Amazing sleeps

And for our 100th post, what else than a bit more sleep?



...at least it explains this blog's update frequency...

We feel good!

The dreaded Holiday Trip is over! I'm back and we're very happy to be together again!

Once again I faced the age old dilemma of what is the best thing to do with your precious companion when you are on vacation. My options were:

a. Take him to a friend's home. Terrible idea... As he is easily afraid and annoyed by unknown environments he would be unhappy and, as it has happened on other occasions, he would spend all day under the sofa only to come out late each night for food, toilet and exploration. Among other things my cat lover friend would not get any pleasure from him.

b. Send him to a pet hostel. The worst option possible... The noises, screams, barks, miaows, and smells of the other guests would completely upset him. He would probably spend all days in the back of his "room" looking away...

c. Take him with us. Not that it's a bad idea, but it would require some special arrangements (cat leash? check one of the next posts...). Most important, I was traveling overseas, so I have to cross this option out...

d. Leave him at home and have friends come over to take care of him (at least once every 2 days).

The last proved to be the best solution. I have done it before and he seems to cope quite well in his "natural" environment. I only got about of 30' of "complaints" when I got back.

Of course we can now put all this behind us and get back to normal life... :-)

P.S. And your opinion? Any other suggestions to try?

Does he look like a teddy bear?

I made this shot that illustrates nicely the British Shorthair features. Notice the robust paws, nevertheless covered with the nice velvet fur.


And for you viewing pleasure here is Stepan on another candid pose (trying to see what's inside the camera, really)

Perhaps he blacked out?

I know what you'll think: even the cat couldn't bear the socks...!

Still, the socks are actually clean and he just gets his nap on the pillows he currently prefers to use. Usually, he'll leave us "for bed" quite early. It doesn't matter if we're still up, watching TV, or having a (possibly interesting for him) snack. All the same he'll retire after 21:30-22:00 at the latest and keep his beauty-sleep schedule. Fortunately, some times he'll do it on the couch close to us.

Cupboard inspection

As most cats he's also attracted to the mysterious smells of cupboards and closets

"An open cupboard door? That's an invitation for..."

"...some more thorough inspection"

At least it's too full of things to let him get completely inside (not that he wouldn't want it.) Of course it helps to know that he's very clean, but "a man's cupboard is his castle". Perhaps it's time for an "act of God"*?

*as described here an "act of God" for cats means creating some unpleasant noise or other disturbance for the cat, without him knowing it comes from you. If he connects the mischief with the unknown disturbance (thus "act of God") he may be more reluctant to repeat it. Plus, he will not loose his trust in you.

Sweet kitten memories

Just before lying down for his nap he kneads the soft pillow for some time. He does this very calmly, purring all the time, showing how happy he is. They say it brings back fond memories of of their kittenhood; when they were blind and this kneading action on their mother while sucking milk was the whole world for them...

Plausible denial?

"mmm... smells delicious! Perhaps the bipedals will share something with me..."


"It wasn't me... I know nothing about it"

Seriously now, Stepan is really very well behaved near the table, even if something delicious is served. He stays close, shows his appreciation for the smells closing his eyes and feeling the air (like a real gourmet - I'll try to get a photo of that), but that's all. He never tries to "inspect" by himself, he doesn't ask for a morsel. Just waits for our initiative and if that doesn't happen goes to lay at one of his usual spots.

I admit that the temptation to share food with him is great but on the other hand I cannot take out of my mind all the bad things that can happen to a cat if you don't show proper discipline with his diet. Sorry Stepan, tough luck!

The cat's dilemma

"Some human moves this piece of string in front of my eyes. Should I pretend I find it worth chasing?"

… take note of the small yellow mouse, low on the right; THIS is his favorite toy…

His vantage point...

...is at the side of the sofa. He likes to sit there and either sleep or observe us. I managed to catch a bit of his attention for the photo.

Hello Kitten World!

..almost managed to hypnotize him!

This is Stepan. Three year old male British Shorthair. Our beloved and loyal companion. More details about him (and us) and the great feeling of living together later on this blog.

Would you like him to be your companion too? Be sure to follow these posts.