What are you planning on talking about on this conference? I am a lifelong cat lover, and I'd love to get into a conversation about them! I am curious to know about why there is very little overlap between dog lovers and cat lovers--it seems that most people are either one or the other.

interesting question. i've noticed the same thing with people who like math and hate english and the other way around. quite curious, isn't it? i had a bad experience with a cat at a young age and so have been leary of them although i know that experiences like that are not common. have owned two cats. one was a stray who chose to stay with us until a neighbor moved out to the country. he loved Fred and we gave him to him so Fred could live in the country and not have to worry about traffic (he was an outside cat). my other kitten (Sylvester) was a cutie who just loved me. he crawled up onto my shoulder and fell asleep once! unfortunately, sylvester went outside for a bit and got into a fight with a van. i cried my eyes out because this kitty was bound and determined to change my v ew on cats! he was so sweet. my daughter ran around with him like he was a doll! he didn't fight with her at all. she even put pink lipstick on his nose!!

My first cat also got run over - That's how most cats loose their lives. Mao had several severe accidents - I really hope he has learned it now! How could you learn a cat to keep away from cars?

Fortunately, I've never had a cat lose its life to a car. My cat, whom I adored, died at the age of 13 from lung failure. In one of my classes, we were talking about how pets were like members of the family, especially for people without children, and some people just didn't understand how anyone could become so attached to an animal. Losing my cat was like losing a child. I still mourn for her after two years, and I've never found another animal who could hold a candle to her.

*hugs* sweetie, i understand this very well.

That's very sad. I remember all the pets I had as a child far better than any of the friends I had. That says something about animals.

Animals never do the things that humans do--they don't decide that you're not cool enough to hang out with them, they never abandon you because they decide that their boyfriend/girlfriend is more important than you (although I have had some male cats run away when they learned that there were little girl cats who wanted them,) they know when you're sick or upset and don't hassle you about it...goodness, why would anyone NOT want a pet?

I know about cats moving into fights between people and shouting along until the people shut up and behave like decent folks again (or, like decent felines, that is!). And there are cases of cats jumping ship, and moving in with other people down the block. Happens not too seldom, either. Young cats often seek friendship of older cats, who then are often annoyed. My first cat, beautiful Valerie (then about half a year old), acquainted an old gray male, one-eyed veteran of many winters in the wild outdoors. He always came by to pick her up, and go prowl the hunting grounds together.

I live on a busy corner. Before moving here, I was a very firm believer in letting cats be "natural", come and go as they please (cat-door), etc. I lost three cats to traffic in the space of 3 years. So when I got Korben Dallas, a purebred Ragdoll, I radically changed my philosophy. Korben, and his stepsister Bowie, will never know the outside. They're happy (and safe!) and I'm happy. Seti and Fabio are half-wild and quite content to stay outdoors all the time. I could not break Fabio from spraying, so I had to exile him years ago. Of course, I am lucky to live in Southern California where I don't have to worry about Fabio and Seti freezing in the winter! And if you've never had a Ragdoll, may I highly recommend them!

Hi Charlotte! I also have a Ragdoll who came into my life quite unexpectedly. She just showed up on my mom's doorstep in all of her chocolate-point loveliness, about to starve to death. I rescued her, named her Daphne Rose, and I've had her for over a year. She's the most easygoing cat there ever was, except she isn't very lovable. She's pretty independent, but being a Ragdoll, she doesn't mind being dragged around by my two-year-old brother!

have a couple pics of isabel's cats. as soon as i figure the proper proportion, will post them but only if it's alright with terry (because of space problems). if not, i'll link them somewhere.

It's fine, I just freed up 150 megs on this server. There's room!

t'anks!!

isabel's cats (and i forgot which one is which, so please enlighten us, isabel)

let's try the other one again!

i must say that i love the above pic!

My only Grandchild:

His (neutered and huge) name is Critter Little.

what a great pic!!

Got a bunch more (like any grandmother worthy of the name. Son took it with his digital camera - does an excellent job! Thanks!

Both Isabel's and Marcia's tabbies look like Garfield.

True, but Garfield has an attitude that is alien to Critter. Critter has never learned to meow because he has not needed to. He chirps and warbles and does all sorts of funny sounds, but no meowing. He also likes to sleep curled up against the small of my back or at the top of my head. He is very VERy dear!

The first one (Resp. 14) shows my beloved Mao on the piano, he's my little sunshine and a good and brave hunter and a very friendly person. He's a real winner, whatever strikes him down, he survives! By now he has had more then four serious traffic accidents, three cancer operations - and he's only six! The second (Resp. 15) shows Piao in the yard. The lady is a little piqued about your Garfield comment, John. It's true she looks a little round on this photo, but she is not a fatty at all! She is a quite agile and a vicious and ferocious hunter, as all the mice and rats who have met her cannot testify to anymore! Critter Little is a very beautiful cat, Marcia! Thank you for posting the pics, Wolfie!!!

Thank you, Isabel, and your furchildren are equally adorable. poor Mao...how fortunate he has seven lives...sounds like he's gonna need them!

They're gorgeous! And good at posing for the camera too!

My friend Tami's cat is lost, I hope she finds it. It's a Persian and she's very attached to it. She's looked all over the woods and talked to the the neighbors, but no luck after 5 days.

Great pics! Critter Little is a honey! Let's get a nice close-up of Mao with that digital camera!

Terry, when Mao got lost once, we phoned up all the animal vets around and the animal shelters. We didn't find him there (and he luckily found home by himself), but as Mao and Piao were litle kittens they got a number tattooed in their ear, that says were they come from and who they belong to. Nowadays you can even get little micro-chips implanted! If they turn up somewhere vets or shelters are able to find out their home! I don't have a didital camera yet, but many nice photos of Mao. You have to see a colour picture of him, he's sooo beautiful with his red and white fur. Mao lived trough so much grief, but is the friendliest cat there ever was. When he was a baby, I always feared somebody would take him away, because he was smooching with every stranger who came by the house. By now he has two homes, ours and the neighbors house, because there lives his girl-friend "Bussy" a-three-coloured beauty. He loves to stay in the neighbor-house because nobody's there in the morning and so he can sleep undisturbed. They love him just as much as we do and just can't make him go home But at least I always know where to find him! When he got his last cancer operation in August, I had to tell them that he won't visit for a few days, else they would have been in deep sorrow. The first time out again after two weeks arrest, he promtly went to the neighbors to tell them all his griefs...

And I bet his girlfriend had missed him, too. Cats are like that!

Here are my children for you to ooh and ahh over. :) Bowie on the left has one green eye and one yellow eye (but you'll just have to take my word for it from this photo!) so she's named after David Bowie. Korben Dallas is reigning over the right side of the sofa. And here is Korben Dallas showing off his blue-pointedness.

cutey!

yeah, what a couple of sweeties!

They're gorgeous!! And how old are they, Charlotte?

Still no sign of Jasmine, it's been 6 days now, could she have run off to the woods in heat?

Have you phoned the vets and shelters around?

No luck there, either.

not boding well for Jasmine...

Bowie is nearly 4. Korben Dallas was one on 4/1/99. He's still an adolescent. Ragdoll's are not full grown until around 3. *LOVE* the new background, Wolfie!

That's really sad, Terry. Some years ago, when I missed one of my cats, I hung up notes in the neighborhood, I don't know if this might bring any sucess, maybe somebody has seen her. My cats always found home by themselves. Till once when we found Konitzky, my first cat, in the road-ditch... I hope everything's ok with Jasmine and she will find her way home again! Gawd, that makes me depressed, I don't know what I would do without my little kitties - sometimes I think they're the only ones that don't think of me as a complete dumba�� - at least they don't show it too obvious...

Terry, perhaps the cat HAS gone rampaging - one just never knows with them. It must be terribly worrying for Tami - I do hope you'll find her. It is awful when pets get lost.

does she have tags so that if someone else were to find her they would know who to call?

Someone just emailed me the cutest little program for Windows called felix.exe. It has been thoroughly scanned and is virus free. Is it possible to post it here somehow?

terry? what do you think about felix.exe? isabel--i know the feeling. when everyone else acts like i'm an idiot, my dogs sure know how to make me feel special!

I don't know about felix.exe. It's ok to post a link I guess. Jasmine still missing, has tags.

How about I email it to you, Wolfie. Or to Terry. And you can then decide. I don't think a link will work because geocities won't allow executables to be uploaded. I'm so depressed about Jasmine!

My Mom's cats have been known to stay away for a month at (in all probability) somebody else's home and then come back, so keep your fingers crossed for Jasmine!

We sure will, Terry.

Any news?

My question as well...Terry?!

On the subject of cats - has anyone ever come up with a really good virtual cat? I'm a long time cat person, but can't have one at present.

have you heard of dogz? they're virtual pets that play on your screen. also, karen sent me a cat that plays on the screen too. let me see if i can find it and maybe i can email it to you, but only at your request. the dogz do cost something to get the program. i saw it for free and you can play with it, feed it, and send it outside! lemme see if i can find something more feasable. surely they have cats too!

I just sent Maggie a virtual lamb which frolics on your screen and plays and makes cute noises. If anyone else would like Ron, just let me know!

yes, indeed! send away, those things are cute!!

He is now yours, Wolfie, and he is scampering around my monitor as well. I think he is a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, come to look at him closer. Whatever, he is so cute!!!

i was wondering why you sent a picture of "ron"!! (forgot he was the sheep)

Did you put him someplace safe so you can click on him and have him running around on your monitor? Mine is!

he's running around as we speak (and bouncing). you're right, he's a ram!

her's a virtual petz website as promised, think they have a demo to download: http://www.pfmagic.com/central/default.asp

Thanks for that URL... (Did he wee on your monitor yet? He is definitely a He!)

...think I might rename mine...*grin*

Whats with the space ship that came and sucked up Ron? Wierd or what!!!!

Have you seen the little alien, too? They give him back...*smile*

no aliens yet but what about the flaming ron dropping from the sky and falling into a tub? and who's his friend that shows up now and again?

Don't know...Don't remember a friend. Better Boot mine again and check. I think he does that flaming thing when you are not paying enough attention to him and he wants attention.

this other bighorn sheep came flying out of the sky and chased ron around a bit. and ron seems to have trouble landing sometimes. he just crashes and his eyes are x'd out. i'll need to watch carefully for the alien.

He falls off the program windows when you close them, too. He is a fast mender, though! I noted the little black-faced critter when I was posting about your Christmas light problem. If you put the cursor on him he stops and goes the other way. If you right click it when the hand is on him, yhou get options from which to choose.

i tried to put the cursor on him (the visitor sheep) and nothing happened. tried to right-click on the big horn and nothing happened either. he must be happy because he's eating and running around. oh, and he watches the sky and when his friend stops by (he's been running along the top of my screen), ron just watches.

It is a double click which activates your choices. Sorry! He is not a very good climber yet, is he?!

Rejoice! Rejoice! We are getting cats!!! Yes, cats plural! Daughter 2 is coming home from Uni for good in May and it has been decided we will get two kittens - if mum is willing to 'socialise' them - is she just! Husband is still grumbling about the cost - but we'll wear him down. This time they will be indoor cats (at least when we're out, I can't cope with another run over) hence the stipulation we'll get two for company. At least I'll get to enjoy them for a few months before I leave for Africa.

How lovely! And, two is the proper number. How delightful for Mom, daughter and kittens. Husband is reacting just as My father did when we got our cat all those years ago. Must be something on the Englishman's makeup which does not allow for affection for cats but prizes dogs over their own children...*lol*

Instructions for Giving Your Cat a Pill 1) Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow. 2) Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process. 3) Retrieve cat from bedroom and throw away soggy pill. 4) Take new pill from foil wrap. Cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of 10. 5) Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden. 6) Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously. 7) Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered Doulton figures from hearth and set to one side for gluing later. 8) Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil, and blow down drinking straw. 9) Check label to make sure pill is not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap. 10) Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck, leaving its head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with plastic band. 11) Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus jab. Throw T-shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom. 12) Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap. 13) Tie cat's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table. Find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed, and force cat's mouth open with small spanner. Push pill into mouth, followed by large piece of fillet steak. Hold head vertically and pour pint of water down throat to wash pill down. 14) Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room. Sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table. 15) Arrange for SPCA to collect cat, and ring local pet shop to see if it has any hamsters.

*lol*

It's an oldie - but goodie...!

You betcha! Reminds me of a metaphor for the research process someone gave me. I'll see if I can find it. It feels truer every day.

Here's that metaphor from Kharyssa on the Phinished message board. For serious metaphors I have always thought of the thesis as trying to catch an angry wet cat. If you have ever chased a half-bathed cat around your house, you know exactly what I mean. Things start off well... you draw the bath with the perfect kitty temperature; set up the soap and fresh dry towels; vow to stay relatively dry yourself; and bring in the unsuspecting feline (intro). As soon as you pick the animal up, he knows what is about to happen... after all you have donned your gardening gloves and are holding him by the paws and scruff of the neck. At the first touch of water the skirming worsens, but eventually the cat calms down and submits to the vigorous soapy scrubbing (theory). Realize, of course, that the cat is planning his escape. The moment you reach for more soap he is gone in a flurry of water and claws (methods). You spend the next 20 minutes trying to catch the cat (results), who's wet soapy fur makes it easy for him to slip through your hands (conclusion). Finally he makes that one fata move... he is caught; and quickly brought, hissing and squirming back to the bath, where you beg him to stay still long enough to rinse him off (committee revisions). When all is said and done, you set to the task of mopping up the sopping bathroom, ringing out the drenched towels, and changing into dry clothes (defense).

I forwarded this to John, who is, as we speak, working on his Master's Thesis. That is lovely! And all too true! Thanks for sharing it with us!

i love this, maggie!

go john go!! master thesis away!!!!

I second that - push through the tough bits, it's worth it in the end.

I fancy myself as his chief Cheerleader and angst reliever. I forwarded him your messages. Thanks!

John's and My comments crossed in the email...as your comments went out this came in from him: "Yeah, and the cat is a full-grown tiger."

Definitely, and i ain't got a chair!

*haha*

I suggested to him that he have his personal tiger, declawed, defanged and castrated to even the playing field. Have not heard back, yet.

We could offer to be the team with sticks and chairs and things helping the tamer? or aternatively we could offer tea and sympathy. Wonder which he'd choose!

John: "haven't found the gun with the tranquilizer dart yet"

LOL...He has gotten plenty of *hugs* and sympathy from me...I sent him your comment and I also wonder which he would choose.

ah, but watch out when he wakes up from the tranquilizer dart - you'll need us ladies then to protect you!

I just email him your comment...waiting for his response *grin* You are right, though! Don't mess with an Englishwoman. It reminds me of Edna Mae Oliver in "A Tale of Two Cities" when she was about to be taken prisoner by the rabble in Paris. She drew herself up full height and said "I am an Englishwoman!" in no uncertain terms. The rabble backed out and closed the door. We protect our own!

Definitely, I'm a real mothercat! (BTW daughter 2 had a birthday yesterday, today she rings up to ask how to make pancakes (crepes to you I think). We're going to see her at the weekend)

Crepes are just that - dessert and very different from the breakfast sort which we call pancakes. At least she is not making them from a box mix!

It was really funny - I was reading out to her from the cook book and she was shouting out instructions to her housemate. Did I tell you about the little kittens they had a t a house I went to for a meeting the other day. There was one which was black with white paws and a white bib. It was adorable (apart from the fleas!). The mother looked really nice too. Should I get a brother and sister or go for cats from different families? The only male cat I've had before was one of our kittens and he turned ferral. The grandmother came from chatham dockyard from the ferral pack there, and out of each litter of kittens we had half went ferral.

Get your kittens from a domesticated cat or the animal shelter and let them know you want to have them be companions. Be sure they are neutered - that will keep them from wandering. Brother and sister can be wonderful companions - just don't breed them Choose them for personality! I have this most entertaining image in my mind of the pancake instructions being relayed. Wonder if they got it right!

Haven't heard yet. Wonder what she'll cook for sunday dinner. She's enjoying showing me that she's domesticated. (unlike me!) T's cooking dinner agin - chicken korma tonight. I am tempted to contact the lady whose house I was at, maybe put down for some from the next brood.

Sounds like a good idea to reserve first choice!

it was a darling. i bet the next litter look as nice.

Have you seen the Daddy of the litter? They will probably be as adorable as the other bunch. Who can resist a kitten or two (other than husbands, that is!)

no father in sight only two mums. husband is still being worked on!

they all are, huh? "work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs! *grin* i'd go with the animal shelter or vet first only because the kitties have been checked (or a pet store-although one pet store around here had rabid kitties and had to vaccinate everyone who came in the store and played with them, sad)...

"work in progress" they should all carry "danger" signs! You ARE talking about the house males, aren't we? *grin*