Stompers update!!!!
He’s doing fantastic. Healthy as can be and he’s gotten so big. I only have an iPad to take pictures with so I don’t have anything very high quality. But I’ve attached a few anyway. He’s honestly one of the most loving cats I’ve ever known. He spends most of his time curled up next to someone and he isn’t overly picky about who. He absolutely gets that kisses are affection so he likes to nibble on lips and headbutt lips, which is ridiculously cute. He’s also all boy. I’ve never had a cat who likes to roughhouse as much as he does, purring the entire time. And as soon as he’s tired he’ll flop into your lap demanding snuggling. His other heart-meltingly cute thing is that he likes to pet us. If I’m snuggled up to him, he’ll stroke my face very softly. Its impossible to not fall in love with him when he does that. Such a sweet, sweet boy. He’s even reached a truce with his sister. I wouldn’t call them friends yet, but they can hang out in the same room pretty close to each other without anyone getting upset and they’ll play a lot. All in all, he’s an absolute joy!
Awwww, Stompies! I love how he’s still got that same face and those huge Precious Moments eyes.
Thank you again for the update, Kristyn! 🙂
Edited to add: I volunteer a rescue group, so normally I’m one of the gals cleaning up the cages and playing with the cats at Petco adoption centers. I’m looking for a little bit of advice regarding cats transitioning from the foster home to a cage in the store.
This past weekend, I ended up rescuing two kittens from a parking lot. We had them for a few days at a foster home, but due to space constraints, we got them into the cages pretty quickly – they are healthy but a little scared right now. How long does it take for a pair of siblings to get used to the cages and other cats? I’m worried I’ve traumatized them for life or maybe made a mistake by getting them into the cages so quickly, but we had no foster room and the local animal shelter has a 5 to 7 day period between arrival and euthanasia (yikes, I know). They are very quiet and watching everyone (normally they are pretty high octane), but they are eating and drinking. One person described it as “very reserved.” I just worry over what they must be thinking, transitioning from wherever they were to a parking lot, then to my boyfriend’s apartment, then to a foster place for a few days, and then the cages. It’s been a whirlwind, but even though I keep telling myself they are now safe and sound — far better off than in a parking lot — I can’t help but worry over what’s going on in those fuzzy heads. Is there anything else I can do for them? (They have been vetted, and they are healthy, minus clearly not getting enough food in recent days.)
I really appreciate what you do, and you’ve been an inspiration for me to get involved in cat rescue. Any advice anyone has here would be welcome.
It depends on the kitten – some kittens are perfectly at home when you put them in the cage, and others are really freaked out – but for the most part I’d say that it takes about a week for them to adjust (of course, in a perfect world they wouldn’t be there that long!) If they’d been in a foster home for a while, I’d say bring some toys or a bed from the foster home for them, but that doesn’t really apply here. I know they get love and attention from whoever’s cleaning their cage each day, but if you could pop in and give them a little extra attention during the day, I think that would help. Kittens are pretty resilient, though – you have NOT traumatized them for life or made a mistake. The sooner they can get into their forever home(s), the better, and being “on display” helps to make that happen.
Y’all have any suggestions to add?
When I played the Snackin’ Time video, Holly came running. Apparently that song is universal among cats?
All cats know about Snackin’ Time! They’re born knowing it, I think.
BwaaaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!! Paragraph #2 of the 2005 edition when speaking about a baby Sugarbutt, and I quote: “And no, we’re still not keeping him”. Every time you use those words, I start to think there’s another permanent resident on the horizon 😉
Oh, Fred was SO MEAN to me about Sugarbutt. When I brought Sugarbutt home again, he said “He’s just staying ’til he’s better, right? We’re not keeping him!” And then he’d occasionally say “We’re not keeping him!” Then I found out, when I was all sat and teary-eyed about taking Sugarbutt to Petsmart, that Fred was messing with me all along and he had no intention of making me give Sugarbutt up. SO MEAN.
I have a litter of five kittens who are smaller than the Weeds and the Pickles and they generally won’t be found in the same bed. Admit it… Fred stuffed them all in there and you managed to take a bajillion pictures before any of them objected. 😉
I admit NOTHING. Oh, all RIGHT, you got me. Six of the eight were in that bed, and Fred picked up the other two (I think Dandelion and Percy) and put them in the bed so I could take pictures. I was surprised that they didn’t jump right back out, though.
Wait, who’s Ellie Bellz? Is that a new permanent resident?
Ellie Bellz is one of Elwood’s nicknames. He used to be “Ellie Belly”, and of course we had to shorten it!
I have something for your next question and answer post. I’ve seen you post about cleaning litter boxes and vacuuming the floors, but how do you deal with the cat hair everywhere else? I have 5 indoor cats and sometimes the cat hair on the furniture, clothing, and everything else gets a bit overwhelming. Do you have any tricks or gadgets to recommend?
I’m hoping that others will chime in here too, because I love to hear what’s worked for other people when it comes to this! For the most part, just about anything that attracts and traps cat hair in this house can be tossed in the washer. We’ve got (washable) slipcovers on the couches, the bedspreads are all washable, and I don’t know if I just don’t notice it, but our clothes don’t seem to get much cat hair on them. I go through the house with Swiffer Dusters at least once a week and dust all the furniture.
(Okay, confession: I worded that sentence as though there’s ever been a week in my entire life where I’ve dusted more than once. I have not. Once a week is the maximum, and I’ve lately gotten into a routine where I dust the house every Tuesday. Sometimes I do it quickly, with Swiffer dusters, and sometimes I do it right with microfiber cleaning cloths and furniture polish and move everything to dust underneath it.)
I like these Pledge Fabric Sweepers for quick cleanup on the couches and bedspreads, and I use sticky roller sheets if I need to get cat hair off my clothes (not necessarily that brand of sticky roller sheets; I am not brand-loyal when it comes to those.)
It helps to brush the cats regularly – I like the Furminator for that – but I’ve gotta be honest that I don’t do that as often as I should, because the only cat who likes being brushed is Sugarbutt. The rest of them act like I’m beating them if I walk toward them with the brush.
Okay, now you guys – got a favorite method of reducing cat hair in the house (other than “Get rid of the cats!”)? Share!
As per our conversation on DCEP I made this meme with Jake…
That made me literally laugh out loud! Oh, Grumpy Jake. Raisins in cookies are the WORST!
I’m leaving here in a bit to get the Weeds girls from their overnight stay at the spay/ neuter clinic. I suspect that they’ll be super happy to get home. We definitely noticed their absence around here yesterday.
Smug Percy is smug.
Dandelion says “Why, yes, THIS is the perfect place to lay. It’s quite comfy.”
Time for a nap.
Percy says “Le gasp… cannot… breathe…”
Dandelion says “What? I’m RELAXING. Go away.”
Thistle says “WHAT is going on over here?”
Percy says “Wha’ happened?”
Thistle says “We is having a snuggle.”
Dandelion says “Hmph.”
Magoo on the left, Thistle on the right, and Purslane in the back of the bed. In the background, Dandelion.
Sleepy girl.
She is so smushable. She’s got really thick, lush fur and it’s hard to stop petting her. Luckily, she puts up with a lot of petting, even though she’d really rather be licking your hand.
Sweet Purslane.
Smilin’ Petey.
It’s Gawjuss Corbie time!
Deep in thought on the patio in the back yard.
He’s a deep thinker, our Corbie.
(Confession: Sometimes I call him Corbanzo Bean.)(Also Corbielicious.)(PS: Core B. Licious would be an excellent rapper name.)
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Previously
2011: “It’s a giant sparkle ball! Someone left me a giant sparkle ball! This is the most awesome thing ever!”
2010: We’re beginning their training early, making them help with dishwasher duty.
2009: I love my Wonkas.
2008: No entry.
2007: No entry.
2006: No entry.
2005: “What? You’ve never seen a cat in a box?”
Stompers!!!!!!!! Thank God for an update! I, too, am thrilled he kept his head shape and those big big eyes!!!
Dandi – I love you soooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I second Pledge Fabric Sweepers! Just cuz they fill up, don’t throw them away, it is easy to stick a fork or finger in there, scoop out the hair and keep using! I have run them over my rugs in between vacuums for a quick touch up. I also second furminators. I much rather furminate the fur off than have it all over the house (I have 3 long haired cats). Also, once you start…you sorta want to see how much you can get out of them. It is like creating another cat! LOL.
As for nicknames… my little Lola is “Lolie” and my favorite is “Lola-pa-looza”! 🙂
Corbie is such an adult cat now. I think this is the first time that it actually hit me. Corbie was always my favorite of the bookworms. He would have been mine. In the current bunch…*sigh*….Dandi….
I’ve found that you can pop one of the rollers off the Pledge fabric sweepers to empty it. It pops right back on, too!
Yes, I have popped a roller out too, but it is just quicker the other way. 🙂
That reminds me – I’ve been known to Furminate the cat trees. 🙂
(Lola-pa-looza! LOL!)
Thank you…. Also, Emma is “Emma-pot-pie” and Sidney is “Sidrex”
“Sidrex” sounds like a medication. 🙂
I have furminated a rug!
This makes me want to give it a try!!!
I KNEW IT!!!!!! Fakey McFakerson picture poser!!!! Yeah, I’ve never done that. Never ever ever ever 😉
Cat hair, dog hair, three messy kids…. I just give in a vacuum daily. If I don’t, I feel wheezy by the next morning. I *do* use the Pledge fabric sweepers and a lint roller. I will throw a blanket or cat bed in their favorite spots which keeps the fur in a few random places and then I can just throw them in the wash. Bane of my existence is cat litter. I swear Norman packs it between his toes to sprinkle it throughout the house (and don’t get me started on foster kittens and the joy of throwing litter at each other!)
Ugh, YES, cat litter. I usually sweep around the litter boxes after I scoop if it’s not a vacuuming day (which is just every other day around here.)
Amen to the cat litter. I have wood and tile flooring and it MIGRATES EVERYWHERE!!!!! AAAAGGGGHHHHH…….
THIS THIS THIS. Makes me crazy.
I just wanted to repeat for the person who rescued two kittens who are adjusting to temporary life in a cage:
They’ll be fine. They might even be all adjusted and happy today! If not today, then soon! You are NOT scarring them for life. Kittens are resilient. They’ll be fine. You did the right thing. Pat yourself on the back for saving two little furballs! They’ll be fine! Once they get adopted and some lovin’ from their new servants, they’ll be even more fine for even longer. Long term, they won’t even remember these past few weeks. They’ll be fine! You did a very good thing!!
O.K.? O.K.!!
I love this website. Truly, truly I do!
Thank you! 🙂
Ditto. It is my fav. Yep, even over itty-bitty-kitty-committee. I will say one thing that won me completely over and it was a testament to you: way back when I was a new reader, I donated money to the true-blood 6’s eye surgery. You hand wrote thank you notes and mailed them to those that donated. It is so rare in this day and age and it actually meant a lot to me to get that thank you card. In the times of computers, people forget that I blanket computer posted “thank you” can sometimes be …sterile? There is nothing like snail mail when it comes to that. So, I thank you!!!
Awww, you guys are sweet. It’s the readers and commenters that I love so much about this site! 🙂
Yea for a Stompers update! He is just so cute. You’re right, his eyes do look like precious moments dolls.
Stompers!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, those eyes and that face…I am so glad he is happy and such a big love bug!!
OK I learned about a new thing today. I will get a Pledge Fabric Sweeper this week-end! Other wise, I use the sticky rollers constantly. I also have this big sponge thing that I got from a pet supply store long time ago that picks up fur. I usse it on the furniture when I need to clean large areas. But, sigh, cat hair tumbleweeds are a constant in my house, even one day after vacuuming!
I had that sponge once upon a time, too! And yes…you vacuum…and then there rolls a tumbleweed. It is exasperating!
Phew. I got in to work today extremely irritated at people in general (no one specific – that is an intentional generalization!) and grumped and cranked to my desk. **grumble grumble** **mutter mutter**
(pause while computer boots up)
Awwwwwwwwww!!!! Stompies!!!!! Big eyes!!!!! Ahhhhh… Dandelion…. Awwwww sweet sleepy Magoo, Thistle and Purslane…
Ahhhhhhh….. much more fit for the day.
GOOD GAWD!!! Seriously, slap a hat and shoes on Stompers and you have a REAL LIFE PUSS IN BOOTS. Those EYES!!! Are they even legal???
OMG…you are RIGHT!!!
I wonder if Stompers has taken up his kitchen inspection duties at Kristyn’s house.
I suspect that Stompers is always there to inspect and offer an opinion. 🙂
Stompies is being adorable, playful and has conquered the household with LUV. Quelle Surprise.
Thanks for the update Kirsten!
Kirsten…please please more pics and constant updates…a movie would be extra special! 🙂
I will add to the AWW-Stompers-Fest! So glad to hear he is doing quite well with you Kristyn.
To the foster poster: I don’t know that much about rescuing kittens, but I know if “I” moved 5 times in a week or so that I would be a bit stressed. I’m sure if you give them some time they will be fine.
And regarding fur all over the house: I have to say that I’ve been lucky. Little Oreo (is getting bigger) but she doesn’t really shed that much. She sleeps on my chest or on a blanket so they are both washable. I more often have to clean up bits of feather fluff from her teaser toy!
I use puppy training pads under the litter boxes. it catches any missed aims and also seems to capture any litter caught in kitty feet. We have a little bit of litter that scatters in the laundry room but it pretty much stays in that room due to most of the toe litter being caught on the puppy pads. Do the Pledge Fabric sweepers catch on fabric furniture? I would think not but I have a couple of pieces of furniture that have are woven and i am afraid it might pull threads.
I do the same. Especially when I had an older cat with ‘aim’ issues or was in a territorial snit. Waterproof, inexpensive and easy to clean up.
No it does not. I have two living room sets that I use it on all the time…oh…three really if you count the Florida room.
No, they won’t pull threads, they’re very gentle. The only real issue I have with them is that the fabric on our couch throws is very soft and stretchable, so when I run the Fabric Sweeper over the fabric, the fabric moves with it. So I have to hold the fabric with one hand so it won’t stretch and I can sweep up the cat hair.
Good idea on the training pads!!!
It is also great on sheets between washings. Yep, with 3 long hairs, in two day….
Oh good idea! I have to be so careful with the type of sheets I get. Anything that has the slightest nap or fuzzy feel to it catches cat hair. I can’t find the right word I want but there are some sheets, not flannel, that are not ‘slick’ and have just a fuzzy feel to them. They are cat hair magnets.
awwww kisses to Stompers and the Corb!!
I have cloth painters tarps on the one sofa – I can take it off for people and it (mostly)keeps tha cat hair off. Thank heaven for dyson….
And no, the kittens are traumatized by the change. It can be overwhelming, but they will be OK! I agree with Robyn – better to be a little scared and seen for a chance at adoption.
Stomps! Oh those eyes! YOU CAN NEVER TELL HIM NO!
And I had to say wow… I’m speechless because Danedelion is such a beautiful kitty.
I always hate leaving my fosters in cages at Petco-they pretty consistently freak out and sit in their litter box for a few days before they’ll really be social with visitors (It KILLS me and makes me feel awful). Out of my 30 fosters, I’ve only had two adopted off Petfinder. The rest were all adopted while at Petco in cages! It really is the best way to get kitties seen and adopted-they’ll come around! And even if they’re still a little shy, the right adopter will see how wonderful they are and not be deterred by their timid nature in the cage. And Robyn is right, if you can visit them, that will help. A familiar voice and touch will definitely ease their stress.
Stompers is such an amazing cat. I’m so glad we get updates on the sweetheart! He pets his people-that is so precious.
That’s what I hate the most, when they immediately go into the litter box and stay in there! I consider it a very very good day when I have a bunch who are just curious, not scared!
OMG – so made my day… I lusted (not in thaaaaat way!) from afar after Stompers but missed the boat. So incredibly cute! After it was known that he was ‘taken’, I then settled on a combo of Sungold / Mr. Stripey… which, in seeing Stompers picture today… while very happy, was a little sad in the longful “I wonder how Mr. Stripey and Sungold are doing” kind of way…. (as well as Dingwall Scotty).. Robyn, I know you’ve obliged in the past with photos taken while cleaning the cages… would it… could it be possible to snap a few of the remaining Maters? I completely understand if the answer is no, but could you oblige in an update as to how they’re faring / are they still at PetsMart? Anyways, even coming late to the party of this website, I am completely and thoroughly hooked and it’s a daily ritual now… make coffee, settle in with the perfect coffee and the perfect website… I’ve been passing the word on to my fellow cat lovers up here in St. Louis, MO… (shout out…holler! – they’re probably reading this now!) Love you site! Have a great weekend and thanks for all you do!!!!
oops! YOUR… love YOUR site! duh. weekend brain already
Heheh, I knew what you meant. 🙂 Mr. Stripey, Sungold, and Dingwall Scotty are all still at Petsmart – adoptions lately are at a standstill. I haven’t been to Petsmart in quite some time, but next time I go, I will definitely get some snuggle time with them and take pictures!
I’d like to know how the long black cat hair from my cat who lives in the living room gets inside the fridge in the kitchen. I started cleaning it the other day and that’s what was on the sponge.
What? The cats aren’t allowed to get their own snack from the fridge while you’re sleeping? 😀
My OWN long hair gets in the fridge, and I’ve yet to figure out how that happens!
OMG Stompers is growing into such handsomeness! And it thrills me that he’s keeping some of those very special features that made him so incredibly loveable as a baby. I miss him, just like I will miss rat-bat Tony RH Picklehead Magoo when he goes. I sense he WILL be growing out of his rat-battedness, though 🙁
Hopefully, we’ll get to see snapshots of both as they grow older. I know it’s a lot to expect adopters to blog every day for us, but I really appreciate the occasional update through your site, which I visit daily.
I need to get some pictures showing this, but I was just telling friends yesterday that from the front, Magoo looks like your average black cat, but from the side he still has that ratbat look to him. I just love his little ratbat self so much!
Loved the Stompers update too! Thanks Kristin and Robyn for that!
Fred was MEAN to lead you on like that about Sugarbutt! Naughty Fred!
That Meme-I agree with the Loon-Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are a waste of ingredients and energy. Raisinetes-LOVE. Raisins in Baked Goods-BLECH!
Ooh, yeah – I love Raisinettes, too!
Use the same recipe and try substituting one of these for the raisins: butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or cinnamon chips.
Amen to the dried cranberries! But I actually like raisins, so… 🙂
Oooh, cinnamon chips. I don’t think I’ve ever had those, but they sound divine!
Hershey makes them – they’re a bit tricky to find but they’re AWESOME.
Oatmeal Butterscotchies are THE best cookies in the WORLD!!!
I finally figured it out, stompers reminds me of baby puss in boots… http://cutearoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Puss-in-Boots.jpg those eyes! Thanks so much for posting an update, Stompers remains one of my all time favorite fosters. 🙂
Love the update on Stompers! He’s got eyes like Puss in Boots in Shrek! And as I type those words, I see the comment above mine says the same thing! lol
Silly Dandelion, sleeping on someone’s neck! Why not though, as long as she’s comfy!
Hello handsome Corbs!
Stompers! Soooo cute, and he sounds like an amazingly sweet kitty. Awwww yay!
LOVE my Pledge Fabric Sweeper. And I too use it on the bed. We had my long haired cat shaved (old age=mats), and after the first 4 weeks, household fur production returned to its normal levels of crazy. :-/
We buy diaper changing mats (flannel or poly blend) to deal with my 20 yr old’s poor aim. The best litter catcher we’ve found is a two-part tray that has a grate over a shallow tray. Litter falls right off their paws. If they walk on the tray, which is a crapshoot. We add 2 more layers of pee pad and washable rug (bathroom rugs) with a pile. And sweep all the time.
You know about The Cats’ House in San Diego, California, don’t you? The website is http://www.thecatshouse.com/ At the top of the page click Photos, then go through Cats’ House_1, 2, and 3 for lots of wonderful photos. They’re having an open house in May to benefit East County Animal Rescue and if I’m in town I’m going to it!
Oh, I LOVE that house!! It would almost be worth flying across the country to see it in person. 🙂
But…but..grumpy Jake….please don’t give me the face, I loves the oatmeal raisin cookies! I am apparently the only one in the universe. More for me! YAY! Stompies is as sweet big, as he was little. Glad to hear he’s such a love bug. You raise those kits to be wonderful pets in their forever homes, Robyn. You done good! Those big eyes kill me. You’re right Jennifer – all he needs is a hat, boots and a sexy Antonio Banderas voice. I can just hear it now: “You canna say no to the Stompers…..”
And yes, Corbie is as fine of a boy kitty specimen as he can be. I love his red belly fruff.
Jake says you can have his oatmeal raisin cookies and he’ll take your chocolate chip cookies! 🙂
I will gladly give Jake my chocolate chip cookies, because I hets them! They get the Mr. Boogers het look from me. I know – I have issues.
Sigh, Stompers is too cute for words..
Stompers really is the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t he? But that’s true of so many Crooked Acres graduates, not to mention perms. Hope the Weedlings (Weedlets?) have put their vetcation behind them, and I can’t wait to see their tummies next week. Fingers crossed for some adoptions this weekend.