Way Back When-sday

Our very first post on our blog was about a crazy curly cat named Evie. She is an adult Devon Rex we fostered in 2008. While researching Devon Rexes, mum came across Daisy the Curly Cat's blog, and thought a blog could be a fun way to record our fostering experiences.

Evie was a tricky girl. When she first came home, we had been told she was pregnant! She also needed a lot of socialisation work, because to be quite honest, she was a lunatic. She stayed with us for 11 weeks before going to a new home in Sydney. Because she was aggressive to other cats and tested postive to FIV, she could not be homed through the shelter. A Rex Rescue helped facilitate her re-homing. One of the ladies who helped us find her a new home sent us these pictures recently of Evie in her Forever Home. She loves her doggie brother, and thy are very happy together.

We love you, Evie!

Evie

This ladycat is a very very special ladycat for us. We love her. Evie was our first adult foster. When she came to us, we were told she was pregnant. This turned out to be incorrect, but it meant that we got to spend 3 wonderful months with her.
Evie was a real mystery for us. We don't know where she came from, or what she had been through, but we definately think it affected her. From what we understand, she would have come from a breeder. We believe she was a Devon Rex, as she had the curly cat that we understand only occurs in purebred Rexes. We contacted every breeder of Cornish and Devon Rexes in Australia with photos and a description of Evie, hoping to trace where she had come from. Because the people who brought her to the shelter said she was a stray, we thought there could have been a chance that there was someone looking for her. Unfortunately, none of the breeders recognised her. She tested positive to FIV, but we don't know whether this was from an actual infection or a vaccination.
Evie did have some behavioural issues that we believed could have been linked to mistreatment in the past. She used to recoil from hands that came too close to her, and didn't like it at all when somebody walked too close to her (within about 2 metres). It made mum sad to see her flinch and shy away when she went to stroke her, as if she expected mum to hit her. If Evie was sitting in a lap when someone went to stroke her side or back , she would bite. She didn't like to be left alone, and when mum would put her in her room for the night, Evie would run at her and bite her feet and ankles as she went through the door. Needless to say, mum has a few Evie scars to remember her by!
Mum and dad spent a lot of time trying to be patient and gentle with Evie, and show her that she was safe. She slowly started coming around, and the aggressive responses and shying away started to fade away. She remained overly aggressive at the vet though, and sent several vet techs to the doctor with bite wounds. Mum thought there was a good chance that Evie had initially been in a home where she was loved and safe, and was used to affection and gentle touches, but had an experience before coming to us that made her doubt her safety. She was a very good girl when it came to things like cleaning her ears and clipping her nails, and wore a harness very happily.
While Suey and I tried to escape our Halloween outfits, Evie seemed to enjoy being dressed up! She was a fascinating girl, and very special to mum.
We never really got to meet Evie, because she did not like other cats at all. On the one occasion mum tried slowly introducing us, she charged at me and tried to bite my bum. So that was the end of that. She did relax with humans though, and became a really affectionate girl who loved cuddles, and enjoyed meeting human visitors. She was also very patient and gentle with children.
Evie eventually went to a new home in Sydney, where she has a little doggie brother that she has made great friends with, but not before giving mum a major interest in feline behaviour. We hope she will have a very long, happy life with her new family.

Nigel!

This dear little baby mancat is Nigel. Dad chose his name, and it fit him very well. He was a rather refined little boy who may well have been an aristocrat in a former life!
He wasn't quite as playful as my friend Dhoni (as Ailurophile pointed out yesterday, I forgot how to spell the name correctly!). Nigel really enjoyed sitting back and watching his sister play. He was also a great climber. Mum got a kitten fence in preparation for fostering. It took Nigel about 30 seconds to figure out how to get out!Dad thought Dhoni and Nigel could have been performers in a Kiss tribute band. Hahahaha!! Nigel wasn't a huge fan of cuddles when he first came home, but mum was successful at brainwashing him a little bit before he left. He was one of the most confident kittens we ever saw, right up there with the Oscar boys. Nigel was quickly adopted on his return to the shelter.

Mum has decided that we shouldn't foster in Sydney, though she would dearly love to. We were very lucky in Townsville to have a room we could set aside for fostering. We don't have that extra space in Sydney. Now that Suey and I live inside all the time, she doesn't think we would be too appreciative at having to share, when our territory is already so much smaller. She thinks I would be ok, as I liked to hang out with the kittens, but Suey likes to have her space.

Mum is now looking for a shelter to get involved with. She was hoping to volunteer at the Cats Protection Society, because it is no-kill. Unfortunately they are not looking for any volunteers until kitten season, and then there is a waiting list. They are very lucky to be in that situation, because our old shelter has to beg for help! Mum is going out hopefully next week (after her driving test!) to check out another shelter. It is a second chance shelter, that takes in animals at the end of the road at the pounds. They are not no-kill, but have a 65% adoption rate for non-feral cats and a near perfect rate for dogs, which is much better than what mum is used to. She is really hoping to be able to work more with adult cats with behavioural problems. Evie lit a fire in her, and that is what she is really passionate about.

Ellie and Angus are still on foster in Townsville. They are being looked after by an elderly couple who are the best foster people in the world! They are growing slowly, but surely must be ready soon!:)

Pet's 10 Commandments.

We saw something very lovely on Skeezix's Cat's Meow blog today. It is the Pet's 10 Commandments, which was written by Stan Rawlinson, from Doglistener. We know everycat probably saw it on Skeezix's blog, but wanted to re-post, incase anyone missed it.

The Pet's 10 Commandments

1.) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Please understand that any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2.) Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3.) Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4.)Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments, but I have only you.

5.) Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6.) Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7.) Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite or scratch you.

8.) Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9.) Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10.) On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

When Mum read this, it made her immediately think of Evie (you can see the two of them being geese in the picture below, just before Evie moved out). She was our adult foster who lived with us for three months, and she was a special girl.

In her life, people had been cruel to her. When we first met her, she would cower and hide if anyone moved their hands too fast around her, or walked too close. She would bite if anyone patted her on the back two thirds of her body, and she hated being alone. She was also very thin. The thing that broke mum's heart the most, however, was the sadness in her eyes. She was frightened and sad, and mum knew that she remembered the hurt that someone had caused her. Points 6 and 7 on this list are so important, we feel.

To think that someone could do that to her, could cause her to feel that this world is not safe for her, is appalling. If mum never achieves anything else in her life, she will be thankful that she got the chance to show Evie that there is love in this world, and that she could trust people.

PhotoHunt- Hope

The PhotoHunt theme for this week is Hope. Mum thought of a few things for this one.

Mum says that we give her hope, for herself and everyone else in this world. She says we are love, and while there is love in this world, there is hope. Pretty soppy if you ask us!
This is Evie. She was a very special foster kitty, who mum loved a lot. She is hope, because she is change. She went through a lot, but things changed for her. She was sad and scared when we met her, but she had hope, and now she is in a wonderful forever home where she will never be scared or alone again. Mum says Evie gives her hope that just because things are the way they are, doesn't mean they should be, and doesn't mean they will be. Evie is the future to mum, and the future is hope.

You can see more PhotoHunt entries here!

Can we Carol on your Doorstep?

The first Noel the angel did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;

In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

-Trad.

We Are Home This Christmas!

I'll be home for Christmas;
You can count on me.
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree.

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love-light gleams.
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.
-Kent, Gannon and Ram.

Pipi on the mantle, from l-r, Katie, Nigel, Archie, Basil, Trixie, Charlie, Rick, Bobby, Tom, Evie, Dohni, Manuel, and James. They all found their Forever homes this year.

PhotoHunt- Reflection

The theme for today's PhotoHunt is 'reflection'. We think this is a good one, and can't wait to see other entries.

This is Evie checking out her reflection, during her Halloween photoshoot. She seemed rather taken with the cute little face peering back at her.

The mum also thought this would be a good one to use, because she saw a reflection in herself in Miss Evie. A couple of years ago, mum was going through some things, but dad believed in her, and stood by her, and helped her through the other end. She knew all Evie needed was for someone to truly believe in her. Now Evie is in a good home, being doted on and loved in the manner she deserves:)

Have a look at the other PhotoHunt entries!:)

Guess what!

I'm flying to Sydney early next week! We are all so excited! I am going to move in with a lady who lives on acreage, and I'll be an only cat. She has big windows for me to look out at the birds. I'll have my own room that I can stay in for as long as I want, until I am comfortable in the rest of the house. She doesn't care that I tested positive to FIV, or that I get grumpy at the vet! She is really excited about meeting me. My foster mum had a long talk with her last night, and she is making sure that I have the same food, litter and treats that I am used to, to try and keep the disruption low. She promised to stay in touch with my foster mum, and let her know how I'm doing. I have a forever mum!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love and excited purrs,

We are getting new babies!

We are picking up three 4 week old kittens tomorrow. It is very exciting. Mum can't wait to snuggle with them. I am looking forward to this too!

Evie is doing very well at the shelter. She is letting people pat her and cuddle her, and is getting spoiled rotten with all the treats she can handle. She sits in her house, and talks to the shelter workers and the vet nurses. We are very happy to hear she is doing ok, before her big trip on Friday!

Evie's Last Frootbat Friday

Evie on her first weekend home. You can kind of see how skinny she was when she first came to our house.

Just writing the title made mum sad, so I have taken over. Even though she was a bully to me and liked to rowl at us, and she even chased Fui and took a swipe at him, we know she was friendly with people, and she was a good friend to mum.

Evie exploring downstairs. Her neck was still very bald.

Evie was the funniest girl I ever knew (mum says that's the nice way of saying she was a weirdo). She came a long way while she lived with us. When she first moved in, she would put the bitey on mum whenever she touched her back half, or whenever mum went to leave Evie's room. If mum and dad made any fast moves with their hands or feet, she would cower like she thought she would get hit or kicked. When she left, she was letting mum touch her toesies, her tummy and her tail. She didn't get scared if somebody dropped something, and she stopped biting ankles when people left the room. Mum thinks that the best thing ever was seeing the fear disappear from Evie's eyes.

This is when Evie started putting on some weight, a couple of weeks after she came home. She was on her Winnie the Pooh blanket.

Evie has to stay with the shelter now. She is being advertised with a Rex rescue. If she is not adopted in the next week up here, she will fly down to Victoria, where the Rex rescue is based. Mum misses her, and keeps going to Evie's room to check on her.

Evie licking her lips on the day she discovered CRAVERS!

Did you know it was Evie that introduced us to blogging? Mum was researching Rexes, and came across Daisy the Curly Cat's blog. She thought it was a very cool idea to keep a record of the fun we have had with our fosters. That is how we got to be here, to meet such lovely kitties in the Cat Blogosphere.

Evie being cute, and getting so much healthier.

Mum went with dad yesterday to say good bye to Evie. It was hard for her, but she thinks it is important for Evie to not be unsettled too often while she is at the shelter, as the smells have her a bit on edge already. We all hope she finds her forever mum and dad very soon! Go forward with all of our love. We'll end this post with something I think Evie would approve of:

CRAVERS!!!

Darling Evie Went Back Today

My sweet little Rex foster went back to the shelter today. We arrived with her to find out the wonderful news that the rescue group has found a Rex rescue to work with, rather than Evie going into the open adoption cages, where she would be with other cats. As an open admission shelter, they can't really afford to have a cat in the cages who is attacking others (as Evie does), so going through a rescue is essentially her lifeline. I am thrilled!

Evie is having her final health check today, and God-willing, the adoption will follow this quickly. There is already an interested party, wanting a rescued Rex, for a one pet household! While she was agressive to other animals, and I didn't like how she worried Fui and Suey, on her own Evie is a darling little girl who I adore. I'd like to ask for your purrs and prayers for a successful adoption for her, as after the hardships she has survived, she deserves it. Whatever happens, she is loved, and she will be loved for the rest of her days. I feel like she took a piece of my heart with her today.

While I am happy that she has this tremendous opportunity, I am a bit sad that I don't get to see her anymore. I am going to miss Evie. We had her for 10 1/2 weeks, which is the longest we've had a foster. I couldn't help but bond with the little love.

So it's a good excuse to bring some smiley pictures to the blog! I discovered the Martha Stewart CuteOverload Cutest Pet Costume Contest the other day, and there are some lovely entries.

NikonPhotog entered this sweet picture of Aries the HoneyAries was 5 months old when this photo was taken, as he enjoyed his first Halloween in his forever home.

KallieJenn81 entered this photo of hedgehog JeffieWe think he makes a very pretty ballerina. And what a cute little face!

Tsorningold submitted this photo of Tucker, who was a pumpkin for his firstTucker is a Siamese mix who was rescued from the pound when he was 5 months old. He is now 3 years old, and shows how the older kittens are a great idea when visiting the shelters.

Rhstigers has a groundhog dressed as a witch! This isSpunky is a very interesting little critter, isn't he!

'Newfy' submitted this fantastic picture of their Rotti/ choc labrador cross, Bob. According to Newfy, he loves to get dressed up for Halloween, and gets excited while being fitted. The best part about this story is that Bob was rescued four years ago. He was due to be euthanised, as he was badly emaciated, had a broken hip, and mange. Now he is in a safe loving home where he is pampered in the way he deserves toIt's a wonderful costume. It was made by Bob's parents out of pvc, kid's clothing and fibrefill, especially for him. That healthy sheen he has is the best bit:)

Steve Bijoux is a goldfish who was not going to allow his inability to wear a costume spoil his chance to get involved thisSteve's parents 'piebispro' helped him decorate his bowl with this Pumpkin face, which even glows in the dark!

There are some super fun entries, and are well worth having a look through. Pet people must be the cleverest people ever!:)

Victor the Vampire Kitty gave us this beautiful award. Thankyou! It is very pretty.

These are the rules:
~ Put the logo on your blog.
~ Add a link to the person who awarded you.
~ Nominate 10 other blogs.
~ Add links to those blogs on yours.~ Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Fui and Suey would like to pass this on to the following lovely kitties:

Chica and Pumuckl

Diva Kitty and the Fluffies

Grrreta

LukeMeows

Mr Hendrix the Kitty

Crew's Views

The Island Cats

Manx Mnews

Gandalf and Grayson

The Ballicus Blog

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Halloween- the Evie Outtakes!

We have been very excited about The 3rd Annual Cat Blogosphere Halloween Costoom Contest. The entries from the last two have been fantastic, and we decided to have a go this year. It was a lot of fun for our mum, and I tolerated it pretty well!

My entry is up now, and these are some out takes from my beachside photoshoot! I was very good for my Halloween pictures. Certainly better than FlowerFairy Moimoi, who was caught repeatedly wrestling the backdrop (ie. paper stuck on a sheet).

I was pretty non-plussed to start. Luckily for foster mum, foster dad was there on hat duty. Otherwise, it would have been a lost cause!

Foster mum had promised me some Cravers if I was good, and I do love my Cravers!

The hat was pretty tricky. Sometimes it was too far back.

Other times, it was too far forward.

It all got pretty tiring for me, having to direct the humans in hat placement.

It would sometimes fall off on one side.

So foster dad would put it back on for me.
Then it would fall off on the other side!

I caught sight of myself in the mirror, and thought I looked rather pretty all dressed up.


Now, it's time for some CRAVERS!!! I hope lots of people will join in on the fun, and visit the competition:)


I'm so excited about Halloween!

Frootbat Friday

My foster mum read about how Daisy's beautiful sister Pixie loved having ear massages, on her blog. Fui and Suey don't like their ears being touched.

She got to thinking though when she was cleaning my ears (I get waxy quickly!), because I am so good for it, and didn't wriggle or wraggle at all.


Today, she sat down with me and gently started to massage my ears. Do you want to know what I thought?

The First Frootbat Friday Ear Massage was a great success!