleeping on our bed together! Bengel and Bumper come first (yes Bengel finally accepts Bumper) and Banjer will come later on ... Bumper prefers to drink from a glass and she finds Bengel very interesting. Though Bengel still is the boss, but Bumper will try to play with her and I think eventually she will win ... I think it's so wonderful that when I come home from work, Bumper is in a deep sleep, and when she hears me coming she will look at me with her sleepy eyes and responds to my voice when I call her name (even if she sleeps up stairs). You have chosen exactly that picture I chose as a background on my PC at my work. I find this one so lovely that I’m thinking about having this picture on canvas in black and white. Garden photos certainly give great effects. Bumper is a wonderful lady of who you can take a picture easily. The latest pictures in my album also shows a picture with the three of them together. What I find very funny is that you see that bumper already has grown and she stands really high on her legs. In size it takes a while, but she grows really fast. Lin, I am eternally grateful for this wonderful creature. Have a nice day and love, Mireille
Mireille, thanks for this nice and sweet update! And also for the beautiful pictures!
I also received an update on Bumper from Mireille and some nice photos. This is what Mireille wrote to me:
I agree totally. What you give your cats you will receive in return... These last few nights all three cat ladies sleeping on our bed together! Bengel and Bumper come first (yes Bengel finally accepts Bumper) and Banjer will come later on ... Bumper prefers to drink from a glass and she finds Bengel very interesting. Though Bengel still is the boss, but Bumper will try to play with her and I think eventually she will win ... I think it's so wonderful that when I come home from work, Bumper is in a deep sleep, and when she hears me coming she will look at me with her sleepy eyes and responds to my voice when I call her name (even if she sleeps up stairs). You have chosen exactly that picture I chose as a background on my PC at my work. I find this one so lovely that I’m thinking about having this picture on canvas in black and white. Garden photos certainly give great effects. Bumper is a wonderful lady of who you can take a picture easily. The latest pictures in my album also shows a picture with the three of them together. What I find very funny is that you see that bumper already has grown and she stands really high on her legs. In size it takes a while, but she grows really fast. Lin, I am eternally grateful for this wonderful creature. Have a nice day and love, Mireille
Mireille, thanks for this nice and sweet update! And also for the beautiful pictures!
25 April 2010
So finally I have some time to write in my diary instead of restoring my website. Gladly everything is working properly. Leevie is doing very well. He is feeling very happy and tries to challenge our other cats to play with him. Not all of our cats are fond of him, but overall they get along. In the meantime I received some pictures and updates which I like to share with you.
First, an update of Astrid. Poor Bruce was suffering from diarrhea. This is common, but not always easy to find the cause. Usually I recommend to monitor their cat a few days. If it persists longer than three days, then you must take further steps. In the meantime you have to watch your cat to see if he gets enough water. If not you need to give it yourself. Gladly after 3 days he felt as new. In that case you can speak of a simple stomach virus. Like us humans. Also with humans a stomach virus last for about three days. Bruce is happy again, completely recovered, plays a lot and eats for ten! Astrid told me that the pixiebob is a special breed. I agree, of course ;-). Bruce plays with her and keeps his nails always in. Even if he beats softly on her head. No he will not hurt you. But what she wrote to me is that you can learn a pixiebob everything as long as they trust you. I agree. But it requires time and energy on the part of the owner. Yes, you can learn many cat breeds different things, but a pixiebob is simply more eager to learn than the average breed. And not only that. They are so close to nature for example good hunters and can jump really high. But they are also a bit more dominant than the average breed. This demands a consistent education. Ensure that your cat knows you're the boss and stay consistent in what he may or may not do. But you'll get a lot in return. A smart, sweet and affectionate cat. Astrid, thanks for the update and nice pictures.
I also got an update and photos of Bumper from Mireille. Bumper has already grown considerably. She now weighs about 2.2 kg and she is doing very well. Little by little Bengel begins to accept Bumper. Especially if they're all outside in the garden. Luckily Banjer already accepts Bumper. They even play together. Bumper even listens to her name when you call her. And in the evening Bumper sleeps with Mireille or Sharon (her daughter). Mireille can’t without Bumper and that after two weeks she wrote. Mireille really loves Bumper a lot. And this is also very nice to know! Soon I will visit Mireille. I look forward to it. Mireille, thanks for the update and great pictures!
Also another update from Wietse and Gerdie about Sam. As I said before, Gerdie and Wietse own a Bed & Breakfast in France. Until recently they had some English guests who were quite impressed by Sam. Again nice to know ;-). He behaved exemplary torch the guests. Lets himself cuddle by them and gave them a warm welcome in the morning. Lately Sam was sitting in the garden and saw another male cat who was twice as big. So his hair went straight up and his tail got so big. From a small distance he kept an eye on this intruder. He was certainly not afraid and they kept looking at each other for a while. After Sam was brought back inside, he smugly lie down. Thinking: "Look at me, I did great out there!" A tough guy Sam Gerdie wrote! Sam is still a sweet little guy who will surprise you every time. Thanks for the update Gerdie and Wietse and for the lovely picture of Sam!
First, an update of Astrid. Poor Bruce was suffering from diarrhea. This is common, but not always easy to find the cause. Usually I recommend to monitor their cat a few days. If it persists longer than three days, then you must take further steps. In the meantime you have to watch your cat to see if he gets enough water. If not you need to give it yourself. Gladly after 3 days he felt as new. In that case you can speak of a simple stomach virus. Like us humans. Also with humans a stomach virus last for about three days. Bruce is happy again, completely recovered, plays a lot and eats for ten! Astrid told me that the pixiebob is a special breed. I agree, of course ;-). Bruce plays with her and keeps his nails always in. Even if he beats softly on her head. No he will not hurt you. But what she wrote to me is that you can learn a pixiebob everything as long as they trust you. I agree. But it requires time and energy on the part of the owner. Yes, you can learn many cat breeds different things, but a pixiebob is simply more eager to learn than the average breed. And not only that. They are so close to nature for example good hunters and can jump really high. But they are also a bit more dominant than the average breed. This demands a consistent education. Ensure that your cat knows you're the boss and stay consistent in what he may or may not do. But you'll get a lot in return. A smart, sweet and affectionate cat. Astrid, thanks for the update and nice pictures.
I also got an update and photos of Bumper from Mireille. Bumper has already grown considerably. She now weighs about 2.2 kg and she is doing very well. Little by little Bengel begins to accept Bumper. Especially if they're all outside in the garden. Luckily Banjer already accepts Bumper. They even play together. Bumper even listens to her name when you call her. And in the evening Bumper sleeps with Mireille or Sharon (her daughter). Mireille can’t without Bumper and that after two weeks she wrote. Mireille really loves Bumper a lot. And this is also very nice to know! Soon I will visit Mireille. I look forward to it. Mireille, thanks for the update and great pictures!
Also another update from Wietse and Gerdie about Sam. As I said before, Gerdie and Wietse own a Bed & Breakfast in France. Until recently they had some English guests who were quite impressed by Sam. Again nice to know ;-). He behaved exemplary torch the guests. Lets himself cuddle by them and gave them a warm welcome in the morning. Lately Sam was sitting in the garden and saw another male cat who was twice as big. So his hair went straight up and his tail got so big. From a small distance he kept an eye on this intruder. He was certainly not afraid and they kept looking at each other for a while. After Sam was brought back inside, he smugly lie down. Thinking: "Look at me, I did great out there!" A tough guy Sam Gerdie wrote! Sam is still a sweet little guy who will surprise you every time. Thanks for the update Gerdie and Wietse and for the lovely picture of Sam!
