Tuesday, October 27, 2015

One In, One Out

Mugwumps
Mugwumps was adopted last week! She truly picked her people. Several people have been interested in her. She is quite gorgeous. But each time people met her, she hung around for a minute or two and then would walk across the room, refusing to return. For these people, she hopped right up on their shoulders. She gave them kisses and patted their faces. They thought they chose her but she actually chose them.

Panjandrum
Interestingly enough, Mugwumps was a silent kitty in the foster room. She rarely spoke and when she did, she simply opened her mouth and nothing came out. Once adopted, she has become a big ol' chatter bug.

A few days after Mugsie was adopted, another kitten came in. This in Panjandrum, Snollygoster's sister. The person who captured Snollygoster, finally caught his sister. She looks like a cross between a lynx and a rabbit. She is quite vocal and definitely wants out of her kennel. She's a little more wild than her brother. She vibrates when she eats, just like her brother.

Snollygoster is still confined to a kennel (so is Panjandrum). They're in separate kennels that face each other so they can see each other. They both get to come out when they eat. I place the bowl right on my lap and pet them while they eat (I take them out separately). They're both still super scared and confining them to a kennel ensures that they won't burrow into a hiding spot where I'll never see them again. They only get to eat when I'm in the room as it helps to reinforce that people are good, they bring food. They both are no longer flat against the back of the kennel; they sit towards the front and observe the chaos of the foster room. Snollygoster even snagged some toys into his kennel and will play quietly. As soon as I open the kennel door, they both retreat to the back of the kennel. The day they stop fearing me, moving away from me, they will get free room privileges. I was hoping Snolly would have graduated by now but a week was a little too ambitious. He's gaining weight and seems to be content. Panjie would like to get out; she's a little more high strung than he brother. She may take even longer than her brother to come around fully, though.

So that's the story. One got adopted and made room for another to join the foster room (albeit in a kennel).


Monday, October 19, 2015

And another one....

Snollygoster
And another one has entered the room. It might be awhile before you see Snollygoster wandering about. He was found up north wandering around by himself. The person who captured him said it took four people to get him. I'm assuming it took so many because he was completely scared out of his mind. He's a bit scared now. He lets me hold him and will even start purring but once released, he's completely wild. He is currently kenneled in the room until he learns to trust me.

Snollygoster definition: an unprincipled but shrewd person.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Gazump, mid lick
Two more kittens have entered the room and I've continued with the unusual words naming theme. Introducing Jackanapes (definition: an impertinent, presumptuous person, especially a young man) and Gazump (definition: a swindler or cheat, particularly when selling a house and then raising the price or accepting another offer from a different buyer).


Jackanapes and Gazump were found in Frogtown (a section of St. Paul, MN). They were being harassed by several boys who were tossing them around like balls. Understandably, Jack and Gaz are a little leery of being handled right now. They purr when petted but do not like to be picked up. They are not fans of the other kittens in the room and growl up a scary storm when approached. The other kittens are quite stumped by this. It's actually quite funny to see a kitten who is three times their size freeze and then back away from Jack or Gaz. Oh, the power of a might roar.

Jackanapes
Gaz is quite fond of sitting behind me, just out of reach. He likes to continually poke me in the back. He really wants attention and interaction. He's just a little out of sorts from his ordeal. His brother Jack likes to sit on the couch behind me, just at my shoulder but not touching me. Jack purrs a little more readily than his brother.

Both boys are quite sweet. Neither hide. They stand their ground with the other kittens. They are not skittish. They're just a little apprehensive. They'll get over it soon enough.


Wednesday, October 7, 2015

The Dessert Menu

Cannoli
Some of you eagle eye cam watchers may have noticed some teenies running around the past week and a half. They were transferred from another Feline Rescue caregiver, who had too many fosters (her remaining all have medical issues).

Tiramisu and Anisette
Originally there were three new ones - Anisette, Tiramisu, and Cannoli. Unfortunately, Cannoli suddenly passed away. He was coughing and losing weight. He saw the vet a day later who diagnosed him with giardia (he had severe diarrhea). A day later, as I watched the camera, I noticed that Cannoli was exhibiting signs of distress - pacing, twitching, and gasping for breath. I immediately left work and took him to the vet. He was placed on oxygen and an X-Ray showed that his abdomen was filled with fluid. The vet recommended euthanasia. The three things that had the symptoms he was showing were all terminal. A necropsy was conducted; the results will come back in a couple of weeks.

The other two kittens Anisette and Tiramisu are sweet little tortie girls that are incredibly bonded. They are about 8-9 weeks old although they look to be about 6 weeks old. They're stunted (so was Cannoli). They came from Animal Control when they were about 4 weeks old without a mother. They are good little eaters and happy little girls. One of these days they'll get big. They absolutely love to sit on my lap.

Rest in peace, little Cannoli.