Tag: cat

Cats and more cats – I had no idea!

On By mikeykjrIn Kitty LogLeave a comment

So it’s been two months since I adopted two new cats – Big Boy(M) and Little One(F). I came home this morning to find four new additions to the family. I’m now a Grandpa full of joy, yet at the same time full of the unknown.

History

I adopted two cats back in January. The story told to me was these to cats were left behind after a elderly woman was put in long term facility. They were found in the basement and taken by a neighbor but the neighbor had issues needing someone else to take care of them. So I jumped at the request.

Absolutely nothing was none about these cats. No names, no history, only there physical appearance. The male being a ‘Ginger’ or ‘Orange Tabby”. The female is a Calico with brown, white and orange patches. When I got them, I simply called the orange, Big Boy and the other calico, Little One.

They got along fine. While it took a while, both began to understand my unusual schedule of working overnights (graveyard). I fed each one a ‘nice portion’ of dry cat food because I didn’t know how long or to what extent in the past they had been fed. I noticed Little One(f) getting quite large in the stomach, thus I cut down their food.

I didn’t know if they were spayed or neutered. I have two vets in the area, one not accepting ‘new patients’ and the other would but my first appointment was scheduled at the end of May. Thus, if something happened, I had not choice but to deal with it. Some unusual behavior began to take place the last week. I knew what the consequences would be in about three months time.

Jump to Today

So this morning, March 4, 2024, I came home to a regular routine. Big Boy and Little One at the front door when I opened it. Little One was rubbing all against my legs almost tripping me several times. Odd but didn’t think anything more about it. Big Boy was distant – didn’t know why.

Cats got feed (with Little One still trying to trip me the whole way), kitty litter cleaned, water replenished. There is a cat bed that neither cat has used since they arrived to the right of my arm chair in my family room. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a sock…odd. But when I looked down….two newly born kittens!

I had only one cat in the past, not two and not a male and female together. I was kind of freaking out. Alright, I have two kittens and I don’t know what to do… My sister who I haven’t talked to since Christmas gave some advice. Another Facebook friend gave the same advice. So I went with it. Mom will take care of her kids, I need to monitor them and Dad.

Then I called the vet I had scheduled an appointment in May. While I was on hold, I see that sock. I removed it only find ANOTHER kitten. So I started a search in the immediate area. I found yet ANOTHER kitten wrapped in my curtain to my window. So we now have two black kittens and two orange kittens just recently born hours ago!

I can go on and on and I won’t…but I do have a bunch of pictures. Once I find out how to upload them and put ’em in an album. I’m post the link.

Gods….they are so adorable. I went to sleep at 12pm est and woke up at 6pm est. I had taken Mom and the kids into my bedroom and shut the door so Dad won’t distract us. I woke up a couple of times to the little little ones cute meows for Mom. Mom even came up to me in the middle of my sleep and licked my face, not once but on two separate occasions. She has rarely been on my bed since I got her. The whole ordeal is so adorable.

Lastly, I am not ignoring Big Boy(m). How can I? He’s never been wanting so much affection until now. Rubs on the tummy, rolling around…he seems to be so excited! He has sniffed the newborns on occasion but I’m trying to keep a close watch when Mom is not around. Little One (mom) gives him a really mean stare when he comes around and Big Boy just moves on his way. In the last four hours since I have been awake, I haven’t had any issues. Mom is taking good care of the kids and Dad is keeping his distance.

Now to figure out that photo album….

Thanks for listening….

You may not depart to your regularly scheduled news hour…..

My Special Two (Cats Update)

On By mikeykjrIn Kitty LogLeave a comment

It seems like I had my two children (cats) all my life as our lives begin to normalize. Still have ups and downs every once in a while. As we observe each other, we begin to learn our different personalities. This decision will be on the top of my best of all time.

It hasn’t even been two weeks yet the kids and I are down to a regular schedule. Despite my inconsistent work schedule (part-time) and working during the night (overnight/third/graveyard shift) we have adjusted quite well. They know my routine expecting certain things are certain times (i.e. ‘Yum Yums’ or food when I wake up and when I come home from work). I also know what to expect of them. For instance, they are full of energy, rowdy and mischievous when they wake up or I come home from work. But after a while they calm down after expelling all the energy. Then its time for one on ones (tummy rubs and lovings). After all is said and done, they do what most cats do – nap.

They have learned the do’s and do not’s in the house very well. But every once and a while, I’ll hear, “Thump…..yelp!….meow”. In my mind, the whole world has ended and I call out, “What did you do now?” Usually I come up to one or both of them sprawled on the ground looking up at me with sad eyes. Yet every now and then (like jumping on the kitchen counter or stove) I still have to use a strong voice with a simple, “No or Down”.

Big Boy is the boss, Little One tends to do much of what Big Boy does. It’s nice to see them get along playing with each other like little children. But when Little One has had enough of Big Boy she let’s him know it. Just a quite swipe of the paw and Big Boy’s running. But Little One still tends to by shy and timid. On the other hand, Big Boy wants everything himself. First food dish down, his or he’s eating the other one while I’m putting the second one down. When I get home from work, I can hardly walk in the front door because I have a giant fluff ball going in and out of my legs. Lately, Big Boy has been sleeping with me, loudly purring and licking my face to announce his presence. There are just so many things between the two of them – they are really do adorable.

When I first saw their pictures posted on Facebook my impulsive thinking turned on instead of my taking a breath and really thinking about this decision. But once I typed a response, I accepted what the future consequences were going to be. But in the end, my happiness in life has grown exponentially since they have come into my life. A co-worker brought a smile to my face saying, “Something has changed. You look more happy now. It’s the kids, isn’t it!” I am, 150%.

RIP Heart

On By mikeykjrIn Personal7 Comments

 

heart_20170709
RIP Heart 1998 – 2017

 

I had known Heart for almost ten years before I began to take care of her. Her owner, my ex-sponsor, said he couldn’t care for both his cats anymore. I was in the process of moving, so I told my ex-sponsor I would take Heart with me. I moved Heart to my house in July 2017.

It was a difficult decision because she would be taken away from her sister, Sassy. It was also a long drive to my home. Lastly, my work schedule is so erratic I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to spend a lot of time with her. Despite these difficulties, I took her home and shared the last months of her life.

She was supposedly 19 years old, according to my ex-sponsor. Her sister has a range of medical problems in the last year. We thought that Sassy would pass away first, then Heart. Instead, it was the other way around. The bond between them is strong, so we both believe now that Heart has passed, Sassy will deteriorate quickly and pass away too.

In the last month, she gave me a scare. She began not drinking and eating. Then she developed wheezing. People were saying it could be a urinary tract infection while others were telling me it could be a simple cold.  The consensus was to take to a vet.

She was 19 years old, so I chose not to do so. She got better shortly after, so I spent more time with her. I knew that her passing would be soon. She started to not eat and drink four days ago; no matter what I put in front of her, she just walked away. The wheezing returned obstructing her breathing. I knew this was the time.

The previous episode I had already given her all my love and comfort. She knew this as she continued to stay by my side until the end. Yesterday, she sat right by her bed, unable to move but would pick up her head to drink some water. It ripped my heart I had to work but I couldn’t stand to watch her pass away. I didn’t know when it would happen, I just knew this was the last day I would see her.

When I got home from work the house was completely silent. She didn’t greet me at the door. I knew what had happened. You can never be prepared.

Even now as I write this the tears continue to flow down my cheeks. I am heartbroken beyond words. The house is silent. Memories, good memories just keep coming up tearing my heart. I can hardly function. I keep rolling back to her picture above, talking to her as if she is here. I miss her deeply. A part of me went with her and forever I will be changed.

The Current State of Affairs

On By mikeykjrIn PersonalLeave a comment

It’s been over a week since my move into my new home. I have been doing nothing but work, work and work some more. Since I’m much closer to work it gives me an opportunity to pick up shifts for some extra needed money. Remember, I moved in with literally nothing. There is a cost for my decision. How things have quickly changed from peaceful and serene to a state of restlessness, irritability, and discontent.

heart_20170709 Sunday of last week I picked up this cutie from my Sponsor. Her name is Heart. She’s 19 years old (supposedly).  “Grandpa” (as I now call my ex-Sponsor) could not care for her anymore. How I quickly forgot the responsibilities of a kid in the house! It cost me nearly $50 to get her all set up in the house. She no longer has to fight with her sister over food and can get all the love in the world from me (if I were home). This picture represents the stare I get in the morning when I’m sitting on the floor, typing on the computer and she wants attention. What am I to do but oblige! She’s irresistible. But she misses her sister dearly, as she howls in the middle of the night but

But at times she can be the devil too!  She misses her sister dearly or me howling in the middle of the night. Thankfully that behavior is diminishing. She also likes to wake me up between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. because she wants to be fed. Yesterday I ignored her, so she began to lick my nose until I woke up! Lastly, anytime I’m awake it’s all about her, “Dad, I want loves …” **purr, purr** . I feel bad for leaving her for so long sometimes.

It’s just “the same shit, different day” at work. Last week, I worked 10 hours overtime. I am also working a total of eleven days straight before I get a day off. I’ve come in early and did a double shift (16 hours) the other day. This is my fault because I told them I was available. Therefore, I’m simply doing as agreed.

frustrationaltanakaI’ve tried, as much as possible, to ignore the whining of my co-workers. But when you have competent residents who start to act like children, it can get overwhelming. I’ve talked to three residents, who others simply ignore, reminding them there are sixty residents in the building and their behaviors are rude, disrespectful and getting quite annoying for someone as old as them. I wasn’t mean nor yelling, I was just stern. It seemed to work in the last 24 hours. On the other hand, I’ve been told by various employees and residents how much they appreciate all the hard work I put in. Some are thinking of going to the Administrator (who I haven’t even met) to let her know of my dedication to the job. I don’t expect anything. I’m there because I like my job, despite the constant obstacles and I truly care about the well-being of my residents, as a CNA should be.

Lastly, I have begun to get to meetings again. It hasn’t been consistent but I’m going.  The meeting I have gone to I’ve made my home group. There isn’t much a choice for a Sponsor, so I’m going to wait until I get to other meetings. My home group is very receptive to my knowledge and experience of the program.

I know things will work out in time; I just need to practice patience. As they say, “God will only put enough on your plate that you can handle if you let Him.” I’ve experienced it, so I truly believe it.