Category Archives: cats

Introducing Cruella

September 30, 2020animals, catssusanmanzke

About 14 years ago I rescued another kitten. Her mother walked away with 3 siblings and left Cruella behind. She was so small I had to bottle feed her

Cruella looking across the frozen landscape last winter.

Cruella received her name because she was wicked, biting and scratching. Even though lovingly tended to, she never became a friendly cat, except to Bob. She would search him out in the evening and sit on his chest.

She would also follow us upstairs at bedtime and reclaim her Bob pillow.

Most people never see Cruella. If someone does get a glimpse of her they feel honored.

Cruella lives upstairs, mainly sleeping on my bed. Today she surprised me.

She came down to the kitchen to try out the dog bed. It seemed to suit her so she stayed for an afternoon nap today.

At night, Cruella will join me in bed. It took her a while to honor me with her presence. She actually purrs as we both doze off to sleep.

Car-E wrestles with a bag

September 28, 2020Car-E, cats, funsusanmanzke

My kitten went into the bag I brought books home from the library. Too bad for him he went in via one of the handles.

The handle didn’t stop or hinder his play.

Eventually I helped him out by ripping the paper handle from the bag. After I did that, Car-E continued to play with his paper toy.

Car-E says, “It’s supper time!”

September 24, 2020Car-E, cats, food, Sunnysusanmanzke

Handing out supper for my house pets isn’t easy. Car-E gets especially excited.

To stop him from climbing up my leg, Car-E gets his food first.

He eats fast and if I didn’t lock him up Car-E would soon be eating any other food he could get to, even mine.

I also separate Othello and Cruella. That way I know who is eating what and how much.

Feeding time is just another adventure at my house.

More water fun with Car-E

September 22, 2020Car-E, cats, funsusanmanzke

I knew Car-E was interested in water but I never allowed him this close to the sink.

As I was getting a bucket of water for the beta fishbowl, I let Car-E have a closer look at the filtered water stream.

Of course, Car-E had to check it out. He flicked the water onto the floor, but those were only drops. He didn’t take a bath in the water … this time.

Now when I’m at the sink, Car-E comes for a look-see. Even when I’m washing dishes he wants to be involved. Once he almost did take a dip.

Upstairs Car-E emptied the cat water bowl, not drinking, just playing. He really keeps me on my toes.

Water, water everywhere

September 18, 2020Car-E, cats, petssusanmanzke

Car-E likes to investigate everything, even the bottom of the water bowl.

He was sure there was something on the bottom of the bowl I just cleaned. Car-E kept searching until half the water was on the floor.

He then took time to lick the water off his feet, while Othello took a drink.

I never know what Car-E will be into next.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person