Cali's Corner - Spring 2019 - Facial Expressions ^..^!

Cat-itude of Self Expression

Got your attention yet.

Did you know cat's can employ human expressions better than dogs?

Yes, cats really do have facial expressions, if you are a cat owner you have likely seen this. 

Selective listening!

In my young 5 years, I have become quite observant of my pet parent.  Oh she will try to hid the camera, or iPhone, I simply employ of manipulation, selective listening.  Did you know that cats ears have 32 muscles that can make each ear work independently!  I turn back employing twitching of ears. My humans taps fingers incessantly, gibberish, scowling which I mirror back LOL! I curl up and go to sleep!

I'm getting bored or laughing at you!

Sometimes I will give my pet parent an attitude expression just to let her know how I feel.  I often watch my parent so I can capture her mood or attitude.

More expressions later.........

Summer Fun That Keeps on Giving and 101 Kitten Training- Aug 11, 2018

😅😉😉Hi Everyone:  I'm back from "CAT SABATICAL"

full of energy, phew it has been a hot summer here and across Canada, have you felt it, LOL.  I am very clever to jump out of the sun's rays at noon, scooting  over toward the air-conditioning! My soft fur blowing in the gentle breeze....ah bliss. I'm the perfect fit on the floor which means, I don't have to share with my human or my companion "Boppy".  I'll introduce you later.   Let me tell you about training 101 in a bit.  My human is relegated to the settee only LOL (yep I can train them too) LOL! 

 😏 I've manipulated my 'human' to have a 'cat zone' in every room, which is wonderful just for me! 😂😃.  I can lounge, sit, groom at my hearts content.  I have taken over: The office chair, the living room with tent, the under the window storage bench, the chair under the dining room  table, the window sill..complete with a nice layer of fleece..so cozy (not that my human is small enough to sit or use any Yoga pose to balance effectively on the window sill - LOL)!  Oh yeah, the filing cabinet has 2 layers of flannel nightgowns (I stole that from my human, shes not likely to wear that with cat hair as she's NOT a CAT)!

My human lives here "THIS IS MY CAT-A-BODE"

I can be grooming and have one eye and ears focused on the baby birds flying to their nest, my reflexes are that good as you know! 

Here I love to 'natter' at the birds and stress them out. LOL😋

Tinned food is great as is dry food, cause I get the best...but 'fresh meat' is always a luxury in an urban dwelling! 😏

I'd like to introduce you to my 'roommate' we have been 'best buds' or 'BFF' since I was 4 months old.  We romp and play, I chase, grab her buy the paw when she's not looking, play fight and teach her what it is to be a kitten.  She must be a 'chip of the old cat block', cause she is stubborn, has selective listening, ignores me, and disappears until I sniff her out of hiding places....she's often under the sofa like I was!  😔🙌

Cat play all day with 'Roomy'

 My roomy has started to take on my some of my personality, sometimes I have to tap her on the face, just to make sure. LOL (Anyone home)! 

I call these photo's home along cause we were, LOL😍😁.

At LAST
she's sleeping

No MORE Kitten Stories ...
Go to sleep!!

A moment of Solitude!! 

Finally SpeCATtulous Time to MYSELF

 Well, so far it's been a spectacular Summer so far.  Friends grow together its a give and take (one Diva has to be Boss at least in the cat family):  1)If you want to really imprint the CAT on your charge or kitten, make sure they plant your paws firmly in training. 2) Patience 3) A few cat treats to distract or reward.  4) Be firm and gentle, but correct when needed (You have to be the CAT IN CHARGE!!!  5) Make time for CAT REST and Relaxation! 

😍😏  Remember to "Follow the Diva"...yawn...see you next time...Cali ^..^......!

I'm sure you'll love this one https://divapaws4advice.blogspot.com/2017/

If you would like to share your experiences let us know, and you might be featured!

  

All photos are copyrighted - Vanessa Rottner©2018 

The Friday File: Separation Anxiety 101 - Ways to Adjusts and Ease - Simply Tap Your Paws Together!

Hello MY Darlings,

I hope you are all cozy in your beds, sofa's and cardboard boxes!
The November winds moved me from the marble windowsill  to my warm comforts of home!

I spoke last week about getting plenty of R'NR as the shopping
season is upon us now.  I'm still waiting for the Santa Clause parade soon to be arrive in my urban city.

Pet parents have been asking about the issue or 'Separation Anxiety'. How to respond to their pet children (feline and canine).  There is usually lots of activity around the house, this time of year, frequent trip, long lists and sometimes pet children don't get all the attention as they normally would.

One lady called Susan wrote in this week who spoke about her beloved "Mika" a delicate feline, somewhat shy Calico with a sweet personality.

Suite case:  Mommy I need YOU

(PAWS4Thought - washes face)'

Separation Anxiety:  Defines as
Feline reactions:


We thank "Mika" as our Guest today

Cali just turned 3 and still has issues when Mum has to go out . Nothing nicer than feeling comfort and care

Newsletter 1: Welcoming the New Year and Comfy Cats

MEOW 

ARE YOU READY????

Wash your whiskers and paws......come and see my new friends!!

How were your Christmas CELEBRATIONS?   

I have some new friends!  Come along and meet them!   I found them peeping out of my Christmas stocking with some catnip!  

Is it a Bird, a Plane or Comfort Cat Teddies?

They are the best they listen, you can share secrets, they are easy to train!!

What is your favorite colour, stripe or no stripe, kitten, young cat, or adult cat.

Lots of Friends for ME

I had so many friends visit it was wonderful, they are soft and cozy

and are house trained, make wonderful guests.   My human loves read to her her children,  I observed they had made themselves very comfortable either side of the pillow...to the delight of the human child!  It wasn't long before I too found a spot on the foot of the bed...and purred myself to sleep.

Oh who is the odd one out - there is a clown in every Pride of Lions!

My human must be very busy, for I was hunting after midnight and found

there were more friends that had arrived...I didn't even hear the door bell ring! LOL. (Another secret....sush....She has a favorite author J. P. McLean, while I have been hunting during the night she has been reading past 3 a.m.   My human said 'I can't put the book down, it's so good filled with suspense and intrigue') Link to here: http://www.jpmclean.net/

Good feline friends (Domestic Short Hair) ...come in all shapes and sizes...colours and .they are cheeky too like me.  Dogs do too....and make me laugh....!!!

and come with a pinch of attitude...that what gives them character!!!!!

Ok, OK.....I will share the SECRET with you...................guess where you can find them. If you ASK or PURR nicely, you might even get a 'hand knitted shawl too'.  Now if they only made it BIG ENOUGH for ME.      I guess I will have to PURR and smiles sweetly.........

Need a pillow buddy....perfect for bedtime reading!

GO HERE:  http://www.jewelleryinspired4u.com/

and HERE: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JewelleryInspired4U

See you NEXT TIME - -Keep those PAWS clean, WHISKERS whipped, and PURR as loud as you can...especially when your HUMAN is SLEEPING - lol

I've got my Cat Buddy - where's yours???

See you next time back here:

Curious Cali - Human Step Ladder - or What I Did to Get Her Attention ^..^!

Hi Curious Cali here....(yawn)!  I was just outside playing in the field chasing a few mice!

I'm a natural climber and have no problems about heights, I leap and bound on furniture traverse across cabinets
and spy from above!

My kitten voice sends out the odd 'meep' when I want something, but I never disclose my
hiding places!!!! LOL


The spring air has given me lots of energy .......
I love to stand on my hind legs (I guess watching too many dog cartoons - LOL).

Did you know that your 'human parent' makes a great step ladder.  That's right...you can.   A vertical jump in stages is the best, just make sure your claws are nice and sharp to dig into the clothing!

I always like to see what MY human is doing, especially a meal times, when I want to see what I'm getting for my meal!  This brings you closer to the food and to use all your senses: eyes, nose and paws if you can get that close. LOL

I'm naturally athletic by nature, and I dine on on my own space called a Credenza!  It comes complete with a table cloth and I'm left to my own devices to 'eat' and 'wash up'
after (that is my face).  I don't do dishes and will never learn
despite the fact I am smart. ^..^.

Now the first time I made this leap into the heavens was bit scary,
I don't have a safety net and like great human acrobatics....
it's all in the nerve..and my whiskers help that along nicely!


The funniest thing was when I got caught in my pet parents clothing!

 
I was literally stuck, I thought she had arms like an orangutan -- not so  ...as I found out.  I meeped and let her know and she managed talk to me softly with reassurance. Then gently secured me
to safety. 

Jemina from Cats

After all
that excitement, I ate and ate....like there was no tomorrow!


I know my mentor "Jemina" from cats would have been impressed with my efforts  Cat "Moonlight"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwfbPc4K9Og.  

After a few days, I managed to get my 'kitten nerve' up again and with practice was able to make the leap in three stages: legs, upper back and mid back.    This was great fun and if you are going to practice the 'step ladder' make sure you try it with your kitten friends but don't hurt yourself.  

Life as a kitten can be quite fun, no need for 'fancy' toys, when you have: a sideboard, sofa, wall unit and a human to provide plenty of playtime.  When you get tired you can 'cat nap' or chase that ball of paper around the living room at 3 a.m. to impress!!!

Cali - Nap Time

Food time: Well, attention seeking behavior is always in your best interest when it's food time.......^..^....!

I thought I'd better get my paws moving, by writing today - otherwise I may not get (supper)???  (Yeh, I know my pet parent too well........she is too good to me LOL)!!!!

Put your PAWS together and come on over and visit, play and share some food here.  We love to have your comments too.   Send me a PAW note if you have story ideas or want to share!

http://divapaws4advice.blogspot.ca/

Post 100. Curious Cali - Enter Stage Right

Pawsing for memories!

Well, Hello MY Darlings!

Fall brings us significant changes and delightful time to chasing through mounds of leaves that smell so earthy good!  Bringing back memories.




I love to lie on by back and view the birds.kites in the air! ...ummm tree climbing ..I'll leave that to my human (I love to see her palms sweet  as she climbs up the extension ladder LOL).
(Knock, knock, determined paws echo from the front door of my office)
 "Hello, Curious Cali (boundless energy) is that you, did you forget the entry code again?  "Hello, sorry I'm a bit late, distractions on the way" I have a story about Spider plants.    Did  you know I have hollow paws (I eat all the time, (smirking).

Curious Cali - Speaks

(Clearing her meow - meep, meep... she began)....I ran, stopped ...check my nails to make sure they were sharp.....(I ran like a hermit crab across the back of the sofa out of reach).  Scrambled up onto the book case, walked along and then jumped over the watering can (do you think obstacles will distract me) - no no....kitten can do anything (why do you think I watch the nature programs on TV -meow).  I viewed a huge spider plant for the taking....(oh delicious safe to eat greens - chomp, chomp).    In a bounding leap I jumped to the bookcase testing my legs I knew I could leap 2-3 feet (I practice on the credenza).

 I had to then traverse over a water can which was the length of my paws (umm). I found a space and walked over to the side of the plant out of sight and reach (LOL).

On my left was a prayer plant to use as a chandelier (No no, I've never been in circus - yet).


(think think....) I used my nose and whiskers balancing my tail in the air for leverage.... to guide me back.  Bonk, crash down went the books..on the floor....(human jumps out of her skin....with her eyes dagger with anger)......

Spider Plant: Chlorophytum comosum, often called the spider plant, airplane plant or hen-and-chickens, is a flowering perennial herb. It is native to tropical and southern Africa, but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including western Australia. Chlorophytum comosum is easy to grow as a houseplant. Kingdom: Plantae  Classification: Asparaceae and is placed in the monocots. Always check with your vet and horticulture plant store about poisonous plants. Monitor you pets on a regular basis to ensure there health.   According to my sources, Spider plants are safe for cats. In fact, according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.), the spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats and other pets. Nonetheless, it is still advised that cats eating spider plant leaves may pose a potential risk.  http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plants-cats.htm

I ran into the bathroom...to the voice in the distance...
"Cali it's 1 a.m. in the morning, bed time....." (sigh) I'll hide in the bathroom and play with the sink stopper.

Chlorophytum comosum

 "Well Cali that is quite the story, thank you for sharing".  "Ok" she meows running out the door.   "See you soon, off to play with my best friend 'bop, bop'. "
 

 

"Well Ok, be safe...come back in 1 hour, I have more research for you".  (sighing) "Meow........I have to eat first".

Look what I found on the internet......InspiredDesigns4YOU

https://www.etsy.com/listing/204246744/cat-or-dog-paw-floating-memory-flass?ref=shop_home_active_8

(I guess this is so I don't get lost - memory locket...or maybe a pretty picture of me or your beloved companion)....me000www I want that chain.... "Cali, time to get back to work".....(sign...reluctant... kitten meow).

Memory Locket for Cats or Dogs

Catch me soon...


On the Diva Paws .http://divapaws4advice.blogspot.ca/

The Friday File - Aspects of Relaxtion the Challenges of Mechanics

 

Hello MY Darlings (smirking).

Well you thought I'd NEVER ASK, the obvious question! What about relaxation?  Mother nature gave this to cats on a 'purfect platter'.  Never ask pur-mission just take it ....like YOU own it!

I've had lots of emails coming across by busy PAWS DESK on dealing with relaxation and personal relationships.  I had to get MY Secretary to sit on the papers as there were so many.  The whirling of the printer was giving such a headache even my whiskers hurt.  EXIT to my secret 'cat door flap' (I use this as a back door, so patients don't see my entering into the front door of the office)!

Stretching I ordered my large saucer of milk. I had a feeling it was going to be one of those days!  My whiskers tell me so....vibrate+ radar =cat sense. MY Secretary is trained so we don't have to natter.......all done by intuition!  That tuned in feeling... LOL)!

  

I had recently implemented a new system into my practice "Catnip Therapy". For those... cat-tankerous clients. Clinically identifies as having cat baggage' From kitten to cat hood.......they never developed the skills to 're-lax'.                 

 Oh, yes paw pointing by human family members, felines too. Meowing: Bengal, 'diva' 'divo' 'cat-tankerous' (variation on human: cantankerous), hissy fit!! 

It doesn't matter how many 'cat degrees' you have or the experience you have....the challenges will always be there!!!

Enter Patient: Count Boris, a Russian Blue ...from Australia. I had done my research..he didn't fit the usual definition given his behavior.

New Patient: Count Boris

(The Russian Blue is a cat breed that has a silver-blue coat. They are very intelligent and playful, but tend to be shy around strangers. They develop close bonds with their human companions and are sought out as pets due to their personalities and coat. The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed that may have originated in the port of Arkangelsk, Russia. They are also sometimes called Archangel Blues. It is believed that sailors took Russian Blues from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s. The first recorded appearance outside of Russia was in 1875 at the Crystal Palace in England, as the Archangel Cat. The Russian Blue competed in a class including all other blue cats until 1912, when it was given its own class).

"Mr. Boris", saunters into my office stomping, arrogant cat body language (hissing under his breath, mowing and carrying on so loudly).  I managed to catch his stared him down...as I do.

I offered him some freshly brewed tea. Putting my baseball mitt paws of authority on my desk -- looking through my glasses!    I pointed to the huge arm chair where he could chill out!  A few moments to let the catnip take hold (LOL).

Facial Expressions- Catnip 101

Step 1: Gently in hail through the nose

I employed a few facial expressions (breaking the ice just to make him laugh) I'd used this 1000 of times on patients!!

Step 3: roll it around your face - relax

Step: 2  inhail gently

I knew I had to monitor and control him, so I made a game out of it!  His gruff demeanor was softening (just a little)

Step 4: Let yourself GO

 
I had MY secretary record the session (permission given by Mr. B).  She came in on my paw cue. The electric bed hummed lowered to the floor , I said to him. "we don't want you to fall off". I will check on you in 20 minutes".  I trotted into my office, then lapped a small bowl of milk, to gather my focus.

(Chortling) I observed patient through the two way mirror. His front and back paws flat out....he looked like road kill (sorry the only metaphor I could think of LOL).

He had to turn over...lowering himself onto his belly. His right paw out to steady himself. Zoooooooop......to our complete surprise .....the table started to MOVE OUT from THE WALL????? The gap got wider and wider!!! Cooly I meowed...... "Secretary, grab his back paw gently."  He was like a amoeba sliding off a slippery rock!!!!  Bullump.......... he slid onto the floor wedging himself between the table and wall.  It was like trying to hold onto wet spaghetti.

The 4 brakes were not secured?? The cleaners forgot to put them on after last night.!! "Mr Boris" was so relaxed he didn't react, a melodic purr emanated from his belly......we got him to his feet got him to sit, checking him over. In a busy practice, even under 'controlled' environment no one came predict mechanical issues or 'human nature'.  

We got him a 'cat-cat' and called an hour later...........................

 

"Mr. Boris" wearing off the catnip with family

Lesson of the day: Humility often comes at surprising times, both for patient and practitioner alike.........if should happen to YOU...SIMPLY LET IT GO!!!

Move on, get those PAWS moving and chase a few BIRDS.....


Hindsight is often 20/20 mixed in with grace....

See you next time MY DARLINGS...........^..^

Special Report: Please be kind to all Animals- A devotion to "DUNDAS"

Please BE KIND to Animals!

Hello MY Darlings!

As I sat looking outside my urban window, I was just lapping some cool water before the summer humidity rolled in.

Across my desk, MY "Secretary" alerted me to read a "Notice of Adoption" regarding "Dundas".   As the story unfolded, I was very moved.  Read on:



 Toronto Downtown Hospital writes:
"Earlier today we got a phone call from a visitor to Toronto who saw a car pull up to the intersection at Dundas and University only to throw a kitten out the car door. She called us and we gave her directions to bring the kitty here. After examination and x-rays, Dr Steede noted that his leg is shattered beyond repair and will need a leg amputation.

While we can't begin to question how someone would do this to a beautiful kitten we are glad that a saint was there to help save his life"


Toronto Downtown Hospital - "Dundas" Kitten.   (LOOK AT THIS CUTE VIDEO, left hand side).

Humans please put the 'humane' back into HUMANE!  I know MY readers will be shocked at the lack of compassion and cruelty to "Dundas" Shame, shame! 

Thankfully, he is in good PAWS now (he must have 'cat angels around him ^..^)!

REMEMBER: Speak UP for US

PLEASE have your humans report ANY cruelty, REMEMBER WE CAN'T SPEAK FOR OURSELVES.......you CAN!

 
I love my team at Toronto Downtown Animal Hospital and MY special "Mum" who makes my world complete with LOVE AND DEVOTION! 

HAPPINESS makes the HEART PURR LOUDER!

Thank you to Toronto Downtown for the inspiration today.......... this special blog is a devotion to "Dundas".  Get well SOON...a lion in the making!  ^..^!

A LION in the MAKING!

 
My DARLINGS, it's now time for my 'CAT NIP'  (oh meant to say.......C  A T.....N A P) 

^..^ !  Remember to visit MY blog page....purrs, face washing allowed ...make yourself at home......

MY humour is FREE.......^..^!


***Get your regular check ups with your Veterinarians**


If you missed my trip to Vienna....here is the link
City to city - Vienna
^..^!

Slipping Sliding into Saturday's

Hello MY Darlings!

Are you reading for the weekend -- I bet you are....

I have been waiting all WEEK - LOL!

For me (and I suspect humans too, its the culmination of anticipation of things to come), metaphorically the sliding into third base with a different agenda! (Daydreaming smile)

Ah yes: M I L K !

 
The choosing of a ice-cream after a hot ride in the car, the waking of that first morning of your holiday, the smell of a new book. These are some of the things humans enjoy..I prefer, fresh salmon caught after my paws have been in the water (looking almost like dried prunes ...lets not go there -- ha ha); the dish of fresh milk that you have been waiting for while coffee sings waking up the world
smell of fresh brewing coffee, (you look with a glaze of intensity that melts your human into submission).          
It works for ME!

Sleeping IN

The pace of life slows down on Saturdays, like sleeping in (Do not disturb) well that is what I've observed...the optics shift to a slower pace like the wain breeze caught wrapping around a waving flag, playful and carefree! Even life .in the kingdom has it's own feel!

Unless there is a big Soiree or our friend Messr. Toulouse surprises is with a surprise visit....it's time to chill and relax!

Toulouse sets the pace!

Saturday and Sunday are the fresh journal, crisp clean a canvas awaiting the work of the pen skipping gleefully across the page. There is an old expression "A change is as good as a rest"..
  

Easing into the Weekend

a fresh wind brings excitement to the weekend.  Life is all about the important things that matter, (leave the agendas behind, deadline, demands, now we PLAY)!

(catch a few mice, chat with friends, socialize or simply have fun).  Shifting gears is good for the mind and soul.  I often have to do this with my writing ...PURSPECTIVE is a good thing!

New friends give us PURSPECTIVE

T.G.I.F: A very smart human came up with this acronym...I spoke about this in my "Weekly Advice blog" recently. 

After it's all about optics......life your life to the fullest, keep happy and remember the importance of friends.  They are a gift....

Have fun...............

Well MY darlings, enjoy your weekend......Ciao until next time!