Hellllooooooo Out There!

Victor here. 

We has held a Convenshun of Annoyed Tabbys (CAT) an insisted on a new post. We also asked fur a new pictor at the top of the page... the old pictor was actually flipped ofur so you was all seein us in the mirror. Or sumfing like that. Anyway, dis new pictor is more recent an not flipped, so Nina's split-color nose has the colors on the right sides! 

BUT... now our blog title is hidin behind our pictor. Mom said she'd fix it, but ran outa fixin it ideas. We made her stop afore she brakes our bloggie completely.

Dad's been home lots more for awhile now, an then Mom got "laid off" at werk, so it's been up to us to "lay on" her at home. Sumtimes, she gets on the phone wif people an sounds nervous, talkin bout what her is good at. Sumtimes, she gets up early, dresses up an goes out fur a few hours, then comes back excited an tired. We suspect she's tryin to find new werk, but since we want her home, we's arranged for her dress up clothes to haf cat hair droppin off during interviews. I mean, if they don't like cats, why'd she wanna werk there?

Mom's also up to somethin else. She goes out in comfy clothes for awhile and comes back smellin of other kittehs! At first, I was jealous - some ofur kitteh might try to dopt our mom away frum us - but now I's just curious. No new kittehs has comed into our house and the kittehs aren't markin Mom as "theirs", but I gotta sniff her REAL good when she comes home. She says she's helpin kittehs find their furever homes, but if she brings one here, I wanna know about it! This is MY mom we's talkin about, and I won't share her wif just anyone!

Oh, it's me, Nina? 

I understand how busy Mom and Dad can be, but it would be nice to talk to our friends more. I know I look crabby in the new picture up there at the top of our blog, but I wasn't. I just flinch a little because that flash can be so bright! Also, Victor was in my favorite basket, crowding my space. I mean, I like Victor a lot, but when he gets close enough, he usually nibbles and bites me!

I love having Mom and Dad home! I can wander up and purr at them any time I want more skritches and they watch me and Victor wrestle and play. I hop into their laps for petting, but I can't settle there for more than a few seconds. Some of Mom's dress up clothes have danglies that I'm not supposed to play with, so I've been exploring new places, like the top of her dresser, looking for more toys. Exploring is fun when I know Mom and Dad are around to protect me.

I've smelled other cats on Mom's clothes and hands, too. Mostly, I don't mind, but one time, I looked all around for the new cat! I poofed my fur so if I found that new cat, it would think I'm big. But there's no new cat, just me and Victor. I think Mom's helping shelter cats find new homes, and that's good. Victor and I were shelter cats.

All in all, we are happy and healthy, finding the warmest sleeping places and keeping our human "beans" in line. Now, I'm going hunting for the red light bug. Bye!

Special Engagement

Our very own Nina Torbie has been invited to Italy for a special engagement. Please visit and enjoy!
Grazie

International Box Day

Oh Victor! It's international box day! Quick, help me dump the Legos from these boxes!

Are they internatural boxes? Hey, dis one's not working!

You silly! Try the Amazon box instead.

Pleas purr fur our good furiend Chase, who spent the night at the vet.He was one of Bonnie's boyfuriend-cats and is like a brofur to me. ~ Victor

Further Explanation

Oh, Mom says she was just pet-sitting those orange and buff girl kitties. The orange one is Meelo and the buff one is Lowme, and Mom was taking care of them while their mom was away. Moms shouldn't go away. And moms shouldn't take care of other kitties. At least, not without purrmission. 

Mom says Meelo is friendly and wanted to sit in her lap (Victor's lap). She had the boy "love on her" so Mom could take care of the food and litter. I guess having plenty of food and a clean litter box while your mom is away is good. Mom also says Lowme has "cattitude" and hissed and growled at her a lot. She said it was a little like Bonnie. Even Lowme got lonely and wanted a little petting from Mom, but not too much.

Mom says she tried giving them some treats but someone (Lowme?) yakked them up, so she brought the treats back to us. She also gave them some new toys, different from their old ones, to see if they'd play more. Well, someone tore one of the toys apart, ate the pieces, and yakked them up (Lowme). So Mom took that toy and threw it away. At least she didn't take them one of my red dots! I'm gonna catch that dot one of these days, I just know it!

Mom told us all this while Victor was in her lap, making it smell right again, and I was listening over her shoulder. She says we're still her special kitties and Lowme and Meelo aren't trying to adopt her. They never had catnip before (what kind of Mom never gave her kitties catnip?!?!) and Meelo especially likes the wand toy "we" gave her. Hmmm. I guess sharing our Mom for a few days is ok. What? Two weeks? Oh dear, that's a long time.

Mom's Explanation

Nina, do you believe Mom's explanation?

Oh, Victor, why would she lie?

Wul, yeah, but why didn't she tell us sooner?

Maybe she didn't want you to be jealous.

Me, jealous? Of Mom feeding kitties that aren't us? Of Mom playing with kitties that aren't us? Why would I be jealous? Mom's just sitting those kitties.

Oh, Victor, weren't you worried about the Temptations that disappeared, and the catnip, and the wand toy? And the new toys in her bag that... that... she didn't give to US?? You don't mind her playing with them, petting them, even making a LAP for them?

Nah, I wasn't worried. The Temptations came back, we haf plenty more catnip, and we were tired of that wand toy ::yawn::. She gave us a couple new toys, just not alla them. We'll probably get the others later. Stop worrying.

Victor, I think you should see something. Something on Mom's camera. It's... it's an orange kitty!

And the next picture... she's a floofy buff kitty!

What?!?!! She's takin PICTORS of them? An posting them on Flickr for comments?!? Next she'll put them on our blog! MOM'S CHEATING ON US!!!

More Suspicious Behavior by the Day

Ohai, it's me, Nina. Victor has been so worried about what Mom's doing after work, he keeps chasing me even when I don't want to wrestle. And making me give him the best sleeping spots. But that's ok, I don't mind letting him think he's in charge, hah hah.

I'm sure it's nothing, but I'm getting a little worried, too. Don't tell Victor, but I found an orange cat hair on Mom's collar tonight... and it's NOT MINE! 

Also, Mom took the boy out for awhile. They came back smelling like pizza, but also, now the boy smells like those girl kitties, too! Dad was gone overnight, but he didn't smell like kitties when he got back. At least we can trust him ::purr purr purr::

If we don't get an explanation soon, I'll be a basket case!

Two Tabby Tuesday

Best Buddies
Originally uploaded by Tabbymom Jen

Ohai! I is lying between my favorite females, Nina an Mom. I's war m an happy.

Oh Victor, it was nice that you lay there without biting me... this time. ::purr purr purr purr::

(Never mind the human paw in that silly blue sock thing. We all know: Beans is weird.)

Happy Mew Year!!!

HEY, amember us? We's still here. But... wul, let's just say Mom's year-end review was less than stellar, especially in the bloggin departmint.

Oh, but Mom loves us. You know that.

Sure, but what about our blog???

Which would you prefer, Victor, lots of posts but no lap time, or lots of lap time and no posts?

I want bof. I need bof.

At least she found a Blue Tuna Gizzy for you for New Years!

Hmmm. That helps... let's see if she can do a better job frum now on.

Happy Mew Year, Furiends!


Note: Mom gotted a new toy for to annoy us with. All these pics was taken wif her new iPod. At least it's a flashy box wifout any flashy! We's not sure bout it yet.

Boo!

Nina in Costume?
Originally uploaded by Tabbymom Jen

Oh, have a happy Halloween, efurryone! I'm hoping my costume will get me lots of treats. What do you think? It frightens Victor a little.

Boo!

Torbie Tuesday

Oh! A little help please? Next time, sort the laundry more carefully; I'm clearly "delicate"!

Hydrology Course FAQ

Oh, I didn't realize so many students would be interested in taking Feline Hydrology 161b! Please read the course description if you haven't already... I'll wait. Don't forget to come back.

Prof. Tabbycat has asked me, Nina, to answer some of the questions we've received about the course. I'll do my bestest, but I'm only the T.A. Technical questions may require consultation.

• Since we have at least 18 cats already enrolled, there's talk of opening a second session or repeating the lecture next semester.
• We make break up groomates and siblings to improve concentration and reduce classroom disruptions. Rasslin and THOE is for before and after class.
• Anyone suspected of attending class while under the influence of catnip will be sent home (except for the Professor). Any catnip or catnip toys brought to class will be confiscated for later use.
• Cups will be provided in Lab, but you may wish to find your own for practice at home. Remember, non-breakable cups ONLY! If you can't comfortably sip from the bottom of the cup, practice dipping your paw. Oh, and cups must fit under the faucet!
• Hydrology 100 (Basic Hydrology for Felines) is offered every semester. Hydrology 160a and 161a are offered in the Spring, though concurrent enrollment is discouraged. 160b and 161b, similarly, are offered in the Fall. The CATalog has full deTAILS on prerequisites and graduation requirements, or speak with your academic counselor.
• For those who struggled a bit in 161a (Nitro - this means you!) or want extra help, advanced students Moe and Billy Sweetfeets will be tutoring. Zippy may also be available to help, if it doesn't interfere with her PhD work. See me to sign up for tutoring.

Please be aware that some Canine Plumbing labs will be meeting next door. If you encounter some of our... less agile fellow students, try to remain civil. Feel free to hide under the bed until they've gone. Litter boxes are located in the big bathroom and basement. Be kind - bury your waste.

Student Services wants me to remind you that they can help if you're struggling with anxiety, peer pressure, and even insomnia. They offer individual and small group controlled gradual exposure therapy for those with some fear of water. You won't receive course credit for therapy, but it will teach you strategies to help you in many real-life situations (e.g., rain - ick!) as well as allowing you to attend classes in the Feline Hydrology department.

Please leave any additional questions in the comments. Purrs and thank you for your interest!

Feline Hydrology Course Announcement

This fall, Professor Victor E. Tabbycat will be presenting Hydrology 161b: Faucet, Cup and Drain - How a plastic cup changes the dynamics of water in the bathroom sink. This is the second course in the Bathroom Hydrology for Felines series. Lectures and demonstrations will be held in the small bathroom upstairs. Space is limited. Mandatory labs will be led by the T.A. Students will be graded on attendance, participation, and observations. The final exam will be cumulative and worth one-third of your final grade.

Prerequisites include Hydrology 161a: Faucet to Drain - The dynamics of running, dripping and standing water in the bathroom sink, and the Hydrology 160 series, Basic Hydrology for Cats. Note: advanced students may study cups in other types of sinks for extra credit with prior approval from the professor.

Office hours will be Mancat Mondays and Wordless Wednesdays between second breakfast and mid-morning nap, depending on sunshine. Additional study groups can arrange to meet on Furry Fridays and Caturdays at o'dark thirty.

Prof. Tabbycat earned his Masters in Feline Hydrology under the tutelage of the late Bonnie Underfoot, PhD and has more than 5 years experience with water in sinks, bathtubs, bowls and fountains. Nina Torbie will be the T.A. for this course. Ms. Torbie has been studying with Prof. Tabbycat for over 2 years, specializing in fountains and bathroom sinks.

Professor Victor E. Tabbycat

Ninafur Torbie

The following pictures show your hydrology teachers working in the lab.

Weeks 1 & 2: Selecting and positioning your cup:

Weeks 3 & 4: Observations and discussion:

Weeks 5 & 6: Presenting our results:

Enrollment forms are available in the department office.

Happy Tabby Tuesday

Oh, I have a happy. This is my favoritest warm bed and now it's in the sunshine! Purr, purr, purr, purr...

A Tabby Tail for Tuesday

Oh, hello! Have you noticed the weather getting cooler? What about the sun coming up later? I have! The trees outside are changing colors, too. It's especially nice to snuggle into the blankets between Mom and Dad at night. I've also decided I can be a nicer wake-up call than that noisy alarm clock, so before it gets noisy, I walk all over Mom and Dad, purring my loudest. Mom gives me skritches for being such a good alarm.

Well, the cooler weather hasn't reduced our energy levels, not one bit. In fact, I think Victor has more energy than ever! He races around like a maniac a couple of times a day and still has energy for THOE*.

But Victor can be a bit... clumsy sometimes. He gets excited and goofy and sometimes even loses some dignity! I try to maintain my dignity at all times**. Well, the other day, I was helping Mom relax on the bed. Victor came along, jumped onto the bed next to me, and started teasing me to come play. He nudged me and waved his tail around, so I stood up and started to stretch. I took one step toward Victor, and he leaped up and fell backwards off the bed! I was very surprised. I mean, I didn't even touch him, and there he went, ker-plop onto the floor. Mom laughed and laughed. I never won a game of chase/pounce/wrestling so easily before - I hope he's doesn't hold a grudge.

*THOE: Thundering Herd of Elephants... what Moms and Dads say we sound like when running through the house together at o-dark-thirty.
**Except when there's a red dot to chase, but... but... that's my DOT! It must be chased! I'll do almost anything to catch it!!

Meow Like a Pirate Day

Mearrrrr! Tis bin a full four seasons since we last meowed like pirates! Tis high time we set sail agin! Cats all round Madison's lakes will shake wif fear at the names, Villainous Victor Rackofham and Notorious Nina Redclaws!

See here? Me first mate be guardin our treasure! Ai would not cross her if you noes what's good fer ya. Who wants to share a bunk wif this dangerous young lass?

Piratin be bout more than just sailin, bunkin, an guardin treasure! Ai, we won a dangerous fite jes the ofur day. Ai single-pawed took out 3 meese an a bear! Arrrrrr! Nefur turn yur back on them Canadian meese.

Aye, twas quite a brawl, but in the end, ai saved me pirate booty!

Meeearrrrrrr!

Two Tabby Tails on Tuesday

Victor: Play?

Nina: Oh, not now.

V: Chase me?

N: Maybe later.

N: Mooom, Victor's tickling me!

V: Nuh-uh. I's not touchin her! - dat's my tail an I's stickin to it!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Gotchaday, Nina!

Happy Gotchaday, Nina! We is so glad you gotted us! 

Love, Victor, Mom, Dad, an da boy

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes, Nina!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes,
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes,
Hippo Birdie Deer Nina,
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes!
... and many moooooooooooore!

Luf, Victor

Oh, thank you, Victor... but who's Frank?

<3~  <3~  <3~ <3~  <3~  <3~ <3~  <3~  <3~ <3~  <3~  <3~

Midsummer Update

Oh, Victor, have you noticed anything new?

Ya, what's dis? ::sniff, sniff, SNIFF::

Oh, but Victor, somethings... different.

Lookit dis! What kinda bird is dat from?

Oh, that's an interesting feather! ::sniff, sniff::

I don't fink I's efur seen a bird dat big!

Oh, remember, Victor? Mom saw turkeys in the park!

Nah, I haded a turkey fever afore. Dis smells diffrent!

Oh, I smell water... is it from a duck?
I fink it's too long fur a duck.

Oh, what's that bigger bird... like a duck but tall and noisy? Mom saw them in the park, too. 

You mean goose? Dere mite be a few of dem round here.



So, where's the rest of the bird?