A Broken Chest Of Drawers

 In my bedroom, I have this old chest of drawers, which I've had for about 25 years, and we bought it second-hand!

The other week, the bottom drawers got stuck; they just wouldn't open! I think the wood has warped.

I asked David to help me out, he has a lot more strength than me. He managed to get one of the drawers out! But Alan decided that the space would make a great hiding place!

Alan hiding

It took ages to get him out!

The drawers won't go back in at all. They are just sitting on the bedroom floor. Sam seems to think that they are his new bed!

Sam in the drawer.

He looks so comfortable!

Catnip

 I don't use catnip that often. I don't really understand it.

But today I'd had enough of Fred fighting! Fred and Frodo fight a lot, today however, Fred was snapping at everyone. I had to jump up every few minutes to separate cats snarling at each other. 

I put down some catnip for Fred, but Sam was in the room and made a beeline for it. I think he got most of it, which started a little fight!

After that, I put Sam out and gave Fred some more catnip. I think he enjoyed it.

Fluffy

 Fluffy loves meat, chicken is her favourite, but she'll eat any meat!

When I'm cooking, she sits on a small table watching. As I prepare the rice, she is quiet. I get out the vegetables for soups and salads, no noise. The meat goes on the counter, even before the plastic wrap is off, she starts to meow, very loudly.

Most of the meat dishes I cook involve Japanese flavourings, soy sauce, sake, and mirin, which I don't think are good for her. I cook a little bit of meat to give her. 

Today I cooked two pieces of pork. I was waiting for David, so I sat at the table in the dining area, but in the same room, scrolling on my phone! David came in and asked why there was only one piece of pork! We found Fluffy in the corner munching on one piece!

She looks so innocent! 

David washed the sauce off so she could finish it! I had an extra piece of pork, so it wasn't a problem! I've learnt my lesson, don't leave meat out when Fluffy is around!

Collars

 I have a herniated disc in my neck. Most of the time, it's alright, but every now and then it becomes painful. My neck becomes stiff, I have pain radiating down my arm and across my shoulder blade.

This morning I managed to see a doctor. He has prescribed a lot of different painkillers and something to help the nerve. He also suggested that I wear a neck brace, so I can rest my chin on it and take the pressure off the back of my neck.

As the nurse was fitting it, my son, who was translating for me, said, "Now you know how Fluffy feels" I couldn't stop laughing at that!

Fluffy looks a lot cuter in her collar than I do in mine!

Fluffy with her collar

Me in mine!

Sam The Lovebug

 Each one of my nine cats has a very different personality!

Alfie and Toast are rather stand-offish; they only allow a few pets before they've had enough. They never seek out people to be with.

Alfie

Toast

Fred is aggressive; if there's a fight, I know I'll find Fred in the middle of it.

Fred

But he loves to get attention from us.

The other cats go hot and cold, sometimes they want lots of pets, belly rubs and being with us, other times they just walk away!

Then there is Sam, he is a total lovebug!

Sam

A few weeks ago, he decided to sleep on my bed. I tried to discourage him as he likes the centre of my bed, which makes it very uncomfortable for me! He sits outside my door crying. When I let him in, he has this really cute meow, then jumps on the bed purring like crazy. He knows how to melt my heart.

This is a little video from yesterday when Sam came to my room!

The video is only a minute long, but this went on for about 10 minutes. Sam then settled on my bed for the rest of the night!

Snuggle Time

 The house we live in is rather cold. We don't have central heating, just kerosene stoves in a couple of rooms! For me to keep warm, I layer up, but then I can't move much, or I stay near the heater. 

I worry about the cats being warm enough. Especially Fluffy, as she tends be by herself more.

This is her usual place.

On the edge of the table! She either has to be on something, even just a tissue or on the very edge of the table or counter top. I've tried to encourage her to find somewhere else to sleep, but these are her favourite places. 

Today, however, I found all the cats snuggled up together!

All nine cats together. The electric blanket was left on, so very warm for them!

February is usually the coldest month here. I'm wondering if I need to find some boxes for the cats to get into or just leave the electric blankets on all day!

Playing With The Cats

 I've been trying to play with the cats more.

It's hard because when I have time, they aren't in the mood to play. 

I know that they need the exercise and stimulation they get from play, but it can be hard on my schedule. Still, I try!

A couple of little videos from playing with the cats!

The cats seem to be enjoying themselves!