Lessons for Abby

Stygia: Yes, I instigated it. You've seen the results of our "fights" in recent posts; obviously Abby needs some lessons, and I am just the right cat to show her how it's done.

First of all, the best way to begin a "fight" is with The Staredown, but sometimes your opponent may be distracted, as Abby was this morning. She was chattering at some birds, so I had no choice but to begin with a more overt maneuver.

My move is a little bit deceptive, because I am rolled on my back, which makes me appear vulnerable to my opponent. Since she wasn't paying attention to me, I had to whap her. Sure enough, this combination of posture and touch caught her attention and drew her into the action:

I continue my "vulnerable feint" as Abby attempts to whap back. In any good wrestling session, no matter how talented you are (like me), your opponent is probably going to get a few good whaps, chomps, or kicks in. This is part of the fun! It's also ok to run away, but only if you're just doing it so you can turn right around and turn your chaser into the chasee. If you run too far, you lose, the game ends, and that's not fun.

It's always important to have a good game face! If you think cats are not expressive creatures, well, just look at this close up. Showing teeth, flattening ears, aggressive whiskers, and glare are all important aspects of a good game face for your wrestling match.

If you are wrestling for fun or training, as Abby and I are in these pictures, it is not necessary to make any sounds unless your opponent becomes too rough. In a real fight, a lot of noise must be made in order to properly intimidate your opponent, but in wrestling for pleasure, it would be a bad idea to really scare your opponent.

I must admit, Abby did a lot better today! And why shouldn't she, after all, she has a great teacher.

PS. Oh no, please, please DO NOT look at House Panthers today.... I am soooo embarrassed!

Round Two

ROUND TWO: Will Abby make her comeback today? Stand by for the thrilling action!

Abby has been playing with the rug, it's very exciting. She and Stygia begin the opening ritual, The Staredown -- it's a key moment of great psychological import!

It's looking good for Abby, who opens with the Thunderbird attack! Her focus is immense! But wait, Stygia is actually bending over backwards for the Reverse Crescent Counterattack!


It's into the cat condo for Abby, with Stygia close on her tail. This is it folks, the make it or break it moment.

Abby bursts from the condo, but Stygia is ready in an intimidating, Skeksis like pose!

She's on the run again, folks. It looks like Abby needs to go back to her trainer for a little more practice so we won't have to keep calling her the cowardly lion, er, tiger.

And the winner is...

Abby: My first move is to descend from the chair above! I wrap a paw around her neck, all friendly-like, and begin to wash her head and ear. She can't resist it! I am going to move in for THE BITEY!

Oh, yeah! She's rolling! She's trying to kick, but I am quick. And I am still on top.


She is still on her back. Could it be she is down for the count? 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . 4 . . . ARRRGH! I get facewhapped! (tail fluffs up to raccoon size as she heads under the dining room table)


Stygia: First cat to run is the big loser!!! Never underestimate me, little sister.

Have a very . . .

Oh, yes, we are still celebrating the way we love to do it!

Whether we are happily at rest with our people or having a great wrassle, we know it's going to be a wonderful year. We hope yours is too.

Love and Purrs,
Abby Normal, Stygia, Ms. C and Mr. R

When it snows...

Abby: Look at this! And it is still snowing! What's a cat to do on a day like this??

Well, I have the perfect solution. I have this shoebox with a fleece lining, and I am just going to have a little snooze in it. I wish it were a little smaller, but it is cozy enough. Best of all, I can still keep an eye on Ms. C and Mr. R from here very easily. Nothing escapes my notice because I will NOT be left out of anything!

Stygia: My solution to this weather is to snooze in the middle of the couch. From here, I can easily keep an eye on everyone as well. Usually, I am left in peace to have a luxurious nap, but I really don't mind the times like these when Abby comes along and washes my head. She even gets deep into my ears, which feels really good:

Hey! Wait a minute Abby! You are supposed to be helping me groom, not starting a wrestling match! Arrrrgh! (thundering follows)

.... Well, at least we are keeping warm, and we hope you are, too!

We have winter coats

Abby: I have developed a winter coat. Ms. C says I don't quite qualify as a truly short-haired cat anymore, although I am certainly no Persian. It has been very cold around here, about 9 degrees Fahrenheit, so I really need my winter coat! I am pretty sure Stygia has one too, because her fur is a lot thicker than it was, but you can hardly tell just by looking.

Do you like my new frog pet? He seems to like me quite a bit, since I find him with me when I am sleeping. He doesn't have a name, it seems.

Stygia: The sun has not been out for any steady amount of time lately, but when it is, we take advantage of it as much as possible. It usually begins with some peaceable washing, which naturally leads to wrestling. Look at Abby's "innocent" look, I think she looks totally caught, don't you agree?
I thought you might enjoy this close up of our faces, I especially want you to notice my ferocious ears, eyes, and teeth: