Open Post

[kimberlysteele]

Hi Everyone, I am going to keep this Open Post open from December 20-January 9. It's an unexpected busy season for my business, and though I'm ever so grateful for that, it is slowing down my writing process a bit. As usual, please feel free to comment on anything and everything... but please refrain from curse words. Thank you.

Comments

[kimberlysteele]

Congratulations on your kitties! My house is tiny -- only 625 square feet spread over four rooms. We have made a great deal of space for our cats by "catifying". My husband built a network of shelves in my office (tiny room in front) and in the kitchen so the cats can run around/sleep/whatever above our heads. Four cats can be a handful but honestly one is a handful. At least with four, they keep each other busy. At some point, I may end up with five because there are three ferals I feed outside 2x a day I would like to entice into the house. Whoever said cats are aloof and independent wasn't bonded with their cats. If you are bonded to a cat, they are as or more loyal than dogs. Ashley, my gray guy, learned how to play fetch today. It was a real breakthrough for him. His brother, Shadow, figured out fetch at least a month ago. Cats need lots of play for both interaction and exercise. I train mine with a clicker just as if they were dogs.

Wet cat food is better than dry. It is more hydrating. I prefer grain free. I tend to give my cats a smorgasbord of wet foods. Once the kittens start becoming interested in the smell of their mom's wet canned food, then it is time to wean. Their mom will also start pushing them away at some point.

Boys can be neutered early. Neutering is not as difficult as spaying. Ash and Shadow were neutered at 4 months old. It is best to neuter or spay before they go through feline puberty, which is usually about one year old. 6 months for girls and 4 months for boys is best.

I know some people who make their own cat food. I used to feed Kiki raw chicken, but vets are conflicted on whether or not that's a good idea. I don't feed my cats raw chicken anymore because I fear it might have contributed to Kiki's metabolic issues when she was alive.

They should always have "too many" litter boxes. I have three large ones (1.5 per cat).

[(Anonymous)]

wow... that was great information.
so glad to know it's possible as i continue my pitch to James!
do you have photos/links of the catified shelves and catified anything?
i love this.

also already thinking of cover art... you as goddess .. almost like classic faery tale line art...

thank you.

x

erika

[kimberlysteele]

I will definitely take some photos and videos! Love the idea of line art on the cover, of me as a goddess though? LOL maybe not! I'm sure we can find better subject matter!

[(Anonymous)]

oh it doesn't have to be so OBVIOUS. it'd be the VIBE of the level and feel of the art that you already ARE ONE.


x

erika

[kimberlysteele]

LOL, again, disagree but thanks for the kudos! I will try to figure out how/where to post some of my crazy cat videos by next week. That used to be a Facebook thing for me but I honestly cannot stand Facebook.