New Couch!

We got a new couch! My parents are moving and were generous enough to give us their luxurious leather sectional. It’s HUGE. However, the couch offers plenty of lounging space and Mau was more than ready to try it out for lap time (as you can see).

“It’s lap time!”

They spent quite a bit of time sniffing and exploring the couch, being concerned (especially Charlie), and being mildly discombobulated with the new changes and the lack of an ottoman.

“What have you done with my ottoman?”

We moved moved the cat tower from near the fireplace to the window, where the armchair used to be. Lots of change for the cats! The new position of the cat tower brought lots of interest too.

“Oh hello! Welcome to my new cat tower!”
Garrus kept giving me the snootiest looks. For him, the cat tree is the Tower of Sass.
“I found my spot! There are other spots but this one is MINE.”

Making Friends

Having three cats – all boys, with very different personalities – is a fun lesson in cat ownership. I’ve noticed that all three regularly play by themselves and with each other. It’s a common occurrence for a scamper session to start before we wake up in the morning and continue during breakfast. Another preferred time to bat toys around and tell everyone about it is right when we’re going to bed. Charlie in particular likes to warble when he plays – I’ve been working on getting video and audio of it so I can share it with you here on Purry Home Companion.

Hooray the boys are getting along! Apparently Charlie and Garrus are starting to see Mau as belonging to their social group.

Garrus and Mau chill on the ottoman.

“Hi Mom. I really want the blue blanket for myself but Charlie won’t move. Maybe we can snuggle instead.” ~Mau

They both fit!

Charlie and Mau shared the cat tree! Charlie got his spot back!

Do your cats get along? Are they friends with each other? Does your cat have a dog friend? Share your stories in the comments!

Garrus remains unconcerned.

Toothless King of the House

It’s hard to believe that Mau has been with us for two months now. When we brought him home in late June, he was timid and certainly not feeling his best given the advanced state of her periodontal disease. In the Pflugerville Animal Shelter, prior to his transfer to Austin Pets Alive! and foster care, he was withdrawn, gaunt, not eating much, and spending most of his time in a plastic bin in his cat condo.

He just looked so sad, stressed out, and in need of serious TLC. Although volunteers regularly loved on him and brushed him, his coat was in a sorry state because he did not groom himself very well.

We breathed a huge sigh of relief when Mau started eating wet food and ate with relish! Because he was underweight, we gave him additional small meals. What does it say about our house that two out of three cats need to eat like Hobbits in order to get to a healthy weight?

When Aaron and I spent time with him, we were nevertheless struck by how sweet he was. With photos like this, it was quite apparent that we had a most handsome boy on our hands too.

One month later, he showed us how much he loved human company and that he was thoroughly down with snuggles. Lap time is an imperative!

After he had his long-awaited and much-needed dental surgery, he started to blossom. While sick, he demonstrated little interest in playing (understandable) but once he started feeling better, we caught him batting crinkle balls and springs around the house. He hopped into boxes and raced up the cat tree, unceremoniously unseating Charlie from his favorite platform.

Our evenings are MC’d by this lovey boy. Isn’t he cute? He greets us with an enthusiastic  and demanding “MEH!” and purrs when he receives the attention he wants. And he’s charmingly fluffy too!

Cat Tower of Sass

When Charlie is in his kitty condo or the platform above it, he welcomes visits and will even flirt for affection. By contrast, if Garrus is on the platform, he gets feisty! Apparently the cat tower is Garrus’ Fortress of Solitude from which he surveys his domain.IMG_1997

Me: Hi Garrus! You look so handsome sitting regally upon your throne. *reaches up to pet him*
Garrus: Ne me touche pas!
Me: Pourquoi?
Garrus: Because I said so! *casually grooms himself before giving me serious side eye*

NB: Approaching the Cat Tower of Sass should only be done by professionals. Beware the catitude!