MORNING ROLL CALL L JUNE 2026

@SummerOnTheWay1 , oh my goodness, I didn't know that Mr. had actually started coming inside.  Congratulations on becoming one of the lucky recipients of the CDS (Cat Distribution System).  Looks like you're his new adopted mom. 😻

@SummerOnTheWay1 , obviously you won't be able to leave your door open.  So Mr. will have to get used to closed doors.  If he is inside, he will let you know he wants out and all you can do is just periodically check when he is outside.  I was going to suggest that the only other option is a cat door when I saw your most recent post.  But you rent?  The landlord might have something to say about that. 🙄

Since Mr. is already comfortable coming inside and making himself at home, you might want to seriously consider introducing a litter box.  When it is bitterly cold and snowing, he might be less likely to want to go outside, and if he has "options", he won't have to.  Last resort would be to provide some sort of outdoor shelter.  The cheapest alternative is a styrofoam cooler or meat packing box (for insulation), easy to cut a door in the side, weigh the lid down, and fill it with straw, not blankets.  Straw also has insulating properties and they can burrow or nest in it.  Blankets will retain moisture and are not good at maintaining a cat's body heat.

Welcome to winter cat camping.  I remember the kids' first winter.  Any chance at trying to domesticate them and get them to come inside was a dismal failure.  On of their first shelters was a styrofoam Omaha Meats box.  Still have it and the occasional possum will use it.  However, Willie Mae and Giorgio's winter encampment has evolved over the years (coming up on their 8th winter) to igloos and heated kitty beds and sheds (and yes, it can get expensive), but since Mr. will come inside, that's a major step.  And we have seen other ferals come and go.  I dearly miss Stellar (Giorgio's brother), Boz, Armani, BUC every day. 😢😿

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Hello folks, I am still alive and well, actually doing very well.  I made it to my initial annual physical, no problems on blood work or exam.  Keeping the blood glucose and blood pressure within reason although not where I would like.  Heading for calcium score and bone density test next week.  I kind of expect problems with both.  

Weather turning cooler thankfully although we will have another hot week before Labor Day.  All dogs, chickens doing well.  Deer rampaging in the garden.   Moving here is the smartest  and best thing I have done in a long time 😍.

🎂Happy birthday, @SummerOnTheWay1 .  For your viewing pleasure:

Willie Mae demonstrates the proper usage of the Willie Mae stick. Handy for feral cats who tend to get over stimulated and will not hesitate to grab an exposed hand.

Giorgio enjoying a tummy rub with the Willie Mae stick and making air biscuits

@catwoman500 , congrats on an Eagles 🦅 win, although condolences to @DaveMcK for the loss.  Hard to believe it's that time of year again.

Glad to hear everyone is hanging in there in spite of the travails life keeps throwing at us.  Mick Jagger warned us.

🎵 What a drag it is getting old.🎵

Good night everyone and hoping you all have a restful night's sleep!

@SummerOnTheWay1 , good news you have a kitty co-caretaker. 

When I first noticed that this stray cat had stashed babies under my deck, I immediately put a bowl of my indoor kitty's food out for the munchkins.  At first op, I got some cheapo DG brand wet food to feed the little guys and they were more than happy with that.  But, of course, that changed and it ended up just being easier to feed them with the cat food I already had on hand.  My indoor cats always liked Friskies Shreds, so shreds it was.  Cheapie stinky pate from DG was out.  *sighs*   And over time, they have refined their tastes.  Not big on chicken or turkey blends, no pate, beef occasionally, and so it goes.  Flash forward to present -- now here I am, getting autoship orders from Chewy just to feed the outdoor cats.  Friskies wet food.  Friskies or Purina dry food, Meow Mix if I have a coupon.  Friskies treats, no Temptations or moist treats. 

I refuse to try any little cans (at twice the price) of Fancy Feast or Sheba or the like because God forbid, they become accustomed to the really expensive food! 🙀 My neighbor (and co-caretaker) feeds her diabetic cat expensive food because she has to and will occasionally put a dish out for Giorgio and Willie Mae.  I told her to stop.  Don't get them used to those pricey little cans.  They will not go back.  Little fur-hooligans.

@allPorchers 😀.Still finishing up doc visits.  Calcium score was 53, so no follow up required.  Bone scan not so good, I am doing heel drops and jumping up and down and some supplements.  I grew up eating dairy and never stopped,  had tons of calcium in the form of yogurt and kefir and cheese.   Still osteoporosis.

 Anyway, to the eye doctor this week then a bit of a break.

@MsStretch  funny cat pictures!!   Hope to beback soon😉.

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