Homeless Cat -- Now Spotacus' Legacy

[Wanderlost]

On 18 Dec, a very large cat showed up at our house. It was late and cold, and he looked in the door and made it clear he wanted inside. Well, since we have two cats already and he was a stranger, we could not let him in the house. WLToo walked out and the cat ran to him, so he walked the cat into the garage and into the climate controlled room out there.

He was extremely hungry and thirsty, but in otherwise good condition and very clean. We fixed up a bed for him, set up the feeding and elimination stations, and went to bed.

Next day, we worked in the garage all day, while the big guy slept or supervised. We found him to be an intact male, no sign he's ever worn a collar, and he has a strong need to be in the general vicinity of humans. For an intact male, he's remarkably mellow - I don't think he was the alpha cat in his previous home.

Have had zero responses to the "found cat" notices around the area and online, so we'll be working with the local rescues to get him neutered and all his shots, then find him a home. We can't keep him because he's just too big for our two cats to share our small house. Alex would have another emotional meltdown, and I don't want to go through that mess again (long, ugly story).

For now, we're calling him Spot, not that he answers to it (does answer to "Kitty, Kitty"). No idea how he travels; we'll find out when we take him to the vet on Tuesday.

If anyone knows of someone who would like a large (about 15-18 pounds) cat who needs to be with people, please let me know. No cat novices, please; this cat needs someone who knows exactly how to handle an adult cat of this size, especially when he's feeling frisky.





We're at Canyon Lake, TX, so if there are any Winter Texans nearby who would like to meet him and maybe give him a home, that would be great.

[Wanderlost]

I do, magnusfide, but he's not listening just yet.

Another hefty progress on Rudy's part: this evening, he joined me in my recliner. Didn't stay long, but he did come back again and again. He's still figuring out just how close he wants to be. Right now, he and Czarny are sleeping on the love seat, which they have claimed as their own.

Got all the Christmas presents wrapped. Now we need to find boxes for shipping and get them out of here.

Leoghaire came up yesterday. We had some celery getting limp, so I gave it to her. WLToo really needs to reload the feeder.

Tall Friend and WLToo took me out for a birthday dinner, to a restaurant we'd not yet tried. Blech. Won't be going there again.

Have an editing job to finish this week, then it's time to get out all the decorations and get busy. WLToo plans to put his shot bags around the Christmas tree base, to lessen the chances of the cats making the tree fall when they climb it (and they will). I think a blanket underneath, then the tree skirt, might lessen the chances of a decoration breaking when they knock it off the tree. Sigh. Haven't had kittens in so many years that remembering how to kitten-proof for Christmas is a bit of a lost art.

Czarny's awake and demanding I play with him. Later, y'all.

[magnusfide]

Tell WLToo that hiring help for the pole barn is a lot cheaper than hefting those poles by himself and the resultant hospital bills. :w

[Wanderlost]

It got positively nippy last night, down into the 30s, although not freezing. WLToo turned the heater on. Reminds me: we need more firewood. It's dead still outside, which is unusual, but ensures there's no wind chill factor to deal with. Also supposed to warm into the 60s, so when I head to the airport to pick up Mom, a flannel shirt will be all I need.

While cousin was visiting, the doe herd did its evening stroll. Reminded me of the early years here, when we also had a buck herd. Now we're lucky to see two bucks. Cursed poachers! Anyway, cousin has lost over 100 pounds, still has another 100 to go, but she's looking so very much better. Her knees need replacing, so as soon as she's below 40% BMI, she'll get that done and finally stop having to use crutches. Makes my needing to lose 100 pounds look paltry -- don't need anything replaced, just lose the fat. Hence, the FitBits for Christmas -- we both need the nagging those devices will provide.

Yesterday, my dermatologist looked at all the scabs on my left arm and shoulder and raised an eyebrow. I said, "Kittens." He replied, "Nice tracks." Otherwise, skin check was good. Done with doctors for several months now.

The RV dealer has been keeping us informed as to Obi-Wander's repairs status -- mostly on how long it takes the parts to get to the dealer. I'm convinced warranty repair parts only get to the dealer via the dealer's next RV order, so when the RV is driven down, our repair parts are loaded. Can't see any more logical reason for why it takes so long. I do hope we get her back soon, though. We need to use her residential refrigerator through the holidays.

Meanwhile, WLToo has been designing a pole barn to put Obi-Wander under. Because the parking spot is slightly tilted and on top of a limestone ledge, the concrete pilings will all be at different heights. The mechanics of boring the holes for the concrete pilings is really the hardest part. Well, that and he thinks he can raise a 16' high pole barn all by himself at age 65...riiiiight.

Between that and designing some smaller side tables for our great room (which isn't really all that large), he'll be busy all winter. He just finished making two coin displays, one for us and one for Warrant Officer 1 Nephew, now in flight training at Fort Rucker. Between the two of us, we accumulated 30 commemorative coins during our military and military civilian careers. WO1 Nephew could accumulate many more, so WLToo made his display larger. Both are in walnut with tung oil finish -- beautiful wood.

Both cats got me up a little early, desperately needing to play. Now they're off napping somewhere and I'm seriously considering one myself. After breakfast, though. There's some hot herbal tea and oatmeal calling my name.

Later, y'all.

[magnusfide]

It's a great life!

[Wanderlost]

New Morning routine:

Wake up when Czarny starts licking my hair. Eeeww.
Get up. Try not to trip over Rudy as he weaves between my legs during morning ablutions.
Argue with both cats over whose clothes I'm trying to wear.
Go into great room and look for kitty baton toys while antiphonal cats sing to me.
Conduct William Lathem's symphonic band piece, Dilemma, with two kitty toy batons. Dr. Gary T. Garner is my hero...
Dilemma
When kitties and my arms wear out, eat breakfast. Cats take nap under bed.

Those new FitBit thingies we're giving each other for Christmas should show some interesting reports with this morning routine...

For those who don't want to sit through the whole piece, Dilemma features a section where Dr. Garner is conducting half the band in allegro 2/4 time and half in a leisurely 6/8. He literally conducts 2/4 with one arm and 6/8 with the other. I highly doubt any other conductor can do it, as I've never even heard of another band performing this piece that WT commissioned back in my university symphonic band days in the 1970s. Ever since, only Dr. Garner has conducted it. I'm doing something similar with the cat batons, as each cat has his own playing style and rhythm.

The contractors just finished with replacing/repairing/repainting our soffits. Look good, and with the new cedar boards instead of pine, they should last at least as long as we will own this place.

It was lovely yesterday. Today, the wind came in and a cold front will follow. Next couple of days will be in the 50s, with lows in the upper 30s. Then we're back to 60s/70s highs and 40s/50s lows. I do love it here.

Cousin will arrive tomorrow for a visit. They're staying in their favorite RV park halfway between us and their son's place. I believe their dogs will remain with the fifth wheel, which will be a relief to Czarny and Rudy.

WLToo is making étouffée for dinner. No shrimp, because shrimp and I do not get along, but chicken, andouille and scallops. We'll have it over rice, even though white rice is not really good for my glucose load, unless he decides to cook up wild rice. His choice.

Meanwhile, I'm thawing a roast to start marinating it for sauerbraten. Just felt the urge to have some nice sauerbraten, but didn't want to go to town for it. Besides, the whole roast means more for me....

Tea got cold; guess I'd better heat it up. Later, y'all.

[Old_Man]

Rudy is ADORABLE!!!

[magnusfide]

Bet that turkey was outstanding. We always make extra for those dishes we eat at Christmas too. The freezer is our friend. :W

Rudy is a handsome young man. I would be tempted to call him Spotted Fever with all that zooming.

Their game of "Who's Zoomin' Who" sounds like ours when they were young. That's a great age unless you're trying to sleep.

[Wanderlost]

If these two don't calm down soon, I'll be anemic... I've long had scars from handling cats, but these two are puncturing me several times a day. My dermatologist will have something to say in a couple weeks...

Here's the best picture yet of Rudy. Note how he has spots on his haunches, instead of stripes.



WLToo stayed up all night Wednesday, tending the smoker. The cats decided to keep him company, routinely zooming through the house to keep him awake. The result was three exhausted guys and a great smoked turkey. We all managed to not overeat, we sent plenty of leftovers home with visitors, and we still have most of a turkey to serve at our writers' group Christmas potluck.

Today, WLToo is still sleeping off and on. Rudy and Czarny did their early morning zooming, played with me (demanded it, actually), zoomed some more, and are also sleeping. I'm considering a nap myself. It's just that kind of day.

Leoghaire and this year's fawn came up yesterday and this morning. We didn't have anything for them (they don't like root vegetables, except carrots), so they ate the acorns in the copse.

Cousin with fifth wheel is visiting next week. They lost their dog that Alex despised so much late in the summer, so Czarny and Rudy should not be meeting dogs in the house this trip. I don't think they'd care for it -- they sure flattened their little kitty ears each time the shelter dogs started barking. Guess I won't be playing my tape of dogs barking Jingle Bells this year...

It occurred to me I've not eaten breakfast. If I don't eat, the gastritis pain shows up, so best get to it. Later, y'all.

[magnusfide]

Happy Thanksgiving to Czarny and Rudy and their parents. :c
More photos please.

I like the new title to this thread too. Spotacus would be proud.

[magnusfide]

Sounds like life is settling in for the new fur children. I'm with you about dry stollen. 😛

We both tire easily from shopping so this year and future years we're giving subscriptions to favorite magazines. Woodworking, gardening, cooking, and science mags are the main interests of our relatives and friends. I tuck a note into the Chtistmas card letting them know what they're getting. Easy peasy and it makes them happy getting something all year and not having to pay for a sub.

[Wanderlost]

Took college buddy to the Weinachtsmarkt and we both wound up buying Cutco implements. I got an elk knife for WLToo, since he, Tall Friend and Count Pavel will be hunting elk in January. College buddy got their kitchen shears that will cut through a penny, but aren't sharp edged. Amazing stuff. Then we both picked up some coasters woven in Oaxaca, Mexico by kids, whose parents weave big rugs, etc. The kids get to keep the monies from the coaster sales. And the local lavender farm had a stand of products, so I gave some lavender body butter to college buddy for Christmas.

After that, we went over to Tuesday Morning, where we both found stuff we needed, and I picked up some Christmas serve ware in Sister's china.

On Saturday, after college buddy left, I went to the city, delivered Sister's serve ware, then took Mom to the Weinachtsmarkt. We both bought stollen from a bakery a couple towns north of me. Most commercial stollen is bone dry, but this is super moist (with super sweet icing. I expect a serious glucose spike.). After that, we ate at an Indian restaurant near Mom's place. She'd never had Indian, and it took a bit of waiter assistance to find an entree that was mild enough for her tastebuds, but she did enjoy it.

Meanwhile, the kittens were at home alone all day. Didn't break a thing. They really are such good kitties. Rudy makes very clear when he needs attention: he tries to trip us. I think he'd like to spend some time on our laps, but just hasn't worked up the nerve yet. So we all settle for petting him while he weaves between our legs.

Meanwhile, the Christmas shopping is complete. Tomorrow, I'll wrap it all up, then ship out the long distance ones next week.

WLToo made the turkey brine today and tomorrow will brine the 24-pound turkey Nephew 2 got as a result of being employed by the huge regional grocery chain. Then Wednesday night, he'll put it in the smoker. After smoking some wild pig back strap for college buddy's visit, he thinks he's finally got the technique down. That back strap had ¼" smoke ring on all sides. It was delicious.

Well, it's late and Czarny is trying to push me out of my recliner so he can stretch out. Night, y'all.

[magnusfide]

How was the Weinachtsmarkt?

Am glad to hear Rudy has decided to keep you :c

[pookiebear38]

I haven't been on the forum in a couple of months so I just read through them today. I am so sorry to hear about Spotacus. He was such a special kitty and my heart breaks for his loss but I know that he is thrilled to see Czarny and Rudy get such an awesome new home and family. I'll shed a tear for Spot and then go hug my kitties in his honor. I look forward to reading your new adventures!

[Wanderlost]

My college roommate is here visiting, and actually got Rudy so interested in playing that Rudy decided rubbing against college buddie's legs and getting petted was a good thing. Now he's bouncing around the great room, playing with the toys that Czarny thought were his, and allowing us to pet him a little. Yep, the little guy has decided this is home and these hoomans are his staff.

Last night, he walked all over the bed just after I went to bed, but still did not sleep with us. Czarny spent time on college roomie's bed, then tried to push WLToo off our bed.

Today, Rudy found and is using the Litter Robot. Hope Czarny finds it soon. We're migrating the standard litter box across the great room, and will turn the corner toward the laundry/pantry/mud room in a few more days, hoping both will just use the robot before the Thanksgiving gang is all here. Considering how fussy Rudy is about litter (he will go and bury Czarny's leavings while Czarny's still in the box), getting them both into the robot will be very good for Rudy -- and us.

I'm taking college roomie to the Weinachtsmarkt tomorrow, and Mom on Saturday, so I need a bit more sleep. Later, y'all.

[magnusfide]

We're happy they're settling in, especially Rudy. :c