Thursday, December 29, 2011

Sharing!

Abby: Just in case you were worried, I did get my turn at the blankie. And it is wonderful! Very cozy. See, Stygia? We can share.


Stygia: Yeah, well, it's mine. I can't help it if I have very important work to do that occasionally takes me away from my blankie. Like continuing my Occupy movement!


Ms. C apologizes for being slow about visiting all her blogger friends. She will very soon! Happy New Year to all! We're wishing it early. We'll see you again next year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A Present for ME!

Stygia: One of Mr. R's and Ms. C's friends, Ms. J, got me a Christmas present! It is a hand-made fleecy blankie. I love it. It is so comfy, and I personalize the white part of the fabric with my black fur. Ms. J also made another blanket and donated it to needy kitties in my name! Isn't that sweet of her?


Abby: She made it for me. Not for Stygia. I want a turn!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Thank you!

Abby: Thank you to all of you who wished me a happy birthday! Ms. C will be visiting your blogs and attempting to leave witty comments as soon as she sorts her sleep out.

Now, I invite you to look at this image of Mr. R holding me upside down, feet to the floor:


When people write those articles about "How To Hold Your Cat" they ought to use this as an example of the wrong way.

Have a wonderful week!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Happy Birthday Abby Normal!

Today Abby is 4 years old!

Happy Birthday sweetie paws!

Look at those elbows!

But she still acts 6 months old! We love you, little Abby!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Happiness is...

... a warm cat!

Stygia: I am not tired of Occupy Mouse Pad yet! Well, it makes me tired, sometimes; I mean, it's in such a bright location...


Mum took this picture of me and says it is "cute." That I have "cute ears." Mum, I am doing Important Work. Will you either sit in with me or shut the camera off?


Abby: Hmph. I believe that Occupation should be mobile. I much prefer to Occupy a human. Like Mr. R. He is very warm! I like it when the people watch movies cause they sit still long enough for me to have a good doze.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Hazards of the Job

Stygia: Friends! Today, I want to warn you about some of the hazards of the Occupy movement. Some of them are more obvious than others. For instance, if you're Occupying the shower, chances are you're going to get wet (ugh). Ditto for Occupying the bathroom sink. If you Occupy the desk chair, you could easily get sat upon.

Perhaps just as perilous, yet not as obvious, is what could happen if you Occupy a place like the desk (just like I have been doing). You could fall asleep in the sun, doing a happy leg-dangle with a big smile on your face, and your person might get a tell-tail picture showing your laxity on the job! Be careful, friends -- it could happen to you!


As for those of you who are not participating in the Occupy campaign, beware of the kinds of photos people can get of you while you carouse:


I don't think anything more needs to be said.

Friday, December 9, 2011

I win again!

Abby: GOSH! Guess what? I won again! And this time it is something I can use!!! Really use! And will love using! So it arrived in the mail yesterday, clearly addressed to me:

Wow! Well, you know what? In November, Catladyland had a giveaway, and of course I stuck my paw into this event, keeping my whiskers crossed. It turns out I was one of the winners, and my prize just arrived:

OOooo! Seventeen pounds of "World's Best Cat Litter." This has to be the most appropriate prize in the world for me, because I am obviously World's Best Cat. I am campaigning to Ms. C right now to have her fill my box with it. I am ready to scratch, scratch, scratch at it. Mr. R commented that the picture on the bag looks just like me. So obviously, everyone knows that I am indeed World's Best Cat. Thanks!!! I am so, so excited!

Stygia: World's Best Cat, eh? I am sure that this is a really nice prize, and I will also benefit. However, I am still working hard on my Occupy movement. Which isn't actually a movement at all but requires sitting very still in the sun. I recommend joining, while the sun still lasts!

PS. If you look closely, you will see that I am smiling (one of my fangs is visible). This Occupy stuff is really heart and fur warming.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Post "Storm" Activities

Stygia: The predicted winter snow storm warnings and flood warnings we were under yesterday were, thankfully, a let down. If you are still having rain, Abby had some good suggestions for ways to enjoy your day in the previous post. However, if you are like us and now enjoying good, sunny weather again then there is only one thing you should be doing: nap!

PS. While the humans are Occupying Wall Street and various other locations, now is the time for us kitties to continue on our own Occupy movements. I have chosen to Occupy Ms. C's desk, rain or shine! Though I much prefer shine.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Rainy Day Busy Stuff

Abby: It's raining. A lot of people may bemoan this weather, and to be honest I prefer the sun myself, but there are still many things you can do to keep active and happy and busy on days like this. Here are my suggestions for you:

#1. Check someone out.
Make sure their bathing habits are on the up-and-up, and offer to assist if they are not. It's friendly!


#2. Discover new hidey holes.
Try out a location you've never tried before. Ms. C was very surprised to find me in this suitcase! Surprising people is always gratifying. But I was very tired, as you can see, it was conducive to my naptime.


#3. Sit on someone.
It's not exactly warm out here. Not only will you be helping them to stay warm, but also you'll benefit from the cozy feelings and probably some nice chin-scratchies, too!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

I'm a Winner!

Abby: Mum's been lazy the past two days. Well, as far as I am concerned she has been. But then she noticed THIS:

Mum says I probably wouldn't care about what that book is about, but she says she will read it for me and then just read the "good parts" out loud to me. By "good parts," I mean if they go fishing, eat tuna, or give cats treats.

Thanks to the writers of the SBTB blog! I hope this book has lots of good parts.

Stygia: Don't leave me out of this! Gratuitous cat-picture:

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Sun Pigs: Prelude to a Whap

Abby: Ohhhh.... nice... sun and warmth! And here is my sis, Stygia, I need to check out her ears.

Stygia: Zzzz.....


Abby: (sniff, sniff!) Yeah, she could use a little extra attention here...

Stygia: ZzzzZZZZzzz....



Abby: (lick, lick, lick)

Stygia: Zzzzz.....



Stygia: zzz.... WHAT?!

Abby: RRRrrrr! Grrr! Don't move, arrrrghhhh, grrr!



Abby: I was only tryin' to be nice, but I see how it is. Whap or be whapped!!

Stygia: Back off!



Hope you had a happy day too! Hee hee!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Ms. C is Ancient

Abby: Hear ye, hear ye! Ms. C is officially ancient today! If we lived as long as she has, we would consider ourselves little Goddesses. Well, we do already. We might even deign to permit Ms. C to join our ranks if she feeds us extra!


What more could anyone want for their birthday than THIS? Come on, let's play with the bows!!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Where do YOU sleep?

Stygia: Where do you sleep? Well, last night I found my way into a suitcase that was slightly open. In case you think this was an easy thing, think again. I got halfway in, and that darn Abby came up and started sniffing my undertail area; I admit, I panicked a bit. I lost my footing. It took me at least a whole 'nother minute to haul the rest of myself into the suitcase, and Mr. R had the nerve to laugh at my efforts.

But I got in. And it was good.

A much safer bet is being in repose next to a pair of Ms. C's smelly socks, as you can see here:

From this position, it's easy not only to gaze at Ms. C doing whatever she is doing, but also to keep my senses open to what kind of trouble Abby could be concocting now.

Abby: For those of you who have been left with the idea that I am a classless cat from Stygia's tale above, just check out the unaltered photographic evidence to the contrary:


Here I am, swaddled in an Italian silk scarf, atop a plush down blankie. Can you think of anything more classy and better-scented than natural silk and down? OK, I agree, Ms. C's socks are not that bad, but I have class! No matter what she says.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Odds and Ends

Abby: I hid this morning. People drove around the outside of my home with a loud truck, and I didn't like it. It's ok to sit in the window during the thunderstorms -- I know the difference between the pleasant sounds of nature and the intimidating sounds of people!

So Ms. C sang loudly, which made me come out. And become playful and active with this thing she so kindly left out just for me:


Wanna try it, too?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Sun Pigs

Stygia: Did all of you have a nice day? WE did. Mum calls us "sun pigs." Is that another name for cats? I never knew.


Abby: Sun pig? Are you serious? I am a little better with words than Stygia "Worm" is, and I'm not so sure that's flattering... except as you can see I am too busy to care right now:


PS. Stygia, your nose looks big in the sun!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Turkey Day: Exhibits

Stygia: I am thankful for my Mum Ms. C, Mr. R, my new home, sunny days, and even for my pesky sister Abby (because chasing her is a necessity and a hobby, and can be very entertaining). I am not sure I can be thankful for the strange ways Ms. C and Mr. R think sometimes. Sometimes they refer to my back leg-fur when I sit as "turkey fluff." The reason why was not revealed until today:




OH! How could she?!

Good thing she has a REAL turkey in the fridge awaiting the oven. A real turkey's job is not one I envy.

To all of you celebrating Thanksgiving, have a wonderful and safe holiday! To those of you not celebrating, we hope you have a wonderful and safe day of course, anyway!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wiggling Wednesday

Abby: Mum caught me watching the blue jays trying to take over the yard.




Wouldn't you like to see what I am seeing?

Ms. C: Actually, Abby, we find looking at you to be much more entertaining. I mean interesting.

Abby: Also check me and all the other tabby cats out for Whisker Wednesday at the Tabby Cat Club blog! What would we do without whiskers?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rainy Days and Holiday Ideas

Stygia: It's raining outside. Where's my sun? Ms. C says I am getting very spoiled; I have made all kinds of little question-meows at her today because I am sure she will turn the sun back on if only I am cute and beseeching enough. I believe in my Mum!


Abby: I slept a lot today. Well, I sleep a lot every day. But that doesn't mean I neglect my snoopervision duties.


For instance, yesterday Ms. C was over at A Tonk's Tail blog about Petfinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet For the Holidays" program. She told me that she wishes she could do that -- to bring some lonely kitties to our home for the holidays, except we are renters and are at our pet-limit with Stygia and me. I DON'T KNOW WHAT SHE IS THINKING! Is she CRAZY? More cats?? Or even a DOG? Well, actually... I kinda like dogs. They like taking directions, and I am good at giving them... but AHEM.

OK, Mum, all right. It's ok to tell everyone else about it cause if they have room to help a lonely doggie or kitty then now they know where to look if they wanna help. You can read all about it on the Tonk's Tail blog (link above) or visit the Petfinder site here!

Now Mum, aren't we enough? Right? Or do we have to prove it... tee hee hee hee hee!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Tabby Cat Club and more!

Abby: Mum has been neglecting our page for a few days, but on the upside she has been arranging things to be comfier for US! She made sure that this beautiful catcase was assembled for me in a spot where I can lurk and keep an eye on her:


Also, I have joined Gracie's Tabby Cat Club! It's tigeriffic! It you wanna check it out or even become a member, just click on the logo with my face on it in the sidebar to the right -->

Stygia: Ms. C took our picture together. She really likes to do that, and we don't often permit her to appear on the blog, but I thought it was a nice picture of my own eyes:


In case you wonder what worthy tasks I have been involved in lately, I am still inhabiting Ms. C's desk during the daytime. As you can see, it gets some great sunlight. I was very impressed to find out our Mum chose to put her desk in a spot that we cats would appreciate, too. Thoughtful!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Who Goes There?

Stygia: Who goes there, in our yard? Do you see what I see?

Do you see??
Do you?!
What in the world?!


Maybe this will help you see:


Abby: I'm just gonna stay here and guard the tub with my scared tail! Ok?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Goofy Faces

Stygia: I am not sure why Ms. C is calling this post the "goofy faces edition." I think I look very serious and grown-up. Not at all like a cat who managed to take a picture of herself.


Abby: For once, I agree with you Stygia. There is nothing at all goofy about ME, either!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Fat??

Stygia: Does this cat condo make my butt look big??

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sun-day is really Caturday

Stygia: Ms. C and Mr. R have been very busy making our home all organized this weekend. We have been busy offering our love and caring for our paws. Here I am doing the "shark" pose greeting to Ms. C in the sun:


Abby: A sunny window is the ideal place for a bath. I bet you humans and doggies and others wish you could fit here and do the same:



Stygia: I don't know why Mr. R laughed at me and said I was not very graceful when he saw me engaged in paw-care on the cat condo:


Abby: I don't care how warm the person is, being held makes me angry!!


We hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Worm

Stygia: I am going to tell you a secret today, although I don't want it to be a secret any longer. I am going to tell you my True Name.

When Ms. C and Mr. R rescued me from the SPCA, there was a little card on my cage that said my name was "Bear." Ms. C says I probably got this name when I was a kitten, because I am black and you know how kittens look before their ears really develop, they have little bear-ears. But I never responded to this name, so they called me Stygia.

Mr. R invented the name Stygia, from the word "stygian" which refers to the way the river Styx looks -- black as night. This is the name on my medical records and what my people often call me. It is my given name, but it is still not my True Name.

One day a few weeks ago, Ms. C called to me (as a joke, she thought), and said, "Come here, little worm!" How did she know? I thought. I ran to her. She just called me by my True Name! She thought it was a fluke, so she moved away and said it again: "Come here, Worm!"

This was wonderful! She was calling me by the name I prefer, and so I ran over to her again.

She called Mr. R over to witness this because she just could not believe it, and wanted him to believe it. "Here, Worm!" he called to me. With a happy meow, I ran to him.

So now you know the story of how my people discovered my True Name. I prefer to be called Worm, and I respond to it by running to my people when they use it. I am training them well, and we are all happier! Ms. C thought I would never learn my name, but she was wrong; they were just using the wrong one.

PS. Our Mum thought about doing a Veteran's Day post, but so many of you have done such wonderful tributes already. We will tell you what we did today -- our Mr. R is a veteran, and we respectfully let him sleep in today without disturbing him at all! It is the best we cats could do.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Game face!

Stygia: Yesterday featured Abby, so today features moi. Here you can see me ready to pounce as Ms. C and I were playing a game yesterday! My fangs show that I am at the ready.