It's like getting a new car. The first month or so is an expensive time, 'cause you accessorize. Then it dies down. The advantages to a cat over a dog are you don't have to worry about leaving it alone for a period of time without going outside to the bathroom, and you can [generally] leave enough dry food out so it won't go without eating if you're not around to feed it on time. You might think about getting something like this to put by the window, unless Cranberry has already got a perch to peer out from: Regarding that scratching post...has Cranberry been using it? Do you have a problem with her clawing the furniture?
My experiences with cats have evolved from the ones we had on the farm, which hunted for their own food, supplemented only by whatever table scraps my parents might put out from time to time, most of which was claimed by the dogs, who also received dog food. Rarely did my parents buy cat food because the cats were there to keep the pest population down, and I suppose they didn't want them too fat and lazy. My mom would pet the cats from time to time, but I think that I was the only other one in the family who spent time with them, sneaking them into my room, one at a time, particularly on cold winter nights. Some of our farm cats were nearly feral, while others were tame. From the time that I got the first cat of my own to the ones that I have now, I have changed the way in which I care for them considerably, as I came to better understand the things they were trying to tell me and to better appreciate their wants and needs.
She gives the scratching post a good work out every day but leaves furniture alone. My biggest problem is her accidental scratches on me . I take a blood thinner and bleed easily. I have to get her nails cut soon.
That's not a good thing. Maybe others here who have more cat miles on them than I do might have some suggestions.
It's more of a poke from her nails instead of scratches. They occur when she jumps ontto my leg or lap.
Since I'm an old cat owner from way back, I just have one thought. (which you probably know already) Cats must have a play time, or it will cause them problems. Even if its a small cloth toy (like a fake mouse), the cat will have a good time sliding it across the room and "attacking" it. Its good for their health, and if we forget this aspect of cats, they will find some other way that may be irritating (such as find things like your glasses, spoons, coins, etc. to toss across the floor). I am glad for you (and the cat) that you are enjoying your new friend.
We have kicked around getting a new puppy but I'm of the same mind as you, Bill. It's a lot of work caring for a little furry friend and I'm definitely not up to that right now.
My newly adopted room mate is up and bounding around our apartment @ 6 AM and my ancient bones and joints are not awake yet. It's time for that first cup of coffee.
Lon, Cranberry is adorable (she looks a little annoyed, though. ) Is that your lymphedema sleeve? Seems like the fit isn't quite right and I notice that your hand is swollen, do you have a lymphedema glove to wear? Do you get therapeutic lymph massage to help drain your arm? I remember you mentioning lymphedema but I hadn't noticed it in other photos you post.
Don't take this the wrong way, but we know we've reached a certain point in our lives when we wish we were as frisky as a cranberry.
She can take her paws and push the doors open. Once inside she will climb to one of the shelves and pull the towels and face cloths down to lay on. Unfortunately she does not shut the doors. I have watched her try to open the refrigerator door the same way as the closet. She like watching TV and appears to favor Fox News over CNN.