Merry Christmas from Apple & Jim

Nap

I took a nap yesterday and when I woke up this is what I found next to me!!

Back with Cat

Apple did well during her six day Home Alone 2® adventure. For some reason, Apple now likes to perch on the toilet (she liked to do that before) and drink the water. I'll let you know what else she has learned in my absence.

Apple takes to water

I have to leave Apple for almost a week. I'm heading to California for work and personal reasons. My Mom will be stopping by to check on Apple. I'm sure Apple will do fine. I'll be sure to give her some some of her favorite treats when I get back.
In the last week, Apple has become fond of the bathroom sink. She'll sit up there when I'm shaving (yes, that happens sometimes) and brushing my teeth. I'll also find her just sitting in the sink, sometimes resting and sometimes playing with water (if it is still dripping from the faucet).
More posts after the California trip.

Stuff on my cat

Someone sent me this link.  Just so you know, I do not plan on subjecting Apple to any of these kinds of "adventures."

www.stuffonmycat.com

Stitches removed

Apple had her stitches out on Wednesday. She is doing great. As a birthday gift to me from my sister Emily, Apple had a microchip implanted between her shoulders. If Apple gets lost and someone finds her and turns her in to a vet, they will scan her and be able to contact me.

I also received a gift from a good friend of mine - a self cleaning litter box. I haven't had time to unbox and set up the device, but in the meantime, Apple is enjoying the boxes.

Apple recovery

Apple is recovering well from her surgery, with no visible sign of infection around her stitches. She does not have the same amount of energy as before the surgery, but she gets more energetic each day.

Post Surgery

I picked up Apple from the vet this morning. She has a shaved belly and stitches from her operation. Most important, she seems to be fine. She is back home, walking a bit slower for now, but happy. She is eating, drinking, and resting.

Apple Surgery update

The Vet just called and said Apple made it through her surgery with flying colors. I had the optional blood work done and the technician said that it was the best blood test results she had ever seen. Apple is a very healthy cat.
One negative item is that Apple has more fat cells then she should, which leads the vet to predict it is easy for Apple to get overweight if I don't monitor her food intake. That is something I'll have to manage. Perhaps I will put out a set number of ounces of food per day and see how she does.
So, Apple and I have something in common - we need to watch our food intake. At least she is a very healthy cat.
I'll pick Apple up at the vet tomorrow.

Apple travels to vet (via Starbucks)

Apple is now at the Vet for her spaying. I should get a call around Noon telling me she is out of surgery and doing well.
We stopped by Starbucks this morning and Apple got to meet Alyson & Jenny.  Apple meowed the entire ride to the vet - she is not keen on car travel.  And no, it had nothing to do with my driving.

Magic Washing Machine

I was out of town for almost a week. Apple did very well, and I noticed in my absence her jumping ability has improved. Soon, I'll have to rearrange my counters to be Apple friendly.
A normal result of trip is dirty laundry. Apple was interested in this week's batch. I would let her handle some of the laundry duties, but I don't think she understands how and when to add fabric softener.
Tomorrow Apple goes to the vet for her spaying. She'll have an overnight stay. Keep your fingers crossed for both of us.

Don't mess with the snake

Apple's favorite toy is a snake. She has even torn open the snake's guts, but the toy is still functional and most important, is still interesting to Apple.
Today I woke up with Apple sitting next to my head. I don't know how long she was there. Normally she stays under the bed until I wake up. We'll see if this begins a new habit of hers. As long as she doesn't attack my eyes or ears I don't mind. She can do what she wants with my nose.

A little privacy please??

Most cats want privacy when using the litter box. However, Apple seems to like to use the litter box when others are around. So, at least, Apple and I are different in at least one way. One good thing about this is I know when to clean the litter box!

Meet the neighbors

Today Apple had her first encounter with another cat - Sampson. Sampson is a male cat (which later 'sprayed' my outside bushes - nice) that lives next door. I need to make sure Sampson is fixed, as I don't want Apple pregnant. Apple has an appointment with the vet later this week to be spayed and get her full set of vaccination shots.

Sleeping

Apple doesn't use a cat bed, nor does she like to sleep on soft surfaces such as a sofa, pillow, bed, towel or human belly.  During the day Apple sleeps on a chair, or on the floor (usually the carpet). At night Apple sleeps under my bed.  She follows me around - if I go upstairs or downstairs she usually is at my heel or 15 seconds behind me.  But, she does not sleep on me or next to me like I know many cats do.  I wonder if this will change in the future.

Apple Cat at home

Apple has been with me for 24 days (9/15/2008).  My parents found her under their car in the driveway and after two days she went missing.  Two days after that my parents saw her under a car in a neighbor's driveway.

I came over to check her out as a possible addition to my home, and after seeing her - she came right out to us from under the car - I decided to take her home.  Well, to the vet first. We don't know where she came from - whether a feral cat or just an abandoned or escaped kitten.

She made it through the Vet visit with flying colors, and tipped the scales at 3.3 pounds. The first night she spent in the garage with food and a litter box. I wanted to make sure she was able to use a litter box before letting her run around the house.  She not only knows how to use a litter box, but she does it in front of people.  Apple the Voyeur!

Here is Apple the Cat on Day 1 at the Vet.