Tails From the Cat Side

Cat Tales (Tails)

Time for “Tails from the Cat Side”. I told you that my kitty shenanigans in our evening play sessions needed a post all of their own and I mean it. My usually quiet and boring fur babies turn 15 minutes of playtime into the “Eve of Destruction”. It came as a shock to me the first time it happened but I think I’ve got a handle on it now.

Oh the mess

Bed Time-Play Time

I try to play with my cats in the evening as that’s when they are most likely to be around. During the day they like to watch birds and squirrels out the window or sleep.  I have a bunch of interactive toys they can play with too if I’m busy. Everything from a laser that runs for 15 minutes before it shuts off to good old fashioned paper bags but lately I’ve had trouble holding their attention.  They had no interest in me and would just ignore the toys and walk away. 

Feline Wrestle-mania

Of course the minute I walked away to go to bed they had a hissy fit. Banner led to charge with the Song of his people in loud wails. Balboa added tiny chips and irritated meows. I had to do something. So I made an emergency trip to PetSmart for a bunch of “Wand” Toys.

Product Whisker City® Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

Whisker City® Multi Ribbon Boa Teaser Toy Wand

 

 

 

This was the favorite.

Wand Toy Playtime

Both Banner and Balboa seemed to like chasing this toy and we had a lively few minutes before they wandered off to lay down.  They really put some effort into chasing it and there was no more evening serenade. It seemed to satisfy their need for bedtime attention …at first.

I made the mistake of letting them catch the wand. 

I flipped the boa over Balboa’s head instead of dragging it along the floor. OMG! He exploded into the air. If it had been a bird it’s life would be over.

Balboa flies

 

 

Balboa jumped so high he looked like a cartoon kitty.  I can’t take a picture fast enough and handle the wand. Unfortunately Balboa won’t “perform” for anyone but me. He hides whenever anyone else comes around so you’ll need to use your imagination.

Destruction

Banner is just as violent but at ground level. I guess we have air force and infantry here. The Boa didn’t last long. I switched to feathers and Banner made short work of that one. 

 

Wand before playtime

Boa Wand after Playtime

 

The remains of the feather wand after 5 minutes with Banner

Some of the feather remains

I’m using a fuzzy wand now. It looks like a squirrel’s tail. They both really get going after that and it seems to be a little less delicate. Maybe this will last more than a day or two.

Paws, Claws and Catnaps

Paws, Claws and Catnaps

Never a dull moment around my house. Banner and Balboa keep me hopping with paws, claws and catnaps. I have a pretty strong mix of catnip that I use on them regularly to mellow them out. After the initial Krazy Kat display they curl up for a nice nap.  They have developed quite a habit. WE may have to have an intervention soon. But for now I’ll let them sleep it off. 

Cat Nap time

 

Here’s what I have to deal with. 

Recent Perplexing Behavior

The kitties are clearly spoiled so I must be a bad cat mom. Banner has always liked to chew on my hand. Typical morning behavior is to take over my desk top and purr. When I try to pet him (which he loves, by the way) he immediately bites me. It used to be just gentle love nips but as he has gotten older and his jaw has gotten stronger the nips have turned to bites. He even has been known to draw blood, But then he is so contrite and will gently lick my wounds.

Do Not Disturb

Next he tries to snag my Fitbit off the charger. He can be very sneaky about that. If I am not paying attention he will calmly walk off with it and then the search is on to find where he put it. It was funny at first but after awhile this gets kind of old.

Not So Innocent

Balboa is not an innocent bystander. In fact my little cuddle kitty is a sneaky instigator. I think he enjoys getting his big brother in trouble. Only yesterday Balboa was perched in Banner’s spot on my desk top like a Egyptian God.

Worship me hooman

He clearly expected pets and worship. Banner sauntered over to see what was going on and Balboa growled. LOL Yup like an angry dog.  Banner had no idea what was going on. In 4 years together I have never witnessed that behavior and I don’t think Banner has either. They usually get along fine. Maybe not besties but mostly friendly wrestling.

WrestleMania

 

Paper Bags and Boxes

Banner is a paper bag boy while Balboa prefers boxes. Lately when Banner is playing in his bags Balboa has to try to jump him. When Banner gets disgusted at the interference and walks away, Balboa takes over the bag. They won’t share so to keep peace I now have 2 shredded bags in the middle of my Livingroom. They get to keep them until my housekeeper comes to clean. At that point I toss them. They’ll get new bags after she leaves.

Bag Boy Bag Boy Whatcha gonna do?

 

 

Kitty in a box

 

 

But this is nothing compared to our playtime before bed.  But that deserves another post. Until next time…  

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Banner’s Another Year Older

Banner’s Birthday

Well my, my, my. Hard to believe my orange baby is 5 years old already. Happy Birthday Banner! Actually his birthday was June 6 but as usual I’m a little behind.

 

Roadkill

This is Banner’s imitation of road kill. He’s as flat to the floor as he can get. Look at his little legs all squished down.

 

Bag Boy

“Bag Boy, Bag Boy, what you going to do? And what you going to do when they come for you?” 

All Banner wanted for his birthday was a paper bag so he could hide. Right? You really can’t see him at all! Please don’t tell him different. I’m sure he’d be crushed. If so Chewy sent him a 30% off discount coupon for a new toy. I’m sure that will help offset any disappointment that his bag isn’t really hiding him.

 

In Other News

I mentioned that I was a bit delayed with this post. That’s because I’ve been working on a new project. Yes once again I am trying to stretch my entrepreneurial muscles and we all know how that’s gone in the past. Still hope springs eternal so at my advanced age I am going to give it one more try. I want to have the project a little more along before I make the GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT.  But you will hear it soon if all goes well. Stay tuned!

Surprise Clipart Images | Free Download | PNG Transparent ...

I’m very excited and hope you will be too!

My Life is Ruled by Tiny Furry Overlords

My Furry Overlords

My cats are weird, You probably remember

they are named Banner (Orange cat) and Balboa ( Black Cat)

Banner & Balboa, Furry Overlords

 

They are much more dependent on me than I expected. Maybe because I adopted both as kittens they learned to rely on me for fun and play. They can’t seem to amuse themselves at all and worse, they hate when I am busy doing anything that does not include them! I have time for this post only because they are both sleeping right now

Last night I had to attend a condo meeting. It ran from 7 pm to close to 9pm. I don’t go out much at night but I was quite surprised to have both tiny terrors frantically running around my feet when I came in. Day trips for shopping and errands are hardly noticed I guess they don’t like being alone when its dark.

Banner hates to go to bed. He will be a quiet little gentleman all day but the minute I get in bed he starts to sing the song of his people…loudly. I have to get up and hold him, pet him and cuddle him or he doesn’t calm down. Balboa just wants to sleep with me. After frantically making biscuits on me for an hour. Is it any wonder I’m always tired?

 

 

Aside from keeping my “masters” Happy and content I’ve been following the news about Kilauea. 

Hawaii volcano produces tall lava fountaining in latest episode of Kilauea  eruption | AP News

AP News-Kilauea Eruption

Photo from FB feed

 

She’s putting on quite the show these days. I wish I could take a trip to Hawaii to see it in person but I’m not sure I’d want to fly anywhere even if I could justify the expense. Seems like there is a plane crash or incident every week!   

Well Balboa just got up and per usual he is trying to climb my leg. Man that hurts. Its amazing that he doesn’t draw blood! That means my writing time is over. so until I get another break, adios! 

 

Its 2025!

Happy 2025

This pretty much says it all!

Happy New Year Kitten Stock Photo - Download Image Now - Domestic Cat,  Party Hat, New Year's Eve

 

Resolutions?

I think NOT. At my age I’m pretty much set in my ways. Plus experience has proven that no matter my intentions I’ll fail in my resolutions and usually in a spectacular way. After all habits, especially age old ingrained habits , are hard to break.  For example, when Rocky crossed the Rainbow bridge I said no more cats. I’m too old. I will outlive them. Nope I’m done. But look who’s sharing my home now!

Banner & Balboa on Cat tree photo credit Deb Neumann

I’m sure we’ll have many adventures together but for now its time to change the kitty litter so we can start the New Year off nice and fresh. Then maybe I can make a nice breakfast and watch the Rose Parade 

 

Happy New Year Everyone. My Best Wishes to all!