My Feline Friends

On Monday we celebrated Family Day on our side of the border. It’s a new holiday, this being the second year of its existence. A popular attraction for families yesterday was the local zoo. A half price admission fee combined with warmer temperatures really boosted the attendance. The animals must have noticed that the crowds were much larger than usual. The gorillas and orangutans were delighted, and happily obliged the onlookers with their antics.

Next in popularity to the primates are the wildcats, in particular the lions and tigers, which draw quite a gathering. It always amazes me that these huge, regal, yet ferocious beasts are cousins, so to speak, to our lovable little house kitties. Of particular interest is the Sumatran tiger, of which there are four at our zoo. The smallest species of tiger, it is critically endangered, as there are only 400 left in the wild. All of the wild Sumatran tigers live on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, near rivers or swamps in rainforest areas. Their numbers have decreased over the years due to poaching and the loss of their habitat to agriculture.

Just for fun, I thought I would create a comparison to chart the similarities and differences between the Sumatran tiger and our domestic feline friends.

I wonder if our little felines nearness to humans has helped to increase their vocal repertoires. It sure has done much to increase their numbers. Imagine that, tigers purr. I wonder if they knead as well. Do they like catnip? Mmm. So much to learn. Stay tuned. Till next time.

It’s been almost 3 months since I lost my Tommy. It seems that whenever I think I’m over him something will remind me and my tears start again. He was more than a cat to me. When I looked in Tommy’s eyes it was as if I saw a person in there. There seemed to be so much wisdom and understanding in his gaze. I’ve lived with other cats, but this one was special, there was such a loving bond between us.

What really hurt was that Tommy was taken from me at such a young age. He was only 7 years old. I thought that we would grow old together, but it was not meant to be. Other than the occasional vomiting, he hadn’t been sick a day in his life. Even when money was tight, I never missed his yearly vet checkup and shots, and I fed him the best quality food I could afford. Tom’s coat was beautiful and shiny; he loved to eat olive oil and fish oil.

It is somewhat consoling to know that although his span of life was shortened, that Tom’s quality of life was all that a cat could want, and more. He loved both people and cats, and had friends from both species. He really enjoyed his food, and made sure I fed him promptly upon arising in the morning. He was a hefty fella who weighed in at 16 pounds. Tom, I sure do miss you, I wasn’t ready to let you go. I think of you often, and I hope you are doing well on the other side of the bridge. I love you forever.

Do I hear a tin of mackerel being opened?

Missy and Dandelion have been hinting that they would like to blog. Missy loves to sit on my lap as I work at the keyboard, and Dandelion prefers to perch beside the mouse.

I’ve been discussing this matter with them, as I’m not sure they are ready to blog yet. After all, I explained, what would you blog

Na...False alarm.

about? Besides your little cat spats, what issues interest you? Their replies came as a resounding “meow-ow-rl”. That, by the way is kittenese for mackerel. What is even more surprising is that they both agree on something.

Mackerel is the favourite treat of Missy and Dandelion. Until the past month or so I have been buying a large can of imported Jack Mackerel each week from my local grocery store. There is enough to provide for 2 servings each. Recently though, those shelves have been empty whenever I shop there.

What is going on! Is there a conspiracy against the cats of the world designed to deprive them of their mackerel? Whenever they hear the sound of a can opening, Missy and Dandelion appear in the kitchen with expectant looks on their faces. I have offered them Canadian sardines, in hopes that it will appease their mackerel cravings, but alas it’s a poor substitute. Those two felines just aren’t buying my sustainability argument, and leave a large portion of the sardines uneaten.

There is hope, though. On my most recent shopping trip, I discovered some smaller cans of mackerel on the shelf. The can was the size that tomato paste comes in, and the mackerel was canned in tomato sauce. (which I washed off before presenting to the feline duo.) The sticker on the shelf read $.69, however the price came up as $.89 when the cashier scanned it. Such is the law of supply and demand. All I know is that my two hungry felines are demanding more mackerel.