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Dan (Lime) and I have been talking about getting another cat, a playmate for Valentine. The idea was to wait a month or so, so that he can get a couple of paychecks so we can pay for the shots and such, and we can see about solving the Bean problem (that's our hamster - if we want to use the second bedroom for kitty #2's food and litter, he's going to need to be relocated).
This weekend we visited Dan's family and friends in Indiana. Where Dan mentioned to one of his friends that we're considering getting another kitten. The friend immediately insisted that we take one of his kittens. It seems one of the outdoor cats had a five week or so old litter of two, a boy and a girl, and they need to get homes or they'll have to go to the pound.
Dan and I met the kittens, and talked about it that night. We decided not to take either, though, because we couldn't afford the shots straight out, and since they're currently outdoor kitties, that would need to be taken care of right away.
When we told Aaron (the friend) that this was our decision, he said, "Oh, don't worry about that - we'll pay for the shots and to get it fixed!" Suddenly we're dealing with an entirely different situation! A completely free kitten? One who'll go to the pound if Aaron can't find it a home? We'd better reconsider.
Long story short, Achilles joined our little family on Monday morning. He endured the 4 hour car ride home with very little trouble, and is currently adjusting to his new home.
Valentine's...well, she's peeved. Yes. Not a happy camper. But Achilles is so sweet, I'm sure she'll warm to him eventually. I think. Hopefully. Right? *ahem*
So! He's a beautiful white and orange tiny thing, but he's going to be a big boy judging by his paws. We're going with the traditional pronounciation, not the French one, 'cause we get enough grief from our family for Valentine and Bean and besides, I think it just sounds nicer and it will give us less trouble over the phone with the vet and such. But the inspiriation is the same. Thank you, OSC, for giving your characters names we like so much we've used them for three beloved pets!
-Vána (whose name still isn't showing up properly)
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I heard somewhere that rubbing a little butter on both cats and putting them in the same room together helps.... acclimate them to each other. But... I'd take that with a grain of salt. A grain of salt over your shoulder!
Posts: 2220 | Registered: Jun 1999
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I wonder what would happen if you sprinkled Mrs. Dash on top of the butter-covered cats. Would this help the bonding process? Could be that different cats like different seasonings, though.
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You know how, when you're done with a stick of butter, there's always a little bit left at the end or stuck to the wrapper? We used to rub that little bit on our cat's front paws and watch him wash it off. Everyone involved seemed to enjoy it.
Posts: 2220 | Registered: Jun 1999
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Yes, we realized that having both a Bean and an Achilles might be difficult, but since Bean's a hamster and Achilles is a cat, we figured they'd be eternal enemies anyway, so what was the difference?
Also, can anyone tell me why I was convince that Achilles of the Illiad had red hair, when he was in fact yellow-haired? It's amazing the things your brain can make up and then convince you to believe are entirely true.
Posts: 2661 | Registered: Apr 2002
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