Merry Christmas 2008

Our Cute Little Paws would like to wish all cat and animal lovers a Jolly Merry Christmas 2008 and a Happy New Year to all. May this new year brings joy and laughter to your family. May all cats be happy all around the world.

Love always from,
Abah & Ayah, Isabelle, Gabrielle, Victoria II, Hercules, Alexander, Napoleon and Ms. Constantine. Also Victoria I, Sidney and Troy from the Rainbow Bridge

Happy Aidiladha 2008

Our Cute Little Paws wishes our Muslim cat lovers a Happy AidilAdha 2009. May this Hajj season be a meaningful beginning in your lives as a Muslim. May God bless.

Love always from,
Abah & Ayah, Isabelle, Gabrielle, Victoria II, Hercules, Alexander, Napoleon and Ms. Constantine also from the late Victoria I, Sidney & Troy from the Rainbow Bridge

The GIGANTIC Litter Box

When the kids were small we had them share three litter box but some people (namely Alexander and Victoria II) doesn't know how to do their job properly, every time there would be litter sand all around the bathroom making it difficult for us to clean. Gabby to would sometime do her thing outside the box because it had somehow become to small for her. 

It's 1/4 the Size of the Bathroom

So as a solution, we bought a really GIGANTIC litter box, not from the pet shop (they don't have this kind, really) but from the local plastic-ware shop near KL zoo. It has costs us RM70 and everyone now shares this huge poo-poo box happily ever after.

I wonder if they get any bigger (not impossible especially for Napoleon) would we need to build a pool-sized litter box in the batroom instead?

Constantine...A FEMALE!!!

Ok, setelah sekian lama delay nak hantar si Constantine sunat, finally last Saturday, me and Syah went to DBKL Vet kat Setapak. Setelah semalaman dikurung dalam bilik reading, si Constantine nih mesti pelik tetiba kena bawak keluar. Tak pernah keluar rumah la katakan..Setibanya di vet tuh, kitorang drop Constantine dan pergi breakfast kat Jusco. 

Dalam pukul 12.00, we went back to the vet to pick up si kecik nih. Tiba2, the doctor tuh bagitau yang si Constantine nih rupanya female.. Hehehehe.. Terkejut kejap. Mana taknya, amik masa kecik tak nampak apa2 pun lagik, then bila dia besar sket, dah penuh bulu tutup satu badan. Tapi takpa, Constantine tetap menjadi antara kucing kesayangan kami. So, bila dah bawak balik, since dia kena bius, masa utk amik gambo la.. Hehehehehe...

Love,

Ayah from His Blog

Constantine - A Lady?!!??

We have over a year thought and treated our youngest Constantine as a boy but when we took him (her) to the DBKL - SPCA Neuter Clinic in Setapak recently we were told that he (she) is indeed a LADY!


We were both surprised but it is rather too late to make any changes to her name so Ayah had dubbed her as Miss Constantine or simple Che Constantine in Malay. Wakakak we have another daughter eh? Well, don;t blame it on us, Abah though he saw a pair of testicles when Miss Constantine was a kitten and now, being that furry, no one could actually see what's underneath the coat of thick persian fur.


Sorry girl for mistreating you as a different gender hehehe...


Here's a video of Miss Constantine after the surgery, still confused and under the influence of anesthethics.

Advantages of Spaying or Neutering Your Pets

Here's more info on cat/dog spaying and neutering obtained from the DBKL-SPCA Neutering Clinic.

Photo (c) i.ehow.com

Pet Population Control

Thousands of stray pets face euthanasia monthly or are suffering on the streets so, please spay your pets and help prevent this problem.

Health Benefits

Females

• Decreases the risk of mammary tumors (breast cancer)
• Eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra)
  
• Reduces the risk of TVT (Transmissable Venereal Tumour), a sexually transmitted cancer

Photo (c) al-wfa.com

Males

• Reduces the chnaces of TVT
  
• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer
  
• Reduces the risk of prostate cancer and anal gland cancer
• 

Photo (c) teachacat.info

Behaviour Benefits

• Reduces stress
  
• Prevents wandering and roaming in search of females, which can lead to road accidents, fighting thus exposing to wounds and infections and spread of disease such as TVT
  
• Eliminates marking of territory by urine spraying thus reducing odour
  
• Reduces interdog aggression
  

Myths and Facts about Spaying and Neutering Your Cats/Dogs

Got this fact sheet from the DBKL - SPCA's Neuter clinic recently. Would love to share this with pet owners wherever you are. It is indeed very important to control the pet population, otherwise we'll keep seeing stray cats and dogs being discarded like garbage and end up in foodcourts around us. When they are stray, they are exposed to many health threats and the danger of being run over by cars. Pity these animals.

If my pet is spayed/neutered...

Myth: My pet will get fat an

d lazy.

Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

Myth: It's better to have one little first.

Fact: Medical evidance indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Do check with your vet for the appropriate time for these procedures.

Photo (c) kitten-lair.net

Myth: My children should experience the miracle of brith.

Fact: Even if children are able to see a oet give birth - which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion - the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to them that the real miracle is life and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.

Photo (c) vawokc.org

Myth: I want my dog to be protective.

Fact: Spaying or neitering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

Myth: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel less of a male.

Fact: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

Photo (c) animalhospitaltampa.com

Myth: But my dog (or cat) is so special. I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

Fact: A dog or cat may be a great pet but that doesn't mean her offspring will be a carbon copy. Professional animal breeders who follow generations of bloodlines can;t guarantee they will get just what they want out of a particular litter. A pet owner's chances are even slimmer. In fact, an entire litter of puppies or kittens might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.

Myth: I'll find a good home for all the puppies and kittens.

Fact: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter but each home you find means one less home for the dogs and cats in shelters whp need good homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to the population. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and perpetuated one litter ata time.

So, think about neutering or spaying your cats and dogs. All you have to do is love them till their last breath and protect them with whatever you have. We are proud to say that all our seven children are neutered and spayed.

Caught in the Act!

Nope the Fruit Basket didn't come with Gabby Inside!

The fruit basket Abah received for his birthday has become a hit especially to Gabrielle and Hercules. They could be seen sleeping in the basket (even when the fruits were still in the basket!) throughout the day. One fine day Abah caught Gabrielle and Hercules sharing the new found bed hugging each other! Extremely cute asnd sweet! See for yourself...

Happy Birthday Abah!

Abah and Constantine

November 8 was Abah's Birthday. Abah celebrated with Ayah and the kids. Constantine and Hercules shared Abah's joy (and cake) as a surprise gift from Ayah.

Hercules: Look at that Yummy Cake!
Constantine: Can't wait to get my paws in it!

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 8

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 7

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 6

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 5

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 4

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 3

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 2

Pets Lover Magazine Issue 2 - Part 1

I was Named After...Isabella of France!

The Story of Isabella of France of whom I was Named after from Wikipedia:

Isabella was born in Paris on an uncertain date, probably between May and November 1295, to King Philip IV of France and Queen Jeanne of Navarre, and the sister of three French kings. Isabella was not titled a 'princess', as daughters of European monarchs were not given that style until later in history. Royal women were usually titled 'Lady' or an equivalent in other languages.
While still an infant, Isabella was promised in marriage by her father to Edward II; the intention was to resolve the conflicts between France and England over the latter's continental possession of Gascony and claims to Anjou, Normandy and Aquitaine. Pope Boniface VIII had urged the marriage as early as 1298 but was delayed by wrangling over the terms of the marriage contract. The English king, Edward I had also attempted to break the engagement several times. Only after he died, in 1307, did the wedding proceed. Isabella's groom, the new King Edward II, looked the part of a Plantagenet king to perfection. He was tall, athletic, and wildly popular at the beginning of his reign. Isabella and Edward were married atBoulogne-sur-Mer on January 25, 1308. Since he had ascended the throne the previous year, Isabella never was titled Princess of Wales. At the time of her marriage, Isabella was probably about twelve and was described by Geoffrey of Paris as "the beauty of beauties...in the kingdom if not in all Europe." These words may not merely have represented the standard politeness and flattery of a royal by a chronicler, since Isabella's father and brother are described as very handsome men in the historical literature. Isabella was said to resemble her father, and not her mother Jeanne of Navarre, a plump woman of high complexion...More

Note: Isabella is also written as Isabel in Modern times.

I was Named After...Saint Gabrielle Archangel!

(c) KL Pua of Pets Lover Magazine

The Story of Saint Gabrielle Archangel of whom I was Named after from LuckyMojo:

The Archangel Gabriel is the exalted Messenger of God, whose name means "The Strength of God" and whose deeds are recorded in the Jewish scriptures, where the spirit aided the Prophet Daniel in the interpretation of his dream-visions. Although an important Jewish angel, Gabriel has touched the lives of those of different religions as well. In the Christian Bible, it is Gabriel who brings important news to Zachary and the Virgin Mary concerning their children-to-be, and many Christians believe that at the Last Judgement Gabriel will blow a sacred trumpet horn. Furthermore, according to Muslims, Gabriel dictated the Koran to Mohammed over a period of 23 years and also accompanied the Prophet on his Night Journey. Some people believe that Gabriel is a female spirit; others hold that angels have no gender. Because of Gabriel's role as a communicator and mediator between Heaven and Earth, Catholics hold the Archangel to be a Patron Saint of broadcasters, telecommunications workers, diplomats, messengers, postal workers, and stamp collectors. Because Gabriel helped the prophet Daniel interpret his dreams, those seeking similar aid with their own dream work may petition the Archangel for help.

I was Named After...Queen Victoria!

The Story of Queen Victoria of whom I was Named after from Wikipedia:

Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was from 20 June 1837 the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and from 1 May 1876 the first Empress of India until her death. Her reign as Queen lasted 63 years and seven months, longer than that of any other British monarch to date. The period centred on her reign is known as the Victorian era. Though Victoria ascended the throne at a time when the United Kingdom was already an established constitutional monarchy in which the king or queen held few political powers, she still served as a very important symbolic figure of her time. The Victorian era represented the height of the Industrial Revolution, a period of significant social, economic, and technological progress in the United Kingdom. Victoria's reign was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire; during this period it reached its zenith, becoming the foremostglobal power of the time. Victoria, who was of almost entirely German descent, was the granddaughter of George III and the niece of her predecessor William IV. She arranged marriages for her nine children and forty-two grandchildren across the continent, tying Europe together; this earned her the nickname "the grandmother of Europe". She was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover; her son King Edward VII belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Through her mother, she was also a first cousin twice removed of Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress.

I was Named After...Hercules son of Zues!

The Story of Hercules of whom I was Named after from Wikipedia:

Hercules is the Roman name for the mythical Greek hero Herakles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. Early Roman sources suggest that the imported Greek hero supplanted a mythic Italian shepherd called "Recaranus" or "Garanus", famous for his strength. While adopting much of the Greek Heracles' iconography and mythology as his own, Hercules adopted a number of myths and characteristics that were distinctly Roman. In Roman works of art and in Renaissance and post-Renaissance art that adapts Roman iconography, Hercules can be identified by his attributes, the lion skin and the club: in mosaic he is shown tanned black, a virile aspect. While he was a champion and a great warrior, he was not above cheating and using any unfair trick to his advantage. However, he was renowned as having "made the world safe for mankind" by destroying many dangerous monsters. His self-sacrifice obtained him the ascent to the Olympian realms and he was welcomed by the gods. The Romans adopted the Greek stories about Heracles but added anecdotal detail of their own, some of it linking Hercules with the geography of the Western Mediterranean. In Roman mythology, Acca Larentia was Hercules' mistress. She was married to Tarutius, a wealthy merchant. When he died, she gave his money to charity. In another version, she was the wife of Faustulus.
In Aeneid 8.195ff., Vergilius relates a myth about Hercules' defeating the monstrous Cacus, who lived in a cave under the Palatine Hill (one of the eventual Seven Hills of Rome).

I was Named After...Alexander the Great!

(c) KL Pua of Pets Lovers Magazine

The Story of Alexander the Great of whom I was Named after from 1stMuse.com:



Alexandros III Philippou Makedonon (Alexander the Great, Alexander III of Macedon) (356-323 B.C.), King of Macedonia, was born in late July 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia, he was one of the greatest military genius in history. He conquered much of what was then the civilized world, driven by his divine ambition of the world conquest and the creation of a universal world monarchy. Arrian describes Alexander: the strong, handsome commander with one eye dark as the night and one blue as the sky, always leading his army on his faithful Bucephalus. Alexander inherited from his father King Philip the best military formation of the time, the Macedonian Phalanx, armed with sarisses - the fearful five and half meter long lances. He was the first great conqueror who reached Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor, and Asia up to Western India. He is famous for having created the ethnic fusion of the Macedonians and the Persians. From victory to victory, from triumph to triumph, Alexander created an empire which brought him eternal glory. He brought Greek ideas, culture and life style to the countries which he conquered, and assured expansion and domination of Hellenistic Culture which, together with Roman Civilization and Christianity, constitutes the foundation of what is now called Western Civilization.

I was Named After...Napoleon Bonaparte!

(c) KL Pua of Pets Lover Magazine

The Story of Napoleon Bonaparte of whom I was Named after from Wikipedia:

Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the history of Europe. He was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul of the French Republic and Emperor of the French and King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine. Born in Corsica and trained as an artillery officer in mainland France, he rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns against the First and Second Coalitions arrayed against France. In 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'état and installed himself as First Consul; five years later he crowned himself Emperor of the French. In the first decade of the nineteenth century, he turned the armies of France against every major European power and dominated continental Europe through a lengthy streak of military victories - epitomised through battles such as Austerlitz and Friedland. He maintained France's sphere of influence through the formation of an extensive alliance system, including the appointment of friends and family members to rule other European countries as French client states.
The French invasion of Russia in 1812 marked a turning point in Napoleon's fortunes. His Grande Armée was decimated in the campaign and never fully recovered. In 1813, the Sixth Coalition defeated his forces at the Leipzig, invaded France and exiled him to the island of Elba. Less than a year later, he returned and was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815. Napoleon spent the last six years of his life under British supervision on the island of Saint Helena, where he died in 1821. The autopsy concluded he died of stomach cancer though some scientists in the 1960s alleged he had been poisoned with arsenic. Napoleon developed few military innovations, drew his tactics from a variety of sources and scored major victories with a modernised French army. His campaigns are studied at military academies all over the world and he is widely regarded as one of history's greatest commanders. Whilst considered a tyrant by his opponents, he is also remembered for the establishment of the Napoleonic code, which laid the bureaucratic foundations for the modern French state.

I was Named After...St. Constantine the Great!

(c) KL Pua of Pets Lover Magazine

The Story of St. Constantine the Great of Whom I was Named After from Wikipedia:

Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus (27 February ca. 272 – 22 May 337), commonly known as Constantine I, Constantine the Great, or Saint Constantine (among Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Christians), was Roman Emperor from 306, and the undisputed holder of that office from 324 to his death. Best known for being the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine reversed the persecutions of his predecessor, Diocletian, and issued (with his co-emperor Licinius) the Edict of Milan in 313, which proclaimed religious toleration throughout the empire.
The Byzantine liturgical calendar, observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches of Byzantine rite, lists both Constantine and his mother Helena as saints. Although he is not included in the Latin Church's list of saints, which does recognize several other Constantines as saints, he is revered under the title "The Great" for his contributions to Christianity.
Constantine also transformed the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium into a new imperial residence, Constantinople, which would remain the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.

Extremely Cute!

The only one I've witnessed doing this was of course none other than Fatty @ Po @ Napoleon!

Happy Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid Mubarak to all Muslims all around the world. Sorry for not updating this blog for the longest time as Abah and Ayah just came back from performing Umrah. The kids are fine and are as healthy and playful as ever.

Our story on Pets Lover Magazine was published in their August issue and below are some photos from the photo shoot session, thank you to the photographer Ms. KL Pua for giving us a copy of the lovely photos. I will scan the pages from the magazine soon for all of you to see.

Phots (c) Ms. KL Pua of Pets Lover Magazine

Our Story on Pets Lover Magazine

Our Cute Little Paws
By: Syah & Amir,
a.ka The Cat Daddies, Abah & Ayah


Our first darling was Sidney (Sid) whom we adopted from the local SPCA in April 2006. This was the starting point to more cute little paws being adopted into our household. Although we both came from families that value and love the presence of cats, we have never though of actually sharing our small condo unit with any of them, that is, not until Sidney came into our lives.

Sidney was a local breed. It was a case of love at first sight when one day we decided to drop by at SPCA and saw him in one of the cages staring at us promising undivided love and attention. Our decision to adopt him had changed our lives forever. Sidney was indeed the best behaving cat we’ve ever had. He was playful yet obedient and adapted quickly to his new home. He was our daily alarm clock and would wake us up at seven in the morning to feed him. Sidney would already be waiting for us at the door in the evenings demanding for attention. Sometimes we even took him to the office but most of time Sidney had to be left alone at home. Realizing that he may be lonely, we were slapped with the idea of adopting a companion for Sidney – well, one could never be enough!

Two months after adopting Sidney we returned to SPCA to look for his companion and fell in love with a skinny mixed Persian. We took her home and named her Gabrielle (Gabby). It was quite difficult for Gabriele to adapt to the new indoor living and managed to escape twice through the bathroom window. She was not so friendly to Sidney either and had defied our purpose of getting her as the boy’s companion. To our dismay, it was like Gabby had known that there was no point being friendly to Sidney as we soon discovered him to be infected with FeLV and FIP.

Sidney fell terribly ill after that and we had to separate him from Gabrielle fearing infection. We decided to send Sidney to our parent’s home to be nursed by our younger brother. However, during Sidney’s last couple of weeks at our home, Gabrielle had shown a turn of attitude and started showing affection towards Sidney It was a motherly affection. She would spend endless time grooming Sidney, making sure that he was looking his best.

We were both devastated looking at Sidney’s condition and visited him every other day when he was in my brother’s care. We had to clean and disinfect the house with Clorox so that Gabrielle would be safe – we were worried as she had been attending to the boy two weeks prior. We were advised by our vet not to take in more cats or let any cat into the house for that matter for at least six months. Sidney had to be fed with liquid diet and had to be force-fed using a syringe and a plastic tube.

Soon as if it was fate’s calling, Amir came across a newspaper article calling for pet adoption by a pet rescue group called the Independent Pet Rescuers (IPR). We were immediately called to find out about the programme and even though the vet had advised us not to have anymore cats for the time being, we couldn’t resist the urge. Moreover Gabrielle was alone and needed a companion.

Two months old Troy was adopted from the IPR while Sidney was still around fighting for his life. We lost a friend in this process and were accused of purposely exposing an innocent kitten to FIP and FeLV. We were stubborn, yes, but we had great faith in God. When Troy arrived, Gabrielle was the happiest creature on earth and had loved him dearly. She took care of Troy like she did with Sidney. The couple would run around the house like nobody’s business. We were glad to see that both of them were happy and healthy.

Sidney left us to Rainbow Bridge on 28th June 2006 after a month of struggling and suffering. He did not get to live to be even one year old. We bid him farewell in a little funeral at our father’s backyard.

We were soon convinced that it was okay to have more kids around. About a month after Troy we returned to the IPR’s weekly road show at Hartamas in KL. We have always wanted a black cat and there was a really cute kitten named Tina with a pair of smashing blue eyes. She was about a month old and soon after taking her home we discovered that Tina was actually a male - so we named him Hercules. Together with Hercules we also adopted a three year old female cat that we named Isabelle. We now then had four cute little paws sharing our cute little home.

Our home immediately became a battlefield. There was no point laying rugs around the house or having ornaments on top of the cabinets like before. It took a great deal of sacrifice losing the things we loved, seeing them shattered into pieces because the boys (Hercules and Troy) were at their peak of growing and was really mischievous. Our sofa had become a favourite scratching post for Hercules and the Piano, Gabrielle’s sleeping place. Isabelle would always either be on the fridge or on top of the kitchen cabinet. At one point we even had to breathe the same air as the kids’ and their litter pan as our eighth storey unit had no grills installed. Fearing they would run around and jump over the open window, we decided to have them closed at all times. Later we installed shutters on our windows and got rid of the curtains so that we could have the windows opened and breathe fresh air once again. We even had to decide a ‘No Fur Zone’ in our rooms but the kids are free to roam around the rest of the house.

On the night of Malaysia’s 49th Independence, we found Troy lying on his bed looking weak and miserable. Amir took him onto his lap and Troy opened his eyes for the last time, coughed, choked, threw-up and then he was gone. We were terribly shocked witnessing his death right in front of our eyes. How could two kids left us in less than three months? Troy was so alive and kicking the night before and he was still when we left him with his brother and sisters that very morning. Was the vet right after all? Was our friend’s accusation of us true? This second death killed us both.

During Troy’s last few weeks with us, he started having this really peculiar habit of nibbling on our earlobes. He would come to us when we were watching TV or at any opportunity he had, he’d come to be near our ears. Soon it had become a must for him to nibble on one of our ears – so we took turn sacrificing our earlobes for our dear son. The cause of Troy’s death remains unknown until now. He too was buried at our father’s backyard beside Sidney’s grave.

The other kids sensed Troy's absence, especially Gabrielle and Hercules. Isabelle on the other hand has always been a loner. She would be minding her own business and not mix with the other kids. She however seeks affection from her fathers demanding to be touched and pampered whenever there’s a chance. She would wait for us to pat or stroke her and until she gets what she wants Isabelle would not move and remain at that same spot like a statue. Whenever we indulge in pampering her, she would remind us to continue stroking if ever we stop for a breather by patting us on our hands using her furry paw.

Over time, our kids didn’t just grow in size but in number. We took in another hero that we named Alexander. He was adopted from PAWS on the 18th of August 2006, less than a month before Troy died. Alexander was four months old when we took him home and has Gabrielle’s resemblance. They both turn out to be best friends thereafter. Gabrielle continued to play the big sister’s role with Troy, Hercules and Alexander. Alexander spent his first night in Syah’s room and was hiding under the sofa the whole of next day. Troy and Hercules were excited to see the arrival of another boy and wanted to play with him but he was too scared and shy to befriend them just yet.

On 10th September 2006 we visited SPCA again just to fulfill our cravings to be with more cats - well, this has become a part of our occasional visit to catteries such as SPCA, PAWS or sometimes to IPR's road show on Saturdays. Syah used to have a British-blue coloured cat named Victoria during his school days. The moment he saw one similar looking cat at SPCA that day, he made no further delay adopting her. She was named Vitoria the Second (Vicky). We got to know from the keeper at SPCA that Victoria was surrendered by her previous owner because she was too playful and liked to bite anyone who was near. She has been fine with us with of course occasional friendly and playful bites whenever she wanted some affection and attention from us. Victoria likes to sleep on our laps when we’re watching TV. She is known to be very photogenic and loves posing for the camera but could be very shy to unfamiliar faces (or scents).

Napoleon is also known as PO (the Kung Fu Panda) because of his colour, size and Chinese look (and of course his appetite) was adopted from Amir’s neighbour in Shah Alam. He has been a subject of interest for quite sometime when one day Amir brought him home as the owner had agreed to let us have him. Napoleon had to be kept in a cage for two weeks as he had problems adjusting to the litter pan. Napoleon likes to play with water and he wouldn’t for any reason (other than food) miss being at the sink whenever we are washing the dishes. He would just sit and very fascinatingly look at the stream of water coming out from the tap. Napoleon often becomes the victim to Syah’s bullying him but he would patiently let his father do as he likes. He would be made to dance on his hind legs and Syah at times would be teaching him the ABC and singing to him nursery rhymes!

Constantine came into our lives when an office mate had kittens for adoption. So, having the idea of giving Syah who was currently outstation in Langkawi a surprise, Amir took him home but went on a detour to the airport – what a log journey for our three weeks old Constantine. Syah was of course pleasantly surprised as we had earlier on agreed to stop at six but now we suddenly have seven of them little paws. We had a good experience taking care of this little boy, bottle-feeding him with milk and litter-training him was indeed a wonderful experience for us. Looking at him now, we are always awed at how much he has changed, except for his fascination towards plastic bags. Constantine was a noisy fella when he was small but now at over one, he is pretty quiet but very inquisitive in nature. He would be anywhere near new things sniffing, trying to figure out what the thing is.

We have had cats living with us in this small condo unit for over two years now and looking at them play and witnessing them grow from a kitten to an adult cat has indeed been a treasure that no one else would experience other than us cat lovers.

Our message to dear readers of Pets Lover magazine, if you cannot adopt a cat into your home for whatever reason, do spend some time volunteering at the catteries. You would be doing these creatures a very huge favour even by going there and spending a little time with them, stroking their backs, talking to them like you do with other humans. Believe me, they would remember you and appreciate your effort. Make it a habit to keep some packet cat food (dry or wet) in your glove compartment or bag and feed strays whenever you find one. It wouldn’t harm your pocket if you spend a few Ringgit on them. No matter how ugly or dirty these strays may appear to you, it is the love they are able to share that matters the most. Better still, take them home and make them a part of your family – they’re free-of-charge!