Friday, March 23, 2012

The Concession


 

I love to have the LAST word

Hello MY Darlings:
Well, it has been quite an interesting adventure thus far. “Mr. Arrival” and I are adjusting to our paws and vocal exchanges. 

 I continue to maintain supremacy over my kingdom, matching his baritone meows with my guttural she bear.  Despite the challenges of positioning, I am holding my own.  As with any new relationship feline or human there often needs to be some ‘give and take’.

 
Well Diva, want a challenge send it MY way! 
I am learning that “Mr. Arrival” is very intelligent. He waltzes around and continues to parade his sleek, athletic deportment with the air of cavalier. Much revered in the 

He is awesome!
Theatrical circles. He is tall, brown tabby, with striking silver markings on his body.  Emerald green eyes sparkle from debonair face with distinctive coppery nose and cheeks.  

Diva is in for a RIDE - meow!


Of course MY dears we are equally matched in that regard, I have caught him glancing at me from a distance. I prance by showing off my alabaster neck and white paws, turning slightly so he can see the tri-coloured fur which I call ‘the coat of many colours’ 

I think he is a super cat...never seen any Divo leap with such ease.



I feel EYES peering at me?
He has found himself a perch in what we call the ‘cheap seats’ in the theatre.  It is way up in the rafters, purrfect for the skier or hunting types. I feel like I"m being WATCHED!


I do the runway poses, pivot and turn my head in a coy fashion!  Then run like mad before he hisses! I'll I stalk him. Walk by and hiss back.....! Got cha!!!

This morning, did my best Audrey Hepburn walk, coiled my body ....then jumped over him...he didn't know what happened. This expression was worth it..lol



 
Now and again, I sneak over to his food station to see if he has left me any ‘olive branch’ offerings. 

The dish was completely clean….. I do think he is figuring me out!!
I ate his food - lol





Well, I'll chase circles around YOU!
I think I would like to get to know him more...his name is
"Sammy" 

he is awesome!





 

Ciao MY Darlings.....I'll be writing more about this..............

**Don't forget to send in your requests by  Friday to "Dear Diva" divapaws4advise@gmail.com**
Your questions will be featured in the weekly segment**.




Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Dear Diva - Feature Question of the Week: Integration of New Family Member

Hello My Darlings!

I have an announcement......

I am adding a "Special Feature" to my blog called "Dear Diva".

I will feature ONE of your favorite questions.  You may send them to the following: divapaws4advise@gmail.com.

The subject today is: Integration and how you introduce and welcome a new family member
                              
Who this New Divo gracing my presence
As with any human relationship, forming them and creating a positive bond takes time. With humans a handshake or a polite "How Do YOU Do" breaks the ice.  Now with feline and canine species this take a little more time... (washes her face with paws and thinks).



According to my resources: 
Feline Social Behavior and  Feline  Organization
Domestic cats tend to be solitary. They do not usually form large groups with complex social structures as do dogs. Cats are also very territorial by nature, some more so than others. However because their social organizations is somewhat flexible, some cats are relatively tolerant of sharing their house and territory with multiple cats. It is not uncommon for a cat to tolerate certain other family cats, but not get along with others in the house.The factors that determine how well cats will get along together are not fully understood. 

Cats who are well socialized, meaning they had many pleasant experiences with other cats during kitten hood, will likely be more sociable than cats who have not been around many other cats. On the other hand, "street cats' who are in the habit of fighting with other cats in order to defend their territory and food resources, may not do well in a multi-cat household.


Mae West Quote: Too Much of a Good Thing is Wonderful
Getting along is simply a test of 'good manners'.  Having worked in the theatre for many years and dealing with Diva and Divos.  This brings strong personalities together --- often in confined spaces.   




The coolest new Divo in town.
I WILL have YOU under MY  spell.




You can still maintain your strong character traits with the new arrival.  A little dignity is sugar of diplomacy. The little nod of the head and a gentle bow will put you ahead in a healthy relationship. 

Who knows, you may become best friends, perhaps sharing food!  I'll speak more about this later.'

Wow ...we worked
 through the integration phase.
My Darlings, my word for you today is simply this: 'grace becomes YOU'. 

Ciao ......watch out for my next post.........................

Sunday, March 18, 2012

"Dear Diva" How Can I Learn How to Jump Gracefully?

Hello My Darlings!

This is the second "Dear Diva" blog.

I would like to convey a special 'thank you' to Miss Lily
for her question:

"How Can I Learn How to Jump Gracefully".
Jump with Grace - and look GOOD

If you don't mind the intended pun, you question poses an interesting one!  I think it would depend on many factors as I see it, my response is based on common sense and my own experience:
1) optics
2) genetics
3) your own natural abilities or lack of them
4) the environment (whether you an inside or outside cat)

It depends upon your optics. Are you asking "How do I jump gracefully" what methods and actions to I have to take to obtain this effectively.  Firstly, it has to do with your own natural abilities, whether you are a 'natural athlete' or 'average'. This determines the above.  Secondly, it depends on your genetics Father (Sire) Mother (Dam).  Thirdly, we know that all cats have the natural ability to 'land on their feet' that has been proven scientifically.  Your natural parents or your human companions would have observed you since you were a kitten, they are the best barometer to tell you whether you should be very active or not.  To illustrate this further, a friend of mine had a cat that was born without a tail.  This abnormality affected his ability to balance and he did not care to participate in a lot of physical activity such as jumping.  He was active in other ways and made up for this with his stunning character and personality.

Katherine Hepburn
Finally, if you are a in door cat it is best to exercise common sense here.  Cats that live in the country are more apt to be physical.

Marlene Dietrich












When ever I have to tackle something difficult, such as skiing or gymnastics I put myself in character and pretend I am an avid skier or am in the Olympics. A few days before any jumping, I put on my best Katherine Hepburn outfit and strut around my dwelling acting like Marlene Dietrich.

Hint: If you do not like jumping, then try walking across Piano keys..it will improve your balance. If you balance or coordination is a problem, then try another activity such as reading or birdwatching.  Remember to always be sensible and be PLAY IT SAFE!

Remember to send your questions to me at divapaws4advise@gmail.com before next Saturday.

Ciao my Darlings, until next time  
/*.¸.*´
¸.•´ ¸.•*¨)¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´(¸.• (¸.•´¸¸.•¨¯`•.¸¸.♥^,,^  follow the Diva.......

Sunday, March 11, 2012

"Dear Diva" What to do about finicky eaters?

Hello MY Darlings:

The arrival of Daylight Saving time is the purrfect time to make an announcement! Since most of you will be sleeping it will appear in tomorrow.

I will be featuring a new column called
"Dear Diva".  I will select one question of a general nature relating to, feline, canine or human topics.  

You may send your (printed) questions to: divapaws4advice@gmail.com.

Write to ME
One of the questions I have been asked is this:  What do we do about finicky eaters?

Well, if you are inviting guests who are. I suggest when creating your menu plan choose three types of meat: chicken, fish or beef.  That should please most discerning guests (even Divas or Divos).

  
Divos and Divas can be Drama Queens
A Favorite with Humans
 Provide lots of water with dry food. Most guests will simply be polite to accept what you have to offer - or else they will simply go hungry.






 If you are dealing with kittens or puppies, remember that they young and still developing their taste buds. Give them praise and encourage them.  Wagging tails and purring is a good sign. 
  
Remember Darlings, you simply can't please ALL feline or canine friends.   My human friends have said this many times. So be smart and don't even try!!!  

Ciao Darlings........

Invite your friends to my blog!




Friday, March 9, 2012

Let Me TRILL you by MY Presence:



Hello MY Darlings!

This morning, I was really famished.  The spring air had given me an appetite. As I needed to get my humans attention for food, I decided to invoke the ‘trilling’ techniques that I have developed over the years (much to the annoyance of the other Diva in the household).  I always demand treats at bedtime especially my fish Greenies that I love.

The sun had started to come into the sleeping area; I observed my human stirring out of slumber. The Greenies were left on the bookcase next to the bed, easy pickings!. 


One more chance or else the CLOCK GETS IT.!
 Leaning over with my paws.... tap, tap, of the electrical cord, it began swinging as a washing line in the wind. With the intent of a well seasoned violin virtuoso the chord began humming. The crashing sound of the clock kissing the floor -- smashing the sound of silence. (Cheshire grin sweeps my whiskers, opening as an umbrella fell across my face - mission accomplished.)
My human tossed and turned in frustrated annoyance with (One eye open talking in gibberish)…I thought she said “Diva stop that, go back to bed it’s early yet”. Well, I’ve heard that before and taken NO NOTICE.  Having worked in the theatre I know that props don’t always work.
SERVANT- GET UP - NOW!

Now she was awake for sure! The look of bewilderment was on her face – stunned. I could read her well, as I have done after so many years.  I didn’t want to see the LOCH Ness appear but would dismiss it as I always do.  I was determined, the chorus of  ‘trilling techniques’ began.  For those of you humans that are not aware, it can be described as a sequence of ‘loud primal guttural meows’ in tones like a Ravels Bolero Sneaking closer I pointed my face into her ear…..meoowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, meooooooooow, umppphhhhh, eppp, eppp, meow! 
Breakfast starts the day

(Diva look what you have done, looking around).  I simply ignored her and started the sequence again until she got out of bed.  Wiping her eyes and shuffling her feet….(she utters – “kitchen, kitchen”.)

 Satisfaction starts the day as I stretch my paws.....
MY Servant serves my breakfast treats

Diva WINS 














Have plenty of Spider plants too  you-say-salad-with-that

Ciao MY darlings......................remember your TRILLS..the link to Ravels Bolero will help with that!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The Benefits of Feline Powers of Observation

Hello MY Darlings!

(Haughty smile)As you know there are benefits to OBSERVATION,
when it comes to YOUR humans!

They as a species are quite interesting to say a few, although fairly intelligent you can outwit and out manoeuvre them quite easily.
Dr. Jane Goodall and Chimpanzee
There has always been a scientific interest both  human observing and animals and vise-verse.   One of my favorite Diva is Dr. Jane Goodall, I like her style very much and she has taught me a lot over the years.

Cheshire Cat
My human is very clever and at food time; I always have to come up with interesting ways to GET HER ATTENTION.  I want MY FOOD I will be determined to get it!  As with any strategy in hunting, corralling is important.  Pick up spot  make eye contact, sit and wait - (WATCH and OBSERVE).  Look for the visual cues: a) body language, b) positioning c) eye contact and d) motion.   The human muscles in the mouth are very similar to felines and canines.  It has been said that cats often smile like a human (LOL  like a big Cheshire cat) lets hope they remember to put there dentures in in the morning it could be VERY SCARY!

Your human will: a) guard their food b) turn their body position away from you (watch their mouth) continuing to ignore you as she does me. Then I muster a theatrical loud primal scream (MEOW). She might jump out of their skin (ha ha) and look back...MEOW . Watch carefully.... they drop their food! Engage in the 'grab and run' and hide yourself under your chair.  Unless she likes hitting her head...it is unlikely go any further..leaving you alone IN PEACE! Devouring the spoils.

Mission accomplished DARLINGS!  If you have any observations, simply let me know.Its all about the LEARNING CURVE...and how we can accomplish this TOGETHER .

Ciao MY darlings........................