Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday: The Battle of the Not-Box and Pimp's Vet Update

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! This week there was a bit of a scuffle of the much-coveted not-box, and Pimpy went to the vet (again) because we still haven't figured out exactly what is wrong with his poop.

First up, The Battle of the Not-Box, one sure to go down in history. It was an epic, lazy battle, with both Moo and Phantom refusing to give up ground. After several slow swats and a few low grumbles, a truce was finally reached. Thank goodness, because I would have hate to have seen the not-box in ruins after any more serious of a battle!

Here's a photo play-by-play of the battle.

The Battle of the Not-Box.

So, that happened. It wasn't really a real battle, it just sounded fun to make it one. It was lazy enough where I sat there taking pictures, and the boys just came to the conclusion that they needed to share. We're making progress!

Now on to the saga of Pimp's poop (no shortage of drama here this week!). It's still not right, so we went to the vet again last weekend. We have some super dewormer to give him and she gave him a B12 shot. Either of those could work, so I'm keeping an eye. He's also going to go get an ultrasound soon, so that we can just see everything that's going on in there. She is not saying there is anything more serious, but we should look since he's an old man and poop tells you when something isn't right.

Meanwhile, this is Pimp's favorite spot lately. On the IKEA furniture thing behind the couch, on the cat mat I put there. He'd been sitting there, so I put a bed there... and voila! Best. Spot. Ever.

Have a great week, everyone!

Thanks for the bed here, mom! It's the best!

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Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday: The Boys Making HUGE Progress!

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! We've been going very slowly around here trying to get Moo to like Phantom and everyone to get along better, and this week we had some huge breakthroughs!

This weekend was the first days I left everyone out in general population 24/7 without closing a door to separate Pimp and Moo from Phantom when I left the house. I was doing that just to be super careful so I didn't come home to some crazy situation.

So we tried this since seems seemed to be going better... and everyone was great!

We were nice enough to leave a corner for our mom. We're thoughtful kitties. 

Can you believe it? Everyone on the bed at the same time! No cuddling, but let's not push it, OK? This was huge!

Later that day, I went and lied on the bed and two of the boys came right over to lie with me. And this happened...

We have to always be in contact in some way to make sure she's safe!

That one was so exciting that I went and posted it right to Facebook, so you may have already seen it. But I had to share here for everyone else too!

And then, yesterday, I caught this...

Sniff, sniff... Up close #phantomwatch!

I don't know about you, but that's dangerously close to a smooch. Moo better watch it or his mean-boy reputation is going to go away!

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Two Cats (and a Phantom) Tuesday: #PhantomWatch Has Commenced - With Video

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! This week the boys got to meet Phantom for real (aside from Moo just hissing through a crack in the door when I go in and out of the bedroom), and Moo was none too happy about it.

Poor Moo. He gets so nervous and anxious. He doesn't really like anyone but me and Pimp. Anything else just totally disrupts his little world.

Phantom is the latest intruder into Moo's neat, calm, safe Beach House Bubble. So that means he must keep a close eye on him!

He's not just watching though. This is different than it was with Pea. Moo is growling and doing the helicopter ears and just all around so much more unhappy about the situation.

I really hope he chills out. I have Feliway plugged into every room and am getting Spirit Essences to drop in his water. He's just such a 'fraidy cat!


And to make this worse, Phantom has NO fear and just walks right up to me all happy-go-lucky and adorably sweet like, "Hi! I'm Phantom! Wanna play? Doyadoyadoya?!?"

And then Moo hisses at him.

Paws crossed we can be at a more peaceful place soon.

P.S. Pimp and Moo had their follow-up vet visit on Saturday, and it was all great news! Moo's glucose levels are back to normal (whew, no diabetes!) and Pimp's two ear infections are all cleared up! Yeah!

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Two Cats (and a Phantom) Tuesday: The Squeaky Mousie and Cat Trap Blankie

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp and Moo are "trapped" on the couch... and Phantom is making it so no one is ever going to get any sleep around here.

Have you all ever tried to trap your kitties somewhere? I bet you have!

Pimp and Moo love to sleep on the couch (and of course they are totally allowed), but I am just not a big fan of having to vacuum it every day just so I can sit on it. And so I designed this handy, never-fail cat trap.

Snug as to cats on a trap.

It's called a blanket.

I'm sure you've used this tactic before. Boxes also work very well for the same purpose. You put a box or a blanket down, and the cat will appear on it within minutes. Tada! It's like it was a trap. :)

Zzzzzzz...

And now here's the silly boy... Phantom loves to play! He is a crazy nut! He just had endless energy, and so I try to get stuff to keep him busy.

When I saw this squeaky mouse at the story, I just knew he'd love it. And so I bought it for him -- and now all I hear is squeak squeak squeak all the time.

But how could I care about that? Just look how happy it makes him!


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Two Cats (and a Phantom) Tuesday: We ALL Went to the Vet

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! It's been a busy week over here -- everyone went to the vet!

Let's go down the list with the reports for each. Some did better than others. Everyone but Phantom has a follow-up visit scheduled. Sigh.

Pimp

We're going to that place, aren't we mom?

Pimp is hyperthyroid, you all know. He also has been pooping kind of mucus-y (not too icky, just slick -- we talk poop here, OK?). Anywhos. The vet said his heart rate is elevated, which means his thyroid levels are probably spiked. This is likely because that stinker gets into Moo's food all the time for a bite or two -- no matter how close I think I'm watching!

She is running the tests and we'll know for sure tomorrow what his levels are, but she thinks they will come back high because of the heart rate. So I need to really watch what he eats, and if they don't get back down to normal like they have been (the y/d food has been great!), then we might need to go the medication route.

As for the poop, I'm keeping an eye on it. She thinks maybe he ate something or it could be the food.

Pimp also has a mild ear infection in each ear. How in the world did I not know this?!? I feel like a horrible mom. But he has showed NO signs. No shaking his head, itching, scratching, acting like it hurts when I pet him, head tilts, nothing she said would be a sign. So he has ear drops twice a day now. Joy. We're heading back February 1 for a follow-up.

Moo

I do not like being at the vet!

Moo actually lost weight, so we started out with good news there! But then the vet called later that night and told me his glucose levels were high. This could mean two things: Beginning of diabetes or that he was very, very stressed.

Cats glucose spikes when they are nervous up to about 220, she said, is an acceptable stressed range. Moo's were at 248 (I think). He has always been high at the vet, but that is higher than normal. She really does not think it's diabetes, but he's headed back when Pimp goes to retest.

Phantom

Phantom went to see a specialist for his special leg. He walks planted on his calf basically on his back left leg. Like from the knee down is flat on the floor. He went to see our vet, and he recommended a specialist. See how he struts in the video up there?

The doctor took an x-ray and had probably the best report we could hope for. She thinks it's from an old muscle tear or trauma... and it might actually just heal on its own! She says it is not nerve damage (like the shelter thought) and not an Achilles tendon injury (like the vet thought it might be), but a muscle thing. And since muscles do heal, it may very well get better.

Worst case scenario, he'll just always walk with swagger. Best case scenario, it heals and he walks normal! Either way, it causes him no pain, he doesn't need to be restricted and it won't get any worse. Great!

So that's the update. Stay tuned tomorrow for another update!

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Two Cats (and Phantom) Tuesday: Seat and Sink's Taken

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Happy Two Cats and a Phantom Tuesday, Cuteheads! Foster man Phantom is going to share this day while he's here, because Lord knows I have taken enough pictures of him already to take up two weeks of posts all by himself already!

Yesterday was Moo's Gotcha Day, so we cuddled a lot. Even Pimp seemed to tolerate him a little bit for his big day...

Sea'ts taken... One cushion per cat. No cushions left for human.

And now, reporting to you from the Cutest Spare Bathroom in the World, it's Phantom! Gah, this kitty is amazing. He is the most loveable thing. I have decided his middle name is Noodle, because he is like a wet noodle. He just flops all over the place and contorts in all kinds of ways when you hold him to get the maximum amount of petting and rubs. It's like he's missing bones or something! He is so, so trusting.

In case you haven't put two and two together yet, this picture should clear up why his name is Phantom...

The Phaaaaaaantom of the Meowpera!

This sink is a hotspot. Cats love it's dated splendor, apparently.* Interior designers they are not. 

HALP! This lady is going to squish me with smooches!

*Disclaimer: I rent. Do not blame me for the sea shell sinks, circa 1970-whatever.

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Two Cats Tuesday: How We All Watch TV Cuddled Up!

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Just a quick one today -- I wanted to show you how we watch TV every night!

Pimp has his spot. He always likes to curl up at one end of the couch. Both ends are his, it's just really whichever he feels like that night.

Moo like to be THISCLOSE to me all the time (he's my velcro kitty), so he is always on my lap. Once I sit down, I'm pretty much stuck.

And this is what we do...

Snuggliest couch ever!

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Two Cats Tuesday: Pimp and Moo Help with Santa Paws Drive Toys

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Last night Pimp and Moo were "helping" me inventory all the Santa Paws Drive toys that got delivered. As you can imagine, I'm not sure exactly how much help they were...

There are 16 huge boxes of toys in my dining room right now, and out of all of them, I think Moo quickly found which one had the catnip in it...

This box is MINE.

Pimp waited until he saw what was in each box, and then decided to make his move for the stinkiest one...

If I stretch my neck far enough, I might just get to the catnip candy canes...

Aren't they great helpers? Just wait until I take all the stuff out of the boxes and pile it on my living room floor to divide it up for the six shelters. They're going to go crazy with the "Quality Control" job they do.

P.S. There is still time to donate to Santa Paws Drive! The raffle and cash donations are open till Friday. Let's finish with a bang! Thanks everyone!

P.P.S. Sweet Pea helped in spirit. When the catnip candy cane box came in a couple weeks ago, she was rubbing all over the outside of it. So it got her mark of approval too!

Three Cats Tuesday: Moo's #PeaWatch and Pea's Vet Report

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Happy Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today we have some new shenanigans and a bit of a report from Pea's trip to the vet on Saturday.

Moo has a new job around here and he takes it very seriously. He doesn't let up on his duties, ever. His new job is Pea Watch.

I'm telling you, all he does is stare at Sweet Pea. No matter where she's at, if he's in the room with her, he's got his eyes on her.

#peawatch

And now for Pea's vet update. It's not great news. I took her to the vet because she is so round (she's always been!), but her belly is kind of hard.It reminds me of kittens with worms when we get them from the shelter. So I wanted to make sure she didn't have worms and if there was anything I should be doing for her... or if she was just fat!

The vet squished up her belly and listened to everything in there with a stethoscope and declared her to be fat. No news there! I was relieved and he seemed pretty sure that was it, but he suggested he do a stomach tap since she was the to be sure there wasn't any fluids or anything in there. So, of course, I said go ahead.

He took her in the back and did, and came back with a syringe full of fluid to show me. :(

So, a couple things this could mean and none of them are great. The most likely thing is a liver tumor of some sort. Most of the other parking lot kitties have ended up with abdominal tumors or something, I guess from licking oil and grease and fertilizer and eating off the ground, so this wouldn't surprise me, but it would be super sad.

Or worst case scenario, he said fluid in the belly could also mean FIP, which would really not be good. We don't really think this is it though.

We did an x-ray to see if he could see any masses and it was hard to see because of the fluids. He did think her liver was a odd shape and didn't have clear, hard lines like it should, so that could mean a tumor, but he can't say for certain from the x-ray alone.

That squiggly shape on the bottom of her liver should really be a pretty hard, straight line, he said. Click to biggify. 

So he said he was going to talk to an ultrasound specialist, and that will be our next step. They'll have to shave her belly and do an ultrasound, and that will tell us for sure if that's what it is.

I will keep everyone posted. In the meantime, Pea is ABSOLUTELY FINE. She is not sick, there's nothing wrong with her and I had no reason to take her in other than being an overprotective and overly cautiously reluctant-to-admit-I'm-her-cat-mom mother. She's eating fine, drinking fine and acting normal. Although I do think she could poop more often. (That's not TMI, is it? Hehe.)

Please keep Sweet Pea in your thoughts and let's hope for the best possible outcome -- which is NEITHER, of course, and something we can fix.

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Three Cats Tuesday: Hand-Painted Ornaments of Pimp and Moo!

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Happy Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today I have something amazing to show you. We got our first Christmas presents -- hand-painted ornaments of Pimp and Moo's faces!

Our wonderful friend and super Cutehead Melanie M. had these made for us for Christmas, and I can't tell you how much I love them. They look just like the boys!

They look just like the boys!

They are painted by the owner of Safehaven Small Breed Rescue in Pennsylvania. With the money raised from them, they purchase toys, leashes and blankets and things for their dogs and to send home with them when they get adopted. She a dog named Calvin who was rescued from a puppy breeder after he was born with a heart defect. Now he's all fixed up and is the mascot of the rescue!

What a wonderful cause! You can see more of her ornaments on her Facebook page.

 a dog named Calvin who was rescued from a puppy breeder after he was born with a heart defect. Now he's all fixed up and is the mascot of the rescue!

Now back to our fabulous ornaments... They came in the cutest little boxes.

I'm keeping these boxes to store them in. So cute! 

And Moo couldn't wait to open them.

Mom! Stop taking pictures and lets open them!

Here are close-ups of each one. You can click on them to biggify the pictures.

Pimp's ornament

Moo's ornament

Melanie has helped drive more transports than I can count and even adopted a transport kitty. Remember Poppy from the Bakery Bunch? She was the momma of Pumpernickel, Wonder, Melba and Raisin. Well, when her kids all got adopted... We transported Poppy back down south to be part of Melanie's family! And she couldn't have ended up with a nicer mom.

Thank you so much, Melanie! 

Oh, and because it's "Three" Cats Tuesday, here is a picture of Sweet Pea checking out her first Christmas tree ever.

Smells like outside... Where I'm NOT anymore!

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Three Cats Tuesday: Moo and Pea's First Encounter and Pimp is Tall

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Happy Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today we're going to update on the latest on the Sweet Pea front as well as discuss how tall Pimp is. Both equally important topics, of course.

Oh hai. I'm Pea.

First, Sweet Pea. Yes, she's still here. No, I haven't given in yet.

Second... Moo is a giant chicken and he kind of wants to meet her, but kind of isn't sure. He slowly walks up to within about four feet of her, does a little growl and then slowly backs away. He's done this more times than I can count. And Pea is just sitting or lying there the whole time, not saying or doing anything. Moo is just a big chicken (but we knew that already because he only likes his mommy).

Until last night, when something must have given him a little bit of extra courage and he actually got close to her! He snuck under the chair I was sitting on and crept over to where Pea was lying, right next to me. I thought they were going to nose-to-nose or something, but instead the little pooper scooper bit her leg! I think that's what he did anyway.

She quickly got up and ran off, and Moo just looked at me in some kind of triumph.

This is how it happened:

I like to pick on all cats whose name starts with the letter P. 

Since then it's been back to the usual routine, lightly growling from afar. Pea is super brave, though, and prances around lies near me like she owns the place.

Pimp, on the other hand, I'm pretty sure he couldn't care less about her. The first while I thought maybe he'd try to lunge at her, but lately he just kind of minds his own business and let's Moo do all the talking.

He's also very tall, as you can see from the picture I just took of him. I think he's trying to impersonate that wooden leg next to him.

I'm a little thin, but it makes my fancy features stand out. Right?

If you don't come by again before Thanksgiving, happy Thanksgiving to all of you! And happy Thanksgivikkah for all of you who get to celebrate two holidays at the same time.

But do come by on Thanksgiving if you have time... We're going to bust out the turkey costume again.

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Three Cats Tuesday: Moo's Box Match, Pea's a Poster Child and Pimp Curls Up

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Happy Two Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Man, these titles are getting long with all we have going on here, huh? We have so much to share today!

First up, let's start with the shenanigans, which means Moo first since he's the goofball. You all know Moo loves boxes, right? Well, getting in them is no problem (he can conquer any box!), but sometimes getting out... not so much.


That is the box that has our Cute Transport Network bags in it, so for future drivers: If yours has cat hair on it, you know who to blame!

Next up, let's talk about Sweet Pea's latest news. I went to the Alley Cat Allies national conference last weekend (AH-mazing!) and they had a Message Board up where they asked everyone to feel free to share something inspirational or something about a special feral kitty that stood out for them.

So you all know who that is for me!

I put this up:

When I went back the next day, someone had added a little something... :)

Meanwhile, on the couch, Pimp has curled his little paws up beneath his little chin for a little nap. Love this guy so much.

Hope everyone has a fabulous day! Don't forget Santa Paws Drive is officially open for donations! If you haven't seen the shelters we chose this year, go check them out! I'm so excited to send Christmas to these wonderful animals!

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Three Cats Tuesday: Pimp Then and Now with His Bear (He's Grown!) and More

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Happy Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! No, I haven't given in (Pea is looking for a home!), but I figured since Sweet Pea is here, she might as well get some blog time, right?

So today we have a bunch of stuff going on, but the coolest thing is the first one. I went in the bedroom a couple days ago and found Pimp lying next to my white bear (Florida people: Remember the Burdines bears from when Burdines was still around? He's one!), and I immediately thought of the picture I have on my fridge of him as a teeny baby, cuddled up to the same bear.

I stealth-mode went and got my camera (so he wouldn't move) and got the picture! Then I put them next to each other to compare...

Same bear, same Pimp... 14 years later! (Click to biggify.)

And meanwhile, later on the bed...

You want rub my belly?

And then on the other side of the house, miss Sweet Pea has found herself a new spot to sit in. When I walked into the bathroom, she was curled up in the sink, but by the time I got the phone to take a picture, she was up. Still cute though! (If you live in Florida and want to adopt Sweet Pea, let me know!)

I've never had a sink before! This is cozy...

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THREE Cats Tuesday: Wait... What is This About a Third Cat?!

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Happy Three Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Three cats, you ask? It's not just Pimp and Moo? Nope... there's a third cat in the house, folks.

And her name is Sweet Pea.

Before you get all excited, she's not a permanent resident (I'm fighting that single-with-three-cats tipping point with all it's worth, OK?), but she is getting really comfortable really fast.

But first, let's start out with the two heads of the household, Big Pimpin' and Maniac Moo! They did something different this week -- synchronized cat napping!

We are mirror images of each other... except stripes and spots.

And now on to miss Sweet Pea. As you may recall, I flew to Pittsburgh with her last week to see about a forever home for her. Unfortunately, it wasn't a perfect match and Pea is back at my house. Which is not a horrible thing, of course -- she's an absolute angel. But it does mean we'll be on the hunt for a new home for her again soon.

Sweet Pea lounging on the couch as if she's always had a couch to lounge on.

Sweet Pea is blowing me away with how immediately comfortable she is in the house. After being in a parking lot for 13 years, this is incredible! She gets on the couch, curls up and just purrs and purrs. She likes to give headbutts, have her belly rubbed and make biscuits on you. It's amazing!

She trusts me, so this was easy. She will need someone with patience and time so that she can learn to trust them too and come out of her shell. She will hide at first (so she needs a home with a place she can be with no hidey spots at first), but will purr when you reach in and pet her. She would also like a quiet place, with preferably no other cats or maybe another older, calm cat. I have no doubt she'll be an awesome cat for the right person -- preferably local to the South Florida area so we can check in on her.

Belly up!

Isn't she just gorgeous? Sweet Pea is the sweetest!

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Two Cats Tuesday: Being Silly with Moo and Kissy-Kissy with Pimp

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today we have a couple collages of the boys that I don't think I've shared here before. Just us being silly and hanging out taking selfies. You know, the usual.

Also, make sure you come back tomorrow. It's a BIG day around here and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

You see? Everyone wonders how I got so silly. I got it from my MOM!

I don't always let people smooch me, but when I do, I make sure it's mom.

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Two Cats Tuesday: Pimp's Yoga Poses and Moo's 2 New Boxes

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today Pimp is feeling very limber and flexible (and has the cutest face to go with it!) and Moo is just doing the usual, sitting on or in any box in the house.

Let's start with Pimp, because at least he got creative and did something different this week (boxes again, Moo?!). It's cat yoga!

First you must lie down and relax and get your yoga breath flowing. 

Then as you advance, you can do this Lifted Cobra pose!

OK, so Pimp is talented, but please do not miss his absurdly adorable face in that second picture. Have you ever seen a more expressive kitty? His face just melts me.

And now back to your regularly scheduled Moo Box Fetish update.

Yada yada, I'm in a big box.

Blah blah more box. I'm on a flat box. 

Maybe next week Moo will come up with something different... but I wouldn't bet your treat cabinet on it.

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Two Cats Tuesday: Not-Box Shenanigans

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Today we just have a quick one... Moo and his not-box are still going strong. In fact, he's getting very creative with it.

Not only is the not-box not really a box, but you don't even have to be "in" it to enjoy it. You can squiggle it all up and just plop on top.

My not-box is getting softer with age. 

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Two Cats Tuesday: Pimp Sleeping a Round and Moo on a Shelf!

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Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! Don't worry, today is nothing scandalous... Pimp is just sleeping a round.

Like in the round. He is round when he sleeps. Tucked into a nice circle.

You knew that's what I meant, right?

To ensure a solid tuck, hug your feets!

And you know those Elf on a Shelf things that are so popular at Christmas? Well, you can forget them! I have the new latest thing here, and it's way cuter!

Meet the Moo on a Shelf!

There is nothing up there. Mom checked.

And nothing out there either. Mom checked.

So I'm checking out mom.

Nothing over there either. She checked. Oh well!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Tuesday! It's always our favorite day around here, of course!

P.S. If you haven't donated already, and can possibly spare a few dollars, we are still a little bit short on our fundraiser for the latest transport kitties. We've had three transports (one each for the last three weekends!) and now it's time to pay the vet! If you can spare a green paper or two, here is the link for where to donate. Thank you!

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