Life with Tabitha

[intertext]

I just found the bath-plug in my bed.

I need to find somewhere safe to put it, in case it disappears into whatever hovering void sucks up her toys. Her favourite mouse toy vanished yesterday - I searched every nook and cranny I could think of, but no luck. This is just the latest in a steady disappearance of balls, catnip toys, etc etc.

She seems unimpressed by milk, but loves tomato juice. Is this normal?? She likes tomato soup, too, but doesn't seem all that interested in fresh tomatoes. She is also quite passionate about my blueberry/banana smoothies.

She follows me everywhere.

She has gotten outside a few times now - usually slipping out when Robinson is going out - but doesn't stay out long. If I shut her outside, she can be found fairly soon after looking cold and miserable and half-starved, crying piteously to let the neighbours know how cruelly she is treated.

I am constantly wiping cat footprints off the bathroom sink, the inside of the toilet, and the bath. She seems to like white enamel surfaces.

I am thinking about getting her an "amuse-a-cat" dvd, to beguile her and distract her when I'm out or when I'm trying to work. This is the advice I've read for what to do about cats who demand attention ALL THE TIME. She's actually sitting quietly on the couch as I'm writing this, but this is unusual. Does anyone have any other advice for how to distract a cat??

If the vet was right, she'll be one in April - I think I'll let her and Robinson celebrate on the same day. I notice she's rounding out a bit, losing that kitten peakiness. Maybe in another few years she'll settle down a bit :) Or not.

Comments

[frumiousb.livejournal.com]

Was she ever a stray? My old cat who came off the street *loved* tomatoes and banana peels. He'd primly pull the peels out of the garbage and put them in his bowl. Any tomatoes left on the counter got cat-size bites in them. Our current boy only likes milk if it's skim milk. Go figure!

I've never had much luck with those DVDs. Does she have access to Robinson during the day while you're gone?

[intertext.livejournal.com]

Yes, she was found skinny and half-starved. Maybe that accounts for it. She doesn't seem all that mad keen on fish, either, strangely enough.

And, yes, Robinson and she share the house while I'm out. She's always trying to get him to play, but while he doesn't seem all that interested. Too bad (or maybe... the thought of them both roaring around the house without me here is a bit disturbing)

[superfoo.livejournal.com]

In my experience, the best way to distract a cat is another cat. Also, this is a great way to piss off a cat.

However, the two youngest kitties at my parents' place (flea & lucy) are forever playing together Louis, the oldest cat, is not amused whatsoever and is a grumpy old man whenever the other two are around. Keep in mind he's at least 5 years older than the other two. He tolerated Flea, but as soon as Lucy came around he was a mad, mad cat.

I realize this is probably not the most convenient option, but it's worked wonders for my cats ;) however, they can get ridiculously hyper and loud and climb things they shouldn't and be brats.

[intertext.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, I have actually considered it...

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

That would be my thought. Our three play all the time (except when eating and sleeping)

[superfoo.livejournal.com]

If you can handle the rambunctiousness (okay I -think- I spelled that right, or I just made up a word), it's actually incredibly adorable and hilarious. I have found that kittens tend to be friends faster than an older cat and a kitten, too.

I wonder if Robinson would be dismayed? :)

[emmaco.livejournal.com]

My cat was like that for about the first year of his life :) Fortunately we had three people in the house at that time so between us we were at home a lot. So, um, no helpful suggestions sorry :)

He never really settled down (which is great as he stayed affectionate and fun) but became more independent eg didn't need to be carried around for whole chunks of time.

[heleninwales.livejournal.com]

Good luck with finding something to amuse Tabitha. Another cat may or may not help. I don't remember our two playing together much, though perhaps it was because Catlet (the Siamese) was already two when we took in Fluffy as a 6 months old stray? They did like cuddling up and sleeping together though.

[sjkasabi.livejournal.com]

Mincat used to love tomato soup too. I think it was the salty goodness. She liked vegemite toast too.