Summer Camp for Ottawa's Cats

(Left) Our handsome friend Cordy (dark tabby/white) spent part of the day getting to know our adorable Pippi (orange/white tabby) better. They had met on a few earlier occasions, so he took this time to catch up with her. They are a couple of extroverts... I'm sure they must've had lots of stories to exchange...

(Left) Here is another of our gorgeous little girls. This one is named Kissa (black/white). She can be quite the schmooze too. She's doing great. This picture doesn't do her justice.. She has the most gorgeous eyes... It's her first vacation with us. She enjoys a bit of height. The stair structure, at the top of our 2nd floor staircase, is where you'll often find her....

(Left) It's great to see Sophie (dark tabby - top plane), getting some real play time in, with her newer little brother Lincoln (grey - bottom plane). Theirs, was a testy relationship, when Lincoln moved in. I think Sophie is finally gettting used to his extreme playfulness. They both have a love for the airplane in common.. That's a start!

(Left) Annour (white/dark tabby) watched Silver (grey/white) rather carefully to observe his 'maneouvres' in trying to catch that big pink 'fluffy thing'! Silver seemed to know how to make it 'come to life'... Sometimes, Silver would play with the bottom portion, and Annour would wrestle it from the top... They did manage to free it from it's holder.. I found it later, on the floor, towards the back of the room.. I think I probably missed a few good pictures somewhere along the way!

(Left) Here's Leo (orange tabby) again.. More touring, more adventure... I snapped him up, on his descent from the top of BigBird2's house... 'I know he's home... but, he's not answering the door! I'll try again later.' He, and his brother Rodney, are keeping very busy and getting lots of exercise.

(Left) Many people will recognize Charlie Chaplan (black/white) from his other visits... When this little boy comes to visit, there is no adjustment period.. He settles right into his favorite places & 'hits the ground running'... actually, he hits the ground, with a relaxed, leisurely stride... Then, he climbs up to, either the top bunk bed or the top of the red phone booth.... to survey the situation and see which kitties he recognizes from other visits.

A sunny week ahead. Finally, lots of bugs, bees & hummingbirds to watch!

(Left) This little girl is named Munchkin (black/white). She's 16 years old, and a very special little lady.... Much like Macauley Caulkin, our Reader's Cat from yesterday, you need only look in her direction, and she B-lines, right for you. This is one friendly little girl. She's visiting with her brother, Charlie...







(Left) More 'Belly Flashers'.... The Professor, is one gorgeous little girl too... and, as you can tell for yourself, isn't above using her 'cuteness' to get added attention... They always say, 'If you've got it, flaunt it....!' She's stayed with us a few times now... she always does great.




(Left) Our colorful little bunny is named Harli... It's her first time at the Pet B&B. All of the cats just love her! She has fun racing up and down the hallway, teasing all of the cats that glue their eyes in her direction, from behind the double french doors...' You can't catch me... HeeHee!' We get quite a few bunnies visiting.. this girl is really well socialized.. Her mom brought her very own castle in, for her room... She spends half of her day hanging out in it..





(Left) This handsome little guy is Charlie, brother of Munchin, above.. He doesn't look very comfortable here, but it was his favorite spot and position... Sometimes, he' d move one 'step' higher. He likes to be around the other cats and the big sunny window, where his sister usually sleeps.. It is their first visit.




(Lef) Spikie! You may recognize this little spotted nose, from a couple of weeks ago... Our handsome boy Spike had a leisurely lie in this afternoon.. We hope that the family is having better weather on this trip than last.... Spike is sure having fun with his old buddy Lincoln. Unfortunately, Louis and Coco have already gone home... They had a blast last time.

(Left) Mr. Puss (dark tabby) demonstrates for the camera, the easiest way to either climb up, or descend, the floors in the 'townhouses'. For all of those kitties that aren't comfortable making big jumps, we offer a full range of options for them, if they like to climb up high somewhere. This is a real gentle, quiet little boy. We've had the pleasure of knowing him 5 or 6 years already.

Anise, Cinnamon & Pepper - Looking for their 'Forever Home'

These 3 gorgeous kittens, Anise, Cinnamon & Pepper, are looking for their Forever Home. It is desirable that they be adopted as a group. I personally think that '3' is the perfect number, when adopting kittens... I have a set of 3 black & white cats myself, which had been orphaned at 3 weeks of age. Three or more, is ideal. If one of them is ever tired, the other 2 can still continue playing together..

Our friends at the Cat Rescue Network, would love to hear from you, if you are seriously interested or have more questions, about adopting these or any other cats/kittens. They can be reach at 613-820-7088 or online at www.petfinder.com/shelters/ON159.html .

Anise is a Domestic Long Haired-black and white male kitten.
Cinnamon is a Dilute Calico female kitten.
Pepper is a Domestic Medium Haired male Brown Tabby. All 3 are medium in size.

Anise, Cinnamon and Pepper are just three of a group of kittens we are calling the Mooney's Bay Spice gang. This is their background.

The Spice gang consists of: Rosemary, Thyme, Clove, Sage, Nutmeg, Saffron Indigo, Poppy, Ginger, Cinnamon, Anise, Pepper, Sesame and Basil. All were born the spring of 2009. All of these kittens came from the same neighbourhood, Mooney's Bay, which had had a large feral colony for a number of years.

The cats scrounged for food from trash in a nearby strip mall and hunted in a nearby Park. Some people fed and sheltered them. Cats could be seen everywhere, under porches, in sheds, anywhere there was shelter. . Then, in the spring of 2009, a strange phenomenon occurred. CRN began getting calls from people who had found very young kittens on their doorsteps or porches. Some of the kittens were not even weaned. Mother cats were giving the kittens to people. This phenomenon frequently occurs in later fall, when feral mothers realize that their kittens were not going to survive the winter. However, spring drop-offs, and in such large numbers, meant that something strange and dangerous was happening.

It turns out that the condo corporation in the area was rumoured to have directed its members to stop feeding and sheltering the cats. With no place to hide, mother cats were unable to protect their kittens against aggressive Toms and other predators; so, they did the next best thing. They gave them to people. Cat Rescue Network could only take in 12. Dozens of equally adorable kittens are being killed or are slowly starving to death; their mothers already pregnant with the next wave of kittens.

The only humane solution to cat overpopulation is Trap-Neuter-vaccinate Release. Starving them, depriving them of shelter or rounding up and killing them is not only inhumane but is ineffective. A great deal of suffering, inflicted on defenseless animals, could be prevented if neighbourhoods with cat overpopulation difficulties did their research and made an informed choice about how to address the problem.
All of these healthy, friendly little kittens are in need of forever homes, maybe you could help make this happen.

Our 'Reader's Selected Cat of the Week'

Macaulay Caulkin is the friendliest cat in the entire world. The slightest glance will ignite his loud and constant purring. He loves everyone but has a special fondness for men. He is a really good older brother and always grooms his younger brother. He is very laid back and easy going, but he has a few neurosis like the colour red, which totally freaks him out. He's also a bit compulsive about rubbing his paws on floors, walls and any foreign objects.

Who said that the weekend was for resting! It wasn't these Ottawa Cats!

(Left) Cordy (white/dark tabby) came back in this week. He and Jak look a lot alike and often arrive at the same times of the year. They are old buddies... Both boys are packed with energy... can you say boomerang???







(Left) Dimitrie (orange tabby), Winter (grey/white tabby) and Ginny (black) got lots of exercise, taking turns, chasing the fuzzy purple wand, while Erin bated them on... Dimitrie is getting quite old, but he magically bounces to 'peak performance' when 'play time' comes. Winter just returned for his second visit.. He acts as though he never left.... Our adorable Ginny has been staying with us for weeks already.... She's enjoying her summer so far.






(Left) Wow Sneakers. You're so strong! That airplane must be very heavy to haul around on your furry little shoulders.. Good thing that you work out daily! Believe me, I know how heavy that beast is! This kitty isn't familiar with the words 'Can't' or 'Bored'. He's more apt to be thinking, 'What's Next'!









(Left) Wilson (orange/white tabby) already went home. I really liked this picture of him though. He is very good at 'looking so innocent'. This guy can be a handful though.. He's a thinker! And, adorable! Very smart little lad.











(Left) Jak (dark tabby loft) can't quite make out what's going on down there, but he has an inkling, that company's comin'! That was Dusty (grey/white) again... A bit of exercise, mixed in with adventure....

(Left) Our handsome boys Clinton (grey/white tabby) and Kenji (chocolate point siamese), would go fishing most days... Some days they'd give it a go on their own, today they decided to pool their mental resources... but, those dang fishes are fast! ... That's right! I guess they'll be getting their fish from a can again tonight!

Ottawa Cats love Fridays just as much as their people do!

(Left) Peanut (grey/white tabby) spent his summer vacation with us again this year. We got to hang out with him this past Christmas too. He is one friendly little boy; gentle through & through! Always a pleasure to see him.




(Left) Young kittens are so flexible. This little boy, Dusty, (grey/white) has a spine of rubber... If you watch him for a while, you'd think that you could just fold him up into a tiny square and carry him around like that.... that might work... if he wasn't such a busy little boy.. Just ask him to sit still for a minute while you try! He and his brother Cotton are full of energy & gusto!



(Left) Annour must've had a busy morning this day. He's gone! Passed right out! It's normal for cats to be zonked out for a day or two when they return home. They'll get up to eat, drink & do their business... then, it's back to bed. Everyone should be a little tired after a vacation... means that you had a great time! Sleep is so over-rated!



(Left) Here she is again, Portia (grey) is driving the tractor... She's done it so many times, she can do it in her sleep now! Little cutie Frimousse (grey/white tabby) Sits clear of the tractor. It's much safer, over here, on the BigBird1 look out. Annour (white with dark tabby) makes another cameo appearance...




(Left) 'How 'bout now... Am I still adorable like this?!? Oh Sweetie! We could shave you down to your underwear and you'd still be lovable! Always fun to have this crazy little boy in for a visit.







(Left) Why is it that we see so many orange bellies up in the air all of the time! Yes Coco! I'm sure that we can manage another tummy rub... Not to worry.. There is an endless supply of them on offer at the Pet B&B. Mr. Wriggles (black & white) and Silver (grey & white) don't seen to notice Coco's antics.... Could it be that they've seen her do this before!?

What to do when it's raining? Jump in the plane & go!

(Left) Sneakers (grey/white) loves his airplane rides... and, just exploring in general..... We'll just start referring to him as 'Sneakers Columbus'.... He's a schmooze and a half who knows how to work the camera! He visits us regularly throughout the year and is acquainted with many of our other regular kitties already.






(Left) Mally (dark tabby) usually positions herself somewhere near the big sunny windows... She likes the window benches, this aparatus, and the corner bunk beds, the best. She's an independant little girl with a mind of her own. She has a lot of play in her too!










(Left) Here are our adorable little sisters Alberta (black) and NewK (white with dark tabby). We've had many of our customers 'adding to their kitty collection' so far this year. These two definitely get along together. Alberta, being the older of the two, likes to play 'Big Sister' with NewK. Both girls are very affectionate and friendly.






(Left) Chester (dark tabby) is a first timer to the Pet B&B. He's a typical dark tabby charmer.... and ham! He was great with the other cats and often hung out with them or near a few... He had fun with the young kittens and our girl Ginny too. BigBird2 was his favorite distraction.








(Left) Now that Erin has got this play structure painted up a bit more, Besha/Bella has decided that it makes a great vacation home.... It is parked right in front of BigBird2, so bird watching is right out the window... That was a key selling feature!








(Left) Juliette (tortoise shell) loves her corner castle, the top of the fridge and pantry, and of course, the window benches. She loves it when we open the big windows and let the fresh breeze in. Handsome little Gazou (black) likes many of the same spaces that Juliette does. He's an affectionate kitty that responds easily to his name. If you want his attention, He wants yours!

Ottawa Cat Forecasts.... Tornadoes & Sillyness!

(Left) Gypsy (dark tabby) only visited us a short while, with her 4 other siblings, but as you can see, she still found time to tend to herself. This is Sacha's mother. She is one laid back little girl.







(Left) Georgie!! You too cute!! This male dark tabby is very handsome. This is his second visit to the Pet B&B and, his new little brother Mr. Wriggles' first visit. Both boys are very charming & friendly... They're always welcome here!
Both are looking forward to telling mom & dad all about their holiday.







(Left) Luzie! Little lady Luz (dark tabby) was an absolute firecracker when she visited us for the first time a few months ago.... Well. Some things don't change! Mom & Dad are considering getting her a new little brother or sister after they get back... She has so much energy, they could probably get 3 more... I've no doubt that she'd be able to keep up!










(Left) So many people will recognize our gorgeous girl Bandit (black/white). She's often a weekend visitor.. This time she's staying a bit longer. She's very quiet and loves to do her own thing...







(Left) Our regular viewers will recognize Percy (dark tabby).. He doesn't look so much like his earlier pictures, because he's gotten so big, so fast. It was great seeing Percy & Sweetie back in at the same time again.... They always have so much fun together... They love to brew up a little tornado each time they get playing.

(Left) Jak (dark tabby & white) sits high atop his loft perch while newbies Cotton (white), on the ledge, and his brother Dusty (grey/white), on the stairs, entertain themselves with the morning activities... On the floor, to the bottom right, is Thomas (grey/white tabby).... There doesn't seem to be that much action going on here. That would mean that it's close to 10 or 10:30am... That's the normal 'pass-out' time around here. It may seem early, but don't forget that these guys usually start their day around 5 or 6am.... Most cats just aren't used to that level of activity, when they're at home. Another half hour, and these guys would all be sleeping!

More Holiday Postcards to the Mom's & Dad's!

(Left) Sushi, the handsome lynx point Siamese, is a very playful big boy when he's relaxed... Those big blue eyes love to shutter at the camera... Yep. He can be a schmooze too! This is another one for our 'Schmooze File'!







(Left) Kali (tortoise shell, middle) is hangin' out with her little brother Thomas (grey/white tabby) for a change.... It's no surprise to find Thomas & Sweetie (Siberian, left) in close proximity.. They are very chummy, these two... even though it's their first holiday together..







(Left) Erin & I were surprised to meet Daphne (dark tabby). We couldn't get over the resemblance between her and Erin's little girl Elsa Rae! I think Elsa has slightly longer hair though. Daphne is a cutie... She loves attention and is adjusting real well to all of the action. It's her first stay with us.... We hope to see her again.






(Left) More orangies.... In our kitchen cupboards, on the top level, is Aries. Many people will be familiar with him... and Leo, is on the lower level. As this picture captures, with clarity, Leo can be quite a ham.... Aries didn't know what Leo was doing... as Leo scratched his chin against the door's edge, he kept pushing it forward and open, then it would thud shut again... Leo didn't seem to mind... Nothing like a good satisfying neck scratch!









(Left) Cosmos (grey/white) had been resting his eyes, very peacefully, up on the top bunk beds... If he's at the Pet B&B, he's up high some place.. This is a serious schmooze too.... We've know Cosmos a number of years already.







(Left) Mr. Wriggles (top of tractor) seems oblivious to Annour's playful gestures, down in the belly of the tractor. Annour just wanted to play but Mr. Wriggles had his eyes & taste buds set on BigBird1.... We all know how this ended.... You probably would've had more fun playing with Annour Wriggles!!

The summer is in full swing...

I must say that Ottawa Cats know how to have a good time, Erin & I see to it!

(Left) Timor (grey tabby on chair) suspects that pillows don't normally move all on their own.... sure enough, he was right again! That big grey 'pillow mover' would be our big handsome boy Mindy.... He's one of our regular kitty/ferret visitors.... Both of these guys are so gentle... Mindy tends to be on the shy side.. Good thing we have so many pillows!

(Left) Yes, it's Rodney again (orange/white tabby). He and brother Leo are enjoying the first part of their summer with us so far. Rodney is a 'height' lover, while Leo loves to be close to the floor, most days... Both orange tabbies, both adorable... They say Hi to the family overseas....







(Left) As busy as the summer is for Erin & I, we always find some quality time to spend one-on-one with each of our furry friends... Juliette (tortoise shell) is always up for a little extra, extra-curricular.....She's a playful girl....











(Left) Jak (dark tabby/white) is a definite 'height'boy.... and, just an all around social guy... He's never far from the other playful ones, or the action... We've gotten to know Jak well over the past few years...





(Left) Our sisters Alley (left) and Naomi (right) just left on Saturday to go back home... It was their first visit with us... They both did great. They weren't as keen on the car ride from & back to Montreal, but they had a very interesting visit with us... They are both dark tabbies. They aren't litter mates....but do seem to get along quite well.

(Left) Felix (dark tabby) is another of our long time favorites... He's a gorgeous big schmooze.. He enjoys meeting all of the other cats.. This guy likes them all, boys & the girls. He's usually found hanging out with a few.... and, he loves the camera too...