Nigel update: Still walking with a walker, but the surgeon gave us a bit of a timeline. We’re looking at a year of recovery because this wasn’t just an ordinary hip replacement. And, you know what? I’m OK with that because we can sort of plan for that. I do know there aren’t any cat days of summer, but I had to at least try to be clever! But, it’s time for 10 on the 10th! I really do need to make these easier for myself! I’m probably going to really be stretching to come up with 10!
- When I was a kid, we always had tiger cats. My Aunt Lou lived on a farm and could be counted on to supply a kitten when we had the need. Each of those kittens received the exact same name, Tiny Stripes. I have no idea who came up with that name, but we always had a tiger cat. Our cats lived inside and out. We never had litter boxes because the cats just did their business outside. I really don’t know how many Tiny Stripes cats we had, but I’m pretty sure it was at least three.
- At some point, we got an all black cat. We were between Tiny Stripes iterations. I think he was just a stray. We were very original with his name…he was Blackie! I have a feeling he was an older cat by the time we adopted him because he was a real tom cat! We’d had him neutered, but he went out every night. A couple of times, he’d come back a little battle worn and bleeding. One of his ears eventually became a little tattered.
- When Nigel and I began dating, we were between cats once again. One of the guys he was working with had a mama cat with a litter. We got a calico which we’d never had. I named her…we’d never had a female, either…Tulip. She was the first of the cats we ever had that was downright unfriendly. She’d just as soon scratch you as look at you. I didn’t get her spayed in time, and of course, she became pregnant. I will never forget the day she gave birth. She bit me on my big toe and squirted a little one out! Before long, she’d given birth to three little ones. Luckily, we were able to convince friends to adopt one of her babies. By then, we’d had her spayed, and, in an unusual turn of events, she went out to Aunt Lou’s farm to live. She was just not a house cat. She thrived on the farm for many years.
- After we got married, we had a series of dogs. We had a cocker spaniel that decided he liked our neighbors better. Since they were looking for a dog, and Beau wanted to be with them more than us, he became their dog. One of the women I worked with had a friend with an adult Old English Sheepdog. We said we’d take him for a weekend to see if that would work. It did not. Then, we had an American Eskimo Spitz. We were both working and just didn’t have the time for her. Nigel found a farmer who wanted her. And, that was the end of pets for several years. Yes, I know this is about cats, but I wanted to give you a little background about why we were pet-less for so many years. After the kids were born and a little older, we decided to get a cat…OK…I decided to get a kitten. A friend of mine had had a mama with a litter so we got a grey tiger. I don’t really know who named him, but this wonderful little guy became our Oscar, the absolute best cat ever. Oscar would go outside, but he did have a litter box. When he wanted to come back in the house, he would sit at the door, and meow. But, his meow truly sounded like: “Mo-om!” We were building our house up north at the time. When we moved into that house, he loved it! He had a big old yard to explore as well as a field behind the house. One early morning, Miranda came downstairs and said Oscar was outside her window. She had two dormer windows, and sure enough, Oscar was waiting patiently outside her window. The only way we could figure out he’d gotten up there was that he’d climbed the brick fireplace because we only had one scraggly tree that was nowhere near the house. Unfortunately, Oscar got feline leukemia. This was back when vets were just beginning to talk about vaccinating (I think) cats against this lethal disease. As he got sicker, we tried everything…transfusions and medications. Eventually, we had to face the fact our Oscar was dying, and we were doing him no favors. I will never forget taking him to the vet that last time and holding him as the life left his body. We brought him home to bury. The kids were sobbing so loudly, I was sure the neighbors thought someone had been murdered.
- After a couple of years, my brother got Jordan, my youngest, a cat. He was a little yellow tiger. Jordan named him Louie.
- When we took Louie to the vet for his first worming and shots, the vet informed us Louie was a girl. She became Louise. Unfortunately, she was close to the road one day, and someone swerved and hit her, killing her instantly. The only way we knew that was the custodian at the school saw it happen. Louise was our last cat. We went pet-less for at least a decade and ended up with our first Westie.
- I have a beautiful big old grandcat named Grayson. He is a big grey tiger, and when I say big, I mean huge! He is one of the biggest cats I’ve ever seen. He is one of those “I can take you or leave you” kinda cats. He pretty much loves me, though, because when his family is gone, I’m the one who feeds him. He is a magnificent cat.
- Several years ago, my daughter and her family lived in Suffolk, Virginia. I was babysitting, and my daughter had ordered pizza to be delivered. When the delivery person came, I paid her, tipped her, and took the pizza. A little after that, I was looking for Grayson and couldn’t find him. There was another cat in the neighborhood who looked a lot like Grayson. My daughter and son-in-law called him Mason. That night, I happened to look out the sidelight of the front door, and there was a Mason jumping up and looking in the window. Right then, I realized it wasn’t Mason. It was Grayson! He had slipped out when I was paying the delivery person. I was thrilled to see him because there was no way I wanted to tell my grands he was gone!
- Why do I like cats? They are cuddly, stand-offish, amazing athletes, and I love that kneading they do with their claws. There’s nothing better than a purring cat, wrapped around your legs, your arms, or lying on top of you!
- Another reason I love cats has to be their arrogant personalities. If a cat loves or even just likes you, you’ll know it. If they don’t, you’ll know that, too!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I admit it! This one was a stretch! I had to work hard for those last few, but I could have written a lot more about Oscar. He was just the best cat. And, the story about Grayson/Mason really doesn’t translate that well. I had no idea cats could jump that high. He wanted in even more than I wanted him in! So, can we talk? Do you consider yourself a cat person or a dog person? Have you had an animal that was just so special you physically ached when they died? Do you have any stories about escaping animals? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
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Great update and I’m glad things are going well. I love cats! My son loves them a lot and my daughter loves dogs. I will get neither since I don’t want to responsbile for anything and they aren’t so they can have a zoo when they move out and get their own place.
Thank you, Kita! We are getting there…finally! I love that you want your kids to have a zoo when they move out…then, you’ll go and pet the animals, right? I’ll be over in a bit to read your post!
It will come as a big surprise to you, but although I love most animals including dogs, I’m a cat person 😉 Didn’t see that coming, did you?
I will need to see a picture of Grayson eventually. Big cats are fabulous (yeah, okay, all cats are, but I still want to see him).
My post will go live tomorrow – I could have gone on and on and on, by the way, thank you for making it so easy for me this time – and my take on it is completely different, but thank you for sharing all the stories (although they also made me a little sad)!
Thanks, Cat! Now, how did I know you would want a photo of Grayson! I will try to wrangle one out of my granddaughter…one that shows how big he is. He’s an old man now as it’s been over 15 years since they got him. I loved your post as I’m late responding to comments!
Although we don’t have pets now, I’m a cat person more than a dog lover. We lived on a farm when I grew up, so always had cats. Once we had a female ginger one (which is rarer as most gingers are toms) she was so streetwise! She would have her litter of kittens in a safe place, but when it was time for them to come ‘home’ to be weaned, she would come and fetch me and take me off to collect them. I’d pick them up and bring them back to the house. Job done. When they were old enough to learn hunting skills, she took them off for a few days of training. Once she had a son which we couldn’t home, he was a daft thing who grew to be twice the size of his mother. But she was always the boss. If food was left and she wasn’t there, he never touched it until she’d come back. And when he took a step out of line he got a swift paw to the ear! When she had future litters and brought them home, their ‘uncle’ was always chief babysitter.
This was so fun to read. I was always a cat person and it was a shame I had to be without them for a long time. But I think we’ve made up for it lately. Of course.If it was my druthers, I’d probably be one of those crazy cat, ladies with a hundred cats.
Xoxo
Jodie
Hahaha!! I wonder if I wouldn’t have ended up that way, too! I kinda doubt it because those litter boxes are just nasty…even the ones that do all the work. You still have to empty them! Oscar was such an amazing cat that I think I would have a hard time not comparing every other cat to him. Thanks, Jodie!
Thanks, Rosie! Your female ginger sounds like quite the character. I love how she used you as her Uber driver and that her overgrown son was the babysitter. This is such a fun story!
Oh you made me cry, about Oscar. Our Castor original make is Oscar. I adore cats. Never had one that was nasty. They are so adorable.
Oh, Nancy, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you cry. I wanted you to see what an amazing cat my Oscar was. It was horrible at the end, but most of his life was so joyous and wonderful! Tulip was our only really mean cat.
Oh how I love this, Marsha! It sounds like you’ve had some amazing animals over the years. I’m one of those people who adores all animals and would have a house and garden full of all kinds if I could. A pet pig? Yes please! A rabbit, sure! A donkey? Oh my…definitely! LOL! Michael, however, would prefer just to have cats. Which is funny considering we have two dogs as well as three cats now. I had a favourite cat. His name was Yoda and he was my animal soulmate. He lived such a short life, barely two years old when he died at the vet’s. He went in with a urine infection but contracted some horrible illness whilst there and I never saw him again. I still cry when I think of him. He was the tiniest little siamese, the runt of the litter and we adored each other. He followed me everywhere. He was the light of my life (yes, I’m tearing up now!!!), and I think of him often. I know I’ll see him again.
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! My brother actually had a pet pig…a potbelly pig. It got absolutely huge, and his wife was afraid of it. I would love to have Nigerian dwarf goats. They’re just so cute! Mike is not a pet person at all and is even less so after holding our last Westie as he passed. I’m so sorry about Yoda. Hugs to you, my friend. It was so hard writing about Oscar because I don’t think I got across what an exceptional cat he was.
I didn’t grow up with pets, so it’s fun to hear of all these adventures. I’m definitely a cat person, for many of the same reasons you mentioned.
I adopted an old cat out of college named Milo. He was such a sweet cat. He would come to the door and roll onto his back waiting for scratches when someone arrived. He was great around kids.
Unfortunately I had to rehome him when it turned out my eldest was allergic but I think of him often. I’m sure he’s passed at this point.
Thanks, Edi! I’m glad you were able to have a cat for even a short amount of time. Good cats like that are hard to find. Steph is allergic to cats, too.
I am full-blow cat lady so I love this post! Surprised you now have a dog after all your cat encounters. Michael and I are going to a cat cafe tomorrow in Tennessee. We can’t wait!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I can definitely see you as a cat lady…they’re just more sophisticated, right? Oh, I’ve wanted to go to a cat cafe, but I’m afraid I’d be so tempted to come home with one. I hope you’ll write a post about your visit!
I am sorry dear Marsha – I don´`t have a cat..But my mother has one. It´`s hard to name 10 cats….So I have only one that I like – Luis.
Have a good time and all the best. And my best wishes for a fast revovery of Nigel.
Violetta
Thanks, Violetta! I will let Nigel know of your good wishes! It’s fine you only have one cat! It was difficult for me, too!
Hi Marsha – I’m back after a long break from 10 on the 10th and I’m glad to see a positive update on Nigel. Hope the remainder of the recovery goes very smoothly.
I love the stories and background of the cats you’ve had as companions over the years. Oscar sounds like a dear. It’s funny how each cat really does have its own quirky personality.
I didn’t grow up with cats or dogs and never pictured myself as a cat lady, but they are definitely my pet of choice. The cat we have now is Merida, a grey tabby, and she is very sweet but she only likes about five people in the whole world! Thankfully I’m one of them.
Thanks, Kym! I’m hoping it goes that way, too! I did visit your post and saw all the beautiful cats! Oscar was a one of a kind cat. Even my husband, who also didn’t grow up with animals in the house, loved him. I’m certainly glad Merida likes you. Cats are definitely easy to read when it comes to who they like!
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I had an American Eskimo Spitz too! He had belonged to a senior citizen who ended up going into a nursing home, so we took him for her. He was young when we got him, only a year or two. He lived to be 15. He was my buddy but he also really loved to bark.
Thanks, Erin! I actually forgot to say we had an American Eskimo Spitz when I was a kid. Her name was Mindy, and she was so smart. We taught her to go up the ladder of our giant slide and slide down it! The unfortunate thing was how much she shed. My mom’s second husband who lasted only a few months didn’t like getting her white hair on his black socks. Seriously? He was a jerk, and I was happy when they were divorced though my mom never dated again. I don’t remember Mindy barking that much. She was gorgeous, though!
I could not come up with more than 2 or 3 for this prompt. I’ve owned a few cats since my husband and I got together but remembering names, where we got them, how long we had them, etc was just beyond me. I like cats more than any other pets but I still don’t love having pets around. I found toward the last few years of our last cat’s life that everytime I sat down to pet him I started sneezing and my eyes got all itchy. So no more pets for us. I do love their adorable faces and paws though.
Thanks, Joanne! I’ve heard of people developing allergies later in life. My daughter-in-law is allergic to cats and most dogs. Terriers have hair so those are OK. It’s weird, but I can remember all the names…I just can’t remember how many of each we had!
My last cat decided she was a fan of vomiting on my freshly washed laundry or quilts and some times I couldn’t get to her fast enough! Then she would return to the food bowl and scream for food. She was around 18 when we took her to the vet for the last time. I had just spent 2K on surgery as she partially swallowed embroidery floss, but she kept declining. ): We cried like babies and I vowed to never get another cat. Only time will tell if I hold to that.
Thanks, Gina! That would not be fun at all. When Oscar first got sick, he had diarrhea in my shoes. I had to throw a couple pairs away. So, I feel your pain. Isn’t it amazing what animals will eat? Jack eats anything that won’t bit him back. I’m so sorry for your loss because it’s just gut wrenching when you lose a fur baby. I know Jack is our last. I don’t have a place that works and is away from everything for a litter box so cats are out, and dogs are just too much work at my age. I don’t even want a pet rock at this point!
Goodness, Nigel has another 365 days of recovery ahead or he gets some credit for time served/days, weeks, months of recovery to this point? I am so sorry. What an ordeal. But at least you have some timeline. And thank goodness, Nigel is somewhat mobile.
Love all the cats!! I have had my share of sweet kitties, We also had one that I was sure was a boy/male so we named him Mickey. By the time we found out Mickey was more of a Michelle, he/she was too used to his/her name so we continued on with Mickey.
Thanks, Leslie! Mickey is kinda a neutral name so I think it worked. Yes, another year…but I’m not sure when that started…from the date of surgery or from that appointment. In any case, the surgeon is still adamant Mike will be walking unassisted! I’m so thankful for him!
I loved reading all of your cat stories! Oscar especially stole my heart—it’s so hard to lose a pet that’s been such a special part of the family. Grayson sneaking outside during the pizza delivery gave me a little chuckle, too! I’m glad Nigel has a better idea of his recovery timeline, and I hope each week brings a little more progress. Sending continued healing wishes his way!
Thanks, Laura! Oscar was truly a one of a kind cat! Oh, my gosh! We still laugh about Greyson/Mason. I honestly didn’t know cats could jump that high. I was so glad he hadn’t run off. We have a calendar we’re marking the days off now. I hope that helps him with the emotional toll this is putting on him. Thank you for the healing wishes!
This was so much fun to read. You know that with all of my cat drama, this one was up my alley. I wanted to write a post myself but got so busy Friday and forgot what I was going. Then my brain gave out of energy and that was that. I am enjoying reading everyone else’s though. Maybe I will have to do a late one just for fun.
Thanks, Lisa! Oh, you should do one even if it isn’t on the 10th or even the 20th!!