Sparkle the Designer Cat's Blog, page 413

Sparkle’s Will, Lessons, and the Vet

I barely got here when we had to read Sparkle’s will. It was dated two days before she died, so she must have known how sick she was.

She knew I was coming to help her with the blog, but I was shocked to see that she willed everything to me:

I give the residue of my entire estate, real, personal, or mixed, of whatsoever kind of character and wheresoever situation, of which I die possessed or to which I may in any manner be entitled, including any property over which I have power of appointment which I hereby exercise, to Tajhara Summer Samba. This includes all my cat toys, scratchers and cat beds, any food I may not have yet eaten, my human, and all my intellectual property, including my blog www.sparklecat.com. I only ask that my name remain on the stories, books and blog posts that I have written with my own paw. All future stories, books and blog posts may bear Summer’s name.

That’s an awfully big responsibility for a kitten like me!

It was witnessed by Binga and Boodie. My human had been wondering what they were all doing, hanging out together, before Sparkle’s last trip to the vet.

Let’s see… what I have learned so far since I came to live here?

My human is fidgety! I’m trying to learn how to be a lap cat and she is not helping like she should.
This house is big! I only got to see half of it at first, but now that I’ve seen it all, it is pretty amazing.
My human hates it when I go behind the desk. She tempts me out by promising treats — but then she reneges! She says she does not want to reward me for bad behavior.
The first afternoon I was allowed to roam free, Binga stole my dinner.

I’ve also gone to PetCo in my fancy carrier, and my human even took me to Taco Bell’s drive thru because she wants me to get used to being in the car and going places.

I also had to go to the vet to get a rabies shot! As you can see, I’m complaining, but it’s not about being at the vet — it’s because I didn’t want to be stuck in my carrier! I wanted out so I could look around.

Since there were no dogs in the waiting area right then, my human let me out! That was fun. I was good and sat right in her lap. She was good and tried not to fidget.

My human promised me that being on the vet table was just like being in the show ring, but she lied! Cat show judges may crank your head up to look under your chin, and one in particular blew on my fur, but none of them had the gall to stick a thermometer somewhere unpleasant — or stick me with needles. The vet human made up for it though, by letting me chew on her stethoscope ear buds and play with her pens, so I didn’t stay annoyed for long.

I’m going back to be spayed today, so send me some good wishes!
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” Sparkle had answers to many annoying problems in her two award-winning books! Visit her author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of her awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Summer Time

So I guess you want to know more about me since I’ve inherited Sparkle’s blog. My full name is Tajhara Summer Samba, but I want you to know I am not as snooty as my name! I’m just a regular, everyday 5-month-old kitten who happens to compete in cat shows (I’ve done three so far) and who is in training to become a therapy cat. I’m very outgoing and I love people and new experiences. Well, I guess that doesn’t sound very regular! But I do play with things I’m not supposed to (my new human had to move her stash of plastic bags out of my reach), and I get crazy a few times a day — and that’s pretty regular, right?

When my new human came to get me, I was doing a cat show in Costa Mesa. It was going on both Saturday and Sunday and my breeder let my human take me to her hotel room for the night. The first thing I noticed when I got there was that she uses more product than me! I have to have a bath and be groomed for shows, but I like to keep it simple. My new human isn’t competing with anyone, and she works twice as hard on herself!

My new human seems fairly smart about cat toys. My breeder brings a bunch for the shows, and my human was very good about picking out the ones that were, in my opinion, the most fun! I like toys that both sparkle and make noise.

I came to my new home on Sunday night. At first I thought it was fantastic — I had a whole big living room and an office all to myself! Plus this cool staircase!

But then the next day, I woke up to a whole bunch of noise and banging and guys talking loud. Apparently this has something to do with a wall, although there is no wall I can see right now, just dirt and ditches. My human gathered up her MacBook from her office and moved it, and me, into some cluttered room in another part of the house where the banging sounded far away. She says she did this more for her than for me — she wanted it to be more quiet while she is working. She says she was hoping the wall would have been done before I came home, but maybe it is just as well, as I will learn not to be upset by loud noises. I was a little upset about the cluttered room! It’s like an obstacle course, and not in a fun way! It’s impossible to zoom around in here!

Since I was stuck in this cramped room, I decided to get started on the big job of learning how to supervise my new human. She received copies of my registration papers my first day here.

Even better, I got to check out lots of blog posts from all my new friends! I am so happy that so many of you have welcomed me so warmly! More warmly than the other two cats here. So far both of them have hissed at me and said a couple of not-very-nice words, but they don’t seem like they want to hurt me or beat me up, so maybe we will be pals some time soon!

I know that following in Sparkle’s paw prints is an impossible task, so I will have to make my own.
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” Sparkle had answers to many annoying problems in her two award-winning books! Visit her author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of her awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Announcement for Sparkle’s Memorial Service

Please let everyone know.

[image error]

You can donate to Tabby’s Place here.

* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” Sparkle had answers to many annoying problems in her two award-winning books! Visit her author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of her awesome Dear Sparkle books!

What IS This, Part 2

* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” Sparkle had answers to many annoying problems in her two award-winning books! Visit her author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of her awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Sparkle’s Human Astrology for Cats: Virgo

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Every cat’s dream is to have an efficient and eager servant, one who serves dinner on time and really cares about feline details. If your human was born under the sign of Virgo, you’re in luck because that is what Virgos excel at: details and service. And usually they do it all with a smile. Virgos are nice humans who enjoy making kitties and other people happy.

As modest and smart as Virgo humans are, however, they are not without their quirks. It is true that they will be very good about making sure your litter box is clean (unless they have more slovenly aspects to their natal chart)… but they will also scrutinize the contents. And if they happen to catch you actually using the litter box, they will watch you. They say it’s to make sure that everything is working right down there, but really, that doesn’t make it any less creepy. And if there happens to be anything not right in your litter box output, you will be whisked off to the vet so fast, you may not even know you are on your way there until halfway through the trip.

When it comes to your meals, many Virgos are big on reading labels, and they will buy you the highest quality cat food they can fit into their budget. But they won’t overspend. Some other signs (I’m talking to you, Aries and Sagittarius humans) will snatch up food that has a colorful label promising optimum feline health and wellbeing (never mind that the companies can’t back up their claims), and they may not even look at the price tag. Virgo cares more about the quality inside the can or bag than what the label says — and then they will shop around until they find the best deal. Generally, Virgos are good with money, and that should make you feel secure because it really does lessen the chances of you and your Virgo human landing on the streets.

Do know that as much as Virgos want to be liked, they are not pushovers. Yes, you can get pretty far with them, but when you’ve whapped one button too many, you will hear about it. One instance you will really notice this is early in the morning. If you think you can talk your Virgo human into getting up at 5 instead of 6 to give you breakfast, think again. As much as Virgo cares about your health, they also care about their own and they will not appreciate your morning wake up tactics. Their sleep is important to them, and if you do manage to get them up early, they will be cranky for the rest of the day. And trust me, you do not want to deal with a cranky Virgo human. You want one who is bright and energetic so they will play joyfully with you and cheerfully hand you your meals in your favorite dish. Don’t ask me how they know it’s your favorite dish, they just do.

Virgos also love to do research. Whether they are buying cat toys, a new brand of eco-friendly litter, or are trying to understand something about your behavior, they will go online and find out everything they can about the item or subject. If anything is going on with you, Virgos will do their best to learn how to help. Virgos may not be the most spontaneous humans around, and they may not be full of surprises, but when you are a cat, that is a good thing! We kitties are not fans of the unexpected. And wouldn’t you prefer a sweetly organized, analytical servant by your side? I knew you would.

Cats that are born under the signs Taurus and Capricorn will get the best that Virgo humans have to offer. Keeping life predictable and on schedule is especially important to all these signs, human and kitty. The biggest danger is that you and your Virgo human may get into a rut, and you don’t want to be that cat that spends all his time napping, do you? Okay, forget I asked! Aries, Sagittarius and Aquarius cats will do more to keep their Virgo human on her toes — Aries with his bold and often reckless moves, Sagittarius with his clownish clumsiness, and Aquarius with his unique and sometimes out-of-this-world imagination. You may drive your Virgo human crazy on occasion, and she will spend lots of time trying to figure out why you are behaving the way you are… let’s not tell her there’s really no logic behind it! Cancer cats will appreciate all the care a Virgo human puts into caring for her, but might feel Virgo’s approach is sometimes too mental, too critical and not instinctual or emotional enough. Virgos will find Pisces cats an unsolvable mystery, and it is up to you kitties to teach Virgo to go with the flow. Even though Scorpio cats may think Virgo overthinks things, these intense kitties will be surprisingly kind to them, knowing the sensitive human that lurks underneath all the brainwork. Leo cats, on the other hand, may not sense Virgo’s sensitive side, but they will be so glad to have such a caring and attentive servant, that their Virgo human will be just as pleased. Gemini cats may actually enjoy watching Virgo try to figure them out — and they will be more than happy to keep them guessing. The Libra cat’s easygoing nature will nicely balance out Virgo’s more critical approach — and if you are lucky, Virgo may sometimes take that lesson to heart.

Virgo cats with Virgo humans? You two really do understand each other well! The downside? You’re both nitpicky. When a Virgo cat leaves a few crumbs of food lying around after dinner, the Virgo human may complain. Litter box not properly scooped? The Virgo kitty will let her Virgo human know all about it!
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” Sparkle had answers to many annoying problems in her two award-winning books! Visit her author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of her awesome Dear Sparkle books!

A Gift for My Human

To understand how Summer came into my human’s life, you have to know about one of her deepest wishes. She has always dreamed of having a cat she could take places, and after she learned about therapy dogs, she wanted a therapy cat. As a passionate cat person, she knew that if she were ever in a hospital or nursing home, she would only be disappointed by dog visits. She was certain there were other people out there like herself, so she swore that one day she would have a cat she could take visiting. She considered having a therapy cat an act of good karma.

So her whole life, she searched for a kitty that could be that cat and failed miserably. She tested out several cats, including the cat before the cat before me and Binga, and it never worked out. They were never happy going places. Binga is outgoing and friendly (and a little crazy) at home, but she was never comfortable outside of her element.

When my human brought me home from Temecula, I cried pitifully for the whole two-hour drive home, and a couple of days later, when she took me for my first vet visit, I cried miserably for the whole 20-minute drive — and continued to cry for the whole time I was at the clinic. So she did not even try to take me anywhere else. But she still dreamed of having a therapy cat.

A couple of years ago, my human visited with my breeder at a cat show in San Diego, and she met this girl. At only six months old, she was so perfect and so poised — and she was already spoken for. So my human asked my breeder to let her know if she ever had another kitten with that type of personality, because that is what it took to have therapy cat potential.

Then just this past July, my human saw my breeder at another cat show and she had two kittens with her that had the same parents as the kitten she had seen before. One, the male, was adorable but had a “home cat” temperament — he was okay in the show rings, but he didn’t have that extra added poise and cool. The girl did — she pranced on the table when she was being judged, was even tempered and happy and loved people. Plus she was beautiful. Naturally, the breeder wanted to keep her for herself. You may even remember that kitty from this blog post.

Well, that was Summer, and my human was already a little bit in love with her. My human visited with her at a couple more cat shows and the breeder began to waver because she had to admit to herself that she really did not have room in her cattery for another girl, even as special as this one was. And she could tell my human adored her already. Summer is barely 5 months old, but she already acts like a pro in the ring. She is a joy and happy to meet everyone. And sometimes she is just a silly kitten too.

My human’s boyfriend came to see her, and can you believe she actually liked him?

Finally, my breeder said my human could have Summer under certain conditions, one being that she continued to show her. Which my human would have done anyway, as part of her training as a therapy cat. Cat shows are organized insanity, with people running around carrying cats, and attendees staring at and talking to kitties in show cages. Summer actually thrives in this type of environment and would probably miss it if it stopped. She will have lots of other types of adventures too, after she comes home to my human — and you’ll get to hear all about them from her.

It might be a coincidence that my human found Summer just as I was getting ready to leave her. Or maybe it was not a coincidence at all.
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” I have answers to many annoying problems in my two award-winning books! Visit my author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of my awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Thank You

I don’t want this to be a sad post. I want it to be a post of gratitude. For more than eleven and a half years, you’ve let me into your computers, mobile devices and hearts, and I thank you for spending the time to read my blog and books, for enjoying my photos, for donating to causes I’ve told you about, and for helping me to rescue cats who were in need. I wish I could do it forever, because the kind of connection I share with my readers is what makes life worthwhile. But as some of you already know, I’m very ill and it is time for me to retire from this blog.

The blog will continue without me. I do have someone stepping up to take over, and I know you will love her. I will introduce you to her tomorrow. She will introduce herself to you next week.

Am I dying? Yes, probably. I am not going to pretend my illness is any less than what it is. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. The test results indicated it was only in the very early stages, and while many cats can go on for years, having a good life while dealing with CRF, I have other ailments complicating things and in the past month things have gotten very bad for me. To put it into perspective: my human is a vintage film fan and an admirer of John Barrymore, a hard-living actor from a famed theatrical family who wore his body down and died when he was only 60. Barrymore’s good friend, writer Gene Fowler said, “Nobody runs downhill faster than a thoroughbred.” Apparently, the same is true of me, a feline thoroughbred, although actually, in cat years, I’ve outlived John Barrymore by a little bit. The one thing I do find unforgivable is that Binga, who is two years older than me, is outlasting me. I get the sneaking suspicion that she may outlive everyone in this household.

I honestly don’t know how much time I have left. This past week in particular, I have been slipping away. I have not eaten on my own in two or three weeks, and yesterday I looked so sad that my human felt too sorry for me to force me to eat anything. I didn’t even look twice at the KFC chicken thigh she offered me for lunch. She couldn’t eat it either. I have an appointment at the vet today, and if there is something they can do there to make me feel better, I will be coming home. If not, I may not come home at all. I have written a couple of posts ahead of time — tomorrow’s post about Summer, the new girl, and Monday’s astrology post about Virgo. If I come home, I’ll do this weekend’s Caturday Report and Sunday Catinee. If I don’t, the blog will be dark this weekend.

So this is my thank you and good-bye. My human and I do not believe in the rainbow bridge, so I don’t know that I will ever see any of you again after I’m gone. But I hope I will continue to live on in your hearts.

Your friend always,

Sparkle
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” I have answers to many annoying problems in my two award-winning books! Visit my author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of my awesome Dear Sparkle books!

What IS This Thing?

* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” I have answers to many annoying problems in my two award-winning books! Visit my author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of my awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Dear Sparkle: Why Did Our Human Move Our Chair?

Dear Sparkle,

Like you, we have an office in our home, and it used to have this really awesome comfy chair! It was in just the right place to catch the morning sun puddles, and near enough to the air conditioning so we were cool but the air wasn’t blowing directly on us. It was a really nice place to watch Bird TV and hang out. But then our human did the unspeakable! She moved the chair into the dark, dreary living room! And she put it in a corner where we can’t see Bird TV all that well, and it doesn’t get any sun puddles. It just feels different and yukky. Humans sit in it all the time, but neither of us will go near it because, bleagh, who wants to? Why did my human move it, and can we get her to move it back?

Signed,

Two Annoyed Kitties

Dear Annoyed Kitties,

Here is proof that humans are utterly clueless when it comes to furniture placement. It sounds to me like your chair was in the perfect spot before it was moved. But of course, humans, being humans, can’t leave well enough alone. They always want to “rearrange” things, never realizing that where they put them in the first place was probably exactly where they needed to be. We cats trust our instincts and they are almost always right. Because humans second-guess themselves, they are almost always wrong. And when humans aren’t second guessing themselves, they decide to move furniture around just because they are “bored,” or they think they want a change. In other words, they do things randomly for no reason — and the result is, we kitties get our lives disrupted.

I can’t imagine how your human can believe that your comfy chair is in a better spot because clearly it isn’t. Since humans are such willful creatures, and stubborn besides, I don’t know if you’ll be able to get her to move the chair back. But if you both repeatedly go into the office, sit in the spot where the chair used to be and glare accusingly at your human, maybe she will get the idea that she shouldn’t have moved your chair. At the very least, it might make her nervous, which counts as partial punishment for her misdeed.
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” I have answers to many annoying problems in my two award-winning books! Visit my author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of my awesome Dear Sparkle books!

Hitting the Wall… Again and Again

It has been mayhem here for the past couple of weeks, and it is only just now that I am getting to tell you about it. It’s really annoying.

This used to be my view of the outside from the bay window in my office.

Now look at it! It’s awful.

There was a long retaining wall running along the north side of our property, and the guy who built it long before we moved in apparently didn’t not do a very good job because it has been leaning precariously for years. Which is how long it took my human to figure out how to pay to have it replaced.

They started tearing it down nearly two weeks ago.

This is how it looks at the moment. My office is a ways above this, and they only got around to tearing the wall down up there last week. Plus they were using jackhammers. The noise chased my human and her laptop out of the house the day they were working up there. Plus they came back on Saturday morning with their jackhammers for a half day work.

And the mess! This is what it normally looks like outside the back double doors.

Now it’s nothing but a big mess. Bird TV has been preempted for a while. My human is just lucky the dog is deaf and we cats are so cool. All the commotion has not bothered us that much! We still hang out in the living room, trying to catch the sun puddles that haven’t been cut off by the tall boards. But I really can’t wait until it’s over and things get back to normal!
* * *

Having problems with your human or the other cats in your house? As the internet’s “Dear Abby With Claws,” I have answers to many annoying problems in my two award-winning books! Visit my author’s page on Amazon to buy one or both of my awesome Dear Sparkle books!