Oxbow's World

Nothing makes me happier than an unexpected present, and I got one yesterday! Mama G had to make a trip back to the old house because Those Two had forgotten a few things in the move. She returned with a couple of boxes, including one that I couldn’t wait to sink my paws into.

It turns out the new owners of our old house had sent me a gift! How thoughtful, seeing as how they hadn’t even met me. Well, I guess they did once catch a glimpse of one of my paws as I hid in my basement safe space, but that was enough for them to like me. They’re cat people, so they’re suckers for such antics, apparently. Anyway, this toy had some really primo catnip inside, because I went bonkers for hours! Do I look totally crazed, or what?

And then the new owners sent Mama G a few photos of their cats enjoying their new house. I especially liked this one, because he sure looks like trouble! And trouble is part of our appeal, right? Trust me, we sense the love and admiration in your voices as you yell, “Stop it!” and “Get off there!” If we behaved, we wouldn’t be half as charming!

Anyway, I’m glad everyone seems to be adjusting to their new home. Call me sentimental, but I just love a happy ending.

I wish all of you a day filled with family, friends, pets or whatever makes you happy.

 

So more on my new home. I have to say, Those Two have done a lovely job of decorating, including my feeding station. How many cats have framed artwork above their food dish? OK, I will concede that some might debate whether a print titled “Whisker’s Mother” qualifies as art, but it’s the thought that counts.

My space is so personalized, including that water bowl that my wonderful godmother Joyce gave me. I look forward to eating here every day, not that I required much incentive to look forward to eating. Still, my little corner in this home says that people care about me. And that’s a really nice feeling.

Well I promised to write again and let you know how the new digs were working out, so here’s the story.

After those first few rocky days, when I cried a lot, I settled in pretty well. Especially in that bean bag chair, which Those Two used to have covered with a blanket so I wouldn’t shred it. It’s much more comfortable without that blanket, and I have it tailored to fit my body now. I think they can pretty much forget about using it!

It’s my favorite spot in the house now, and I spend hours, sometimes entire days there. I have a great view of the backyard from it, and the other day I had a visitor come by. She didn’t seem all that interested in me, but maybe that’s because she knew I was trapped behind glass and unavailable.

I felt like the new kid on the block when the other kids stop by to check out who just moved in!

Having a change of scenery has done us all some good, I think. Sometimes our lives can become a little too predictable and stagnant if we don’t get up and move and try new things.

OK, back to the bean bag now …

First off, Happy Halloween! And do I have a horror story for you! Sorry you haven’t heard from me much lately, but you see, I was kidnapped! Yes, kidnapped! I would say catnapped, but that implies there was some slumber involved, and believe me, I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.

It started off like any other day, as those kinds of days often do. Now I knew we were about to move, but I just had no idea that this would be the day. As they had been doing for weeks, uneventfully, Those Two lured me into my new pet carrier with some treats. Every other time I would just back out when I was done eating and that was that, but not this time. No, Those Two zipped up the door behind me and I was trapped! They’re pretty clever for humans. And off I went, leaving the house I’ve known and loved for five years behind me.

So then I was put into a vehicle and driven nearly an hour to an undisclosed location in a state called Connecticut. Now I know it doesn’t look like it from this photo, because the photographer caught me in mid-turn, but my new carrier is much more comfortable than my old, hard-sided one. Kudos to this Southwest company, whatever it is.

When Mama C let me out, I didn’t recognize where I was, and I spent a few very confusing moments trying to decide where to go and what to do. And then it hit me: My basement safe space is no longer here, so I need to find a new hiding spot, and fast!

OK, check that one off my moving “to-do” list! I scared Mama C good until she finally found me, and even scared myself later when I struggled to get back out.

All this happened about 10 days ago. Things have settled down since then, and I’m finally beginning to be able to talk about it. I’m settling in pretty well now, and love my new home. More on that later.

For now, enjoy your day, and be careful who you accept treats from. And never, ever let the door close behind you!

Well I can only guess that moving day is drawing near, because this place looks emptier by the day. Last night Mama G took most of the photos and prints off the walls, and now there’s a bad echo in here. Can you hear me now? Now? Now?

I still am not sure where we’re going, but I keep strategically placing myself to make sure Those Two don’t forget me. Ha, like that would be possible!

When you have a public forum, as I do, it’s nice to use it wisely and responsibly on occasion. So with that in mind, I’m bringing you this public service announcement:

Remember kids, please don’t play with matches.

And please don’t play with my tail, either.

Well, if I didn’t know any better, I’d guess that in one of my previous eight lives I was a hardwood floor!

I hear humans have a game called cricket, which probably has its own share of strange, human-type rules. But I need not concern myself with them, because I have my own version of the game, which basically has no rules. Yup, all I need is for one hapless participant to stumble onto my playing field and it’s game on!

Such was the case in our basement last night. My opponent put up a pretty good fight, even keeping me at bay at one point with his amazing hopping ability. Finally I had had enough and moved in for the decisive win, but apparently my preparing to eat my opponent was a bit too much for Mama G. She intervened, called an injury timeout of sorts, and helped my opponent out in a plastic cup. Nevertheless, I don’t think he’ll be getting a leg up on anything soon, if you know what I mean.

Hey, I’m sorry, but if you don’t play to win, what’s the point?

Sorry I haven’t posted in a while, but there is a lot happening at our house these days and I’m not sure what to make of it all. Things are disappearing like crazy and new things are showing up, like this pet carrier.

Now I hate being manipulated as much as the next guy, but when treats are involved, I have a hard time saying no. I feel so deliciously used!

The carrier seemed pretty cozy and certainly more comfortable than the hard plastic one with prison bars that I have now.

I guess this means I really am going somewhere!