BS: Cats

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 07 Jun 20 - 04:56 PM

"Response to catnip is hereditary," says an article in Scientific American,
which rather validates your conclusion, Eliza/Senoufou,
about the immunity of your Siamese pet cats.

More about catnip:
a member of the mint family.
Volatile oil, called nepetalactone, in catnip
is what a cat smells, and it's all about the smell
and what it triggers in
the cat's amygdala and hypothalamus (brain areas).

And Donuel, according to this same article,
the cat responds to catnip as it would
to a feline pheromone --
behaving like a female cat in heat!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Jun 20 - 03:15 PM

Jack thats a fascinating story. It might even work for ancient Egypt.
Cats do live longer as house cats and birds are safer.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 04 Jun 20 - 07:40 PM

Nice to know that Binky/Pippin has a home,
I remember you relating to us how much the little cat
was around your neighbour's.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: rich-joy
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 07:07 PM

Thanks for that evaluation of "KEDI" Jack! I really must go an watch it again this weekend.
(available on 2 film sites (Kanopy and Beamafilms) that Aussies (e.g.) can watch for free if you have a Library Card - fabulous idea!!!)

Cheers,
R-J

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 08:47 AM

"Kedi" is a subtle film. It isn't just about cats, but about the way cats and people interact. Each cat in the film links a group of people who might not have much to do with each other except that they end up co-owning the same cat - the usual way it works in Istanbul, antithetical to the American thing of each cat confined indoors in one household. The cats form a kind of social adhesive like gluons in particle physics.

We have two cats, Marblecake and her son Ollie. You probably know the story of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, the dog who spent years (in somewhat romanticized legend) keeping watch over his master's grave? Marblecake has been demonstrating what the cat equivalent is. Ollie killed a pigeon a month ago, ate a couple of mouthfuls of it, and left the rest outside the back door in a cloud of feathers. I buried it in a shallow grave under an apple tree. Every day since, Marblecake has spent part of the afternoon asleep on that exact spot. It's a touching display of devotion to her interrupted dinner.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 07:54 AM

I love those two names Thompson!
I'm hoping that when the lockdown relaxes a bit, my lovely neighbour will let me come and visit Archie and maybe even help to feed him with the tiny bottle-and-teat. I bet when he's much older, he'll find his way into our garden and stretch himself out on our patio. (Most cats round here do!)
Donuel, it's true that most cats love catnip, but strangely ours have never shown any interest in it, despite my efforts to grow it in our herb garden. I think it's because they were Siamese.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 03 Jun 20 - 07:44 AM

Is Catnip a performance enhancement drug, arthritis medicine, hallucinogen, stimulant or suppresent?

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Thompson
Date: 02 Jun 20 - 06:03 PM

I used to know someone who ran a pet rescue society, rehoming any animals (mostly cats) she found or were dumped on her. A community liaison police officer - not in her area, but in an area where she'd rescued a cat in very bad condition, with cigarette burns and other scars - asked her to tell him whenever she found an animal that had obviously been deliberately ill-treated, because this raised flags and the police would go and check the family, and invariably find that members of the family were being ill-treated in the same manner.
How delightful it is that Archie's found you and you've found Archie, Senoufou.
I'll probably never have another cat, as age advances, which is a pity for lots of reasons, but especially because I have two good names saved up: Peeve (for a standoffish cat) and Guimauve (for a plump cat).

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 01 Jun 20 - 04:32 PM

bout this deluge of posts, but I forgot to recount the tale of 'Archie'.
Our neighbours' daughter is a trainee veterinary nurse, absolutely lovely young lady. She's involved in voluntary animal rescue too, and has a flock of sheep. A horrible, cruel farmer in another village shot dead a mother cat (a feral one) and left four tiny kittens, He was going to drown them, but our neighbour quickly saved them and found friends who could cope with such tiny babies, about 4 weeks old. Archie is the one she took in. He's fed with a little bottle, and is flourishing. She brought him to see me (in the garden) and he's an adorable sweetie. So small, but being superbly well looked-after.
Feral cats are usually useful to farmers because they kill vermin. No idea why that evil man did this.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 01 Jun 20 - 03:55 PM

Yes keberoxu, he now seems to have a cataract in his right eye. But I'm proud to say his white coat is looking rather good, shiny and thick (perhaps a little bit due to Purina best cat food sachets?) and he's revelling in the hot weather in our front garden.
Regarding the little black-and-white cat, there's been an interesting development. I've recently taken the plunge and registered on our Village Facebook site. The owner of 'Binky' put a photo on there and asked if anyone was feeding her. Her name is apparently 'Pippin' (isn't that a lovely name?) and the lady was concerned her cat was getting a bit too fat! I replied, and we had a nice chat online. She sounds like a very good cat person, and I promised not to feed Pippin any more.
Great weight off my mind, as I did wonder whose cat she was.
Still miss our darling Smokey, Minty and Murphy, and I still shed a tear at bedtime - no SmokeyPokey to say 'Goodnight' to!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Jun 20 - 03:17 PM

Did I hear a report from Eliza/Senoufou
that "Spirit" aka Sam the Skull
has the use of only one eye -- ?

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: rich-joy
Date: 08 Apr 20 - 08:37 PM

I finally got to watch the film from Turkey named :

KEDI (The Cats of an Ancient City)

It was just beautiful!!
If you haven't seen it, and you are fascinated by Cats (and a city that appreciates them - ISTANBUL!), really do go and find it.

I've got to see it again, bcoz it was hard to keep trying to read the subtitles AND watch the felines in the wonderful scenery!!

Cheers!
R-J

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 01 Mar 20 - 08:56 PM

Welcome,
Charmion's brother Andrew!
Take off your coat and hat,
and stay awhile,
now you're truly a Mudcat member.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 01 Mar 20 - 09:52 AM

An excuse for the ages: "My editor's cat ate my manuscript."

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 01 Mar 20 - 03:36 AM

She was hammering on the cat-flap (which we now keep locked) with all her strength, using her front paws. She does this quite a bit nowadays and it makes an awful noise, like a drum! (Sort of 'bam-de-bam-de-bam!bam!bam!)
She's such a sweet, affectionate little cat, I really like her. But of course, she's not ours and I don't want to irritate the Travellers!
Sam the Skull is now looking more and more decrepit. I think he's deaf and his manner is a bit senile. I don't think he can have much longer, but I'm just hoping he can sit on The Bench with me in the warm summer weather just one more time.
:(

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 29 Feb 20 - 09:34 PM

"Thundered"?
How, Eliza/Senoufou,
is it possible for
tiny Binky to "thunder" on the back door?!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 29 Feb 20 - 03:28 AM

Ha Charmion, gnashers and gnawers are dreadful aren't they? We once had a cat called SimpsonSam who loved to chew woolly jumpers. I always drape thick knitted garments on the radiators to 'finish them off' before putting them away in a drawer, and while we were out he would tug on one sleeve, pull the garment to the floor and get busy. He once chewed away an entire sleeve!
It's funny, our study too is on the windward side of the house, and rather chilly (French doors,and not double-glazed) so three weeks ago we had a new lot installed by an excellent firm. Cost an arm and a leg, but now the room is hermetically sealed and very snug. In summer we can open wide these swanky new doors into the conservatory and enjoy the sun. (Oh please let it be soon!)

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion
Date: 28 Feb 20 - 08:48 PM

It’s cold and snowing in Stratford, and we have a nice fire roaring in the grate. Isobel is firmly parked on Himself’s lap, and Watson is in the cat basket that sits in top of the heat vent under the sitting room window.

For the last month, I have been copy-editing a big, fat book about the Canadian Army in Afghanistan. The study is not quite warm enough — it’s the windward corner of the house — and Watson thinks I should not spend so much time in there. Yesterday, he nearly wrecked an hour’s worth of work trampling the the computer keyboard.

For sheer destructiveness, Watson has nothing on one of his predecessors, Cecil by name, who liked to shred paper with his fangs. When I had a great heap of academic papers at home for a last check before sending them to the client, I left them on the dining-room table and Cecil found them. He settled himself on top the pile of marked-up copy, all bristling with Post-it notes, and started gnawing all around the edges of the pages. By the time I caught him in the act, nearly 100 pages were fringed on three sides.

I had a hell of a time explaining that to the client!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 28 Feb 20 - 01:15 PM

The people who live behind our back garden, the owners of Binky, had a tremendous 'wake' a few nights ago. They are Travellers (although they live in a house) and their traditions are like my mother's (Irish)
A horse-drawn float decorated with flowers was parked outside and everyone was wearing black. Irish wakes are a huge affair, and the noise went on all night, with a massive bonfire too. Rather a nice send-off for the deceased, but nobody got much sleep!
Little Binky thundered on our back door and I went to see what it was. She was in a very nervous, upset state, so I let her in, much to her utter delight. I gave her chopped, cooked chicken, a sachet of Purina gourmet food in gravy and a small bowl of milk. (Milk isn't really all that good for cats, but as a treat it's all right.)
She purred and purred, and I let her curl up on an armchair in our study.
A few hours later, in the early morning, I let her out and she trundled off back to the Travellers' house.
Peace to the village, peace to Binky and peace to the departed person!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Feb 20 - 11:27 AM

we need to check in on the cats who have claimed us, again.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Feb 20 - 09:48 AM

I think you may be right Charmion. My sister says the same thing. When her young husband dropped dead suddenly at 36, and left her with two little babies, she found that letting out her grief, not holding it back, helped her somewhat to cope. Obviously, loss of a cat isn't in the same league as losing an adored family member, but the mechanism of grief is probably the same.
It's strange how a trigger can set it off - particularly music or a certain song. I can only hope time will heal.
I'm very sorry about the loss of your dear father and your lovely ginger cat.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion
Date: 06 Feb 20 - 08:57 AM

Oh, Eliza, just let the sobs come and go.

When my father died, I was too stunned by grief and overwhelmed by unavoidable duty to weep. A few weeks later, the death of Alexander the Great, a large, biscuit-coloured tomcat with blocked kidneys, reduced me to howls and screaming that went on for hours, with recurring bouts for weeks whenever I saw a ginger cat.

There’s something about cats that pulls the deepest feelings out of cat-loving people, into the world of awareness where those feelings need to be.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 04:27 PM

Oh Donuel, wouldn't that be good? People purring! hee hee.
That's one of the things I love about little Binky. She has a very loud purr, and does it nearly all the time. Poor old Sam the Skull is a bit crotchety now (he's very old) and just gives a sort of 'mler' noise when he wants some food. But he has started miaowing outside our bedroom window very early in the morning.
I reckon these two little cats have been sent to comfort us. It's certainly lovely to have them come and go now and then.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 04:04 PM

We love Senafou because of her deep feelings, not for an absense of feeling. Competative Alpha qualities sought by some men require the burden of having to staunchley squash feelings. For a few there is no empathy to begin with.
To me a strong purr is empathy made loud.

What if people purred reflexively just like cats? :^/

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 03:25 PM

There is a sweetness and self indulgent side to grief from my pov.
We do it for ourselves with a degree of pleasure.
I'm not being callous here while I may be chronisticly annoying.
We grive because it feels good, concentrating many missed emotions in one moment.

The circle of life theme is basic and exploitable.
The Lion King out with the old and in with the new poignancy
is now being used by legumes.
In TV commercials Mr. Peanut died to make way for baby peanut.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 01:37 PM

There's an event on in Paris, at Disneyland, called 'The Lion King and Jungle Festival'. They've been putting adverts on TV every evening, using that gorgeous song 'Circle of Life' and showing the cartoon of the little lion cub being held out for all the African animals to see. The singing is in Zulu, a 'click' language. I can't really explain why, but a massive wave of grief just crucifies me and I keep sobbing my heart out. I suppose it combines my love of Africa, cats/SmokeyPokey and my dear husband, and the emotions were too hard to bear.
I'm on the watch for it now, and quickly hit the mute button on the TV remote.
Should I keep playing it on Youtube to desensitise myself, or just avoid the song when possible?

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 12:45 PM

refresh ...
after all, Valentine's Day is coming.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Dec 19 - 03:17 PM

I'd like to see a review of the movie, but not in this thread. If you have seen the movie and want to talk about it, please start a new thread.
Joe

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 22 Dec 19 - 02:57 PM

Condolences, rich-joy, we're here to listen and empathise.

I'm not going to see the Andrew Lloyd Webber film.
Someone else can report on the film if they wish.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: rich-joy
Date: 13 Dec 19 - 04:46 AM

Thank you both, Sen and Don, for your kind words.

I thought I was all cried out after 5+ years post-Paul, but I am discovering a whole other full-to-the-brim reservoir :(

I like to imagine them together "waiting for me" - but it still is just soooo lonely back here ......

R-J

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 13 Dec 19 - 03:47 AM

So very sorry rich-joy. I know exactly what you mean about the emptiness, and the sadness is very hard to bear. At one time we had five cats and now the house feels like a tomb.
I'm trying to concentrate on the happy lives they led, and the love they gave and received.
Sleep peacefully Hector Lysander.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Dec 19 - 08:15 PM

Neither the cat or the human deliberately chose to be ultimate party poopers. It just happpened like any surprise the world can dream up.
May your new surprises come with caring smiles and newly discovered miles.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: rich-joy
Date: 12 Dec 19 - 06:43 PM

Cats and Numerology?

My beloved feline, Hector Lysander, passed on yesterday - a Prince amongst Catz! And he chose the 68th month anniversary of the death of my late beloved human (he was 68 years old), to move on. Also, I am now 68 years old........

The house, which is so cluttered with "stuff", now feels sooooo Empty.
As do I.
My Living Legend (both of them) now gone from this space that we three happily shared.

Can't yet imagine another companion (feline or human), contrary mary that I am, I only want the two I had!!!

(the not so joyful)
Rich-Joy
Down Under

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 12 Dec 19 - 12:31 PM

I don't think it's fear so much as an aversion to the smell of citrus fruits. Our cats have always hated the smell of oranges.

Went to the supermarket yesterday and a choir of dear little primary school children grouped near the checkouts sang Christmas carols. Although they weren't deaf,they had been taught Makaton (a basic deaf sign language for children) and were signing as they sang.
It was too much for me and I felt overwhelmed with sadness for SmokeyPokey. Husband trundled on with the trolley and I sat in the car mopping up the tears. Oh dear.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 12 Dec 19 - 11:43 AM

Do cats fear tangerines??

(the decorated Christmas tree story --
everybody see that?)

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 07 Dec 19 - 04:16 AM

My kind sister rang yesterday evening to ask how we were feeling. She suggested that we foster cats for Cats Protection. Apparently they seek experienced cat-owners to take in a cat temporarily while a permanent home is found.
I don't think that would suit us, as we'd get too fond of the 'lodger' and be upset all over again when it left.

Sam the Skull has just demolished a plate of Purina best cat-food on our front doorstep. But then he had a massive poo and wee in our prize border where Ruth-across-the-road has planted some wallflowers for us.
Blooming thing!

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 06 Dec 19 - 10:12 AM

10 years from now you may unwittingly call another cat Smokey...and 1% of the emotions and all the appreciation will flood back.

Our pokey is female, small and has a super purr.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 04 Dec 19 - 05:46 PM

We're not sure keberoxu. She seems to come from somewhere behind our house, as she scrambles over the high fence at the bottom of our garden when she hears the conservatory door opening.
I'd like to know who her owners are, and why the poor little soul is so hungry, but one has to be very careful in a village. I wouldn't want to upset people or come across as a nosy, grumpy old biddy.
It's bitterly cold in Norfolk now and I just hope Binky has a warm home in which to sleep at night.

Still having a few tears about the loss of SmokeyPokey. I miss him so much, and husband wept this evening coming in from work, as he used to stroke him and say some loving words in Malinke as he came through the door.
Only time will help us to feel less sad.
Trying to concentrate on the lovely life he had and how happy he always was living with us.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 03 Dec 19 - 07:09 PM

By the way, Senoufou,
who IS Binky's owner
and why have they not de-wormed the poor kitten?

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion
Date: 03 Dec 19 - 09:54 AM

When my dear Black Maria died -- she was mortally injured by a motorist who deliberately swerved to hit her -- I was left with two cats in the house and two "pensioners" (cats resident elsewhere who hung about my garden waiting for handouts of grub and attention). I had adjusted to a three-cat household, don't ask me how!, and the Universe had apparently established three as my carrying capacity, for a new Number Three appeared within a couple of months of Maria's death. That was Cecil, who popped into the kitchen one summer evening as I was putting out the garbage and never left.

Cecil died of pancreatic disease toward the end of October about six years later. We were down to two cats again, and the Universe allowed us to operate under strength throughout the winter. In early April, Old Bill arrived at the back door, sick and wounded and infested after a winter on the street, and demanded entry. Standing on his hind paws, he hammered on the door and yelled until we opened up. Bill, too, lived out his days with us.

The Universe seems to have re-assessed our carrying capacity, as we have now been a two-cat household for about ten years. It isn't that we are hostile to the idea of another cat, but that no other cat has appeared at the gangplank (as it were) and asked permission to come aboard. That may be because the current incumbents, Watson and Isobel, live entirely indoors, and so the outside territory is controlled by cats who live elsewhere. I imagine their people occasionally receive refugees ...

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 08:39 PM

So passes the last of the Siamese trio.
It isn't any easier when you can see it coming.
I concur with Donuel --
an indoor pet like this, it takes time to transition
from not having that presence near you.

I can't think of anything else comforting to say but
my sympathies go out to your house.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 01:11 PM

Thank you so much Donuel and Charmion. Your posts comforted me a great deal.
I have to try and concentrate on the happy life Smokey had - 18 years of good food, nice 'friends' and always access to the open air and the garden, plus loads of care, love and affection from his two-legged servants.

Sam the Skull is still around at the front of our house, and little Binky peering through the conservatory windows at the back.

My sister (who also adores cats) told me to get another one immediately, but it's too soon and we need to grieve first.
Anyone who loses a much-loved pet has to go through this, and only time heals the sadness.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 11:39 AM

Oh, no! So, so sorry. Of course you will have a Siamese spirits about for quite a while.

But I wonder how much time will elapse before the word gets about that the gig is open chez vous?

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 10:15 AM

So sorry. It will be perfectly normal to see Pokey out of the corner of your eye for some time to come. I have a 'pokey' who will tap me around corners or perches.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 08:52 AM

I'm so very sad today. Poor SmokeyPokey had some sort of neurological 'event' yesterday, resulting in one rear leg dangling uselessly behind him. He had no pain, but was very confused and kept falling over.
I managed to get an appointment at the vets this morning, and she agreed that it was 'time'. So he was put to sleep, and went very peacefully. Husband has buried him under the pear tree in our back garden, next to Minty and Murphy. He said a Muslim prayer for him.
Both if us cried buckets, but we believe we have done the best thing.
The house is strange without him. He was always glued to my side on the sofa.
Oh dear.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 30 Nov 19 - 01:51 PM

Oh dear! Came home today from the shops and SmokeyPokey had managed to vomit copiously all over the back of the sofa. He'd eaten rather a lot of smoked salmon (which he'd nicked from the kitchen) and it hadn't agreed with him.
Spent ages sponging down the upholstery (sigh). Husband says we should have left out caviar and some champagne instead! He was so kind to the poor cat though, cradling him in his arms and stroking his tummy.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 30 Nov 19 - 12:22 PM

I was unaware that the
Lloyd-Webber/Rice production "Cats"
has been filmed.

Sir Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: keberoxu
Date: 28 Nov 19 - 07:38 PM

... ha!
Caught the Cats thread trying to sneak off the queue.
Not tonight, you won't, you wiley critter, you.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Senoufou
Date: 26 Nov 19 - 09:38 AM

Yes, Charmion, they have both come inside. Sam the Skull belts in and hoovers up any of SmokeyPokey's leavings. And little Binky has crept into the study through the conservatory and rolled about ecstatically on the carpet. She has an extremely loud purr.
But I hesitate to encourage this. Their owners might not like it, and also, I found a flea on Sam the Skull last week. I wonder if Binky has worms, as she eats constantly and cries for more. My husband calls her Oliver Twist!
Smokey seems physically in quite good shape, and rather likes the other two visitors. I saw Sam and Smokey eating together from the same dish last week. He lifts his tail and wiggles it (welcome gesture) to Binky. So no animosity.

Subject: RE: BS: Cats
From: Charmion
Date: 26 Nov 19 - 08:37 AM

I believe deafness hastens senility in cats just as it does in people. Poor SmokeyPokey is probably putting in time until he can cross the Rainbow Bridge to hang out with his brothers again.

Has either Binky or Sam the Skull ever crossed your doorstep, Eliza? Do they poke their noses through the catflap? Inside your house is still Siamese territory, maybe?