Look at My Beautiful Cat

I have no crafting update today. I'm still quilting by hand the Grogu project. I'm really hoping to finish it soon, but duty calls and we've been busy tending to our house and working on our health. 

For now, take a look at our beautiful cat, Meredith.

Ain't she adorable? Just be careful, she only allows 2-second pets, haha.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Sewing Machine Cover (with a Cat!)

Making a new sewing machine cover has been on my to-do list for 3 years now. We were still in Singapore the last time I made one and I made it by hand. I've learned a few tricks since then and made this one mostly by machine. I embroidered some parts which is why it took longer than I expected. 

Anyway, I did the cat first and made the base really simple. Just huge strips of denim-like fabric. I think I went for monochromatic tone since the sky has been pouring rain for at least two weeks now.  

I think it turned out cute and it matches the covers I made for my kitchen appliances. Here's how it turned out:

And how I made it:

#BeKind #StaySafe

Catifying Your Home

We all grew up with dogs in our home, so we didn't have any experience having pet cats. My Mom didn't like cats because they always ruined her plants.

Fast forward to 2022, when we noticed that our new home came with a cat. For a random reason we had brought home two cans of cat food*. We gave to him and soon enough he had a name, Grey.

Word spread fast and we eventually had other cats visiting to eat and the kittens were born! We scrambled to learn how to care for cats and kittens. Here's what we learned:

1. Feed them at specific times and in specific areas. Remove leftovers so it doesn't attract pests. Make sure their drinking water is always fresh.

2. Bring them to the vet for vaccination and deworming. Spay and neuter them. This keeps both you and your cats protected plus you get calmer cats.

3. Designate cat toilets by placing litter boxes. Keep it clean. Don't put it near where they eat.

4. Boxes are the best beds for them. Don't bother with expensive beds, they prefer boxes. You can use mats or old towels as their bedding. Keep it clean.

5. Protect your plants by placing used disposable forks (cleaned of course), so they don't use your plants as a bed or toilet. Keep poisonous plants out of reach from cats.

6. Playtime is important. Just make toys yourself, they'll appreciate it more than expensive toys.

7. Don't cut their nails. They use it to defend themselves.

8. Respect their boundaries. Not all cats like being petted. Let them take the lead.

Everytime I step outside, I call each of our fur babies by name. I ask them to call those who are not around and soon enough they're all present. 

I ♥️ my kitties 😻 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Brimsley Judging Me

I wasn't supposed to re-pot any plants today, but the weather was so good I couldn't help but tinker around a corner I've been meaning to work on for sometime now.

Brimsley accompanied me for awhile and gave me a knowing look. I think she knows once I start working on one plant it quickly multiplies to whatever is beside it, haha. I took a quick snap of her judging me.

I ended up re-potting my nerve plants and putting some in ICU. After that I cleaned up a few more plants and wrestled with the OG Jack the Philodendron. I let it grow like crazy for over a year, so I gave it a mega trim and topped up the soil with fertilizer. 

I probably cut over 20 feet of philodendron. Maybe I should re-pot and sell it? We'll see...

#BeKind #StaySafe

Cat Therapy and Grounding

I have been enjoying the afternoon breeze everyday. I go out to water the plants and rest in the garden after. The cats, usually Grogu and Pikachu or Anakin, hang out with me while I rest. They also hang out when I do some re-potting of plants. The activity calms me a lot. 

What's wrong with the cat? LOL

I listened a bit to an interview with Dinah Salonga and she mentioned grounding. She said we spend so much time indoors, we miss out on spending time with mother nature. My Mom used to nag me growing up every afternoon. She'd be doing some gardening and she'd persuade me to hang out with her. The activity usually includes merienda, some fried banana and juice, and that's irresistible. 

I always complained before about watering my Mom's plants. It took 3 hours to water everything because her garden was huge and she had a gazillion plants. I spend at least 90 minutes everyday in the garden. It used to be just 30 to 45 minutes, but we moved Mom's plants so my chore time doubled, haha. 

The cats always keep me company. I've been rewarding them with some treats. Sometimes Meredith comes. She likes watching the plants. I guess she's looking for lizards. It makes me feel protected even though I know they just want treats or a huge bowl of water. They help calm and ground me. 

When was the last time you just spent time outside just feeling the breeze?

#BeKind #StaySafe

Cat Care

One of the things we budget for annually are the expenses for our 8 cats. They were all sent by the cat distribution system. The cats are well bonded and have been self-regulating. They are a tight community and chase off intruders. They understand that the pawmily has to live within a budget. 

Every year we make sure they are vaccinated, get anti-rabies, and dewormed (2x a year). We also put anti-flea/tick meds. Each cat has their own "passport" provided by the vet. We're working on getting everyone through the annual requirements and started today with Eevee and Grogu. 

Mama Brimsley Marie

It's not as easy as it looks. Our cats are feral and only semi-domesticated. They live outdoors and sleep on cots, boxes and cat trees we provided for them. They prefer the boxes though, so we change them often since they like scratching it over scratching posts (better than scratching the wheels of our car!). 

Meredith (Photo by Sweetie)

Should we transfer, we'll bring them with us. We'll probably work on enclosing them within our property since we're afraid they might run away and try to go back to our old place. That's going to take time though, so we'll see. We love our fur babies and try to provide what's best for them. 

We did have a huge unexpected spend last year when Grogu got hospitalized for a few weeks. He had a huge wound (dunno where he got it). We almost lost him and had him confined until the wound got better. He has fully recovered and is actually heavier than Eevee now. 

I can't imagine life without our fur babies. I always pray they will all be healthy and live long lives :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grogu's "You Haven't Fed Me Look"

Our cats are most probably overfed, but everytime we step out to check on them they give us a look like they're starving. Haha.

And here's Grogu today giving me that look when I stepped out to water the plants. He only moved when he heard his furdad step out with the container of food.

After having a quick bite, Grogu followed me in the garden and guarded me while I went around watering the plants. If he's not around, Bailey takes his place and waits for me to move to the garage. Then they all disappear and play outside, haha.

I really want imagine my life now without our cats. I'm very sensitive when I see them not their usual self or when they have a wound. Miggy is in-charge of applying wound spray, if needed, and contacting the vet. I'm just glad they've all been healthy <3

Happy Friday!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made Cat Toys Using Old Socks

Our cats love rubbing their heads on our feet which I read is quite common. While decluttering I set aside some pairs of socks that have seen better days. They were no longer useful since the garter was loose already. A lot of cat owners give their cats stuffed toys or small pillows, so I thought I'd make some for our  cats using some of my retired socks. 

It was fairly straight forward and easy to make. My cats won't judge me, lol. I also used leftover batting which were cuttings from other projects. Here's how I made them:

I sprayed the toy with catnip before giving it to our cats. Meredith (above) immediately inspected the toys. I eventually paced them in their beds/boxes and they've been cozying up to it eversince I placed them there. Woohoo! I'll make more for them once I have enough batting again. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Box We Can Never Retire

A year ago, I had a brilliant idea. I wanted to make a house for our cats. I got a box and carved out a hole in it. I was planning to paint the sides, but they all scrambled to use it.

The loved it, but ignored the opening. Some tried to stay inside, but they all preferred to lounge on top of the box. 

The cats loves napping on it. They also loved to scratch the top of the box after napping. Eventually, the box started to cave in. We were worried a cat would fall inside the box. We would just add a new cover and did that again today.

Meredith, who was hogging the stool immediately transferred to the box when I added a new cover. She lay there the whole time I was re-potting some plants. It feels nice to have a companion while puttering around my gardening area.

Happy weekend everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Braved the Stairs

I managed to brave the stairs after spending a whole day upstairs. I slept the whole day and just felt I needed to rest more. Six nights at the hospital and then falling down the stairs was just too much for my fragile body. The good news is my surgery got postponed. Pulmo rehab is also on hold until I'm better. 

I'm pushing myself to move hourly to make sure the bruises don't develop into scary blood clots! I'm on blood thinners, but that will only work with movement and lots of fluids. I don't want to have another PE. The boys are watching me like a hawk to make sure I don't have another mishap, hehe.

My motivation to conquer the stairs today was to see Little Grey and August the kitten. There were originally two kittens, August and Ten. They were born on August 10. Their name was supposed to be Marvin Augusten, hehe. Little Grey lost the calico kitten, huhu, so there's just the tabby one. It's complete name will still be Marvin Augusten and I'm calling it August for now. 

August's 10th day

Little Grey finally put the kitten in the nest we prepared for her in the pocket garden. They are well protected from the rain and won't be bothered by other cats. The kitten will also be protected from other possible predators and can quietly grow up here. The boys are preparing another nest in case Little Grey wants to move again. In a few weeks we'll bring both of them to the vet. 

As for my leg, I'm following doctors orders to use warm compress to increase blood flow. My hematologist also told me to eat iron rich food so I can produce more RBC. That will also help break up any clots. 

Missing my other cats and my plants. I hope I'll be more mobile soon!

#BeKind #StaySaffe

International Cat Day

20 Days to 50

Yesterday was international cats day. To celebrate it, I made a collage of our cats. From Grey to Little Grey.

I finally managed to step out today and was greeted by Anakin. He was dozing by the door and looked really sleepy when I said hello to him.

Eventually, the other cats showed up and they all started playing with the dried papaya leaves I pulled from the trees. I hope I'll be able to do some gardening tomorrow since my plants look sad. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Look Who's Just Like Grey

We got to spend more time with the cats the past two days since it's not raining as much. We noticed Eevee has been spending more time in the garage too. Sometimes Mando shows up to explore too (she's the most introverted among our pawmily).

Sweetie noticed Eevee sitting like a loaf. His father, Grey, used to sit like that a lot too whenever he hung out in the garage. I took a photo to compare the two and couldn't help but realize how Eevee is just like his Papa Grey.

No pets. No scratches. Stay at least a foot away. They both would give slow blinks, but that's the most affection they'll give. Before Grey went on his adventure he gave a lot of slow blinks. I even thought he'd allow me to pet him. 

It's been 9 months since Grey left. We'd like to think he's just on an adventure and will show up one day. He left his family with us and Eevee is just like him. I'm still hoping he'd give in like his twin, Pikachu. She's been allowing us to pet her and she rubs on my leg to greet me. So sweet.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Full Time Pawrents: Mando Laura and Grogu's 2nd Birthday

Two years ago today, Brimsley made us full time Parents. Grey brought her to our home a few weeks before we went on a trip to celebrate the birthdays of Sweetie and Miggy.

We named her Brimsley based on a character from Bridgerton because she was quite irritable. Well, we thought she was male! So it was a huge surprise when she went missing and we found her with a newborn kitten. The day after she had another one.

We named the kittens Mando and Grogu because we were watching Mandalorian when they were born. As usual, we made a mistake with Mando's gender, so we added Laura to her name. 

Here's Mando Laura and Grogu's first month:

We haven't been able to go on vacation since Mando Laura and Grogu were born and since then Eevee, Pikachu, Meredith, Bailey and Anakin came. We became full time Parents. We love them dearly and can't leave them alone and it would be too expensive to book them at a hotel. I guess it's God's way of telling us to just stay home for now.

They are now 2 years old

After we missed the opportunity to get Brimsley spayed, we made sure to get her spayed after she gave birth to Eevee and Pikachu. Everyone else have been spayed and neutered too to keep them healthy and avoid adding more to the brood.

It hasn't been easy and we've just been closing our eyes whenever we bring them to the vet, but they bring us so much love and they are our little angels. We pray everyday to be blessed so we can continue to take care of them.

Happy birthday Mando Laura and Grogu. Thank you Brimsley for making us into parents.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grogu is Home!

After six long weeks at the vet, Grogu is home! His wound was deep and long, so it took a long time to heal.

He meowed like crazy from the vet and during the drive home. He quieted down once we released him in the backyard. He took tentative steps first and smelled everything. His twin, Mando Laura, watched him from behind the palm tree. 

Miggy followed Grogu around to make sure he'd adjust properly. Luckily, the whole pawmily welcomed him back with open arms. He slept in his usual space. We were afraid he might run away since he's still an outdoor cat, but after a short trip outside he soon came back.

We noticed that Grogu is more affectionate now. He was exposed to more people while at the vet, so we're getting extra leg rubs from him and Anakin all day. 

I'm really happy he's home now! There's still a small part of his wound that's still healing, but it's more manageable now. We'll bust out the cat condo soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Anakin's First Year Clip Compilation

I finally managed to sit down and make Anakin's first year clip compilation. We think it was Grey who brought him in and at that time he was probably about 2 months old. Grey was probably his father and he probably thought he'd survive if he lived with us.

Surprisingly, Anakin never left. He became fast friends with Bailey. Meredith, who lost her babies due to dystocia, immediately took care of Anakin. She took care of cleaning him and teaching him the ropes of how to be a cat. I think Anakin gave her peace since she couldn't have kittens anymore. She still babies Anakin until now.

Here's the video:

https://youtu.be/R8ULzx1CZ7g?si=Sp8mbamkmOMilAMC

Anakin brought us a lot of joy. He's the most affectionate among all our fur babies. We've never seen him fight with anyone, but he's very protective and hangs out with me whenever I putter around the garden. 

Ahh, I can't imagine not having Anakin around. I named him Anakin because he was really dark when we first saw him. Eventually, his beautiful markings started to show. No idea who his mother is and some have said he probably has some breeded blood. Whatever it is he is well loved and part of our pawmily.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Anakin's First Gotcha Day

Three hundred sixty six days ago, we found a black kitten traipsing around our garage. It noisily demanded us to feed it. 

Our first reaction was to find someone to adopt it, but the kitten proved to be the most affectionate. Luckily, no one volunteered to adopt him. I named him Anakin because of his color. 

From the first time we saw him, he never left. We suspect it was Grey who brought him to us. By then, Bailey also decided not to go with his Mama Kaley whenever she left. Anakin and Bailey became fast friends. They became besties and would play all day.

We made sure Anakin was vaccinated and neutered. He's always in the mood to play and would be very affectionate during meal time. We always have a hard time reeling him in whenever we need to leave. He never wants us to go out, haha. 

He made us worry one time when his eye was accidentally scratched by Bailey. We immediately brought him to the vet. Good thing the wound didn't affect his eyesight and it eventually recovered after a month of daily eye drops. 

Anakin, the youngest of our pawmily. Happy first Gotcha day with us. We love you forever!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grogu Escaped!

The vet messaged us this morning to let us know Grogu Escaped while she was checking his wound. He ran around the clinic, but they eventually caught him. Unfortunately, his wound opened again, so they had to stitch him up again.

We were supposed to visit him yesterday, but our doctor appointment went overtime and the clinic was closed by the time we finished. We immediately visited him today.

Grogu was at the back of the cage. He started meowing when he saw us. The vet said he's been quiet for a few days now. He was probably still a bit groggy, but he pushed himself to the front of the cage to get close to us. I had him smell my fingers and he allowed me to scratch his head. He eventually quieted down.

The vet said he'd only eat at night, but he drank water and ate a little while I was talking to him. The vet was surprised that he started to eat. We should probably visit him everyday, so he'll recover faster. I'll ask the boys if we can visit him tomorrow. He has to be reassured that he's coming back to us and that he's not been abandoned.

When we got home, I had the cats smell my hand. They've been anxious also since Grogu has been missing. I keep telling them he's just recovering and will be home soon. Most affected is Pikachu since they're besties. Mando Laura, his twin, has also been looking for him. 

It's best for Grogu to stay at the vet until his wound heals. He's a busybody and was jumping around and it kept affecting the wound. We hope we can bring him home by Sunday.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Grogu Update

Grogu had surgery at around 11 this morning. It was a simple surgery to close the wound. By afternoon he had fully recovered from the anesthesia and was ready to eat.

The vet will keep him for a few more days to make sure the wound heals. We won't be able to make him stay in one place and knowing Grogu, he'll also remove his cone. He's an outdoor cat and loves to roam around, so at best we make sure he's vaccinated and dewormed. 

Can't wait to have him back!

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Boys

Our boys have been taking turns patrolling the front gate. A delivery rider even said, "Gwardya ah," referring to Bailey who was hanging out on the wall beside the pedestrian gate. They take turns and sometimes there's two who watch over the gate.

In the afternoons, they also take turns watching me water the plants. This afternoon it was Eevee who hang out while I was busy gardening. Bailey and Anakin passed by too. The girls check on me, but they leave whenever I'm waving the hose around.

I haven't gone out for a few weeks now, so my life has been about cats, gardening and sorting Mom's stuff. I haven't even quilted. My doctors said I shouldn't get sick, so limiting outings for now. My kitty cats have been keepinge company whenever I go out to do gardening. Love them so much!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Is Grey Back?

It's been five months since we last saw Grey. He is the first cat who adopted us. He came with the house when we moved in, so he became part of the family. He was probably still a kitten when we discovered him and from him our cat brood grew to 8.

Well, Grey went on an adventure and we haven't seen him since October last year. I've been telling the cats to tell him to come home.

In the past two weeks, a scraggly kitten who looks like Grey has been visiting. It even has Grey's tail. The tabbies haven't been minding it, but Meredith has been chasing it away. I would just say hello to the kitten whenever it visits.

I was able to take a closer look at the kitten today. It hung around while I was re-potting some of Mom's plants. I really believe he/she is one of Grey's kids. It may even be one of Kaley's. We have no way of confirming, but what we can do is bring it to the vet when we can.

I've been pining for Grey, so maybe he sent us this kitten. :)

#BeKind #StaySafe