Tag Archives: playtime

This is mine. Back off!

Cat claiming a box for playtime.
This is MINE. You can’t open this package, Mom. This box is my toy perch now.

I know it was sent to you- but it’s MINE now.

Yes, Mom. I know my big bag of food is inside- but I’m not hungry- and besides, I haven’t finished the first bag. So that means this is my new play perch, and you can’t open it. It’s just the right size for me to perch on so I can swipe at you when you walk by- and the best part is, Sushi can’t get up here!

Just buy me another bag because if you open my box It’ll fall when I try to jump up here. But hey- why don’t we play while you think about it?

By the way, Mom- don’t tell Sushi I said it, but you need to give her the eye treatment now….while I go hide!

And after that, maybe you can tell me why you left me and Sushi alone yesterday —ON EASTER— and came back smelling like Serafina and Abby??

This better be good….


Before you answer, just remember who I’m related to….

Photo by Charles Miller Pexels

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Thursday Therapy

Our Can Opener has had a lot to deal with this week. I told her to play with me and then call her grief counselor.

Inflation, hackers, pain and first Father’s Day, and 4th of July without the hubby.

Life has its trials, and since the first of this New Year, our Can Opener has had the same ones everyone else has- but has seen God move on her behalf every time. She’s learning that trials don’t have to mean defeat. Pain doesn’t have to equal quitting, and recurring holidays and special occasions without a spouse that has passed doesn’t have to mean lonliness, emptiness and depression.

She has learned to hold fast to her strength by the power of the Holy Spirit- who tells her to worship, not worry. To pray, not dwell on all the evil that is going on- and to give thanks for what she has, and what she can do, instead of complaining about what she doesn’t have or can’t do.

Oddly enough, even in the midst of it all, she is doing better now than she has in previous years. And, somehow has joy and unexpalinable peace in the middle of it all-

I hear her say that God has given us an open invitation to cast all our burdens, anxieties and fears on Him- (I Peter 5:7) – and when people don’t do that, they get overcome with anxiety, depression, fears and insecurities (who wouldn’t with the way things are right now)?

But she has learned that when she dares to just bring it all to Jesus and LEAVE IT THERE in His hands, things have a way of working out while she sings praise.

She says there really is power in prayer and singing praise. But only those who actually try it will discover it and experience the peace of God which surpasses understanding.

But- she also says God created cats for a reason too- Sushi and I keep her smiling, and load her up with cuddles when she’s in pain- since Sushi and I can’t visit you guys and help with whatever stress you’re going through- we’re sending some of our pals to brighten your day a little!

Give your kitties a hug! 😻


How to Train your Humans

GET OFF THE COUCH, FELINES! It’s time for another lesson on training those humans of yours!

Make them PLAY

One of a cats’ major complaints is having not having enough interaction and playtime with their human pets. Another complaint is not having enough (acceptable) toys to play with. This results in a bored (and slightly ticked) cat.

This is unacceptable for the serious cat. But our Can Openers are so preoccupied with working, keeping their two-legged critters out of trouble- (good luck with that)- shopping, and all that other boring human stuff that they don’t realize how stressed and maybe even hissed their feline bosses are.

When the humans are away, it’s vital to have some great toys to play with. Most humans don’t think about the fact that unlike them, we don’t usually have video games, iPhones and social media to keep us entertained when we get bored- and even a cat can only sleep so long.

In this picture, some of my pals show us what they do for fun when their humans forget to provide stimulating toys – They also share their toilet tissue review.


Sometimes if you’re lucky, one of those two-legged critters will leave something sitting on the counter in the kitchen that a bored cat can help themselves to when no one is looking.

With a little luck, it could be something really fun- like eggs – these are great to push off the counter. They aren’t toys, but there’s a very satisfying crack / thud when they hit the floor. And, when they break, you get a hefty snack!


Another fun idea is to check out other spaces in the kitchen- (not every human is thoughtful enough to leave eggs or butter on the counter). That’s why you need critters.

Picachu here has learned how to open the fridge. This could lead to a whole world of fun and food -(think Garfield’s lasagna)!

Or, you could just hide your trophies in there to surprise your favorite human!


P.S. You could always help the hamster escape too. Just to be kind. 😹


A New BOX! PARTYTIME!

It’s a NEW BOX – just for me! (Sushi get your own)!

A Sunny day, a new box, and the Can Opener!

When I heard the knock at the door, I darted under the bed, because it was a hard, loud knock- but a few seconds later after the Can Opener answered the door, I smelled something delicious coming from that big box. It was more of my favorite food! But then, when the bag came out, there were big sheets of pawsome brown paper inside (I LOVE CRINKLY PAPER)- And before the Can Opener walked away with the food, I pounced into the box to try it out!

I claimed it immediately! Then I hinted at the Can Opener to put some more tissue paper in it and the next thing I knew, I was having the time of my life!

Sushi, however, isn’t impressed with the box- (she has her own favorite)- So I had fun circling under the flaps of the box and swiping at my favorite wand toy (with all the pretty bows that I just can’t seem to untie- yet) … Give me time, and I’ll untie every one of those pretty bows!

Sushi on the other hand, was just watching the show. And bathing. And bathing. And BATHING…

And barking at the Can Opener to come brush and cuddle her.
Now I’m all played out. But I informed the human that the box STAYS.

Sushi’s Nip-Crazed Caturday

Oh, I’m so HAPPY!

She bought us CATNIP!!

We’ve had problems with our internet connection for the last couple of days- for some reason, everytime we have stormy weather here, the internet goes out. So Twilight and I have been itching to get our paws on the laptop again -(she to complain, me to brag)!

Image by Daniel Wanke from Pixabay

It’s been pouring rain for the last couple of days- (on and off all day long)- and Twilight has been miserable since she couldn’t go outside (without getting wet).

So this morning the Can Opener brought out the catnip and I got so EXCITED! But not Twilight-

I don’t understand why you act so silly with that stuff, Sushi- it’s just GRASS!

Twilight thinks I’m crazy for loving this stuff- so when Mom brought it out she just stared at me like I’m a lunatic, while I rolled all over the rug and got crazy. It was the most fun I’ve had in a whole week!

Twilight lost interest in playing after Mom brought out the catnip and decided to go out in the rain after all and intimidate a squirrel or two. That’s fine with me, because after I got tired of playing, it was grooming and cuddle time (my favorite)!

Mom said all this fur could’ve ended up in my tummy making me sick!

Why did she say she could make a whole new cat from this?

She listened to this guy- maybe you should too!

For Cat’s Sake! Enough with the RAIN!

Make the rain STOP!! There’s birds out there that need caught!

This rain really cramps my style!

It has been raining all. day. long! I tried to be a patient kitty, just watching the raindrops incessantly falling from my perch on top of the Can Opener’s desk- but after counting over 156,700,439 (and a half) raindrops, I finally gave up and decided to pick a “fight” with the Can Opener’s toes. Unfortunately, she never sits still long enough for that to be effective, so I have to look for another victim…. and here she is- all cozy on the couch, covered up with the Can Opener’s robe…

Thanks for my new robe, Human. You’re not allowed to use it anymore.

So, like any other cat in its right (bored) mind, I crept up to the couch, right up to the spot where Sushi’s tail was hanging (uncovered) over the edge of the couch, and gave her a quick, SWAT! (FOUR times in rapid succession).

Unfortunately, neither Sushi or the Can Opener had a sense of humor about it, and Sushi got mad and actually MOVED! Wow. Never thought I’d see that happen.

So finally, (probably just to save my life)- the Can Opener finally stopped messing around in the kitchen, got her 13th cup of coffee, and that dang phone of hers, and sat down and played with me in the rug.

It went something like this… (with Sushi glaring at me for daring to wake her up)….

After I went psycho for twenty minutes (Mom said I made Sheba look sweet and calm)- I was finally tired enough to eat a boatload of fancy feast and half a bag of treats. But again, the Human spoiled my day by saying “no- you don’t need that many treats.” I said I did. She said I didn’t.

I think we argued. She won, this time. But not for long…


Friday Fab Felines

I love this chair, Human. Nobody else gets MY chair!

Cats that are (almost) as fabulous as Me!

It’s been busy around here for the last couple of days, and the Can Opener needs some rest. So, I told Sushi to sleep on the laptop so she couldn’t get online and spend time ignoring us to do her grocery shopping. At least, that was the plan.

Unfortunately, even though Sushi’s a whale, The Human was still able to pick her up. So, we had a long, boring day while she shopped online and then, did her grief counseling, and set up physical therapy appointments, and signed a new lease, worked out, and attacked the house with that electronic beast (AGAIN). I hate that big, noisy thing!

Now she’s in pain, and “can’t” play with us. We knew this was going to happen, but we couldn’t stop her from wanting to “get things done.”

Staying busy helps her deal with grief. But, when is there time to relax and play? So, since I can’t stop her from all this busy- stuff, I just sit and glare at by her and work on my guilt inducing glares. Apparently, she either isn’t noticing, or I’m losing my touch.

So, I consulted some of my cat pals in the neighborhood for ideas on how to distract her from her distractions and get her attention. I found some pals that are (almost) as cute as me. I’ll try some of their ideas and hope for the best!

I wonder what she’d do if I sunk my teeth into her desk drawer like this? Probably would hurt…
Maybe I’ll borrow her blow dryer like this guy did- if that doesn’t get her attention, nothing will!
Hey! This will WORK! Now I wait until she goes to bed….
Now, here’s an idea… If I sit in one of her favorite plants and stare like this, she just may wonder what’s up…
Well, not a bad idea for such a tiny little kitty. I’ll try this next.
And now I wait… She can’t stay awake forever!

It’s the Critters’ Fault

Poor little Barbie had no idea what was about to happen.

I think the “Working out” bug has bitten the Critter

Not only has my Can Opener started working out again- but even the tiny One has started copying her Mom and Dad much to Barbie’s dismay.

Sushi was kicked off the big, cushy pillow on the desk because “Barbie needed a nap”- and no sooner had Sushi objected and left than Barbie and “baby” were all comfy in “their” bed.

But their nap only lasted about 16 seconds before “Barbie” decided to ditch the baby and workout!

Somewhere along the line in that 15 seconds, Barbie also changed-dramatically!

I’d say Barbie is already working out too much- I’ve heard of feeling a little “stiff,” but if that’s what it does to people, I think I’ll stick with my cat naps!

She hit me with the golf ball

I’M TELLING!!!

Twilight is SO WEIRD!

Tomorrow is the Can Opener’s birthday and she was so busy today, that Twilight decided to get her attention and make her play. She had been making some Christmas gifts for the little Critters and it was raining, and too cold for Twilight to go out.

Then Mom -(aka. The Can Opener)- decided to take a break. So she got a cup of coffee and sat on the couch to brush and groom me before she got all wrapped up in her projects. I love it when she grooms me, because she puts me on her lap, tends to my eyes, checks for itchy areas, brushes & cuddles me, then feeds me treats.

When she was done, I climbed down from the couch to stretch out in the rug for a nice, long nap. And that’s when it happened.

That little Albino Flea had decided to kick the golfball to the Can Opener before she had the chance to get up and go back to work, and I just happend to be laying in the rug between her and the Can Opener, so the next thing I knew,…

Sleeping peacefully, and then….
WHAM!
SHE MESSED UP MY FUR!

I’M TELLING SANTA AND YOU WON’T GET ANY PRESENTS!


No!!

Holiday Busy-ness!

Image by Stefan Maderbacher from Pixabay

No time to think!

There have been back-to-back birthdays to prepare for, (including her own this week)- Critters to teach, referee, and entertain, hubby not feeling well, Psycho Sheba (cat) next door trying to take over our house, Christmas gifts to make (and wrap)- baking, planning, and cleaning.

Then there’s Sushi and cute little me. The schedule has changed, routine has changed, and everything else on earth has changed. No wonder the Can Opener rarely takes time to play with me!

I know you’re busy, Human. But it’s raining and I’m BORED! There’s not even a Christmas tree to knock over!

BUT she did yesterday! She knows I love paper bags, and sparkly, shiny things and ribbons and bows and GOLF BALLS – and BOXES!

I had so much fun- I was sure that when I kicked the golfball to her on her yoga mat today as she was getting ready for her workout- (not yoga)- that she was going to tell me she couldn’t play with me yet. But she DIDN’T!

Psycho Sheba gets locked out of her house and then pushes her way in our door and hunts for our treats!
This is how I feel when the Critters are here all day.

And right when I start to think she has forgotten to take care of herself, she starts to work out. Great. I’d rather play. But she tells me that she can’t afford to not work out with all the stress in her life and I try my best to give her the look to make her feel guilty….

And that reminds me of how special she makes me feel and how lucky I am not to be a stray anymore.

Maybe I’ll stop making her feel guilty… for now.

She gets mad at our human when she’s not allowed to eat our treats and growls and hisses at her- then gets escorted out.
The Can Opener has been playing games with the tiny Critter too.

Sometimes I think our Human is so busy taking care of everyone else that she forgets to take care of herself too.

Then I remember the new bed she bought me that I still haven’t used. Because I like hers best.