Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing your and your precious Mindy's one year anniversary with us. This is certainly a time of celebration, and I know your beloved Danny and Tina are celebrating your and Mindy's anniversary, too. Your precious girl has been a blessing to you throughout this very difficult year, as has your precious Shelley. I know both your girls bring much joy to your heart, - - they have their own special individual bonds with you that no other companion will ever have.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thank you for your kind words and for sharing Mindy's 1-year anniversary with me. I do indeed have a unique and special bond with this sweet kitty. Last night she snuggled next to me on the couch for a couple of hours as I had a throw draped over my body and she was lying down on the edge of the throw. I gently placed my left arm around her little body, and she shifted her body gradually to snuggle inside my arm and she fell asleep. Once in a while I felt her paws twitch, and every so often she would shift a little and stretch and touch my arm with her paws. I watched her sleep so peacefully and I felt so happy just watching her and having her by my side. She is such a sweet little cat, very loving. It's the best part of the day when I snuggle with my "girls".

Curiosity almost got the better of Miss Mindy last night. I had lit one of the beeswax candles, and she wanted to check it out. Mindy watched the flame and got her head close to it. I told her to watch out and to stay away from the candle, but before I knew it she quickly flicked her right front paw over it, extinguishing it and splashing wax on her paw. Thankfully, it wasn't all that bad, but I sat down with her and tried to get the wax off her paw which wasn't easy. It's a good thing it's just beeswax. She sure learned her lesson though! Shelley was smart enough to stay away from the candle. But Mindy just HAS to try things. Just like Tina! I remember my Tina trying to swat the candle with her paw as well.

To make things better for Mindy I gave her half a can of Castor & Pollux Organix chicken and turkey canned cat food this morning. She sure licked that bowl clean! I just wish it wasn't so expensive. She normally gets Holistic Select canned cat food. It did her good though. She was more active than usual today, chasing "sister" Shelley around and wanting to jump and catch the little toy mouse on a string, one of her favorite toys.

All is well in our little household today. Me and the girls are enjoying our "Caturday" together!

Mindy has quite an interesting day yesterday. It started off so good! She got so excited about something outside that I took a peek before I headed off to work. A thin brown tabby cat with a white collar was making its way down the street. Mindy watched in fascination as if to say:"Mom, I didn't know there were other cats here!!!"

In the evening Mindy gave me quite a scare. She crouched down and had a coughing fit. I had never seen her do this before, and I got scared. She settled down, but coughed a few more times. I quickly read about coughing cats on the Internet and what it could possibly mean. She had a cold back in November and I was worried about her having a respiratory infection again. It bothered me so much that I decided to take her to the vet. Better safe than sorry! I'd rather err on the side of caution than have anything bad happen to my girls.

I took her to Bay Beach and we had to wait a while, but they were so nice and took really good care of Mindy. The vet said it didn't look like she had a respiratory infection. For peace of mind I had them take an x-ray and I dreaded the result. I've been so conditioned to expect the worst, and I was wondering if maybe she has a weak heart or heart disease. I was so worried about hearing bad news, but Mindy's x-rays looked fine except for what looked like a big hairball sitting in her stomach. Hence the cough! I was sooo relieved!!! They even gave me a CD of Mindy's x-rays which was really nice. Her heart and lungs look just fine, and now I have peace of mind. I was so fascinated by her x-ray, and so was Mindy who watched the big screen from her carrier. Her eyes got so big as she was taking in the strange picture.

I gave her some Laxatone and will continue her on that on a regular basis. The vet remarked about her beautiful, soft coat. Mindy really does have wonderful soft fur. It feels like silk. She was glad to go back home after spending more than 2 hours at the vet, and so was I.
She is snuggled up behind me on the chair as I am writing this. She has been especially loving tonight. I think she knows how much I love her and that I try to take good care of her. She was so patient at the vet, my sweet kitty girl.

Have fun with her and i hope you guys have a long life together

EvEf, thank you for your kind words and your well wishes. I too hope that Mind will be with me for many, many years. I have grown quite attached to her and she is very sweet and incredibly smart. This morning I said to her:"Mindy, why don't you use the litterbox upstairs where it's warm?" Would you know it, a minute later she was in the litter box upstairs.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy are doing. I'm glad you were able to get your little girl checked out by her doctor to make sure there is nothing sinister lurking in her respiratory tract. Furballs can present a problem, and I think you will find a regular regimen of Laxatone will help to keep things under control. My precious Noah is also on a regular regimen of Laxatone - - has been since he was a little wee baby boy.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

I am so glad that you and Mindy were brought together at the start of the month this time last year. I always think our departed loved ones have something to do with finding new love.

Your Mindy's incident with the candles reminds me of Chewy and how he was curious when he was really young and went to close and burnt a couple of his whiskers which stayed curly after that. And then Fudge did the same with the ones above his eyes. Nothing bad just one whisker is a bit curly but definitely shows you just how curious cats get! I am glad to hear she was not hurt badly. Like you say she definitely will not do that again!

I so agree with you on the going to vets to be on the safe side. That is also what makes you such a wonderful mum to them! I did think straight away she must have had a large hairball but if they do not actually cough anything up you have no way of knowing and she was obviously struggling to get rid of it so you did the right thing I am so glad to hear that everything is OK with her too.

What a clever girl using the litter box after you hinted to her that she should. My fiance said to me about a month ago (he loves all the cats just as much) "I do not think they understand us" and I said of course they do! So he said "maybe we should chuck Fudge outside" and Fudge had been in the other room laying down asleep and low and behold next thing we knew we look at the doorway and there was Fudge standing with his eyes wide open with fear looking at us! My fiance had no intention of chucking him out of course it was a test but Fudge proved that cats are more clever then we sometimes think just like your Mindy!!

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thanks for stopping by! I chuckled at your story of how your little Fudge got all scared when your fiance jested about "chucking" him out. Yes, they DO understand us indeed! And I bet your fiance was quite surprised! Poor Fudge, he must have gotten quite a scare. I can just imagine him thinking:"Oh, not, not back outside in the ditch! Nooooo!"

I don't know what it is with cats and candles. Poor Chewy and Fudge, I bet those curled whiskers looked real strange! I am glad though that they didn't get seriously hurt.

I too am glad that I found Mindy at the SPCA. I had pretty much given up as I had been to about 4 or 5 different places and none of them had Tuxedo cats. I still remember the first time I saw Mindy. The SPCA worker held her up and I looked at her and thought:"How odd, she has golden eyes." Danny had green eyes, so it was a change for me, but I didn't mind. When I held Mindy on my lap in the little play room I knew I wanted to adopt her. She was so good and so sweet and loving, didn't claw me or anything like that. The vet remarked how trusting and gentle she is. Mindy is feeling much better. She is quite frisky today as temps are in the lower 60s and it feels more like Spring. She chattered at the birds and pounced on "sister" Shelley's back which elicited a protesting shriek from Shelley who didn't want to play rough. Since we got back from the vet Mindy has been especially loving. I think she knows I'm concerned about her and want to take good care of her. She is so trusting that she allows me to bury my face in her soft, fluffy fur and just take in her scent.

My girls were sharing a window seat earlier and having a wonderful time together. Doesn't Mindy have such a cute face?

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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy and Shelleyare doing, and this wonderful picture of your precious girls looking out the window. Does your precious Mindy enjoy having her picture taken? My beloved Samson, a mixed Lab / Border Collie LOVED having his picture taken - - he would actually pose when he saw the camera.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

That picture is amazing as if you put it with the others of them together you can see them slowly getting closer and closer.......a story about a real friendship opening up

Mindy is looking round as if to say were just having a look at the birds mummy don't worry!

Mindy obviously understands now that each time you take her to the vets it is because you are helping her....not being mean and she appreciates you for doing that now. How lovely that she is so calm about it now.

How are you and Mindy this week? As another month comes near to an end.....where does time go!

xxForeverxx

moon_beam and xxForeverxx, thanks for stopping by and for sharing Mindy with me. She does indeed like to have her picture taken, and she will "pose" when she is in the mood. Shelley is more squirrely, so I have to be quick about taking her picture. I did take several pictures of them sitting at the window, and I have one where Shelley leans her head against Mindy's body.

xxForeverxx, you are right, times flies by and January is almost over. I'm looking forward to Spring, but I do enjoy the change of seasons. I like seeing the snow on the bare trees outside, it looks so pretty. I like the stillness and quiet of winter. There's nothing like curling up on the couch with a good book to read and hot cup of coffee or tea and having the heat turned up and feeling all cozy and warm.

On Wednesday night Shelley and Mindy delighted me with another encounter that I added to the family album. Shelley was napping in my desk chair and Mindy was eyeballing it, wanting to also sit there. So she jumped up there and stared at Shelley and raised a paw, but Shelley just looked at her as if to say:"Look sis, we can both sit here. So, make yourself comfortable." To my delight Mindy settled down next to Shelley and seemed quite content. After a while Shelley turned around and then Mindy happily rested her head against Shelley's body. They looked so happy together! If Mindy had tried to do this with Tina she would have gotten a "beating" for sure. Tina did NOT share!

So, here is the latest treasured picture without much further ado...
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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, are doing, and for sharing this newest picture of your precious girls with us. I know it is a joy to your heart to see your precious girls getting along so well and "sharing".

It is always a privilege and a pleasure sharing the many wonderful moments your precious girls bring to you. It is obvious that you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are deeply devoted to each other. I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

Once again your photos bringing a smile to my face. I get so excited when I find Ellie sitting with Fudge or Pixie so I know your excitement at seeing them lay happily together.

What have they both been up to lately? Up to any mischief?

xxForeverxx

moon_beam and xxForeverxx, thanks for sharing my Mindy with me! I am so proud of my two girls, and they bring me so much joy. xxForeverxx, it's wonderful how Ellie has come to accept Fudge and Pixie. I know the two siblings have a strong bond, but they don't seem to want to leave out Ellie. I had a three cat household once, although two were "undeclared" as they were my roommate's cats at the time and I just couldn't say no. My cat at the time was Twinkie, a little orange tabby. Annie had Jinx, a long-legged, sweet Tuxedo cat, and Pixie, a neurotic Calico cat. Twinkie got along okay with Jinx, but not with Pixie.

I so enjoy seeing Shelley and Mindy together. This morning Shelley was snuggling with me on the bed and Mindy was running around, being her frisky self. She jumped on the bed and tried out some kung-fu moves on Shelley, batting her paws, but Shelley wasn't really in the mood, so Mindy left. Mindy likes to start play-fights with Shelley. Recently Shelley had laid down and Mindy was tapping Shelley's back with her paw which elicited a low growl from Shelley.

This weekend is nail-trimming time and I hope it will go smooth. Mindy is usually fine, but Shelley let out a low growl the last time I trimmed her nails and showed a bit of "cali-tude" there! I never could trim Tina's nails as she was too skittish and freaked out when touched her paw with the nail trimmer.

Mindy and Shelley get so excited every morning when I prepare Mindy's canned food. Shelley has taken a real liking to it and meows incessantly. The bowl is licked clean within a few minutes!

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are doing. It is always a joy sharing your precious girls with you.

I hope the nail trims went okay this weekend for your precious girls. I know how much joy your precious girls bring to you, DannysMom, and it is obvious from the pictures you share with us that they know you love them with all your heart.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

The nail trimming went okay. As usual, Mindy was more patient than Shelley. I had a bit of trouble with the inner extra toe on her left front paw. She has two extra toes on each front paw and the inner toes are a bit hard to get to, not much room there. But she did so good. Shelley was watching us a bit concerned, wondering what I was doing with Mindy. Again, this time Shelley growled a bit, but she was okay. I tried to keep her calm by talking to her, and I gave both of them a little treat afterwards.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, are doing. I'm so glad the "pedicure" process went okay for you and both of your girls. I am so smiling about the treats afterward - - trreats do seem to have a way of soothing the stressed nerves. I am chuckling about Shelley's growl: "I don't like this, mom - - I really don't need my nails trimmed - - not really!!" I know the soothing sound of your voice helped to let her know that you love her.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

I am glad the nail trimming went OK. You saying about the extra toes.....my sister was renting a room at a family home that we went to visit a couple of months ago and they had a cat who had five toes. It was fascinating to see. She was an absolutley gorgeous cat just like your Shelley.

I bet Mindys kung fu moves were funny to watch! She definitely has a cheeky side in her personality.

What food is it that Mindy has? Must be yummy for Shelley to want to eat it too!

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, the food that both of them like so much is Castor & Pollux Ultramix Indoor Chicken and Vegetable stew. It has little cubed bits of chicken in gravy with some small peas and other vegetable pieces. It's a bit expensive, but I don't mind getting it for Mindy as it helps her lose some of the extra weight. Shelley has been putting on quite a bit of weight. She is always hungry. Mindy is very active and enjoys playtime. She was especially frisky and playful yesterday. She always seems to get that way on a Saturday as she is happy to have me home with her. Incidentally it is nail-trimming time again and I hope it will go smoothly. Mindy has been snuggling very close with me at night, either snuggled against my back or close to my chest. They both had some balcony time yesterday. I'll be glad when it warms up a bit. It has been unusually cold for March. We're supposed to be in the 40s again next week.

Here is a nice picture of Mindy peeking out from under the sheets as I was making the bed.
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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Mindy and you, and Shelley, are doing, and this wonderful picture of your precious Mindy. I am smiling at her "helping" you to make the bed. And I am so smlling when you share with us: "She always seems to get that way on a Saturday as she is happy to have me home with her."

I hope Mindy's pedicure time goes okay, and am glad to share your news that both your precious girls enjoyed some balcony time yesterday. I know what you mean when you share with us: "I'll be glad when it warms up a bit. It has been unusually cold for March." It has been 15 to 20 degrees colder for this time of year on the western side of Virginia, too.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Happy Easter from Mindy and Shelley!

I witnessed a sweet scene today. Shelley was napping on the pet bed when Mindy decided to lie there as well. At first she started scratching at the fabric with her paws and then she turned around to face Shelley who started washing Mindy's face and Mindy washed Shelley's paw. Mindy started to bite Shelley's neck and Shelley gave her a stern, motherly look that seemed to say:"Sis', it's nap time!" So Mindy quieted down and laid down with Shelley, her head close to hers and paws intertwined. That's when I quietly took a few pictures. After that, Shelley stretched and then lovingly draped one of her hind legs over Mindy's body. I couldn't stop looking at this sweet scene. They look so good together, and I'm glad they are such good friends. I think Mindy appreciates Shelley after the fiasco trials with the "thuggish" male kitty and the very grumpy Persian kitty. It's like Shelley and Mindy were meant to be together. Seeing them together makes my heart glad.

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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing and this wonderful picture of your precious Mindy and Shelley together. They are so sweet, and I know this brings much joy to you seeing them getting along so well. Thank you for sharing them with us.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I haven't posted about my sweet Miss Mindy in a while. She has been so good to me. Sometimes, when she gets in the mood, she will play with the big pink "hugger" toy. I laugh so much when she is on her back, frantically moving all four legs, trying to catch the hugger as I wave it back and forth. She grabs it and kicks it with her hind legs, but sometimes she "scares" herself when she gets too frisky and then she runs off. Last Sunday she spent the whole afternoon up on top of the big jungle gym, snoozing on the soft blanket. Mindy's morning routine is to sit in the window and watch what goes on outside while I eat my breakfast. She rests her front legs on the window sill and it looks so cute when she sits there and looks outside. She loves watching the birds fly by, and we have all kinds of birds here, crows, seagulls, robins, mockingbirds, cardinals, ducks, geese, etc. While Shelley always comes down to greet me in the evening Mindy prefers to sit at the top of the stairs, but that doesn't mean she's not happy to see me. And every so often she surprises me by quietly getting into my lap and snoozing away. She also likes chasing after a soccer sponge ball, but Shelley always beats her to it. This morning my girls played chase together which is so much fun to watch. When one of them has "caught" the other then the "caught" one starts the next round of chase. Here is Mindy looking very proud with her hugger toy.

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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing and this wonderful picture of your precious Mindy with her toy. There is no doubt she is a happy little girl.

Our precious companions do form their own special routines - - which bring joy and comfort to us and a peace that all is right with our world. Both your precious Mindy and Shelley are blessed to have you for their Forever Mom.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi DannysMom

Its lovely to hear Mindy is doing well.

Made me think if Fudge when you said she scared herself and ran off as he does that all the time.....sometimes makes me jump in the process as hes so quick!!

I love the fact she has a routine. Shes like a baby which is cute i am sure she is much better behaved then a baby though and does not make as much noise!

What has she been up today? Well i suppose if she has a routine its the same old stuff shes doing

She is such a cutie.

xxForeverxx

xxForeverxx, thank you for sharing my Mindy with me. She is very cute, indeed! I thought she had gotten over her habit of suckling on blankets and sweaters, but today she climbed on my lap, started kneading me and suckled on my sweater, close to my chest. She got my sweater all wet, and she was purring all the while. Shelley just looked at her in amazement. I've read that cats do the suckling when they get separated from their mom too early. Mindy and her brother were picked up as strays and I know little about her history. She gave me such a satisfied and happy look after she was done suckling. Friday night she happily spun around in a circle, chasing her tail. I think she can tell when it's the weekend and I'll be home for the next two days. But...the weekend always goes by so quickly. I'm sure looking forward to Memorial Day and having a nice, three-day weekend. We've had such a cool Spring, and I'm hoping it will warm up by then. I know it's been colder than normal in England as well.

This morning Mindy wrestled on the bed with Shelley and then she and I played with the hugger toy while Shelley was impatiently meowing for her chicken vegetable stew. She loves that food and just can't wait to get it in the morning. Mindy also loves chasing little toy mice when I throw them for her.

Miss Mindy tried out the new cat bed yesterday and it meets with her approval. It is so cute! It has a hood for them to hide under and cover themselves. She crawled in there and snuggled for a while. She has been quite excited about the birds and the squirrels out there. She chatters at the birds any chance she gets. She loves sitting in the window and watching everything that is going on outside. Often, when she is downstairs by the door and I call her name she responds with a happy chirp and comes running back upstairs. I think cats are so misunderstood. Some people tend to think of them as aloof and too independent just because they don't respond to commands like dogs too, but I wouldn't want them to. Cats are actually very loving and sweet and get quite attached to their human. They have saved people's lives as well. They need to know that they're loved. They can tell if you don't mean it. I have always been fascinated by cats and would pet every stray cat that came across my way, because my parents were dog people and would not let me have a cat.

I love my Mindy. She has this quiet strength and tenacity, and she is so playful and sweet. And she always is well dressed in her beautiful tuxedo!

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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, are doing - - and for sharing this wonderful picture of your precious Mindy in her new hide-a-way bed. She looks very comfortable and happy - - knowing that she is loved by her Forever Mom.

I totally agree with you that cats are misunderstood. I have enjoyed the privilege of having both canine and feline companions in my life. Each of them have their own unique precious personalities, and cats are as loyal to their human guardians as their canine housemates.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, as you and your precious girls celebrate Mother's Day together, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Miss Mindy gave me quite a scare on Tuesday. She had vomited a bunch of food and some puddles of blood mixed with bile and foam. I was scared to death and rushed her to the vet. They took some x-rays, but didn't really see anything except that her smaller intestines seem very well defined which is a bit unusual for a cat. My vet thought he saw some thickening of her small intestines which could point to a touch of pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease. I was so distraught. Mindy gets premium cat food, Castor & Pollux Organix dry and Castor & Pollux Ultramix canned food. But she has gained weight like crazy, over half a pound since December. I don't overfeed my girls and I'm watching their portions already. My vet though the dry food might be too high in fat and recommended I switch to EVO Weight Management which is actually a lower grade food than Castor & Pollux. Sigh!

I've decided to feed the girls a whole can of food in the morning and give Shelley only a bit of dry food afterwards before I leave for work. The canned food has only 74 calories per can and it is very filling. In the evening they get a bit of dry food and only some more if they come begging after that. I make sure I feed them only a bit at a time and hopefully that will help Mindy lose weight. She is at 12.56 and should only weigh about 9 o 9 1/2 at the most. I'm even thinking of making my own cat food, but I need to do some further research. The dry food is convenient but it's mostly carbs and is really nothing more than glorified "cereal" and that's what makes them gain weight. Cats need protein, and they can't really metabolize fat very well. I just wish there were healthier options that aren't quite so expensive.

Mindy loves the canned food and so far she is eating normally and she seems alert and otherwise healthy. I read last night that vomiting blood could also be a sign of a tumor or cancer. I don't even want to think about that possibility. I can't imagine losing Mindy anytime soon. She is not even 2 years old and I want her to have a long and happy life. Shelley was very concerned when I took Mindy to the vet and she greeted her little "sister" with lots of loving when I brought her back.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Mindy and you are doing. I can soooo understand how very upset you were on Tuesday, and how concerned you are still. It sounds like your vet is doing his very best to give your precious Mindy a healthy recovery, and hope and pray the new food will help her toward this goal. I know when our precious companions are not well "doing our best" seems really not good enough. Still, our precious companions understand that we love them and will do everything our human and humane power to give them a long, happy, and healthy earthly journey. And your precious Mindy is so very blessed to have you for her Forever Mom.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious Mindy and Shelley. Please know you and your precious girls are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious companions are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Danny and Tina.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I am still so worried about Mindy. I just have this nagging worry and it's bothering me so much that I'm having stomach pains and haven't been able to eat much. I was there and SAW how much blood she had vomited. And there was no mistaking it for something else because of the tell-tale iron odor and the color and everything else. It's easy for everyone else to tell me it's no big deal, but I'm sorry it IS a big deal when a cat is vomiting blood. Who know what could be going on inside her body? I just have this nagging fear of losing her and I know I could not go through that again so soon after losing Tina and Danny. Mindy is Shelley's best friend. What would Shelley do without her? A cat just doesn't vomit blood for no reason. I have been watching Mindy and she has been eating normally and is active and just her normal self, but still I worry about her. I don't want to lose this sweet little cat. She is not even 2 years old yet. I keep holding my breath so to speak and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Hello DannysMom

I'm sorry to hear about Mindy (so close to your scare with Shelley) I don't think anyone here would say it's no big deal. Of course it's a big deal when our fur kids are having trouble. The vet does not sound like he's sure. Is there going to be a follow up visit? Is it possible she may have gotten into something. I hope she is feeling better and we will keep you all in our prayers. Let us know how both your girls are doing.

TTT

Tom's Dad, thanks for checking on Mindy. I just feel so all alone in this. It seems like nobody really shares the horror I felt when I saw how much blood she had vomited. The vet wasn't sure, you're right about that. He suggested doing some blood work if Mindy doesn't improve. She hasn't needed a follow-up visit as she seems to be her normal self. Yesterday she was so active and playful and she's eating and drinking normally. I too thought that she may have gotten into something, a bug or maybe some flower petals on the balcony that had fallen off. I am always so careful not to leave anything harmful out, and I don't have plants in the house and I don't leave out Tylenol or any other toxic thing. My household cleaners are non-toxic and I just try to take good care of my girls. Mindy's episode really rattled me. It made me feel like "Oh no, am I going to lose another cat so soon?" I get so concerned any time something is wrong with my girls. I don't want to miss any signs. I simply could not imagine losing one of them anytime soon. Losing a beloved fur kid is THE worst kind of pain.

Yesterday Mindy was snuggled up against Shelley's back and Shelley stretched her front legs and made little "baby" sounds. She was so happy to have her "sister" with her.

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Hello DannysMom

You should know by now, you are never alone here. I'm glad to hear Mindy has shown such positive signs of improvement. That being the case, I'm inclined to think she may indeed have gotten into something. Blood work and x-rays may not be such a bad idea to make sure she didn't suffer internal damage. But, from what you say, she seems better and would probably be showing more signs of distress if that were the case.

I can certainly understand fear of losing her so close to Danny and Tina. That's bound to be at the forefront of your mind all things considered. But, you are a good cat mom, and I think she will enjoy many happy years with you and her sister Shelley. Great picture, BTW. Take care.

TTT

Hi DannysMom

I am so sorry to hear that Mindy has not been well. By the sounds of it it might have just been a little hiccup along her healthy journey but I understand your worry. When Fudge suddenly threw up, had diarrhea and started shaking last year one night I was absolutely terrified! All I could think about was not another one of my boys. I almost went into a very early labour! He laid in his basket at the end of my bed all night and I was ready to rush him to the vets in the morning and then suddenly the next day he was back to his playful self......and has been fine ever since.

It is so hard with cats as they cannot tell us how they are feeling. I bet the biggest thing with your Mindy is the fact that there was blood which would scare anyone. Pixie throws up quite a few times a week because her stomach cannot always handle the amount she eats but then there is no blood so and I have had her checked out so I am not worried.

I am sure and have hope that she is fine but you are doing everything you can and cannot do anymore so do not beat yourself up to much about it as she is getting the best care she can get from you. You do whatever you think necessary for her but please do not stop eating etc as she needs you to be as healthy as possible.

I just wanted to share with you this picture of Pixie as I saw the one of Mindy in her nice new bed and I just think she looks like Pixie so much. In the picture her eyes are dilated but normally they are the same colour as Mindy's.

How is she doing today DannysMom? I send my love.

xxForeverxx

Tom's Dad, thanks for your comforting words. Sometimes it's just a bit hard when there's no "live" person to give you a hug or words of comfort. Mindy did have x-rays, and all the vet saw was some thickening of her small intestines which could point to IBS or pancreatitis. She is doing much better and hasn't thrown up again and for that I'm very thankful. I sure hope she'll be with me for many years to come.

xxForeverxx, thanks so much for sharing that picture of Pixie! She does look a lot like Mindy and how clever of her to sit where the food is! She looks like she's a sly one and perhaps a bit more feisty than Fudge. She is really cute! I am doing better too. It turned out that I had a nasty bout with gastro-enteritis and may have had some food poisoning. Mindy sure makes me smile. A few days ago she was sitting in the window with Shelley and Shelley sat in front of her, blocking Mindy's view. Mindy gave Shelley a swat on the head with her mighty little paw, but Shelley was unperturbed and kept looking out the window.

This morning I woke up to a very precious sight. Mindy and Shelley were on the bed, nose to nose, and Mindy was giving Shelley a good bath. This went on for a couple minutes and then turned into a little play fight. It just always amazes me how they get along so well. It's like they were meant to be together.

I made an extra effort this week to give Mindy more attention. I sensed that she felt a bit neglected and that she felt Shelley was getting more attention. For a few days Mindy was hardly "talking", not even a screech, but now she is talking again. Last weekend she and Shelley had a little play fight going on while lying down on the floor face to face. Mindy put up one of her paws, then Shelley put up a paw and this went back and forth with them just raising their paws and trying to dodge each other. I wished I had taken a video! Last night she nipped me a bit too hard when I was feeling her ribs. I thought I had felt a little lump on her side, but it was only her ribs. I touched her real gently, but apparently it was a bit of a sore spot and so she gave me a quick nip on my hand. I told her it was okay and that I needed to examine her every once in a while. She is always so patient at the vet when they examine her. I hope she'll start losing the extra weight soon. Mindy is much more overweight than Shelley, but she can still run up and down the stairs very quickly!

Miss Mindy has been a very frisky kitty this past week. Late Friday evening she got into a game of chase with "sister" Shelley which also involved Mindy wrestling Shelley to the ground. I heard a frantic shriek, but shortly after that they were both off running again. Cats!
Today I placed Mindy on top of the couch next to Shelley. I thought they might enjoy a nap together. At first everything looked okay. They were sniffing each other's noses, but then Mindy sniffed on Shelley's paw and Shelley took a swat at Mindy, but stopped in mid-air, sort of like a "warning shot". Mindy, quick as lightning, lunged forward and wrapped both front paws around Shelley's neck and had her in a stranglehold. Very expertly done! But Shelley broke free and jumped off the couch. She wanted none of this crazy business! Mindy, now having the couch to herself, settled down quite happily and I thought I saw a little smile on her face!

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are doing. Yes - - I can just see your precious Mindy smiling at her victory of winning the domain of the couch. Have seen that a few times especially during challenges between my precious Noah and his beloved beautiful baby sister Abbygayle. Anyone who tries to tell me that our precious companions can't smile or cry - - have never taken the time to really look at their companions faces.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tina's and Danny's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, DannysMom, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how each of you are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thanks for stopping by. Yes, my Mindy tries to be the dominant cat, I guess because she was here first. Last night I played a bit with her and then Shelley jumped in and went after the fleece strips. Mindy sat on the stairs watching, but I could tell from the look in her eyes that she wasn't happy. So after a few minutes she chased after Shelley and wrestled her to the ground which elicited a shriek from Shelley. Mindy had that satisfied look on her face as if to say:"How dare you play with MY toy! Mine, mine, mine!!!"

This morning my girls were sitting in the window together, but the peace didn't last long. Mindy gave Shelley a swat on the neck which seemed to mean "You're blocking my view!", but Shelley was unperturbed. So Mindy gave her another swat with the paw, and still Shelley didn't flinch. They are so funny to watch Mindy reminds me a bit of Tina sometimes. She has this quiet strength and tenacity and she likes to give play bites.


Here is Mindy relaxing in a paper bag. Isn't she cute?
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Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, are doing - - and for the wonderful picture of your precious Mindy thoroughly enjoying the paper bag. She looks very contented indeed.

Sorry that the nail trimming did not go very smoothly this time around. The good news is that there is a "next time" - - and each time is a unique experience.

Nothing much going on here today - - just enjoying the peaceful calm and my precious Noah's sweet precious company. Still have the lunch dishes to do.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Danny's and Tina's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thanks for stopping by and sharing my Mindy with me. She is as cute as a button! Miss Mindy is happy to have me home this week. Right now she is happily snoozing on top of the couch by the window. Earlier she saw a big bug on the outside of the window and she got soooo excited about it, wagging her tail and chattering. She furiously tapped the window with her paw, trying to catch the bug. And then, it flew away. Oh, my Mindy was so frustrated! So I sat next to her and stroked her soft fur and talked to her to console her over the bug that got away. She so enjoyed getting all this loving and attention! Mindy loves being petted. Despite her reputation as the tough, calm one in the family she is very much a "softie".

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing your precious Mindy with us. Ah yes - - the "bug that got away". I can soooo relate to your precious Mindy's frustration - - she sounds like my beloved number one kitty son Eli when it comes to the "bug patrol." Unlike your precious Mindy, my beloved Eli did not appreciate being "consoled" - - he wanted another bug!! Your precious Mindy is so very fortunate to have you for her Forever Mom, as is your precious Shelley.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Danny's and Tina's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. I also hope any fireworks in your area will not be a source of distress to you or your precious girls. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam, thanks for sharing the story of your sweet kitty boy Eli with me. I'm sure you and Noah miss him lots when you think of him and remember the things he used to do. Miss Mindy made me laugh again this morning when she battled the big, bad, pink hugger toy. I can't help laughing when she's on her back, frantically moving all four paws and trying to grab the hugger. Sometimes she comes at me on walking on her hind legs, with her front paws stretched out ninja-style, and it just cracks me up! I always get a little scared too when she comes at me like this! But she just wants to play. Yesterday I sat on the couch with her as she was taking one of her marathon naps. I supported her little body with one hand while she nestled her head in my other hand. Soooo sweet! Despite her tough reputation she enjoys being loved.

It appears that Shelley has graduated from professor Mindy's "The art of bug watch 101" course. Last night I saw Shelley downstairs all by herself, while Mindy was off doing something else, not even supervising Shelley.

Mindy hissed at the big, bad coat closet door yesterday. She thought something was behind there, so she hissed at it and kept pawing at the door. It had me scared, so I didn't even attempt to open it. Mindy does the strangest things. She even hissed at the mop once, and it was just sitting there.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how your precious Mindy, and Shelley are doing. I am so chuckling at your precious Mindy hissing at the closet door and the mop. Something was obviously distressing her. She is so fortunate to have you for her Forever Mom to held calm and soothe her.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Danny's and Tina's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam, I don't think Mindy was distressed. She seemed calm enough, but she hissed because she sensed an intruder. This morning I found out what the "intruder" was. Mindy had pulled a plastic bag half out from under the door and it was filled with a tinsel Christmas garland. I store all the Christmas stuff in that closet. Mindy must have been so determined to get at the fiendish garland! Right now she is relaxing by the window and all is well.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you for sharing with us the "mystery of the closet goblin." Perry Mason couldn't have done any better sleuthing out the culprit of your precious Mindy's angst: a Christmas garland!!! I'm so glad to know she is once again at peace now that you, her Forever Mom, have laid her frustrations to rest.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Danny's and Tina's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam, thanks for stopping by and sharing my Mindy with me. I was nicely surprised to find both Mindy and Shelley snuggled against me when I woke up this morning. They even let me sleep in without waking me up for food first. How sweet! It's been a long week and I needed the extra sleep. Mindy and Shelley were lying across my legs face to face and Mindy was washing Shelley's head. Shelley then started a little paw play-fight. A few nights ago Shelley was feeling very frisky and crouched down to stalk Mindy, but Mindy pre-empted her by pouncing on her and wrestling to the ground which elicited a few shrieks from Shelley. Miss Shelley tried to escape by was wrestled down again expertly by Mindy and then they galloped into the other room with Mindy in hot pursuit of Shelley. These two kitty girls are so much fun!

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Mindy, and Shelley, are doing. Your precious girls know they have a loving home, and know they are blessed to have you for their Forever Mom. And I know you feel so blessed to have them and are enjoying every moment you have with them.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Mindy and Shelley kindly, and that you and your precious girls will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Danny's and Tina's sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. I thank you for the blessing of your friendship, and of your precious girls. Please know you and your precious Mindy and Shelley are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you and your precious girls are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam