Off to a good start

My cats stayed under the bed for most part of the New Year revelry. They hated the noise and the smoke from the firecrackers and fireworks. In this case, cats, as well as dogs, are smarter than human to know that those things are harmful in more ways than one.

This year, Peter and Julius (PJ) will turn 3 or 21 in cat years. I have had lots of cats but these two are my finest (but don't tell my other cats, especially Kiko my blue-eyed Siamese). PJ are intelligent and sensitive. They provide warm companionship and are so affectionate to me. They are regular Oriental cats, but they've been brought up so well that many mistake them to be of special breed.

But what really is a special breed? With PJ I realized that it takes nothing but proper care, love and LOTS of attention to bring the best out of any cat even if they are not from a breed that commands a high price. I can call PJ to come to me by just waving my hand. Julius also responds when I say "come here". They know their names and know who I'm specifically scolding at any given time.

Unlike most tomcats, PJ are not bullies. They easily accepted the co-existence terms when I adopted two street kittens. They feel secure in their own skin, er, fur. Just don't light firecrackers and blow up fireworks up in the skies. They hate it. The sky to them is just for birds.

Two Years Later

I can't believe two years have gone by and not a single post was added here. There are lots and lots of things that happened in the lives of PJ (Peter& Julius) and me, their human, in 24 months. In fact, so much have changed that I'll have to edit that "welcome speech" of Peter above.

Going through the first four posts, I could immediately update some old facts there. First, Peter is no longer the bigger cat; Julius is. However, Peter has also been neutered so I expect he'd bulk up too, although it's taking longer than it was with Julius when he got his "treatment".

The two also now live with their sister Rachel. We now have a garden which all cats love. They see more birds now and they can go outside. Sadly, their father-cat died months ago. Their mother-cat and another sister-cat will have to join us at a later date. In the meantime, before a great storm hit the city, I scooped two kittens off the street. Now they're here, enjoying the perks of being my pets, too.

There are many interesting stories to tell which I hope to get around doing in a more regular sked. One of those interesting stories is discovering that PJ are good swimmers! I also am delighted to come home one night to find the two bullying a large rat that was trying to enter our domain. Being condo cats in their early lives with no access to outdoor life thankfully didn't affect at all their natural instincts and abilities. I think they are much happier now. (Photo shows Julius with blue collar and Peter with green collar).

Under the weather...just like the world

We are both sick today. Julius is having a harder time. Bad cat food = bad tummy. We're taking Yakult as advised by our vet. We hope to get better soon.

Peter & Julius

Born in February 2007 along three other kittens, Julius (standing) and Peter are enjoying a very laid-back lifestyle. They amuse each other by eating, watching TV and playing with just about anything that moves. They smell very nice, are sweet and smart. Of the two, Peter is the bigger and cuddlier lap cat.

Orange Julius

This is Julius, Peter's twin brother. Their fur pattern and color are identical except in the nose area; Julius' is all orange while Peter's is white. It's the opposite when it comes to their back legs; Julius' got more white and less orange than Peter's. Julius also has a sharper face than Peter.
In this photo, a five-month old Julius decided to use a ceramic cat for a pillow.

Lazy afternoon by the window

Gazing at the sky above and the busy streets below is one of my favorite pastimes. If I'm lucky I might spot some birds flying by. It rarely happens though. Birds don't like the concrete jungle where I live. In fact, from where I am perched, I see more helicopters than birds.
Speaking of birds, my human has the complete set of the delightful Catwings books by Ursula K. Le Guin. It's about four cats who, unlike me, have wings.