Mollie Hunt's Blog, page 83

THE CATS OF LYNLEY CANNON, CRAZY CAT LADY

With the launch of my new Lynley Cannon mystery hovering on the horizon, I thought it might be fun to introduce you to Lynley’s cats. As we leave her at the end of Cats’ Eyes, a Crazy Cat Lady mystery, she has 7. How many she will end up with at the end of Copy Cats, the next in the series, you’ll have to wait and see.

#1. Dirty Harry, an elderly, obstinate male. Came to Lynley as a stray when he was about 5. Favorite pastime: sleeping in his donut.

#2. Little, social butterfly, curious, active, and interested. FOF Foster failure. (In other words, instead of taking her back after fostering, Lynley adopted her herself.)

#3. Big Red, 17 pounds of muscled tabby scardy-cat. Lynley adopted him after he moved onto her porch.

#4. Tinkerbelle,  13 years old and a registered therapy cat. Tink is another of Lynley’s foster failures, which of course are not failures at all.

#5. Solo, the ghost under the sofa. Inherited from needy friends, Lynley lets the shy deaf cat do her own thing.

#6. Fraulein Fluffs, a hospice foster from FOF. She has chronic kidney disease, but so far, the tiny elderly female still happy and healthy.

#7. Violet. Lynley’s big beautiful girl. 22 pounds of love, though through diet and exercise, Lynley hopes to bring her down to a more healthy weight.

There you have it. Watch for more about Lynley Cannon and her Crazy Cat Lady mysteries.

CATS’ EYES – THE BOOKS ARE HERE!

When I published my cozy cat mystery, Cats’ Eyes, last December, I couldn’t have been happier. After 20 years of writing, (not counting 4th grade when I vowed to be an author – I wrote cats stories even then!) it was time.

I write because I am driven, because it gives me pleasure. Because it’s the chance to right the wrongs, manipulate my version of the world. When I write, time goes on without me. It’s that in the moment thing that comes only rarely. I write on vacation, before work, and in my head all the time. I’ve met all my characters and been to their homes. I’ve been down the hard roads (Broken Roses) and the easy ones (Catts and the Seven of Swords). I’ve traveled back in time (Cat Spring) and forward to other dimensions (Cat Autumn). I’ve even witnessed the beginning of the universe (Cat Winter). Not to say these are true stories: the big disclaimer is in the preface. But as I continue, I become more writer and less whoever else Mollie Hunt may have been before. I only hope I have time left to give the attention it demands.

Publishing was a sigh of relief for me. If I died, someone would have read my work. Finally it was out there in the cyber-world, to roll around the internet forever or at least until the big pulse and everything is wiped clean. Then a few months ago, something even better happened: Cats’ Eyes came out in print. Real paper, real ink with a cover and everything! Suddenly I had to learn how to autograph. Handing a copy to my father-in-law, journalist for the Oregon Journal & the Oregonian for a long and prestigious career, was the coolest thing I’d ever done. Books should be in print. I love the kindle, but a book in the hand is a joy of its own.

Copy Cats, Book 2 of the Lynley Cannon Crazy Cat Lady series, is with my editor. Lynley finds herself mixed up in a cat counterfeiting ring while Portland is besieged with a series of grisly claw murders. No release date yet, but there will be both print and electronic versions.

I am on the first draft final chapters of book 3, working title Cat’s Paw, about an Animal Sanctuary art retreat gone bad.

The other books named above will get out of their box someday, I swear and promise. Thanks for allowing my worlds in your head,

~Meow~

…………………Mollie Hunt

 

13: LUX – CLARIFICATION & LOVE, INTERRUPTED

There has been some misunderstanding about my story. My fault. I haven’t made it clear that I’m writing about what happened, not what’s happening now. I’ll get there – or here, since I speak of the present – eventually, but for now we’re still stuck in the past.

The story I’ve been telling began in April of 2014, and so far hasn’t gone beyond that month. There is much more to tell, and I will unravel it in time, but this is not a saga; it is real life – my life, touched by a very singular cat. It’s a tale I must dole out one day at a time, sometimes one hour or one minute at a time, to try to get it straight in my own head. If you chose to come along on this precarious ride, I appreciate your devotion to Lux. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Your choice.

I want to make it clear that this may take a while. The story has not ended, but I promise that when I get news, I will break from the past and let you know. No cliffhangers here, just a life-changing psycho-drama-love story that I am still trying to comprehend.

 

12: LUX – SHOWTME !

 

Day 7, morning: This is it! Tonight we film My Cat From Hell in my kitchen. Jackson Galaxy, who has been following Lux’s progress by phone, text and film, will speak to his family, reveal Lux’s progress in my home, and ask them what they want to do. What they decide will shape Lux’s future, with them or with me. I wouldn’t know the outcome until Jackson arrived.

If you’ve never had a film crew in your kitchen, consider yourself lucky. Jim and I cleaned like maniacs, but my century-old Victorian house refused to give up its patina. Oh, well. I hoped they’d be distracted by my collection of eclectic clutter and not focus on the grit.

 

Then we waited. The producers and film crew showed up first, and finally the man, himself. Lux was unaware his fate hung in the balance and napped in his room like any normal cat.

For those of you who saw the show, that was pretty much how it went. Jackson sitting at my grandmother’s mission oak table, Jim and I listening and talking about Lux. Everyone had fallen totally in love with the big cat, Jackson no exception. As we discussed what he thought was best for Lux, we began to guess what was coming. And by the time he asked if we would adopt Lux into our home, I answered, Absolutely!

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

NOTES: 04/09/14 – 04/16/14

Lux is very curious. He wants to see everything, go through every door, explore every corner, cupboard and cranny.

Lux pushes into my hand when I pet his head and sideburns. His tail goes up and he arches when I pet his back. I can pet all the way up his tail. Not too hot on having his paws or stomach touched, but there seem to be no “no” zones for touching.

Lux’s hisses seem relatively nonthreatening. There is no body action with them. He just opens his mouth and hisses. At first I thought it was a yawn.

Note: Lux sometimes “buries” food and water bowls before or after eating/drinking.

Note: Without play, Lux gets little exercise. He moves slowly and cautiously. There must be pent-up energy that isn’t being expelled in normal cat ways, i.e. play. I’ve never seen such a tense cat, though he’s improved over the week.

Nocturnal, naps throughout afternoon. It seems possible that if he doesn’t get the rest he needs during the day, he could get overtired.

Conclusions: Lux is a normal cat who has been stressed. Over the week, he has expanded his circle of comfort within normal parameters.

Lux has shown no unpredictable behavior.

…………….but the story continues………

LUX – SHOWTME !

 

Day 7, morning: This is it! Tonight we film My Cat From Hell in my kitchen. Jackson Galaxy, who has been following Lux’s progress by phone, text and film, will speak to his family, reveal Lux’s progress in my home, and ask them what they want to do. What they decide will shape Lux’s future, with them or with me. I wouldn’t know the outcome until Jackson arrived.

If you’ve never had a film crew in your kitchen, consider yourself lucky. Jim and I cleaned like maniacs, but my century-old Victorian house refused to give up its patina. Oh, well. I hoped they’d be distracted by my collection of eclectic clutter and not focus on the grit.

 

Then we waited. The producers and film crew showed up first, and finally the man, himself. Lux was unaware his fate hung in the balance and napped in his room like any normal cat.

For those of you who saw the show, that was pretty much how it went. Jackson sitting at my grandmother’s mission oak table, Jim and I listening and talking about Lux. Everyone had fallen totally in love with the big cat, Jackson no exception. As we discussed what he thought was best for Lux, we began to guess what was coming. And by the time he asked if we would adopt Lux into our home, I answered, Absolutely!

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

NOTES: 04/09/14 – 04/16/14

Lux is very curious. He wants to see everything, go through every door, explore every corner, cupboard and cranny.

Lux pushes into my hand when I pet his head and sideburns. His tail goes up and he arches when I pet his back. I can pet all the way up his tail. Not too hot on having his paws or stomach touched, but there seem to be no “no” zones for touching.

Lux’s hisses seem relatively nonthreatening. There is no body action with them. He just opens his mouth and hisses. At first I thought it was a yawn.

Note: Lux sometimes “buries” food and water bowls before or after eating/drinking.

Note: Without play, Lux gets little exercise. He moves slowly and cautiously. There must be pent-up energy that isn’t being expelled in normal cat ways, i.e. play. I’ve never seen such a tense cat, though he’s improved over the week.

Nocturnal, naps throughout afternoon. It seems possible that if he doesn’t get the rest he needs during the day, he could get overtired.

Conclusions: Lux is a normal cat who has been stressed. Over the week, he has expanded his circle of comfort within normal parameters.

Lux has shown no unpredictable behavior.

…………….but the story continues………

11 LUX – FIRST DAYS 3

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

Day 4: Today we let Lux explore the kitchen. He looked into every corner, jumped on counters (not a problem with us), even the top of the fridge. He walked low to the ground at first but later walked normally. Now he’s taken it as his own, tail up, enjoying the space. Lux explored until about 11:30, then went back in his room for a nap. He’s settled into what was the top half of a covered litter box which I call his Kitty Cabana. It’s underneath a pinball machine and very secluded. He feels safe there. Lux napped in his cabana most of the afternoon and early evening. That seems to be the routine for him: nocturnal.

 Day 5, morning: Lux in the kitchen again. More confident. He comes to get petted when Jim or I call, raising his tail and trotting right over.

Evening: Lux is being extra sweet tonight. I just got home from work and Jim is at a meeting so Lux has been on his own. He’s checking out the kitchen and sticking close to me. Jackson wants us to try to draw him out from the cabana. Right now he is sitting on my computer desk looking out the window. That’s progress.

 Day 6, morning: Lux greeted me enthusiastically this morning. He flopped over on his back and let me pet his belly. He is talkative, for the first time.

Brief introduction to Tinkerbelle, slowly closing the door in between when Lux started hissing. He’s very curious about the other cats, but not quite ready to meet face to face.

Evening: Lux “helped” me clean the kitchen. He jumped up to some high places and wanted to go everywhere. My cleaning was producing rattling sounds and Lux began to chirp.

more to come…………….

 

 

LUX – FIRST DAYS 3

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

Day 4: Today we let Lux explore the kitchen. He looked into every corner, jumped on counters (not a problem with us), even the top of the fridge. He walked low to the ground at first but later walked normally. Now he’s taken it as his own, tail up, enjoying the space. Lux explored until about 11:30, then went back in his room for a nap. He’s settled into what was the top half of a covered litter box which I call his Kitty Cabana. It’s underneath a pinball machine and very secluded. He feels safe there. Lux napped in his cabana most of the afternoon and early evening. That seems to be the routine for him: nocturnal.

 Day 5, morning: Lux in the kitchen again. More confident. He comes to get petted when Jim or I call, raising his tail and trotting right over.

Evening: Lux is being extra sweet tonight. I just got home from work and Jim is at a meeting so Lux has been on his own. He’s checking out the kitchen and sticking close to me. Jackson wants us to try to draw him out from the cabana. Right now he is sitting on my computer desk looking out the window. That’s progress.

 Day 6, morning: Lux greeted me enthusiastically this morning. He flopped over on his back and let me pet his belly. He is talkative, for the first time.

Brief introduction to Tinkerbelle, slowly closing the door in between when Lux started hissing. He’s very curious about the other cats, but not quite ready to meet face to face.

Evening: Lux “helped” me clean the kitchen. He jumped up to some high places and wanted to go everywhere. My cleaning was producing rattling sounds and Lux began to chirp.

more to come…………….

 

 

10: LUX – FIRST DAYS, 2

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

Day 3: Lux was under the comforter on the bed when I came in this morning. Overnight he ate all food. Now to introduce him to my other cats.

We have 3 cats: Tinkerbelle, an elderly OHS rescue who is now a therapy cat; Little who is also an OHS rescue; and Big Red who came to live on our porch and never left (He’s an inside cat now, of course). Usually I would give them more time to get used to a newcomer, but Jackson needed an assessment of Lux asap so he could decide what direction he wanted to take the case. How Lux fit with other cats was an important concern. Lux had never seen another cat. He was rejected by his mother at birth, and his owner bottle-fed him as a kitten. We were about to find out what he thought of these things with fur and whiskers and meows and scents similar to his own.

Jackson gave us a feeding exercise to start out introducing the cats safely. It entailed feeding both cats on opposite sides of a door with a gap underneath. Our first try was with Red. It went without incident so we continued giving each of the cats a turn. Red and Tinkerbelle showed no interest in Lux at this point, and Little, my official greeter of all who entered my house, really wanted to meet him. I let her briefly into the room. Both she and Lux hissed but passively. I took her out again. Normal first greeting.

Read more about introducing cats at http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/c...

Note: Lux is making progress, yet not the progress I’d hoped for. It’s a short time to unwind a very tense cat. He is confused by my other cats. I doubt he’ll happily accept them in the time allotted though I think it would happen eventually. Lux is creating new memories. He is already adopting a routine. He is very intelligent. Glad to note he’s sitting straighter now, not hunched.

 Evening: We got some toys from Jackson and are trying to inspire Lux to play, something he never did according to his family. He likes the Cat Catcher, but seems unsure what to do with it. He did finally sit up and grab for it, then turned to Jim and hissed as if he was proud of himself. No interest yet in catnip mice, pillows or crinkle balls.

Night: I tried sleeping in Lux’s room, but after I turned off the light, he began to prowl. He rattled the blinds, wanting to see out the window. He hissed a little when I turned on the light and moved toward the blinds to open them. I left at 1:30 since I needed some real sleep before work the next morning.

Lux was still prowling………………………….

LUX – FIRST DAYS, 2

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

Day 3: Lux was under the comforter on the bed when I came in this morning. Overnight he ate all food. Now to introduce him to my other cats.

We have 3 cats: Tinkerbelle, an elderly OHS rescue who is now a therapy cat; Little who is also an OHS rescue; and Big Red who came to live on our porch and never left (He’s an inside cat now, of course). Usually I would give them more time to get used to a newcomer, but Jackson needed an assessment of Lux asap so he could decide what direction he wanted to take the case. How Lux fit with other cats was an important concern. Lux had never seen another cat. He was rejected by his mother at birth, and his owner bottle-fed him as a kitten. We were about to find out what he thought of these things with fur and whiskers and meows and scents similar to his own.

Jackson gave us a feeding exercise to start out introducing the cats safely. It entailed feeding both cats on opposite sides of a door with a gap underneath. Our first try was with Red. It went without incident so we continued giving each of the cats a turn. Red and Tinkerbelle showed no interest in Lux at this point, and Little, my official greeter of all who entered my house, really wanted to meet him. I let her briefly into the room. Both she and Lux hissed but passively. I took her out again. Normal first greeting.

Read more about introducing cats at http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/c...

Note: Lux is making progress, yet not the progress I’d hoped for. It’s a short time to unwind a very tense cat. He is confused by my other cats. I doubt he’ll happily accept them in the time allotted though I think it would happen eventually. Lux is creating new memories. He is already adopting a routine. He is very intelligent. Glad to note he’s sitting straighter now, not hunched.

 Evening: We got some toys from Jackson and are trying to inspire Lux to play, something he never did according to his family. He likes the Cat Catcher, but seems unsure what to do with it. He did finally sit up and grab for it, then turned to Jim and hissed as if he was proud of himself. No interest yet in catnip mice, pillows or crinkle balls.

Night: I tried sleeping in Lux’s room, but after I turned off the light, he began to prowl. He rattled the blinds, wanting to see out the window. He hissed a little when I turned on the light and moved toward the blinds to open them. I left at 1:30 since I needed some real sleep before work the next morning.

Lux was still prowling………………………….

9: LUX – FIRST DAYS

Lux was in the house! Big cat; huge personality.

From that moment on, Jim’s and my world revolved around him. We both worked, but the moment we were back, it was all about Luxie: How was he feeling? What was he going to do next? Neither of us considered him dangerous or even feisty. I see more difficult cats at the shelter every day.

Lux was like a child, inexperienced in catly ways. Watching him learn about play, about food, about his new digs was heartwarming and fascinating. Every day he seemed to come out of that shell a bit more, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to that first day:

Adapted from my Lux Journal:

Day 1: Jim and I got up for work. Lux was sleeping by his water. He enjoyed being petted but then went back under the blanket. I let him roam the room. He was curious but still crouching and nervous. He hadn’t eaten anything overnight.

When I got home from work, we moved Lux to a bigger room. Lux was friendly and curious about the new surroundings. Explored, used litter box, checked out cat tree and window. Then he went back to his litter box and vomited a small amount of liquid. After that, he retreated under the coffee table, where he hissed at me for the first time. His hiss was nonthreatening; at first I thought it was a yawn. I petted him, and he enjoyed it, but when I stopped, he hissed again. Since he still hadn’t eaten and had vomited, he probably wasn’t feeling too good.

Day 2: Over the next night, Lux ate some tuna, which seemed to break the ice for eating. By evening, he was gobbling all food in sight, wet and dry. He became more outgoing, sitting by the window and on his cat tree.

Lux’s people said that Lux didn’t play. Jackson wanted to get him to play, since it’s so much a part of being a cat. Play also reduces stress. I tried a ribbon toy. He was very tentative, though he did follow it around the room a little. He was also interested in some shredded paper I was working with. All the world is a cat toy…

Later that night, Lux became a little hissy, but still accepted pets and loving.

 

…………………continued.