Age-bypass Identification

In Cat Lady Chronicles, I wrote about my humorous experience of waiting at a Walgreens drive-thru to retrieve a refill of an insulin prescription in Lucius’s name. History has repeated itself, though with a slightly different twist.


Lucius—amazing cat that he is–went into remission for diabetes about a year ago. L.B. was diagnosed with diabetes shortly thereafter. The insulin prescription has remained in Lucius’s name, which is what prompted the following conversation.

The drive-thru lane was several cars deep, so I went inside Walgreens to pick up the refill for L.B. The pharmacist asked me to confirm the date of birth on the savings card for the prescription, because she was confused. The date in the database indicated 1998, but I looked considerably older than 15.

Gee, thanks.

I tried to explain calmly that the date of birth referred to Lucius, not to me. Then came the question about how could I know exactly a cat’s birthday? Call it Cat Lady’s intuition, I said, and paid for the refill promptly.

When I arrived home, I advised L. B. that he must go into remission, for more reasons than one. Cat Ladies like to be needed (and kneaded), not insulted.

Query of the Day: Do you know your cats’ dates of birth?

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

I’m not one to proselytize on the need to spay and neuter cats, though I cannot imagine not taking full responsibility for doing so with our pets. But I was reminded this week that there are people who simply are not familiar with the birds and the bees when it comes to feline mating and reproductive cycles.

A friend told me the following true story about a married couple who are her friends: About seven or eight months ago, five black kittens were dumped—there is no elegant word here—in Hermann Park in Houston. The husband found and rescued the kittens and took them home to meet his wife. The couple had never lived with cats before.

My friend caught up with the newfound couple-with-cats a few months ago and wondered why the four female cats looked so “heavy.” She asked if the females subscribed to a different diet than the male cat; otherwise, why were they considerably overweight?

“Oh, not at all,” said the Cat Lady. “They all eat the same food.” The next question from my friend was, “Well, then, are the females pregnant?”

“Oh, no,” said the Cat Lady. “Are you kidding? He’s their brother.”

Fast-forward to the present tense. I learned that there are now thirteen black cats living together under the same roof with their human parents and their own four children. The male cat—aka Stud Brother—was adopted shortly after impregnating his sisters and before the four female cats gave birth to nine kittens. What are the odds of having thirteen black cats and conquering people’s superstitions about the number 13?

I suppose it goes without saying that the couple is planning to take their kitties to be spayed and neutered as soon as possible. Meanwhile, if you know of anyone who is looking to adopt a black kitten, please contact this Cat Lady.

Query of the Day: Why do some Good Samaritans' deeds go punished?

The Lil Bub Bandwagon

All Aboard! And, I’m on it!

I finally caught up with Lil Bub in real-time via the “Today” show yesterday morning. True to form, the “perma-kitty” was unbelievably adorable, and I found myself wondering if she and my very own “Mr. Peanut” would enjoy comparing notes on the many plus signs of being so small.

Unlike Lil Bub, Mr. Peanut, whose given name is Linus, has teeth and has been known to bite (playfully) if he is not getting his way. But this kind of naughty behavior occurs rarely, because when you are as cute as Mr. Peanut, life tends to go your way.

Mr. Peanut's petite “Lil Cat Lady” would not have it any other way.

Mr. Peanut turned 10 recently, yet every time I look at him, I still see the darling face of a 7-month-old stray kitten—a kitten who was desperate to get off the street and move into our home. He has never stepped outdoors since, though I am tempted to facilitate a meeting with Lil Bub. Have you, too, noticed that the most-wonderful creatures often arrive in the tiniest forms imaginable?

Query of the Day: Should Lil Bub and Mr. Peanut check out each other at GoToMeeting?

Puppy Love

Has the Cat Lady switched allegiances after all these years? Not exactly, but I am barking up a different tree today. Please don’t tell Lucius et al.!

As I’ve commented before, I also love dogs, and I can’t resist recommending a wonderful new book, Newborn Puppies: Dogs in Their First Three Weeks, by Traer Scott. This book is a chart-buster already and guaranteed to be a perennial best-seller: http://www.amazon.com/Newborn-Puppies-Their-First-Three/dp/1452114315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365102740&sr=8-1&keywords=newborn+puppies+dogs+in+their+first+three+weeks

Who doesn’t adore puppies? Who doesn’t appreciate soulful images of animals in their infancy? Ms. Scott has hit on a winning combination, which is not to imply that her photographs are formulaic. On the contrary. She has the artist’s unique eye and an unwavering sympathy for her subject.

I was very privileged to be the recipient of Ms. Scott’s kind words about Cat Lady Chronicles. When I embarked on my journey to write about my cats, I was like a newborn puppy, eager for validation. Ms. Scott offered encouragement when she read some early chapters of the book, and ultimately she provided a blurb that was published on the book's back cover. I remain grateful for her endorsement. 
You heard it from the Cat Lady: Paws up for puppy love!

Query of the Day: Will you ask your cat's permission to bring Newborn Puppies into your home?

I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy

You already have been introduced many times to Cat Man, otherwise known as my husband, Michael. Now, let me introduce you to my newest Main Man, Rocky Balboa, who is making lots of headway (and he has the big head to prove it) as the hilarious, tweeting “catvocate” at the Friends for Life no-kill animal shelter, right here in Houston.

Rocky has bedroom eyes and a body that was born to do more than hand jive. He no doubt beat up every other stray cat he met on the streets, but he is reformed. Rocky is a true pussycat, only with less-than-perfect ears. There is something simply irresistible about his face.

I was flattered when, after meeting Rocky this past Friday, he sent out a tweet very promptly:https://twitter.com/FFL_Rocky
He's obviously into proper "netiquette," and see what I mean about his face? The photo of Rocky gives new meaning to the "mug shot."

Nothing is sweeter than seeing a rehabilitated feral cat living the good, protected life. If you have ever wondered what cat heaven must look like, drop by Friends for Life and see the amazing number of cats living together in peaceful harmony. And, be sure to ask for Rocky, who is deservedly enjoying far more than the standard 15 minutes of fame.

Query of the Day: Who is your favorite tomcat?