A nice warm break with the Herd

Before it got cold again, we had a short time of nice spring weather. Most of our cats loved playing in our fenced garden and patio during those warm sunny days. I wanted our new cat, Kenji, to enjoy the outdoors too, so I opened the window to let her into our multi-level catio. Being outside in the fresh mountain air was important for our cats and me. You could tell because they were happier and more relaxed, as shown by their purring and drooling.

As an outdoor enthusiast, there’s nothing I cherish more than spending time outside in the embrace of nature’s beauty. And what could be better than sharing this love with my precious fur-babies? The mere thought of our upcoming outdoor adventure fills me with an indescribable excitement.

Envision the sun gently touching our skin as we go on our adventures. The fresh air gently touches our faces, carrying the sweet scent of flowers and the earthy fragrance of the garden floor. The Herd, with their endless energy, hop and run beside me, their tails upright and swaying with pure joy. The sunlight filters through the trees, making beautiful patterns on the ground. Their paws, usually delicate and careful, now walk boldly on the warm brick walkway, discovering the textures and scents of the natural world. The migrating elk had passed through our snowcapped mountain recently. The sky above is painted with shades of blue and white, with fluffy clouds drifting lazily by.

The Herd Update

Kenji: Kenji, the once timid and solitary cat, has taken a significant step forward in her journey of integration with her feline companions. Late one night, to my surprise and delight, Kenji joined me and three other felines in bed. This marked the first time she had ventured out of her private suite and engaged in such close physical proximity with her fellow felines. Kenji’s increasing frequency of venturing out of her private suite is a testament to her growing sense of comfort and trust within the feline community. She is gradually shedding her shell of solitude and revealing more of her unique personality. Purr. Her glucose levels have remained stable, indicating good overall health and well-being. Kenji’s progress reflects the nurturing environment provided by my patience, demonstrating the transformative power of love and care.

Harvey: His recent annual veterinary checkup revealed a red spot in the back of his mouth, indicating possible stomatitis, a common inflammation of the mouth in cats. The vet prescribed antibiotics and corticosteroids to treat the inflammation and prevent infection. Harvey is responding well to treatment. Other than the stomatitis, Harvey’s health is overall good.

Each morning after breakfast, Harvey goes outside into the fenced garden to patrol the premises. He is a territorial cat and enjoys keeping other cats away from his property. Harvey is a fierce protector of his home and family, and he is always on the lookout for potential threats. With a familiar routine, he leaps onto my shoulder, purrs and patiently awaits my arms to embrace.

Tanna: She celebrates her third birthday on Easter. Among her peers, Tanna stands out as the one who embraces the outdoors with unparalleled enthusiasm.

Her backyard serves as her personal playground, where she transforms into an ambitious acrobat. With each leap and twirl, she defies gravity with astonishing agility. Her lithe body bends and flips with grace, as if she were a gymnast in training.

In addition to her extraordinary acrobatic abilities, Tanna exhibits an unquenchable thirst for adventure. She frequently joins Harvey on his routine patrol duty, displaying her agility in bug chasing and engaging in lively tag games with her feline companions. She continues to give me neck hugs and loud purrs.

Old Missy Pebbles: The oldest of the herd  gracefully celebrated her 18th birthday in February. The gentle passage of time had left its mark on her, and in the last six months, she had faced valiant battles with megacolon issues. Yet, Missy’s spirit remained unbroken, and her love for life shone through her radiant eyes.

As the warm spring sun kissed the earth last week, Missy found solace in basking under its golden rays on the patio. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of contentment and nostalgia as she inhaled the fresh air. In those precious moments, a glimmer of hope sparked within me, a longing that perhaps Missy would be granted another chance to witness the wonders of another summer.

As fate unfolds in an unexpected manner, the passage of days reveals a profound change in Missy. Her appetite wanes, and the conclusion of winter witnesses a gradual dwindling of her weight. The signs of her declining health become increasingly undeniable, signaling the approaching end of her earthly journey. With a heart laden with sorrow, I strive to come to terms with the impending reality that Missy is nearing her final voyage, where she will be reunited with her beloved brother, Bam Bam in Rainbow Park, a realm of eternal serenity and tranquility. The bond we shared was deep and unbreakable, forged through countless moments that showcased her sweet and affectionate nature. Missy took great pleasure in welcoming visitors and eagerly sought every opportunity to share my lap and purr. Her absence will leave an irreplaceable void, forever etched in my heart.

Kitzy: My 14-year-old bedside feline companion, Kitzy, is currently undergoing treatment for occasional ulcer flare-ups in his mouth with antibiotics. His daily routine primarily consists of resting by a sunny window, with brief outdoor excursions for fresh air.

To manage the pain associated with gingivostomatitis, Kitzy receives a daily dose of corticosteroids, which will continue for the remainder of his life, although it does not prevent ulcer flare-ups. He has a history of struggling with kidney infections, and when he shows signs of dehydration, I provide him with fluids.

Recently, his weight has been gradually decreasing, warranting a veterinary appointment next week for a thorough assessment. Although he dislikes being held, he enjoys being petted and seeks attention from me. Purr with can’t-help-it drools.

Wolfie the Wobbly: Our youngest feline, Wolfie, showcases astounding resilience despite facing physical limitations. His captivating personality and unique disability make him the centerpiece of our feline family. During our leisurely strolls, I prioritize his comfort by carrying him securely on my shoulder or using a wrap-around. This allows him to fully experience the sights and sounds of both our home and the outdoors. Purrs on and off. However, Wolfie has recently developed an aversion to his wheelchair. My heartfelt aspiration is to rekindle his joy in using it during our outdoor adventures on the patio, just like he used to. To achieve this, I am planning to create a horizontal scratching post and provide a cozy outdoor rug where he can relax and bask in our company.

Miss Mocha Mojo Munchkin: Mojo maintains a playful demeanor, happily engaging with toys and the laser light. Her independence is intriguing, as she chooses when to seek my attention then she purrs softly. With the approach of winter, she seeks warmth by staying near heating vents, heated beds, or in the Catio when it reaches 80 degrees. Her outdoor ventures are brief, followed by a prompt return to cozy comfort. Among her daily routines, she particularly enjoys running on the wheel.

Roxy: In the mornings, Roxy enjoys snuggling on my bed, and her gentle kisses, oftentimes with some drool on my chin are simply delightful. Although she is an independent feline, she has a penchant for chasing Tanna or basking in the sun outdoors. Running on the wheel, however, remains her favorite pastime. I look forward to her soak and play in the water this summer.

The Quinns: As the sun breaks the horizon, HoneyBear and O’Ryan’s morning routine creates a delightful contrast of personalities. Their graceful long tails sway in unison as they hop towards their breakfast spots. Both cats exhibit equal elegance and agility as they play with laser lights and sniff the mountain breeze that tousles their long whiskers. Despite their differing temperaments, HoneyBear often companions me in bed, kneading my abdomen and chest with a heavy drool-inducing purr. O’Ryan, on the other hand, prefers the lofty heights of perches and delivers a daily greeting from the dining room. O’Ryan, my deskmate, finds solace in napping beside the computer. Her sweet, purring interruptions when she tiptoes over the keyboard are a gentle reminder that I can take a moment to hold and appreciate her presence.

Milo Hemingway: Hemingway had a history of consuming junk food kibble. He still shows a preference for kibble over wet food, and rarely finishes his wet meals. As a compromise, I put some kibble in food treat toys to balance his diet. He would engage in this activity until the kibble was fully consumed. Over time, Milo successfully shed some excess weight. In contrast, Hemingway persists in bullying O’Ryan even though she shows no interest in engaging with him. King Harvey would witness the bullying and confront Hemingway, giving him a squat. While enjoying the outdoors, he observes birds and uses his hunting skills to find mice. On the positive side, despite the challenges, he enjoys playing with a toy fishing rod, can do backflips, and loves belly rubs. He returns with purrs and front paws kneading in the air.

Going outdoors is crucial for the well-being of cats

Cats, known for their independent nature, have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. They thrive in environments with fresh air and natural scents. The scent of the mountains, in particular, holds a special allure for cats. Its invigorating and crisp quality stimulates their senses, providing both physical and mental well-being.

Cats and Humans Come Together for Harmony

Humans, too, benefit immensely from exposure to fresh mountain air. Breathing in the clean, crisp air has been shown to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular function, and boost overall health. The cats’ love for the mountain air and the humans’ need for rejuvenation come together to form a harmonious experience. In this shared experience, cats and humans find a common bond. They both appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the mountains, and they both find solace in the fresh, crisp air. It is a perfect match, a harmonious blend of nature and companionship.

And the Cat-Dog too!

Like many other canines, Ellie Mae enjoys being outdoors. However, as she ages, she finds tranquility in resting outside, cherishing the peace and serenity of nature.

Purrs and Drools = Gratitude

In the company of my feline friends, I indulge in the pleasures of fine dining and wine. Their gratitude for my endeavors to be a exemplary cat parent is deeply appreciated.