xmas cats sez...

"Bah humbug..."

Of Mice and Cats

I was holding old Lady Mouse when Tigger cat insisted on some lap time. Tigger cat did not seem to be very excited about Lady Mouse. And Lady Mouse seemed only a little concerned about Tigger cat.

Ratty boys in a basket

Barnabas rat, Groucho rat and Harpo rat relax while Chico rat explores.

Old lady rats having a treat

Winnie rat and Isis rat sipping some Pediasure.

Oh, oh...

Simon cat checks out Piggy rat.

Of Bird and Rodent

Before the cat's arrival arrangements were made for rodent and bird security. Right away one of the cats, the "little" cat Tigger, took notice of Agatha budgie bird and intended on introducing himself, but, Agatha would have none of that and proceeded to voice her protests to the event. Agatha and Tigger exchanged chirps and soft meows for a sort time and when Tigger was told "NO," he stopped approaching the birdcage. Tigger would also get down off off the counter tops or out of general mischief if addressed with a firm "NO."

The rats seemed to notice the arrival without actually seeing the cats and moved themselves to the farthest back corner of their habitat. Lady mouse appears not too be so concerned. When the "little" cat Tigger approached the boy rats door he was met immediately by the oldest boy rat Barnabas, who stood his ground and gave Tigger the classic 1000 yard stare. Barnabas's fur was slightly raised, and, when I tried to calm him, Barnabas acted suspicious of me until I paid him the proper compliments and made the proper offering of treats. Once again when Tigger was given a firm "NO," and a slight tap on the backside, he backed away from the cage and sat back to watch "Rodent TV" from a distance. Tigger tried to look in on the girl rats, but, appeared by then to be getting the idea to stay away.

A layer of "hardware cloth" was added to strategic points of the rodent's habitat. As well, there are links of metal shower curtain rings at various points to serve as "alarm bells" if a cat tried poking around unwatched. Lady mouse's habitat has been attached to the larger rat habitat so that it could not be knocked over or dragged away. And for her safety, Agatha budgie bird will have to have her free roaming restricted while to cats are out. Agatha budgie bird has a sturdy cage with plenty of space between her and the cats.

The cats will be supervised when out in the general area with the bird and rodents. When the cats can not be supervised they will be put into a spacious room with good light and ventilation. This is also the room where their food, water, litter and bed is kept.

The cats move in...

Not quite four hours and they are starting to feel at home.

A conspiracy of rats

"You distracts them while I gets yogies..."

Lady rats

Winnie rat gives me a look...

Isis rat having a hammock snuggle.

The might YAP!

Chico rat lets fly his mighty YAP!

Pigeon doorman

Caught this fellow keeping an eye on me...

Park beasties

A squirrel strikes a pose.

The girl rats get an evening treat

Pediasure YEAH!



Winnie rat looking up to Ceiling Rat, hoping for more...

Strike A Pose

Chico rat prefers cuddles to picture.


Barnabas rat loves to love.


Piglet rat does not mind picture time so much as long as she gets her treat.


Drinky rat lets me know her opinion of picture time.


Buddy rat is braver than most and will run up and lick the camera lens.


Drinky rat is letting me know picture time is over.

And those boys, too.

Really do not want to take pictures now...

An evening with the ratty girls

No time for silly photos, more time for treats.

The boys

An evening with the ratty boys.


"Please put the camera away!"

'Viking mouse' invasion tracked

Scientists say that studying the genes of mice will reveal new information about patterns of human migration.

Winnie rat say hellOOOoooo

Drinky rat stopping by

Barnabas rat visitation

Piggy rat says heeelloOOOooo

Old girl rat Isis

Isis rat is showing her age. But, Isis rat is still very active and affectionate.






Kisses and licks.

dog and cat

Found on a photo stream...

The Tale of the Hospice Dog

Hospice Dog: My border collie Izzy comforts the dying.

Excerpt"
"The county health department was housed in a small wooden annex in run-down Fort Edward, N.Y., near the county jail. I parked the Blazer and opened the rear door for Izzy, who disembarked, sniffed around, then paused to look at me, awaiting instructions.
"This way, boy," I said, and he trotted along next to me toward the annex, ignoring a dog being walked nearby, a number of trucks and cars in motion, other people walking through the parking lot..."

Sweet rats

Ratty boys


"I'm Number 2. I'm the boss."

Ratty Girls

Rodent visitations

Buddy rat wants to play.

Cheeko rat needs more whiskers..


Barnabas rat loves to love.


Barnabas rat want more snuggle time, less picture time.


Lady mouse has become such a relaxed snuggle mouse.


Lady mouse does not care for the camera.


"I want to be alone..." without the camera.


Winnie rat gives me a smile.


Harpo rat is not too sure about the camera.