We've taken on a new cat - Tigger

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felton

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We took Tigger to the "evil vet" on the 31st of March (already scheduled BTW) for a checkup. He had abused us both just before we went and he drank quite a bit of water, thus we were hoping that he would not have an empty bladder when we arrived. We normally take along an extra towel since he insists on having an empty bladder when we walk into the exam room. True to form he did. If you were to listen to Tigger on the way he would be saying: "You are taking me away to remove my toenails!"
"You must turn around and go home or I will wet my towel!"
"You WILL turn around! NOW!!!"
"I'm going to ignore you for the rest of the day!!"
and sulk mode starts when we walk in the door of the "evil vet".

Check up shows that he has lost a pound in weight during the last three months. Alarm flags pop up. "Evil vet" takes a blood sample to test kidney function. We are concerned. "Evil vet" recommends we start Tigger on kidney food. We get a small bag to see how he will take to the new food. We now have three different kinds of master food. One type for Sterling (who we recently got some good pictures of with our new camera - I will post them soon) who is diabetic. Sterling is OFF insulin right now. The new kind of insulin seems to agree with him and it appears that it affected his metabolism. We will take him back to the vet in a month to see how he's doing. Great news in my opinion.

but I've gotten off track from my master Tigger. We get Tigger home.

Sulk mode - "You took me to the "evil vet" and she stabbed me. How many times have I told you not to take me out of my domain!"

We open the new bag of food and Tigger deigns to "try" some of the new food.

"OH! This is yummy! I want more!" but we only give about a teaspoon as we have no wish to upset his digestive tract.

Tigger forgets the "evil vet" and decides to go work.

----- Three days later ------

Vet calls and tells us that the test results indicate that a possible thyroid problem is detected. She orders an additional test (no further need to draw blood as they still have sufficient amount left for testing)

Tigger still likes the new food.

I was standing in the kitchen and happened to look toward the front door. Imagine a four way intersection please. Front door is north. Short hall to garage is east - with another opening into living room. Kitchen is to the south - and a passthrough to living room. Hall to the west that goes to bedrrom, computer room/office, and guest bathroom. Shadow Ram is sitting at the north. In the middle of the intersection is Charlie. He's bathing. Tigger is in the south intersection looking behind him toward me. I turn toward them and ALL THREE start walking down the hall. I turn the corner to see them walking three abreast.

They look like the "Three Musketeers" walking down a street.

"Oh! It's the bathroom. I'm thirsty"

All "three mouse-keteers" had the same thought at the same time. They all make a "by the right flank - march" as if ordered by a Marine Drill Sergeant. It was beauriful and I wish I had a movie camera in my hands when it occured. You folks would have enjoyed it also. I told DW a short time later, and she wished she could have seen it also.

but I digress..... seeing them make the "by the right flank - march" I jump to the conclusion that my masters are thirsty. I go down the hall to turn on the water. Shadow Rams is in the front. Charlie is next and Tigger is last.

Tigger makes a command decision and goes to the front of the line. Rank hath its Privileges and no objections are made by my younger masters. Ah.. it's nice to be chief, eh Tigger?

Tigger looks briefly at me when I make that statement and he turns to continue drinking. Tigger drinks for a very long time.

"I'm done now slave. Take me to the bed so I may get to work."

I do and he does. Shadow Ram and Charlie join a short time later.

I leave them to their labors and go off in search of DW to tell the tale.

-----------to be continued as something interesting occurs-----------
 
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felton

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I purchased a 6" tall potted plant in 1985 when I moved to Colorado. It looked like a baby palm tree. That's what I call it since I've long forgotten its name. I have transplanted to larger pots over the intervening years.

You may wonder why I bring this up in "The Tigger Chronicles" (I rather like that name - Thank you CarolPetunia) I'll get to that shortly

The plant has since gotten over 10' tall, has 4 "trunks" that are about 2" thick. The fronds are about 3' long.

Tigger LOVES to play with the fronds. He can get up to the kitty TV window sill and bat the fronds around (one of trunks bends down enough so that it is just barely in his reach. (Charlie likes to play with them also)

DW and I both sing in our church choir and we received fronds on Palm Sunday. I spooed (for those of you who are unfamilar with that term I'll give a hint. Oops) and left a palm on the table. Since Tigger is the only master allowed on the table he found it today while Nancy was about. She rescued the palm and Tigger was in "Kitty Krazy" mode batting at the palm. DW used her new camera to catch some of the action and I used it to try to get a leap into the air. I'll review the short movies and try to post some stills of the Tigger dance, if not the link to the movie.

ah... life with my master continues. %^)
 
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felton

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The "evil vet" called us today about the blood work resutlts. Tigger is doing nicely with his kidney disease and he seems to have a slight infection so he is going to be on antibiotics. Test results also indicate that he may have a thyroid problem. He will be on a thyroid medicine for two weeks and he will get tested again to see how he's doing.

The vet gave us options on the meds:

Thyroid:

1. Pills (have you ever tried to pill a cat?)
2. Liquid (have you ever tried to pour liquids down a cats mouth? We do have a injector that works but we've seen the medicine spit out so this is out)
3. Salve to smear in his ear. It gets absorbed and he gets the medicine he needs. (I'll give you two guess' which option we chose_

Anti-biotic

1. See above
2. See above
3. There is no three so we're forced to use option 1. (sigh)

I wonder if they will ever put antibiotics into salve for an infection?

I purchased a new DVD/VCR today and I installed it in our media center. I had the rapt attention of a certain master whose name starts with Tigger. oh... I gave that away didn't I....

"Oh... you brought me a box to sniff and play with. Go away slave"

Tigger sniffed
Tigger jumped into the box
Tigger jumed out of the box
Tigger jumped into the box
Tigger jumped out of the box
and than Tigger decided to get onto the shelf where the DVD/VCR is. He walked around the unit (barely able to fit since he had to crouch down) and I think he liked it there. He laid down and decided to work for a time. He got up, started to bump his head and he decided that it was too cramped for a stretch and so he came out.

Now it was time for a stretch.

"What are you looking at slave. I was checking to see if any mice were back there!"

uhh.... ok that's your story and you're going to stick with it I suppose. Thank you for checking for mice.

I see that Tigger has gone to work on the bed so I best tiptoe out.
 
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as an aside in "The Tigger Chronicles":

Charlie, who is biggest cat we have and has very little fat, decided to check out behind the new DVD/VCR player. Even crouching he barely fit between the two shelves. He squeezed in, decided that the fan in the back of the unit was too noisy (I think that's what it was since he did not tell me anything - just glared) and came back out. Watching him turn around was a little funny.

"Why are you laughing slaves. I'm demonstrating my agility and how limber I am."

Than he decided to bath himself....

and ignored us. We're just slaves
 
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felton

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We gave Tigger his thyroid and antibiotic meds a few minutes ago.

"WHAT ARE YOU SLAVES DOING TO ME!!!"

"I DON'T WANT THAT PILL"

"WHAT IS THAT STUFF YOU"RE PUTTING IN MY EAR"

We received a GLARE and he stomped off when he was set down on the floor. I'm unsure as to when we'get back on his good side. He's bathing right now and trying to fit a paw into his ear to get the thyroid medicine out.

(sorry Tigger but it's for your own good)
 

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I just found your story tonight. It is very late here (1 AM), my eyes are almost shut. But I could not go to bed without finishing your "Chronicles of Tigger." I love it! I think you are a very humble man for not recognizing the profound effet that you are having on all of us. You have given me hope. I have a master that will 17 in August. I have been concerned about her but I do believe that we will be fine. Thank you for that. Please keep sharing your life with us. Signed slave of Tubby (7), Little Kitty (16 3/4), and Ozzy (4).
 
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Originally Posted by gert452000

I just found your story tonight. It is very late here (1 AM), my eyes are almost shut. But I could not go to bed without finishing your "Chronicles of Tigger." I love it! I think you are a very humble man for not recognizing the profound effet that you are having on all of us. You have given me hope. I have a master that will 17 in August. I have been concerned about her but I do believe that we will be fine. Thank you for that. Please keep sharing your life with us. Signed slave of Tubby (7), Little Kitty (16 3/4), and Ozzy (4).
Thank you, although I'm just beginning to really understand that Tigger has a much wider ranging effect upon people than I first suspected. I would be concerned about "Little Kitty" also. Not unlike the last years of Sitka and Kaitu, my Alaskan Malamutes that had to cross the Rainbow Bridge last year. [sniff...I still miss them, as well a host of others; King Arthur, Charlie dog, Princess, Lady and others still]

On a happier note we noticed a bathing party last night. Tigger, Charlie (three legged cat and not the dog from 30 years ago) and Shadow Ram were each giving and receiving a bath. DW got a picture of them and as luck wood have it, Tigger was captured with his tongue out and looking like he was touching his nose.
 
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I just finished uploading the movie to YouTube.

Tigger Dancing

 
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I was sitting on the bed when Tigger jumped up and started "head bumping"

"Pet me"

"Pet me"

I complied with this order and noticed that he lost a whisker. I picked it up and showed it to him while asking: "Did you drop something?"

I must have struck a nerve so Tigger tried to eat the whisker. When that failed he rubbed his nose against it. This tickled his nose so he batted at the whisker.

Have you ever seen a cat ever try to smack a whisker? It was almost like a kitty dancer moment. DW and I both started laughing. Tigger stopped, looked around and ZOOOOOM.... he was off to the kitty krazy races around the house.

About 5 minutes later he came back to the bedroom and decided to go to work (as if nothing had happened of course)

"Go away slave. I'm trying to work here"

We did as we were told.
 
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This is second hand information, but I trust the source. DW took our master out for a walk today (We have a harness and leash to take those masters who wish to go out for a walk) Tigger had great fun rolling around in the dirt and eating new grass (we hope he doesn't get sick)

A neighbor dog came walking up to about 5' away and barked. Tigger was ready to show the intruder how effective his claws were and he told the dog how he felt. Dog person decided that it was not a wise move to come any closer. Dog person trotted away and Tigger settled down.

All in all a fine outing I suspect. I pulled into the driveway as Tigger decided to explore the flowerbed and eat some weeds. He got a little nervous with my car and felt he should go inside for the night.

He promptly went to work on the bed.
 
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For a reason known only unto Tigger, he started running up and down the hall. I noticed this when he had made a sudden 180 when I was in the computer room checking email. On his next trip through I asked him if he was having fun. Tigger, being the master that he is, did not answer but continued his running. I walked across the hall to lounge on the bed and watch some Mythbusters BTW.

I was settled in, when Tigger made a flying leap and landed on my back. He stretched out, getting the kinks out of his needle claws and trying to see if I would react (I suppose that why he did the needle claw trick) When he was done stretching, he settled in for a long winters nap - uh err.... work. He got to work. It was chilly out and methinks he wanted to have a source of warmth to work on. Three of our masters do this. Tigger, Charlie and Shadow Ram. Charlie and Tigger like to stretch out or curl up on a lap/legs. Shadow Ram will lounge over the legs or use legs/ankles for a pillow. Sterling will lounge beside his slave or curl up beside me because I'll give him attention. He likes to lounge on my chest and purr in my ear till he gets nervous. Than it's LAUNCH to the floor (leaving little needle holes in me) and RUN AWAY. Sometimes it saunter out of the room, but that's infrequent.

-------insert an hour of time here---------

My legs have gone to sleep
my arms are tired of proping up my head/upper body.
I can't see if Tigger is still working so I ask DW is she can tell if Tigger is working. The angle does not give her a complete view, but she thinks his eyes are rolled up and he's contemplaing his navel.

My master Tigger MUST have attuned to our conversation because he looked over at DW (she told me this) DW told Tigger that he looked wonderful.

"I like your telling me this slave. It still means I'm your master"

Tigger must have nodded his head because I felt movement and he walked over to Nancy. He looked up at her (in adoration) and told her he was hungry.

"I'm hungry. Feed me slave. I've been working hard for at least an hour."

DW heads for the kitchen to feed him. I head for the guest bathroom if he decides to drink first.

Tigger has gone to the kitchen, but Shadow Ram is climbing up to the sink and he has decided he's thirsty.

I ask Shadow Ram to tell me when he's done drinking so I can turn off the water.

-----insert a short time here----------

Tigger has finished eating and runs to the bathroom. Tigger moves Shadow Ram out of the front of the line (it's nice to be chief eh Tigger?) and drinks his fill. Shadow Ram is getting petted by me so he doesn't feel offended by the discourtesy of Tigger. He finally starts purring, whereupon Tigger stops drinking and pushes Shadow Ram out of the way again. I pet Tigger and he purrs. Shadow Ram takes advantage of the running water and drinks his fill.

DW has gone downstairs and lets Charlie up.... and he runs into the bathroom. Too late Charlie. You're last.....

Charlie starts bathing himself.
Tigger decides to wander off
Shadow Ram is now full and he wanders off.
Charlie ignores the water and keeps bathing

I wander off to see what else my master may want of me......
 
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I was awakened this morning by my master Tigger. He stood with his front legs on my chest. This in and of itself is not a big deal, HOWEVER, he had just finished drinking water from the sink. (he will put one leg under the stream of water and drink of the water flowing off the leg and his other leg is placed on the bottom of the sink beside the drain)

Tigger was standing on my chest and his feet were both wet and cold.

"Hey slave - time to get up! I've been up for a long time. I've eaten and I've had a drink! GET UP!"

It is difficult for me to describe how it feels to have two soggy cold paws on my chest and a master who has just eatern. Kibble breath and wet feet.

I've been looking forward to this I can tell you.

Oh thank you my master for making sure I got to work on time.

"I wanted to get to work and you were in the way. Now go away"

Yes my master. I will do your bidding.
 
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I just got home from work and Tigger was very attentive. He wanted lots of attention (which he received) but he was unaware that today he is going to the evil vet to have more blood work done. (followup on his thyroid)

"Give me water slave"
"Pet me Pet me"
"That's enough for now. I'm going exploring"

Tigger jumped up on DW sewing table and decided that he really really really had to get in a plastic bag that was holding yarn. That was quite a sight. (I did rescue him from falling off the table when he got tot he edge while inside the bag rolling around)

"I meant to do that slave! Now you've ruined my demonstration of how a falling cat will land on his feet! It's something you slave are not able to do!"

sew he goes over to bath himself.

I start wrapping a package that should have been mailed several days ago. A daughter of a friend of mine will be getting a handme down digital camera (she's 11 so she will be thrilled as it's her first digital camera)

Tigger decides that he needs to investigate the clear packing tape. He "almost" gets to demonstrate how Tigger cats react to sticky tape. (I think I'd rather not right now as I have to get to bed soon)

I put the packing supplies away in the floor level cabinet that occupies a trapizoid section of the cabinet system for the kitchen (no good for kitchen / cooking but great to store our packing supplies)

Tigger investigates the inside.

"Oh.. it's a nice hiddy hole. I can curl up in here"

Come out Tigger. It's time to go to see evil vet.

Tigger comes out and promptly walks into the Tigger carryall. This is unheard of. Never has Tigger just walked into the cat carry.

Hmmm

Tigger curls up and goes to work.

I had to post this prior to heading off to bed.
 
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DW told me that Tigger performed his usual cat singing while on the way, but he decided to leave his lounging towells dampness free. That resulted in a urine sample being taken. (Thank you Tigger - we want to run tests )

"You're welcome slave people - BUT DID YOU HAVE TO RUB THAT ALCOHOL SMELLY ON MY BELLY?" "It tastes awful" bath bath bath

Scowling at all the slaves - "Leave a master to his bath"

"Oh slave. It's time to take me home"

"I'm not going to talk to you for bringing me here"

and Tigger ignores the entire world while he is being brought home.
 
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I was sitting up on my bed this morning drinking coffee and thinking of what I was going to do today at work. (I have the day watch today) My master Tigger comes into the bedroom, jumps up on the bed and walks over to my lap.

Tigger shakes his head, thus showering me with water

"I was nice enough to provide you your shower this morning, now get dressed and go away. I want to work on your side of the bed."

That was awfully nice of you master. You really didn't need to go out of your way just for me.

Tigger is standing on my legs, and starts to "bonk" his head agains the coffee cup.

"I told you to get up!"

Ok Ok... I get up and Tigger promptly curls up to work. (I notice that he's on the prewarmed section where I just vacated.

"Thank you warming my work place slave. Go now and leave me in peace."

It seems that I had to be told twice this morning.

[ insert showering, dressing and teeth brushing here]

Have a good work day Tigger. I shall see you later.

Tigger choses to ignore me as he is slee.... uh... working.
 
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Sterling is going in to see the evil vet today, and the test results for Tigger may have returned. I'll post results.

I had gone to a friends house to get my son last night. 5 Masters live in that house and one of them jumped on my lap as soon as I sat down. I was forced to give attention till the moment we left.

When I got home Tigger reacted:
"You've been around another cat!"
"You gave attention to another CAT!"
"I must check you over to see if you did anything else!"
"Why should I even have anything to do with you?"

Tigger, Laptop and Shadow Ram all investigated me. Charlie and Sterling ignored me.
 
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The evil vet called this afternoon and I thought you folks would like to know.

Tigger kidney disease bloodwork and urine sample indicates that he is concentrating waste products nicely. The frequent demands for water and the kidney diet food are working better than expected. We thought it nice of Tigger to not wet his blanket on the way to see evil vet and allow us to breath a sigh of relief about his condition.

Thyroid test indicates that he has to stay on the gel we smear in his ear every day. He does not really object to the application now (we think he thinks we're paying attention to him - and he's pleased with attention, as are most of our masters)
 
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Several things have happened since last I chronicled Tigger. The last two days have been somewhat trying for him because he figured out that DW is going on a trip. (DW is going to Rome to sing in St. Peter's Basilica and Naples for a concert) Tigger was at the door when I got back from dropping DW off at the church and he wanted alot of attention. Understandable

Later, I was sitting at the computer and Tigger jumped up on the desk and walked to my shoulder. He than settled down with his head on my shoulder and body draping down to my arm. It looked like I was going to burp him. I had to lean back just a bit so he would be comfortable. He only purred when I petted him.

Tigger misses his slave. He is used to sleeping ON his slave so he had a restless night. He did curl up beside my head for a short time, right before I fell asleep.

Right now he's sitting on the window sill where he can observe his slaves VW Beetle. Methinks Tigger is a little depressed.

Hang in there Tigger. Your slave will be home in 9 days.
 
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With his primary slave missing, Tigger has been down and out. I'm gone 13 hours a day and I have been on night shift. Our son is the only slave available and he is taking care of 5 masters, therefore he's overworked. I do what I can when I get home but can not fill the void. Poor Tigger your slave will return soon
 
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