Chatting Cats: Proud, Free & Hanging Out Together

Hey Raena, where are you? (Dezi walks from room to room looking around for Raena. Not seeing her, she looks up at the cat tree and over towards the door where she finally sees Raena sitting on the perch looking outside. Dezi meows)  RaenaBelle, didn’t you hear me callin’ ya’? 

 

 Raena looks out door from the small perch

 

          I’s heard ya’ sissy. Did you need somethin’? I’s was lookin’ out at all the activity goin’ on. Ya’ know, after all that boomin’ last night and the storms, I’s didn’t know what it was gonna look like today. Mommy said some of those booms was fireworks, and some of ‘em was thunder boomers. But I’s wasn’t sure which was which? 

 

 Dezi sleeps in house on Liberty cat tree

Me was nappin’ just befur dark and all da commotion.

 

 

Yeah Raena, me either. Least at furst. 

 

 Dezi and Raena hang out together during the fireworks

When da fireworks started, Raena and me came into the

livin’ room to be near mommy and each other.

 

 

          Mommy was so purroud of both of us last night. When the furst loud boomer went off, we both jumped up and looked ‘round. Mommy looked over and calmly said, “It’s okay girls, it’s just silly fireworks. Ya’ll don‘t have anything to worry about, we’re all safe inside.” And ya’ know what? She was right sissy.

 

She was Raena. And she was so happy that we both hung out in the livin’ room with her. 

 

 Dezi and Raena hang out together during the fireworks

Even at the height of all the commotion, we stayed put. Makin’

mommy happy and purroud. 

 

 

          Yeah sissy, mommy sure does like to spend time together, doesn’t she? 

 

Purrlease Raena. (Dezi meows sarcastically) Like you’d wanna be anywhere else. You’d think you were attached to mommy’s hip with glue. 

 

 Raena lays on floor and look at camera

Then sis Dezi figgered out those last boomers was

thunder boomers and disappeared.

 

 

          And you’re not? That’s not very nice to say. I’s luvs mommy. ‘Course I’s wanna be close to her. I’s goin’ with her to the doctor today. It’s time fur her regular monthly ‘pointment. And, it seems the doctor’s s’posed to fax a letter to the ‘pawrtments regardin’ us and mommy’s extra medical x’spenses, and he hasn’t done it yet. The manager’s gone on vacation, and we can’t re-certify our lease till the doctor sends over this letter. They used to let mommy bring ‘em the letter, but they won’t accept that no more, so we’re at the doctor’s mercy. Ya’ know, how do ya’ make a doctor’s office unnerstand, somethin’ has to be done by a certain date or else? I’s not sure what mommy has planned to get the point across, but I’s sure, she’s gonna let ‘em know how upset she is. It’s not like this letter is new. Every year fur the last 12 years, they’ve wrote it up and sent it over.

 

 Dezi gets loving while laying on the arm of the chair

 

 

Me knows Raena. And mommy unnerstands how busy the doctor is and how stupid these rules are. But, lessen the law/rules change, she’s gotta do what she’s gotta do, so we can have somewhere to live. Anyways, looks like it may rain on ya’ll today. Me hopes ya’ll don’t stay gone too long.

 

          Are you gonna miss us sissy? 

 

Me always misses mommy, Raena. (Raena drops her head) Me misses you too, Raena. You’re a purretty good sisfur, all things considered.

 

          Aaaaaaaaaaaaaw Fanky fank ya’ sissy. I’s luvs you too. Let’s go finish brekky befur we have to go. 

 

Dezi rolls around and plays with nip toys

 

 

Okay Raena. Maybe we can play fur a bit too. We also wanna remind everypawdy ‘bout the fundraiser fur mommy’s dental. You can donate thru the fundraiser here, or directly thru our paypal at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com

 

Till the next time……………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Blest Sunday: Chatting Cats: Sis Boom Bye? It’s July

 

dw-Dezi bathes while laying on a Yeowww nip toy 9512


(
Dezi rolls around on a Yeowww nip toy and stops to bathe her paw and meows) RaenaBelle, come over here. It’s time fur our Blest Sunday posty. 

 

 Raena sits pretty at the edge of the kitchen

 

          (Raena emerges from the kitchen, looks toward the living room and meows) It’s that time already sissy? I’s do luvs Blest Sunday.

 

 Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

Me too Raena. We are such blest kitties. Me heard mommy got the courage this past week to mention that nasty incident that happened at the furst dentist ya’ll went to see. You know, the one who wanted you to wait out in the hot car cuz he was ‘lergic to kitties?

 

 Raena sits pretty at the edge of the kitchen

 

 

          Sure ‘nuff, sissy. She asked Dr. Amy ifin she was ‘lergic to cats and how she really felt ‘bout me bein’ there with mommy. She didn’t even hesitate when she said, ifin she had been ‘lergic, she would just take a Benedryl. And then she said she had owned many kitties throughout her life. It made us feel really good. We knew we liked Dr. Amy, and now we knew we were in the purrfect place fur mommy to get her dental work done.

 

Me’s glad mommy likes Dr. Amy. And me’s glad she can be a purrfessional, unlike that other guy. 

 

          Me too sissy. Hey, did you see the toy awnty Vonda sent mommy? 

 

 Forever in my heart windchime gift from Vonda

 

Uh, me doesn’t think that’s a toy Raena. Mommy doesn’t yell at us not to touch toys. But, the whole time she was takin’ fotos, she kept tellin’ you to leave it alone. 

 

          I’s know, sissy. What’s up with that? Soooooo much temptation, that heart hangin’ down there.

 

 Forever in my heart heart shaped windchime ringer

 

Yeah Raena, it did look like a lot of fun. But, it also looks great hangin’ on the porch in front of the window. Mommy says a meowsy big Fank you awnty Vonda. She says it makes her think good thoughts ‘bout all her kitties in heaven every time the wind blows.

 

 Raena looks out door from the small perch

 

          Yeah, it’s purretty hangin’ on the porch, but I’s would still rather play with it in the house. But, I’s guess we have purrlenty of toys to play with. We can let mommy have this one. On another note, did you hear all that bangin’ into the wee hours of the meownin’ last night?

 

 Dezi gets loving while laying on the arm of chair-selfie

 

You mean the ones after the thunderstorms Raena? Yep, me heard ‘em. It’s getting’ close to the 4th of July. It happens every year, peeps lose their minds and their manners fur ‘bout a week and set of fireworks all day and night. You were purrobably too young and noisily active last year to notice.

 

          Maybe so sissy. I’s don’t really ‘member anythin’ from then. Ya’ know, I’s might have even thought you were hidin’ from me, ‘stead of all that noise. 

 

Me’s not hidin’ Raena. Me’s checkin’ fur spiders and other intruders to keep you and mommy safe.

 

 Raena lays on the liberty cat tree

 

          Uh, sure, sissy. Inside mommy’s sittin’ chair? (Rolls eyes) Whatever you say, sissy, whatever you say. 

 

 Dezi's selfie while laying on arm of the chair

 

Come on Raena, let’s go play. Furst, let me remind everypawdy ‘bout the fundraiser fur mommy’s dental work. We’re almost there. She has a ‘pointment fur July 20th to have the rest of her teethies removed and get her dentures. We still need your help gettin’ the rest of the money together. You can dontate thru the fundraiser by clickin’ here, or directly to our paypal at: lexi.dezi@yahoo.com

 

 Dezi and Raena in the US flag wishing a Happy 4th

 

          We’re also gonna link up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies. And, cuz of the holiday, we’re gonna take tomorrow off. But, we’ll be back next week fur our regular Service Cat Monday. Fur now, we’ll be wishin’ ya’ a Happy 4th today.

 

Dezi rolls on Yeowww nip toy

Fanks Raena. We also wanna say fank you to all our furiends. We are so blest to have you all in our lives. Purrlease be safe ifin you’re purrticipatin’ in any July 4th celebrations. ‘Member, some of us furries don’t find the celebrations nearly as much fun as peeps do. And, ‘member to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your lives.

 

Till the next time………………………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue  

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Is That Duck Or Turkey #ChewyInfluencer

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. We didn’t fall off the face of the earth, or get swallowed up, or even whisked off by some tornado. Nope, nuffin’ so dramatic. Mommy had lots of human business to attend too, and no time fur kitty bloggin’. I’s gotta tell ya’, I’s don’t like all this human business stuffs and lease re-cert stuffs. I’s’ll be glad when it’s all over.

 

 Raena looks out door from small perch

 

          We all will Raena. We dread this time of year every year. Anyways, we’re furinally here, so let’s not meow ‘bout all that, let’s get on with today’s posty.

 

You mean our review of that plate of stuffs mommy gave us? I’s think I’s would rather meow ‘bout the weather.

 

          Maybe so Raena, but our furiends just might be innerested in tryin’ it out. 

 

 Chewy Logo

 

Instinct food toppers

You’re right sissy. And, we’re so fanky fankful to be pawrt of the Chewy Influencer team and have the oppurrtunity to try all these wonderful things out. Mommy, like a lot of our furiends humans’, is always on the lookout fur top notch, good fur us foods and treats. So, when mommy saw Nature’s Variety Instinct as an offurin’ this month, she knew we had to try it. As most of ya’ know by now, we luvs us some duck, so mommy got us the Instinct Healthy Cravings Grain-Free real Duck Recipe in savory gravy 3 oz. food topper. Let’s see what Chewy has to say ‘bout these toppers: 

 

Key Benefits

  • Cuts of cage-free duck in a savory gravy make the perfect meal complement.

  • Use it as a topper or mixer to add the delicious taste and moisture your cat craves.

  • Never contains any grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal or artificial colors or preservatives.

  • Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.

  • Guided by the belief in nutrition that is real, whole, pure and as close to its natural state as possible.

Ingredients

  1. Turkey Broth, Duck, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Eggs, Ground Dried Peas, Natural Flavor, Sodium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Carbonate, DL-Methionine

Caloric Content

  1. 74 kcal/pouch

Instinct Food topper

 

          As you can see in the ingredient list, it doesn’t contain any of those questionable ingredients that our humans are always tryin’ to avoid. But, it does contain some ingredients Raena and me try to avoid. MOL Now let me tell ya’, we luv us some of that turkey tom lurkey furesh off the bone, yes we do. But, we don’t like it when it’s been pressed, formed, or otherwise placed in our cat foods.

 

 Instinct Food Topper

 

We sure don’t sissy. I’s don’t know how mommy could have missed this. I’s mean, it’s the furst and third ingredient in the list. Ya’ think she was hopin’ we wouldn’t notice?

 

 Dezi and Raena checking out the instinct duck topper

 

          Yep Raena, me’s sure she was hopin’ there was enuff duck in there that we wouldn’t even notice the turkey.

 

Well sissy, she was wrong. We noticed it right away, and turned our noses up. 

 

 Dezi running from the Instinct food toppers

Me said NO, mommy. Me doesn’t wanna eat it.

 

          Me knows Raena. But sometimes, mommy just can’t take the hint. Did you see her chasin’ me ‘round the house with that plate? Me already told her me didn’t wanna eat it, and here she comes, right over to the scratcher. We never get to eat on the cat furniture. Did she think me would suddenly eat pressed turkey ifin me could eat it on the scratcher? Hmmpht  Not happenin’.

 

 Raena sniffs Instinct Food Topper

 

Yep, sissy, me either. I’s do have to meow that even tho’ we didn’t like it, the Instinct Grain-Free Wet cat food toppers have some really good ingredients. It also comes in Chicken and Tuna. The savory gravies are a great way to get water into your kitties. They come in a case of 24) 3 oz. packages and range in price from $25.00 to $32.00. So, I’s have to give them at least 1 paw up.

 

          Yep Raena, me will give them a paw up too. Good ingredients are hard to find, so me’s glad to see that Instinct has taken that into account. Has mommy got her breath back from chasin’ me ‘round with the plate? 

 

Dezi watches Raena atop the Liberty cat tree

 

Yep sissy, and she was a bit disappointed that we wouldn’t even try it. She did say that she must’ve missed all the turkey. She knew it had turkey broth, but her old eyes missed the rest of it. Nevertheless, she says it deserves a thumb up fur the lack of questionable ingredients. But, she said she did wish that when a food said it was one ingredient, that the companies wouldn’t substitute cheaper proteins to make it go further. Ya’ know, this can be a real purroblem fur kitties with food allergies too. So, it’s not just us finicky kitties that this be an issue fur.

 

Raena peeks around the corner at the remote controlled mouse

 

          That’s so true Raena. Ya’ know we luv Chewy. They carry so many pawsum purroducts fur all the furry, finned and feathered members of your furmily. And they always have a great purrice. There’s an auto ship program so you never have to worry ‘bout runnin’ out of your pets favorites. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay at anytime. And, you’ll get an email reminder in purrlenty of time to make changes or add extra goodies. Ya’ know, like maybe a bag of treats or that new toy.

 

 Chewy blog hop badge

 

Pet Parade Blog Hop Badge

 

 

Sure ‘nuff sissy. And Chewy offurs speedy furee shippin’ on all orders of $49.00 and over, and a low flat rate shippin’ fur all others. And, we think Chewy customer service reps are the bomb. Ya’ know, any time mommy’s had to call ‘em, they always send a few chin scritches to us and even call us by name. You can check out other great Chewy reviews by checkin’ out the Chewy blog hop here. And, as we do every Furiday, we’re linkin’ up with Rascal, Rocco and their pawsum co-hosts fur the weekly Pet Parade. Now, let’s go play sissy. 

 

 Dezi plays with Yeowww nip sardine

 

Till the next time………………………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee  

Service Cats: Taming A Feral: Can It Be Done

Welcome to a brand new Service Cat Monday. We do hope you all are enjoyin’ these posts and that they are helpin’ ya’ with your own kitties, doggies, etc.. ‘Member, we’re takin’ any and all questions ya’ have, whether they be ‘bout Trainin’, Health, or anythin’ else kitty. We’ll also try to help with other animals ifin ya’ have a specific question. Purrlease be as specific as pawssible when askin’ ‘bout behavioral issues. You can leave your questions, comments and post suggestions in the comments below, or send us an email via our totally purrivate Contact us page. As with all our Service Cat posts, the followin’ will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. These posts aren’t meant to be a step by step Trainin’ manual, but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy thru her many years of training animals, cats in purrticular. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ the links at the bottom of this or any Service Cat Monday posty. Now, let’s get to today’s topic.

 

 Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

Our sweet Weimaraner furiend Phenny asked a couple questions a little while back, and we wanna address one of those questions today. Phenny said, “My aunt adopted a feral kitty. Is there any hope of taming him?” First up Phenny, thank your aunty for us. We’re really happy that she took in a totally unadoptable kitty. We say totally unadoptable, because the shelters say that. But the truth is, even a feral kitty can be trained and tamed. Anyone who has ever cared for a feral colony knows this, whether they realize it or not. What do you think is happening when you show up with food and they come running? The feral colony has been trained to show up at a specific time and place, and they will be rewarded with food and usually some sweet talk. Over time, they’re rewarded with love and vet care too. We’ve had ferals show up at our apartment many times through the years. They quickly learn when mommy is able to get around and give them something to eat and some fresh water. We know this to be true, because if mommy happens to get around earlier, there’s been no feral in sight. But, just like magic, around the same time each day, the feral kitty(s) suddenly appear.

 

 Feral tabby cat and black cat

 

Anyways, let’s talk about Training a Formerly Feral kitty to live inside. Last week we talked about a “Decompression Room”. A Decompression room can be used in many situations. Remember, us kitties don’t like change, and a feral is generally terrified of humans. You must understand, a feral is not acting out of meanness or spite, but rather, FEAR. Whether the feral is the result of abandonment by a past human or born from generations of ferals, their biggest motivator is survival. Part of that survival has conditioned (Trained) them to fear humans. So, when you adopt a feral kitty, you can expect to see many inappropriate behaviors as the kitty learns to adjust and Survive in their new territory. Once you’ve decided to take in a feral, make sure they can’t get outside again. Training is all about Repetition and Rewards and it’s hard to be repetitious with a kitty you can’t find.

 

 

Raena peaking out of a chewy box

I’s hidin’ out. You can’t really see me. MOL

 

 

Making Kitty Comfortable

Kitty should be placed in a “Decompression Room” after seeing a VET to rule out any possible illnesses or diseases, and a spay/neuter. Remember the ‘Decompression Room” should contain a litter box, food, fresh water, scratcher, a couple of covered boxes/carriers (good for hiding), a few toys and/or cat furniture of some kind. If there’s a window in your “Decompression Room”, kitty should be able to look out. A couple of scent soakers should also be placed within the “Decompression Room”. We were asked last week what piece of clothing made the best scent soaker. Mommy says for women, the best scent soaker is a bra; and for men, it’s an undershirt or cotton t-shirt. Remember the scent soakers should contain the scents of all residents of the house. Don’t rush kitty to be affectionate or you may lose any progress you’ve made. And, be sure to place the litter box away from the food and water bowls. Altho’ a hungry kitty will eat close to the litterbox, ideally, kitties don’t want to eat beside their toilet, do you? 

 

Lexi plays in a box

Almost all cats like boxes.

 

 

Socializing the Feral Kitty 

The next step is socializing kitty. While kitty is sequestered in their “Decompression Room”, you should go in at least a few times a day to spend time with kitty. This excludes the times you come in to clean the litterbox or feed kitty. Anytime you enter kitty’s space, you should talk to kitty and use their name. This doesn’t mean to get into a stare down with kitty or try to pet kitty. Just act like you’re talking to another person in the room and continue on with your business. You can read to kitty, watch t.v. with kitty, sing to kitty or whatever you’d like. Just make sure you’re spending time in the room with kitty. At first, kitty may hide and not show themselves to you at all. Don’t worry, kitty is getting used to your presence and good things happening when you appear. Once kitty starts showing themselves and coming out of hiding in your presence, offer them some treats and/or play time. This may be awkward at first, because the feral kitty is unfamiliar with cat toys and interactive play. Don’t give up on kitty. A little time and patience will reward you greatly.

 

 

Scared Cat emoji

 

Signs of Affection

When, kitty finally shows the first signs of affection, Do Not Rush him/her. The first signs will most likely be rubbing against your legs. This is a positive sign. Kitty is accepting you and marking you as part of their family. As kitty continues to offer affection, offer your hand, palm open and facing upwards, below kitty’s head. Allow kitty to sniff your hand and/or rub against it. Do Not try to pet kitty at first. After a few days when kitty rubs against your hand, gently scratch kitty’s chin. At this point, kitty’s motor boat (purr) will probably be on overload. Kitty has now learned to trust you. Do Not Overdo it though. You want to stop petting kitty before kitty gets agitated and retreats. you know the old saying, “Leave them wanting more”.

 

 

 

 

 

No Longer Feral

At this point, when you leave the room, leave the door open so kitty may follow you and/or examine the rest of their new territory (your house, their furever home). Go about your normal day and let kitty adjust on his/her own time. Anytime kitty shows themselves and gives you any sign of affection, reward them with treats, praises and/or a quick chin scritch. Altho’ don’t be surprised if kitty returns to the “Decompression Room” when strangers or company appear. Trusting you, took time, and so will trusting the rest of the world. Altho’, kitty may never truly be comfortable with strangers. this can happen with any kitty, not just ferals. If you’re wanting kitty to be a lap cat, place a few treats on the floor and the area beside your lap. Kind of like a trail leading kitty to the desired place, your lap. When kitty crawls into your lap the first few times, ignore them. Yes, kitty can feel your excitement and your heart beating a hundred miles a minute, but don’t give in to the temptation of the pat/scratch. After a few times, you may reward kitty with a nice chin scritch/treat and plenty of praises. Remember to always speak calmly and quietly. Before you know it, you won’t even remember a time when kitty was so afraid they wouldn’t let you see them.

 

 Raena lays in mommy's lap

 

 

Summary

The rule of thumb is always remember, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition and Rewards. And, Always leave them wanting more. Mommy says that’s a good rule of thumb to follow for even the most sociable kitty. You never want to over-stimulate any kitty to the point where they want to get away from you, bite or scratch.

 

Well, we’re gonna wrap this up fur now. We do hope this helps. All kitties can be Trained and desire normalcy. Even a Feral can live a happy and contented life as an indoor cat if you take the time to let them learn they can trust humans once again. Don’t furget to leave any questions, comments or blog suggestions below. And, have a pawsum week.

 

Till the next time…………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats

What to Look For      Training Foundations      Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease      Do You Need One      Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions      Accommodations & Common Sense

When the Handler Dies      Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair & Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response      Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train      Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging     Calling For Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat      There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair     Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel