Ernest's Importance

Ghosts from the past....

2007-10-31T18:37:00.000-05:00

...return, of all days, on Halloween.

It has been a long month here: at various times Feeders were traveling for work (we encourage gainful employment to ensure vital supplies), at other times, they were stricken with what seemed to be the earliest human colds of the season.

Their energies were thus diverted I suppose, and rest assured Fritz and I were as supportive as possible.

It does seems as though all's getting back on track: witness the following...

Last night there was a feast, of sorts, prepared in our kitchen...I was watching carefully...

Even Fritz pricked up his ears....

We were happy that they must be feeling better enough to cook a hearty meal.

To be honest though, we were also happily anticipating the possiblity of any left overs from this main course..... the aroma of which which was causing our whiskers to twitch somewhat..

Hmm..Salmon. Big Salmon. Did they really eat all of that themselves? We had high hopes of rich pickings around the table...

Well, I'm afraid that, in return for a rather generous helping of cat treats, we promised not to tell!

A trick I suppose, but we did get our treats...and we hope you did too.

Fritz takes the high ground

2007-10-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

Once in while, (rarely, but once in a while), I surrender the high ground to Fritz.

He is older than me after all, so it helps him to feel "in charge", and that makes him more easy-going in the long-run. I haven't told him yet that it's all calculated on my part: really, I'm in charge when he thinks he is. If he feels dominant, he's happy.

Mind you, the Feeders do point out to me ocassionally that I'm really wasting my time with my covert operations because, frankly, Fritz doesn't really mind as long as he gets his food and Feeders' love, and that he will countanance anything I do just as long as the food and love keeps flowing.

Mainly though, as long as the Kitty Cat Cafe is always open for Fritz, he's a happy camper, and happy to let me feel in charge.

No Parachute required.

2007-10-02T18:16:00.000-05:00

I sleep often on the chair in the hallway. I do sit there wide-awake too, mainly when a feeder is trying to use it to sit and put on their shoes. For me, it's a very comfy chair. It's close to the bicycles, my jungle gym, and close to the front door, source of entry for feeders; i.e. all-around good spot. But in a deep sleep, I sleep like this:

So, this is to say, (and this only applies when "they" are away), I often tuck my left leg improbably back and around and under - as so:

The first time the feders saw this, they thought I had fallen onto the chair from a great height, that it was an emergency and so and they almost called the emergency services...

Of Course, now they know that I will awake, stretch, and like a butterfly, emerge from my apparent crushed state in all my, well...they have the words for it, ask them!

So now they refer to that posture of mine as the "Ernest forgot his parachute" position. I don't really know what to say about that. But, since you may well ask, I say, it's wishful thinking on their part, as i'm very much up and running.
I did ask Fritz, but ,well,he's seen it all before and so he's not too easily impressed with my antics.

Please let us know if you nap in a most peculiar posture too..I'll let Fritz know!

Under, and above, the Influence

2007-09-26T19:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it's time to spill the beans: Fritz likes his catnip. It's never done anything for me, but then I was born in a Harlem basement and was fed chinese food scraps, if I was fed at all.

So I'm not much good when it comes to "organic". Fritz, on the other hand, has always had a weaknes for "The Nip". Anyway, we have a few scratching pad options, as indoor cats do. These traditionally are "hubs" for Nip distribution. The old floor model, seen here, wore out:

It's been replaced with a new one; it was introduced to us with a little sprinkling of cat nip, and Fritz was a happy partaker: here he is in a a happy (hippy?) state, maybe imagining the music from all those LP's (er, records; things we had before cd's) behind him?

I chose to observe from my perch in the bookcase above:

Sure enough, Fritz looked happy with "his" new scratching pad, he settled down for a (yet to be concluded ) nap:

Short-term Memory?

2007-09-24T19:01:00.000-05:00

The Feeders camera kept telling them they had a "memory error". At least one of them just shrugged his shoulders and agreed.

And they say we cats are the only ones with short term memory.

The other Feeder, being a little more technologically adept, realized that maybe we just needed a new memory card for the camera to solve the problem. Thanks to Amazon, a new card for the camera arrived today - the Feeder is still searching Amazon for his replacement memory chip...

So, testing, testing, 123... the new chip last night was put to work. Random poses on my part; much rehearsed on Fritz's behalf.. but that's his way:

Fritz and the dragon continue to work on their relationship...

Stand-offish, I think it's still fair to say?

Of course, I didn't want them to post this... just because their camera works again: I think I look like a vampire that had dental care on the national health (U.K.) But I do like hiding behind the telly, and disturbing the horse statue:

A Chinese horse as it happens. If the Feeders choose to show you one day, the next "endangered" ornament is just around the corner. It's African. My Interest in the statuary is , how does it shatter?

Another Season

2007-09-21T19:32:00.000-05:00

It's officially "Fall" here in New York, so we hear. The English Feeder seems uncertain if it's officially Autumn at home as well, but there has been a noticable Autumnal chill here in the early morning in the past few days.

I like it when it isn't too hot, and here it too often is. After all that humidity, it's much easier to have a good old frisk now that the "times are a'changin" again. Here's one of my action pictures when I'm full of beans in Autumn:

The old "mouse on an elastic string", cooler weather, I'm in business!

Not necessarially in his Autumn years by any means, but wise as if he were, Fritz prefers to celebrate the new season by basking in the flattering Autumnal light:

He doesn't like to expend too much energy, regardless of the season.

And so, as they say (we hear) back in England, "at the end of day", I tend to look a little more exhausted than Fritz in the cooler seasons....

Building Beasties

2007-09-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

Our building is quite old. Fritz and I rarely get the see it from the outside, and when we do it means we on the way to or from the vets, so we're not paying too much attention to the finer architectural details.

So the feeders took some photos for us which show some of the other animals that grace the house :

Fritz, who lived on a farm for a little while, says these are sheep, and I can't really argue with him as I've never seen anything like these. Although they do seem to have handle-bars, just like the feeders bicyles. Good for climbing!

I do recognise the next one though, I've seen the Feeders cooking Fish before...hmmm tasty. This one looks too big for their pan though...

The last one is from inside, in the hallway we're told. Now this looks altogether familiar:

Fritz thinks it's there to indicate "Fritz Lives Here" or "Beware of the Cat" and he's now striking all sorts of poses to live up to his new-found reputation...

(I can tell you confidentially, he's not really any more threatening than the fish, but we'll let him enjoy his moment of attempted ferocity).

A Galloping Gourmet.

2007-09-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

The feeders spend time in the kitchen, feeding us of course, but also cooking for themselves. I enjoy the cat feeding, obviously; indeed, I spend some considerable time ensuring that this schedule is rigourously maintained.
After that, I like to survey the territory, and plan future missions. Of course, I try not to look suspicious; successfully I feel?:

Despite my nonchalance, Fritz, sitting happily outside the kitchen. looks on. As usual, when he's looking at me when I'm planning, his expression mirrors exasperation, tolerance, annoyance, condescension....resignation?

I've planned, and therefore I act. Jump, pose, jump:, pose: that's my motto (works very well indoors).

I must say, it's somewhat dispiriting that Fritz isn't impressed. I mean, I'm scaling heights, climbing up things, etc, etc -I think he's being a stick in the mud...this is the look I get?

I'll try again, this is one of my "I may pounce at any time" poses...

...but Fritz, well, he's just not impressed with my antics and he's not taking the bait; this is really his look of weary disapproval and he's saying, "please, just have a nap...."

Eventually, Fritz wins. He can sleep? Well, then so can I, with more panache obviously; (eyes open, just to check if Fritz is sleeping with as much style as me)? ....

Rise and Shine! Coffee, Black or White?

2007-09-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

Eventually, early each morning , with some assiduous effort on my part, a Feeder can be roused from their morning slumber (don't they know it's my Labor Day, every day)?

Once they're awakened, I have some time. Sprint to the kitchen, jump in the box atop the refrigerator, and duck. Then, await the unsuspecting prey.

Here they come, shuffling towards the kitchen, eyes squinted like a just surfaced mole (uttering some inarticulate sounds that could be mole'ish too), groping for the light switch, they find it ...and then, up we spring - "Good Morning, time for coffee - black or white, or, perhaps black and white"?

The look on thier face always tells me that just like me, they appreciate early morning humour....yet another good start to a day full of Feeder life-enhancing obligations.

Next, perhaps, the curtains...?

Occasional Guest Animals

2007-09-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

Last weekend here was something called "Labor Day Weekend". Monday specifically was the day in question, and The Feeders, along with almost everyone else, had the day off work. Fritz and I didn't quite understand, but we don't begrudge them their day off. Anyway, by their definition then, everyday is a labor day for us, and we like the sound of that - an appropriate recognition of our rigorous daily routine....

The Feeders took advantage of a long weekend and headed up the coast to friends in Milford, Connecticut. Here they met the resident cat, Kiwi. We like the look of Kiwi, seen here:

The window-sill observation post is certainly familiar to Fritz and I.

Less familiar to us though.... Kiwi goes outside too.

This looks very exciting to us, apartment-bound as we are. For Kiwi however, apparently it's all rather old hat - seems as though she could barely keep from yawning:

Well, perhaps unbeknownst even to Kiwi, there was other outdoor excitement to be had. Perhaps a mile from Kiwi's garden, high in the tree-tops...well, here's the problem: with the Feeder's rather inadequate camera, it looked like this:

David Attenborough will obviously not be calling the Feeders for their footage, but this is a Parrots nest, wild Parrots to be exact, and the Feeders saw some flying in the treetops...although you need to look hard to see them in the pictures:

Fritz and I could just discern a green Parrot backside here...

...certainly more exotic looking than our usual city pigeon viewing.

So, all in all we were quite jealous of the Feeders excursion. It was only about an hour away from the city, but we think we could make the adjustment. I don't think we'd be yawning (well, only discretely). The pigeons here do look especially dreary and grey in the winter-time.....

In Remembrance

2007-09-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm still here too!

2007-08-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Fritz was a bit offended by his lack of mentions in my previous post. He's not as keen as I am on the cycling, but as I was being photographed at the scene of my adventures/crimes..

...Fritz was observing with a look, if not of disapproval, then perhaps of resignation?

He's so inscrutable, I must say it's a good job I'm around to at least coax the occassional "kitten-moment" from "old sensible" as I refer to Fritz in those moments when I'm not receiving a good "lecture" from him concerning my projects.

A bicycle (re-) made for two

2007-08-29T18:39:00.000-05:00

The Feeders, once in a while, like to go for a bike ride. Usually they cycle beside along the Hudson River, starting here in the aptly named Riverside Park;

you can practically ride the length of Manhatan along this tow path, or so we're told.

It's New York, so the bikes must live in the apartment, in the "hallway", as we somewhat grandly call the bit after the front door. For me, it's a personal playground, indeed jungle gym ,

not to mention a fantastic scratching and chewing post, all in one. I also get to imagine, and enact, racing through town on important cat missions, the exact object of which I usually forget, except for the racing bit.

Feeder number one is not too keen on the erosion of his bike seat, but it's such a good foamy, destructible item, that I just had to add it to my list of "projects". Besides, I'm on important missons.

We're not the only people with bike storage challenges in New York : here's a picture the feeders took recently of a local restaurant's storage for the food delivery bikes:

Now, that really does look like a good climbing frame/scratching/chewing post to me!

The great indoors

2007-08-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

Rather inclement weather here for the last few days. In fact, rather autumnal. Best for Fritz and I to stay snug inside (perhaps as documented using a cheap photo effect that a certain feeder was playing around with) ....

......whilst the Feeders venture out in the rain to do whatever it is that they do to keep the cat food supply lines intact.

Mind you, it doesn't stop Fritz dreaming of the great outdoors and what joys it may yield. I think he's been reading too much of the great naturalists at We three Ginger Cat Tales blog , maybe this post amongst many others.

Maybe he was also jealous of the feeders recent trip to the seaside.

So, when the Feeders were watching television and the wildlife program featured the seaside, Fritz was first to the cliffs edge...

He was quite enthralled actually...

Fritz was an outdoor cat once, for a short time, on a farm in Ohio, far from the sea-side. So he likes to dream, and all of this stimulation and dreaming of sea air, could only have one inevitable outcome...

Today began like any other normal day...

2007-08-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

I awoke before anybody else, as usual. Actually Fritz, woke up when I did, glanced at me disapprovingly, and rolled over, stretched languidly, and went back to sleep. As usual. So far, business as....well, you know it. I proceed to the window sill and, helpfully I feel, slowly begin to draw the curtains:

No reaction? Follow normal procedure and extend paw to postion curtain for minimum sun-blocking efficiency:

At this point, there are stirrings. The sleepers are reluctantly coming to terms with another daybreak. Another "feed and play with me dawn" as I prefer to label this "moving" hour. . The coupe de grace is the threat of climbing the curtains, at this stage, a glance is sufficient to get at least one Feeder to jump out of bed. I found out that they are a little worried about the robustness of the curtain rail, so just a glance suffices:

Everybody wide awake at sunrise, I'm happy. The day ahead usually foretells some serious post-breakfast napping, in anticipation of a return of somewhat tired looking feeders, and...well, food. Tonight, however, was different....

The Feeders came home home with a new friend. Fritz and I thought we'd seen him somewhere before, but we weren't certain. It took some time and careful investigation, but we like our new dragon friend and we hear he was the only dragon in the shop, perhaps condemend to endless window dislay exploitations unless rescued. Here follows some photos of Fritz and I getting to know a dragon that we already almost knew:

Fritz was very sceptical, so was I . Not quite sure yet Fritz, he may fire?

Getting a bit more comfortable..

And before you know it , Fritz is a dragon's best friend:

Well I opened the curtains on the day, so I can't be outdone by Fritz before bedtime. If he can befriend a dragon, so can I?

It may take some time...

but before you know it, we're almost peas in a pod...

And before bed time, Fritz is also happy to pose with our new friend, but he's tired and won't look too impressed until he's had a good night's sleep...but tomorrow morning, I'll be ready for cutains up!

How much is that dragon, moose, bulldog, flamingo, monkey, skunk and pink poodle...in the window?

2007-08-14T18:15:00.000-05:00

The feeders have shared news of their pet food shopping with us before. We usually cast a critcial, yet appreciative eye upon the new stock of cans that the shop yields, and then look forward to the latest pictures of the shop window. There have been some fairly surreal sights in the past; this month, well, only pictures can tell:

Firstly, our (only?) local dragon has slipped from his former steed and now looks a little subdued, alongside an equally benign (comical) bulldog.

A plan is afoot, feeders say, to liberate the local dragon from this ignomy.

Meanwhile, a flamingo lives in a (faux?) burberry kennel....

...an inspiration, no doubt, for all the Manhattan Flamingo owners who may fret about appropriate pet housing.

We selfishly look for cat realted window features, and yes, sure enough, they seem to have a good scratching post, but it appears to be the happy perch of a monkey embracing (or is it strangling?) a moose.

At this point I suppose it was no surprise to Fritz and I that there's also a pink poodle (we assume) and a skunk - what else - featured in the same window...

Words fail us. All we can say is , they may all look strange at the local pet shop, but they do have our favourite foods, and they are always in stock. As long as the feeders can secure our supplies from this, their very local, pet food emporium, who are we to complain?

Floored!

2007-08-09T18:15:00.000-05:00

We have parquet floors and it's always been one of my daily tasks to attempt to liberate a portion of it, and carry it away to my secret lair, (under the bed, but please don't tell the Feeders). Obviously, I'm a busy chap, so this has been an on-going endeavour. I have many other obligations as you may understand. However, I have always felt that it's good to set goals ( as long as I set them)!

I'm nothing if not determined, and finally, last weekend, whilst they were away - Mission Accomplished!

That's the Feeders photograph of me at the scene of the crime. I attempted to adopt my "butter wouldn't melt in my mouth" innocent air, but I'm not certain it looks as convincing as I had hoped...

Fritz does not approve of what he terms my "vandalism". I think it's only because he likes the colour of the floor as it is rather complimentary to his colouring, and hence, his photo opportunities. Ah, those orange hues.

I turned my back (innocently), and looked ahead to my next challenge;

Fritz and the Feeders often term it "mischief", (occasionaly worse), but I'll let you know when I have chosen my next "project".

The Patience of Job (s)

2007-08-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

Well, one Feeder began a new job last month. The other began inheriting a new boss. It was a little disconcerting for Fritz and I to sense their apprehension. To be honest, we were a little preturbed as well.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that they leave home every weekday morning and return each evening purely to earn that monthly or bi-monthly cat food/treat/toy voucher. We are not too keen on any eventuality that might endanger this equilibrium.

However,they seem to have survived the transitions and we're most happy that they remain happy (-ily employed!)

I extend the paw of congratulations....

...and Fritz rests easy once more

Just this past weekend, the Feeders escaped to the sea-shore as guests of kind friends. They seemed more relaxed when they came home. They stayed at a house equiped with rustic, sea-salt-rusty bicycles....

...an immortal frog in the deer-nibbled, shore weathered herb window-box....

..and saw more Monarchs in one weekend than ever; a chance to to photograph them as they have never had before:

We know that this made a Feeder or two happy. Fritz and I are relieved they are back, and we know that they thank their friends who invited them to that Atlantic shore. We hear the hospitality, kindness and company was beyond compare. We guess that some tales may ,as yet, remain untold.

Fritz, the Feeders and I know who these friends are, and we thank them all most sincerely!

Library Additions from England

2007-07-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

Fritz, as you may recall, is a fan of the feeders library .

Whilst In England, a few additions (editions) were purchased, mainly adding to the Butterfly and Moth component of the shelves (now straining in their New York City apartment confines). Fritz and I are allowed to peruse and approve:

We have many books on Butterflies from countries visited by the Feeders, and on occassion, their family contributes if they are somewhere abroad and can find the right book shop.

Once in a blue moon, the feeders see a butterfly they can photograph (they move, we're told, more than Fritz and I - so we'll work on that).

But, that's a Monarch, here on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and perhaps we are told, in time she may be in Mexico, having a nap.

We'll stay and nap here, but we do admire the butterflies that seem to have to fight the odds to survive, and then, maybe, have a nap.

Rocking Boy Bloggers

2007-07-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

Ernest and I are honored to be nominated as Rocking Boy Bloggers by Karl and Anastasia, Caesar and Princess, and Kimo and Sabi. Thank you! We would like to nominate all those boy cats out there for this award, because all you boy cat bloggers rock!

Normal (food) service has been Resumed!

2007-07-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

The Feeders are home again! We were well cared for whilst they were away, but we slept a lot and waited, and it was hot here and we were jealous as they were in cooler climes (=England). Under such circumstances, Fritz and I can be quite good sleeping buddies.

Not often we're so close: only when the Feeders are so afar:

We don't have the full details of the trip yet, they appear a little tired at the moment . They say Jet Lag. We're patient kitties, but we can't help wondering if this was a contributing factor to thier slow recovery time.

When they are fully awake (5.00 am tomorrow if we have anything to do with it!), then no doubt we'll have more updates once more and news of the travels.

Fritz and I hope you have all been well (& well fed) during our hiatus.

Blimey, it was hot.

2007-07-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

Here in Manhattan it was too hot last week for much posting. It peaked at about 92 (on the old-world temperature thingy), and it was really humid to boot. Luckily, the Feeders are in training for a trip to Engalnd, so they were prepared to turn the only air conditioner we have up to "Arctic" setting (11 on the Spinal Tap scale), so hopefully they will be fully prepared for the full force of this English summer!

Here I am, hogging the full force of the arctic blast (temporarily, as Fritz "of the Antarctic," relishes this perch too).

Without the air conditioning on in the bedroom, our fisking activities were limited. Not much else to do other than sit around as expansively and handsomely as possible: Here, together -

And here's Fritz looking very cool and distinguished in adversely humid conditions - cool as a cucumber!

Of course, I can do that too:

Well, as it's me posting, and if it's too hot to move, I'll happily oblige the photographers with some of my best poses:

But, the vanity backfires: just as I look left for my best profile shot (even though I say so myself) .....

Then, to my right, distracting my moment in the limelight, what do you think that ginger blur might be?

I'll tell you what it might be....jealous!

Mad Hatters

2007-06-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

Sometime next week, the Feeders are off to England for a visit. They did go last year at about the same time, and we'll have our guest feeder to look after us, but we're not too happy about them leaving. Especially as last year, they went to an English Rowing regatta, and, according to the photographs that they took, it's de rigeur for the Ladies wear cat toys on thier heads.

The above example upset our English Feeder somewhat, as it appears these are real butterflies, but, dead ones. A painted Lady, a Red Admiral and (perhaps?) a Small Tortoiseshell, he thinks, based on his schoolboy butterfly identification skills (of which he's a bit proud).

Frankly though, however clever these hats may look at the big event, we can only assume that their wearers are returning home to a cat-free environment....

Because, well, I have an inkling we don't have to tell you, but Fritz and I would be ready to bring them down a peg or two...

Miss Peach's Meme

2007-06-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

Our friends Anastasia and Karl have tagged us for Miss Peach's meme. We love learning more about our cat friends, so here's another chance to learn more about us!

1) Favorite season?
Fritz: Winter for sure! I love snuggling with the Feeders and catching snow flakes from inside the window!
Ernest: Springtime! That's when the birdies come out!

2) Favorite colors?
Fritz: Orange, of course!
Ernest: All the brightest colors! I embrace the rainbow!

3) Favorite room?
Fritz: The kitchen... that's where the Grammy's Pot Pie is!
Ernest: The living room... that's where the best windows are!

4) Do you like dogs?
Fritz: My best friend from kittenhood was a dog. Some of them are great fun!
Ernest: I've never met one.

5) Ever been in an airplane box?
Fritz: Yes. It was not fun. At least I got to ride in the cabin with a Feeder.
Ernest: Never.

6) Do you have the get bathed?
Fritz: Hell, no! I do not like getting wet.
Ernest: I fell in the tub once when a Feeder was taking a shower. It wasn't pretty.

7) Are you in love?
Fritz: I love my catnip cigars!
Ernest: I love all the ladies!

8) Where would you like to travel to?
Fritz: Hmmm... I'm not a fan of the cat carrier and I definitely did not enjoy my airport experience. I'm happy here!
Ernest: Any exotic locales!

9) What do you ignore?
Fritz: Ernest in the morning.
Ernest: Any time a Feeder says "ERNEST!"

10) How many lives have you used up?
Fritz: Luckily I have not had any close calls. I still have all my nine lives.
Ernest: It's hard to say how many lives I lost in that basement before the Feeders found me.

11) Do you have any dark secrets?
Fritz: Nope.
Ernest: Well, I do have a secret lair. That's where I hide the toys...

12) What is your favorite holiday?
Fritz: Thanksgiving! Turkey is a great treat!
Ernest: Isn't every day a holiday?

13) Water or milk?
Fritz: Milk makes me sick.
Ernest: I have never had milk before.

14) Why do you blog?
Fritz: I like to make new friends!
Ernest: Me too!

15) Are you into extremes?
Fritz: Well, I am a championship napper!
Ernest: I am into extreme playing!

16) Favorite TV shows?
Fritz: I really enjoyed the dinosaur series on the Discovery Channel.
Ernest: I don't watch TV.

17) Are you a pesty lap cat?
Fritz: I do like a good nap, but I wouldn't call myself pesty!
Ernest: Laps! Laps are for sleeping!

18) Inside or outside cat?
Fritz: Inside only... we live in New York City!
Ernest: Inside.

19) What makes you happy?
Fritz: A full tummy and a warm Feeder's lap.
Ernest: Climbing on the bike frames!

20) Your most embarrassing moment?
Fritz: I always act with the grace and poise one would expect from a cat.
Ernest: See answer to #6.

I hope you all enjoyed that! We tag all the cool cats out there who have not done this meme yet!

Half Moon over Manhattan

2007-06-22T19:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a view from our window this evening. The thunderstorms came through yesterday and today has been a clear and less humid day; our kind of weather. This may be too small for you to see in this picture, but those are lions on the cornice of the top (12th) floor of the building accross the street.

We admire them often, and wonder how the air (and bird spotting) is up there.

Again, perhaps the picture may be too small, but if you can see a lattice like pattern imposed over it, well, that's our nemisis: the anti-pigeon netting. This was insatalled around the inner parts of our building about a year ago.

So, alas, no longer can we stalk the pigeons from behind our windows as they preen upon our fire escape.

Luckily, there are still plenty of birds to espy; but now they are just farther from our no-doubt terrifying posturing

Talking of which, here's Fritz from a year ago, pre-netting, looking through our window: he has him in his sights!

Regrettably the pigeon, for some reason, looks fairly defiant!

A New York pigeon knows a 6th floor apartment cat does not have open windows without screens, and hence, Fritz can only threaten in vain.

Dragon replaces monkey on dogs back.

2007-06-19T19:32:00.000-05:00

We don't get out much, in fact we do not get out at all, and so another dragon sighting is just another anecdote to Fritz and I. However, the Feeders were excited: they saw the real thing at large in the wild, and reported back accordingly....

The sighting was from the : you may recall, they have bizarre window displays.
As well as the dragon, a cat appears to be eating a dog; a fine idea of course , but is this good for dog food sales?

The feeders tell us we're lucky: they've been to Wales once or twice, and never yet seen a dragon. Wales has many claims to fame of course, not least of which is that it's fine dragon spotting territory, as good as it gets we're told. Yet, the dragons are here in New York too, just around the corner at the pet store. So we'll just maintain our window-sill look-out, who knows what may fly on by?

They fell for it!

2007-06-17T10:39:00.001-05:00

Last week the English Feeder had to work late. The American Feeder was left to feed us dinner. She also gave us treats... she said something about feeling sorry for us. Well, when the Englsh Feeder got home, Ernest and I told him that we were very hungry and would love some treats! He fell for it and gave us some! Two rounds of treats in short succession! This never happens because the American Feeder is very stingy with the treats. She thinks we'll get fat if we eat too many. Doesn't she know that keeping this svelte figure takes calories?

Fritz announces limited "awake" availability.

2007-06-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

I suppose he's older, but Fritz does spend a lot of time napping. Of course, I admire his philosophy, but I do still feel that there's plenty of potential mischief around that needs to be "acknowledged". For some reason, I always feel obliged to heed that call, even if I'm feling drowsy. This, necessarily, keeps me quite busy.

As Fritz is somewhat less highly strung,(i.e. asleep often), he posts here even less frequently than I do.
Nonetheless, if you're ever concerned about Fritz, please rest easy, (as indeed, he often does).

Here's Fritz is in all his sleepy glory ...

Mind you, when he's awake, apart from the time he spends "coaching" me in life's lessons, Fritz is a great cat. As well as keeping an eye open for me, he also manages to be rather good company for the Feeders, who never seem to fail in falling for his sleepy inclinations.

In his honour, here's a recent rare picture of him in his waking state, looking rather handsome and almost looking as smart as he really is, (when awake).

Fritz is available, for very short periods of time between naps, on a consultancy basis, to offer advice to younger cats, or humans if they know where the cat treats are hidden.

Occassional Guest Animal, 8

2007-06-14T19:45:00.000-05:00

Super Happy Cat! One paw up, implies happiness; two paws,well, who can venture a guess? We saw the picture from We three Ginger Cats. , and the feeders remembered the ceramic cat that sits high up on display in thier local Japanese restaurant. He's sponsered by a Japanese beer company, and they don't have a photograph of him in his natural habitat, but they did find another picture that shows another, similar, super happy cat:

We say , one, or two paws up, either way, good luck to all readers, (and their owners)!

Update : Occassional Guest Animal, Number 2 revisited

2007-06-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

You may recall the feeders "other" pet, Mr Flappie.

Well, Fritz and I don't really get it, but they persist in attempting to nuture this inedible bird. He survives, although he's not gaining points very quickly, and certainly hasn't evolved beyond his original primitive state (i.e. bird-brained).
Here's the latest picture as he basks in New York's currently overcast skies:

In the Blue chair

2007-06-13T17:52:00.000-05:00

Here we are , one up, one down, as they might say. One of our favourite sitting chairs is this one. It has been in almost every abode of one of the feeders since childhood. Once upon a time, it sat alone in his childhood bedroom in England and told him stories from it's carvings. Now it's in New York, with us adding to it's fabric, in our own ways. At night, this chair has tales to tell: it still whispers.

Occasssional Guest Animal, 7.

2007-06-07T20:18:00.000-05:00

It's happened in the past; feeding time has come and gone, and no sign of the necessary accessories to our satisfaction. It transpires that on these admittedly rare occassions, if we were allowed out to roam, we might find them at their "local".

Such was the case this evening.

Their excuse - the Beefeater Gin promotion evening, a G&T being a not unfavoutite tipple of at least one of the Feeders. A very strange event by the looks of the evidence:

Feeders descibe the whole event as , variously, "incongruous" and "bizarre".
Notwithstanding this ,our latest guest animal today is human, but , in true New York fashion, playing a role. Although, this further photographic evidence may suggest he's from the "fully immersed method " acting school? (probably just one of those unfair pictures).

You'll perhaps be happy to hear that the Feeders returned in better looking shape, and fulfilled their obligations to those who must be fed, admired, and generally adored (F & E, no G & T)!

They did so (they'll tell you) despite these terrible temptations, such as they never thought they'd encounter on their own street corner.

Looks like we're in for Stormy Weather...

2007-06-04T19:03:00.000-05:00

Within the last three days we've had some mad weather here in New York. Hot and humid, followed by tropical-type thunderstorms with dramatic downpours. When Fritz senses the strorm clouds a- gathering, I think his instincts from childhood down on the farm in Ohio take over. "Tornado! Head for the shelter"! And indeed he does. We're all too polite to remind him that he's already inside inside a rather solid pre-war New York apartment building - it's in his blood. Here you may observe Fritz just the other day, before such a storm, keeping a weather eye out from his shelter for the coming tempest:

And after the rain, all that New York humidity dissipates, and Fritz naps, with no need to keep a look out:

When the coast was clear, I sneaked into Fritz's shelter. Should he awake, I'll be in touble, hence my slightly nervous appearance...

Wherever you may be, Fritz and I wish you good shelter from any storms heading your way.

Playing with the traffic?

2007-05-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Well, we can't play with it thankfully, but we do spend a lot of time studying it from our window. It is Broadway, so it's fairly frantic, even this far uptown :

Our award for "most intriguing traffic" is certainly this delivery van that we see quite frequently, usually making very early calls, (i.e. some time between our first and third efforts to wake up the sleepers).

Now, if you buy bread in this neck of the woods, as the feeders occasionally do, it may come in a paper bag carrying the following logo:

Both we and the Feeders of course wanted to find out more about his tasty bread company with such tasty taste in corporate logos. And, buy the tee shirt. And, obviously, offer to model for them.
Well here they are, and God bless 'em, not a gift shop in sight - it's all about their brilliant bread - no frills, just the bread facts:
Tom Cat Bakery
The Feeders say it's the best bread, as it very well it may be with such great taste in signage!
It reminded the English feeder of a picture book he had as a child, of various vehicles, each with a personality and a rhyme, including the bread truck, alas, no cat logos in those innocent days:

(Hope you can read the rhyme, not a good photo we admit). If not, it goes like this:
"I'm Billy the Baker's Van,
Painted bright red;
I carry the Sugar buns
Pastry and bread.
I take all the orders Round to each door,
and all of my customers
Come back for more".

Well, it's an old book, already old even when the Feeder was young (or so he tells us)! Nonetheless, we were asked (disclaimer -cat treat compensation may have been negotiated) to pose for the following picture with said book, "Tootles the Taxi" - a Ladybird book for those of you (mostly from Blighty or it's "closer" affiliates probably) who may remember such delights (which Fritz and I frankly do not)!:

We did read some more rhymes though; they're great! The pictures are even better, so old fashioned, even make a Feeder feel young! Maybe we'll share some more pictures and words from this book with you soon.

True Confessions!

2007-05-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

We've been tagged by DaisyMae Maus for the True Confessions Meme. We're told that the rules are loose. We only have to reveal as much as we want and tag as many cats as we like. So hang on tight... we're about to share our deepest, darkest secrets!

Ernest's Confessions:

1. Before I had my operation, I tried to make "sweet love" to Fritz a couple of times. I don't think he liked it very much because he turned around and beat me. Now I'm an "N" just like Fritz!

2. Sometimes I sleep like a person... I lie on my back like a person with my arms and legs at my sides and my tail sticking out.

3. After using the litter box, I like to shoot of it as fast as possible! The Feeders say I'm like a jet leaving kitty litter in my wake!

Fritz's Confessions:

1. If the litterbox does not meet my very high standards, I will stage a protest pee. Fortunately, the Feeders have proven very easy to train and I only had to protest twice. The litterbox has been satisfactory for the past several years.

2. The first time I met the American Feeder's mother, I was a three-month old kitten. I was so excited that I tried to run up her leg! Fortunately, the Feeder saw what I was about to do and stopped me. It turns out that the Feeder's mother was wearing a skirt and did not like the idea of a kitten climbing her leg. I can't imagine why!

3. My best friend as a kitten was a rottweiler! I know that as a cat, I'm not supposed to like dogs, but some of them are a lot of fun!

I tag George, Tipper, Max and Misty of the Crew, Pearl and Pumpy of Feline Fine and Maurice, Pixie and Elmo of the Ginger Cats Tales. If any other cats want to play, you should!

Occassional Guest Animals, 6. (a deli-cat matter).

2007-05-25T16:49:00.000-05:00

Here in New York there are many deli's and bodegas, and the Feeders are often running out to thier local deli to replenish essential supplies. Often when they return, they report a sighting of the resident mouser who patrols the shop. Recently though, as reported here by Gothamist, the authorities took action against one such mouser. It seems that they take a dim view of these sterling servants, ostensibly for health reasons. Therefore, our deli must remain a secret undisclosed location!
The Feeders have never reported a mouse sighting at the deli. Here's a picture of the local hero (the Feeders think it's a lady), name unknown. She appears to be taking a well-deserved nap and so we assume she was "off-duty" at the time. As well as being a tip-top mouser, she clearly likes her Fish too! She must be really smart. We'd like to meet and compare hunting and fishing notes with her!

Still Looking for a New England?

2007-05-24T18:20:00.000-05:00

Hooray - the "Boston Feeder" returned, a little beaten, but not thankfully not too bowed.
Ah, we more than napped in full comfort mode last night. Here we may be seen happily settling down at the end of the bed for a nap, in full knowledge that both Feeders were yet again going to be in need of our invaluable, and doubtless charming, very early wake-up services:

The one Feeder was on a work trip; they're rarely fun we've heard, and Boston tends to take the biscuit. Not, apparently, a biscuit any better dunked in the tea served there than elsewhere in America, despite the tea party claim to fame. At least the Yankees beat Boston at Baseball two times out of three during the trip; it sounds as though was some consolation to the Feeder.
In lieu of decent tea of course, (certainly if you're English,) - beer. I heard from the Feeder though, that to add insult to injury, despite all the much vaunted effort to shake off the shackles of the English, and so forth, (and the resulting Boston pride in the ultimate success of said endeavours, and taking full claim for the credit for doing so), it appears Boston kept one "tradition" at least - the same pub licensing hours as their vanquished foe.
I think that after a few days back in the tender care of Fritz and I, all will be well. A feeder safely back in Manhatten to feed and love us and drink decent tea at his own parties and beer on a liberated schedule, without feeling quite so old and English, is a happy feeder.
Cheers!

We're waiting...

2007-05-21T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hello, all. It's been a few days since either of us have posted. The English Feeder went to Boston for work and we are waiting for his return. I thought his only work was feeding us!

Occassional Guest Animals, 4 & 5.

2007-05-17T17:55:00.001-05:00

Mmm, fish!
Fritz and I are indoor cats as you may know, so we live vicariously through the Feeders, the apartment windows, the T.V. and Feeders photos to learn about species other than Feline and Human. Nonetheless, it must be an inherited gene, but we know a fish when we see one! -in any of the aforementioned media. (I must say though, I haven't seen a fish from our 6th floor window yet).
Below are fish in a pond that the feeders photographed in a hotel in Thailand. You can see a Feeder finger here: of course, we see the opportunity for a Kitty paw:

Meanwhile, back in England, the pond of a Feeders parents also has fish we're told. Hence the interest of their next-door neighbours cat, (please welcome guest animal number 5), at this particular local attraction. The Feeders met her last year, George is her name we're told. Here she may be seen luxuriating near her subject of interest in the customary splenour of an English summer ....

Parents blame Herons for the fish poaching that evidently occurs. Frankly, I think this photograph proves that George has more than passing interest in the ponds denizens, and if we were her, we know that our paws would be interested in taking a "lucky dip".
We maintain a fairly robust surveillance routine from our apartment windows and will of course notify you first of any flying fish sightings, should we be so lucky.

Blimey: Fritz woke up and posted.

2007-05-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

Ernest here, evening all. You will no doubt have noticed that Fritz woke up and posted again, a rare (but welcome?) event. A good post I think you'll agree, but a bit ironic to me as he's always been somewhat ambivalent about the whole idea of this blog. Usually, he sees the desk at which I compose these much contemplated musings as prime napping territory. The warm glow of the computer and desk light stimulates in Fritz not his muse, but his snooze.
Exhibit A:

Nonetheless, he posted well, I'll admit. But, for those of you who maybe indoors and unaware (or otherwise somewhat perturbed) I thought I should help to explain Fritz's stated predicilication, (perhaps worrying), for "Kitty Grass". Fear not readers, he refers to the grass sold at pet shops here, I think just wheat grass, but as an urban boy, I don't really know. It's difficult to photograph Fritz indulging in this treat, mainly because he eats it so fast that it's a blur. I can only spectate and worry about myself being somewhat in focus, but, Exhibit B, here's his poison:

Notice relative length of grass in above photo versus relative shortage of grass below, Exhibit C, and Fritz's smile after the event:

Seven Facts About Fritz

2007-05-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

We've been tagged by The Ginger Darlings. Ernest and I decided it was time for you to learn seven facts about me!

1. I was born in the farmlands of Ohio.

2. I like to eat kitty grass. It reminds me of my kittenhood.

3. I have flown before... in an airplane. The Feeder tells me that she was afraid that I would jump out of her arms at the security checkpoint and run down the airport concourse. Lucky for her, I just wanted to get back in the carrier! The airport was such a chaotic place and I just wanted to get out of there.

4. My nickname is Fritzamus Maximus Pussipuss, Esq. No, there are no double-barreled names in my family as Forty Paws guessed. It is a nod to my pedigreed background of... errr.... large, orange farm cat.

5. I know it's not very catlike, but I am of the catch and release school of hunting. I think it's my Buddhist upbringing... I can't kill anything on purpose. I think it's a good thing I'm not a farm cat anymore. Ernest, however, is a killer.

6. I watch a lot of nature programming on TV.

7. I like to eat birds eye chili peppers. Nope... they don't make me sick at all. The Feeders try to keep me away from them though.

I hope you feel like you know me better! I think almost all my kitty friends have been tagged already. If you haven't, I tag you!

Seven Facts About Me

2007-05-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

The Princess Pearl tagged me. I'm told that this means I have to reveal seven facts about myself and tag seven others. Here we go!

1. I was born in a feral colony in Harlem.

2. I have never seen real grass before, but I have seen real pigeons!

3. I like to wake everyone up in the morning (including Fritz) just to make sure they are awake. Then I go to sleep.

4. Throwing things on the floor brings me joy! Bashing lampshades is particularly fun!

5. I sleep next to the English Feeder every night.

6. Football (or soccer as Americans call it) is my favourite sport.

7. I spy on the neighbors! All the time!

I tag Caesar (Caesar and Princess's Happy Place),
Daisy, and Miles (the Birthday Boy from Meezer Tails). Unfortunately, all my other friends have been tagged already. I hope you learned a little more about me!

Mascot Marches in May Madness

2007-05-08T18:16:00.000-05:00

You may recall our recent Guest Animal, Kingsley?
He's the mascot of the feeders favourite football team in England. Well, during a match last week he was sent-off by the referee (I suppose, being ejected from a game would be the equivalent here in a baseball game)?

Is this Lion'ist? Feline'ist? I'm not sure. At least Readings team's manager had the good grace to take it lightly and claim it was easy to confuse him with a squad member.
Even The Times of London weighed in with an in-depth analysis of the potential anti-feline bias at work here: essentialy they conclude that the birds get away with it:" Kingsley is the first mascot in the 14-year history of the Premiership to be reported to the FA. Six years ago, Cyril the Swan, the Swansea City mascot, earned immortality in the animal kingdom when he clashed with Zampa the Lion, the Millwall mascot and presumably one of Kingsley’s forefathers. Cyril removed Zampa’s head and drop-kicked it into the crowd".
Meanwhile, only one game left in the season. Reading, for those that care, (a Feeder or two in the vicinity), have acquitted themselves with distinction in their inaugural season in the top flight.
Fritz and I are pleased our Feeders support a team with a fiesty feline as their mascot, (and we're looking forward to the off-season and more attention on match day Saturdays)!

Let them eat cake.

2007-05-07T17:34:00.000-05:00

The feeders went to England last week and so we've been rather quiet on the posting front (although, not necessarily on other fronts!)
It seems that there was a party to attend in England, and ordinarily we'd be offended, but as it was for a niece's second birthday, we'll forgive them. This picture which they brought home is an example of some the hardships they had to endure:
The Feeders took a book as a present; about a library lion, highly recommended here.
As you may recall we're keen on: feline associations with libraries.
Anyway, while the Feeders were away, we played with our favourite substitute Feeder, Robert, to whom thanks as always. He likes to eat and sleep as much as we do... a great guest!

The Beauty of Bags and Boxes

2007-04-28T15:12:00.000-05:00

Some of our favourite things, bags and boxes. These objects of beauty exist to be occupied by cats. On top of or inside them, either way, its our duty! It may be an unwritten rule, but it's certainly a central tenet of the cat code.
Below I may be observed displaying the appropriate behaviour in both bag and box examples of the genre:

A view from a box....

However, a bag or box shortage may create competitive pressures. Here you see me adopting a vigilant mode in a sucessfully occupied bag:

Alas, on this occassion, I was not able to maintain my advantage:

Do not fret however, peace was restored when the feeders procurred a box for Fritz. He was then able to demonstrate his truly distinguished box sleep-in technique:

Now that's text-book championship box filling, and championship napping, all in one go!

Tea Time. No Nip.

2007-04-27T19:22:00.000-05:00

Well, a bit odd but a lot of tea seems to be consumed around here. An English Feeder obviously doesn't help. Let's be honest though, it may be an addiction. More tea is consumed around here than catnip is made available.
Now, we can always adapt, but Fritz tried inhaling the tea, as shown here, and he reports with some confidence (based on extensive experience), that he prefers the good old fashioned nip.

I do like to be beside the seaside

2007-04-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

If your're a ginger cat, then like Fritz, I'd assume you're a fan of Orlando The Marmalade Cat. Our English feeder became very nostalgic upon news that his family back in Blighty just had a holiday in Aldeburgh, home of Orlando. The English feeder, in his youth, spent many happy holidays there. The Author of the Orlando books spent much time there. I'm not ginger, but nonetheless these are beautiful books and if you have never come across them, well, now you have, and I highly recommend them(Fritz recomends them as well - he's a fan as you see below):

A Snip and a Cut; one convenient location.

2007-04-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

During their walkabout in today's sunshine (see post below), the Feeders also snapped this picture of our Vets office. We don't get outside much as you know, and when we do, it's invariably to visit the Vet. Thankfully, to date, only for routine matters. They are very nice there, and Fritz and I particularly like the lady Vets, even if we don't always take too kindly to the necessary "proceedures". I had forgotten until today's picture about one of my earliest visits. Suffice it to say, when I emerged, I qualified for the Unisex haircuts conveniently available right next door!

Feeders Find Favourite Food Source.

2007-04-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful day here in New York City - 80 degrees or so outside. The Feeders have been out and about in the neighbourhood. We're staying inside in the cool of the apartment, although we can see the going's on from the window. Today, right outside, the first street fair of the season appears to be in full swing in the sunshine, a far cry from last week's storm. The feeders took their camera out with them, and sure enough they took a picture of their favourite street fair stall. I have to say, athough I'm unaccustomed to paying for food myself, (so uncouth don't you think?), this seems like a good deal:

Cooking with Ernie - New on the Kittie Food Channel (K.F.C)

2007-04-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

Good Evening. Hungry? Fritz and I are, frequently. Actually, our particular frequency is twice a day, and we're quite particular about strict observance of OUR schedule. Fritz taught me a thing or two about how to prepare, and ensure, a satisafactory feeding. I share some of this learning below. I'm still a humble apprentice of course. One day if we're all lucky, Fritz may post his masterclass.
Step one) Should commence approximately one hour before desired feeding. May be, indeed should be, continued in parallel with subsequent preparations: Begin with one or two plaintive mews, escalate throughout following hour and while adherring to further instructions, approach caterwauling levels as necessary. Modulate according to Feeder reaction.
Step Two) Prepare Vegetables. We all know Veggies are an essential part of a balanced diet. Obvious of course. However, please remember that ideally they should be thoroughly killed before consumption, according to illustration a. below.
Step Three) While escalting mewing towards louder levels, (see above), proceed to stalk your game (protein plays it's part too)! Birds, inevitably, popular; pigeons are top of the pops.! If an indoor-only cat, stalk as best as possible given the riduculous limitations and mime your obvious hunter -gatherer -bat around for a bit and then look up and say are you impressed - skills. Fritz demonstrates a classic initiation of Step 3 below:

Step Four) Meat and Veg having been symbolically acquired, we're close to actual feeding time. If necessary (sometimes, timing may be off and a few minutes are still left until feeding time), deploy "starvation roll with plaintive cry" move. Fritz may elaborate on this ancient and mysterious skill at later date if we are lucky: suffice to say, it's often confused (deliberately) with the common "rub my tummy I love you and am about to sleep regardless if you pet me or not" roll. One variation is demonstrated by the master below, (but which, do you know?):

Step Five) Proceed to Kitchen and observe the appropriate Feeder reactions to the preceeding preparations; enjoy thoroughly the resulting contents of the can of food..
I've no doubt been preaching to the choir here, but I like at least to keep my notes and to share. We were, after all, all young once, and I hope these observations may assist the youth who lack the kind of mentoring I enjoy from wise older Fritz.
Step Six) As if you needed to know, Fritz here demonstrates the standard position:

Bon Appetit! K.F.C. will return as soon as we have any variations upon proven proceedures.

Feeders Find their way home!

2007-04-17T17:17:00.000-05:00

Hooray, the feeders are back! They look happy to see Fritz and I, as well they might be!
Our thanks to Robert, our expert (and generous -tee, hee) guest feeder. Robert even fed the Flappie , upto a grand old 21 whatever-they-are points, and so all is well.
Along with Robert, we weathered the big storm up here, while the Feeders basked in the sunshine (?) of Northern Ohio. Happily, their homing instinct is as strong as that of an outdoor cat!
In Ohio, they only had the childhood cuddly cats of one of the feeders to remind them of us. They look cute certainly, but really, no substitute for Fritz and I, even if they are rather posh-looking Steiff cats.

We hope you are all happily safe and warm and home tonight. We are!

Feeders Flee New York storm?

2007-04-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

The feeders are away for a few days in Ohio. Perhaps they saw the storm coming to New York - but actually I know they planned to visit parents quite some time ago.
It is bad here in New York; if we were outside, we'd be very wet. But, we're safely inside and busy tormenting the guest feeder who's on duty until Tuesday. The guest feeder knows he can bribe us to behave with treats...of course this only works until...we're ready for more treats! Ah, it's fun to have an easy-to-bribe feeder for a few days...

Got a monkey on your back?

2007-04-13T18:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I heard that in an old song somewhere, maybe you remember it? Notwithstanding our memory lapses, our local Pet Shop is a constant source of...well, food, treats and toys..obviously. We encourage the Feeders to frequent the establishment , and luckily for Frtiz and I, they do. The shock to thier wallets is offset, so they tell us, by the amusement they garner form the somewhat bizarre window displays that the shop is prone to. I've heard that fancy "window designers" earn big bucks at Christmas time, especially here in mad old Manhattan. Well, our local Pet Shop keeps the Feeders constantly entertained with their ever changing window display: perhaps they pay an expert for this, although I do doubt it. This picture is of an incarnation captured today. The camera, I'm told, could not capture the furry lobster in the same frame, perhaps a blessing. We love our local Pet Shop (food/treat/toy) emporium. Hopefully they will keep changing their window display to entertain the feeders and ensure un-interrupted supply lines of Kitty essentials.

All the Animal News that's fit to Mention...(cat related edition)

2007-04-12T18:39:00.003-05:00

Ripe old animal ages being reported here in the Guardian from England today. We all know how difficult it is to beat a Tortoise, but some good old cats put in a sterling performance: "In 2004, Whiskey, a 33-year-old tabby from Essex, staked his claim as Britain's oldest cat, but his owner was unable to prove the claim conclusively. As for the world title, the Guinness Book of World Records held that Creme Puff, a cat from Austin, Texas, died in 2005 aged 38 years and three days, though there has been much jostling for the crown. Guinness at present records the oldest living cat as Kataleena Lady, a 27-year-old Burmese born on March 11, 1977, in Australia."
Of course you've probably already read about the English cat who takes the bus to the Fish and Chip shop every day! Now, there's an English feeder here, and he's full of admiration, due to his prediliction for Fish and Chips from "home". I'd take the bus for him to fetch a meal or two, but there's no decent "chippies" here in Manhattan unfortunately.
Maenwhile, scientists are busy cataloging all the earth's animals. The Guardian (again, sorry, old habits die hard), claims that "The project, involving some 3,000 biologists, is led by Frank Bisby of the University of Reading in England and Orrell." Mr Bisby is clearly not reading our blog, because I checked, and although he's based at Reading University, he has not yet added Kingsley Royal (see our last Guest Animal spot below) to his so called comprehensive catalog.
Final Fantastic Feline news. The Amur tiger is surviving. Thank goodness for the good news final item, traditonally always a feel-good animal story, and always best when the feel-good is feline.

Exhausting stuff monitoring the kitty news wires...especially as Fritz simply disowned monitoring activities and retired to his Tunnel of Love -taking shelter (indoors) from the wretched weather we've (well, the Feeders anyway), experienced in the last couple of days of this so called "spring".
My name's Ernest, good night, and good napping.

Occassional Guest Animals, 3.

2007-04-07T17:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's a cat! Kingsley the Lion to be exact, gallant mascot of Reading F.C. , our favourite Football team. He's usually rather ebullient, presumably he's paid to be just that, but after recent results, he may be a somewhat subdued. Yes, we've been quiet about the footie recently, it's been a tough run of results. Today was a good showing, but still a 2-1 loss to Liverpool F.C., and it's been a while since we had a win. Next up are Charlton, fighting for Premiership survival, and commanded by our former manager, who unfortunately is not stupid. If we had an Easter bank holiday here in the U.S., we could settle down to watch on Monday afternoon, but alas, the Feeders will be stuck in their offices and I can't yet use the remote control for the T.V. (not for want of trying, it's just not very pawgonomic). On recent form, it could be a blessing, but I've a feeling it will be a humdinger of a game.

Old cat in library in new book deal

2007-04-05T18:10:00.000-05:00

Well I'm a little jealous of Dewey the library cat. According to today's New York Times, he's just secured for his executors a $1.25 million book advance for his life story. That's a lot of nip! As with so many things, you can blame this all on a dog. Specifically, blame Marley because his book has been such a wretched success. Now the literary agents are queing at the pet store doors searching for for the next big pet writing talent.
Fritz was jealous too. He submitted this picture of himself in our library to many of New York's finest publishing houses. He thinks he looks, "erudite, yet approachable, aloft but not aloof". Alas, no calls .....so far

Occassional Guest Animals, 2.

2007-04-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

This animal is a Flappie, (see the bottom of the page), known as Mr Flappie around these parts. He lives on the Feeders computer desktop, a widget we're told, and frankly he garners rather more attention than Fritz and I think he warrants. He gets fed, and tickled and generally admired, and does little in return except chorttle and (usually) smile. As you see here, he can however have a nasty temper.

He's supposed to "evolve", but I've researched this and clearly nobody knows how, or into what, he will evolve. So the whole endeavour seems somewhat futile to me. And, the icing on the cake, he makes a crowing noise at sunrise, and emits a wolf-like call and sunset, altogether a wretched nuisance in our book. Anyway, as of today our Flappie registers 14 points on his heart meter - good or bad we do not, and may never know.
Here's to a better guest animal when the time for number 3 comes around....

Black then white, still barely read.

2007-03-31T19:35:00.000-05:00

So I changed to a white template. When I started, black was looking good, now white seems somewhat smarter, to me at least.
I promise not to keep fiddling around. Feel free to comment if you preferred the black, I shan't be offended. It's all black and white to me.

Pet Food Recalls... it gets worse and worse

2007-03-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

The Feeders have been watching the news regarding the Menu Foods recalls with increasing horror. It seems that every day brings worse news. First it's aminopterin and now it's melamine. The FDA hasn't convinced our family of the safety of pet foods out there. We have been okay so far, but the recall is expanding to include more brands every day.

Luckily there have been several websites that have covered the recall very well. We have been reading Poop City, Howl911 and Itchmo!. Another great site that discusses the trouble Feeders have with choosing food for their cats is New Cat City.

Is the Prey Model raw diet the way to go?

Surge in Site Visits...

2007-03-31T07:33:00.000-05:00

...well, a surge of one at least, as here I am dropping by to admire my handywork and to wonder if Fritz really doesn't have any better pictures of himself to post.

Actually, there was a good new photograph of Fritz taken just the other day, so to help him out, here it is:

It should be a busy weekend here: the sun is shinning, feeders' flu is vanquished, many exciting sporting events to monitor.
If we have time for some music, then it will be to listen to My Name is Buddy, courtesy of Mr Ry Cooder. A feline Woody Guthrie, what an excellent combination!

Sick Feeders!

2007-03-28T18:38:00.000-05:00

Both of the Feeders have been sick lately. That means that Ernest and I have been on nurse duty. Luckily both of them are on the mend and we will be back to the treat regimen that we are accustomed to.

Couch potato or Sofa sitter, it's all the same to us, just move over please.

2007-03-24T12:21:00.000-05:00

Another weekend, and time to stetch out. Never mind that feeders have had a long week at work, the couch is cat territory on the weekend and scene of serious championship napping activity.
This weekend, we'll make some time for viewing the American premier of Planet Earth for some indoor armchair nature watching. The English feeder says it won't seem quite right without David Attenborough's dulcet tones narrating (as was the case in the U.K.), but we're only there for the animals anyway so we won't complain.

Pet Food Recall!

2007-03-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

Gothamist has reported a major pet food recall. Luckily Ernest and I are fed Felidae, Merrick and, of course, kitty grass. No recalls for us! Our food is fresh and tasty as always.

We don't like to hear about other cats and dogs getting sick from their dinners. We ask pet guardians to check the labels of the food they're feeding their pets!

Lucky Jim - Stay Indoors!

2007-03-08T19:30:00.000-05:00

This article from the Guardian is further evidence that it's best to remain inside.

That's why I stay indoors like this...

Business?!!!

2007-03-06T20:04:00.000-05:00

One of the Feeders is away right now. Ernest and I have been told that he had to go to Kansas City on "business." I find this to be very suspicious behavior. The Feeders only have one kind of business... as their name suggests, it's feeding us! Anyway, there's only one thing for us to do and that's wait. At least we're guaranteed a few extra treats in the meantime!

Occassional Guest Animals.

2007-03-04T09:21:00.000-05:00

Today, the always popular "Spot the Frog".
This one hiding in his pond in Thailand as it happens, spotted and photographed by the Feeders on holiday.

Uh-Oh!

2007-03-04T09:08:00.000-05:00

Another loss. It was at least Arsenal, who are really rather good. Apparently the Arsenal fans the feeder met yesterday were mostly, harmless and in some cases, friendly. Next, time for win and a cat treat bonanza.

Off to watch Reading F.C. v. Arsenal

2007-03-02T21:03:00.000-05:00

They're off to watch the game at Nevada Smiths tomorrow, here in Manhattan; I'll have to wait to hear the result. A big outing for them, I'm jealous. Probably Guiness for breakfast for them, tsk, tsk...
But fingers crossed......

The Day After

2007-02-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems the game was almost a classic cup tie; certainly sounds as though we acquitted ourseles very well. An entertaining come-back attempt, but 3-0 down after 6 minutes is not a good scenario. More importantly, Arsenal this weekend. Which Arsenal will turn up? They dismantled us clinically at home; away, this has to look like trouble. The finish against Man U., even though a loss, gives us some momentum and confidence, should be a good game and it's on FoxSoccer here in the U.S. so all systems go...

Memories of last season when the Feeders went "over there" to see the 5-1 victory over The Seagulls, good old Brighton. I've seen the DVD highlights, I'm jealous.

Drat, Drat and Double Drat

2007-02-27T20:04:00.000-05:00

No feeders at home this afternoon and so we missed Reading's 3-2 defeat at the hand of Manchester Utd being shown live on T.V. A decent, nay flattering, scoreline, one might say. Until we can review video evidence, it's difficult to deduce what, if anything, this really means. We'll leave this up to the Feeders, as is the usual proceedure. Although a loss, it's unthinkable that we'd be seeing a scoreline like this back when I was a kitten, so hopefully, no complaints from feeders.

We do like watching the T.V. if Reading F.C. are playing. Otherwise, we take an active interest if there's any wildlife programmes to be seen, especially as, being indoor cats, we don't see much wildlife close-up ourselves. This programme we liked, it had lots of Lizards. They looked catchable....

Storm Watch 2007: Round II

2007-02-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

I watched the weather forecast on television this weekend and it looked like we were in for the largest snowfall of the year so far! As usual, it turned out to be nothing.

What happened to real snow storms? Look at this photo from last year outside my building.

That was well worth my time watching from the windowsill. This morning, it was one look and back to watching television.

When I was a kitten in Ohio, we got some REAL storms...

My Friend Fritz

2007-02-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

It's hard to admit sometimes, but I'm not the only cat on the Feeders agenda. My friend Fritz also commands their attention. He's older than me, and I have to say, he behaves in a very grown-up manner. Sometimes, I fear, he is a little disapproving of my antics, but he's kind to me and always willing to share the wisdom of his years. We share many of the same interests and so it's easy to agree on most issues, unless he finds the best napping spot first.

So, best to let him have his say. He'll post here soon, probably next, .....he's looking like he'd like a go. So, next time, please welcome Fritz, and remind him, I only eat my proportional wieght of what's on offer..honest..

The first loss of 2007

2007-02-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry to report that Reading lost today, against the team they played in our first ever Premiership game. That was an amazing day, and a fantastic come -from -behind win. On Telly too here in N.Y.C. There was some jumping up and down I recall from the Feeders.

Onto next Tuesday, Manchester Utd., again in the F.A. Cup, hopefully a happy outcome. It seems to me, the amount of treats dispensed may be indexed linked to Reading results. Hence, they have my wholehearted support.

Stay Indoors

2007-02-23T20:04:00.000-05:00

Bad news from the bbc about the perils of being an outdoor cat.

Stay inside I say. I'm reliably informed by the Feeders that the English weather is reliably inclement. Weather is a wretched nuisance and best avoided by the smarter cat. Frankly, stay indoors for of as much of any given 24 hours as you can. Aim for : DRY, toasty, fed and watered and wake me up if necessary (it is necessary to feed on schedule - you know the one).

This is how I occupy those dry spells:

Greetings

2007-02-22T20:46:00.001-05:00

Pleased to meet you.