Squirrel Watch 2012

In the early mornings at this time of year, we have a lot of squirrel activity. 2 large hazel bushes and a walnut tree keep them very busy.

Which means Urchin is kept very busy keeping watch. She seems to be genuinely agitated that the wretched nut rats are invading her home. Last weekend she was in the garden when one came down the walnut tree without seeing her - she gave chase and was only about 30cm away from it before it got back up the tree. Great excitement.

Urchin's chair

As anyone who has cats knows, all chairs are their chair. Urchin has a particular fondness for the footstool in the conservatory though. It's just the right size for her to curl up on.

The bonsai bench

Cat bench, not bonsai bench

For a long time Paul has wanted to display his bonsai on benches, the way they do in Japan. It looks nicer and makes them much easier to water. This week, it has finally happened. After a bit of cautious peering and sniffing, Urchin has realised that they are also excellent for displaying cats on.

Urchin and the frog

I'm still traumatised by this. I cannot deal with frogs at all, and yet I had to deal with this one. Which was stuck in Urchin's tail. This is the moment when it moved and Urchin realised it was there. She really thinks her tail is an independent entity.

I needed gardening gloves, a comb and quite a lot of gin to get it out.

Urchin and the computer

Happiness is a hot cat with a cool gust from a computer fan blowing into her fur. Not so good for the computer, but worth it for the serene expression on her furry little mush.

Bringing shame to her family

It's shedding season and thus is the time of year when a cat's reluctance to be brushed really shows itself. The wretched little animal really needs a thorough grooming to get all her loose undercoat out, but she isn't having it, and is fighting like a tiger when we try do it. There are matts developing. Cutting one out is a 2-person job. This was definitely the worst one she's had yet - I am hoping that by publicly humiliating her like this, she will be more amenable to letting us brush her regularly. Yep - pinning my hopes on anthropomorphism.

That hairbrush is bigger than my hand.

Urchin and the Rain

The dreadful weather we have been experiencing leaves a cat with very soggy toe-tufts.