Kitty spotlight

Translation: Excuse me, mom? Can you bake me cookies?

Translation: Mom said yes to cookies!

Meet Sidney!

Parents: Meena & Nathan

Adoption date: 2007

Place of origin: Wayne County Humane Society

Nicknames: Chubz, Chubz McTubz

Favorite pastimes: Eating & playing fetch with her toy mice

Sidney's mom wrote to us and shared their story,

"She's a 12 year old orange tabby that is a very sweet, affectionate little lady who loves to snuggle on our laps and sleeps with us every night. She loves to be around people and she loves to eat. When we adopted her, she was a mere 6.5 pounds and suffering from an upper respiratory infection. It was touch and go for a few days, and the vet said she would need lots of TLC. We nursed her back to health, and Mommy overfed her in her zealous efforts to be a good nurse. As a result, she reached an all time high weight of 11.5 pounds within a month and a half--oops! We feed her all organic reduced fat wet food along with some dry food. Innova and Evo are the brands. She's down to a svelte 10.1 pounds now."

HOW SWEET - I hope the three of you live a long and happy life together!

If you'd like your kittai to be highlighted in CCL's weekly kitty spotlight, send me an email at creepycatladynyc@gmail.com, and include a picture, along with anything you'd like to share about your kitteh(s).

Ahhhh chuuuu!

The Lt. is sicky! He keeps having sneezing fits, which are freaking mommy out. I spoke to the foster coordinator at the ASPCA this afternoon (after endlessly calling this morning and shooting off two emails) and they definitely weren't that concerned with his condition. I think I even lied to make it sound more serious (whoops). But this is what mom's are supposed to do - worry! I'm sure it's just a little cold from the changing weather.

If his sneezing gets any worse, then he needs to be seen sooner, but for now he's going for a checkup on Saturday morning.

My poor little man. He'll be needing some extra TLC tonight!

Purrrrr

Last night as Lt. Dan and I were falling asleep, he climbed onto my chest and started rubbing his face against mine. I couldn't stop laughing as his whiskers tickled my face, but he continued to do this until we fell asleep. I wanted to know what his gesture meant, so I did some research and here's what I found:

Q: Why do cats head butt? Or rub their face against yours?
A: Cats have glands in their foreheads that can secrete and subtle scent – referred to as pheromones. Pheromones allow cats to communicate with each other. A head butting cat is generally a happy cat and this behavior is considered a display of deep affection. Some cats will head butt labeling you as "taken". When your kitty rubs against you, he is in effect claiming you as his own.

Welp, then it's official, I'm taken! Sorry, boys, the Lt. has claimed me as his own, haha.

Day #10

Q: Where is Lt. Dan applying for a job?

A. I-HOP

It's been ten days since the ASPCA stork dropped off Lt. Dan and his progress is quite remarkable. Despite the fact that mommy had to go kitten hunting a few times over the weekend, his ability to relax and sleep out in the open has drastically improved.

At night he is the King of Snuggling and insists on being directly next to my body - and yes, I am the big spoon. He is so affectionate, which is definitely his best quality. I love how easily he purrs. You would think that given his past, he'd be reserved, but it's quite the opposite. He is so grateful to have my love and attention, and just soaks up whatever he can get!

We're still working on a few things, like his hissing fits when you leave the room and return, but with time they'll dissolve. He's going to make some family very happy!

Don't worry, he's sticking around for a little bit longer - I'm not done with him yet!

Texts from last night

A text actually sent to me on Saturday morning...

(847): I just saw a couple pushing cats in a stroller and thought of you

BFF

I got home late last night and Lt. Dan was waiting for me (or didn't have time to hide). After we greeted each other, or rather, him hissing over and over while I repeated "Hewooo, my little man. How was your day?" we settled into bed.

Lt. Dan was so snuggly last night. He decided that sleeping next to me was longer acceptable, and instead, he felt the need to go under the blanket and sleep right up against my chest. I am pretty confident that I slept with a huge grin on my face the entire night. And yes, that creepy kind of grin that your old Aunt Mildred has whenever she offers you her "special" cookies.

When I woke up this morning, he was gone, like a ghost in the night. I assume he's probably back under the couch (I've really got to work on stuffing the bottom better). But don't worry folks, I'm a kittaaay hunting expert and I shall find him tonight after work, muahahaha.

Oh, my buddy and me.

Tripod

Last night, Lt. Dan played with his toys in front of me for the very first time. It was really great to watch him so happy and comfortable. However, I couldn't help but notice that he struggled to balance himself with his one front leg, so I started to wonder more about caring for a three legged kitten. I spent some time researching this topic and came away with these three things:

1. The loss of a limb sounds catastrophic but 3 legged cats adapt well and are usually as agile and active as 4 legged cats.

2. Don't expect a recent amputee to be 'back to normal' immediately, but don't be over-protective. He must work out his new limitations and how to compensate for a missing leg. He must build up additional strength in his other limbs. He can't do this if you carry him everywhere.

3. The loss of a fore-leg is actually more serious for a cat than the loss of a hind-leg. This is because the forelegs are used when the cat lands after jumping while the hindlegs are used mostly for propulsion.

Caring for a special needs kitteh has been a terrific experience and I highly recommend adopting an animal that needs some extra TLC, like Lt. Dan.

Please let me know if you'd like to come meet my little man and/or possibly adopt him! He is a great companion and is looking for a quiet home with lots of love.