cat tails from the crypt

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 October 2020 - Tuxedos should not be lumped in the category of black cats, especially today.  We are not a breed, but are grouped by our bi-color coat pattern.  Although my white fur is outnumbered, perhaps two to one, the proportion of black to white varies among us... and adjectives are actually assigned to describe those differences.  For example, tuxies with the Van pattern are white except for the tail and crown of the head; those with random patches are called harlequins.  With my white face, chest, belly, and paws, I fit into the more standard tuxedo definition.  However as past photographs have documented, even within the common norm, I have, and proudly wear, my unique features.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Underneath it all,

we are more alike than not.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

fact of the day - more than 70% of the cats depicted in Egyptian tombs are tuxedos

distinguished quest

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 October 2020 - What happened to yesterday's lovely afternoon heat?  I am a Florida feline, and we have no problems with hot and sticky.  However my two peeps feel otherwise (and have been grousing accordingly).  We are each entitled to an opinion, but unfortunately their two votes best mine... the fate of a minority living in a democracy.  I don't have much experience yet to offer to a constituency (but no lack of charm), yet believe I have great potential as benign dictator.  Once I have accumulated a few more years of herding the masses, maybe I can purrlay my talents onto the throne.  I already have a mental picture of myself curled upon a royal cushion, soft and heated against the chill... but not a hot seat.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Imagine a place where

every kit can have kingly dreams.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - monumeowtal, of great acclaim and great import (without added pounds)

brighten the task

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 October 2020 - The taller peep and I are hanging out together more now.  That "taller" aspect of him was disconcerting at first, but I've discovered that he is a good head scratcher.  And on a rare afternoon we nap together.  Of course his sleep is sound and undisturbed, in some part because I am the one with one eye open, one ear cocked... on interloper alert.  I am not complaining:  it is good to have a job for which one is appreciated... and I happen to excel at it as well.  Our trio work well as a team, each with his/her talents and responsibilities.  And we are all self-motivated, which means that my title of office manager is largely symbolic (and is reflected in the measly pay... but I am not complaining).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't subtract

from the equation.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrsent, to offer as well as the gift itself, both with a Cheshire smile

the launch of Spunknix

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 October 2020 - An indoor cat has limited climbing options, especially of the permitted sort.  Although I see a forest on the other side of our many portals, there sadly is no handy tree inside our walls.  But I am resourceful and imaginative (and curious), so my occasional need to scale the heights can be accommodated.  My coming-down technique needs more practice (and more frinesse), and largely depends upon a flying dismount (so far so good).  However by pressing my back into the wall, I can ascend the inside of this barn ladder like I was born for the task.  A high perch has many things to offer a cat:  a safe spot, an excellent overview, and a physical challenge.  I have been stressing that second point to the shorter peep as crucial to fulfillment of my duties.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Sometimes you have to

rise above the fray.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - feline fine, that "it's great to be alive" energy of a happy cat in his prime

fishful thinking

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 October 2020 - I can't fathom why my peeps don't totally hang out in this screened area.  It offers great views and a superb overlook of our northern flank.  All sorts of things saunter or flit by, and noises reach us from well beyond the woods.  Of course my surveillance would be seriously hampered if I shared this space with two smelly, loud peeps (and both of those adjectives are based on using me as the "normal").  The shorter peep and I have worked out the protocol for my coming and going... which means that once I get her attention, I can enter and leave as I wish.  But there is no guarantee how quickly that will happen... let me just say that naps have been taken during the wait.  Maybe she'll agree to installing a brass bell at that door, that I can jangle with my paw?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It never hurts to ask

(but the answer might sting).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purromising, hopeful and confident (but then we have nine lives of time)

a lively discussion

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 October 2020 - I don't recall seeing"life coach" among my job descriptors.  However I am the household sentry... and if the shorter peep sits for too long, I call a halt.  Movement is key, whether you're a cat or a peep.  Without exchanging numbers I am certain that she is significantly older than I, and so can especially benefit from exercise in any form.  Being the only feline on the premises (a situation that does not need rectifying), I also fancy a play mate from time to time.  After much insistence she will oblige, staging mock chases and toy tosses.  The point I'd like to stress is that we both benefit from these physical activities... although I also enjoy her lap.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Put a bounce in

your step.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

hero of the day - Sir Purrcival, legendary cat of the night, who undertakes a quest to protect his peeps

dupes and don'ts

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 October 2020 - The shorter peep and I share lots of together time.  From my perspective, she is my shadow:  I turn around, and there she is.  I also realize that she might see our situation differently.  Conscious beings do seem to be egocentric, and certainly the younger versions of us believed the world revolved around them ("look at me... am I not fascinating?").  One doesn't have to poke about in history too deeply to find that opinion held by grown-ups... after all the sun does seem to drift across the sky each day.  So enamored were they of that cosmic arrangement they made it heretical to suggest otherwise.  I always am suspicious of motive when one proclaims to possess the correct ideas.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Power is an attractor.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - cativate, to enthrall a peep (very useful at times, and gratifying in general)

get a gripe

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 October 2020 - My peeps are constantly popping through, and invariably stop to say "hi" and scratch my head.  I appreciate the thought that prompts the pause and most definitely lap up the attention... are you anticipating a "but"?  I don't wish to sound ungrateful (but probably will): their well-meaning visits are major disruptors of my day.  I could be awakened from a lovely sleep, just as I was about to nab that crazy beep at the window... very aggravating (being awakened, as well as that beep).  Or I could be hunkered down in the screened area, with eyes locked upon  an interloper... only to have my cover blown.  My job is hard enough without this sort of "help".  Or it might be a case of bath interruptus.  If the peep dallies overly long (or gives especially wonderful head rubs), I could easily forget what body parts had been washed... and have to start all over again.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Friends can be

a mixed blessing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - demewr, to suggest, by thought or deed, the origins of "sourpuss"

wild mannered

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 October 2020 - Play time is when I get to pretend I am fierce, despite weighing less than ten pounds.  Tussling, chomping, grappling, maneuvering are all fun ways to practice feline life skills.  One of my toys even squeaks when I grab it... what a great idea, whoever is responsible!  It is too easy to lose oneself in the fight and inadvertently bite the hand that puts kibble in the bowl, so part of my brain is charged with toeing that line.  And that also is a useful life skill, because once you disconnect from observing the action, you can no longer adapt your strategies.  Again my innate caution serves me well.  And by not inflicting collateral damage I am further appreciated by my peeps, which means more chin chucks for "such a good boy" me.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Do no harm

is a good goal.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - sweet-tempurred, not easily roused to anger (i.e., more treats for the sweet)

the same, James

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 October 2020 - I realize that there are my kind that have smashed-in faces, but I find a bit of a snout yields a much more regal silhouette.  "When they were giving out noses, I thought I heard 'posies' and said, 'I'll take one that smells nice'"... so luckily that turned out alright.  But obviously we take what we are given, and try to make the most of any shortfall.  Although it is a fun mental exercise to imagine the purrfect me:  would I toss out the tuxedo?  would I choose long hair instead?  It seems that many, lured by something new or different, would elect to alter the floor model.  But I am a big fan of same-old-same-old, especially since any change in my environment, such as rearranged furniture or an opened door, requires a thorough vetting... for security reasons.  Caution, my unofficial middle-name, makes me purrfer the known.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Stick to the path.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - diplocat, one who deals with issues in an effective and level-headed meowner

are you serious?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 October 2020 - My formative years were fairly primitive, certainly when compared to my current situation.  So the concept of play and things devoted to "play" are novel ideas.  I suppose I rough-housed with my siblings, but that may or may not be true.  And whatever behaviors I demonstrated then were essentially preparation for a hardscrabble life, one where I hunted for my food and kept one step ahead of those with "cat" on their menu choices.  This background information is provided so that you'll understand my confoundment and suspicion when I come upon some new-to-me frivolity.  Are my pampered kin really so bored (or shallow) to find this gaudy thing an amusement?  Who would buy into a conduit between here and there, when an unobstructed path already exists?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Beware of shortcuts.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - "handle with kit gloves", to treat with special consideration (after all we are Bastet's representatives)

mutual, I'm sure

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 October 2020 - The shorter peep and I have a good portion of the morning to ourselves.  This camaraderie is an excellent way to begin our day,  stoking positive vibes for both of us.  After four months of observation her breakfast routine is very familiar, and I like to pop in while making my rounds.  Our diets are very different, so our friendship isn't tested by food competition.  And thankfully we both get ample calories to meet our physical needs.  Hunger would increase the likelihood of hard feelings, even the potential for conflict.   Based on their eye placement, peeps, like cats, do possess the killer instinct.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't confuse good behavior

with typical.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meownacing, arching the back in you'd-be-wise-to-heed warning

stranger in the night

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 October 2020 - We all like to believe that we have our mysterious side.  Who wants to think that casual acquaintances know our thoughts and can predict our next move?  Being a closed book certainly is an advantage to those of us whose job is to observe without drawing attention.  Our ability to silently enter and exit the scene is the stuff of poetry, and on a par with certain nocturnal beeps that fly without disturbing the air.  And then there is our aloof nature, cultivated by any discerning feline, which adds to the overall impression of secrecy.  And in fact there may not be any secrets behind our poker pusses, but it is the possibility after all that keeps the opposition off-kilter and guessing.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The savvy shamus doesn't

sport squeaky sneakers.

(Try saying that five times.)

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrplexing, enigmatic (deliberately purrhaps)