Squirrel

Things have been fairly quiet around here with the exception of early morning insanities. Usually, INKY is chasing Scooter around. Sometimes she runs and hides real good and INKY is forced to pick on Spike or JP. Often, JP gives it back to him, but rarely does it stop quickly and definitely, I lose sleep! I bought Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy for pets, and combined that with Holly in the water. I would like to think that is the reason he hasn't been waking me up for 2 days, but maybe I'm just so tired that I sleep through the action for a change (like my husband always does!).
At any rate...this morning after about 6 hours of sleep, I was kept awake by sounds of INKY'S tail swishing up on the high windows (where he can actually see out). Then I heard the hyperventilation sounds. I had to get out of my warm bed, climb on top of the dresser and peer out the window to see if it was Rocky the Raccoon or another cat or what. This time: a squirrel on the high tree branches right at eye level for Stinky INKY! Sigh. I knew there was no going back to sleep. All I could do was keep trying to distract INKY by talking. Luckily, it didn't get worse than his strange breathing sounds. I don't think he sprayed up there, though our living room does reek of urine since we went away to Boston last weekend and had friends (relative strangers to the cats - INTRUDER INTRUDER!! ALERT ALERT!! Let's spray everywhere!!) come feed them. I can't seem to locate all the areas to treat them! I am almost all out of Anti-Icky-Poo! I hate that urine smell! I wish someone could make it go away!

CC Recovering

CC is recovering in the guest bedroom. She is much happier away from INKY. INKY has been behaving better without CC. He attacks Scooter a bit...but not the way he used to with CC.
CC still needs a new home. I have asked a few friends and they all said "no". I am holding out for a neighbor or friend to take her before I seriously consider letting a stranger have her. At this point we are willing to keep her in the guest bedroom as long as we need to. I will not compromise on the new living situation for my sweet girl!
Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern for her (and the whole family). We appreciate all your prayers and good wishes and crossed fingers.

Scooter and the other raccoon

It was probably the cold weather (in the 40's in Miami!!!!) that got to Scooter. Yesterday she was being superfriendly (for Scooter). She napped with me on the bed watching TV and even allowed other cats to sleep nearby! Then, my husband sneaked into bed and Scooter actually crawled up on HIS legs and fell asleep (see photo)! Scooter is normally scared of everyone (except me) including Spike (husband)!!!!! It was the cutest thing ever. She even slept in bed with us and NIKY last night!! Like I said, it may have been the cold. We have a heated waterbed and when the temp drops, we all huddle together in bed to stay warm. That's OHANA.
The problem arose around 3:30 AM. I was awakened from a sound sleep by the sounds of hissing, spitting and wooden blinds slamming around the bedroom windows. I knew right away what was happening. I got out of bed, donned a robe and slippers, grabbed my water squirter bottle and sneaked outside hissing and squirting at the poor little raccoon that had wandered in the yard. I know it wasn't Rocky because THIS raccoon actually ran over the fence and out of sight. Of course, she came back and I had to repeat the process. I'm sure the neighbors think I'm insane running around my back yard hissing, but when in doubt I always ask, "what would a cat do"? Then I had to get out the feliway spray and hit the perimiter of the house to reassure INKY that his territory is not under threat!
Today I noticed the zero gravity chair had been sprayed yet again!
Also, I made an appointment with a new vet: Deborah Colker for JP and his peeing (caught him peeing in the kitchen today) - he has stones in his bladder still I think, and Spike's missing whiskers. I hope she is real good because it's gonna be a LONG drive with 2 frightened kitties!! Does anyone out there have experience with Colker or another feline specialist in South Florida?

cold weather

Ever notice how cats go crazy in the cold? First of all, I had 45 lbs of cat sleeping on me last night. No, not one superfat cat, just 3 chubbers that add up to 45 lbs. That was cute and comforting but it leaves my body feeling like I got hit by a truck for a day or two after. Then this morning I wanted to bike to Starbucks (in 50 degree weather or so! brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Pretty cold for Miami!) and INKY was going after CC and Scooter and CC was going after Scooter (redirected aggression?), so I had to linger long enough until the tension dissipated. When I returned home from my chilly breakfast adventure, INKY wanted to play. I played silly stick (also known as silly string - it's a fishing rod type toy that has been chewed down so that only about 3 inches of string hang off it. INKY love love loves this toy!!!) a little, but didn't have the patience to really play PREY with him...so, he started going for Scooter Mercilessly. I had to lock Scooter in the studio for her own safety. I sprayed Felliway around so that INKY wouldn't mark the spots where the girls had been. Then INKY started going for Spike under the bed and poor Spikey was crying so I went and got him to save him from my ebony terror!
CC spent some time on my lap today. She does most days. She's become quite a lap cat and a mammas girl.
Then....I spent some time this afternoon trying to clean up the pee from where JP (and INKY, of course!) got upset about the roofers. I can't wait to get rid of this nasty carpet altogether! I want to go down to the Cement floors. That'd be way cool. I'm so sick of smelling PEE! I never had this problem before INKY!!! Good thing he's cute and smart and gorgeous and I love him to death!
Anyone out there on facebook? I just joined (not exactly sure why yet...). Please friend me - and my cats. Thanks.