Balls galore

We had a visitor this morning on her second visit. She has three adult (6, 11 and 12) female cats at home as well as 2 doodle dogs and 3 kids from 12 up. The house is currently being worked on so her husband has said "Not this week!" and also "Not a kitten". A pity because she likes Rose ( in Incoming or Rosa in Welfare who was adopted over the weekend). She also likes Mallee. Who doesn't really like people yet but I am sure she will learn to love the person who feeds her. 

We were keen for her to like Storm. A boy, young cat would be a good idea to go with all those females and he probably met some dogs while he was living at large. 

Storm

So we opened up the Top Cat and let him out to play with Petal and Koa (Ziggy was adopted over the weekend). They had a fabulous time chasing ping pong balls. Eventually they chased them into the space between Pepper's condo and the wall. I sent Tim W to get them out. He found 11 ping pong balls there!

Later, after she left and Storm went in for a rest, we added Prime who had a fine time. 

Then added Zoe who really wanted to play with all the balls by herself but not with any other cats, thank you. I eventually put on the blue gloves to put her back she was having such a bolshie time.

If you notice a pink washer rolled into the space beside  Pepper's condo, it is to keep the ping pong balls out.

Pepper wanted to play too.

Later on Helen and I rotated Hiccup and Turbo's carrier so that the larger "window" could be opened. They are very friendly cats (especially if you have something delicious to temp them). Now they can't hide so well.

Hiccup and Turbo

Two of the stand alone kittens in incoming have been desexed. Their collars were off and wet. So I put on clean collars. I think that wink says that the collars will be off as soon as I walk out of the room!

There is another new mum in Incoming. She had four kittens yesterday. Her name is Yahtzee. What are we going to name her kittens? Yvette, Yves, Yvonne, Yosef, Yale, Yasmine. . . . not Yoel!
 

Yahtzee

And Peaches is all alone in Isolation. She has been since March 24 when her kittens were sent to the vet.

Peaches not happy

No Chicken Kitten

 For the first time a kitten refused chicken.

Thor

His brother gobbled it up.

Eddie

Thor and Eddie are in the stand alone behind Le Clerc. Their sister, Ginger was with them until spotted by a mother and her daughter who were playing with the kittens in the Play Place when I arrived. They made friends with Tallulah (not an easy task) and fell in love with Celine Dion. But Celine has a slightly mucky eye. So when they saw Ginger, it was love at first sight . . . mutually. They took her home.

And another family, Dad and 2 small daughters came in to do the paperwork for Smudge and Xena in foster. They were such nice, polite, listening girls that I am sure those kittens will have a lovely life.

Archie doesn't seem to think his life is much fun. . . . so far. We will wait to see if Geoff's magic works on him.

Tommy's pad could do with an upgrade .. ... . perhaps after he gets groomed.

Tommy

Where Suki was are a pair of mismatched cats. One, Mad. . . is loud. The other, Zoe hides.

Mad. .

There are two carriers in the double condo which is enough to make anybody mad.

Zoe

Zoe looks pretty.

And next door to Chelsea are three kittens who were quite difficult to get back into their condo after they had been let out for a run behind the flattened Top Cat. They are Petal, Ziggy and Koa. Must have come from a foster home. They liked chicken.

Petal, Ziggy and Koa (not in any order)

I let Le Clerc out for a wander. He enjoyed it. He was very  easy to bribe back into his rearranged stand alone. . . .. all it took was a bit more food.

Adoption Tails: Ginger, Violet, Ziggy: 2 gingers and a lamington and a Zac

 Ginger

 1 day: He slept under the couch, came out this morning with a little hello and to see who was there and where he is. He had a little rub and a look around. He has been in the litter tray and is currently eating breakfast. He ate every bit of his wet food but not the dry food so she will leave it out for him to eat later. He also ate his dinner yesterday. He has been hiding but she is hopeful that he will come out again soon. He is such a beautiful boy.

Ginger, 1 week

1 week: He is very comfortable on the lounge. He is a very loving cat and wants to sit on your lap or touch you. He has an amazing appetite and wants to eat all the time which can be challenging. She’s trying to break his habit of jumping on the bench when she’s preparing his food and it’s going well. When she comes home or enters a room he will run and hide but he will come out, especially if she sits down. He’s a clean boy and likes to play with toys. He has been renamed Gerry.

Ginger 1 month

1 month: Gerry has really settled in. He loves to play with toys, hiding and then running out to surprise his owner. He is being given good food and eats, drinks and plays well. He is getting his next flea and worming next week. “He is a loving and wonderful companion.
1.5 months: Gerry is very inquisitive and loves getting into cupboards. They’re working with his vet to get his diarrhoea issue fixed.

Violet

1 day: She’s eating well at the moment but is not very keen on the water yet. She hasn’t used the litter tray yet but they’re giving her some space so she can go when she’s ready. She’s loving her owner’s pats. They think she’s settling in well so far and she’s such a sweet girl.

1 week: She’s doing quite well! She’s been renamed Lami (short for Lamington). She started using her litter on her second night home and has been using it well since. She’s been eating and drinking well and has started to explore outside of her safe room! She’s cautious about exploring but that is to be expected. She has her own routine that she follows. “We’re so proud of her for doing so well so far”

1 month: Lami has been doing really well. She is very curious and likes to explore the house. She’s definitely more comfortable now and has claimed the cat tree as her personal space. They’re so happy and blessed to have Lami as part of their family. “She has brought us so much joy and is an absolute sweetie”.
 

Ziggy

1 day: Ziggy has been renamed Cheeto. He is doing very well. He has used the litter tray for poo and pee and has been eating and drinking well. He has received so many cuddles and is quite the affectionate kitten. They have not yet let him meet their dog, that might be in a few days time.

4 days: Cheeto didn’t seem to be shy or afraid at all. He is sociable and loves to cuddle. He jumps onto their laps and shoulders and tries to fit into the gap of their arm and side when they sit on the side of the bathtub. He purrs constantly too. He is currently left alone for the working and school hours of the day. He is happy and purring when they spend time together in the morning, afternoon and evening.

1.5 weeks: Everyone spends time with him everyday, some more than others. He is getting to know them and feels comforted by their presence. Sometimes he isn’t as affectionate so his owner thinks it’s a sign that he’s realising they will return regardless of his affection. Most of the time he is very cuddly. They may introduce him to another room this weekend so he gets a feel for the house but he will remain in his safe space. They may also introduce him to their dog, Vera, in the next week but under supervision only.

1 month: They have made great progress. Cheeto is now out of the bathroom and roaming the house freely. He and their dog Vera are getting along and Cheeto uses his litter box albeit on occasion only. He is a funny little one.

Zac, renamed Alfie

1 week: Alfie is still very nervous but is slowly responding to gentle attention.

1 month: Alfie is settling in well now - he jumped onto her lap tonight, a "first " but he is still jumpy with other people.
(No photos sent)

Rabbit luck

 We heard the good news yesterday that Diego has been adopted by a woman who lives by herself so can give him all the attention and love that he needs. It was especially welcome news on Joy's birthday.

But nobody told me about the rabbits. They have both gone. I noticed the lack of their hutches as soon as I walked in the door but had to wait until Tammy (wrong spelling) arrived. She told me that Lily was adopted and that Coco has gone to foster. The fosterer emailed this morning to say that she was worried that Coco isn't eating and pooping enough. She sent photos of a very happy rabbit who spends most of her day out of her hutch (so I suspect that she has found somewhere else to poo.)

Coco

She sent other photos including one of Coco lying on her chest. She is Japanese so I gave her Mariko's email address and they can chat about rabbits. Mariko has been trying to plot how she could have Coco in her flat without the landlord knowing. Perhaps she will get visiting rights.

Nobody else noticed that hutches were gone. Not even Mariko who brought in greens and a bit of carrot! 

I have, of course, reorganised. Somebody put the hooded litter trays from the top of the stand alones to where Coco was. I put them where the Coffee shop kittens were. So now that wall near the entrance is all merchandise. I moved the Coffees to beside Linda and Yoko and moved the trolley to where the hutch was. Natalie did a fabulous job of cleaning and tidying it and Sandy threw out the plastic bag sausage and it's contents. Hurrah!

Later, after Mayka's play in the play place with Sandy, I swapped her and the Coffee's. She looked so much happier being out of the corner. The Coffees will just be happy not to be in the doorway and getting roused on for throwing litter all over the merchandise.

We have a new Diego on Naughty Row. Who has a Dora (should be Delores). I don't know who is who but both of them have bob cat tails! And are very friendly.

There is a Kiki where Ziggy used to be, on high. He must have got adopted too. And Chloe is back. She wasn't happy in her adopted home. She has hidden under the furniture for the past 6 weeks. But she seemed pleased to see me.

Chloe

Abby is where Theodore was. So he must have got adopted too. Abby is desperate for love. She tends to take your finger into her mouth. . .  not biting it, perhaps trying to suck. Skeley has cleaned herself up and is trying to get up the courage to be friendly.

Skeley

For the first time today Linda and Yoko shared a hammock. I was beginning to wonder if they are truely bonded but am now convinced.

Yoko and Linda

Somebody rang to say that they are coming to adopt Bean on Sunday.  . . . . OK!

Bean and bestie

Softies

 I didn't take any photos this afternoon because I couldn't get to my camera. Tim was training Vicky about how to negotiate the Shelter Buddy adoption process with a real client. It took ages. The poor woman looked exhausted. She will pick up Zac tomorrow. In the meantime, Zac was perfectly happy in his condo.

Vicky didn't get to practice her chicken distribution technique. I had to do it. 

I actually got to pat Gus although Max was skittish. I patted Callie but Rosie, her sister wouldn't even eat her bit of chicken. And Raffiki and A? have incredibly soft fur. Even Princess allowed a pat. Means I am continually F10-ing my hands but I don't mind.

Left over Joy photos from Wednesday:

Kitty ate her chicken while I watched which is a first.

Kitty

So did her downstairs neighbour, Ziggy. The other Ziggy above Lucky is a loving spoonfull. . . . any excuse for a cuddle!

Suzie needs a good brush, as well as a hug.

Suzie

And Sabrina is a bossy boots who doesn't want to be touched or to have Lulu touch any of the chicken.

Lulu

Sabrina

Theodore got thirds because he is still on wet food only and is starving. He sweet talks to Amelia which is very cute.

Adoption Tails: Pete and Buddy

Pete and Buddy in Dec 2020

1 day: Petey and Buddy are in the ensuite but have access to the bedroom. When their new owner went out today, Buddy went exploring but Petey stayed in the bathroom hiding under the sink. Neither of them have eaten, drunk or toileted yet. I told her that this is not unusual and for a few of our cats it took 3 days before they did either in their new homes. Her new owner will contact Irene if there is any concern.

2 days:  Their owner messaged to say that Petey let her pat his head and when Buddy saw this he ate some treats in front of her and then Petey decided to do the same. 

Pete and Buddy in Dec 2021

1 week: Their owner called Irene to give an update on Petey and Buddy. They are making fantastic progress. Even Petey is now coming out and looking at her without running away from her. She sent a wonderful photo and video. 

Pete and Buddy, 1 week

 

1 month: Petey and Buddy have settled in incredibly well. They like to look out and ponder life next to the balcony windows and they meow at their owner when she gets home from work. They are still a little cautious but have definitely come out of their shell a lot more than the first week after adoption. It's been a very rewarding journey for their owner and she thinks they are absolutely beautiful.

And today Ziggy got adopted.

No Friday mayhem but there might have been

 There were people all over the cattery this morning. Unfortunately not customers but luckily new volunteers being trained. And committee members coming to confer.

I noticed, from a distance, that Diego's perspex door was open. And quickly moved to close it. Later when I offered him chicken, he had forgiven me. (This photo was not taken with a tele lens).

Diego

It should have reminded me to check all condo doors but I got distracted.

All three kittens were back in the Palace yesterday after one was seen trying to break her way into the Palace at dinner time. They didn't manage to shake open their door last night. Today I balanced a large carry cage on top of another outside their upper door. If they shake it, the carrier will fall and, hopefully, frighten them so much that they will not try that again . . . . until Jeff can get the new, secure door catches.

At chicken time, all went well.

Having handed it all out (there is never enough) I went back into the main cattery and Mr Magoo's screen door was wide open. I had given him his chicken through the gap under his perspex door. (Should have checked the other door). All the cattery doors were open as well. We rushed around like the proverbial headless chickens until Tim spotted him under the trolley. Tim encouraged him under Bobby and Mia's stand alone, moved that towards his condo and caught him as he dashed, and lifted him into his condo. Not at drop of blood was spilled. Mr Magoo looked quite chilled by his adventure.

Mr Magoo

Gracie two door across is just worried/confused about being back so didn't notice anything.

Gracie

And Ziggy, downstairs, is only concerned about getting pats when anybody gives him food. He does like his hiding box.

Ziggy

I have refined my method of shortening our striped aprons. I cut 4 ins off the bottom and detach one side of the bib. I add three button holes and one button on the top of the bib and make a pocket from the bit cut from the hem. My "shortened" aprons have a piece of white, cotton tape somewhere on the bib. They are suitable for shorter people. I will be happy to hear any other suggestions.

Mahem and Murder

 I arrived in the middle of morning cleaning. There were people everywhere. Rosanna was training a group of new vollies. Robyn is back from her skiing in Canada. Geoff was discussing jobs that need to be done with Tim.

One job is to fix the Palace Door. Those kittens can shake the door open at night. Last night they had a poo party in front of Max in the Play Place. No wonder he wouldn't come down from the highest shelf to have lunch with me. Tim thought one of the Palace crew had escaped and was lurking somewhere behind the laundry shelves. . . . unless it had squeezed through a partly open window. But when it came time for me to hand out the Friday chicken, there were three interested faces in their cat carrier. They must have staggered home to the Palace after their night on the town.

The naughty row loved their helpings although Rufus was more interested in being patted than the chicken. And now that Duke is next door to him we really can't call it "naughty row" any more. Even Amy came out and blinked for chicken.

Amelia hissed then smiled

                                    Ziggy couldn't decide between a stroke or the chicken 

Tabitha just wanted strokes

Peanut is always good for cuddles

Rosanna had brought in some chicken necks that I distributed to the kittens earlier. Sasha's lot loved theirs.

Sasha plus

When I got to the four kittens below Zoe, I noticed that their bedding needed to be changed. I added some chicken to distract them. Pulled the dirty towel out which caused them to do a washing machine impression in their outer condo. Two of them were spun into the bed section and out the door. I grabbed one. The other took off out the door with Tim close behind it. 

The one I grabbed put up a good fight but I held on until I could put it back with its siblings. On the way, a claw or tooth snagged a small artery and blood spurted out of my hand. I applied pressure while Tim caught the runaway who had exhausted itself by running to the other end of the corridor and back to Unit 20. A woman came up in the lift just as it turned to do another lap and Tim grabbed the kitten. The woman, when she saw me covered in blood must have thought that murder had been done. Katie thought that cleaning up after a murder might have been easier.

So I spoiled their plans to get off early while I fed the cats their dinner. I went to the doctor to get a decent pressure bandage and a tetanus injection. By the way, if you have some spare absorbent pads, elastoplast, pressure bandages, etc our First Aid Kit needs them.

Sick kittens galore

 I was too busy to count the number of cats this morning. Amy's wheely is filled with a mum [Sabrina] and her 6 kittens one of whom has a UTI, 5 have the flu and one, smaller than the rest and a smooth haired tuxedo looks perfectly well. He sticks close to the mother. I wonder if he is her kitten? 

 [Later Irene added: Lulu, the black and white tuxedo kitten in the glass cage is not Sabrina’s kitten. The lady who rescued Sabrina had trapped a spare kitten and just added it to the family.]

And Wanda's little grey adoptee (named Midsommer) has stuck-closed eyes that need to be bathed open and ointment applied as well as an eighth of a pill given. And there are two kittens from a foster home with ringworm. The friendlier one isn't as badly affected. It is the shy one that has to be ointmented. And they both have to have nasty medi. 

Bonnie and Lemmy were taken off to be desexed.

Bonnie came back shattered.

Post op Bonnie

Bonnie last Friday

Lemmy was full of beans and ready to PLAY.

Lemmy

Lemmy last week

We had a delivery of 20 litter trays. They each came in a separate cardboard box wrapped in two pieces of bubble wrap. Luckily, the bloke down the corridor spotted the flattened boxes and took them all plus the bubble wrap. He is the nice father of the girl who loved Chris and who has two dogs in his office all day.

A woman came to meet Romeo and Juliette whom she rather fancied from the web site. 

Her partner fancied Ziggy. We took videos of her relating to those cats. Then she spotted Augustus who is a kiss magnet and she went away without a cat.
 

Augustus

She did buy a T-shirt and gave us a donation. I expect they will be back on the weekend.

I introduced her to Max. He bit her when she got too friendly.

Max