Hard Poop

Dear Greyce, Remember me? I was the subject of your blog entry, Guess Why I Won't Use the Box? (3/14/10). I'm happy to say that my problem is solved. HOWEVER I have another one: I'm having a difficult time passing my stools which are so hard that I have to strain and that makes me pee a little. I've been checked by my vet (blood panel, too) and have been given a clean bill of health. Herself bought Laxatone but that seems to only work on fur balls and I don't have problems with those. I'd appreciate any suggestions you could give so that I can fianlly poop like I used to. Yours, Max

Suzi is Stressed

Dear Readers, You may remember Suzi, a lovely cat who lives in Bulgaria, and shares her home with two other permanent felines (her brother Koko and her nemesis Sissi), two foster cats (Jack and Rijko) and one human. She has been the topic of several blog entries beginning with Stuck in the Kitchen (4/21/10); to follow her situation see also entries of the 4/26 - 29 inclusive/10. Suzi has been singled out for bullying: One of the foster cats (Jack) is quite aggressive to her and one of the other permanent residents, Sissi, hunts for her and attacks. Suzi can’t even go to the litter box in peace!

And so Suzi spends most of her time on top of the kitchen cupboards except for a few hours in the evening when she and her brother, Koko, have most of the place to themselves (and the other cats are locked in another room).

I provided some advice but it doesn’t appear to be working - which just goes to show that even though I’m extremely knowledgeable and very intelligent, I am not purrfect.

I want to share Suzi’s letter with you. Be assured that I’m not yet ready to give up on the situation, so don’t forget to read my reply as well. Greyce.

Dear Readers,

From time to time an article comes to my attention that I think is worth passing on. This time its from New York - The New York Times that is with it's article, Catios Bring Cats Outdoors. In this article is the link to another worthwhile website for those of you interested in the best of feline design:  http://www.catioshowcase.com/ which might give you some ideas for what to ask for - for your next birthday!

Just think of sniffing the breezes! Greyce

Educating Humans

Listen Up Fellow Felines, I have an idea to share with you.

Herself likes to borrow DVDs from the local library so I put the bug in her ear to get Roger Tabor's Understanding Cats (PBS Home Video - Call# DVD 636.8 TAB if your human uses the Edmonton Public Library). We watched 80 minutes of pure education to refresh Herself's knowledge of the superior species - about kittens, about territory, and about so-called bad habits. I must admit that it is one of the better such pieces I've watched - probably because Tabor knows his stuff (as much as a human can know about us). He's famous for his studies of feral cat colonies.

So if your human is in need of a refresher, consider this DVD as a relatively painless way to get him or her back on track!  Yours, Greyce

Molly Takes a Big Step

Readers, you may recall Molly (of Molly and Ivy, not Molly and Filou) a painfully shy cat who is trying her best to become a full-fledged member of her household. See also Oil & Water (11/10/09), Molly's Update (28/12/09) and Molly's Good News (2/22/10). Here is latest report.

Dear Greyce, Here is another update on my progress.

I'm continuing to become a bit more outgoing. With the warmer weather, Ivy spends most of her time outdoors which means I have the run of the house. And I'm now able to use a litter box in the basement (rather than restricting myself exclusively to the bedroom - my safe room). But I do have my limits: I still distrust sudden moves and loud noises.

But here is my best news: I've come to enjoy sitting on Herself's lap in the afternoon.

Just thought you'd like to know. Molly

Dear Molly, How wonderful that you are able to enjoy the warmth of human companionship - quite literally. You have made remarkable progress in a very patient and caring household. And don't fret about your limits. Even I, who consider myself to be most purrfect, have been known to have limitations. And given your history and temperament, fearing sudden moves and loud noises is purrfectly understandable. Let's raise a glass to catnip wine to your remarkable progress. Purrs and whisker kisses, Greyce.

Jack's Dilemma

Hi Greyce, I’m a big, nine year old guy who is adjusting to a new home and I have a LOT of questions for you, related to three different matters: urine marking, a canine surprise, and feline rivalry. But first I’ll tell you a bit about myself.


I’d been in the SPCA shelter for several months housed together with Annabelle, a much smaller and somewhat older cat (age 10 years). Because shelter staff said we get along and because my new purrsons thought I could use the company, Annabelle and I moved together – about 10 days ago.

Possessiveness on the Rise

Hello Greyce, Although things have improved dramatically since we first contacted you (about Molly and me - See Molly's Adventure 5/6/10), we still have a long way to go. I accepted my new companion from the get-go while she has been taking her time. Still, she is getting bolder with each passing week.

Having Molly on the premises 24/7 has also brought out the Tigger in me. Just like my hero (from Winnie the Pooh) I like to sneak up and pounce on her. Truth be told, I really don't like to share Herself with Molly, even if She gives me a truckload of Filou-only snuggles. And while I understand Molly can't just stay in the corner all the time, it really is bugging me.

Can you help me get over my petty possessiveness? Filou