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BetterMost Community Blogs => Our Daily Thoughts - The BetterMost Community Blog Network => My "Great White North" => Topic started by: Sheriff Roland on December 03, 2009, 04:32:08 pm

Title: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 03, 2009, 04:32:08 pm
A while back I started a thread in BetterMost people about getting the cat to the vet and continued to post a few stories (mostly related to his neuturing) on that thread, found here:

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,37602.0.html

My last post's last comment was 'It's all about the cat now'.

Well I got me some new tales to tell and since they are un-vet trip related I thought I'd start up a new thread on the beast here.

First, here's the picture of Tache taken a number of months ago:

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2009/divers/09-07-09-01.jpg)
09-07-09
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Penthesilea on December 03, 2009, 04:36:56 pm
I know I'm gonna love this :D.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 03, 2009, 04:51:40 pm
I may have mentioned that Tache loves being indoors; I have to literally put him outside as he doesn't appear to want to go out on his own anymore. He'll stay outside for hours at a time once he's out there. Even spending the night out - once - recently.

He's got a number of places where I might find him: on chairs (including the rocking chair), on the couch (his favourite, I believe), on window sills, on the rugs. He's even chosen to spend some quiet time in his crate.

One spot that is absolutely off limit is the bed. He's tried on a number of occasions to get on the bed. I've even found him hiding between the sheet and the blanket, just another ripple on my unmade bed. This particular quirk I've nipped in the bud, punishing him the two times I've found him there. (Who knows how many times he's done this before I caught on - cause I'd occasionally find him sauntering out of the bedroom when I called out for him, not finding him in any of the usual places.)

One other odd place he finds of interest is the bath tub. He plays with the drain stopper and the non-slip mat is always disheavelled in there.

Well today I found him in the bath tub again. Usually he scampers away whenever he hears me approach, but today, he stayed in there - just staring, waiting for me to find him. I found him there 3 times within a 30 minute span and the 3rd time the mystery was revealed as to why he's staying quietly in the tub ...

He's using the bath mat as a kind of blanket, nearly completely covered by the rubber mat. He's seen Bryan spend the night covered by blankets and he's seen me do it every night (and frequently during my naps). Now he's doing like daddy.

Isn't that just cute?
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on December 03, 2009, 06:11:09 pm
I may have mentioned that Tache loves being indoors; I have to literally put him outside as he doesn't appear to want to go out on his own anymore. He'll stay outside for hours at a time once he's out there. Even spending the night out - once - recently.

He's got a number of places where I might find him: on chairs (including the rocking chair), on the couch (his favourite, I believe), on window sills, on the rugs. He's even chosen to spend some quiet time in his crate.

One spot that is absolutely off limit is the bed. He's tried on a number of occasions to get on the bed. I've even found him hiding between the sheet and the blanket, just another ripple on my unmade bed. This particular quirk I've nipped in the bud, punishing him the two times I've found him there. (Who knows how many times he's done this before I caught on - cause I'd occasionally find him sauntering out of the bedroom when I called out for him, not finding him in any of the usual places.)

One other odd place he finds of interest is the bath tub. He plays with the drain stopper and the non-slip mat is always disheavelled in there.

Well today I found him in the bath tub again. Usually he scampers away whenever he hears me approach, but today, he stayed in there - just staring, waiting for me to find him. I found him there 3 times within a 30 minute span and the 3rd time the mystery was revealed as to why he's staying quietly in the tub ...

He's using the bath mat as a kind of blanket, nearly completely covered by the rubber mat. He's seen Bryan spend the night covered by blankets and he's seen me do it every night (and frequently during my naps). Now he's doing like daddy.

Isn't that just cute?

PICTURES PLEASE!!!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 03, 2009, 06:22:15 pm
Sorry I don't have recent pictures of Tache, but Photobucket's letting me upload pictures again so here are a few more from last August...

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2009/divers/IMG_2382.jpg)
09-08-04
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 03, 2009, 06:27:04 pm
You were prob'ly hoping to see pictures of Tache in the bath tub. Maybe I'll try next time I find him there.

Or pictures of him stretched out lying on his back, or curled up playing with balls (or the catnip mouse) with his hind legs. In the meantime, here's one last picture for today.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2009/divers/IMG_2384.jpg)
09-08-04
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on December 03, 2009, 06:33:02 pm
He's dead cute! And yes I meant in the bathtub - get the camera ready next time!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on December 03, 2009, 10:25:53 pm
Heya Roland!
This is a great idea for a thread! :)  And, as a cat-person myself I never tire of cute cat stories. :)

I think the bath tub thing is an almost universal cat quirk.  Often when I come home from work, my cat Vivien will get all excited and run around, come say "hello" to me, and then she'll sprint into the bath tub and roll around.  I often find her gravitating to the bath tub.  She also likes to sleep in front of the radiator in the bathroom (that radiator more than any of the other radiators in the apartment).  I've known other cats (cats of friends, etc.) that also had a strange attraction to the bathroom.

Hopefully you won't mind me asking... I'm curious about why you would prefer Tache to not sleep in your bed?  Vivien likes to sleep in my bed with me at night.  She rarely chooses to sleep in the bed if I'm not in bed.  But, she never goes under the covers... for some reason, she hates that in any context.  Polly, the cat I grew up with, loved being under blankets.  But, definitely not Viv.  Anyway, to me, snuggling with a cat at night is one of my favorite things... especially on a chilly winter night or a rainy night.  She's good at keeping my feet warm.
:)

The photos of Tache are great!  His markings on his face are adorable!  LOL, I like how asymmetrical the white spot is around his mouth.



Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Penthesilea on December 04, 2009, 05:09:17 am
My cat also liked to sleep in the bathrub. And in the sink. The sink had just the right size, when she curled together, it fitted closely around her.

She also loved to play with the water coming from the faucet. I used to turn the water one a little bit for her enjoyment :).
Once I wanted to know how much water she could handle, and opened the faucet a little more, and even a little more, and so on. It was in the bathtub and she didn't mind standing in a puddle and being spayed on a little bit. She only jumped out when the jet of water became halfways strong.

Like Amanda's Vivien, my cat never got under blankets, she really disliked being covered.


Tache is such a cutie. And he looks like he knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Expect to find him in the bed again and again ..... ;D.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on December 04, 2009, 06:20:44 am
I used to be like that Rolan.. no Cat on the bed when i'm in bed.. I sued to actuyally close the bedroom door so they couldnt get in but when one of the 2 of them was knocked down Skimble was very lonely and i releted.. and now it's his perch every night.. about ten minutes after one or both of us is in bed he hops up on to the bed and settles down at my feet - and only mine never Callum's. Sometimes he comes half way up the bed and snuggles in but again only my side and never under the covers!

He also likes the bathtub but mostly the bathroom - not the kitchen - sink!

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 04, 2009, 06:42:12 am
I'm better known for my large flowers. The daylilies at the top of the picture are about 10 inches (25cm) across - very large for a daylily. Tache is over 30 inches (70 cm) long, tail extra.

Took a few pictures of Tache yesterday but nothing spectacular. This one's from last July.


(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2009/divers/09-07-23-07.jpg)
09-07-23
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Penthesilea on December 04, 2009, 06:53:46 am
I'm better known for my large flowers. The daylilies at the top of the picture are about 10 inches (25cm) across - very large for a daylily. Tache is over 30 inches (70 cm) long, tail extra.

Took a few pictures of Tache yesterday but nothing spectacular. This one's from last July.


(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2009/divers/09-07-23-07.jpg)
09-07-23


I love your garden. Wish my hubby were into gardening (course I am surely not, and I don't have talent for it, when I plant stuff it never blooms ???).
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on December 04, 2009, 11:34:51 am
LOL, yep, Vivien likes to watch the water coming out of the faucet too. Sometimes when she's lounging in the tub, I'll turn the water on to a tiny trickle (so that it won't really pool or get her wet) and, she'll go investigate the water.  She likes to bat at the water with her paws and sometimes take little sips from it.  Totally adorable and hilarious to watch.
 :D

Lovely pic of Tache with the flowers.  :)  He's very photogenic!



My cat also liked to sleep in the bathrub. And in the sink. The sink had just the right size, when she curled together, it fitted closely around her.

She also loved to play with the water coming from the faucet. I used to turn the water one a little bit for her enjoyment :).
Once I wanted to know how much water she could handle, and opened the faucet a little more, and even a little more, and so on. It was in the bathtub and she didn't mind standing in a puddle and being spayed on a little bit. She only jumped out when the jet of water became halfways strong.

Like Amanda's Vivien, my cat never got under blankets, she really disliked being covered.


Tache is such a cutie. And he looks like he knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. Expect to find him in the bed again and again ..... ;D.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 04, 2009, 07:56:25 pm
Hopefully you won't mind me asking... I'm curious about why you would prefer Tache to not sleep in your bed?  

I don't think I'd sleep well with a small body like that in the bed. I use the whole bed (tossing, trying dif'rent sides) before falling asleep.

Wouldn't want to squish him now, would I?

Also, he's done jumped on the bed (once) while I was trying to fall asleep ... sorta kept me awake, doncha know.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on December 30, 2009, 11:23:36 am
Heya Sheriff!  How are things going with Tache?  Any new updates?

:)

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on December 30, 2009, 05:00:12 pm
Heya Sheriff!  How are things going with Tache?  Any new updates?

:)

Nothing special, really.

I was away (to Timmins) for nearly a week during which time Bryan came over to take care of Tache for a couple a days, then they both spent the rest of the week at Bryan's apartment. He's got huge windows, reaching the floor, and the condo's on the fourth floor, so Tache took quite a while to get use to his new surroundings. He did eventually enjoy the open concept of Bryan's place, keeping both Bryan and Evan awake at all times of the night by running back & forth between the various rooms.

When I got back, two days ago, Tache was definitively mad at me. Eventually he cozied up, requiring a fair amount of time on my lap. He's also not likely been out of the house (except for the trip to Bryan's condo & back) in over a week. It's warmish today so I put him out about two hours ago. He spent the first hour hanging around on the porch - now he's gone checking out the neighbourhood I go & call out for him every 10 minutes or so. Eventually he'll be out there waiting to come back in and will make a bee line straight to his food bowl.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on December 30, 2009, 07:01:47 pm
Cute!

Nothing special, really.

I was away (to Timmins) for nearly a week during which time Bryan came over to take care of Tache for a couple a days, then they both spent the rest of the week at Bryan's apartment. He's got huge windows, reaching the floor, and the condo's on the fourth floor, so Tache took quite a while to get use to his new surroundings. He did eventually enjoy the open concept of Bryan's place, keeping both Bryan and Evan awake at all times of the night by running back & forth between the various rooms.

When I got back, two days ago, Tache was definitively mad at me. Eventually he cozied up, requiring a fair amount of time on my lap. He's also not likely been out of the house (except for the trip to Bryan's condo & back) in over a week. It's warmish today so I put him out about two hours ago. He spent the first hour hanging around on the porch - now he's gone checking out the neighbourhood I go & call out for him every 10 minutes or so. Eventually he'll be out there waiting to come back in and will make a bee line straight to his food bowl.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on January 27, 2010, 03:19:13 pm
Time for another 'Tache Tales' update.

(sorry, Kelda, I never saw him again hiding underneath the bathtub mat, so no photos)

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but one of Tache's games is to lie down on his side next to the couch (or the bed) and swiftly pull himself forward by clawing his paws on the material of the couch (or the bed). It's really cute to watch & it's something I don't remember anyone else mentioning as their cat's quirk.

He's also been using his claws to open closed doors that are not properly clenched. He's been found (by Bryan) napping on the bed sheets in the hallway closet. I've seen him open the computer room closet door that way as well.

I have a heavy rubber soled large rug under my computer chair (the wood floor's been heavily damaged over the years without a proper rug). Tache has recently been observed lifting the rug with the claws of one paw in order to slip his other leg (as well as his hind leg) in order to, I don't know, drag himself along the rug? or simply seach for lost treasures under there?

Tache has also been using his claws to tear up the toilet roll of paper. I think he was getting revenge for my being away so much lately. Even though Bryan came over to spend the nights with Tache, I had been away for a week at Christmas and another 5 days 2 weeks later. The victim this time? The shower liner. It got properly tore up. It was a cheap liner and I'd had it for over a year, but he's no longer allowed to play in the bathroom; I now keep that door closed at all times.

He's also been VERY lap needy lately, especially when I'm on the computer.

During my absence, Bryan liked having Tache purring on the bed while he slept. It's always been a no-no with me. On my return from Timmins this last time I felt him get on the bed that very next morning. I swept him off the bed sharply. He hasn't returned on the bed since then.

Another thing about the bathroom. Do your cats check out religiously when you flush? Tache never misses an opportunity. Seems right fascinated by the swirl or sum'tin. He'll come near the bathroom or even venture onto the side of the bathtub everytime I use the toilet.

Methinks I got a strange kitty.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 27, 2010, 05:12:55 pm
Great cat stories!!

LOL, Vivien likes to nap in the linen closet on the clean towels and sheets too.  It's adorable... but of course means that there's cat hair on the clean linens.

And, I think fun-with-toilet paper is a classic cat thing... I know some cats like to unravel full rolls of TP.  Luckily for me, Viv has little interest in the TP.

But, she loves to sleep in the bath tub... one of her favorite spots in the apartment.

:)

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on January 28, 2010, 10:50:36 am
tache, this morning

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/IMG_2422.jpg)
10-01-28
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on January 28, 2010, 07:18:30 pm
Very cute!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on January 29, 2010, 12:33:24 am

LOL, that is a cute photo!  :laugh:

It's amazing to me, based on what you've reported here, how much it seems Tache enjoys being mainly an indoor cat now if he used to be a stray and/or outdoor cat.  It's so nice that you've given him a good home and a way to live as a mainly indoor cat... since that's what he seems to enjoy.  Good work Sheriff!

I feel so bad for stray cats.  I saw one running across the street on my walk to work today and I felt so bad for it, because it's currently unusually cold for Pittsburgh.  I give money fairly regularly to the animal shelter where I adopted Vivien... and I keep pondering the idea of adopting a second one. 

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 09, 2010, 11:05:23 pm
Prefacing today's entry latest Tache Tale with a little Tache Song , courtesy of Bryan ...

Tache-a-roo, oh Tache-a-roo
Does whatever a Tache-a-roo dues
Spins a hairball any size,
Catches thieves just like flies
Look Out!
Here comes the Tache-a-roo.

Is he strong?
Listen bud,
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from his tail
Take a look overhead
Hey, there
There goes the Tache-a-roo.

In the chill of night
At the scene of a crime
Like a streak of light
He arrives just in time.

Tache-a-roo, oh Tache-a-roo
Friendly neighborhood Tache-a-roo
Wealth and fame
He's ignored
Action is his reward.

To him, life is a great big bang up
Whenever there's a hang up
You'll find the Tache-a-roo.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 09, 2010, 11:34:05 pm
Weather's been spring-like these last three days - reaching a high of 13 - 14c (57f), so Tache has rediscovered the great outdoors after spending 98% of the past 4 months inside.

A glove had been lost on the edge of the sidewalk some weeks ago and I just left it out there thinking that someone might claim it. Since then we've had our only serious snow fall (15 cm, or 6 inches) of the winter, so these last few days have returned our world to the natural browns of a snowless dreary winter.

Anyways, long story just to come around to saying that the stray glove was mysteriously moved into the flowerbed next to the stoop since the start of the great meltdown of 2010. No proof as to the culprit of this unusual happening, except for the circumstancial evidence of Tache spending some 16 hours a day outside.

Until tonight ...

This evening, when entering the premises, Tache appeared to be stumbling. I naturally assumed that he had gotten into yet another scap with the big bully of the neighbourhood and had been hurt. He didn't head straight for his food bowl, as he would normally do, but instead retreated to a quiet space under the kitchen table. When I removed the chairs to get to him, I found a black sock (not much unlike mine, but not one of mine) next to him. He was not injured at all but rather had brought a sock ... not a mouse, not a dead bird, but a sock into the house.

Tache is a clothes hound retriever.

He then proceeded straight to his food bowl and all was right with the world, again.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on March 09, 2010, 11:53:15 pm
Aww, that's cute!!  Viv carries/ drags her own toys around... but I've never seen her carry any of my clothes or other stuff around.

Does Tache bring you mice or other prey that he catches?

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 09, 2010, 11:57:11 pm
First let me repeat - this sock was NOT one of mine.  >:( It belonged to Tache! - I guess.

Last summer he was an outdoor cat, - not yet had the op-por-tu-ni-ty.

But I expect a sock won't be the last 'gift' he brings in the house, come summer.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: David In Indy on March 10, 2010, 02:57:31 am
Weather's been spring-like these last three days - reaching a high of 13 - 14c (57f), so Tache has rediscovered the great outdoors after spending 98% of the past 4 months inside.

A glove had been lost on the edge of the sidewalk some weeks ago and I just left it out there thinking that someone might claim it. Since then we've had our only serious snow fall (15 cm, or 6 inches) of the winter, so these last few days have returned our world to the natural browns of a snowless dreary winter.

Anyways, long story just to come around to saying that the stray glove was mysteriously moved into the flowerbed next to the stoop since the start of the great meltdown of 2010. No proof as to the culprit of this unusual happening, except for the circumstancial evidence of Tache spending some 16 hours a day outside.

Until tonight ...

This evening, when entering the premises, Tache appeared to be stumbling. I naturally assumed that he had gotten into yet another scap with the big bully of the neighbourhood and had been hurt. He didn't head straight for his food bowl, as he would normally do, but instead retreated to a quiet space under the kitchen table. When I removed the chairs to get to him, I found a black sock (not much unlike mine, but not one of mine) next to him. He was not injured at all but rather had brought a sock ... not a mouse, not a dead bird, but a sock into the house.

Tache is a clothes hound retriever.

He then proceeded straight to his food bowl and all was right with the world, again.




Aww how CUTE!!

Tache is so cute!

My cat fell in love with an old dish rag. He carried it around with him for months. He slept with it, played with it and God only knows what else he did with it. If I tried to take it away from him he'd hiss and yowl at me. FINALLY I got that nasty old thing away from him, laundered it, and when I tried to give it back to him he didn't want it anymore! :laugh:

Crazy cat!!

He even had a hiding place for it, but I never could figure out where it was.

Do any of your neighbors hang their wash out on lines to dry during the spring and summer, Roland? If so, I'm wondering if Tache may start targeting those clothes lines once he sees peoples' clothes flapping around on them? Sooner or later he may carry in someone's under britches! :)

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: David In Indy on March 10, 2010, 03:03:01 am
Aww, that's cute!!  Viv carries/ drags her own toys around... but I've never seen her carry any of my clothes or other stuff around.

Does Tache bring you mice or other prey that he catches?



If Oreo manages to catch a mouse, he'll lay it on my pillow. God I hate that! :P

Cody loves to go down to the creek and catch fish. Then he'll try to give them to me. Just little sun fish most of the time, but it's still gross when he drops them at my feet. He also loves to catch cicadas in his mouth during the summer. He'll carry them back inside in his mouth and then once he's in the house he'll "yawn" and release them.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on March 10, 2010, 05:38:23 am
Cute story & song Roland!

So far my cat, Skimble, has not fell in love with an item of clothes!!

i was off on stricke days Mon & Tuesday and he followed me around ansd insisted in sitting beside me all day! I think he would quite enjhoy it if i was a part timer! Company all day!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on April 08, 2010, 07:03:10 pm
Back in late January, while I was away in Timmins, Bryan took care of Tache, staying at my place a couple a days and then taking him to his condo. This much I'd already mentioned. What I hadn't told (and don't remember Bryan telling me) is that Bryan and Evan panicked one day, searching frantically for a couple of hours looking for the cat. Tache was eventually found in the washing machine in their bathroom. (Evan found him when Tache popped up his head). The washing machine was (apparently) Tache's favourite space during his stay away from home. Bryan sent me this photo a couple a days ago.

All the lovely weather we've been experiencing (for nearly a month now) has meant that Tache has been spending a lot more time outside. He's even sometimes kept me up waiting for him to come back in when I unfortunately let him out after 9:00 pm. He will usually spend a couple of hours out there before coming in for the night.

And when inside, his crate is quickly becoming his most favourite space.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/10-02-01.jpg)
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: David In Indy on April 08, 2010, 08:44:58 pm
Awww! That is cute! Maybe he did it because he was in an unfamiliar place and the washer felt safe to him, like his own little private cubby hole.

That's a very cute picture! He's a very handsome and beautiful cat. :-*

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on April 09, 2010, 02:59:44 pm
cute photo.. I imagine if our washing machines were lie that skimble would like that hidey hole too!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 24, 2010, 06:22:40 pm
Started up a 'tache image' thread in my Garden Shed Forum @ http://gardenshed.smfforfree.com/index.php

Come on over, register and enjoy images from 'Tache, the Garden Guardian' and other threads from my (and others) garden.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/jardin010/10-05/024.jpg)
10-05-22
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on May 25, 2010, 03:31:29 pm
awwwwwwwwww
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: David In Indy on May 25, 2010, 06:55:51 pm
I've said it before and I'll say it again - he's a very cute and handsome cat, Roland! :D
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on May 25, 2010, 09:05:51 pm

Sooooo cute!

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 25, 2010, 11:31:01 pm
Well now that the weather's turned hot (last year we didn't really have a real summer, so it's been a couple a years since the temperature's reached 30c (84f)), Tache is experiencing his first summer stretch. He's been wanting to go out at 4 in the morning, so I let him out all night last night. In the past 44 hours, he's been out prowling for at least 40 of em. Right now (11:30 pm) he's meowing to go out yet again (he's been inside for about 90 minutes).

Wonder where he goes to cool down in the really warm weather. It's suppose to be even hotter tomorrow and Thursday.

BTW, more photos are displayed at the Garden Shed.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 25, 2010, 11:32:57 pm
I've said it before and I'll say it again - he's a very cute and handsome cat, Roland! :D

Sooooo cute!

It's not so much that he's cute ... I'm just a very good photographer  ;D
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on May 28, 2010, 01:50:06 pm
Well now that the weather's turned hot (last year we didn't really have a real summer, so it's been a couple a years since the temperature's reached 30c (84f)), Tache is experiencing his first summer stretch. He's been wanting to go out at 4 in the morning, so I let him out all night last night. In the past 44 hours, he's been out prowling for at least 40 of em. Right now (11:30 pm) he's meowing to go out yet again (he's been inside for about 90 minutes).

Wonder where he goes to cool down in the really warm weather. It's suppose to be even hotter tomorrow and Thursday.

BTW, more photos are displayed at the Garden Shed.

Yes, you are a good photographer Roland.  The recent one with the irises is really nicely composed!

It would be fun to know what outdoor cats get up to when they roam around.  LOL, maybe you could follow him around someday.  I've never had an outdoor cat before so their habits are a bit of a mystery to me.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 31, 2010, 05:29:56 pm
Apparently I make a pretty decent sleeping nest too ... even when I'm not in my clothes.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/001.jpg)

I like the way his front paws are wrapped around his hind leg.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on May 31, 2010, 06:14:21 pm
Apparently I make a pretty decent sleeping nest too ... even when I'm not in my clothes.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/001.jpg)

I like the way his front paws are wrapped around his hind leg.

Super cute!  They say that watching a sleeping cat, or holding a sleeping or purring cat, can be some of the best stress relievers.  And, I really believe it.  There's something so peaceful about watching a sleeping cat.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on May 31, 2010, 06:25:06 pm
Brilliant pic!! And the hing leg thing is super cute!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: David In Indy on May 31, 2010, 09:30:09 pm
Apparently I make a pretty decent sleeping nest too ... even when I'm not in my clothes.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/001.jpg)

I like the way his front paws are wrapped around his hind leg.

Awwww! There's nothing cuter than a picture of a sleeping kitty! :-*

Title: Re: Tache tail
Post by: Sheriff Roland on June 20, 2010, 10:31:08 am
So ...

Somebody recently asked me if Tache had shown any battle wounds yet.

Well, he has.

Two weeks ago, the neighbourhood bully (cat) came right up to my front door to inflict a bite on Tache's tale (as observed by the people across the street - I only heard the yelp!). He then became even more of a scardy-cat, spending more time indoors. His appetite also took a dip. Then last week (10 days ago) I accidentally put pressure on his tail (where he had been bitten) and puss and blood went flying all over my cloth couch. And the stink?!! For the next two hours I kept a close eye on him, dabbing his wound with a wet cloth, as, in spite of his frequent cleaning, there were some blood marks on the carpet (as he now preferred staying underneath a chair).

Anyways, I took him to the vet the next morning where after twice having to correct their description of the incident as a fight (It wasn't, he was attacked ... Is rape the same as having sex?) I was told he had received a minor bite wound with punctures on both sides of his tail from which an abscess had developed, and, like a pimple, it had (painfuly) erupted when I accidentally put pressure on the wound. He got antibiotics, I believe (140$).

Since, it's been a week of strictly indoor activities for him, during which time his appetite has rebounded as has his energy. I was told to keep him indoor for a week, but after 4 days I took him outside to take in the sites, on a leash, while I would read in the front yard. On day 7, he was again released in the wild and last night was his first all-nighter outside.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on June 20, 2010, 10:40:36 am
Oh did I mention? They shaved the area near the wound.

I got me a poodle cat now.  ;D

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/10-06-12-01.jpg)
10-06-12
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on June 20, 2010, 10:46:25 am
On the next day, Bryan & I worked in the back yard. Tache doesn't like the leash, but likes being with his daddies.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/Home%20Pics/2010/10-06-13-01.jpg)
10-06-13
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on June 20, 2010, 05:05:30 pm
awwwww .. get well tache!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on June 21, 2010, 01:08:40 pm

Aww, poor Tache!  He's lucky he has you to take him to the vet and take care of him now, instead of being on his own to deal with an injury like that.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 12:14:27 am
Call it the "scardy cat" gang but there have been developments in the neighbourhood.

First, nobody's seen the "bully" in months - you know - the cat that terrorized the other cats in the neighbourhood, including biting Tache's tale tail (at least) three time in the first 18 months of his life.

There's also been a new, short legged, very wild-furred young cat that's apparently found a home in my back yard. He'd been fed by the 'cat lady" who lives in an appartment building accross the street - says she's been feeding it since it was the size of a rat last summer. She lives in an appartment building which does not make it easy for her to 'take care' of wild cats - she'd been feeding it (and other wild cats) from other people's yards or from the laneway.

Anyways, this fluff-ball of a new cat, I've named it "Poof" - cause it looks like the kind of ball you use instead if a washcloth (Bryan doesn't like it much - calls it - the Troll cat) - is now getting fed from my stoop and sleeping in my garage. He's yet to let me touch him, but I can sometimes get as close as 6 inches from him.

Tache and Poof are constantly playing (mostly Poof appears to follow Tache around, seek Tache's attention) when Tache goes outside. And of course there's "Anthony" - that's the black male cat adopted by the people accross the street. He too is one scardy cat that gets along quite well with Tache.

But I do believe that Tache is the Alpha cat in the Scardy Cat Gang.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 12:32:29 am
Poof had himself (we think it's a male cat) quite an adventure last week. It's been cold (it's winter isn't it?) outside but I've yet to entice him indoors. I put out dry food and water when I find him waiting on the stoop. If I let the water bowl out too long it freezes over - of course.

Anyways, I've been checking Poof out for 20 minutes at a time through the glassed/screen door. I'd even opened up the door some 20 cm (8 inches) but I've never been able to entice him to come inside. He'll look back at me through the screen door - just waiting. And when the door is ajar, he'll check out what Tache is doing indoors.

Sometimes he'll venture in the space between the outside and inside doors, but he'll retreat just as quickly.

Last week he got caught indoors as he came in a little further to check out Tache and I closed the screen door behind him while I fetched his food and water bowl.

He really didn't like it at all.

This nearly legless furball of a cat was jumping two feet off the ground in an impossible attempt at getting out through the window. It only took me about 5 seconds to get his food off the table and return to the door, but I'm sure he'd had himself an adventure to remember in those 5 seconds.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 04, 2011, 12:38:54 am
Awww!  I like these stories of the 'Scardy Cat Gang". :)  And, it sounds like Poof has enough of a crush on Tache that eventually he'll let you keep him indoors (especially if he continues to notice that the indoors is OK with Tache).

Both Tache and Poof sound like lucky cats that you're taking care of them ... especially in the winter.  As a major cat-person myself, I should say that I think you're doing a great job!

When I was growing up I had a cat named Polly ( we adopted her when I was 3 and she died when I was in college)... and, her mother's name was Puff.  Somehow "Poof" made me think of "Puff".  ;D  Cute names for cats.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 12:52:11 am
And last night, things got even friendlier.

While I was away during the Christmas holiday, Bryan spent some time with Tache at my house. Among the things he did was hang one of Tache's ball, the hard plastic one that makes little bell noises, on a string and attached it to the handle of the inside door.

Well last night, I took the leash I'd needlessly bought for Tache last year and teased Poof with it, much like Bryan and I had done with ribbons, and strings and neckties with Tache. Well didn't Poof enjoy himself. After a while Tache wanted in on the action. I locked the door ajar some 20 cm and hung the leash from the inside handle of the screen door. After a while, I also hung the 'ball-on-a-string' from the same door handle and the two cats went at it playing away at catching and releasing the ball-on-a-string for some 20 minutes, Tache indoors and Poof outdoors.

Poof is such a kitten, but then Tache is 2 years old and he enjoyed the proceedings too.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 01:34:54 am
Awww!  I like these stories of the 'Scardy Cat Gang". :)  And, it sounds like Poof has enough of a crush on Tache that eventually he'll let you keep him indoors (especially if he continues to notice that the indoors is OK with Tache).

Well that's the plan awright - however, this thing about keeping the front door ajar for nearly half an hour at a time in freezing temperatures is starting to take it's toll. I'm afraid I might catch me a cold with my behaviour. Plus it's likely to do quite a number on my heating bill.

I'm hoping to get Poof fixed before he get old enough to reproduce and for that he's going to have to trust me. However, I'm beginning to think he likes the status quo - cold, snowy weather and all.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on February 04, 2011, 05:24:20 pm
We need photos of Poof!!! I want to see this troll cat!!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 07:31:58 pm
Kelda, you are so predictable  :D

pictures taken moments ago

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/015.jpg)
11-02-04

Notice the wild, unkempt hair/fur

and the shortness of the legs.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 07:49:29 pm
And then there's this one, licking lips

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/014.jpg)
11-02-04

In between the posting of these two pics, Tache went outside and I rushed to take pictures of them together. Not an easy thing to do - especially with me so close and on the outside, Poof was quite uneasy.

Took a few pics though.

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 04, 2011, 07:53:44 pm
I took a few interesting though not playful pics.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-04-11.jpg)
11-02-04

Notice the shortness of the legs when compared with Tache's.

In this picture, it looks like Tache is taking care of Poof (which I don't doubt is part of their relationship).
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 04, 2011, 10:46:58 pm
Aww, Poof is so cute!!  You manage to find very handsome cats Roland.  He looks like quite a puff-ball and quite a character. ;D  I like the one of him licking his lips. LOL

It's interesting that he and Tache don't fight.  LOL, it's almost like Tache has taken him under his wing and is trying to show him the ropes. ;D
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on February 05, 2011, 06:33:17 am
Kelda, you are so predictable  :D


 ;D

He's cute! Yeah maybe he's still a kitten who needs to grow a bit? And he's not a troll cat - shame on bryan! I think he's cute.. and he looks a lot tamer than i thought he would be.. he'll be jumping up on your lap soon enough!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 06, 2011, 08:44:52 pm
Bryan was here today - took hundreds of rapid-fire photos of Poof playing.

Here's his selection du jour.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-01.jpg)
11-02-06
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 06, 2011, 09:29:47 pm

Awwww!!  I predict that soon enough, you will have two cats. :)  Lucky you!

Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 08, 2011, 06:13:17 am
Even before Bryan showed up with a better camera, Saturday evening I managed to get Poof indoors, first with food ...

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-05-01-1.jpg)
11-02-05
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 08, 2011, 06:21:04 am
... then for fun and games

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-05-03.jpg)
11-02-05
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 08, 2011, 06:25:12 am
But thoughout the proceedings, the door stayed ajar.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-05-02.jpg)
11-02-05

And yes there's about a coupl'a feet of snow out there.
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 08, 2011, 12:44:43 pm

Awww!  So, cute.  I bet Poof will come to like the warmth and lack of snow indoors too!

This is quite a saga going on first with Tache and now with Poof. :)
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on February 08, 2011, 06:30:28 pm
Thats is a great shot!

Bryan was here today - took hundreds of rapid-fire photos of Poof playing.

Here's his selection du jour.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-01.jpg)
11-02-06
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 08, 2011, 06:33:32 pm
^Yeah, it looks like a picture-postcard type of cute-cat photo.  :D
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 11, 2011, 02:04:34 am
Three images, taken by Bryan with his rapid fire camera last Sunday

Tache and Poof at play. Bryan behind the lens, and I, dangling the leash.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-03.jpg)
11-02-06

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-04.jpg)
11-02-06

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-05.jpg)
11-02-06
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 21, 2011, 06:09:42 pm

How are Poof and Tache doing these days?  Any updates?  :)
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Kelda on February 21, 2011, 06:18:23 pm
*mieow*!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 24, 2011, 06:33:45 pm
Well, Poof still won't let me close the front door completely (and it's been a colder than usual winter - and he tends to show up before the sun goes up) - though one time I closed the door, he merely meowed (persistently) until I opened it & wouldn't come back in for a couple of days - and the last time, the door was not quite latched close and he managed to push his way out doors.

But he has let my fingers get close to his face. He's sniffed and licked them as well as grabbed them with his clawy paws.

The other day I watched TV for nearly an hour while Tache was on his living room chair (know in these parts as his throne) and Poof layed down on the carpet in the entrance for (nearly) the entire hour - with the door ajar, of course.

But he won't let me pet him - can't get my hand above him without him backing up.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 24, 2011, 06:53:46 pm
Bryan took a bunch of photos on Sunday This is the best of 'em. Tache received a new toy, courtesy of one of Bryan's neighbour - a catnip ball covered in a handmade knitted octopus.

Please disregard the condition of the carpet.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-21-01.jpg)
11-02-21
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 24, 2011, 06:59:05 pm
And yesterday I took this picture of Tache and Poof at play on Tache's throne. Yes Poof has explored much of the living room - and a little bit of the kitchen (he apparently prefers Tache's food  >:( ).

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-23-01.jpg)
11-02-23

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Front-Ranger on February 24, 2011, 07:34:56 pm
Great photo! How's this for a caption: "Well, this IS the loveseat."

Or this:
"You're sleeping on your feet like a horse!"
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 24, 2011, 07:47:57 pm
"You're sleeping on your feet like a horse!"

OH THAT's a good one - especially from/for a brokie.  :D

Took a few dozen more pictures this morning - with new developments - however, I think I'll post (some of) them only tomorrow.  8)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 24, 2011, 08:13:41 pm

So cute!!!   :D :D :D

It looks like Tache is determined to adopt Poof!

These are great photos. :)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: David In Indy on February 24, 2011, 09:34:45 pm
Bryan took a bunch of photos on Sunday This is the best of 'em. Tache received a new toy, courtesy of one of Bryan's neighbour - a catnip ball covered in a handmade knitted octopus.

Please disregard the condition of the carpet.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-21-01.jpg)
11-02-21


Those are super cute pictures Roland! I especially like the one up above. He's a beautiful cat. Poof is too of course! 8) 8)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 25, 2011, 08:47:24 pm
Poof ain't exactly jumping on my lap yet, but yesterday morning, he was sufficiently entertained by the dangling strap of my camera that he climbed on me - sort of ...

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-01.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 25, 2011, 08:56:05 pm
Here's a picture, highlighting the entertaining ball on a string, dangling from the door handle - as well as Poof pawing my hand.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-04.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 25, 2011, 09:01:15 pm
Another picture of Poof reaching out for my hand, while (sorta) getting on my lap leg

You try and take good pictures from that close up, while one hand is otherwise occupied!  8)

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-03.jpg)
11-02-24

More to come tomorrow as well as new developments later this weekend.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 26, 2011, 12:44:28 am

Roland, you seem to be doing such a good job making Poof feel comfortable, gaining his trust  and letting him adjust to your environment at his own pace.  Pretty soon you're going to be an expert cat trainer!
 :D
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on February 26, 2011, 04:04:09 pm
Bryan took a bunch of photos on Sunday This is the best of 'em. Tache received a new toy, courtesy of one of Bryan's neighbour - a catnip ball covered in a handmade knitted octopus.

Please disregard the condition of the carpet.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-21-01.jpg)
11-02-21

cute!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on February 26, 2011, 04:04:26 pm
Great photo! How's this for a caption: "Well, this IS the loveseat."

Or this:
"You're sleeping on your feet like a horse!"


 :laugh:
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on February 26, 2011, 04:05:40 pm
Roland, you seem to be doing such a good job making Poof feel comfortable, gaining his trust  and letting him adjust to your environment at his own pace.  Pretty soon you're going to be an expert cat trainer!
 :D

Id agree - he looks quite comfortable!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 26, 2011, 11:40:43 pm
Poof, enjoying a chew on my sock - his claws (front & back paws) are painfully sharp! (more on THAT tomorrow)

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-02.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 26, 2011, 11:46:49 pm
Getting on me to get to his food (on the left of this picture). I have noticed he often sniffs my slippers - and tonight, he's been hanging around my winter boots.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-06.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 26, 2011, 11:49:09 pm
One more 'getting on me to get to the camera strap' picture.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-05.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 27, 2011, 02:08:14 am
Do you think he likes the warmth of being inside?  

It's interesting that he's so fascinated by cat toys and simple things like th camera strap.  You'd think he'd have plenty of entertainment in his outdoor life.  But, the cat toys seem to be a really draw for him.

Cute as ever!  :)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 27, 2011, 05:13:42 am
Well Poof DOES lay down in front of the entrance's heat vent (last evening it was in front of the living room vent), so yea, I guess the warmth is an attraction.

I don't get that he's overly attracted to cat toys, though yesterday, while all three cats were in the living room (for the better part of 30 minutes), Anthony and Poof were wrestling it up. In between their many bouts, Anthony prefered Tache's old catnip mouse, while Poof discovered the pleasures of a simple foam-like ball. He also spent a bit of quality time with Tache's new octopus toy - in his near 2 hour stay indoors. Tache spent much of his time (when not jousting with Poof) just laying down observing his two buddies at play.

I guess the really good news is that during the 30 minutes of having all three cats in the living room, I was sitting on the floor near the entrance, and I CLOSED the front door!! Only once did Poof try to get outside, and when I reached to open the door, he returned to play - no hissyfit, no crying. During most of the 120 minutes he stayed indoors last night, the main door (as well as the screen door) remained ajar only around 20cm (8 inches).

All this in great contrast with the events that occured two days earlier ...
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on February 27, 2011, 05:43:07 am
Two day earlier, that is to say the day after the last 10 or so pictures were taken, Poof was a bad boy!  >:(

He's often been talked away from Tache's food bowl (I raise my voice or reach out to block his path). But on this occasion (Feb 25), I actually had to grabbed him (for about 2 seconds) - he wasn't responding to my usual blocks - and he squirmed and clawed his way out of my hands, landing in such a way that scattered the contents of Tache's food bowl for meters around, and also spilled a good part of the water bowl. Left me with a bleeding 3 inch scratch on my arm too.

Tough love. But there has to be boundaries. And he has come back. and keeps coming back. I've even touched with fingertips, though not really petted, his back.

Between these two posts, Tache asked to go outside and within seconds, there was Poof waiting to come in and eat. I kept both doors 20cm ajar, removed Tache's food and came back to type this second post, occasionally getting up to verify that indeed, Poof is comfortably taking advantage of the warmth of the heat vent or laying down in the living room near Tache's throne.

Oh! and BTW, again this morning (first time I saw this was last night) Poof has been using the indoor sand box. Too much information?

This is a long ongoing process.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on February 27, 2011, 09:21:50 am
It is.. ! But sounds like youre in the process of adopting a new kitty cat!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on February 27, 2011, 04:10:24 pm
These posts are really interesting.  It really is like hearing about the process of taming Poof. 

It's quite interesting that he knows about indoor kitty litter boxes.  Do you think he might have once had an owner before?  Or do you think he's always been a wild cat?  I wonder how he learned about litter boxes?  I've heard that it's often the mother cat who is the most important factor in any cat really learning about what a litter box is for.

Tell us more about the third cat... You mentioned that you had 3 cats in your house at one point?  Your house must be very popular with the neighborhood cats!  ;D
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 03, 2011, 04:13:03 pm
Or do you think he's always been a wild cat?  I wonder how he learned about litter boxes?  I've heard that it's often the mother cat who is the most important factor in any cat really learning about what a litter box is for.

I was told that Poof has been fed outdoors by the 'cat lady' since he was no bigger than a rat, so no, I don't think he got much mothering - or indoor tutoring.

Tell us more about the third cat... You mentioned that you had 3 cats in your house at one point?  Your house must be very popular with the neighborhood cats!  ;D

Well the neighbours across the street have three cats ... an older furry cat and two all-black cats of Tache's size, shape and, I believe, age. I think the two black cats, Cleopatra and Anthony, are from the same litter as Tache, though my cat, in addition to being bi-coloured, has tabby markings on his tail. Cleopatra's the dominant cat - one might say bossy - and even mean. Anthony, on the other hand, is downright skiddish, as opposed to Tache who would let anyone in the neighbourhood pet him and even pick him up, even before he became my cat. Anthony is the one who plays with Tache and Poof and has explored and played inside my house.

All this makes Poof even more of an enigma - since he's not letting anyone get close enough to touch him (me, being the exception - I have recently been able to touch his back when he's hungrily eating and to rub him behind his jaw).
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 03, 2011, 04:14:48 pm
a couple more pics from that shoot, some 10 days ago ... of Tache and Poof at play.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-07.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 03, 2011, 04:15:47 pm
(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-24-08.jpg)
11-02-24
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on March 03, 2011, 06:52:52 pm
I love how cats do that bite each other thing!
Title: Re: Tache tales
Post by: Penthesilea on March 04, 2011, 02:09:40 am
Bryan was here today - took hundreds of rapid-fire photos of Poof playing.

Here's his selection du jour.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g14/roboy-0/2011/2011%20cat%20pics/11-02-06-01.jpg)
11-02-06


Somehow I overlooked this one until now. What a great shot.

Tache and Poof are very cute together. I like Poof's black feet. My cat has the same and I sometimes call him little blackfoot.

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 11, 2011, 06:29:11 am
I get to pet Poof now. When I approach him the right way, that is.

I have to offer up my open hand and he might sniff, or lick, or paw my fingers and then I might be allowed to rub under his chin or on his chest. He still edges back when my hand approaches, standing on his hind legs. Never two hands though ... that would be too threatening.

I have touched him on the side of the body with an unmoving hand while he squeezes by on his way to his food. And I have even semi-petted him on the back while he was eating ... when he's been really hungry.

He's observed my relationship with Tache, where I can pet him anytime, or pick him up. I've even raised my voice with Tache when I thought he was playing too roughly - with Anthony.

In the past 48 hours a LOT of progress has been achieved, I think. Petted his back repeatedly or rubbed his head. And he's liked it. His purring is louder.

Yesterday I took my courage in hand and actually picked him up! And petted him on the head and on the back with my other hand. Not for long. mind you - just a few seconds - but he let me! Did it again this morning - though he didn't like being placed on my lap.

And the front door still needs to remain ajar, even if only 10 cm.

Baby steps - still
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on March 11, 2011, 04:20:12 pm
purring is a good sign..
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on March 12, 2011, 02:00:07 pm

Yes, sounds like lots of good progress!  :D

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 18, 2011, 04:36:13 am
It's been warmer lately - above freezing - even reaching 15c (59f) yesterday, so it's not surprising that Tache has been asking to go out and spend the night outside. He did so on Tuesday (15 March) and Wednesday (16) nights.

When he didn't show up for breakfast with Poof at 4 AM on Thursday as would normally be the case I didn't worry. By 7 AM, I was out there calling his name every two hours. Still no Tache. By 11 I went out in the 500 metre (500 yard) radius of the house calling out his name.

Nothing.

He didn't show up at 4 PM either, when Poof came in for supper. Bryan started worrying seriously by then too. At 8 PM, I had mentioned this anomaly to a few of my neighbours who thought me stoic in thinking 'that's the life of an outdoor cat' and 'I might never find out what happened to him'.

I played a bit more than usual with Poof (he lets me pick him up now) when he showed up again at 10 PM, still without Tache, who had never been away for more than 6 or 7 hours at a time, always coming in for a nibble, since he came into my life nearly 2 years ago.

Didn't sleep well when I went to bed around 11:15 PM, so I got up 90 minutes later.

Just before 3:00 this morning, I again hear the jingle ball hanging on the outside door handle. (Both Tache & Poof have learned that I hear & respond to that sound.) It had been windy during the night, it could have been a false alarm.

But there he was, accompanied by Poof. Tache came in, went strait for his food bowl (well actually, his bowl wasn't THERE, but it came down off the fridge right away). He ate a bit, checked out the house quickly and went back outside for another hour. This time, when he came in he wasn't with Poof, so I closed the door behind him and he's spending the rest of the night indoors.

I'm going to bed now (it's 4:35 AM here), but I expect Bryan will be calling for an update within the next couple of hours.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on March 18, 2011, 09:42:44 pm

Aww, wow, what a scare!  I'm glad Tache came home!  I can't imagine how much I'd worry if my cat disappeared (obviously she's an indoor cat, so it's unlikely... but, it's still really difficult to imagine).

Does Tache have a collar at this point... with your address or phone number?
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on March 19, 2011, 03:46:25 am
Aww, wow, what a scare!  I'm glad Tache came home!  I can't imagine how much I'd worry if my cat disappeared (obviously she's an indoor cat, so it's unlikely... but, it's still really difficult to imagine).

Does Tache have a collar at this point... with your address or phone number?

No, but he IS microchipped.

As for what Andrew (my neighbour, daddy to Anthony) had said that morning 'That's the life of an outdoor cat', apparently he meant (as he expanded after Tache's return) that his first cat would occasionally stay away for as many as two days at a time. I guess this means I worried for nothing.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on March 20, 2011, 11:19:01 am
I hate it when Skimble does something like that.. Im always pacing the floor until he returns...
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 04, 2011, 10:33:56 pm

How are things going with Tache and Poof?  And updates to report?

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Penthesilea on April 06, 2011, 12:47:59 am
Just before 3:00 this morning, I again hear the jingle ball hanging on the outside door handle. (Both Tache & Poof have learned that I hear & respond to that sound.) It had been windy during the night, it could have been a false alarm.

But there he was, accompanied by Poof. Tache came in, went strait for his food bowl (well actually, his bowl wasn't THERE, but it came down off the fridge right away). He ate a bit, checked out the house quickly and went back outside for another hour. This time, when he came in he wasn't with Poof, so I closed the door behind him and he's spending the rest of the night indoors.

I'm going to bed now (it's 4:35 AM here), but I expect Bryan will be calling for an update within the next couple of hours.


Just reading this now. *phew*, what a scare. I can so emphasize. Everybody with an outdoor cat probably can. My kitty was late for breakfast only for two hours the other day, and I was completely worried.

Happy to hear that Tache came back soon, even though a whole day is a lot of time to worry, poor Roland, and that Poof is getting more and more comfortable. You're a great cat-daddy. :)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on April 06, 2011, 05:01:11 am
Poof update ... ... ...

Poof is likely to remain an outdoor cat.

And it's probably a female cat (though I still have trouble using the right pronoun).

Though she does come in for most meals, and she EXPECTS to be petted and even get picked up before she eats, she hasn't really ventured very far into the house - the living room being the one exception.

She use to spend as many as two hours indoors with the door ajar, playing with Tache and sometimes Anthony. She rarely does that now that the temperatures are (mostly) above freezing outside. Yesterday was more of an exception ... when she spent hours (3 or 4?) indoors with Tache and I just forget about them, as I was busy at the other end of the house, playing on my computer. Normally she'll meow quite loudly (and insistently if I don't respond immediately), however the intensity is abating of late, though she is still, and will probably will always remain an impatient cat.

Oh I forgot to mention ... the door now gets closed immediately after she enters. She accepts that now. (YEAA!!! big progress)

Guess the next step is taking her to the vet, though I still don't see how she's going to want to trust me after I cage her up for that first trip (let alone getting her back home afterwards). It's going to be some loud (meowing) and mean (scratching wise) trip.

But that's later ...

I'll be away for 4 days over the coming weekend and Bryan will be taking over the cat care duties. Poof doesn't come into the house when he's visiting so I guess she'll be fed outside during my absence. That's the next hurdle, for her.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on April 06, 2011, 05:19:02 am
During the near 30 minutes that it took to write (and correct) the previous post, Poof has been alone with me indoors, she near the door, lying on the rug, me at the computer. Tache was outside.

She's been quiet (a first), though I did go check up on her a couple of times.

Of course I wasn't able to finish THIS post without her demanding to go outside ...  ::) though her meows were quite a few decible lower than her usual.

Baby steps, still.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 06, 2011, 03:47:35 pm

That does sound like good progress if you're able to close the door.  I'm sure it's more comfortable for you!  And, it's nice that she is now comfortable with you petting her and holding her.   How did you figure out that Poof is a girl?
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on April 06, 2011, 06:33:35 pm
How did you figure out that Poof is a girl?

It was suggested that I should feel her up.

No balls!  ;D
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on April 07, 2011, 04:51:53 pm
It was suggested that I should feel her up.

No balls!  ;D

 :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 07, 2011, 05:01:21 pm

LOL.  :laugh:

With kittens I think you can tell visually pretty easily by what their butts look like.  ;D
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on April 27, 2011, 10:50:15 am
Well, the doctor says it's a boy! And he's already been neutered!!  :o

But as usual I'm getting ahead of myself.

Poof has been getting quickly acclimatized to being inside the house, but he's still not exploring much. He's been more comfortable with my picking him up but only when in the house; outside the closest I could get to him was 20cm (8 inches). As with Tache, Poof has gotten use to the carrying case by eating his meals in there. I thought he was ready for his 'first' trip to the vet. The neighbours had offered to drive me there, even though, to my surprise, the doctor doesn't make appointments before 9:30.

Poof is usually out of the house before sunrise and rarely comes back in until sundown, so this 9:30 appointment was going to be a problem - or so I thought. This morning, Tache wanted out at 3:30 and Poof came in soon thereafter. I wasn't going to keep him inside the house for six hours, so, within 30 minutes, he wanted out, and I trusted providence that he would come back in on his own. And he did ... around 6:30. I then had to keep him distracted for over 2 hours - and it worked out much better than I had expected. Whenever he started meowing, I sternly told him NO. There was a lot of petting, playing, play-fighting with Tache and just laying around while I watched TV in his linesight (as he rarely ventures far from the front door).
There were two occasions where he went on the window ledge and tried to leap onto the tree outside only to fall to the ground (indoors of course, as the window is not just a clear veil). 8:45 arrived, Bryan made his usual morning call and a few minutes later, Chris (the neighbour) call to say he'd be ready in few minutes. Poof went into the carrying crate without a hitch but then was quite the cat-in-a-cage, moving constantly and meowing a lot until the car started moving. Then he calmed down. Even at the Animal Hospital Poof remained calm. I had a bit of difficulty holding him while he got weighed in (6 pounds) and again when the doctor first approached him, but otherwise he was quite the tame cat. He stayed quietly in my arms for a long time while we (Chris & I) talked with the doctor. Nurse had no trouble at all when she took him to the other room (and back) to get him micro chipped and get some blood samples. Mostly quiet on the ride home too!.

Amazingly well behaved trip all around. A much better experience than what I had expected.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on April 27, 2011, 04:53:26 pm

Wow! Great job Roland.  Sounds like he must have once been in a shelter or someone's pet if he had already been neutered.

Sounds like he's fully a part of your family now!  :D
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on April 27, 2011, 06:05:08 pm
yay!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 07, 2011, 06:49:02 am
Tache is getting heavy and he may very well be asserting himself in the neighbourhood.

He's weighing in at at least 12 pounds (not sure how much but he's heavier than he was last year - 10 pounds) as he's quite a bit heavier than similar sized neighbourhood cats. I've picked up Antony and Yoki (Chris' smaller cat) and even though they look to be about the same size, they only weigh about 8 pounds each. And Poof looks smaller and weighs in at a mere 6 pounds.

And though he continues to be everyone's favourite (all the neignbours love Tache) I'm concerned that he might be filling in the vacuum left by the absent 'neighbourhood bully'. Chris admits that 'Tache isn't very big but he's all muscle'. I've seen him (Tache) climb a telephone pole this past week, going up like a human tree climber, using deliberate moves requiring great strenght to practically reach the wires (al least 12 feet above ground).

He's normally very gentle with his friends Poof and Anthony but I've recently seen him chase Anthony away and, on another occasion, an unidentified cat - that one was definitively not a friendy chase.

Maybe it's just my negative mood of late, cause I'm also developping some negative vibes towards Poof as well.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 07, 2011, 07:00:12 am
Quick anecdote before I get back to my attitude toward Poof.

A couple of days ago, while I was working at cleaning out a flower bed in the front yard, both Tache and Poof had perched themselves on the only two patio chairs. Neither one of them had even shown interest in those chairs previously.

Last night, when I mentioned this to Brian, he commented that it sounded like echos of 'Animal Farm'. I responded by saying that they weren't sitting up with their hind legs dangling while sipping on sodas held in their front paws. (OK, so I'm embellishing a little - sue me!)

Must be 35 years since I last read George Orwell.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 07, 2011, 07:26:10 am
I'm getting to hate Poof's meows!

A couple of days ago he was suppose to go for a second visit to the vet to get his shots (bloodwork resuts came in all negative - he's healthy).

For the very first time, the night before (Wednesday night) I went to bed with him still in the house - it had almost happened on Tuesday too. At 2 in the morning he wanted out. And his meow, meow, meow meow, meow ... never let up until he got what he wanted. He came back in at 4 AM, as he often does, but didn't stay long.

My problem at this point is that I have to make sure he's in the house in order to get him to his 9:30 appointment. Within ten minutes, his persistent meowing started up again. I let him out again, like I had two weeks earlier hoping that providence would intervene and have him return - and he did, at around 6:30.

Within 15 minutes he was back at it, meowing his head off - not loudly, but without respite. I tried the 'NO' thing - didn't work this time. I tried to distract him with petting, brushing and playing with a ribon and the dangling string of wool - again, the result were short term at best. He wanted out.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow ...

I couldn't handle it. I let him out yet again - and he didn't come back in until suppertime.

I even went out around 9 and called out to him, gently approached him, first to the back of the house, then into the neighbour's very cluttered back yard, up their driveway, around the front of my house ... and never got closer than 15 feet of him.

Needless to say, I had to cancel and make a new appointment for Monday.

I'm getting to hate Poof's meow. It's so much more irritating than Tache's near muteness. Maybe Poof is the norm and Tache is the unusual one. But I'm spoiled now and having trouble accepting Poof's individuality.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Penthesilea on May 07, 2011, 08:06:01 am
Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow ...

I couldn't handle it. I let him out yet again - and he didn't come back in until suppertime.

I even went out around 9 and called out to him, gently approached him, first to the back of the house, then into the neighbour's very cluttered back yard, up their driveway, around the front of my house ... and never got closer than 15 feet of him.

Needless to say, I had to cancel and make a new appointment for Monday.

I'm getting to hate Poof's meow. It's so much more irritating than Tache's near muteness. Maybe Poof is the norm and Tache is the unusual one. But I'm spoiled now and having trouble accepting Poof's individuality.



Two words: cat flap!

Ok, this doesn't help when you have to keep him inside for a vet appointment - but how many days in the year are that? Just one when you're lucky.

Other than those few days, a cat flap is THE THING you really, really need when you have a cat, let alone two. Cats are big opportunists, things which are to their advantage, they learn quickly. They'll figure it out, especially with the help of some treats in the beginning. One human on the inside, keeping the flap open, a second human on the outside, luring with some salmon morsels.

My Cäsar is also very communicative with his meows (to put it nicely :laugh:), I'd go crazy without the cat flap.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on May 07, 2011, 01:31:55 pm
Yep cat flap is brilliant for Skimble - it has caused 2 problems today but they are outweighed by the fact he can get i and out himself.

Problem no 1..

Today I spent five minutes chasing the cat ALL around the house while he had a live baby bird in his mouth.. then a further five minutes chasing the bird as it flew around trying to get out of the house!

Problem no 2...

He has taken to if he wants fed or attention.. pawing at the catflap so it flaps back and forward noisly. As soon as I go through he heads to the cupboard where the wet food is kept and mieows...!

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on May 07, 2011, 01:42:40 pm
Cat flaps don't work when your dealing with double doors (the main door and the screen door). I can't do without the screen door. They don't really do much for insulation but are invaluable when dealing with summer mosquitoes. I like to keep the front door open in good weather. Also, just how well insulated are those flaps anyways?

But thanks for your imput.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Penthesilea on May 07, 2011, 02:47:57 pm
Cat flaps don't work when your dealing with double doors (the main door and the screen door). I can't do without the screen door. They don't really do much for insulation but are invaluable when dealing with summer mosquitoes. I like to keep the front door open in good weather. Also, just how well insulated are those flaps anyways?

But thanks for your imput.


We don't have the cat flap through the door, but through the wall. Of course, this is only possible if it's your own house.
Insulation? It is magnetic, so it shuts pretty tightly when closed. Still, there is a draft in winter, but in the big scheme of things, it isn't too bad. Especially when compared to leaving the whole door ajar, like you did for Poof last winter.

Since our outward walls are about 45cm thick, there is a whole tunnel for the cat with the cat flap at the inner end. We could put a second cat flap at the outer end for insulation, but don't think it's necessary.

Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Penthesilea on May 07, 2011, 02:56:17 pm
Here's a pic of our cat tunnel:

(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/12f9435e.jpg)


I checked with Google: there are cat flaps especially for screen doors. Might be a bit trickier to teach them to go through two cat flaps at once, since there's not much room between a regular door and screen door. Maybe teach them with one cat flap and only one closed door at the beginning, then add the second door/flap after step one is mastered.

Or go for the wall instead, if it's your own house. :)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Penthesilea on May 07, 2011, 03:10:36 pm
Yep cat flap is brilliant for Skimble - it has caused 2 problems today but they are outweighed by the fact he can get i and out himself.

Problem no 1..

Today I spent five minutes chasing the cat ALL around the house while he had a live baby bird in his mouth.. then a further five minutes chasing the bird as it flew around trying to get out of the house!


Don't I know about it! :laugh:
Cäsar hasn't done it yet (thankfully), but our first cat did a few times.
And one morning, in summer, hubby left the bedroom, barefoot, and was this short || of stepping into the remains of a dead rat. :o
A lovely present that Bonnie had delivered right at our bedroom door. ::)




Quote
Problem no 2...

He has taken to if he wants fed or attention.. pawing at the catflap so it flaps back and forward noisly. As soon as I go through he heads to the cupboard where the wet food is kept and mieows...!


They know how to get our attention, don't they? If it's not the cat flap, it's a kitchen cabinet door (ask Amanda), or kicking noisy toys around on wooden floors, or whatever cat can think of. You gotta love them. Beasts! >:( ;) :)
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on August 14, 2011, 01:14:29 pm
 :) any news about the cats? It's been a while since we've had an update. Hope all is well.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on August 14, 2011, 11:22:49 pm
All is well. Not much happening, really.

Poof as become a rather needy tactile cat, but still with a mind of his own --- he'll still expect to go outside as soon as he decides he wants out.

He loves being rubbed on the stomach while I hold him like a baby in my arms. Also, rubbing under his chin is primo satisfaction for him. I've taken to sitting outside on the stoop before going to bed and spending some 20 minutes of quality time with him. Whenever I go outside in the yard, he usually finds me and either plays with the hose (when I water the garden) or lays downbeneath my chair when I go out to read.

He's a great lover of play fighting with either Tache or Anthony - and he virtually always 'fights' on his back. Today he stalked a Monarch butterfly, before jumping quite high trying to catch him. He's also been observed stalking moths and bees.

He really doesn't get around much in the house, keeping only to the kitchen and the living room.

His long hair has been a major 'pain' this summer as it's been collecting nearly a hundred seeds every day. Takes a long time to remove them while he's eating - the only time he's distracted enough to let me do so.

Tache has been a good friend to Poof. He chases (and gets chased), enjoys a good stalking of Poof or Anthony, and doesn't get bossy (Poof does) with regards to sharing his food. He also still follows me around the neighbourhood to a much greater extent than Poof does.

He went some three months without needing to be on my lap but recently he's returned to that habit - while I'm on the computer.

He's about 11 pounds - all muscle - so he climbs telephone poles (for fun?) much more frequently than the tinyer (6 pounds) Poof.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Kelda on August 15, 2011, 04:24:35 pm
What is it about cats wanting to get on your lap when you are on the computer?!

Skimble tries to sit on my lap when I'm on the laptop in the 4 inches of space between my tummy and the laptop! He's a huge cat so he certainly doesn't fit!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on August 16, 2011, 07:14:35 pm
 :) Nice to hear that all is well with your feline friends!

Vivien hates when I'm on the computer... It makes me feel so guilty when I'm on the computer. She actually refuses to sit on my lap when I use the computer. Instead she'll sit on the floor and glare at me. LOL!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on January 07, 2012, 07:12:27 am
Update time - and most of it, if not all is about Poof.

First, Bryan has identified his breed.

He's a Maine Coon Cat. And though they say there ain't no such thing as purebred coon cat, Poof is Sooo much like one.They say that he's suppose to take 4 years to grow to one of the largest size for cats - my vet told me he looked small for his age  :o -  I guess so! if Poof is suppose to take 4 fuckin' years to reach his maximum weight. His tail IS long and heavily furred and he (his body, not just his tail) does resemble a raccoon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Coon

"The length is shorter on the head and shoulders, and longer on the stomach and flanks with some cats having a lion-like ruff around their neck." - YES! I though that the Maine in his breed name refered to what the lion wears around his head (but it actually refers to the supposed origin of the breed - the U.S. state).

"Their dense water-resistant fur is longer and shaggier on their underside and rear ..." - YES!

" Long tufts of fur growing between their toes help keep the toes warm and further aid walking on snow ..." - Yes!

"Heavily furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside help keep their ears warm." - Yup!

"Maine Coons are known as the "gentle giants" and possess above-average intelligence, making them relatively easy to train. They are known for being loyal to their family and cautious—but not mean—around strangers, but are independent and not clingy." - 'Gentle giant' - we'll see - in 3 years. 'Above average intelligence' - wouldn't surprise me, after all, he is bossy. 'Cautious' - for sure. Took me long enough to get him to let me close the door. 'Independent, not clingy' - they sure do know Poof!!

"Maine Coons are also well known for yowling, chattering, chirping, "talking" (especially "talking back" to their owners), and making other loud vocalizations." I think anyone who's read this thread will agree whole heartily with THAT statement!
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on January 07, 2012, 07:36:51 am
In the news - during the month of December, I had a (single) housefly - and Poof caught it!  :o

In the garage, Bryan found a squirrell tail attached to about 4 inches of skin and a small skull - again we suspect Poof.

I was away for a week at Christmas (Bryan did the house sitting thing) and when I got home, both cats were waiting outside - and as I approached - they fled! They took a whole day to get use to me being around again! That Bryan sure knows how to spoil those cats.

I had a look at the photos I took a year ago - and I must say, Poof looks skinny in those. With his winter coat on, he looks bigger than Tache, but Poof still weighs less.

Poof is still not exploring the whole house. He's been sighted watering up in the washroom and Tache is taking advantage of this. See, Tache doesn't want to play as ofter as Poof does, so when he requires quiet time, Tache will hide in one of the many closets, or better yet, hide downstairs. I think sometimes Poof only come inside the house to play with Tache. And Tache is definitively repeating last winter's rhythms, of spending more time indoors and requiring more lap time. Poof, finds quiet outdoors (I know of at least two favourite spots) and doesn't much like coming on my lap - just like they say a Maine Coon cat is suppose to do. But he still loves (and purrs quite loudly when he) gets petted or brushed.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Sheriff Roland on January 07, 2012, 12:02:48 pm
In older news ...

Poof now can spend the night indoors. One of the first time he did this (and it feels like I already related this story, but I can't find it posted), I didn't respond to his incessant meows and they stopped eventually. In the morning, after letting the cats out, I discovered a rather nasty diaretic poo on a reorganized white rug in the washroom. Tache had previously often used the sandbox so naturally I suspected Poof of the dirty deed. It (the sandbox, had been relegated to the basement for the summer) was immediately brought back upstairs and, when Poof made a new appearance indoors, I introduced him again to the sandbox. He just lay down in it, like he always laid down on dirt, preferably loose dirt in the flowerbeds outside. You can be sure I don't let him meow till he poos anymore.

Poof has even recently been left alone inside for as long as an hour. I might even have left him indoors alone with Tache when I've gone for pool night (about 5 hours) - maybe not.

Another story that I feel probably finds me repeating myself is how Poof is taking over as alpha cat in the house. If Tache is on the thrown (the corner chair), Poof will come and bully Tache off of it by laying in nearly the same space. Of course, a lot of it has to do with, I now believe through repeated observations of interactions, Poof wanting to cuddle up beside Tache (he is after all a tactile baby), and Tache being an older (I want my own space) gentle bigger brother. Tache won't fight for the space, he'll just go and lay down somewhere else. They still lick each other, and playfight. nd I have seen them both stretched out on that chair, but more often than not, one is on the thrown (not always Poof), and the other on the floor. I recently saw them facing each other in their comfy lay day position, gradually falling asleep. Another kodac moment lost in time.

Tache prefers the salty liquids of the tuna can, Poof the meaty parts, so they each get (in seperate bowls) this special treat three of every four days. (that's how long I make one can of tuna stretch - after all, it ain't a treat if you get it everyday, is it?) And they each get their regular dry food bown in seperate parts of the kitchen - all they can eat.
Title: Re: Tache (and Poof) tales
Post by: Brown Eyes on June 30, 2013, 11:52:33 pm
Any updates on the kitties??!!