Musings from Smokey and Bandit.........

Smokey & Bandit's Foster Mom: October 27th, 2010

2010-10-27T21:32:00.005-04:00

Bandit sleeping on the job!

Smokey helping with the blog

Thanks to everyone who has cared enough to follow Smokey & Bandit's search over the past months for a second chance at a permanent home. I have truly enjoyed creating this blog for them to express themselves and give people an opportunity to get to know them in a personal way. I have been amazed at how many people we have reached in all corners of the world--10 countries, 15 states and over 300 readers! It took awhile for them to find their adoptive homes, but we knew it would. There are so many homeless cats and kittens that two nine year old cats had a difficult time competing for a home. If you have an emptiness in your heart or home, please consider filling it with a rescued cat. "One small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home."

Most importantly, I offer a special heartfelt thanks to Smokey & Bandit's new families for choosing them and giving them the love and security of a new home and family.

All the best,

Kathy Johnson

More food for thought:

"What greater gift than the love of a cat?" - Charles Dickens

"Another cat? Perhaps. For love there is also a season; its seeds must be resown. But a family cat is not replaceable like a wornout coat or a set of tires. Each new kitten becomes its own cat, and none is repeated. I am four cats old, measuring out my life in friends that have succeeded but not replaced one another." - Irving Townsend

Smokey's New Mom: October 26, 2010

2010-10-26T20:24:00.006-04:00

Here's an update on Smokey from his new mom:

Hi Kathy, Just wanted to let you know that Smokey is doing well. Saturday morning I heard him around six but since then he really hasn't been too vocal. I have two gates in the doorway on top of each other. Jingles laid in front of the gates for the first 36 hours. She also successfully made it over them a few times, but someone was in the room and got her. Smokey just looked at her. He hasn't hissed or growled at her since Sunday. Today I was home and moved the gates to the end of the hall. Smokey followed me and got to explore our sons room and the bathroom, and then he went back into his room. When Shanna came home he also explored her room.

Smokey is hilarious with that tiger tail toy. I'am so glad you sent that. He plays and then carries it around the room, making noise. He is very playful for his age. Our cat Tuna just sat around and watched the action, didn't participate too much.
Smokey has been very enjoyable for all of us, Thank you. Christine

Smokey: October 22, 2010

2010-10-22T18:14:00.001-04:00

Well, today was my lucky day!!! If you've followed my blog at all, then you know that I've been waiting over 6 months for a permanent home of my very own, and today was the day!! (phew--just in time too! Now I don't have to worry about that dreaded Halloween photo! I wasn't sure what my foster mom had in mind for that!) My new mom and her two daughters came this afternoon to meet me, and I charmed them with my good looks. Plus, my foster mom and dad told them how loving I am once you get to know me. I wasn't shy at all, just mostly uninterested until foster mom got my wand out to play. Maddie came out to play, too, but it was supposed to be all about me! So off I went into a carrier (again!), but this time it's a good thing, not the vet's office..... I will have a sister kitty, Jingles, and a dog, Hana, to keep company with. So as soon as foster mom hears from my new family, she'll let you all know how the transition is going. Until then, thanks for following my story!!

Smokey: October 18, 2010

2010-10-18T18:49:00.000-04:00

Today my foster mom & dad were gone all day visiting her sister for her (59th) birthday. They got home at dinnertime and I was waiting for them...............Hey, did you forget about me????

Smokey: October 14, 2010

2010-10-14T21:27:00.004-04:00

The fireplace was on tonight for the first time this fall. Luigi (my foster brother) likes to sleep in front of the fire. I, myself, prefer the comfy sofa! (Even if it is a little fufu for me!)

Smokey: October 13, 2010

2010-10-13T08:02:00.001-04:00

Today is an anniversary--but not one I'm really celebrating. I've been in Planned Pethood's adoption program 6 MONTHS waiting for someone to adopt me! We never thought it would take this long for someone to find me and fall in love with me. However, the sad fact is that there are many, many kittens in need of homes, and everyone (well, almost everyone) thinks that kittens are so cute and of course, they are. I may not be cute anymore, but I sure am handsome! And there are LOTS of advantages to adopting an adult cat--no tearing around the house, climbing curtains, kitten-proofing the house. With me, you know what you get, quirks and all! (well, you're not perfect either!). So if you're thinking of a companion, think of me, or another older, adult kitty. We need homes, too. And those cute kittens always grow into cats.

Smokey: October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

Today is our 111th day of blogging! And we've had 276 visitors---from Fairbanks, Alaska to Moscow, Russia. We've gotten lots of compliments on the blog from people who have seen me on Planned Pethood's website or from Petfinder and wanted to learn more about me. I sit with my foster mom and help her write when she needs some inspiration. Here I am doing my level best to help her with her blog post today. Notice that we were quite inspired---2 in one day! Making up for lost time :-)

Smokey: October 11, 2010

2010-10-11T20:31:00.000-04:00

It was a bad weekend for foster mom's alma mater. She's true blue, but not so much a sports fan. She watches 4th quarter to see who wins :-). She took this picture of me, but really----do I look like I care?

Smokey: September 30, 2010

2010-09-30T08:42:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that today is the LAST day of September already?? Where does the time go? We love fall around this house. The trees in foster mom & dad's backyard are just starting to turn colors. Warm days, cool nights (good for sleeping!), what's not to like?? Nothing better than a Michigan autumn.

Smokey: September 25, 2010

2010-09-25T23:06:00.000-04:00

In case you hadn't noticed, there was a long gap between posts this week. Foster mom & dad took ANOTHER trip---this time to Hilton Head and we (Maddie, Luigi & me) got to go to kitty camp. Kitty camp is what foster dad calls the BOARDING PLACE. Even though we get our own window to watch the birds and all the people and animals coming and going, it's no fun for us. We are always happy to see our mom & dad walk up the sidewalk to take us home. They tried to make us feel better by telling us how hot and humid it was there. I actually think that they were as happy to be back home as we were :-)

Smokey: September 23, 2010

2010-09-23T21:00:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of Autumn! I love the change of seasons. This is my "fall" picture. Hopefully I'll be adopted before Halloween....I'd hate to see what she might think would be a "cute" Halloween blog photo!

Smokey: September 14, 2010

2010-09-14T20:36:00.001-04:00

My foster brother, Luigi, gave foster mom & dad a big scare today. He escaped from his harness (he goes outside on a harness and leash) and ran off into the ravine behind the house. He has never been alone outside before. It was about 45 minutes from the time he got loose until foster mom got home from work. Dad thought he might come to her when she called him, but he wouldn't. I guess he liked being off of his harness! He stayed just out of reach, and when mom tried to walk up to him, he'd run away. Finally he got tired and came to the door to come in. He ate dinner and went right to bed. All that excitement must have worn him out. Foster dad said that's the end of that. He's grounded for life! Here is a picture of Luigi......

Smokey: September 12, 2010

2010-09-12T08:37:00.001-04:00

My foster mom always has good intentions about exercise. She knows she needs to do it, but she hates it. So I took my cue from her and have come up with a better use for the treadmill---a bed!

Smokey: September 6, 2010 LABOR DAY!

2010-09-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Another holiday weekend! This time we're all staying home and having chicken on the grill! I love chicken :-). Foster mom took this picture of me and Bandit for our 4th of July photo, but we think it's so cute, we decided to post it again for Labor Day. It's hard to believe that summer is over already.....

Smokey: September 3, 2010

2010-09-03T22:33:00.000-04:00

This is how I like to spend my day (when I'm not following my foster mom & dad around and keeping them company!)---watching birds---well, there's supposed to be birds, but once in a while a squirrel will come up and torment me, too! Foster mom put in this new bird feeder just for me and Bandit. But now that Bandit's been adopted, Luigi, Maddie & I sit and watch the birds (& squirrels) together!

Smokey: September 1, 2010

2010-09-01T22:09:00.001-04:00

Since my foster dad has retired, he is devoting all his time to his new hobby---restoring pinball machines! I don't understand the fascination with following the ball around the maze inside the glass. They pick me up so I can watch, but it's not half as fun as watching the birds at the bird feeder! But I humor my foster mom & dad and I sit on the chair and pretend like I'm interested! :-)

Smokey: August 29, 2010

2010-08-29T16:12:00.000-04:00

PHEW! Is THIS what they mean by the "Dog Days of Summer"? It is HOT today! Foster mom had to close up the house and turn the A/C on again. I was napping in the sun, but then the shades got drawn too. "Sorry buddy!" she said...."Too hot for that!"

Smokey: August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T10:30:00.001-04:00

There's been an awful lot of talk about "going back to school". I will never understand why people aren't born with everything they need to know like cats are! They even have to have obedience classes for dogs....to teach them how to behave! Cats are such great companions. And an older cat like me has lots of advantages---I don't tear around the house or rip into furniture (my last mom had me de-clawed!). I still like to play, though. Foster mom says I act much younger than my age. My brother Bandit slept a lot, but not me! In fact I'm an early riser AND a talker. So if you're looking for someone to converse with and spend time with, I'm your guy....ummm I mean cat! :-)

Smokey: August 22, 2010

2010-08-22T23:03:00.000-04:00

Well, after I don't know how many years, foster mom decided to (attempt to) play the piano this weekend. She is REALLY rusty, not that I know much about music, but it was bad! Or maybe the piano's just out of tune :-). I jumped up on her lap while she was playing, which surprised her because she thought I might be scared of the music (if that's what you call it!), but I'm not. I was really just trying to divert her attention and get her to follow me into the kitchen for a snack. And then if we were lucky, she'd forget to go back....

Smokey: August 21, 2010

2010-08-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

I love rainy days! Even foster mom is being lazy today! She stayed in bed WAY past her normal time for a Saturday. But she did get up early and feed us cats, then she went back to bed. Mostly because Maddie and I cry until we get our way. Once our tummies are full, we can go back to sleep. The tummy rumblings keep us awake!

Smokey: August 18, 2010

2010-08-18T09:02:00.000-04:00

My foster dad officially retired last week, and cleaned out his desk yesterday, so he will be home with me ALL the time now! He always said that it must be great to be a cat, and do nothing but eat, sleep and play all day. NOW he'll find out that it's more work than he thought it was! :-) But naptime is the BEST time of the day....

Smokey FRIDAY THE 13th!!

2010-08-13T12:57:00.001-04:00

Today is supposed to be an unlucky day for those superstitous folks who believe in such things, because it's Friday the 13th, but it feels like any other day to me! My foster sister, Maddie, is a black cat. Some peope think that black cats bring bad luck too, but in some countries, like Great Britain, black cats are considered very lucky! I hope that I'll be lucky like Maddie and get adopted soon. She was a Planned Pethood foster cat too, just like me! So in honor of Maddie, on Friday the 13th, I am going to have a great day and prove those superstitious folks wrong! Here is a picture of Maddie and me:

Smokey August 9, 2010

2010-08-09T21:02:00.001-04:00

I am SO excited! I got to go on my FIRST vacation (or at least the first vacation that foster mom knows of :-)). Foster mom & dad, & their cats Luigi & Maddie were going away for a long weekend, and instead of putting me in kitty camp (again!), they decided to see how I would do on a LONG car ride. So, they put me in a carrier, and I was upset, since the only times I ever go in a carrier are when I go to the doctor or to kitty camp, but after I was in the car for awhile, my foster mom opened the carrier and let me out in the car. All of the scenery whizzing by was kind of scary, but seeing Luigi & Maddie there with me helped me to feel better, so I just settled in and slept in the carrier (with the door open) or out in the back of the car and went along for the ride! After what seemed like FOREVER, we got to a new place and I got to go in and explore. Luigi and Maddie showed me around, all of the important stuff, like where the litter box was, and the food bowl and the water. I could sleep whereever I wanted to, so I tried out different spots, but finally settled on one of the beds. Mom said I did GREAT, she was very proud of me. It was fun to have a change of scenery, but after a couple of days we did it all again, the LONG car ride, back home. This time I only cried a couple of times--mostly because it was supper time, but I didn't get to eat dinner until we got home. and that was much later than I normally eat dinner. It was the most exciting adventure!! I'll show you a picture of the place I got to go to----

Pretty cool, huh?

Smokey: August 6, 2010

2010-08-06T18:34:00.000-04:00

Well, I FINALLY have gotten the run of the house now with Luigi & Maddie. We always got along in my suite of rooms when they came to visit me anyway, and with Bandit gone to his new home, I was getting lonely. So I fussed enough that foster mom just decided that I should make myself at home. I still like to spend time in my den watching the birds at the bird feeder, but now I can wander around and see new things and sleep where I want to. Here I am relaxing on the bed.....

Smokey: August 3, 2010

2010-08-03T07:55:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that it's August already! I've been with my foster family for 100 days :-(. I never thought that it would take this long for someone to want to adopt me. Don't get me wrong--I like it here. But knowing that it's not permanent makes it hard to feel like I belong here. I think I'll take my morning bath and get cleaned up in case anyone comes to visit me today!

Smokey: August 2, 2010

2010-08-02T07:22:00.003-04:00

Foster mom & dad went away for the weekend (again!) and sent me back to kitty camp. This is the first time that I had to go by myself without Bandit. I admit that it was scarier. The nice lady that works there told my foster mom when she picked me up today that I wasn't as brave without Bandit. I suppose that's true, although I hate to admit it. It's always easier to be brave when you've got a buddy with you! All I know is that I'm SO happy to be back home! I think I need a nap to make up for the sleepless nights.....

Smokey: July 28, 2010

2010-07-28T22:25:00.003-04:00

Foster mom is excited because she said somebody from Moscow (in the country of Russia-not Idaho!) read our blog. Well, hopefully they can read it, since we don't speak Russian! Maybe they found out that I look like a Russian Blue!! I bet that's it! Pretty cool! I hope I don't have to travel that far to find a new home though!

Smokey: July 27, 2010

2010-07-27T08:10:00.000-04:00

Monday night is my FAVORITE TV night. Foster dad's favorite shows are American Pickers and Pawn Stars on the History Channel, so he sits with me for HOURS and we (well he) watches TV. I love my foster dad. I rub up against him and give him kisses on the arm, but he's not into the kissing part. That's OK, though. Foster mom lets me kiss her. Guess that's the difference between moms & dads..............

Here I am with "the Pickers" on TV.

Smokey: July 25, 2010

2010-07-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

It's raining this morning! I love the rain. Even the thunderstorms don't bother me! They make for good sleeping weather. And when I'm not sleeping? I catch up on my reading. You can only watch so much TV!

Bandit: July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T07:41:00.000-04:00

My new mom caught Moses and me in this pose when she came home the other day. I finally found someone who I can relax with! No worries :-)

Smokey: July 20, 2010

2010-07-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Foster mom saw Bandit's new mom today and he is doing well in his new home. He is making friends with Moses, his new brother, and his new mom said Bandit is so loving! So I can stop worrying over him now! He probably doesn't even miss me :-( I kind of like getting all of the attention from my foster mom & dad, though, and Luigi and Maddie, their cats spend time with me, too. Maddie likes to come in and eat whatever food is left in my dish.....if she doesn't watch herself, she'll end up as big as Bandit!

Bandit: July 19, 2010

2010-07-19T22:42:00.002-04:00

Bet you thought that you wouldn't be hearing from me again! But my new mom wanted everyone to know that I'm doing fine in my new home. I was introduced to my new brother Moses. He is a big black cat--not quite as big as me, but big! I'm very easy going, so mom thinks that we'll do fine together. Here we are on our first day together, getting acquainted.He's checking out my food, to see if it's better than his. Apparently it is, because he has been helping himself to my food dish! :-) It's OK--I'm used to sharing with Smokey. I'll keep writing as long as my new mom helps me. It's a new computer, but I'm a quick learner!

Smokey: July 18, 2010

2010-07-18T16:26:00.001-04:00

GOOD NEWS! Bandit got adopted today! A very nice lady came to meet him, and he turned on his usual charm (show off :-)) and she thought he'd be a great companion for her kitty who is also a "rescue" kitty and needed a buddy. I am going to miss him, and I'll worry about him until I know he's doing alright in his new home. She promised to keep in touch, so I'll let you know how he's doing as soon as I hear from her. In the meantime, don't forget about me! I'm feeling left out, but foster mom promised me that just the right person will come along for me, too. I take a little longer to warm up to new people, but within 15 minutes I was on Bandit's new mom's lap, too, rubbing up against her. I am very handsome and my fur is soft as silk. I love to be brushed and give kisses (once I get to know you, of course!) GOOD LUCK BANDIT! I hope I'm as lucky as you are!

Bandit: July 16, 2010

2010-07-16T07:33:00.001-04:00

Since I came to live with foster mom, I've dropped a little weight. I'm down to 14 pounds 13 ounces. I watch a lot of TV, and I see infomercials with all kinds of advice on how to lose weight and tone up your body. So I'm thinking of making my own video, advertising my own successful work out plan. Here is a preview of my "Kamp Kitty Workout", no diet involved!

Smokey: July 14, 2010

2010-07-14T08:18:00.000-04:00

Today is Bastille Day, the French Independence day. Sort of like the 4th of July here. More fireworks! We celebrate something EVERY day. Even if it's just living.....

Bandit: July 13, 2010

2010-07-13T07:49:00.001-04:00

We're home! Life is sweet again!

Smokey & Bandit: July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T08:12:00.001-04:00

Well, the truth can now be told---it was foster mom who was on vacation and we were once again sent off to kitty camp. It wasn't so bad, though. She picked out a really nice place for us to spend a week. We had our own window that looked out onto a garden with a bird feeder, and we could see lots of comings and goings as people brought their pets to see the doctor, or to go to camp like us. The people there were really nice and we got a good report card! But we were SO glad to see mom & dad walk in yesterday to take us home! We've been vying for lap time with them, we missed them so much. AND it was so much better falling asleep last night in our own bed!

Bandit: July 11, 2010

2010-07-11T08:08:00.000-04:00

I don't save this just for vacation---but extra naptime is my personal favorite!

Smokey; July 10,2010

2010-07-10T07:58:00.001-04:00

Of course, the BEST part about vacation is lounging around and being lazy....it's my specialty!

Smokey and Bandit: July 9, 2010

2010-07-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we have trouble getting to sleep so we read until our eyes get tired............hey, we could write a book like this!

Bandit: July 8, 2010

2010-07-08T11:08:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been a little HOT for this activity, but I LOVE to sunbathe. Of course doing it indoors in the air conditioning is the best! :-)

Smokey & Bandit: July 7, 2010

2010-07-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Another favorite vacation pastime??? Playing games!

Smokey: July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T08:14:00.000-04:00

Since July is vacation month for a lot of people, over the next few days we want to share OUR ideas of the purrfect vacation....today is eat yourself into oblivion.....

Smokey & Bandit: July 4th, 2010

2010-07-04T08:27:00.001-04:00

We saw some fireworks last night--the real deal, not the noisy firecrackers. They were beautiful! We still don't really understand what this is all about, but so far it's about FUN! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Bandit: 7/2/10

2010-07-02T21:59:00.001-04:00

Foster mom told us that we've had blog readers from as far away as California, Arizona, New York & Virginia! Lots of people from Michigan and Ohio are interested in what we have to say. We're excited about that! We figure the more people that get to "meet" us through our blog, the better chance we have at finding a home. Here I am, helping mom type our blog post. She couldn't manage without my help!

Smokey & Bandit: July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T08:09:00.000-04:00

Foster mom took this picture for our 4th of July posting (something about a cat picnic???), but she couldn't wait to show it off. People---if only they had the patience of cats! :-)

Smokey 6/30/10

2010-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

That cat carrier came out again yesterday, and I KNEW that I was in trouble! Sure enough, foster dad put me in it and carried me off of the doctor where I had a poke with a sharp needle. Seems that I got bit by a flea and had a reaction to the flea bite. That spot bothered me a lot and I kept biting at it, so foster mom got worried because I was biting my fur off to nubs. Since I NEVER go outside, I didn't understand how I got bit by a flea, but Dr. Dillon said that fleas can come in on people's clothing after they've been in the yard. Who knew?? Anyway, it doesn't bother me anymore, and now I can concentrate on playing with my toys.

Smokey 6/29/10

2010-06-29T07:41:00.001-04:00

Well, the fireworks started last night...actually they were firecrackers, because all they did was make a lot of noise. We (foster mom, dad, their cats Luigi & Maddie, Bandit and me) were all watching one of dad's favorite TV shows "American Pickers" and this loud bang, bang, pop, bang, started. Luigi and Maddie got scared and ran out of the room. Bandit and I just looked at each other as if to say "kids!". We rolled our eyes and went back to our show. We don't understand these human customs, but mom told us to get used to it---they'll be at it for a week!

Smokey 6/27/10

2010-06-27T20:04:00.004-04:00

Foster mom just got home from an overnight trip. I thought that we would be really lonely because we love being with her so much, but she had a "kitty sitter" for us (the neighbor girl) who came over twice a day to feed us, give us water, clean our potty box and love on us. She is allergic to kitties, but she enjoyed us so much that she sat and visited with us anyway until she couldn't breathe anymore :-). She gave us an A+++ on our report card saying that "the cats were great!" and would love to kitty sit for us again! Thanks Cara!! We are happy to have mom home again, though. She stays with us for hours and lets us help her work. Here I am dictating this blog entry for her to type.....

Smokey 6/25/10

2010-06-25T09:01:00.000-04:00

Well, we've spent 4 days watching the news. Can you say B-O-R-I-N-G??? It's much more interesting watching Animal Planet or America's Got Talent, which is very funny, by the way. We still haven't seen ourselves on TV. Foster mom keeps trying to reassure us that someone will find us on the Planned Pethood website and read our blog and fall in love with us, but we can tell she is disappointed that we didn't make the news. I just wonder how many people see the news anyway when there are so many more FUN shows on TV?? We get all the news we need from the TODAY show......

Bandit 6/22/10

2010-06-22T23:05:00.004-04:00

We are SO disappointed! We've watched 4(yawn) newscasts since the reporter came yesterday afternoon, and never saw ourselves on TV. Apparently we aren't newsworthy. We feel bad for our foster mom because she was SO excited about the exposure we would have had to get our story out and help us get a home. I did the best I could to show the TV reporter what a great guy I am. I rubbed up against him and laid down next to him while mom was talking to him, waiting patiently for my turn to show off! Oh well. I'm pretty tired now from watching so much news (big sigh). Guess it's time to say goodnight.

Bandit 6/21/10

2010-06-21T17:20:00.000-04:00

Who would have known when we woke up this morning that our day would be anything except ordinary-eat, sleep, lap sit?? Foster mom came home from work early today and told us that we were going to be TV stars today! We didn't know exactly what that meant. We watch TV a lot so we know what that is, but didn't understand the star part. Apparently it has something to do with cleaning though, because she started vacuuming the carpet and picking up our toys. It didn't look too exciting. But she told us that someone new was coming over to see us and that they were going to put us on TV and try to find a home for us. THAT part was exciting!! At 4 o'clock a man came with a big camera that had a bright light on it. I was really interested in meeting him and sniffing his microphone. Smokey got nervous about the whirring noise and hid behind the chair and just watched as mom and I talked to the man about how we came to stay with her and about "Adopt a Shelter Cat" month. She explained about how she is trying to find us a home with someone who will not give us up like our last mom did. I got bored and decided to take a nap---wake me when it gets to my part! He took pictures of me, I am very photogenic, but she had to coax Smokey out. He is camera shy. It's too bad, because as much as I hate to admit it, he's very handsome, too. He just didn't like the noise of that big camera. Well, we're supposed to be on the FOX 36 news tonight at 6:30, unless they have something better to report on--then it will be on tomorrow. Wish us the best, we're hoping someone with a big heart will want to adopt us and take us home furever.

Smokey AND Bandit 6/21/10

2010-06-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today is the first day of summer! We love laying in the sunbeams and think it's a great way to celebrate the day. Since it's the longest day of the year, we get in more nap time :-)

Bandit AND Smokey 6/19/10

2010-06-19T00:25:00.001-04:00

Mom's been working late into the night on helping us get our blog posted. She hasn't ever done a blog before (she's technologically challenged), but with our help it's up and running. We tried to do our own typing, but these keyboards aren't meant for big paws. The characters just get all scrambled up. So if you see any mis-spellings, you can blame us. As you can see, Bandit needs a bigger keyboard :-)

Bandit 6/15/10

2010-06-15T23:00:00.000-04:00

Russian Blue! I can’t believe Smokey thinks that is something special. I am proud to be all American. So, if you aren’t into imports, then adopt me! I am VERY low maintenance. I don’t even like that canned food. I eat Royal Canin, too, but it is special food, like me. People might think that I eat a lot because I am a big boy, but I really don’t. I just have a slow metabolism. I think it’s funny to watch Smokey chase that wand around. Does he know how silly that is?? All you have to do is wait until it comes to YOU and then bat at it. You expend less energy that way. I like to conserve my energy for the important things in life—purring and lap sitting. And then there’s that walk to the food bowl….. :-)

Smokey 6/8/10

2010-06-08T22:59:00.000-04:00

Mom thought that I should tell you something about myself. I am a good typist. Whenever she sits down at the computer, I jump up on the desk and walk across the keyboard until she pays attention to me and not the “mouse”. It doesn’t look like much of a mouse anyway….I like it when she puts her head down so that I can kiss her. If she ignores me I just jump up on her lap and rub and purr until she HAS to pay attention to me! I have the silkiest fur that you could ever imagine. I think I’m very handsome and look like a Russian Blue. Mom thinks my meow sounds like a Siamese, but I don’t talk much unless she puts me in a carrier. That usually means I’m going somewhere I don’t want to go, so who wouldn’t cry about that! I am very loving, but I need to feel secure. I’ve been through a lot of turmoil in the last few weeks. I never hide, though. I’m not shy at all. Bandit and I are not biological brothers—we were adopted together, but that’s why we don’t look anything alike (just in case you didn’t notice :-). I eat both dry food and canned food. Mom feeds me Royal Canin (I like the sound of that—it makes me feel like a king) and Fancy Feast canned food. But she doesn’t serve it in a crystal goblet like the cats on TV. My favorite toy is the cat wand that she plays with me with. I get lots of exercise that way, but then it’s time to relax and watch Bandit sleep!

Bandit 6/4/10

2010-06-04T22:58:00.001-04:00

We never heard back from the family that visited me. I don’t understand it. I did my best to impress them. Well you can’t improve upon perfection. Someone is bound to appreciate my fine qualities. Well, tomorrow is another day…..time for a nap

Smokey 6/1/10

2010-06-01T22:58:00.001-04:00

At foster mom’s house Bandit and I have our own “suite” of rooms. We get lots of visits from foster mom and dad, and their cats Luigi and Maddie. Luigi and Maddie are 4 and 3 years old, respectively. Luigi is a lot of fun. We chase each other around the couch and play tag. Even though I’m older than he is, I can catch him! Maddie isn’t quite as friendly. She hisses if I get too close, but that doesn’t bother me. I just walk away. I think she is intimidated by my good looks :-)

Smokey 5/24/10

2010-05-24T22:57:00.002-04:00

Foster mom bought us a bird feeder today so that we can watch the birds and squirrels from our deck. I can hardly wait until one actually comes close enough to me to catch, but this darn screen door gets in the way!

Bandit 5/18/10

2010-05-18T22:57:00.002-04:00

Mom came to pick us up and take us back home. The doctor told her that I need to eat special food that is low in protein and it will help me stay healthy. I really like it, though. I am very low maintenance. A bowl of dry food, a bowl of water, a nice, soft bed to nap on and a litter box. Tell me again why people want kittens that run through the house and get into things??? I am sooooo over that!

Smokey 5/13/10

2010-05-13T22:57:00.001-04:00

Mom put us in carriers again. She told me that we were going to “kitty camp”. I found out that was a nice way of saying she was going away for a few days and we were going to be boarded. Not much of a vacation for us---back in a cage again! This is getting monotonous.

Bandit 5/8/10

2010-05-08T22:56:00.002-04:00

A family came to visit me today. They wanted to adopt an older cat. They liked the idea of having a cat that wouldn’t be running around the house and getting into things. They picked me because I am so handsome (:-)) and a big boy! I KNEW that would come in handy some day. They spent over an hour with me, and I snuggled up to them and showed them my belly and even let them pet it a time or two. They brought a little dog with them to meet me. I really didn’t mind the dog at all. It was a small dog, I outweighed him by 8 pounds, I was sure that I could handle him! I did my very best to impress them, and they seemed to really like me, but wanted to see some other cats before they made up their minds. Foster mom was very proud of me.

Bandit 4/29/10

2010-04-29T22:55:00.003-04:00

Smokey was gone overnight and then foster mom put me in a carrier again! She took me back to the doctors. They said that I needed to have my teeth cleaned. I fell asleep and when I woke up, Smokey was with me, but my mouth was really sore. I had a couple of teeth that needed to be taken out and it really hurts. The medicine helps me feel better, but I get so tired. Time for a nap…..

Smokey 4/28/10

2010-04-28T22:54:00.001-04:00

I haven’t been eating much. My tummy’s upset. My foster mom is worried about me, so back to the doctor I go. I don’t want to stay here again! They put me in a cage and start bringing me lots of different kinds of food. I find one that I like and nibble on that. It seems to make everyone happy, so I decide if that’s what it takes to get out of here, I’ll keep eating! I have to spend the night but I emptied my bowl and am getting a lot of praise for that. I didn’t know it was so easy to please humans!

Bandit 4/26/10

2010-04-26T22:54:00.001-04:00

We’ve been here almost two weeks. Lots of people come at look at us and read our story, say how awful it is that someone could abandon us after nine years, but then go on to look at the cute kittens in the cages next to us. We can’t compete with that, although we were that little once! They don’t seem to care that in a few short months those kittens will be as big as we are—well, maybe not as big (and handsome) as me, but as big as Smokey! Some new people came and put us in carriers (again). We don’t know where they are taking us, but we rode in the car for awhile. The lady told us that she was our new foster mom. We didn’t know what that meant, but she explained that it is her job to help us find new homes, that our other mom wasn’t coming back for us. That really upset us. We are such good (and handsome!) boys. Very affectionate, good mannered, great lap-sitters! Why would she abandon us?

Smokey 4/13/10

2010-04-13T17:52:00.002-04:00

I thought only Friday the 13th was unlucky, but today is a Tuesday and it’s the worst day of our lives. Our mom put us in carriers and took us to a doctor’s office and said that she couldn’t keep us anymore and left us there. We are so scared. They put us in a cage, and then the doctor looked us all over and poked us with needles because our mom hadn’t taken us to the vets in a long time. They want to make sure that we are healthy and get us caught up to date on our vaccines. We passed with flying colors, although they thought one of us (Bandit) was a little on the chubby side :-). I have to say we didn’t miss many meals! But we are scared of what is going to happen to us. We got put into carriers again and taken to a store where they sell pet supplies (PetSmart) and put us in another cage with a window so that we could watch the people shopping. We looked and looked, but our mom never came to take us home. We are so worried about what is going to happen to us.