Window Views

We love spring and fall around here especially when we get to open up the windows. We have to be careful though because of Smokey's allergies, but when they are open everybody loves it!


Here's Devon, Smokey and Cousin Sophie enjoying the fresh air.

Here's Tanner and Smokey (he's standing behind Tanner) watching us work in the flower beds. They love to supervise us!

If the windows aren't open then nothing is better than a nice warm sunny bed!

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

I know cats should only eat their specially formulated cat food, but sometimes my boys like to try other things. They each seem to have a favorite, and how can you deny a cat joy in life?

Devon loves to lick the butter! He prefers a freshly opened container because when it is too low, he gets butter in his whiskers, and that is very undignified!

Mojo loved beef! We had to do a food trial with him to determine if that was the cause of his allergies (it wasn't) so we went without beef for 9 months! When we were given the all clear, we cooked a special pot of stew beef and gravy for him...he was so excited to be eating this again, he was shaking all over. It's nice to make them so happy.

We fostered kittens for many years...here are a few enjoying a Cheese Puff. Some were a bit spooked by it, but these three fellas loved it. Reagan is the black one, Walker is the brown tabby with white, and Sawyer is the grey one. They've all been adopted.

Somtimes yummy, warm milk is all you need! This is Velcro enjoying some KMR.

Cupcakes always hit the spot when you have a major sweet tooth like Tanner!

Or a caramel apple, as long as you don't get too much of the apple!

Plain hard food can be fun if you get enough of it...Mojo and Tanner always helped to mix the food...they liked to make sure it was all fresh for the others.

Cousin Sophie likes asparagus. She prefers it steamed and chilled!

What crazy things do you like to eat? Maybe we can get some ideas for new things to try...look forward to hearing from you!

Mancats do Laundry

People who say laundry is women's work don't know what they are talking about. We Mancats are equal opportunity cats, and feel we can do laundry with the best of them. Actually, I don't know if mom would know how to do laundry, if it weren't for us. Bless her heart, she means well, but she needs our help!

Tanner under a warm towel, so mom will remember it needs to be folded.

Devon and Tanner on the newly washed down comforter...if it doesn't have hair all over it, she doesn't think it's dirty. We just try to do our part.

Smokey taught Devon how to help mom...he's such a good big brother!

We also like to help make beds...getting the wrinkles out is major fun! Mom keeps complaining about the big lumps under the covers, but we are only trying to help get rid of the lumps. Poor woman! She'd be lost without us.

The Boys

Two Tricked Cats!!

We are not happy with mom today. Yesterday, she tricked us into those plastic boxes and before we knew it, we were at the....wait for it...VET! She knows we hate this place, but she keeps taking us there. When will she learn? Don't worry, I paid her back by peeing on my towel. It was the only thing I could think of on such short notice! I hate to admit this, I was thankful that mom had extra towels in the car, because I didn't like sitting on that once I had finished. Maybe it wasn't such a smart move afterall.

Somehow she forgot about our brother Devon, and he didn't have to go...even though he was standing right there watching us get shoved into those evil containers, laughing the whole time like he is something special! I'll bet he was lonely without us around.

Luckily the visit didn't last too long, and only one pokey for me. Smokey had to go and get bloodwork done too, so he was snatched up and taken to the back, for who knows what kind of torture. The vet lady was praising me though because I had lost almost two pounds! She mentioned something about needing a dental...I'm not sure I will like that, and will try to get out of it.

Once we were finished, mom tricked us again! Can you believe the nerve of this woman? She hauled us across town to help Auntie drop her car at the mechanics. Of course there was a wreck and we were all stuck in traffic for a while. We sang to mom so she wouldn't worry.

She said we had a couple of firsts today...we crossed something called a railroad track which we've never done before...it was a bit rough for my liking. We also visited the mechanics...that's a vet for cars. At least we don't have to spend the weekend at the vets office like Aunties car is...how horrible!

I'm on to mom now though, and I'll run if I ever see those plastic boxes again! This dental...they can just forget it! Teeth are overrated, Mojo didn't have any and he could eat fine. Maybe that would mean more canned food for me. Chicken and Liver is my favorite. I wonder if there is some in the kitchen? I think I'll go and check...TTFN!

Tanner

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Sweet Smokey Feet :)

Toysday Tuesday

My boys all love to play with different toys. Smokey has always enjoyed the toy in this video, although, he hasn't quite 'got it'. It's a very short clip, but I think you'll see what I mean. When he was a kitten, he would get in the track and run after the ball! Smokey is 13 now, and still has his frisky moments! I love this boy!

Thanks to the Island Cats for the title idea!!

Midnight Monday

Smokey would like to participate in a blog post, as he is feeling left out these days. Here's a picture of Smokey doing the Q...he entered the contest, and hopes he wins. He's a bit worried that the laser light eye show will hurt his chances. Enjoy!

Non-Furry Friends Friday

Charles is a betta fish. Devon is in love with Charles. He is the only one of the boys that seems to pay him any attention. Charles spends most of his time at my office, but for long weekends I bring him home, so Devon can enjoy him. I think Charles is tired by the time Monday rolls around and we head back to the office! Anyway, Charles is a good fish, and thought he should have a little blog time too. So without further adieu, here's Charles.

When he is at the house, I sit him on a bookshelf, so Devon can't knock him off. Normally, I have to hold Devon up while I feed him...he just sits on the floor looking at him, and will talk to him too. They have a special relationship. I need to get a picture...maybe over Labor Day weekend.

The other day while watering the flower pots outside, we found a new friend. Mr. Lizard. He sat there patiently while I snapped photos of him. And later we found him curled up in the pot asleep. The next day though he was gone, and we haven't seen him since, but it was neat while it lasted. Here is Mr. Lizard. I'm not sure what type he is...anyone know?

Blog is Satin Award

Thanks to Eric and Flynn who gave us the 'Your Blog is Satin award'.

The rules are: List 5 details (things, people, features) that make your life "satin" (translates also as "shiny" or "good"). Pass on to 5 other bloggers.

Okay here are the five things that make our life good.

1. A family that loves us, even when we are crazy!
2. Yummy food
3. A warm snuggle spot anytime we need a nap
4. Lots of birds outside to entertain us during the day
5. Great blogging friends, who understand and don't judge our crazy antics!

We would like to pass it on to (and hope to get to know you better):

1. Reese
2. The Meezers
3. Baby Patches
4. Crazy Cat Lady Carm
5. Cats in Trees
   

Thanks again to Eric and Flynn for this wonderful award!

Smokey, Devon and Tanner

Wordless Wednesday

Mancat Monday/Midnight Monday

My boys are manly cats (not) but just to show how far they have come in life, here are some before and after shots.


Tanner then...he was about 9 weeks old. I've had Tanner since he was 13 days.Tanner now - he is 7 years old now.



Smokey as a kitten...he's about 8 weeks old here. He loved to snuggle with stuffed animals :)Smokey now - he's 13 years old! He's my biggest snuggler and mama's boy!

Devon as a baby...he was spoiled rotten. Found in the woods at 10 days old, he would scream when the microwave dinged because he thought it was his bottle! He's 7 weeks or so in this photo.Devon is now seven, and will be eight in September. He's a gorgeous boy, but still has some holier than though attitude going on :)

Full Monty Contest

I found a contest that my Devon is sure to win...it's called the Full Monty! Devon lays like this all the time, although we call it 'the dead kitten pose'! He loves this pose, and loves even more when you comment on his good form. If you don't notice him right away, he'll start whimpering until you say something to him. He's a nut! Well the picture you've been waiting for...notice the curled toes, and tail. This is near perfect form!

Friends Friday

Today we will focus on the joys of being friends with our brothers. None of us are blood related, but we get along quite well, for the most part. This post could have easily been Fractious Friday too!


Mom here "There are definite favorites among the boys. Smokey prefers Tanner and Mojo over Devon. Devon likes about anybody. Tanner prefers Smokey or Devon. Mojo liked everyone, but enjoyed making Tanner squeal."

Devon and Tanner comfort one another after a stressful night at the Pet Hotel while we moved into a new place.

Devon and Mojo enjoying some blanket time on the couch in our old townhome. We've moved twice since this photo was taken.

Devon and Mojo again, Devon likes to go and cuddle up with another cat. He is the only one that will squeeze himself into a bed with someone else. I don't know if he is trying to run them out, or if he just wants to be close.

Devon and Smokey in a bed together...Smokey is in the back.

Everyone gets along when it is time for yummy canned food! Tanner and Smokey are on one side, and Devon and Mojo are on the other.

Smokey, Tanner, and cousin Sophie. They all love the guest room beds!

Thankful Thursday

This post will be about things Devon is thankful for, as if the name didn't explain that clearly enough :)

1. I am thankful for high places so I can see all of my subjects at once, and there is no misunderstanding about who is the King in this house.
2. I am thankful for nice chairs, and pillows that look like me. Can you tell which is me, and which is the pillow?
3. I am thankful for the sun that shines into the breakfast nook in the morning and warms my belly. I love giving shows to the sun!
4. I am thankful that I live indoors, but sometimes I get to play in the grass. Supervised of course :)

I'm a pretty lucky cat, don't you think? I love my family and my brothers, although I'm not going to put pictures of them on my special post.

Devon

New Toy Review

The boys got a new toy from the Petsmart the other week, and it was an instant hit. It is a scratcher, made by Pet Stages, cost is about $20, and loved by cats. Here are some pictures of Tanner and Devon modeling the new toy for you...Enjoy!

Two paws up for the Pet Stages Scratcher! They actually do scratch on it as well, but today it was more fun to look down on the others from its perch.

Graham Cracker Goodness

Tanner has a sweet tooth. Tanner has a taste for crackers. Tanner likes to bite the corners off crackers. Give Tanner a Graham Cracker and this is what you get...pure joy! Enjoy...

Catnip Crazy!

A new friend came by the house the other day, and brought the boys some fresh catnip stalks! My boys love when people pay attention to them, so this made their day. It took a bit before they decided to investigate this new thing in the floor, but after a few days, they couldn't get enough of it.

Tanner decides to just lay with the fresh stalk...he's actually under the stalk just a bit!

Devon looks all sweet and innocent laying there next to the couch, but he had a part in this mess...don't let him fool you! Even Smokey came out to get in on the action! I'm not sure what Devon is doing in this photo...just being crazy I suppose.

Anyway, the catnip was a hit, and I will need to start growing it in the garden for the boys. They loved it!

Two paws up for fresh catnip. (Vote was taken before the high wore off, so may be slightly skewed)

"Not Me Monday"

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This is my first attempt at a "Not me! Monday" post so here goes...

On Friday, I did not make a yummy, high calorie dessert for my crop, because I am on Weight Watchers, and do not have enough points for such things. I then did not proceed to make it unhealthier by adding chocolate chips to the thing. I don't even have those in my house! While this dessert, that I did not make, was cooling on the stove, I did not catch Tanner licking the top of it. He is a perfect angel, and does not get on the counters. I did not proceed to serve this cat licked dessert to all my friends that night because I did not have to time to make something else. That would be gross!

That feels better to have that off my chest because I most certainly DID NOT tell the guests that Tanner had previously licked their desserts. I might not have any friends left at all! At least my cats still love me :) Doesn't Tanner look innocent? NOT!

Devon - Look at me

Devon is a definite middle child. He's the odd one in the family. He doesn't play much, but he is learning. He's moody. He refuses to squat in the litter box, so has been named the "Dancing Fool" around our house. He loves to rub his face on a bread bag, and will whimper if you don't give him enough attention when he wants it. But in spite of all his quirkiness, Devon is a love bug! Here's a short clip of Devon loving on a pillow. He's kneading his paws, and although the video doesn't pick it up, he's purring up a storm! Enjoy.

Bird Watching

Tanner is an avid bird watcher. He loves when they fly in and land in the yard. The pigeons are his favorite because they are so dramatic and big! I caught him one day in the chair watching the birds out the window...this was the craziest pose! Tanner is a nut.

Another crazy thing Tanner does is lay in the floor of the upstairs bedroom and act like he is looking out the window. I don't think he can see anything, unless the birds are flying by, so I'm not real sure what he thinks he is seeing!

He also likes when the pigeons are on the roof...you can hear them dancing around up there from inside the house. It drives him crazy!

Video testing

I'm trying to figure out how long of a video I can post here, so bear with me as I experiment. This first video is of Mojo. He's out in the yard playing/rolling in the grass. Because of his severe allergies he was not allowed to go outdoors, and we could not open the windows. At the time of this video, the allergies were the least of our concerns. His tumor was enormous, and his life was coming to an end. He was feeling good during this time due to some steroids. Enjoy our boy!

More video to come...

April Birthdays

Tanner and Smokey both have birthdays in April. Tanner turned 7 years old last week on the 7th, and Smokey is 13 today.

Tanner got a new toy and peacock feather to play with. We also had some celebration canned food. Since Tanner is on a diet he did not have any sweets this year.

Smokey will celebrate tonight with a new catnip toy and some yummy canned food. His favorite flavor is Chicken and Liver so that is what we will serve up to the gang.

More posts are coming soon...stay tuned!

Fly High Superman

Mojo Bauman Canipe

199? - Feb. 25, 2009

Our beloved Mojo passed over the rainbow bridge on February 25, 2009 at 9am after a courageous 7 month battle with fibrosarcoma. He was surrounded by his family and it was a very peaceful passing.

Mojo was the sweetest cat ever and was so tolerant and patient of any procedure you needed to do to him.

Many thanks to everyone for your support of our family and Mojo over these past months...you'll never know just how much you have meant to us.

Mojo will always be a part of our lives and we will never forget him.

Fly High Superman! You will be missed!

Mojo Improving

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since last posting photos of Mojo's flair, and I have to say that he has come a long way. We are all pleased with the results from the various medications he is currently taking. Here is a photo, taken July 2, 2008.
Mojo's current Medication schedule looks like this...

• 35mg Cyclosporine daily (10mg in the am and 25mg in the pm)
• 1/2 Zenequin daily (antibiotic)
• 1/2 Antihistamine daily or as needed
• 1cc allergy serum every two weeks

After a couple more weeks on his meds this is what he looks like...big improvement! It may be that he will be able to come off of at least one of his meds this week. Keeping fingers crossed for him! GO MOJO!!!

Our next course of action, after speaking with his vet this morning is to continue with the antibiotics until they are all gone. This should be another week or so. Then we will go one more week with just the regular dose of the cyclosporine. Then the following week we will cut down to just 25mg of cyclosporine daily, and after a week at that level, I'll call the vet again.

Next on our list will be tackling the cause of the diarrhea, or at least trying to determine the least amount of medications needed to keep it away. Right now, since we aren't having any diarrhea problems, I guess our course of action will be to reduce meds until we cause it, and then give a touch more to stop it again. I don't know this for sure, but this would be what I would try.

Mojo goes to see his regular vet for his annual visit on Thursday...I'm hoping we will see a little bit of weight gain for him. Mojo is due for his rabies and FVRCP vaccines. Tanner is going along for the ride, so he can get weighed too. He is trying to lose weight because he is a fat boy! At his last weigh-in he had lost an ounce! This was an exciting time for Tanner. I hope to see another few ounces on Thursday. It has been two weeks since our last weigh-in. GO TANNER!!!