feline updates, since there was a puppy update....

[lagilman]

Living with Boomerang these days puts me in mind of living with a lion cub. A very affectionate, muscular, curious lion cub. Who thinks he's a lap cat. He always thought he was a shoulder cat (one of my earliest photos of him is perched on agamisu's shoulder) but the lap part is new. We have combined treats with exercise, so now he happily chases tossed treats across the apartment, one at a time, while Pandora eats hers in a more ladylike manner.

Somebody clearly forgot to tell him he's a Grown-Up Feline now, and shouldn't be quite so playful.

On the other side, Pandora, while still healthy and affectionate, is feeling the onset of Senior Cat status. She doesn't see or jump quite so well as she used to, and demands more Quiet Time with mom, where Boomer isn't allowed. I'm thinking of building her a Senior Nest, someplace nicely protected, where Boomer can't get to her, but I can still see her and she can see me. Will have to contemplate placement and design....

They both spend half the day ignoring each other, pause to sniff noses or sleep peaceably on the bench in front of my desk, and then chase each other around the apartment, taking turns thwapping and pouncing. So I guess she's not as old as she thinks she is, yet....

Comments

[filamena.livejournal.com]

If you create a senior nest for Pandora (what a sweet idea!) you might consider her joints. I know a lot of cats as they get older have a harder and harder time jumping. (I thought of my sixteen year old cat, and how near the end she couldn't jump at all.)

[lagilman]

yeah, it would be low to the ground. She prefers higher spots (as do I) but as she ages it will be more and more difficult. Unless I build her Pandora-sized stairs....

[corvidophile.livejournal.com]

teehee! it sounds like our nemo (9) and maggie (4). but where nemo is the curmudgeonly old man who sits in the park, threatening to pee on anyone who comes near his chess game. and maggie is the adorable princess who races pell mell across the park to leap headfirst into said chess game with a wide smile.

[javacatz.livejournal.com]

I highly recommend one of these http://www.khmfg.com/catproducts/indoor-cat-products/thermo-kitty-mat (or one of their other variations) for any kitty, young or old. We recently got one for my 16 year old cat who has the beginnings of serous arthritis. She absolutely loves this! Instead of curling in a tight ball to sleep, now she sprawls across the heating pad. When she gets up after a long snooze, she's moves so much better - very little stiffness. As a bonus, she likes the heating pad so much, that sometimes I can actually sit in front of the computer without her in my lap.

[lagilman]

As a bonus, she likes the heating pad so much, that sometimes I can actually sit in front of the computer without her in my lap.

I may have to buy two....

[javacatz.livejournal.com]

I'm getting ready to buy at least one more, maybe two more. These are great. You can leave it plugged in all the time too, they don't use a lot of power. I wish I had found these sooner. Only one cat now, but I seem to be the designated lap (http://www362.pair.com/glencora/photos/laprats.jpg) no matter who else is available. When we had four cats, getting anything done was impossible.

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

We need pictures. More kitty spam!

[lagilman]

They really don't look any different than they did in previous photos... just go look at those again!

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but I like new poses! And new being cute. And Mei didn't look any different to me, but you posted pictures of HER anyway.

[lagilman]

pssht. Your prejudices are showing. :-D

Mei-Chan's going from wee puppy to full-grown dog, so I'm documenting the changes. The felines only get posted if they do something particularly camera-worthy (seriously. How many photos of Pandora curled into her nap can you stand? Don't answer that.)

Besides. The cats have multiple icons. Mei-mei only has one.

[fakefrenchie.livejournal.com]

Harrummp! :-D

[badgermirlacca.livejournal.com]

I have trouble thinking of Pandora as a Senior Cat. How old is she now?

I realized earlier today that Mouse is going to be seventeen this year. She's spent the last few years on my bed--I think she's ventured into the living room here once in almost a year and a half--but on the other hand, she can't be bothered to go hide any more, either.

Drs. Foster and Smith have nifty ramps and such, worth looking into. Also, I highly recommend their Berrier treats--they really do make a difference when a cat gets old and stiff in the joints.

[lagilman]

She's only 11, but I can see a definite change in her over the past year. On the plus side, she's also mellowed a bit in terms of Cranky Wench.

(a friend who knows her and me well says it's a mutual thing. Pbbttthht. But she is my Barometer Kitty, and I have to insist she stick around for at least another 7 years.)