A Sad/Happy Story

I know things have been a bit quiet lately around the ‘ole The World Is Your Litter Box blog, but we’ve had some developments around the homestead that have kept my kitty brain awhirl in a couple different directions… both sad and happy.

Let’s get the sad part out of the way first. A short while back, Steve’s mom went to the Rainbow Bridge for humans. She was quite elderly and in the end, went quickly and peacefully, so there’s that to be thankful for. Still, Steve and his female were pretty grief stricken, so me and my housemates (Piglet and Bo Diddley) worked very hard and used an overabundance of kitty cuteness to help them get through what was a very rough period. They still miss Steve’s mom very much, and probably always will, but now that some time has gone by, they’re feeling a bit better about things. Life goes on.

Now for the happy part. As those of you who’ve read The World Is STILL Your Litter Box know, I was singularly and personally responsible for turning Steve’s mom into an unabashed cat lover. It wasn’t easy at first because before Steve’s mom made a visit to our home a few years back, she wasn’t particularly fond of cats. She didn’t hate cats as some misguided humans do, but she wasn’t well acquainted with the wonders of kittydom, so she was kind of ambivalent about us. Well, during her visit, I had plenty of time to work my kitty magic on her and change all that, and by the time she left to go home, she was well on her way to being a full-blown cat nut!

Shortly thereafter, Steve’s mom got a cat of her own… a beautiful little tortie that she named Emily (that’s her in the photo above). Living with Emily made Steve’s mom realize how truly unique and wonderful we felines truly are, and she very quickly progressed to A-1 cat nut status (that’s when a human comes to the realization that their kitty is the greatest and most important thing on Earth, to be doted on and adored to the exclusion of pretty much everything else). Well, of course, when Steve’s mom went to the human Rainbow Bridge, there was no question that Steve and his female would adopt Emily, and that’s exactly what happened.

For the first few days, as is normally the case when a cat goes to a new home, Emily was very disoriented and frightened. Steve put her in a separate room until she could become acclimated to her new surroundings. In a surprisingly short amount of time, Emily relaxed and made herself comfortable, and as only a female kitty can do, she let us hapless males know, in no uncertain terms, that SHE is now the boss! Actually, it wasn’t very hard to do because we’re all VERY smitten with her (especially Piglet, who tries to steal kisses, only to be rebuffed like an unwanted suitor. He keeps trying though, the little Lothario!).

So what began as a sad event has turned into pure joy around our house. Emily has settled into her new fur-ever home very nicely and has become one of the gang. A true happy ending! Still, I have to keep an eye on her at all times. Like I said in The World Is Your Litter Box… females can be tricky. You never quite know what they’re up to.

Memorial Day 2010

On this Memorial Day weekend, amid all the shopping and BBQs and general mayhem, let’s all take a few moments to remember the humans who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the way of life we hold so dear. I wish there were no wars, but I give wholehearted thanks to the men and women who fought and died in them on our behalf.

And while we’re at it, let’s use this opportunity to remember all the wonderful kitties that graced us with their presence and have now gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for all the years of joy you gave us, and thank you for enriching our lives with your unconditional love. We’ll never forget you.

And lastly, Memorial Day weekend falls right in the middle of kitten season, so if you have room in your home, why not think about adopting a member of the next generation of cats. These new-to-the-world kittens are ready and waiting to warm our hearts with boundless joy, and by doing so, will become the beloved cats we’ll cherish and remember on Memorial Day weekends in the distant future. After all, isn’t that what Memorial Day is all about?

GOODBYE PIXIE

Along with Steve and his female, I want to send my deepest condolences to Daisy the Curly Cat and her family… on Sunday, Daisy’s sister Pixie went to the Rainbow Bridge. It’s always so sad when a beloved kitty leaves us, but I hope Daisy and her family will take comfort in knowing that they’ll see Pixie again someday.

I know from reading Daisy’s blog that Pixie loved bananas (that’s her in the photo)… so in honor of Pixie, I’m going to eat ONE ENTIRE BANANA, even if it takes me all day!

Nap in Peace, Pixie.

Love,
Quasi, Steve and Judy (Steve’s Female)

A LONG LIFETIME OF LOVING CATS

Steve and his female just returned from Phoenix, where they went to visit the female's father for Father's Day. The female's father, John, is 91 years old and has been a cat lover all his life. His current cat, Sandy, is 18 years old, so obviously, they the both have very good genes. John passed his love of cats on to the female, which is a very good thing, especially for me!

Unfortunately, John is starting to fade and will soon be crossing over his own Rainbow Bridge. When he does, all the cats he loved and cared for throughout his life will be there to greet him, and it will be quite a crowd. I don't know for certain, but I would venture to say that it will be a very happy time, with hugs, kisses and tummy rubs for all. I can almost hear the collective purring.