be-claws why

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Jul 2026 - It might appear that I'm wiping my paws before entering the domicile, but the action is actually claw maintenance (better the tough mat than a piece of furniture, according to the shorter peep).  Being a house cat, my options for a scratching post are limited.  Years ago the taller peep made me one that stands vertically.  He said it was for me, but I confess that I've never used it.  I can't say why (perhaps it had an odd odor?), but I prefer horizontal surfaces, such as carpet or a handy mat.  No smirking - I'm sure you do things that are difficult to support in the harsh light of explanation.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

We are all strange creatures.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - due to the cat, for the reason (and the world likes its reasons)

in for the skill

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Jul 2026 - Halt!  Who goes there?  Oh, it's just the shorter peep, no alarm needed.  The spacing between these posts is too narrow for my passage, and certainly excludes all peeps I've encountered, but there are plenty of four-legged interlopers that could squeeze through if they wished.  The rest of my personal deck is breezy and open, thanks to a fine-gauge mesh, allowing me easy surveillance of the surrounding area.  I actually observed a startled beep (I could have been the cause) forget about the mesh and try to fly through it.  The mistake was quickly corrected, and it was on its way... which counts in my records as a successful mission.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Things are seldom perfect.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrficiency, feline expurrtise

wary traveler

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Jul 2026 - Being the cautious sort, I am not motivated to go where no cat has been before, but very occasionally I have surmounted this sofa... not for its offer of a cushy spot but lured by the gain in elevation.  Also being of the short sort, I rarely am eye-to-eye with my peeps, unless they are horizontal.  So a high perch brings us closer to alignment.  The catch is attaining that lofty position.  As you know I am not a jumper (I have other good points), which means that I must be clever in my approach (or decide it's not worth the effort).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

I really might have

meant to do that.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - admeownition, feline advice

be assured

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Jul 2026 - Who goes there?  (And if it answers, do I skedaddle??)  If I hear leaves rustling, I suspect a squeep and less frequently a cheep.  The former is especially aggravating (no respect for set boundaries), but neither really poses a threat to us or the domicile.  They both have the reputation for gnawing (I've seen the remains of a pine cone they've nibbled to its cob), so they can do damage to the wood deck if the thought crosses their acorn-sized brains.  These concerns keep me vigilant.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Not everyone is as

trustworthy as you.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - conpurrdence, feline trust in the reliability of the thing in question

furry winks

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

17 Jul 2026 - I say let sleeping cats lie.  To be deep in the arms of Morpheus is a wonderful sensation.  From the tip of my tail to my nose, I am relaxed... which doesn't happen often if one is a nervous individual (sound familiar?), so I savor the moment.  But it would only take a loud, sharp noise to spoil my reverie, to fill my body with adrenaline and send me skedaddling to the nearest safe spot.  However why spoil my satifying meep-chasing reveries with what-ifs?  Far better is to settle into the peaceful comfort and enjoy my deserved zzzzs.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Just say "thank you."

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - feline grateful, deeply appreciative of benefits received (and earned, I might add)

keep it local

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

16 Jul 2026 - The shorter peep has dibs on this spot (she likes a comfy perch as well), but I grab it when it's vacant and I need to rest.  Sometimes I happen along when the pillow is still warm (and dented)... my lucky day!  And those times when she has claimed it (no argument from me), I always have fall-back positions, one actually nearby (with my own dent) should I wish to keep an eye on peep activity.  Just over there, where you are, is where we two have breakfast.  To allow for proper digestion (and that anticipated morning brush), I don't wander far.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Get to know your surroundings.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - neighpurrhood, a vicinity claimed by a cat

safe versus sorry

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

15 Jul 2026 - And lest you don't believe me, here is proof that I'm comfortable with the new portal.  I can't put into words, at least the sort my peeps would understand, my issue with the prior arrangement.  But then irrational (as in not governed by reason) actions are basically driven by emotions, and very difficult to overcome with logic.  I just know that it felt ominous, dangerous.  There are probably examples of my kind that would have taken that portal on, whacked it a few times with claws extended, and settled who is boss... but that wouldn't be me.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

You go right ahead and

face your fears.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - timeowrous, apprehensive (it's my middle name)