Katz And Other Tales

Katz Tales by Ellen Whyte Book front cover image

Logomania by Ellen Whyte Book front cover image

I have two new books out! Click on the images above for free sneak peeks.

Friday, January 08, 2010

Repost Friday: Racing, Chasing Kitties

This post was originally put up on Friday, 29th September 2006.

Racing Chasing Kitties

It's been a wild morning. Scoop and Au have been chasing each other up and down the stairs, and round and round Au's cardboard box. As it was before 8AM, the earliest hour I'm willing to get up voluntarily, I pretended to be fast asleep. They took no notice of this, and happily wrestled all over the bed when it suited their game.

N

ow that I'm up and ready to start work, our two fuzzies are sitting on the roof of the Beetle, using the height advantage this gives them to keep an eye on our neighbour 2 doors down who is tending his flowers, and Sam next door who's doing interesting things to his car.

If I have to come back, I want to be a cat in my next life. One who lives in a house like ours....

PS this is an old pic of Scoop having a quiet dinner with Au. Au was about 3 months old when this was taken.

Scoop passed away two years ago and I still miss him. Sometimes I think I catch a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye, or that I hear his loud meow in the middle of the night. Scoop was a wonderful person - and an excellent cat!

If you are in Malaysia, don't forget that there is still time to put in your entry for the Weekender Star Katz Tales competition.

As published in The Star last week, check the last post for entry guidelines.

Remember, participants must live in Malaysia.

If you want to keep in touch with updates, here are some simple ways:
Subscribe to Katz Tales in a reader
Subscribe to Katz Tales by Email
Follow Au on Twitter
Follow Ellen on Facebook

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Labels: Au, repost Friday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 4:51 AM (13) comments links to this post | 13 comments

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Katz Tales Competition

Scoop, our old kitty who lived with us for some 12 years, passed away 2 years ago - after a fun filled luxury life that many cats would envy!

Scoop lived in Kuching in Sarawak as well as Malacca and Kajang and Subang Jaya in West Malaysia. He traveled on on aeroplane - and had the man at the airport weigh him twice because he couldn't believe how fat Scoop was! And Scoop made friends wherever he went.

Here he is, snoozing in front of the bedroom window on his favourite box and towel.

A year or so after he passed away, Sook Yeng who was one of the organisers of the Dogathon, sent me a gift for a pet rock made by Suzi Chua, a popular Pet Artist in Malaysia. And here he is! Isn't he glorious?

Suzi is one of the most talented people I know. She really captures pet characters, be it on rock or canvas. So I'm really chuffed to tell you that the 3 lucky people in Malaysia who win first prize at The Star Weekender newspaper this month will be getting one of their pets painted on a pet rock by Suzi.

Winners will also get free copies of Tales, the book, and yummy scrummy pet treats from Addiction. Au's fave are the salmon crunchies. In fact, they are the only shop bought treats he's really fond of. Target also likes the herring and fish crunchies.

Finally, the publishers are throwing in a nice extra in the shape of a discount!

All you have to do is enter the Weekender Star Katz Tales competition. I'm afraid it's for people in Malaysia only. If Tales is ever out in Europe and North America, I'll hold another contest.

As published in Feline Fixation this week in The Star, these are the entry guidelines:

Katz Tales Weekender Star Contest

Katz Tales: Under The Velvet Paw is authored by Weekender’s Ellen Whyte and is based on her column Katz Tales in The Star.

Katz Tales: Living Under The Velvet Paw is available in all major bookshops. The retail price is RM28. If you answer these three questions correctly, you may be one of the lucky winners to win a free copy of Katz Tales: Living Under The Velvet Paw and other fabulous prizes!

All you have to do is answer these questions:
1. Who is older: Target or Au?
2. Who was called Mr Snizzles as a kitten: Target or Au?
3. Who has a white tummy: Target or Au?

Also, Complete the slogan in less than 20 words:

I like Katz Tales because . . . . .

Please include your full name, address, telephone number and email address.

Entries may be emailed to katztales@lepak.com or posted to Katz Tales c/o Marshall Cavendish (M) Sdn Bhd, Bangunan Times Publishing, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor.

Participants must live in Malaysia.

There are 3 first prizes:
· 1 copy of Katz Tales: Living Under The Velvet Paw
· 1 rock painting of your pet by Malaysia’s pet artist Suzi Chua
· Cat treats from Addiction
· A 35% discount voucher for any Marshall Cavendish titles under General & Reference Publishing

And 3 second prizes:
· 1 copy of Katz Tales: Living Under The Velvet Paw
· Cat treats from Addiction
· A 35% discount voucher for any Marshall Cavendish titles under General & Reference Publishing

The closing date is Friday 29 January 2010. Winners will be announced in Weekender on Saturday 6 February 2010.

If you want to keep in touch with updates, here are some simple ways:
Subscribe to Katz Tales in a reader
Subscribe to Katz Tales by Email
Follow Au on Twitter
Follow Ellen on Facebook

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Labels: Au, scoop, target

posted by katztales @ 1:06 AM (16) comments links to this post | 16 comments

Friday, January 01, 2010

Friday Repost: Hooray for Science

Happy New Year, everyone! May 2010 bring you peace, prosperity, happiness, health, love and luck.

Katz Tales will be out in the print version of The Star, Weekender tomorrow. Buy it to read the latest about Au and Target. There's also a surprise for Tales readers tomorrow... You needn't ask! I'm not saying a word! You'll have to wait and see.... (addition on Saturday: check it out here online)

In honour of our Friday Repost, here is something from Thursday, 24th August 2006. I remember it as though it were yesterday.

Hooray For Science

It's official: Scoop and Au had picked up some fleas. What's amazing is that they were flealess on Friday, and had a bath with anti flea shampoo on Saturday. They must have picked them up on Sunday night or Monday. Me, I blame the Cat With The Dirty Face. Or possibly the black girls at the back.

Good news is that it took less than 5 minutes to rid our fuzzies of those pesky fleas. I rushed over to our local vet, and picked up a bottle of Frontline. This stuff is amazing. You just spray your cat under the pawpits, rub it in, and the liquid penetrates the skin and repels fleas and other pests for 5 weeks.

We used to import supplies of Frontline from Australia ourselves as it wasn't sold in Malaysia. And when we ran out of it a few months ago, I started with the old fashioned controls of flea soap and daily grooming to look for trouble. If I had only popped into the vet to check, I would have known that this miracle spray is now being sold here!

Anyway, my fuzzies are perfectly clean again - but they're not talking to me. After the bath and the spraying, Scoop looks at me as though I'm a devil and Au gives me a theatrical hiss. I've told them it was for their own good, but they're not buying it.

PS the picture from Wikimedia Commons is an engraving of a flea from Robert Hooke's 1665 Micrographia, funded by the Royal Society. Wikipedia says cat fleas are "Probably the most abundant and widespread flea in the world".

If you want to keep in touch with updates, here are some simple ways:
Subscribe to Katz Tales in a reader
Subscribe to Katz Tales by Email
Follow Au on Twitter
Follow Ellen on Facebook.

Share|

Labels: Au, repost Friday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 4:14 AM (9) comments links to this post | 9 comments

Friday, September 11, 2009

Feral Friday Au's Tale

So many of us cat fans in the blogosphere have rescued strays, that I thought it would be nice to tell some stories of how our kitties found their way to our homes. Today is Au's turn.

Au looks a rough and tough man-cat now but when he first moved in with us, he was a tiny little scaredy cat.

Au had a nasty start in life; his first family wrapped him in an oily rag and some plastics bags, then threw him out of a moving car. Our friend saw the bag move, picked it up, and gave Au to us.

It took Au some days to get over the fright. He wouldn't eat or drink. Then he became brave enough to venture out from under my T-shirt and from Tom's lap. He took one look at Scoop, our big cat from Kuching, and decided he liked the big cat.

Here is baby Au having one of his first meals in our home with his big pal Scoop standing next to him.

Scoop passed away two years ago but we still miss him. He was a wonderful person. Next week, I'll dig out some old pics of Scoop and tell you how he was a real street cat who joined our home.

If you've got a rescued fuzz in your home, drop a note in the comments box and join in a Feral Friday?

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 1:41 AM (21) comments links to this post | 21 comments

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

COT: Complete Fool

I was taking out the rubbish a week or so ago when I spotted Au preparing to leap onto the neighbour's car. Our neighbour loves his car and I am sure he doesn't want little dusty paw prints all over it. So I stopped Au mid bounce, stroked him and had a quick look at his paws.

Au suffered the intrusion with his usual impatient disdain. He never makes a fuss but he gives me that look, you know, the one that cats have for their human slaves that says, "Quit messing around with the royal personage that is my catliness, OK?"

I always talk to Au and Target so I explained what was on my mind. "Just make sure your feet are clean when you visit, OK? I don't want you to put dusty prints all over the place. Especially all over that nice clean car."

"Sure," said my neighbour. He'd been polishing his fender and had been out of my sight until he stood up. A real gentleman, he was obviously agreeing with me just to keep me happy, but I could see he thought the conversation was odd. Possibly because our neighbour never puts dusty prints over cars parked in the neighbourhood.

"I was talking to Au," I said apologetically.

My neighbour nodded politely but I could tell he thought I was nuts.

I talk to Au and Target when I'm doing the washing up, getting dinner ready, fiddling about with laundry and all the usual horrible stuff that goes into keeping the house from turning into a complete slum. They talk to me when they come in from their walk, when inviting me to a game, when they want a cuddle/fresh water/biscuits.

When Au calls up the stairs, I can tell if he's just announcing he's home, if he wants me to come down and see something (like a dead rat he's brought me) or if he's looking for a chat and he can't figure out where I am. Target's vocab is still quite small, but he's learning rapidly.

Most of the people I meet don't talk to animals. Our present neighbours include some animal lovers so I'm generally in excellent company. But when we lived in Kajang and Malacca our neighbours there were taken aback to hear Au and Scoop chatting to us, and coming when I called them. One used to give me such a wide berth that I think she thought I was a witch.

Never mind. Au is now snoozing on my car instead of the gleaming vehicle next door, and hopefully he'll remember not to stray with dirty paws. If not, I'm going to have to present peace offerings. Cake or car polish :-)

Happy Cats On Tuesday! For more, visit Gattina or check the link box in the menu bar.

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop, target

posted by katztales @ 1:11 AM (13) comments links to this post | 13 comments

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

COT Pet Rock Scoop

Scoop passed away a year and three days ago. We still miss our big cat. He was such a great person: his corkscrew tail, his deafening meows that got him the nickname "the marching band" and his unfailing appetite for chicken liver and killing rats.... he was a good friend.

Anyway, Sook Yeng sent me a gift for a pet rock made by Suzi Chua. And here he is! Isn't he glorious?

Click here to see how he was made.

Happy COT!

Labels: Cats On Tuesday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 8:31 AM (8) comments links to this post | 8 comments

Friday, August 08, 2008

Dog Talk: Sniffer Dogs

We saw some K9 unit dogs at the airport last week. Very sweet looking dogs and so clever!

The dogs we saw were a collie and a lab. In theory any sort of dog with the right attitude can work as a sniffer dog. But in practice some breeds have some natural advantages over other breeds.

Dogs with bigger muzzle like bassets and labs have more scent receptors than dogs with short snozzles like pekingese. Also, hounds were bred to have big long ears that "scoop" up scent from the ground and waft it right into their noses.

Anyway, the Dog Talk column is out tomorrow in the Weekend section of the Malaysian national daily, The Star - print version only.

As usual here are some links to info about Man's Best Friend's sniffer...

Search and Rescue Dogs Great for kids who want to learn more about search and rescue dogs.

Dog Games Some ideas for playing hide and seek with your pet. Not sure about the food thing, especially in our tropical climate rich with bugs but the other games look like great fun.

Electric Nose Could Put Dog Out Of Business A CNN article about threat detecting technology.

How A Dog Can Sniff Through Concrete Interesting BBC article about sniffer dogs.

Dogathon Tomorrow's dog games day in Serdang's UPM college. Check it out!

Labels: dog talk, scoop

posted by katztales @ 4:46 AM (7) comments links to this post | 7 comments

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

COT Cats At Play

Au was so sad when his friend Scoop passed away last September that we were very worried about him. But thanks to Target, Au is now back to his old self. And he's getting tonnes of exercise too!

The two cats wrestle several times a day, run like mad things through the house, and play wild games with whatever toy of the moment catches their fancy.

Their best fun at present is a piece of string with a Snizzles circle tied to the end. Au tugs one end and "fishes" for Target. Then they run around, each pulling one end in a game of tug-of-war.

Au likes this string so much, he took it to his box when he went for his afternoon nap yesterday.

It reminds me of watching old Arthur get back a bit of his kittenhood when Rosie moved in. For that tale and more, check out Gattina's blog.

See you Thursday for a Pet's Joke?

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop, snizzles, target

posted by katztales @ 8:39 AM (6) comments links to this post | 6 comments

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

COT: Changing Faces

I changed the Katz Tales logo yesterday, replacing Scoop and Au on the sofa with Au and Target wrestling. It's stupid but it gives me a lump in my throat - I still miss our old fuzzy very much.

Plus I'm being emotionally blackmailed by a relative, and there's another bloody hooha in my neighbourhood about security so they're forcing us to get car stickers (because the electronic tags they made us pay for only worked a week, and the entry permits we paid for when we moved in somehow went by the wayside...). Called the office and they pointed me to our street representative who has run out, and a neighbour who hasn't been in the three times I've called.

This is a lousy week.

Labels: Au, scoop, target

posted by katztales @ 10:03 AM (11) comments links to this post | 11 comments

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

COT Ghost Cat

I think a little bit of Scoop, our old cat who passed away last September, is back.

I made some chicken liver pâté last week. We were eating some on toast when Target turned up, whiskers twirling with interest. I gave him a crumb and he wolfed it down. A teaspoon later, it was obvious our kitten like the stuff.

Thing is, chicken liver and chicken liver pâté were always two of Scoop's favourite things. Scoop preferred boiled chicken liver to commercial cat food, so I went to the market twice a week to serve our old fuzzy his favourite dish fresh.

Now Target liked cat food when he first joined us but lately he's been sticking to biscuits. After the pâté incident I tried him on boiled chick liver and he went nuts over it.

I still miss old fuzzy very much. I expect to see him sitting at the gate when I come home, and I haven't dared move his towel from his kitchen chair or the box under the window where he used to window-watch (ie spy) on the neighbours.

So when I see Target in the kitchen guzzling liver I just need to half close my eyes - and it looks just like Scoop is back.

I've decided it's a good thing.

For more cat blogs look to the scrolling list in the left menu or click the link below. And please, if you are taking part in Cats On Tuesday, join us with Mr Linky!

Labels: Cats On Tuesday, scoop, target

posted by katztales @ 9:57 AM (12) comments links to this post | 12 comments

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

COT Tagged!

The Spice Cats tagged Target who just had the snip and Au who is a good big brother to Target for the "tell us 3 new things about yourself" meme.

So here goes!

Au:
1. Is finding this senior cat AKA big brother thing great when it comes to wrestling on the carpet and hunting stray leaves with his new pal, and...
2. Au isn't lonely anymore from missing his best pal Scoop, but....
3. Au says it's not so much fun when he gets pushed away from the biscuit bowl by a starving kitten!

Target:
1. Is finding everything new. There's leaves, snizzle circles, walks with Au across the street, interesting piles of newspapers, shoe laces... and endless list of new and fascinating things to see EVERY DAY!
2. Has discovered chocolate brownies. He's not allowed more than a crumb because chocolate isn't good for cats, but he's developing longterm plans to get into a bakery, somehow, somewhere.
3. Best of all is that Target has new hair growing back under his tail!

And we're tagging:

Janice from Criz Cat Sanctuary who is 3 months old,
Merlin who is Dragonheart's new friend, and
Frieda who has lovely toes and whose mum blogs in German and English.

Happy COT!

PS the doggy shown below has been returned to his owner, and the kitten that fell into the drain is still alive and well!

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop, snizzles, target

posted by katztales @ 7:22 AM (20) comments links to this post | 20 comments

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

COT Year Of The Rat

Here's a picture of Target trying to hurry me into bed. As you can see, he's got splendid baby teeth!

The Year of the Rat is coming up starting Wednesday night. It would have been Scoop's favourite year as he was a fantastic rat hunter. His biggest catch ever was a cane rat in Kuching that had a body longer than our dust pan. Hopefully he's watching from a cat heaven filled with furry rats to chase. (Possibly the equivalent of rat hell???)

Au and Target will be enjoying the Chinese New Year as I've bought them chicken for dinner. Neither is keen on crackers and bangers so hopefully the neighbours won't go nuts with the fireworks this year.

Fireworks are banned in Malaysia but somehow we've had huge explosions all the way through last New Year (Dec/Jan) and Christmas and Hari Raya (end of Eid festival) and Deepavali (Hindu festival of lights)!

To kick off the new season we were awarded Blogger of the World by Kitikata whose ginger stripes are so much like Au's, Target's and our old Scoop. I'm not sure what the award is for but Colin who created it says it's used as a meme. So here goes:

I'm passing this Blogger of the World award along to:
Gattina who keeps all us cats together on Tuesday;
Meeyauw whose wildlife pictures of Vermont are so inspiring;
Sharlene whose very spoilt Spice Cats give me hope whenever I see the state Malaysian stray cats are in!

Please award this to three people who link bloggers around the world. ANd please keep the link on Colin's pic in place.

Gong Xi Fah Cai everyone!

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop, target

posted by katztales @ 12:12 PM (15) comments links to this post | 15 comments

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Paws OK

Au is a lot better now thanks to some nifty tablets from the vet. He's walking about as usual but we're still careful with him to make sure there isn't another relapse.

The kitten is rushing about, having a really good time. He's playing in the garden, stuffing his face with food and trying to get the big cat to play with him. Mr Snizzles really admires the Big Cat - and Au enjoys the adulation!

Peggy asked a question saying she and her mum want to bathe their cats, but "however, since we never bath them since they were born(they're merely one year old), what is the best way to start their bathing session?"

I'd say... Bath time is tough! Suggest you put warm water in a sink, put a container of lukewarm rinsing water next to it, and keep soap (formulated for cats as people soap is bad for kitties) and towel handy.

Put your kitty gently into the sink, tail first. Don't bother too much about sticking out paws.

Carefully rub water all over fur, starting with the tummy and working higher up the cat.

Rub a little shampoo into your hands and soap your cat thoroughly. You can rub his ears with your soapy hands but don't touch the rest of his face.

Then use the container of rinsing water to rinse your cat clean. I find I need two kettles of rinsing water for Au.

Afterwards, pat your cat dry with the towel.

Then apologise profusely and offer lots and lots of treats. Expect to be treated as Enemy Number One for a few hours!

Here's a picture of our old cat Scoop having a bath. He was a master at "the octopus spread"!

PS Dog Talk is out in the print version of The Star, Weekend section in Malaysia today.

Labels: Au, scoop, snizzles, target

posted by katztales @ 7:43 AM (6) comments links to this post | 6 comments

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

COT Hari Singh

Au still has a sore front right paw - but we've noticed he limps more when he sees me watching him! Obviously he learned how to fake an illness from Scoop. But as he's had a rough time, we're indulging him with cuddles and extra ham.

Mr Snizzles, the new arrival, is settling in very nicely. He's growing quickly and running around the house, purring constantly. He has to go for his inoculations today or tomorrow - will keep you posted on how that goes!

Now for a Cry For Help: Here's a boy who needs a home. His name is Hari Singh and he lives in Damansara Utama near the Damansara Specialist Hospital.

As his foster family say, "About 4 weeks ago, a stray cat walked into our home and I did not have the heart to chase him away. We have been feeding him and named him Hari Singh. He has put on weight and looks better now. In fact he looks a bit like Au with orange coloured fur and his eyes are of an unusual colour. He is very loving and wants to be hugged, patted and he loves rubbing himself against us. He is not allowed to enter our house as my babies have refused to accept him. I hope to find someone to adopt him as he deserves a loving family as he himself is very loving."

Hari has not yet been neutered or vaccinated. If you have a garden, and want to adopt a kitty, please contact arjansagoo@gmail.com

Labels: Au, scoop, snizzles, target

posted by katztales @ 9:29 AM (13) comments links to this post | 13 comments

Friday, November 02, 2007

BFF Cat Style

It took less than a week for Au to make friends with Mr Snizzles (His kitten name while we think of a suitable grown up cat name).

They're now playing peek a boo in the garden, running race and chase games up and down the stairs, and exploring cupboards together.

Au is also trying out new flavours of cat food. He's been stuck on his own favourites for ages, and has refused to even sniff new types of food, but now he sees the kitten tucking in, our fuzzy has decided he's up for a change too!

We still miss Scoop but getting a friend for Au was the right thing to do. Au is much happier with company. Obviously his sense of time is different than ours.

Other news is that utterly unspeakable Yow-Yow broke in the other day and beat the hell out of our poor Au. He's stiff with bruises - but no cuts or anything thank goodness!

We're spoiling him with extra cuddles and ham, and Snizzles is keeping his spirits up with cute games.

Our sister column Dog Talk is out in the print version of The Star Weekend section tomorrow - all about Girl, the "miniature Dalmatian" who lives down the road from us.

Labels: Au, scoop, snizzles, target

posted by katztales @ 2:51 PM (4) comments links to this post | 4 comments

Friday, October 26, 2007

New Arrival

We've a new inmate in the house. A small marmalade and cream boy cat, a rescued stray who has been fostered by a very kind Malay lady in our neighbourhood.

We weren't ready for another cat but Au has been fretting since Scoop passed away. As much as we try, human people just don't have the necessary skills cat people have when it comes to patrolling and playing race and chase.

Au has been angelic. The first night he saw the kitten, he sat and watched with big eyes. When we put the kitten to bed, Au came to sit with us, sniffing us over intently.

The first morning, we let the kitten explore my office and Scoop's room. He's a brave little thing and he was careering all over the place, playing with a pingpong ball by lunchtime.

He sniffed over a sleeping Au in the afternoon, but when Au woke up and touched whiskers with him in a friendly way, the kitten puffed up like a blowfish and hissed. Surprised and hurt, Au walked off. That little scene was repeated later in the day.

Au playing

On the morning of the third day, yesterday, Au looked at the kitten, turned his back and stalked off. He stopped at the door, turned around and gave a theatrical hiss.

Surprisingly this did the trick. The kitten followed him about yesterday afternoon, sniffing excitedly at all the place Au touched. And Au has been looking at this little scrap of fur with a small smile. They touched whiskers last night (without hissing!) so I'm hoping they'll be firm friends soon.

Will keep you posted...

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 6:20 AM (8) comments links to this post | 8 comments

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

COT: Moving On

Au is in bed, recovering from a busy weekend. He found and destroyed a mouse nest, chased me up and down the stairs, and watched the stray cats through the kitchen window. He's been a busy kitty.

Although we're doing our best, Au is missing Scoop.

We are too. We keep looking for him when we're cooking, when we come home, when we roll over in bed in the middle of the night.... Even watching TV is weird because there is no Scoop demanding lap time. It's tough.

Should we get Au a friend? I don't know. Probably yes eventually but the idea makes me cry. Give it time.

PS: Scoop enjoying lap time.

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 10:35 AM (13) comments links to this post | 13 comments

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Fuzz Face

Au is sitting down to his third breakfast this morning - and it's not even 8 o'clock yet.

Our small fuzz is not happy with his cat biscuits. The manufacturer has improved the flavour but Au prefers the old inferior one. We're planning a biscuit buying expedition later this morning.

Au is a little sensitive about small things at the moment and we're indulging his every whim to the hilt. It' s been three weeks since his colleague Scoop passed away and our Mr Kitty still misses his big brother.

Once he's cleaned his whiskers and his breakfast has settled we'll spend some time playing in his cardboard box. I've got a great idea for a new game he might like.

Will keep you posted!

PS Scoop and Au in bed.
PPS Katz Tales is out in the print version of The Star today!

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 7:37 AM (5) comments links to this post | 5 comments

Friday, October 05, 2007

Kids and Cats

Mademoiselle Julie Manet with cat - Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Abel Cheng from parentwonder.com wrote the other day to invite me to guest blog on kids and cats.

Thing is, Au is not keen on strangers but he's particularly wary of kids.

Children, Au believes, will kick you, hit you, or at the very least scream at the tops of their lungs while they yank your tail.

But there are exceptions. When Au met Shelly a young friend of ours who spoke gently and stroked softly, he lay at her feet, purring like an engine.

The problem is that most of the kids we meet have no pets themselves. In fact, their city slicker parents encourage them to be afraid of cats, dogs, birds, and all other living creatures.

So when these poor babes see a friendly dog or cat approach, they scream, throw stones or worse. they can't help it; they're educated that way.

While Au avoids kids who aren't already animal lovers, Scoop used to do his bit for the community by sitting very still while I introduced some nervous young sprog to him.

I remember teaching 6 year old Gavin how to stroke Scoop very gently with an open hand from head to tail, shushing him when he talked too loudly and explaining animals like soft voices.

We also talked about little telltale signs, like cats being happy when they purred but angry when they growled or hissed.

Gavin liked stroking Scoop and felt very important teaching his little sister what he'd learned. Their mum was chuffed but less so when she realised both kids enjoyed meeting Scoop so much they wanted a pet of their own!

I think kids need pets. Taking care of an animal, bonding with it, learning how to communicate without words... all of these are important lessons.

Also, I can't imagine what it's like to live life disconnected from the natural world.

PS The picture is "Mademoiselle Julie Manet with cat" painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 9:50 AM (2) comments links to this post | 2 comments

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

COT: Clingy Kitty

Since Scoop passed on, Au has been a little bit lonesome. He's so used to having a friend along on his walks, and pushing him at breakfast, that being an only cat is a bit odd.

However, we are playing with him for hours every day so he's quite cheerful!

He's also sitting with us a lot more than usual. Here he is, sitting on Tom's feet and showing off his laser eyes.

Also, thanks for your email. Didn't realise quite how many people knew and liked our old fuzzy!

PS. Dorothy, can you email me? Can't believe you're still in Malaysia! Would love to hear from you. It's katztalesATlepak.com

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 8:23 AM (19) comments links to this post | 19 comments

Friday, September 28, 2007

WCB: Cat Nap

Cat Nap is out in this Weekend edition of The Star - print version only.

When I wrote it, Scoop was still alive. Reading it brings back the day I wrote this piece.

I was sitting in the living room, having a coffee, yawning after being woken up several times during the night, and wondering what to do next, when I saw Au rolling about on the sofa, and settling on his back, eyes half open. I snapped a shot and was chuffed to have it to illustrate the column.

Then I went and had a cuddle with Scoop in order to get the words right in my head before writing them down. He purred up a storm as usual and shed brown fluff all over me as a special favour.

Scoop passed away just over a week ago, and although I'm not crying every time someone mentions his name anymore, we're still missing him every hour of every day.

I miss his loud MEOW! announcing he was back from a walk. I miss the way he'd hog the centre of the bed, and stick a claw in me if I had the temerity to move in a way that inconvenienced him.

Thanks everyone for the kind messages. And I really hope there is a Rainbow Bridge heaven for cats!

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 6:52 PM (6) comments links to this post | 6 comments

Friday, September 21, 2007

In Memorium

Scoop passed away at home yesterday, 20th September at about 6PM.

The house feels so empty without him. We miss his cheerful MEOW! sounding up and down the stairs, the way he curled up with us at night, and the imperious way he ordered his meals.

Au is a little bewildered so we're paying extra attention to him. It will be tough for him to be an only cat.

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 11:59 AM (23) comments links to this post | 23 comments

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Waifs And Strays

Au bounced into the bedroom before dawn this morning. It's Ramadan (Muslim fasting month) so some of our neighbours are breaking fast at 4AM. Their moving about at an odd time of day peaks Au's curiosity, and being a nice cat who doesn't like to keep fun stuff to himself, he rushes around telling us to get out of bed just so we can share the fun!

I threw a pillow at him but Tom gave in, got up, and kept Au company.

Scoop being a sensible cat is still asleep in bed. He's seen more than 13 Ramadans and he's no longer surprised by this temporary change in lifestyle. Mind you, he is fond of a bit of chicken curry so he might be moseying around tonight to see if there's anything interesting on offer.

There are two bits of good news in Malaysia today. First, Shark’s fin soup is off the menu at all functions and events organised by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (read about it here) and The dog-catching competition run by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), which offered prize money of up to RM15,000 to the public, has been called off!

Looks like today is shaping up just fine :-)

PS Katz Tales is out today in the Weekend section of the Star, the Malaysian national daily. This week's feature is Waifs and Strays. And here are Snowball and Snowflake, premium looking rescued street cats.

If you live in Malaysia, enter the photo competition and win your cat a gift basket filled with goodies made by Purina.

Send pictures to:

Katz Tales
StarWeekend
Star Publications
Menara Star
15 Jalan 16/11
Petaling Jaya 46350

You can also email to weekend AT thestar.com.my but please keep file sizes reasonable.

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 9:39 AM (2) comments links to this post | 2 comments

Saturday, September 01, 2007

WCB: Cat Detectives

There's a weird fever going through the neighbourhood and it struck us down with a vengeance. For the last week or so we've been lying in bed, suffering from chills, sore bones, rashes and other lovely symptoms. The cats were ecstatic! It's the second time we've been ill in two months so the kitties are well up on their bed time.

Now all is well again and we're picking up where we left off. Tom's back working on his book, I'm catching up with deadlines, and the cats are moping in bed, hoping we'll come back to them.

It's great to feel good again!

PS Out in this Week's Star: Detective Cats... how Scoop and Au investigate new things in the house. Guess whose tail this is?

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 9:46 AM (4) comments links to this post | 4 comments

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Qwill's Birthday

Qwill who lives with my mum is 15 years old this month! Here he is, the fussy old man.

Qwill lives in Spain and is enjoying a warm summer. He enjoys eating fish, and prefers to be hand fed. Just like the royal potentate he is :-)

Scoop is doing fine. He's fast asleep on his kitchen chair. My camera is broken so I don't have a new picture. Hopefully I will be back in action by next week.

Also, if you like language, take a look at Aesop’s English... Charming and timeless, Aesop’s fables still thrill after 2,500 years and form part of the English language. ELLEN WHYTE looks at phrases culled from Aesop’s works.

Labels: logomania, scoop

posted by katztales @ 10:07 AM (5) comments links to this post | 5 comments

Saturday, August 11, 2007

House Arrest

We went to Kuching in Sarawak, Borneo for two days this week to attend the wedding (Hi Dylan and Felicia!). As usual we had a ball. Kuching really is one of Asia's finest destinations.

While we were there, Scoop and Au were under the care of our neighbour Lillian whom they love. She spoils them rotten and they bully her unmercifully.

Although we were away for a very short time, both cats rushed out to greet us when we came back, and acted as though we had been gone for a year.

They're now policing our every move, just in case we disappear again.

Scoop is downstairs, snoozing on his chair by the front door while Au is upstairs keeping an eye on Tom in the office.

I think we're under house arrest.

PS "Kuching" means "cat" in Malay. Kuching city has taken the nickname Cat City and has decorated town squares etc with big cat statues. Here are the fishing cat family that stand in front of Sarawak Plaza...

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 8:25 AM (4) comments links to this post | 4 comments

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Cat Chat

Au is lying in the hall, making small kitten sounds in order to entice me to come and play with him. Scoop is in the kitchen, watching the stray cats in the back from the lofty heights of the kitchen window sill.

I've been out and about, getting the usual errands out of the way, and now it's time to get to work. When the air hots up, around 11AM, I'm planning to wash the car. Both Scoop and Au really enjoy that.

They sit on the wall and watch as I soak the car, soap it up and then rinse it off. They adore the way the bubbles fly in the air, and squeal like kittens if they get a drop on their coats.

Afterwards they walk all over the Beetle, making sure it's properly clean - and decorated with little sandy paw prints.

Saturdays are fun!

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 8:47 AM (6) comments links to this post | 6 comments

Sunday, July 29, 2007

WCB: Pulling My Tail

We had a real monsoon rainstorm early this morning. Woken up by the windows rattling and the sound of gushing rain, I went downstairs, shut all the doors and then filled up the cat's bowl of biscuits and drinking water glass before curling up in bed again.

Just as I was drifting off, the two fuzzies appeared at the door. I heard Au's softest yik-yik-yik and then Scoop's answering rau-rau. Before I could hide under the pillow and play dead, Scoop jumped up on the bed and asked me to wake up.

I tried to tell him I had just filled both his bowl and glass but he insisted I got up.

Then when I did, Scoop rushed off, tail high in the air, followed by Au. I could hear them run into their cardboard box on the landing and I swear Au snickered.

Cats! They just love pulling my tail!

PS the two fuzz monsters are sitting on top of my car, watching our neighbour clean his car. They just love watching people sweat!

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 11:17 AM (1) comments links to this post | 1 comments

Friday, July 27, 2007

Bad Tidings

Scoop has had these nasty raw patches just below his ears for ages now. What started off as a small fungal thing has blossomed into an ulcerating wound.

We've been through tests, x-rays and various treatments (even alternative treatments) but none have worked. Now the vets say nothing else can be done for our old fuzzy.

The good news is that Scoop is feeling fine. His face looks less handsome but it doesn't hurt. Luckily it's also not contagious so he's playing with Au as he always has.

He's also rejoicing in the fact that none of the house rules apply to him anymore. When he wakens me at 4AM I don't throw a pillow at him; I get up and see what he wants.

He's taking full advantage to put in orders for his favourite snacks. As I write this Scoop is munching his way through his 3rd bowl of roast chicken today.

Scoop has lived with us for 12 years now. He was about a year old when he moved in, so he's about 13. Not a bad age for an ex-stray cat.

While he continues to be happy and feel no pain or stress, we'll spoil him as much as we can. And by the happy MRAUFs coming from the kitchen, I guess he's all for it.

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 8:00 AM (2) comments links to this post | 2 comments

Thursday, July 26, 2007

The Schmooze Award

We've been nominated for the Schmooze Award by Sharlene and the Spice Cats!

The Schmooze Award was the original creation of Mike at Gummy the Lovesick Alien who says....

"Schmoozing as defined by Dictonary.com is the ability “to converse casually, especially in order to gain an advantage or make a social connection.” When it comes to blogging, schmoozing is your ticket to making new friends, getting yourself noticed and building a reputation. Some bloggers are gifted with the ability to effectively schmooze and others not so much. My new friend Danielle and I would like to recognize those bloggers who exhibit strong schmoozing skills. In order to do so we’ve created the new Power of Schmooze award!"

As Scoop and Au were nominated, we now have to do the honors to five other bloggers. Per the Schmooze rules, those who receive must turn around and give to five other bloggers.

We love:

Kitikata whose orange brown bottom is almost as large as Scoop's,
Luna who tells us great cat stories in German and English,
Niamah! because Patrick Teo makes me laugh,
Rantings by Marina because she makes me think, and
Lots Of Cravings who sends me to all the best places to eat.

Labels: Au, scoop

posted by katztales @ 8:49 AM (3) comments links to this post | 3 comments

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Weekend Cat Blogging: Cat Names

When Scoop decided he was moving in, and we thought we traveled too much to live with a cat, our cries of “Scoop that cat out of the house” didn’t put him off. Hence the name Scoop.

Au is named after his golden coat (AU for Gold) and also because he bites when we play rough games; so we’re always saying, "au, au, au!"

I love the whole process of cat naming and think the psychology of pet naming is worthy of academic research.

Are those who give their pets aristocratic names like Duke and Datin (Malay for the wife of a baronet) trying to climb the social ladder or merely acknowledging the innate superiority of their cat friends?

Do cats with names like Alfred, Suzie and Annie live with humans who are more anthropomorphic than cats who are called Fluffy, Tiger and Tinkerbell?

Are cats with distinguished names like Augustus and Divinia more likely to be sedate than colleagues called Whirlwind and Lightening?

The best name I've heard in ages for a cat is Cockroach: because he eats everything in sight and moves like lightening!

Anyone have any other good cat names?

PS this pretty kitty is simply called Cat.

Labels: Au, scoop, weekend cat blogging

posted by katztales @ 10:59 AM (6) comments links to this post | 6 comments

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Cats On Tuesday: Can Cats See Colour?

While people used to believe that all animals are colour-blind, modern studies show this is untrue.

Cats’ retinae have an arrangement of rods and cones just as ours do.

However, scientists point out that the number of these suggests cats are pretty good about colour in general but not quite as good as we are at distinguishing subtleties.

I wonder what numbers Scoop and Au would see in these Ishihara dots?

If your colour vision is perfect you should see 56, 45, 29, 25, 8, and 6.

If you see a lot of dots instead, take a look at Ishiwara Test for Colour Blindness and check out Wikipedia's article on Colour Blindness too.

Labels: Au, Cats On Tuesday, scoop

posted by katztales @ 8:00 AM (12) comments links to this post | 12 comments