Welcome to Rascal's World

Rascal: April 1, 2000 - July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T17:51:00.003-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I write this final post on Welcome to Rascal's World. Rascal was helped across the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon.

This morning Rascal woke me up around 6:30, and asked for breakfast. He'd been hungry a lot lately, though fussy about what he wanted to eat. He ate a big helping of raw chicken breast, and then accompanied me outside while I worked in the garden. He made his usual rounds, and when I went in for breakfast, he came in too. He took a long nap, but when I came in around 1:30 after checking on the chickens and goats, he was lying on the kitchen floor, breathing with great difficulty. I called his dad to let him know what was up, and then made an appointment with the vet.

We had several hours before his appointment, and I spent it with him, talking to him, using all the words he knows, and telling him how much we loved him.

Dr. C said his lungs were filling with fluid and that we did the right thing to bring him in. He would have suffered terribly as his breathing got worse. We were able to ease that suffering, by helping him to the place of no suffering.

Rascal was a trooper. When he was diagnosed with Feline Lymphona in February 2008, we were told that he could probably live another 5 to 6 months with chemotherapy. His remission lasted for 2 years. At that time Dr. C gave him only another month or two, but he survived another 5 months, doing the things he liked to do, and living life as he always had.

Thank you to everyone who's cared about Rascal, visited his blog, left encouraging comments, and indeed, has been a part of his world. I don't need to tell you how much he will be missed.

Good Days Bad Days

2010-06-22T10:54:00.005-05:00

Rascal's mom here. We haven't thought about cat blogging much, but I wanted to give you all an update on Rascal. Here's still with us, having his good days and his bad ones.

On the good days he wants to go out and make his rounds. He knows where the mice and chipmunks hang out, so he can usually be found there.

He knows where the safe and comfy catnap spots are.

And he's ever faithful to accompany me when I go out to the garden, and keep me company while I do various gardening chores.

On bad days he doesn't want to go out, doesn't want to eat, doesn't want to be bothered. On days like that we debate whether or not to take him to see Dr. C. We know that in all likelihood, if we take him, he probably won't come home again. It's hard to be brave enough to face that. His annual check-up is in August and hopefully he can make it for that.

Sometimes we wonder how he keeps going. He's all skin and bones and pretty fussy about food. But as long as his good days outweigh his bad, we'll hang in there with him. We hope that when his time comes, he'll peacefully fall asleep and never wake up. If he does need help to cross the Rainbow Bridge, we just hope we'll know when he's ready.

They're Still Here

2010-06-05T14:49:00.001-05:00

We still have kittens

I still don't like it

Even worse, they're growing

Mom says I should make friends
so I don't have to worry about it.

I say, I want to worry about it.

Oh. They have names now... click here for that.

Invasion

2010-05-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

We've been invaded by the worst thing imaginable....

Kittens

They've taken over my toys.

They've taken over my food.

They've taken over my tuna juice.

They've taken over Mom's lap.

They're in to everything.

The only time they're tolerable is when they're asleep.

I'm grumpy.

That's An Affirmative

2010-05-18T06:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, I think this is Burger Kat,

and yes, I think I can have it my way.

That'll Teach Ya, Mom

2010-05-09T07:48:00.012-05:00

Every Cat has his or her routine and it's up to the humans to respect it. After all, they're the ones with the hands. My routine starts no later than 5:15 AM. I go tell Mom and Dad I want to go out and it's their job to get out of bed and let Me out. Dad does it when he's home, but if he's on the road, it's up to Mom to do it.

At 5:15 this morning I walked into the bedroom and announced to Mom that it was time. She got up dutifully and went to the back door, but I was hungry. I wanted to eat first. I wanted some treats first. I wanted some rubs and scritches first. Then I wanted to go outside. Even a Cat with a routine is allowed to vary it as he pleases, right? Of course right. She gave me the food, but was rather rude about the treats, rubs and scritches. She said it was 5:15 in the morning (So?), and a Sunday morning at that (Double so?), and she was going back to bed! And she did.

We weren't done yet and I told her about it.
She was stubborn.
I complained.
She told Me to Be Quite.
I got louder.
She pulled the covers over her head.
I put it into high gear. After all, I'm not called Demando for nothing.
She threw a pillow at Me.

At that point I left the room and went off to sulk about it, as loudly as I could. That's when I noticed this...

It's the window Mom forgot to close last night. Even better, for some reason the screen was up too, leaving the window completely open and clear. Guess what. I jumped out.

Around 7 AM I could hear Mom getting up. I heard her make her way into the kitchen and turn on the coffee pot. I knew she was puzzled that I didn't present myself immediately. I heard her call my name. Silence. She called again. She started going from room to room calling "Rascal!" Of course I didn't answer and of course she couldn't find Me.

I could almost hear the wheels in her head turning. I could also hear worry in her voice. She probably thought I'd finally succumbed to my Feline Lymphoma and had curled up somewhere to leave my body behind while I crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She was thinking that the 5:15 scenario had been my way of saying good-bye. I knew this would make her feel guilty.

I heard her go into the bedroom to get dressed. I knew she was trying not to panic and would go let the chickens out while she collected herself. I timed it perfectly. As she came out the back door, I nonchalantly walked past the back porch and meowed, "Good Morning." You should have seen the look on her face!

Of course Mom's not dumb and she quickly found the open window and figured it out. If she's mad, she should suck it up and take it like a Cat. To make it up to her I'll spend the rest of the day testing out the new area rug she got for under the dining room table.

It's pretty comfy, actually. Happy Mother's Day.

Did I Mention They Are Boring?

2010-04-29T07:18:00.005-05:00

For some reason, Mom really likes her chickens.
Of course I am obligated to accompany her
when she does her chicken chores.

Personally however, I find them boring.

If you're interested in boring old chickens,
you can see Mom's latest chicken pix at her homestead blog.
Click here, but don't say I didn't warn you. Bor-ing.

Me, I'd rather be hunting.

I've Been Busy

2010-04-19T15:44:00.004-05:00

There's mouses and 'munks to keep an eye on and catch.

Mom's Note: Rascal seems to be doing pretty well on the prednisolone. Some days he's himself, demanding and fussy as ever. Other days he doesn't seem to feel all that well. Some days he'll eat well and put on a few ounces. Other days he's not that interested in eating. About a month ago, Dr. C gave him one to two months. On the days he's doing well it seems like he'll live forever. Other days we worry and pamper. He loves going outside and has been catching shrews, chipmunks, and today a squirrel. We just try to treasure every moment with him, and hope he will prove Dr. C. wrong.

Rascal's Mom

Mom's Up To Something

2010-04-02T08:51:00.003-05:00

I don't like it when Mom gets boxes out. Boxes may be fun for Cats to play in, but boxes also mean packing and moving, and I hate moving.

Mom is taking stuff out of these boxes, so it must be okay.

Still, I need to figure out what she's up to. Any ideas?

Chickens Schmickens

2010-03-26T00:20:00.001-05:00

Mom wants me to show you our chickens.

I don't think so.

After all, this is a Cat blog not a chicken blog. Which means I'm sure you'd much rather watch Me rolling around in the grass on a beautiful day like today.

If it's chickens you want, you'll have to go visit Mom's blog to see them.

A Walk With Rascal

2010-03-20T08:03:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who is praying and purring for me. I have to take a nasty pill twice a day. But that means that I get all the raw chicken, baby food, and Friskies Party Mix treats I want. Plus some mashed cooked chicken liver which is tasty. Mom thinks I've put on a few ounces and I certainly have energy for chasing birds and chipmunks.

Last week, I went with Mom when she took a walk in our woods. She does this "Colors of the Month" photography thing, so when she went for a walk for her Colors of March, I went with her.

We headed out the back field.....

... and into the woods.

I like to come back here to hunt sometimes.

And just to look around.

A quick lick is always in order,
no matter the occasion.

Are you coming, Mom?

I wonder if this tree needs Me to climb it?

We walked all over our woods, but Mom
didn't find much color to photograph.
No matter. I'm a better subject anyway.

We're heading home now.

A few times the sun came out.

This stuff's green all the time.
Mom calls it "evergreens."

I kept a lookout for anything interesting.
No birds or squirrels to report however.
I wonder why.

We looked everywhere but there were no budding trees.

Finally we came out of the woods.

And headed home along the tree
line between the two fields.

To see Mom's Colors of March, click here.
To see everybody elses', click here.

That's it.

My Remssion Is Over

2010-03-13T06:25:00.004-05:00

Mom and Dad couldn't understand why I have been so finicky with my food lately. I can't explain that to them, other than they just aren't offering what I want. They thought I'd lost too much weight and so rushed me to Dr. C, our V-E-T.

First they weighed me and then they tortured me with all sorts of pokes and prods. I put my foot down when he looked in my ears and hissed real good at Dr. C. Unfortunately he wasn't the least bit offended, and kept saying "I know, I know". He told Mom he could feel another tumor deep in my belly and is about 99.9% sure the feline lymphoma is back. Fortunately there was no needle poke, but he explained all the options to Mom, to take home to tell Dad. He did give her a prescription of prednisolone and told her to call after they'd discussed it.

I weigh 10.5 pounds now and Mom says I'm very bony. At the very least the prednisolone (Cat prednisone) will make Me feel better, hopefully boost my appetite, and maybe shrink the tumor some. Dr. C says this could give Me a couple more months. The other route is shots, and pills, and lots of trips in the PTU, and stealing my bloods. That could give Me a year.

Mom and Dad are heartsick, but they don't understand that things are different to a Cat. Most of the time I feel great, I love to go outdoors, and I caught another chipmunk the other day. If I don't feel like it, I just take a nap.

The best part is that Mom gave me a whole piece of raw fish last night. I ate every bite so she says the prednisolone is working already. Plus, I now get to eat all the Party Mix Wild West Crunch treats I want! No more rationing!

Anyway, a trip to the V-E-T is always exhausting. If you don't mind, I'm going to catch a Catnap, right here on Mom's project so I can keep an eye on things.

A Good Thing

2010-03-04T00:22:00.000-05:00

.............. is a snooze in front of the woodstove.

Since When?

2010-02-28T21:25:00.002-05:00

Mom: But Rascal, you've never been a lap cat before!

Rascal: I changed my mind. Besides, the floor is too cold to put my feet on.

I Got Goodies

2010-02-21T09:18:00.004-05:00

Miss Tina sent Me and Mom some Valentine's goodies.

I got catnip, Friskies Party Mix (YUM!), and Fancy Feast Appetizers (double YUM!). Dad gave me the Fancy Feast before Mom could get a picture, but here's Me and my Party Mix!

Thank you Miss Tina!

Chickens

2010-02-09T14:06:00.005-05:00

Mom says we're getting chickens.

I said, I like to eat chicken. She said, they aren't for eating, they're for laying eggs. Then we went out to gather some straw for the chickens to walk on. I helped.

I inspected all around carefully, looking for mouses.

I also made sure they didn't jump into Mom's wheelbarrow. All clear in here.

I've never seen a live chicken before. Do you think they'll like Me?

Wood Pile

2010-02-04T20:43:00.003-05:00

This is our wood pile.

There's chipmunks in there.

It's my job to patrol.

And keep an eye out for them.

But only as long as it amuses me.

Mom's Been Painting

2010-01-29T14:16:00.004-05:00

Mom's been painting the living room and I'm keeping an eye on the furniture.

I'm keeping an eye on her too, though she doesn't know it. She thinks I can't see her because she's on one side of the couch while I'm on the other.

Little does she know that thanks to my Black Cat Spidey Senses, I know everything that goes on around here. Cats are smart that way you know.

This is For Helen

2010-01-25T14:34:00.005-05:00

This blog post is for Helen. She was wondering why I havn't been blogging lately and asked Mom about it. Mom should fess up that she hasn't been letting me blog as I should because she's been too preoccupied. I'm a Cat after all and therefore have many important things to say.

This is what I've been busy doing lately....

Mostly because it's either been too cold or too rainy for a Cat to do much outside. Even so I've been keeping an eye on the brush piles and have caught a mouse. This pleased Mom and Dad tremendously.

Now that Mom is on notice for neglecting my blog, you'll be hearing more from me. Very soon.

Hi Mom

2010-01-11T09:11:00.000-05:00

Purrfect Fit

2010-01-03T14:12:00.000-05:00

What else is there for a Cat do on Sunday?

Bestest Christmas Purresent

2009-12-31T15:16:00.002-05:00

These are the bestest kitty treats ever!

What was your bestest Christmas purresent?

Purry Christmas

2009-12-24T06:50:00.004-05:00

May your tree water be tasty,
May your stocking be full of mousies,
May you have a warm hearth to Catnap by,
And may you have plenty of Nip Nog to toast in the season.

Merry Christmas to my friends in
The Cat Blogosphere
... and beyond

Rascal Is A Helper

2009-12-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

I'm helping Mom get ready for Christmas.

I'm done.

Floor's Cold

2009-12-10T08:26:00.000-05:00

This isn't.

How's winter going at your house?

King of the Hill

2009-11-18T19:08:00.000-05:00

Wanna play?

Rascal Takes A Seat On The Board

2009-11-08T17:15:00.001-05:00

Warm Wednesday

2009-10-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

Rascal's "Adventure"

2009-10-13T09:28:00.007-05:00

Rascal's Mom here. Something happened yesterday that we are wondering might be a clue about what happened to Catzee.

Rascal usually sleeps during the day and then wants to go out at night. We make him come in at bedtime, but he pesters us to go out anywhere between 3:30 and 4:30 am. Yesterday morning was no exception.

When we got up, it was raining pretty hard. I called him, expecting him to come running as he usually does. He doesn't like baths, but he isn't particularly fussy about water either and I've seen him run straight through puddles to get to the house. That time however, he didn't come.

OK. Sometimes he's preoccupied, so after about ten minutes, we called again. Still no Rascal. Rascal's dad took a quick walk around the house and outbuildings in the rain; no Rascal. We pondered a bit, and then Dan put on rain gear and headed out for the woods. He later told me that when he got to the edge of the woods, he heard Rascal, meowing faintly.

It took a few minutes to find him, but Rascal was up in a tree, about roof high, hanging for dear life onto a branch. Dan eventually got him down and carried him home in the rain. He was soaked to the bone, but seemed otherwise uninjured. He's not a tree climber, so the only thing we can figure is that something chased him up the tree.

After breakfast and treats, he gave himself a good long bath and slept all day long, never once asking to go out. We checked him over, and except for walking like he's a little stiff and sore, he's okay. He didn't ask to go out last night (very unusual) and all he's done today is sleep.

We've concluded that whatever it was, was pretty scary. We don't know how long he had been in the tree, but it could have been for several hours in the pouring rain. It was fortunate he was able to get to safety, but now of course we wonder about Catzee. When she first disappeared we both scoured the place for any sign of her remains, but never found a thing. I also watched the sky for vultures, but never saw these either, so we hoped she was still alive.

We're back in the woods fairly often and have never seen any sign of animal life. Several times we've seen deer in our fields, but except for a few abandoned dens in the woods, nothing else. Neither have we seen stray dogs roaming about. The neighbors tell tales of coyotes, but no one has seen one for years.

Catzee disappeared during the day, while Rascal's adventure was at night or in the early dawn hours so it's hard to come to anything conclusive. Whether or not she got disoriented and lost, was picked by someone, or was killed by something, I doubt we'll ever know. However, something is back there and whatever it is needs to be caught.

Wind Powered Kitty

2009-10-08T08:03:00.000-05:00

William noticed the kitty on top of the catnip pole in my last post. Mom had never made a movie with her camera before, so she thought she'd give it a try. Here it is.

What's he doing? Batting at some butterflies.

Mom mail ordered him a long time ago for Dad's Christmas, but she doesn't remember when or where. He's just been a part of our garden for as long as I can remember.

Yard Guard

2009-10-04T00:05:00.001-05:00

Thank You

2009-09-29T18:42:00.006-05:00

Thank you to everykitty and bean who still purrs and prays for Catzee. We have no idea what happened and no idea where she is. I was very worried and insecure for a long time but Mom and Dad reassured Me that no one else will disappear.

I have been doing my best to do all the Cat work around here. I've brought Mom a mouse, a chipmunk, and a squirrel that I've caught. I've lost all the weight I gained while living in the apartment.

Mom and Dad still look for Catzee wherever they go. I've been extra nice to Mom because I know she's sad. I am sad too, but I am a Cat. Cats accept life as it is and go on about their Cat business. And that's what I'm doing.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T00:16:00.000-05:00

Psst. Do we still do Wordless Wednesday, by the by?

There's Something In There

2009-09-18T15:03:00.005-05:00

There's something in there.

I can hear it.

And I can smell it.

Aren't you going to try and help Me Mom?

Sleepy Sunday

2009-09-13T10:16:00.003-05:00

Actually I'm very busy. I'm keeping Mom company while she does her work on the computer. I only look like I'm sleeping.

Waiting Patiently

2009-09-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

See that big brush pile behind the tree and stump?

I know they're in there.

I Wanna Drink

2009-09-02T15:52:00.001-05:00

Mom, you know there's water in there. Why won't you turn it on and give me a drink?

This Should Be Easy

2009-08-19T11:27:00.003-05:00

Where's Rascal?

OK. Here's a harder one. What am I doing?

We're Still Here.....

2009-08-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

.... we're just othewise occupied.

My Catch of the Day

2009-07-18T11:19:00.004-05:00

Catzee's not the only one around here who catches stuff.

My bug.

My Windows

2009-07-15T05:21:00.003-05:00

I've already shown you my favorite thing about our new house. Now I'd like to show you the next best thing, my windows.

Catzee and I have two windows in the dining room we can look out of.

This one.

And this one.
The view is pretty much the same from either one.

This is the window in Dad's study.
It looks out over the back of the house.
I love to catnap here.

This is the bedroom window.
It isn't open as much as the others.

Last but not least is the Cat tree window!
It's in Mom's studio.

I hope you enjoyed my tour.

Outside By Myself. Finally.

2009-07-11T11:20:00.004-05:00

Outside At Last

2009-06-20T21:01:00.001-05:00

Finally, Mom and Dad let us go out. With rules. We had to wear our harnesses and we weren't allowed to go anywhere near the front of the house where the road is.

Catzee was a scardy-cat but not Me.

There were lots of things to sniff.
This one smells familiar.

And there were lots of places to explore.

I like the look of it back here.

And then I saw something I really like.

Woods. Mom wouldn't let me go back there
with the leash, but she said I could later.

We have lots of big trees in our outside.

Then I found this old wood pile near the shed.

I really like this spot.

I really like my outside.

My Tub

2009-06-16T19:13:00.003-05:00

Mom got a new camera so now I can start to show you our new house.

I like this room best because of the tub.

Mom's job is to trickle water into the tub from a cup.

The trick is to drink the stream of water without getting your paws wet.

I like my tub.

Mom Smithereened Her Camera

2009-06-13T05:39:00.009-05:00

I can't believe this happened. Just when she was finally starting to take pictures of Me in our new house, with My new outside. Look at what Mom did to her camera.....

Can you believe it? She was outside taking pictures of some dumb plant she found, but didn't want to bring the camera back inside because her shoes were all muddy. Or so she says. So she set it on the hood of her car. When she finally did come inside, she forgot all about it. Later, she left for Lowes and the library and guess what. Yup, she left the camera on her car and didn't realize it until she got home and couldn't find her camera again.

Well. You never saw such a panic. Then, all of a sudden she remembered that she left in on the car. She looked all over the yard and then jumped in her car and took off again. When she finally got home, she had the camera as you see it above. Sadly the battery was missing, but the memory chip was still intact....

Which is a good thing because there are pictures of Me on it. The question now is, how is she going to get them off of it?

BTW, you can see some (mostly catless) photos of our new house and outside on Mom's new blog. Click here for a peek.

Protest

2009-05-17T20:46:00.004-05:00

Mom and Dad keep bringing boxes home and putting stuff into them. Then the boxes and the stuff disappear to the "house."

I protest. I've been to the "house" and so what if it has an outside. It means a long ride in the green machine to get there and I hate riding in cars. If I occupy every box they bring home, then they can't move all our stuff there and then we don't have to ride in the car.

I think this is a good plan, don't you?

Lots of Good News

2009-05-07T05:47:00.006-05:00

I'm sure you've noticed that it has been a very long time since I've blogged. It's Mom's fault. Yesterday I went to the V-E-T for a check-up and we had such good news that I insisted on telling everykitty. Dr C hadn't seen me for a whole six months. I was doing so well at my last visit that he gave me that much reprieve. I was actually rather indignant that I had to go back at all; I thought I was done with that place.

The first good news is that I remain cancer free and Dr. C does not think the lymphoma will come back! In fact, he said he just wants to see me on regular annual check-ups, so no more needle pokes and no more pills! I am very pleased about that.

The other good news is that Mom and Dad bought Catzee and Me an outside. I have pictures to show you.

This is going to be our new backyard. Dad is already calling it a "barnyard."

This is the view on the side of the house.

And this is Catzee's and My mousing field.

Mom says there's a lot of work to do before we can move, and that even then it will be a long time before we can go out. I don't like moving, but I do like going out, so perhaps everything will even up in the end.

I Made Eric and Flynn's Day

2009-02-24T14:07:00.005-05:00

Eric and Flynn have passed on the You Make My Day Award to me! Thank you boys! I'm always happy to make someone's day, even if it's only my own. (And Mom's. And Dad's. And Catzee's.)

In turn, I would like to pass this on to House Panthers. All of the Cat Blogosphere always makes my day, but my fellow panthers are the best.

Mom, My Blog is Way Overdue

2009-02-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

My blog needs an update.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T18:16:00.002-05:00

Sunday Snooze

2009-01-25T00:40:00.000-05:00

Snoozer #1

>>>>>>> Snoozer #2 <<<<<<<

Midnight Monday

2009-01-19T00:12:00.000-05:00

Where's Rascal?

I'm so Midnight I can't be seen in the dark.

I'm Featured On Mom's Blog

2009-01-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

Mom put me on her blog. She thinks those photos are funny. I say, don't mess with a ManCat's pleasures. Click here to go see.

Our Christmas

2009-01-10T08:46:00.008-05:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T06:28:00.002-05:00

Click pic to biggify

I want to wish a very Merry Christmas
and a very blessed New Year
to all my friends
in the Cat Blogosphere
and beyond.

A Christmas Flashback Friday

2008-12-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

When College Kid and Piano Girl were little kids (before I was born), they had a family Christmas tradition. Every year the family would take a big sheet of art paper and tape it to the refrigerator. At the beginning of Advent, everyone would sign up to draw something for the Nativity Scene. Every day something new would be added: a shepherd, a sheep, the inn, the innkeeper, the angels, wise men, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, etc.

Mom found this old photo of the one they drew in 1999. That was the Christmas before I was born. (You can click on it to biggify.) I thought you might enjoy it.

Response to Comments: String & Poochie

2008-12-15T12:08:00.003-05:00

Some of you were concerned about Catzee and Me playing with string in my last post. I wanted to ease your concerns by showing you exactly what kind of string we are allowed to play with.

This is our "string". It is actually a heavy duty plastic packing strap. Mom likes it because it doesn't break, doesn't tear, and doesn't shred. We can't get our claws and teeth caught in it. It always slips right through our grasp and we have to chase it more to try and catch it again. We love this stuff.

And this shot is for Ollie over at Mommys Little Fat Boy. Ollie was amazed to hear that I do indeed have a poochy. Mom apologizes for this photo as she doesn't think it shows my poochie very well. She doesn't think I was very cooperative in getting it photographed. In fact she's been trying to get a shot for days. I say, my poochie is none of her business. Actually, it's only half a poochie anyway. Dr. C removed the other half along with the tumor Dad found last January. Even so, it's still my poochie so it's off limits to humans especially.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-10T00:01:00.003-05:00

2 Very Nice Awards

2008-12-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that I have been awarded the Lemonade Award and the Butterfly Award from Of Cats! Thank you!

I would like to pass the Lemonade Award on to Jennakat and Minikat,

and the Butterfly Award on to Misty.

Nipped Out

2008-11-29T09:12:00.005-05:00

Dad got us a little bag of catnip.

Catzee wanted it.......

but of course I claimed it.

I'm feeling fine.

To read Catzee's side of the story, click here.

An Excellent V-E-T Report

2008-11-25T11:31:00.005-05:00

Dr. C just called with the results of my blood test. They did a superchem, CBC, and T4-SA120, whatever that is. But the results for all tests were normal. There was no sign of inflammation or infection anywhere. My liver function is good, which means there was no damage from my chemotherapy. He also checked blood calcium and phosphorous levels, which he said rise when there is tumor growth. There were also within normal limits. He's very proud of me and I'm very happy to not have to go back for another six months.

He also wasn't too concerned about the 4 ounces I'd gained, though he encouraged Mom to keep working on my weight. This, I feel, is no fair, since I did so well on my test. I think I deserve some treats at least.

Friday Fun

2008-11-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Piano Girl brought us some new toys......
long plastic strings.

Catzee is very interested in them.

I however, prefer something else.

Chair wrestling!

Reprieve

2008-11-19T11:44:00.003-05:00

I was supposed to have a follow-up appointment at the V-E-T this morning. Dr. C wants to keep an eye on my remission from Feline Lymphoma and it's been 4 months since my last appointment. But his office called to say that he couldn't see me today. Mom says she's going to reschedule the appointment, but I don't think so. Last time they said something about "test," and I'm not interested in taking a test. I'd rather spend the day right where I am, catnapping in the window. Wouldn't you?

Sunday Snooze

2008-11-16T15:56:00.001-05:00

Mom. Do you mind? I'm trying to sleep here.

A Crimp on Our Blogging Time

2008-11-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

Mom has just been elected president of her weavers guild. She says that means that she's going to be very, very busy and won't have as much time for blogging.

The question is, whose blogging goes. Ours or Mom's.

May the Best Box Win

2008-11-04T00:21:00.000-05:00

Here I am with my two boxes. My boxes. Two boxes, not one. Two excellent boxes. The very best of boxes. The most superior of boxes. And both boxes are all mine.

I think I'll ........... Huh? What in the world is she doing over there????

Why does she always get the best box. It's not fair. Why should I get stuck with these. I can't even lay down in them comfortably. Hmm....... When she's not looking I'll trade her for these old things. Yeah, that's it. I'll take hers and she can have mine. As soon as she leaves. Yeah, as soon as she leaves.

They're My Toys Too

2008-11-01T10:42:00.003-05:00

Catzee can't have all the toys all the time.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-29T01:33:00.002-05:00

Battle of the Box

2008-10-24T13:14:00.005-05:00

Finders Keepers
Catzee's response - click here

Jennakat Tagged Me

2008-10-20T06:42:00.003-05:00

TAG!
Rules for my tag,
1. Be honest.
2. Have fun!
______________________

1. How many calenders are in your home?

Three

2. What is your fave season?

Fall because it's not too hot and not too cold.

3. What is your lucky number?

Three because that's how many treats I get.

4. What is your fave month?

October. Because that's when the summer heat goes away for sure.

5. Which do you like best, Planting seeds, Climbing trees, Jumping into a pile of leafs, or, building igloos?

I'll say climbing trees because I used to love climbing trees, but my cat tree isn't as much fun to climb as a real tree. I don't like the other because The College Kid used to make me to go outside when he worked in the garden , raked leaves, or shoveled snow. He used to throw me into the leaves or the snow drifts and it made me mad. It made Mom mad when I used to lay down on her new little pea shoots coming out of the ground. I didn't get that because it was their idea that I had to go help in the garden. So I'll stick with climbing trees.

Now tag some people!

Parker, Pumpkin, and you!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-15T17:49:00.000-05:00

Double Decker Cats

2008-09-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

I Help Mom With Her Weaving

2008-09-16T14:12:00.002-05:00

Neighborhood Cats

2008-09-07T06:17:00.001-05:00

My humans like to keep track of all the neighborhood Cats. I would like to keep track of them too, but since I'm not allowed outside, I can only do so from our windows.

You may remember this Cat -

- from a few previous posts. Mom and Dad call him "Scruffy." Of all the neighborhood Cats, he's been here the longest.

Mom used to feed him, but nowadays, a lady downstairs usually feeds him. She calls him "Theodore." We recently found out however, that his own humans call him "Patrick." He never goes home because he doesn't like their dog. They may be moving away soon and plan to take Patrick with them. So he may not be a neighborhood Cat for much longer.

Bitsey -

- has been around for awhile too, and has been seen in a couple of my blog posts. He lives in the next breezeway over and doesn't come around much anymore.

Tigger -

- lives downstairs with the lady who feeds Scruffy. Tigger is the only other Cat that Scruffy gets along with. Tigger is friendly and old.

This Cat -

- has recently started showing up outside. Mom calls her "Tinkerbell" because she has a little bell around her neck and she is playfully flighty. She amuses herself with leaves, sticks, and invisible bugs. We only see this one once in awhile and aren't certain where she lives.

This Cat however -

- Mom feels sorry for. He seems to live in the bushes and is very shy. He is always hungry and Mom fed him a couple of times. Then she noticed some wounds on the inside of his back leg and she started treating them. She's still trying to find out who he belongs too.

Life on the outside is so much more interesting.

Shabby Chic

2008-09-04T00:40:00.000-05:00

Honorary Midnight Monday

2008-09-01T00:44:00.003-05:00

In honor of Midnight Monday, I want to feature my namesake, Li'l Rascal.

He lives at Sheep Thrills Farm, and you may remember that I introduced him on my blog before.

Unfortunately, he had a very hard time with his hoohaectomy. It seems that he only had one hooha, but the V-E-T had to dig around to make sure. That kept him under the weather for a few days, but as you can see .....

..... he's doing fine now. A fine Midnight specimen, don't you agree?

Strategy

2008-08-28T07:40:00.005-05:00

We have two Cat boxes in Piano Girl's window.
Catzee has the preferred box.

However, I have a strategy to get that box.

I think it's working.

Just as I planned.

Now the preferred box is mine.
Works every time.

To see Catzee's response, click here.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

Visit to the V-E-T

2008-08-13T09:16:00.007-05:00

I had my two month check-up at the V-E-T today.

I'm feeling fine and Dr. C. was very pleased with Me.
My remission continues to go very well.

I'm active, alert, playful, talkative,
energetic, opinionated, and happy.

My surgical incision has healed perfectly, all my fur has
grown back, and there are no new lumps in my belly.

The only "problem" is my weight. I now weigh in at 15.5 pounds, which they seem to think is too much. Mom said something about a diet, and Dr. C. said something about 2/3 cup of light Cat food per day, but I'm not worried. I can always eat Catzee's food if I'm hungry, and Dad will always give me treats.

So. Enough V-E-T talk. Anykitty care to chair wrestle with me?
.

Good-Bye Neelix

2008-08-10T12:46:00.002-05:00

My friend Neelix crossed over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday morning. He will be missed terribly. Please stop by his humans' blog, A Blip on the Radar, to see a lovely memorial tribute to him.

Where's Rascal?

2008-08-07T12:26:00.002-05:00

Great Cat Quotations

2008-08-02T07:27:00.002-05:00

This is too good not to share - Great Cat Quotations

The Cool Cat Award

2008-07-31T11:36:00.002-05:00

William honored Me with The Cool Cat Award. He is a very cool Cat and I am too. In fact, all blogging Cats are cool Cats. I would like to pass this award on to my friend Neelix and my namesake Rascal. They are very cool Cats too.

MMOB

2008-07-24T05:07:00.000-05:00

Here I am, minding my own business.

Until somebody comes along and minds it for Me.

Tree Hugger

2008-07-20T20:58:00.004-05:00

Have you hugged your Cat Tree today?

Sleepy Sunday

2008-07-13T13:26:00.002-05:00

We're Still Here

2008-07-10T07:30:00.011-05:00

I thought I'd better check into the Cat Blogosphere to see what's up.

On the home front everything is good, though Mom has neglected our blogs lately.

My Namesake is doing very well, you check him and the other "Mutant Ninja Kittens" out here.

My friend Neelix isn't feeling very well. I'm very worried about him.

He has hyperthyroidism and is losing a lot of weight. Please go purr for him here. If anykitty has any experience or advice on this, I know Neelix's Mom would really appreciate it.

I've also been tagged for two memes!

The first is from William. The rules:

Link to the one who tagged you.
List the rules on your blog.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag some blogger friends with links.
Leave a comment on their blog to let them know they've been tagged.
What's a quirk?

1. Check
2. Check
3. Hmmm.....................

I always wake Dad up around 3 or 4 am. Not for any particular reason. Just because.
I like to eat fresh catnip, not just sniff it and roll around in it.
I like to lay on the keyboard while Mom's computering
I actually like getting my l-lysine pill (because Mom serves it with ham baby food.)
I can hear the kitty treat bag being touched from anywhere in the house, no matter what my level of sleep
I like to drink out of a glass rather than a dish.

4. & 5. If I wait on Mom to do that, then I'll never get this posted.
6. My point exactly.

The second one is from Cecilia, The 2Bs & Madness. It's a Cold Box Meme. Here's ours -

Not very impressive. You can click to biggify.

Here are a few selectied items of interest -

Our annual check-up reminder card. Things to note:
The receptionist spelled Catzee's name wrong.
That my remission is going so well that I don't have to go back until our regular check-up.

This coupon is a hint from Mom to Dad. The trouble is that he never looks at the cold box art. This is a problem for Mom because the coupon expires soon.

Mom cuts these things out of the ads every week. But she never uses them. She always gets our Frontline Plus from the V-E-T's office.

This is recipe has been on the cold box door for a squillion years. Mom got it from Bentley and Phoebe's mom. My humans really like it, but Mom just never gets around to putting it in her recipe box. And that was two houses ago!

This is what helps hold that recipe up however. It is an item of great interest, because it was made for Piano Girl by her first piano student. When his cat had kittens, they asked if we wanted one. Mom and Dad said yes, and they picked Me! You can read all about that in Part 6 of My Story.

Finally, this is Dad's contribution. He really thought it was funny. Something about Moses and the Red Sea. I'm a Cat so I don't get it. You can click on it to biggify it better.

I won't tag anykitty, but if you want to play, please let Me know!

Thank you to every body who visits Me even though I don't get to visit back very often. You have and continue to be a great encouragement to Me. Love and Purrs to you all.

Namesake!

2008-06-23T10:05:00.006-05:00

I am very proud to announce that I have a namesake! Can you guess which one below?

Yup. The one that looks like Me! My friends in Airy-Zona have been busy with a ferral momma kitty and her babies. They named the black one after Me!

Notice the catitude? Exceptional in one so young. A namesake to be proud of.

You can read all about them by visiting their Human's blog at Sheep Thrills Farm. As you might have guessed, not only do they have Cats, but sheep too! Which means they have sheep fur and string. My mom likes to visit their blog and I do too.

I am very proud of Kathy because it wasn't easy to catch this little family but she didn't give up and now they have a safe place to get their start in life. BUT! They will need homes soon! Please purr for good homes for them.

ManCat's String

2008-06-16T06:52:00.004-05:00

Mine.

6 Week Check-Up

2008-06-11T13:34:00.003-05:00

We have not been blogging much lately. Not since Mom and Dad got home from their vacation. Oh, Mom's been blogging, but just between you and me, she hasn't even had time to play with her strings and sheep furs lately.

Today however, I get priority blogging, because today was my 6 week check-up since finishing my chemotherapy.

Mom has been happy because I've been talkative, hungry, playful, and downright ornery at times. Just like my old self she says. She just hoped Dr. C would be happy too.

And he was. He was happy with my weight (up to 14 pounds 12 ounces), he was happy with my energy and activity level, and he was especially happy that he didn't find any lumps or swollen areas in any of my lymph nodes.

I however, was not happy. I grumped and growled and hissed the entire time because he massaged deeply to feel for those nonexistent lumps.

The good news is that I don't have to go back for another 60 days. I don't think I should have to go back at all. But Mom says that's the time Catzee and I have to go in for our annual check-ups anyway. Maybe she'll change her mind by then.

Mom and Dad's Vacation

2008-05-29T08:12:00.010-05:00

Mom and Dad just got back from a business trip to Atlanta. While they were there, they took a day to go visit Stone Mountain Park, for fun. Our human sister, Piano Girl, just moved in with us while she finishes her master's degree in piano, so Catzee and I stayed home with her so she wouldn't get scared and lonely.

Stone Mountain features the world's largest high relief sculpture, the Confederate Memorial Carving.

It features three Southern heroes of the American Civil War: President Jefferson Davis, Gen. Robert E. Lee, and Gen. Stonewall Jackson.

It measures 90 by 190 feet and is 400 above the ground.

Mom and Dad took the Skyride to the top of the mountain.

This is supposed to be a spectacular view of Atlanta from the top of Stone Mountain, but you could have fooled Me.

There was a lot of other stuff to see and do there too. This is a photo of the 732 bell Carillon. It was in the 1964 World's Fair and was later donated to the park by the Coca-Cola Company.

This is a view up into the bell tower. Sadly, Mom and Dad weren't there at concert time.

Something else they liked was the grist mill. There were lots of other things to see and do, but they left early because of the long drive home. They missed their kitties too much to stay any longer.

The best part was what they got me as a payment for babysitting Piano Girl. It is a totally cool kitty fountain, just because they know I like drinking running water.

I missed them but I'm glad they're back. You can also see what Catzee got, by clicking right here.

Sphinx Mode

2008-05-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-05-14T07:51:00.002-05:00

Mine

2008-05-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?

Open The Door

2008-05-03T16:12:00.001-05:00

Dad, are you in there?

6 Weeks of Freedom!

2008-04-30T09:18:00.004-05:00

I just got back from the V-E-T. I am pleased to report that I am finished with my chemo and don't have to go back for another check-up for six whole weeks! That means six weeks of no PTU, no ride in Mom's green machine, no needle pokes, no having my bloods stolen! Dr. C told Mom to give me the last of my prednisone every other day until it's gone, then no more pills either.

All in all, Dr. C is very pleased with Me. He hasn't felt any more lumps and the needle biopsies have been negative. My weight went back down a couple of ounces, but they aren't too worried about that since I still have an appetite. They all have high hopes that I will not have to cross the Rainbow Bridge for quite a few more years to come.

Thank you to the Cat Blogosphere for your purrs and prayers, for being here to listen and offer support of all kinds. Mom, Dad, Catzee, and I appreciate it. I love you all!

Announcement

2008-04-25T06:29:00.001-05:00

For the record ....

..... the grass is mine.

Today's V-E-T Visit

2008-04-23T13:02:00.003-05:00

Today's visit to the V-E-T went very well.

I'm eating better, so my weight is up from 14.25 to 14.4 pounds.
Both Dr. C and Mom are pleased about that.

My blood counts are good and the best news is that this is my
last week of chemotherapy. For awhile at least, hopefully forever.

Hey! What is she doing back there?
Is she eating my Cat grass?
Or is she trying to upstage my V-E-T report????

Weekend Snoop

2008-04-20T12:20:00.001-05:00

Mom's A Little Worried

2008-04-17T07:25:00.006-05:00

She's worried because I've lost a lot more weight. Yesterday at the V-E-T my weight had dropped to 14.25 pounds; 12 ounces in just a week. Dr. C is concerned too and he and Mom talked about it. Mom knows I'm hungry, because I'm always telling her. She just doesn't understand that I want something other than what she's giving Me. We've eaten Goodlife Recipe ever since the gluten scare, but I'm tired of THE same old brand.

Dr. C told her to start giving me the pepcid every day instead of every other day and feed Me anything I want, even baby food. Baby food isn't usually recommended as a staple for Cats because it doesn't contain enough an amino acid that is important for Cats. Mom usually only uses it to feed Me my crushed L-lysine, and I love baby food, especially ham. Dr. C said some nutrition is better than nothing, so Mom doubled up on that last night. She also recently discovered Feline Greenies and I absolutely love those In fact, that's what I'm holding out for. But Dr. C said too many kitty treats can cause diarrhea.

So Mom went shopping yesterday and came back with an armload of different canned and dried foods. I suspect we're going to be doing a lot of taste testing over the next several days. I've already decided that the only kibbles I want is Purina's Kit & Kaboodle. Mom's not real happy about that because of the ingredients, but since I'm the one who's sick, I win. Usually Mom is of the organic and all-natural persuasion, but she also believes that something is better than nothing.

On the other hand, Dr. C is pleased with my blood counts. They are holding steady within normal limits. I don't care about that and I don't like getting the needle stick. But he thinks basically I'm doing good and that means only a few more weeks of this round of chemo.