my cautionary tail

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 June 2020 - Look!  Another capture of me out after sunrise (and there are many more such events, just not witnessed by the two resident peeps).  I do object to how this picture makes my derriere look:  my tail definitely doesn't poof.  But a cat's vanity is never enervated by another's opinion... so the photograph can purrsist or be purrged, it makes no nevermind to me.  I have lost track of the days in this new abode, but I now have internalized its twisty, up-and-down layout... and know where several decent hiding spots are.  One never knows when such will be needed.  But in general my alert level has been downgraded from red to yellow-orange, an adjustment largely due to the fact that the strange peeps haven't eaten me yet.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

There is nothing embarrassing
about a well-carried-out retreat.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - cat answer, a straightforward, frequently used "nope" that can't be brokered (except maybe with a cat treat)

be still, my dart

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 June 2020 - I say, with some pride (no, not a collection of roarers), that the shorter peep tried and tried to get me in focus (obviously without success)... but I was on to her (and beginning to piece together the purpose of that silver cube).  Besides, how often did "walk, don't run" work in your childhood?  Revved by the energy of life, we dash about for the sheer joy of movement, pouncing on silly stuffed things just for fun.  Don't dampen my youth with crotchety sentiments... just take a seat and be amazed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Once upon a time
we were all forces of nature.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - cat chance, that infinitesimal possibility of getting a purrson to do your bidding

Spot run, spot

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 June 2020 - In an attempt to correct any misconceptions held after yesterday's entry, I do on occasion emerge during the day... especially if there is a promise of head-scratching.  A sequestered life gets tiresome when one is an energetic, inquisitive kit, with places to go and rugs to cut.  Is it any wonder that I dash about, leaping over prone peep bodies like so many fallen limbs?  Youth isn't wasted on us youngsters... rather, I suspect, its passage is the thing rued by the staid grown-up's "I remember..."  Well, I intend to make some memories, and perhaps some minor mayhem.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Rather than sic an adversary,
I advise to psych him out.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - "like a cat out of hell", that blur of motion seen now and then in a purrsian household

dark thoughts

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 June 2020 - All but the troglodytes know that cats are nocturnal creatures, so naturally I hit my stride pre-dawn.  The abode is mine at this hour, and exploration can proceed without the distraction of remaining on high-alert.  A few days ago I expressed dissatisfaction at my confinement, so the shorter peep responded by opening doors.  "Be careful what you ask for" comes to mind, as the larger household is quite daunting.  But curiosity mostly prevails over my trepidations... which means that sometimes (often, if I were being honest) the slightest movement or noise causes me to involuntarily scurry under the bed.  And I have been known to happily remain there for hours (our reputation for long catnaps is well-earned).  But eventually there is that mental itch to perambulate, and it can not be ignored.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Sometimes a daunting facade
is all that is required.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - to make a fee-line, to travel, in the shortest time possible, the distance between danger and safety

as it should be

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

17 June 2020 - Now that I have discovered a quiet spot with little foot traffic, I can settle into something of a routine:  relax during the day, play/explore once the sun goes down.  It suits me fine that the resident peeps are on a mostly different schedule from mine.  We can share this abode with minimal interaction, with minimal friction.  Although I must admit that the shorter peep is a very good head-scratcher... making me wonder if she has done this sort of thing before.  I may have to adjust my activity to have a larger overlap with peep waking hours.  We cats can be flexible when it serves our needs.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Keep your eyes on anyone
or anything suspicious.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - theocatic, purrtaining to a system of governance in which purriests rule in the name of Bastet

survival of the fleetest

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

16 June 2020 - Two cautious steps forward, one dash back:  I now have unlimited access to the house, and it is as scary as all outdoors.  While the two peeps were sleeping last night, blanketed in darkness, I tiptoed about their abode.  Thankfully I have an excellent sense of smell, or I might never have found my way back to the sanctuary.  Is this my new home, or merely an anxious stop along the way?  Thoughts like these keep me awake and roaming at night.  I do approve of all the portals onto the green space beyond.  My life, up to a few days ago, was spent out there, wandering neighborhoods in search of food and a place to call my own.  "Out there" represents total freedom and is its own ruthless form of scary.  Maybe I can stay here.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

If the audience seems unconvinced,
assume they are hard of hearing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catscomb, an immaculate (is there any other sort?) and proud-of-it jim-dandy feline

introductions in order

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

15 June 2020 - The ides of June isn't such an auspicious day, but for me it is a beginning that, years down the road, I would like to remember, to remark upon. Fondly? Perhaps with time, but all change is fearful, and I am having to adjust to a strange environment (so many new smells to sort through and classify) and two strange (but seemingly harmless) peeps. Young strays such as myself don't trust easily… it is one of our survival skills. I have had to live by my wits, and perhaps my good looks, since my mother and I parted company.  Ask me next week how I'm settling in.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

An unblinking stare can be

very effective.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - cat chi, that memorable feline breath that wafts of fish