This web site is built upon our real successes (and failures) in knowledge and experiences of caring for the furry members of our family. We are experienced not only in the usual training, grooming, feeding, cleaning, and other day to day activities but also tablets down the throat, injections, and grieving.
So let me introduce the 4 key sources on which we built our knowledge for our website.
Angel
My wife acquired this Russian Blue cross when she was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand. Angel was totally loyal and loving to my wife Suzy. However, every other person referred to that cat as "Satan". She would rub against you and would even allow one or two pats but then the claws came out and if you weren't expecting this … (see articles on "What to do when your cat scratches you?"). Sometimes she would 'toy' with me by sitting on my lap knowing I was uncertain to pat her or just freeze.
Unfortunately, Angel was about 15 when she got cancer and despite our best efforts, lots of cancer treatment, and vet specialists, she gave up and we helped her depart with honor. A very traumatic experience - even I cried.
Roxy
This was my cat through a hand me down. Our next door neighbors moved to a mine site where all pets were prohibited. Roxy was 10 years old at the time and quickly attached herself to me. Probably because we were both frightened of Angel and it was the enemy of my enemy is my friend thing. Learning how to introduce Roxy who was older than Angel (6 at the time) was an interesting experience. We were never successful with them cozying up to each other but there were never any fights, just a lot of hissing as they passed each other on either side of the hallway. Roxy was my loyal cat companion following me from the moment I came home from work till I left again. A true joy.
Roxy was 21 when she had a heart attack and despite a quick trip to the vet emergency hospital, nothing could be done to save her. More tears.
Rosie
After a few years of no cats we obtained Rosie and her daughter Lucy from a pet rescue organisation. Rosie was found under a bridge in a box in the middle of a thunderstorm giving birth to her kittens. All but one kitten remained when we were introduced, so we took them both to join our family.
Rosie is a very quiet cat preferring to lie about in the sun doing nothing all day. She has now become more comfortable and confident with her place in our home, frequently lying down besides us, rolling over on her back, asking for a tummy tickle.
But when there is the distant noise of thunder or visitors she will just disappear.
Lucy
She is the complete opposite of her mother wanting to inspect everything, climb everything, and follow you around like a lost puppy. She has no fear except the front doorbell when she'll run like a rocket into her favorite hiding space in the back room behind the desk. After a while she will welcome our visitors, rubbing against them and jumping up for a pat.
Her best friend is our little white dog Ellie. They play together several times a day.
In addition to our cats, an honorable mentions also goes to our three dogs, Golda, Molly and Ellie, who lived in harmony with our cats.
Golda
Golda was the most beautiful natured Labrador Greyhound cross. She looked like a Labrador but with one Lab ear, one Greyhound ear, and long Greyhound legs. She was always gentle with the cats but always wary of Angel who would often lull her into a false sense of security by cozying up to her, rubbing herself along Golda's side but then occasionally and unexpectedly strike out with a claw. Angel never drew blood or actually scratched Golda. That was just Angel's way of making sure Golda knew who was boss. Unfortunately, Golda passed away with more tears.
Molly
Molly was our beautiful Maltese Shih Tzu cross. She and the cats pretty much ignored each other except in winter when they would often cuddle up in the pet bed. Molly ended up with cancer and she has left us as well.
Ellie
Ellie is a small Maltese West Highland Terrier cross. She was also a rescue pet and has now been with us for 11 years. Ellie recently had major surgery but has recovered very well and continues to actively play and get up to mischief with both Lucy and Rosie.
