Page 2 of 3

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:30 am
by ThorpeDave
The kittens are now 12 weeks old so they went back to the vets yesterday for a health check, second vaccinations and a discussion about neutering.

They certainly have come a long way in the past 3 weeks with Jasper putting on over 600g while Morgana Violet has put on well over 400g. Jasper has visibly grown and has a lot more energy, is getting bolder and playing harder.

The vet was happy with their progress but wants to wait another month before considering Jasper for Neutering. Morgana Violet will have to wait a little longer. However we are keeping a close eye on Jasper as we recall Mia's reaction when Hendrix's hormones started to kick in!

the visit to the vets was a lot longer than we had anticipated. It is without doubt that Jasper is a "poster boy" and every vet, receptionist and nurse wanted to see him - as well as a couple of other customers!.

with his big ears, big eyes, honey blonde coat and stunning Mackerel Tabby markings he has the looks of a cat you would see on greeting cards, biscuit tins and on calendars. Yes we admit that we were smitten too!

Having said that, Morgana Violet is such a sweet kitten who loves being fussed and is so adorable and funny, she has a fraction of an edge when it comes to favoritism! Morgana really does love a cuddle and, unlike Jasper, is more than willing to go to sleep on my chest or round my neck - love it

Like Hendrix, when Morgana Violet arrived she was black with very faint tabby markings. While Hendrix's marking have merged well into the background as he is now a deep glossy black, Morgana's coat has lightened somewhat in to a dark chocolate color with her Mackerel Tabby markings a lot more prominent. We won't know her final coloring as she will lose her "kitten coat" at around 6 months but we are hoping that she keeps this chocolate color as she will look quite stunning.
DSCI0545.jpg
Mia remains Mia. As the days past she is getting less and less grumpy and the kittens seem to now know who rules the roost. It is quite amazing to see all 3 other cats lying down while Mia eats her breakfast and dinner, only to rise when she has finished!

Mia has always been a twitchy cat and gets startled very easily. Obviously there is a lot more noise and the speed that the kittens run around was a little too much for her. However she is now getting used to it and she often gets on the cat tree - her thrown - and watches the their antics. Inevitably, she comes face to face with the kittens as they charge around the place which was causing a lot of hissing and growling. This is now subsiding and she is a lot more content. Mia and the kittens are now touching noses with Mia frequently having a good sniff. BUT the kittens are not permitted to make the same approach to her!

Hendrix - well wow!

I have said a lot of things about Hendrix in the past and he has certainly been a worry to us since he arrived 9 months ago. He was quite manic, way too much energy, destructive, mardy, angry and very frustrated, particularly with Mia - not to mention his size at 5.8kg!

It is fair to say that we got the the point where we ran out of ideas and we were getting extremely concerned for Mia who remains No 1 priority for us - even though we love Hendrix just as much.

The only other thought we had was to get a kitten as we believed that his lost childhood was causing the problem. This would not be without risks and we deliberated for quite sometime before taking the plunge.

Well, as previously documented, Hendrix simply took fright on the kittens arrival and would not be in the house while they were running around. This broke his routine completely and he became very distant with us, but, not Mia. Clearly Mia and Hendrix had a bond although, on the face of it, their relationship was not what we had hoped for.

It took 2 weeks for Hendrix to finally face the kittens in the same room and, wow, what a momentous day that turned out to be.

Having unexpectedly come face to face with Morgana, the relationship developed very quickly and it only took 2 days for the kittens and Hendrix to be playing and chasing each other. What we didn't expect was to see Hendrix fast asleep draped in the 2 kittens. He simply adores them and they adore him too
DSCI0583.jpg
Hendrix is certainly a changed cat. He plays and sleeps with the kittens and even grooms them. He is much calmer with Mia but still, occasionally chases her too. He does seem to be quite gentle with them and we have yet to hear either of them becoming distressed with the attention they are getting.

Still a long way to go as the kittens have yet to mature and fully develop their own personalities.

so far, things are going quite well!

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2019 6:32 pm
by alanc
They're a stunning lot of cats.
My Tilly is also adept at hoovering up everyone at the Vets, when she had to have her bandage changed after her leg operation (having dunked it in water) she somehow required 1 vet and 4 vet nurses to change. I didn't get a look in!

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 1:12 am
by Mayday21
Hi Dave I’ve caught up on Mia Ch3.. those kittens are gorgeous. Reminds me of when I bought Harper home. She & TC bonded immediately & I often found TC asleep on the lounge with Harper curled up in his arms. He often washed her & still does. I always smile when I see them & Bentley together. Alas Snow & Pebbles aren’t the cuddly, nurturing kind. Looking forward to more updates & pics. Vivian

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 5:24 am
by fjm
What a happy update! It must be a huge relief to you too, to have them all so comfortable together.

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 8:39 am
by ThorpeDave
Mayday21 wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2019 1:12 am Hi Dave I’ve caught up on Mia Ch3.. those kittens are gorgeous. Reminds me of when I bought Harper home. She & TC bonded immediately & I often found TC asleep on the lounge with Harper curled up in his arms. He often washed her & still does. I always smile when I see them & Bentley together. Alas Snow & Pebbles aren’t the cuddly, nurturing kind. Looking forward to more updates & pics. Vivian
We openly admit that it was Jasper who caught our eye and in many respects, Morgana Violet was an afterthought

However she is so gorgeous in her own right and so cute, loving and early signs are that she will be a lap cat!

A long way to go!

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 8:46 am
by ThorpeDave
fjm wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2019 5:24 am What a happy update! It must be a huge relief to you too, to have them all so comfortable together.
Happy update and a good start particularly after Hendrix got over his own self importance!

Many challenges ahead though as we doubt the 2 kittens will stay as close as the first 2 weeks.

We now often see them sleeping in different places and the "play" fighting is getting more intense and they are beginning to hurt each other. Morgana Violet was nicknamed "Violence" for a very good reason but Jasper has grown considerably, is bigger, heavier and now more powerful and he is now more than holding his own.

Next week will be a difficult one and we have heating engineers moving in to replace our heating and hot water system so 2 days of chaos, banging, and people all over the house.

This will really upset Mia and it will take a couple of days for her to get over it as hiding places will be difficult to find. She has been a lot more relaxed this past day or so with her not growling and being more sociable.

These things are sent to try us

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:20 pm
by Lilith
Aww, they're all so gorgeous! :D

Good luck with the engineers and I hope they're considerate about keeping outer doors closed and not leaving booby traps for the cats (such as raised floorboards.) Be firm! :)

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2019 1:52 pm
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2019 12:20 pm Aww, they're all so gorgeous! :D

Good luck with the engineers and I hope they're considerate about keeping outer doors closed and not leaving booby traps for the cats (such as raised floorboards.) Be firm! :)
thankfully no floorboards have to come up but they will be in every room in the house with the front door open frequently while the system is drained down and flushed and old boilers and tanks being removed and new stuff coming in - nightmare.

Weather is not looking good otherwise they would be spending some time outside for the first time. There will be a lot of noise and nowhere to hide.

Necessary work unfortunately

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 11:34 am
by ThorpeDave
If there is a picture that sums up where we are, this is it :o
62612062_2286404981622264_5260297617098670080_o.jpg
Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 2:50 pm
by Lilith
There's only one word to describe that -

AWWWWWWW!!!! :D

Those little darlings have definitely got Oriental blood - the ears ... :)

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 3:12 pm
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Wed Jun 12, 2019 2:50 pm There's only one word to describe that -

AWWWWWWW!!!! :D

Those little darlings have definitely got Oriental blood - the ears ... :)
Hendrix has really been a superstar and has been baby sitting while the heating engineers have been here for 3 days!

Oriental??? any suggestions? they certainly make some strange noises!

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 3:25 pm
by Lilith
Siamese, or Oriental anything - there are so many new breeds. Self-coloured Siamese used to be known as 'Foreign' black, red, tabby, anything. AND they talk - 'Wau', 'Wow' 'Woo', and so on. And they go on and on and on and then they say some more! And then they say some more after that! My suspected Burmese mix Molly definitely does. It's amazing they don't get laryngitis ...

And all Orientals are born saying 'Me! Me!'

As a once Siamese midwife I can vouch for this :D

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 4:09 pm
by ThorpeDave
This pair certain "talk" and their mum - and Jasper in particular - have a very strange voice.

There was a suggestion that there may be some Bengal in there somewhere but I am not that sure.

Morgana is the interesting one to me - Her eyes are totally different to the rest of the litter and her Mum and of course she is black while the others are all a honey blonde. Still hoping that Morgana will turn into a chocolate Tabby as her main coat is certainly getting lighter and her tabby markings more visible.

We shall see

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Wed Jun 12, 2019 10:16 pm
by Mayday21
Hi Dave no need to tell you but as those little uns are young & you’ve netted your garden they’re safe aren’t they? Pebbles has Oriental in her & she’s very talkative with a demanding meow & very much the observer. Another reason why I had my pergola enclosed with cat netting was if I had trades in I could put the kidlings out in the pergola away from “stranger danger”. Looking forward to more updates. Vivian & The Famous Five from Oz.

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2019 8:15 am
by ThorpeDave
Mayday21 wrote: Wed Jun 12, 2019 10:16 pm Hi Dave no need to tell you but as those little uns are young & you’ve netted your garden they’re safe aren’t they? Pebbles has Oriental in her & she’s very talkative with a demanding meow & very much the observer. Another reason why I had my pergola enclosed with cat netting was if I had trades in I could put the kidlings out in the pergola away from “stranger danger”. Looking forward to more updates. Vivian & The Famous Five from Oz.
Yes the garden has been cat proofed BUT we will be keeping a VERY close eye on them once they start going out to ensure that the security is high enough! The gate at the bottom is double locked but remains the most vulnerable area.

Both kittens are VERY agile and very good at climbing and jumping - Hendrix was not at the same age.

The garden is covered by CCTV but initially they will only go out escorted.

2 additions are currently planned

1. A new "pet door" - we are going for a larger one simply because Hendrix is so flaming big and struggling with the current set up. The new one will be a "smart" one so I know who is in and who is out! I will also be able to set up schedules for when they are allowed in and out ;) At present neither are micro chipped with this being done when they are neutered in about a months time. They are both getting curios but neither are crying to go out yet so I am not going to encourage them

2. We have observed Hendrix climbing up the metal mesh at the bottom of the garden - chasing bugs - so we have decided to put a mesh "roof" across the bottom section. We will buy enough mesh to "roof" at least half the garden if it becomes necessary. The garden is only 3m wide and I will use high tensile wire to help support it.

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 3:07 pm
by ThorpeDave
As expected this past week has been a difficult for everyone.

The heating engineers were scheduled for 2 days but it took 3 in the end which Mia did not like at all and the kittens spent most of the time confined in the bedroom.

Hendrix was a superstar though acting as baby sitter most of the time and kept them occupied and cuddled when necessary.

Hendrix has now turned one year old and he has certainly come a long way from when he first joined us 10 months ago.

Tiny and not well when he arrived he is now 5.8kg and rippling with muscles. He always was a nutcase but got very angry and frustrated and became quite destructive in the process. A change of food calmed him down somewhat but 2 weeks after the kittens arrived he changed completely. The decision to get the 2 kittens was a difficult one but our judgement turned out to be spot on. He now has company, playmates and has become an adoring uncle - and they love him.

Hendrix and Mia are now also very good friends spending time together and it is rare to see Hendrix chase or raise a paw to her. Indeed it is now Mia who tends to chase Hendrix when she and the kittens decide to gang up on him!

Mia is now generally fine with the kittens but no play or cuddling yet (although Morgana was chasing her yesterday) with only the occasionally slap to tell them to keep away. she has returned to her favorite snoozing place during the day and she can often bee seen with the kittens running round her which does not bother her any more.

The 2 kittens are growing nicely with Jasper now well over 2kg with Morgana Violet some 500g lighter. A decision will be taken in 2 weeks when to neuter - possibly on the same day - which may start the process of Mia becoming even more comfortable with them. Jasper and Morgana Violet are very sociable and will happily settle down on our laps but they are still placed in their pen over night. We have decided to keep this going for the time being and will review it after they have both been neutered. As Hendrix is a little less gentle with them now they will need somewhere safe for a few days after their op.

I had a message yesterday, "A 4 year old Bengal girl has come it to rescue and we think you have the perfect setup. Would you like to adopt?" - Hell YES but probably not a good idea! :(

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 11:40 pm
by Mayday21
Hi Dave I’ll let more experienced posters on Bengals comment. I understand though they like to be head honcho in group dynamics. Vivian

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:52 am
by ThorpeDave
Mayday21 wrote: Sun Jun 16, 2019 11:40 pm Hi Dave I’ll let more experienced posters on Bengals comment. I understand though they like to be head honcho in group dynamics. Vivian
The decision has already been taken - NO (sadly)

Unfortunately this little lady was acquired as it was a "fashionable" cat with little thought about what it needed. It is the only cat in the household and was left for 8-10 hours a day with little stimulation AND was also allowed to roam freely!

As a result it became bored and has "catitude" and no longer welcome in the household.

Having retired early, I am at home 24/7 and have plenty of time to devote to my cats. The secure garden with its cat proofing and CCTV was obviously a plus BUT Mia rules the roost here - at the moment - and that is the way it will stay if I have anything to do with it.

Getting Hendrix was for Mia and while getting the kittens was for Hendrix's benefit we thought long and hard about the impact on Mia.

We thought that Jasper would gravitate to her and he is very respectful around her. He always approaches her with respect, lays down, rolls and purrs. Morgana, our little black tiger however has no fear and has thrown a few punches in Mia's direction on a number of occasions. However, Hendrix is the love of her life and they spend a lot of time together.

There has always been a suspicion that there is Bengal blood in the kittens - somewhat diluted - and their constant chattering, speed, agility and Morgana's attitude towards life also gives the impression that there is something there. Morgana could be a challenge to Mia in the future but we will have to see and deal with that one if it occurs.

so, no pure bred Bengal for us - and it was not a difficult decision to say no.

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 5:26 pm
by Lilith
:o !

A marvellous offer - but one I think you're wise to turn down - I would have thought a one to one home would be needed for that Bengal, to bring her round and regain her trust; not the right cat to join an evolving multicat household where group dynamics are only just settling down ... I can imagine Mia would have felt very threatened and the Bengal would have known it and taken full advantage ... she (the Bengal) sounds very like my Molly, who I still have to watch carefully with my other cat, Mouse.

Idiot 'owners' ... not the first time and won't be the last :( I hope that poor little girl can be rehabilitated and find a good permanent home, but you're definitely right not to entertain the idea of taking her on.

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 6:29 pm
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 5:26 pm :o !

A marvellous offer - but one I think you're wise to turn down - I would have thought a one to one home would be needed for that Bengal, to bring her round and regain her trust; not the right cat to join an evolving multicat household where group dynamics are only just settling down ... I can imagine Mia would have felt very threatened and the Bengal would have known it and taken full advantage ... she (the Bengal) sounds very like my Molly, who I still have to watch carefully with my other cat, Mouse.
Exactly!

I would have loved the challenge for such a beautiful creature with plenty of attitude BUT you are absolutely right - there is no way on this earth that I would ever risk challenging Mia's position within the group. As Morgana's personality develops, Mia may have enough on her plate already!

I sincerely hope that this 4 year old Bengal is found somewhere that will meet her needs to bring her round while keeping her safe. I am sure there will be a queue a mile long.

the kittens have been to the vets this afternoon and Jasper has been booked in to be neutered at 16 weeks (July 2nd) as he is physically ready and his attitude towards the ladies has changed in recent days! Morgana will wait until she is 6 months old or 2.5kg which ever is the sooner.

The vet also believes that there is some Bengal blood in there too - but hopefully - somewhat diluted!

The one we are waiting for eagerly - but with some nervousness - is Morgana's coat color. She is currently developing into a dark chocolate with very distinctive tabby markings :o :o :o

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 8:41 pm
by Lilith
Well ...

Normally I'd say that the majority of black cats begin with vague chocolate stripes and darken as they grow up to plain black. Although a couple of shots of Morgana do show far more distinct tabby markings than a usual black kitten. Then I came across this -

http://www.summerspridebengals.co.uk/page_3725524.html

Scroll right down until you get to the 'silver melanistics'.

You never know ... :o :)

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:17 pm
by ThorpeDave
Interesting

Here is a photo I took today of Jasper and Morgana. Morgana has exactly the same Mackerel markings as Jasper with very distinctive body stripes, ring tail and spotty belly.
64285935_2291569831105779_6834595326574198784_o.jpg
My knowledge of genetics is limited - very limited but I find it odd that they both have the same markings while Jasper, his sister Dolly and his Mum Mabel are identical coloring with Morgana being the odd one.

Ok, we know that a female can give birth to kittens with different fathers - and of course we do not know who the father is but, with mum and all 3 kittens having the same markings isn't it unlikely that they have different fathers ???

I few days after they were born I also discovered that another 5 kittens were taken into rescue which looked exactly like these from within a mile of where Mabel was rescued from - Hmmm.

As you say - as did the vet today - it is common for cats to have tabby marking which disappear and become "black" - Hendrix was one such cat.

However when Morgana arrived she was black with the tabby markings only visible under infra red lights. As the weeks have passed she has become lighter rather than darker so we are hoping that this continues. Brushing her coat backwards reveal even lighter furr!

My understanding is that kittens lose their "kitten coat" at about 6 months to reveal their final coloring. We are obviously keeping a very close eye on her!

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:49 pm
by Lilith
Well, the mackerel tabby is one of the dominant coat patterns, so not surprising. Although when I saw the first pic of Mabel and Jasper I think I said I thought they looked special, spotted? It's that flat, short, shiny coat that breaks the pattern up; my Molly sometimes looks the same. (I've always assumed Moll's part Burmese although like Bengals she definitely has catitude - too much catitude! - and there's an estate near me where there's a large cat population, including pedigrees allowed to roam ... there are a lot of cats round here with fascinating ancestries.)

And I reckon your little guys, whoever their father, have the same intriguing background. Jasper's colouring, too, is unusual; I've never seen a tabby with that creamy blonde colouring.

I've been googling Bengals; it's a bit mysterious as to how they came about as all it will say is that they bred the wild strain back into 'domestic cats' but to my mind some Bengals look very Siamesey and so it's not out of place if Jasper and Morgana have those big ears and long noses. Other Bengals have round faces ... confusing!

If only they could talk! But they're all beautiful.

I'm biased, being a mongrel myself (Irish/Jewish/Cornish) but - long live mongrels! :D

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2019 10:33 pm
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Mon Jun 17, 2019 9:49 pm Well, the mackerel tabby is one of the dominant coat patterns, so not surprising. Although when I saw the first pic of Mabel and Jasper I think I said I thought they looked special, spotted? It's that flat, short, shiny coat that breaks the pattern up; my Molly sometimes looks the same. (I've always assumed Moll's part Burmese although like Bengals she definitely has catitude - too much catitude! - and there's an estate near me where there's a large cat population, including pedigrees allowed to roam ... there are a lot of cats round here with fascinating ancestries.)

And I reckon your little guys, whoever their father, have the same intriguing background. Jasper's colouring, too, is unusual; I've never seen a tabby with that creamy blonde colouring.

I've been googling Bengals; it's a bit mysterious as to how they came about as all it will say is that they bred the wild strain back into 'domestic cats' but to my mind some Bengals look very Siamesey and so it's not out of place if Jasper and Morgana have those big ears and long noses. Other Bengals have round faces ... confusing!

If only they could talk! But they're all beautiful.

I'm biased, being a mongrel myself (Irish/Jewish/Cornish) but - long live mongrels! :D
Personally I have a rare genetic disorder with my parents both having very distinctive variants. A DNA sample was taken 10 years ago to find out if I I was one or the other or, possible a mutation of the two!

Unfortunately the research project had its money cut in the crash of 2009 and my sample is sitting in a freezer in Canada somewhere! - but that is a completely different story and not for discussion here!

Jasper's mum has a very round smiling face and the Bengal currently in Rescue is the same color but no relation and from 2 different towns.

In the event that Morgana does develop into a chocolate tabby I will consider doing a DNA test. If she reverts to black I won't!. It is not cheap but could be very interesting.

I am still very interested in the chattering too and I have seen a Bengal kitten growl just like Jasper!

Everyone at the vets is really smitten with Jasper but when they take a close look at Morgana all I get is OMG wow!

Perhaps I should send a photo to a feline model agency!! - just kidding!

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2019 9:18 am
by Lilith
If that coat pattern persists she will be quite a cat!

I once knew a rescue worker who did just that; all her cats were rescued, many ex-feral, and, I don't know how it came about, she had contact with an agency and her cats modelled cat flaps and that sort of thing and even did a little television work. She said they were all extremely laid back and good at their job and purrferred by the agency for their 'purrfessionalism' ... :D

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2019 12:19 pm
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Tue Jun 18, 2019 9:18 am If that coat pattern persists she will be quite a cat!

I once knew a rescue worker who did just that; all her cats were rescued, many ex-feral, and, I don't know how it came about, she had contact with an agency and her cats modelled cat flaps and that sort of thing and even did a little television work. She said they were all extremely laid back and good at their job and purrferred by the agency for their 'purrfessionalism' ... :D
She will we will know in about 3 months time when she looses her "kitten coat"

I would not want to make money out of them . To me it is a slippery slope and they are loved pets and not a source of income.

I will see what develops as I know an animal artist and photographer so, may, consider a one off to help a rescue center raise money. But we are a very long way off that

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2019 1:21 pm
by ThorpeDave
Nothing majorly significant to report this week and all seems to be going in the right direction.

MIA - Mia continues to progress - slowly - and something is brewing with her. There is never a sudden change with Mia and everything happens very gradually.

Since the kittens have arrived, Mia seems to have a spring in her step, a lot more confident and considerably more visible. she is certainly no longer hiding and is normally out in the open watching what is going on around her.

This week however, she is taking a lot more interest in the kittens and we know that something will happen in the days to come - we don't know what and hope that it is positive. See below

HENDRIX - continues to shine and since the arrival of the kittens has changed considerably. He has become quite a superstar even without considering what he was like before their arrival.

JASPER - Jasper has become a very well rounded kitten, He plays but loves to cuddle up with both us and Hendrix (Mia to come?) You just have to look at him and he purrs.

As Jasper is now well over 2kg and visibly growing, he is just over a week from being neutered and micro chipped which is probably the right time as his "interest" in the ladies is growing.

MORGANA - I love Morgana to bits. There is something very special about her although I think she is a she-devil! Morgana certainly is the life and soul of the party and is always the first to get things moving - and move she does! she is a pocket rocket and she lives life in the fast lane. Instigating fights, climbing curtains and into to absolutely everything.

GROUP DYNAMICS.

MIA AND HENDRIX - Well we have certainly achieved one of our goals. Mia and Hendrix are very settled together and it is only on very rare occasions that Hendrix chases or pounces on Mia. Probably one of the reasons she is a lot more visible. Indeed, it is now quite common to see Mia chasing Hendrix - poor lad doesn't know which way to turn at times. Pay back time!

JASPER AND MORGANA - The 2 kittens continue to be best of friends and spend a lot of time with each other and also continue to curl up together. However, they are also spending more time apart and can often be found in different place. As Jasper is the calmer of the 2, he will often jump on our lap while Morgana continues to hare around the place tormenting Hendrix.

We were getting a little concerned that the play fighting was getting too rough and they were beginning to hurt each other. this has largely calmed down as, we assume, that they have learned that biting hurts! Part of the learning curve

JASPER AND HENDRIX - Exactly as we thought, Jasper loves to play with Hendrix and they are clearly friends. Either can start the fun and games but when he has had enough, Jasper seeks out some peace and some cuddles.

MORGANA AND HENDRIX - Morgana was an afterthought and we thought that she would be the perfect match for Hendrix and so it has turned out that way. We often described Hendrix as a "hell's angel" while was now describe Morgana as a She-Devil! Morgana has no fear and punches first and asks questions later. she adores Hendrix and, while he loves them both, probably spends more time with Morgana than Jasper. They are very well matched and cause a lot of chaos between them!

It is quite common to find Morgana and Hendrix curled up together.

JASPER AND MIA - Mia is a lot more relaxed around the kittens and Jasper is VERY respectful towards Mia. As we anticipated, He wants to get close to her and when he does, he lies down, rolls and purrs. On 2 or 3 occasions, Mia has rubbed herself against Jasper and they have exchanged headbutts and frequently touch noses. Yesterday, while Mia was snoozing in the bedroom doorway, Jasper lay down right beside her for a couple of minutes and she did not mind at all. It was Morgan who distracted Jasper, which was a shame as I was quite interested to see if he would curl up with her.

We believe that this will be the next step, particularly for Mia. As Jasper will be neutered in about 10 days, we are hoping that Mia and Jasper will bond in the near future.

MIA AND MORGANA - Errr. To be honest we did not actually think about these two but were certain about Morgana and Hendrix. Morgana has a totally different approach to Mia than Jasper and, as mentioned, throws punches first and asks questions later! And so it happens! Morgana's desire to play and bite anything with a pulse is not going to endear herself to Mia and in many respects she has taken on Hendrix's role of being a problem for Mia. thankfully there is plenty to distract Morgana in the form of Jasper and Hendrix so things aren't bad and we only hope that Morgana does not become a challenge to the Queen and calms down as the weeks and months pass!

All in all, we are quite happy - so far. This weekend will probably see the kittens make there first steps outside as they are certainly showing considerable interest. I must admit that I am not looking forward to it as, with the experience of Hendrix,it will be difficult to keep it under control.

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2019 11:07 pm
by Lilith
Good old Mia - I confess to being on her side; she is Senior Cat and Hendrix and Co are there by her gracious permission.

Kittens going out ... since your garden's enclosed that's not too much of a worry - yes, I too have had to escort intruders out; sometimes they've had the intelligence to use the ladders etc I've provided; sometimes I've had to fuss them and lift them out; sometimes I've been scratted and needed a lot of Hibiscrub!

The little ones may venture a few feet out of doors and race back in at the slightest disturbance. Or they may be totally laid back like a Siamese litter of mine during a hot summer ... fresh air, grass, leaves ... and you know what the little guttersnipes did? They all got into the damn drain and wanted to play there ... well bred aristocats? Foul little toads! :lol:

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 7:49 am
by ThorpeDave
Lilith wrote: Fri Jun 21, 2019 11:07 pm Good old Mia - I confess to being on her side; she is Senior Cat and Hendrix and Co are there by her gracious permission.

Kittens going out ... since your garden's enclosed that's not too much of a worry - yes, I too have had to escort intruders out; sometimes they've had the intelligence to use the ladders etc I've provided; sometimes I've had to fuss them and lift them out; sometimes I've been scratted and needed a lot of Hibiscrub!

The little ones may venture a few feet out of doors and race back in at the slightest disturbance. Or they may be totally laid back like a Siamese litter of mine during a hot summer ... fresh air, grass, leaves ... and you know what the little guttersnipes did? They all got into the damn drain and wanted to play there ... well bred aristocats? Foul little toads! :lol:
Oh yes, Mia is No one here and that is the way I hope it will stay. Jasper is no problem with her but it will take a few slaps to get Morgana under control.

As the weather is OK over the next couple of days I will be doing some work in the garden to add a little extra security. I have no doubt that Morgana will hare it down to the bottom of the garden and do her best to find a way out!

Because she is so small she will be able to get to places Mia and Hendrix can't - it will be a challenge.

Still hoping to hold of for a couple more weeks until Jasper is neutered.

Regards

Dave

Re: Mia - Chapter 3

Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2019 1:26 pm
by ThorpeDave
Poor Jasper

I find taking cats to the vets for Neutering a very stressful process following the trauma we went through with Stealth in 2017/18.

After Jasper had been at the vets for less than an hour the phone rings and my heart sank - it was the vet

Jasper is suffering from the genetic condition "Cryptorchidism" which is a potentially serious affecting 1-2% of male cats.

One of his testicles had failed to "descend" normally and was resting against his bladder and required a far more invasive operation to remove it. Failure to do so could cause very serious problem in the future.

suffice to say, both testicles have now been removed and Jasper is recovering well at the vets and will be home later tonight.

This is the second cat we have had that has suffered from this condition. Hercules, a chocolate Persian was a rescued abandoned cat with a huge pedigree and was originally rejected by the breeder in the 1980s as he only had "one" testicle. As I now know, this was not the case and he actually had two but one failed to descend and became tumorous costing him his life.

Thankfully, Jasper should be fine but recovery will take a little longer and we have to be a lot more careful regarding the risk of infection.

Regards

Dave