Testosterone Lost

Yesterday morning, I took BearKat in to the vet for his big event.  I have to say,  BK was the best cat I've ever taken "over the river and through the woods", 35 miles to Dr. Joe. His check-up revealed him to be 2 years old. The wound on his rear leg that I thought was a bad scrape, was actually an animal bite.  He also has evidence of a bite wound on the underside of his tail, both of which are healed or healing well.  I always worry about the feline leukemia possibility with a 'stray' cat, so until that test is run and the verdict is in, my heart  is in my mouth. Thankfully, BK was negative, so he got his vaccination, a topical worming medication (round worms, I had a feeling he'd have them from his pot belly and eating habits...common in kittens and feral cats that eat rodents to survive~ my poor baby....) and, according to the bill, was castrated.  Oh my....  


I was surprised to realize how little there was to the snipping!  No stitches, tiny incision... no recuperation time to speak of except for the after-effects of anesthesia.  He was walking a little like he'd just stepped off a boat, but ravenously hungry when we picked him up last night. I hoped he'd sleep after filling up his belly, and he did. For a while. I was not about to allow him to go outside last night, so

 instead, he complained at me most of the night! When we leave the bedroom (always together, I have to watch that he doesn't spray anywhere for about a month :-(   ), he walks by my side. Typically, he heads for one door or another, but today he went to the end of the hallway, and laid down. Yep, just surveying the situation, being one with the house. And with an escape route back to his safe haven.  Smokey had been on the top tower across the room, but decided to stroll over and give a quick snarl,then walk around through the kitchen and have a staring contest as he protected the access route to the pet door! BK decided to stroll towards the front door, so I opened it for 

him and let him outside. A few minutes later, he was waiting at the front door to come back in, with Smokey growling at him from inside.  Rather than risk confrontation, and not wanting BK outside anyway, I went into the bedroom and opened the window. BK quietly jumped in and then just walked with me back down the hallway towards his original position, only now, he was BEHIND Smokey, who was still on guard at the front door!  You should have seen the look on Smokey's face (and the snarl and evil hiss) ... sadly, the moment was just that and no photograph was possible!  Bear decided it was supper time, he had won a round, so he sauntered back into "his" room, where he is now sleeping. Wanna make book on how much sleep I get tonight??


PS:  BK just strolled in to the kitchen; oops, I forgot to bungee cord the bedroom door shut, LOL!! He's now outside, probably using Mother Nature's litter box.....

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"Remember that I am just a woman who is living a very abundant life. Every step I take forward is on a path paved by strong Indian women before me."    Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee

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The Great Escape

I have arthritis. In my hips, knees, jaw, fingers, who knows where else! Knowing that the aging process will make some things more difficult, we designed this house so that it could easily adapt to whatever the years and maladies will require.  The hallways are wide enough for a wheel chair; the entrances could easily accommodate ramps, the open floor plan is flowing and spacious, the bedroom doors are wide and the closets are walk-in, if not large. One bathroom has a pocket door, and a walk in shower. The doors are all fitted with lever-style hardware rather than doorknobs.  I hope to live here forever.

Enter Houdini, the door-opening cat. 


I fell asleep with BK on the bed and my bedroom door closed. Tight.  I woke around midnight, and for a minute, it didn't register...what was that light coming in from the left?  I quickly realized, it was the nightlight from out in the hallway.  The door was ajar!  Smokey and Shadow were asleep in their respective spots (Smokey on the top perch of the kitty tower,  Shadow on the couch) and I'd heard no arguments; I suspected I knew where BearKat had gone, so I switched on the light and went downstairs. There he was in the basement, peacefully sleeping on the bed. When he saw me, he did that languid stand-up-arch-and-stretch ~ I picked him up and carried him back into the bedroom.  This time, I double checked that the door was securely closed.

Sometime around 4AM, BK started meowing and cooing at me. I told him to behave and go back to sleep, and I rolled over to do the same.  Click.... and light pouring in through the open door; he did it again!!!! I brought him back into the bedroom, but not before he marked a little new turf on a closet door in another room.  Stinker.  I'm beginning to know his behavior, and so I gave him a can of food.  He ate it all, and settled down to sleep.  Then, I hooked up the trail cam☺ 
Around 6AM, I allowed him to go outside through the bedroom window.  He must have been out all of 3 minutes, when he sauntered back in through the pet door. It was cold out there! If he opens the bedroom door again (which, naturally, he has not done since the camera installation), I hope to capture the great escape. Meantime, we have a plan to deal with his obvious desire for more room to roam in the house. I still need to keep him apart from the other boys. 

When they do see one another, there's hissing and growling from both parties, and I understand it will take about a month after his neutering for the 'spraying' hormones to exit his system.  So he may take up residence in the basement for a while. I just have to re-arrange some kitty "facilities", and Shadow & Smokey will have to stay on the main floor. I don't think they'll mind, since they'll have another available bedroom!

His leg looks much better...

Meantime, BK's wounds are healing and he's making himself right at home. I guess he plans on staying here forever, too.

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"You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born free should be contented to be penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases."  

Chief Joseph, Nez Perce (Nimiputimt)

I think that goes for my cats, too!

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Recovering

I know he'd been living in the great outdoors since at least December 27th ~ that was when I first saw him on trail cam.  He's an ankle-rubber, loves my feet and doesn't seem to be a big 'jumper', although he's sure getting accustomed to jumping up onto the bed! That's about all I do know about BearKat's life and times.

Broken claw on front paw

My gut tells me he was someone's cat, but why was he abandoned? Or did he run away? I've not seen or heard any reports of a lost cat, but I can't imagine anyone not wanting this loving boy. Anyway, after living outside for a bit more than 2 weeks, I rather think BK had something akin to PTSD.  He must have had traumatic experiences , judging by the number of scars, scabs and wounds on his body.  

rear leg wound, healing well

Eating outside at first, he wolfed down every morsel of food at breakneck speed, as if it might be his last or he was going to have to do battle for it.  He was never around during daylight, his black fur blending in with the cover of darkness.  Two weeks, some of it sub-zero wind chills, through rain, wind and brutal cold, this beautiful cat fended off the elements. He's got some constitution!

I'm hiding here!!

And now, for about 36 hours, he's been in my bedroom. I think he's beginning to finally feel safe. I gave him the opportunity to go outside this morning, he elected to stay in.  He's been under the bed in a nice cave-like atmosphere most of the daytime hours.  Last night, however, he was snuggled with me most of the night.  Up on top of the bed, on top of the down comforter, on top of the bear fleece blanket. At one point, on top of the laptop keyboard that was parked next to me, waiting and watching for the birth of a new bear family.

Jewel Bear's den cam, live  

 BK is using his litter box, and has begun to pick and choose what he wants to eat, when he wants to eat. No longer starving for food or affection, today he ate more slowly, and elected to eat only the canned food. The dry kibble remains in his bowl ~ he'll probably eat that later tonight. If it's still there in the morning, he won't be getting as much canned tomorrow. We're finding our balance♥  Today's breakthrough was a biggy, in my opinion, and gave me such pleasure! I actually got him to engage in a little play. Not that he's jumping for joy or expending excessive amounts of energy at it... but at least he grabbed for the catnip-stuffed mouse with the purple tail which he'd been rubbing against since I set it by him on the bed, when I playfully pulled it away from him.  A bit later, I took him a sprig of fresh catnip, which he devoured leaf by leaf and then licked the fingers which had held it.  Happy kitty, happy human☺ 

I think he's in recovery phase. He doesn't HAVE TO hide, although he still likes his cave under the bed. He doesn't HAVE TO go outside, although he may if he wants. He doesn't HAVE TO do anything, except be a cat... and be loved♥

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"There is something about the presence of a cat... that seems to take the bite out of being alone"

Louis J. Camuti

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And BK makes Three

I hadn't expected to have cats.  When my dogs passed on, I thought I would be pet-less.... able to travel, no responsibility in that area. I guess the Spirits knew better. Smokey and Shadow are both approaching 5 years of age; the vet shows Smokey' date of birth as 4/8/2007. Shadow came in to the shelter on 7/5/2007 and was listed as about 2 months old.  Smokey was a flea-bitten, scrawny kitten when he came to us, and Shadow was all head, with a skinny little body & long thin tail.  Both are full grown I'd say, Smokey comes in at about 20 pounds and Shadow is finally gaining weight though he is still long and lanky at 12 pounds. So, here's 32 pounds of kitty on the top tier of their tower, on the lookout...


For what you ask??? Well, undoubtedly...BK!  They still haven't decided how they feel about his presence, and they keep a few feet between them at all times.  Low growls, a bit of hissing and some dirty looks in my direction are the order of the day when he shows up on the porch.  When there is a glass door between them, their low growls become a bit louder.  I think BK tried to follow Smokey through the pet door one early morning a couple days ago; the howl had me sitting bolt upright from a dead sleep, and tripping over myself as I ran to the kitchen. Smokey was just sitting there on the inside, BK was like a mirror image on the outside. I think, once BK gets 'snipped', they should all learn to get along pretty quickly.  I think BK is a youngster, less than a year old is my guess.  But the vet should be able to tell me more, once I get there!

I've been able to wash and apply antibacterial ointment to BK's leg twice but it's still a bit bloody. He doesn't particularly like me to touch it and squealed his displeasure today when I held tightly onto him in the process, but did not show any signs of aggression...no claws, no nips at me. My boys would have behaved worse. So, a bit at a time, I push the envelope of his tolerance.  A bit later, I picked him up to weigh him, and he was just a sweetheart. A 14 pound sweetheart♥

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"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I'll understand. ”       Native American Proverb

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A Tale of Two Kitties

     It seems the word is out; the Hard Rock Diner (Front Porch Annex) B&B is open for business!! The Tortoise-shell (kinda Calico-looking??) cat has been around for over a year that I'm aware of, and wears a flea collar.  I think she belongs to someone, but who knows?  I suppose she & BK know one another. Both of them decided to come over for supper last night, and apparently spent a good part of the night on the front porch!
     Tonight, I saw BK outside near the driveway, so I went out with an opened can of cat food and started calling him. I guess, as with the bears, it's food or fear that motivates. The smell of the food was too much for him, and he came running up onto the porch. He paused and looked at me, but when I began to fill the bowl, his fear evaporated. He jumped onto the love-seat and began eating voraciously, as I continued to put the can's contents into the bowl.  Then I started to pet him.  The response was immediate, and nearly overwhelming.  Of course, I had forgotten to turn the trail cam on, so that part of the meeting was not captured for posterity.  I don't know who was happier, BK or me!! He began to purr as I groomed him with my fingers; I felt two ticks that I removed, and numerous scabs. I think BK could well stand for Battered Kitty :-( . He's definitely a boy, and not neutered. There are many, many obvious indicators of previous fights; his ears are tattered and his right hind leg has a wound that I will attempt to better inspect and treat tomorrow.  I'm hopeful I can get him to come up in the daytime when it's warmer, but I'll be prepared with a warm washcloth and some antiseptic soap whenever I see him. I need to gain his trust, but I think I made real progress today.... 

     By the way, he "met" both of my (neutered) boys and although they hissed at him, he just stood there saying, and doing,nothing.  I can tell, there are some interesting times ahead ♥ 

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Eagle Chief (Letakos-Lesa) Pawnee
In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals, for Tirawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beast, and that from them, and from the stars and the sun and moon should man learn.. all things tell of Tirawa.

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Black Kitty

Folks seem to love to drop their unwanted pets near our home; the two mile long dirt road through acres of untamed woods lends itself to that kind of abandonment.  And since there are only 350 or so permanent residences in our township, and 1,000 seasonal ones... some "summer" folks get pets and then leave for the entire winter, with no intention of taking the summer pets along.  So having a cat appear on our property and stay is not unusual.  Only once before, have I felt so compelled to take care of a stray.  BK is the second.
Black Kitty (BK) first showed up on the trail cam during the overnight hours about 2 weeks ago.  He (she??) was eating the deer corn, so of course I knew the cat was hungry.  Some meat scraps and uneaten food from my two cats went outside almost immediately after I saw the photos. Later that evening, I saw the kitty come and eat what I had thrown out among the corn, and a bit later that night I saw it up on the deck sleeping on the wicker love-seat. As soon as he saw me peering through the window, he ran away.  Our first real cold snap of the season was about to move through, so I brought up a kitty bed and an old wool lap blanket, and set it on the love-seat. I also put a plastic bowl of kibble with it.  Later that night, I turned on the porch light to see two golden eyes peering out of the kitty bed at me. I guess BK knew it was meant for him.


I've seen the cat several times... actually every night since 12/27 with the exception of New Year's Eve.  I've tried to coax him up on the deck while I stood outside, but he will not get close.  A couple times, he has meowed to me in response to my speaking to him, but every time I try to get onto the same level as BK, he runs away.  But it seems he is here every night, sleeping under the front porch.  And eating kibble on the love-seat.

As much as I wish he'd stay on the deck,  he apparently prefers the cave-like atmosphere under the deck, where a piece of plywood has become his bed. Tonight, it's going to get really cold again, even worse that before. So, I put a plan into action to keep him more protected, and me less concerned.  I lined a large old wicker laundry basket with a waterproof flannel-backed table cloth that has elastic around the edges, so it should stay put inside the basket. Next came an old but warm afghan. Then... an old but clean, warm & beautiful sheep skin.

The bed is placed under the deck, near the plywood, and right outside the basement window.  My craft room is down in the basement as are my kitties' litter boxes and some of their favorite hangouts including the two deep windowsills.  I've had hubby remove the exterior-mounted screen, so I can open the window from inside and put food and water outside, no matter what the weather.  BK is gonna have a safe place to be, for as long as he wants to be here.  By the way, I suspect Shadow knew about BK before I figured it out, as usual. He's been downstairs in that windowsill quite a lot over the past few weeks, now that I look back. He checked out the placement of the bed, and seems to approve...

And if it's meant to be, I'll have the stamina and spirit of the black kitty swirling around me as I make my dream-catchers and medicine bags ~ and maybe one day I'll open that window and BK will come in and join us♥

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...... everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove Salish 1888-1936

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This lovely flute lullaby "Tucked in for the Night" 
appears to be a free download from Amazon....  
is this meant to be, or what?????  ♥ 

Peg's Tale

It began last winter. A pretty little white tail deer, with a horrible, bloody leg injury. We didn't think she'd survive the wounding she suffered during hunting season; wounding loss is one of the greatest travesties of hunting. Her left front leg nearly severed and dangling from a through and through gunshot that severed the muscle, we dubbed the lame girl "Peg".


We always feed our little deer herd during the winter. Last year, we watched as poor Peg struggled to lower her head enough, balanced on that one good front leg, to eat corn from the ground.  But at least, she had a protector. The 5 point buck who retained his antlers deep into winter, seemed to always show up with Peg, and shoo away the other deer who tried to push their way in for the corn. We called him Cinco.  Before long, we began to put corn in two areas, so Peg would have some for herself, and the rest of the yard herd would not argue with her for it. Cinco stood vigil, and ate only after Peg hobbled away.


I've read that deer do not mate for life.  I've read that they have family units, but that the males show little interest in the females except for their very brief encounters during the rut.  I am beginning to wonder if that is truth.


Surprisingly, Peg indeed survived winter, and by early summer, she was putting a bit of weight on the injured leg. We continued to supplement our herd with corn all year, just to be sure Peg found enough nutrition.  Low and behold, in early October, we watched as a beautiful buck mated with Peg, who by then was stronger and able to run with barely a limp.  I wondered if the buck was Cinco, and I am confident now that it certainly was.  Cinco has matured into a beautiful 8 point buck. And his devotion to Peg is amazing.  Last night, on trail cam, the two were photographed near one another throughout the night.

Just a few minutes ago, I watched as Peg was nibbling some corn, and a spike buck came her way. He jumped the stream and headed towards Peg on a trot. Seemingly from nowhere, Cinco came running from the woods at break neck speed and chased the spike off.  I then saw him headed in the direction of Peg. I'm guessing he stays close by her, still her protector as well as her suitor. The rut is over, there is no reason for him to accompany this pretty little girl. And yet, he is always there... just in the shadows.  Do deer mate for life? I guess not... but ask me in a few years and I'll have a better answer for you.  For now; I'll just amaze at the sights I am so blessed to observe in my little corner of the world.

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Conversation was never begun at once, nor in a hurried manner. No one was quick with a question, no matter how important, and no one was pressed for an answer. A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation. Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence to the speech-maker and his own moment of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regard for the rule that, "thought comes before speech." ---Luther Standing Bear (1868?-1939) Oglala Sioux Chief

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