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.........................

"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  

/*.¸.*´

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(¸.•´(¸.• (¸.•´¸¸.•¨¯`•.¸¸.♥^,,^  follow the Diva.......

"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!

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!

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........................

Its all about PUR-spective

                                      
                                                      Hello MY darlings!

I am delightfully well (washes paws) How are you....?

The sunny is deliciously wrapping me in a warm blanket of light.

My fans (felines Divas) have been asking me interesting questions lately.  This time its about PUR-spective.  I am quite sure you have been observing your human behaviors, they often loose their OPTICS. .  However, I have my OWN ideas  (as I always do). How do I balance my private and personal life?  Not accounting variety of Diva and Divo types..........(Myers Briggs for Dogs and Cats).......

A  Question of  Diva Optics

 Our troupe had a discussion (while sipping earl grey tea).  All of us (Divas in particular and Divo to a lesser degree LOL) in the artistic community (actors, writers. musicians...) juggle with the questions of work vs. play.   I've had the urge sometimes simply to take off and simply twirl like a whirling dervish. (with wistful imagination) ..LOL.    

 Meylievive are know for their famous practice of whirling dances and dervishes. At their dancing ceremonies, or Sema, a particular musical repertoire called ayin is played.

                                                       

Whirling Dervish - Efendi Travel

The Sema ceremony represents a mystical journey of man's spiritual ascent through mind and love to Perfect. Known to the west as Whirling Dervishes, the Mevlevi Order was founded by Mevlana Rumi in the 13th century. The Order wrote of tolerance, forgiveness, and enlightenment.

Diva Optics

Well my darling, very often it's about OPTICS...


Trying to keep PAWS in PUR-spective that fine line between work
and play. How we see ourselves and how others see us.

Well I thought about a feline diva of mine,(Goshi)  who was a calico (like me) she had the uncanny ability when hunting to make herself paper thin while going though a garden fence???

 I suppose she had no trouble with costume fitting and wardrobe departments?  She was one of those athletic types (looks up at the ceiling rolling her eyes).



 Life can sometimes get very
 busy juggling all the balls (catnip did you say). My SERVANTS speak of this often.

A human with a good sense of optics

If truth be know, I have been keeping LATE HOURS too.....(laughing. wiggling whiskers..)

 
                       

Toulouse Le Trek

Audition photo 2011

My friend Mesr. Le Trek world traveler.
Is the master of of PUR-spective being the cool cat that is is. Toulouse mon ami, je soupçonne que vous avez lu ce déjà?





Simply put:      

                       

1) Put your, paintbrushes DOWN,
call us your friend for a CATNIP party..
and go and PLAY.......................Ciao .....baby

We love to hear from our FANS and join our little troupe.... write soon DARLINGS...................

Our Global Village United in Friendship!

Good morning, Morning my Darlings.

Happy Sunday, what a difference a day makes. The sun (day) (sundae)  is shining encapsulating its vibrant warmth on the city, wrapping the city in a cozy blanket!  The violent winds are calm now which enables me get into the MUSE!

(Yawning and washes paws).  I am delighted by all my visitors and love to welcome news ones. It starts me daydreaming of exotic places of travel. Cultures and cities vibrant with activity feline and canine friends ...nattering 

Parlez vous!

in their various languages: (Spanish) Buenos días, (German) guten Morgen, (French) Bonjour,(Italian) Buongiorno, (Belarusian) Добрай раніцы,(Romanian) bună dimineaţa

I love to meow in several languages!

(Hindi) ,  صباح الخير  (Welsh)bore da.....my human would like that she is part Welsh!  

I have always been a diplomat my darlings, thrilled by travelling and adventure ...where ever that takes me!

I  WILL root out all kinds of places to capture chicken or fish. Travelling with my servant to Cuba, we were quaffing on something exotic.   In the Caribbean when dusk falls it is like a black curtain, shrouding the landscape in a cocoon. I  heard something moving in the grass.  My eyes could not believe the shadows............

Grabbing the torch. The darkness revealed a HUGE crab the size of a dinner plate.....stunned by the light....it scampered off like the Phantom of the Opera. LOL

Cuba - Natures Night Life

 

Divo Toulouse and Diva Cat Teddy

Tea Time BEST enjoyed with a FRIEND!

On the home front there is always opportunities to natter on the phone, the internet, or meet socially ....that is what life is all about MY darlings.   Well off to read my social calendar!

Sundaes for SUNDAYS

PAWS for Attention: Use the language widget on the right side bar to translate the text into your own language.  You may add your comments in the "Comments" section. We love our FANS.....Purrs............



Ciao see you next time...........................