Yes, I am that crazy cat lady

I know you all are going to mock me for the rest of my life for this... but YES, I am going to teach Archie to walk on a leash. And why not? How would you feel if you were locked up all day in an apartment? And I'm not the only person who's had this idea. I've been reading up on the subject...

It's not nearly as easy as with a dog. Cats DO NOT like being out of control and having some weird binding strapped onto them is exactly a way to make them panic--I know from example.

This could be Archie some day soon...hopefully.

First, I put the harness and leash around his favorite play area and let him get used to them. Then, I put the harness on... at first he wasn't too bothered, but then he realized that he would have trouble walking and proceeded to immediately lay down and give me the most pathetic look ever. I could hear him saying, "What the hell did I do to deserve this?!"

Finally, after a couple of days, he got a little braver and started to walk around. By walk, I mean moon-walking backwards around the coffee table. (I REALLY wish I had a camera handy!)

It's all for a good cause, Archie. You'll thank me when you're frolicking in the fresh air.

References:
Examiner article
About.com How-To Guide
SFGate article

Hello from San Francisco!

Hi everyone!

I know it has been forever since I've written. A LOT has happened. Right after New Years I moved to my adorable new studio in Hayes Valley, San Francisco! I all happened quite suddenly and I'm just now starting to feel really settled in.

Archie loves his new place (as you can see). His favorite spot right now is in the closet...which is the largest I have ever seen. The closet, bright sunny windows and super-nice kitchen made me fall in love with my new home. Once I get it looking a little cuter I will post pictures.

Keep an eye out for more posts. I look forward to sharing my San Francisco Adventures with you all!

Nine Lives to Live: The Feud has Come to an End

Hello fellow felines!

The white flag of peace was waved in the courtyard this weekend. Or maybe it was so hot that all our friends were just too tired to squabble. No matter the reasons behind the serenity, I witnessed quite a surprising scene one afternoon as I lounged in my warm, sunny and very well-positioned window.

Floyd was lounging the the popular dirt patch when Archie came sauntering out his door. This is when Archie would normally take off scampering around the back of the bushes and plan his ambush of poor old Floyd. But not today! Archie calmly walked over, made a couple of remarks (I couldn't quite make out what he said) and Floyd chirped back a reply.

Then, if you can believe it, Floyd just watched cautiously as his arch-enemy, slowly laid down in the dirt with him. Of course Archie, still being wary of the situation, laid down facing his rival.

I will be sure to keep you up to date on how our two "buddies" are doing with their new-found friendship -- or is it tolerance.

purrs and kisses!

P.S. The 'yard just isn't the same without you, LuLu.

Who doesn't love cute animal pictures

Say hello to Princess Ophelia.

What an adorable little puppy!

Archie's pathetic attempt at yoga.

My sweet baby Timmie.

Lexie is such a little character!

Ferris is very annoyed right now.

This is the nicest horsey I ever met.

Nine Lives to Live: Sunny Day in the 'Yard

Hello fellow felines!

This was a good day for courtyard watching. It was super hot so everyone was pretty lazy while the sun was out, but boy did things in the courtyard start to heat up as evening came along! It was even getting toasty on my perch... made me sleepy, but I tried to keep track of the going-ons in between naps.

Archie was out in the morning, but was pretty well behaved. Probably because our hunky Kirby was keeping him in check. That tomcat sure does now how to shake a tail!

It was quite a social morning, with Marlowe and LuLu also making appearances. Those two would make such a handsome couple... I don't know why LuLu wants to stay with that whiny little Floyd anyways (see whiny little picture to the left). Girl, if I was you, I'd be prancin' my way on over to that big strong black cat, Marlowe. He's really something to purr at!

That was most of the day. Nice and quiet... until Archie came back out of his door. He must have been napping, because by the time evening rolled around he had more energy than a kitten a quarter of his age. Can you believe he had the nerve to try to pounce on LuLu?! Now, I know he's in pretty good standing with her, but come on, cat! Did you really think you would get away with that without a swat. And it was a good one, too! A well-deserved bitch-slap across the face.

Well, it's dark out now, and I will have to fill you in on any evening drama later on. I am expecting Possum to make an appearance. After all, its a gorgeous night and what animal wouldn't want to do some prowling. *Sigh!* I wish I could join in on the fun... but sadly, I will continue to watch from afar.

purrs and kisses!