Pet Cat » Pet Cat

Pet Cat :HMDT’s “fixation” with ears

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour – a quick question from le blogging French cat.Do my ears look big…in this basket?Well a “girl” has to ask doesn’t she?I was just wondering what you thought about them – my ears that is – as HMDT has been pointing that ruddy camera in my direction rather a lot recently

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Bonjour – a quick question from le blogging French cat.Do my ears look big…in this basket?Well a “girl” has to ask doesn’t she?I was just wondering what you thought about them – my ears that is – as HMDT has been pointing that ruddy camera in my direction rather a lot recently in an attempt to “catch the best possible shot” and “the right angle”.As usual I’m not being terribly co-operative but that doesn’t seem to make much of a difference.Honestly though, there seems to be some sort of fascination with them.There I was having a quiet moment on the chair in the study after having whirlwinded my way around the hall and up and down the stairs when I heard that infuriating digital whirring and clicking.On opening my eyes slightly, I saw that infernal lens pointing at meIt’s not that I’m shy or anything, but really…surely one picture is more than enough.And what is it exactly with my ears? They seem to be the centre of attention.Yes, they’re very pink. And yes they might seem a little out of proportion to the rest of me (at the moment), but really…can’t a cat have her little bit of peace every now and then.Anyway, just to show you what I have to put up with and the results of that “whirr, click whirr” hEAR’S (sorry I couldn’t resist it) a selection of the photos I deigned to pose for.Plus a short film taken just as I was coming to the end of whizzing around the hall….”Sigh” or as we say in French “soupire”.Haricot B.I was TRYING to have a restI said I was sleepingSo, what are you looking at?Yes…and?OK. “Ears, smile for the camera”Have you finished yet?The thing is, sometimes I have the attention span of a goldfish

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Cat Pets :Under the weather – a health scare

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour mes amis. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat back with you once again.It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that I haven’t had much to say since I mentioned my last visit to that place I referred to as “fast becoming something of a four letter world”.Remember? The VETS.Well

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Bonjour mes amis. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat back with you once again.It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that I haven’t had much to say since I mentioned my last visit to that place I referred to as “fast becoming something of a four letter world”.Remember? The VETS.Well that’s mainly because I’ve been feeling poorly and have had to spend a couple of days in the clinic “under obs”.It all started last Thursday when I just felt so pooped. I didn’t have any energy, wanted to spend all the time dozing and my normally healthy appetite was anything but.I just drank a little water et “basta”.The comfy laps insisted that I pay another visit to that unmentionable place, where I was examined and my temperature taken.Now I shan’t complain about where they stuck the thermometer, but REALLY!Sometimes these comfy laps and their accomplices just don’t know the meaning of the words “dignified” and “decency”.Anyway, it turned out I was running a fever – 40 degrees celsius rather than the norm which is around 38.5 – so no guesses as to what came next.One of those ruddy jabs in the backside, instructions to keep me calm and quiet (as if I really felt like doing anything else) and an anti-inflammatory for a potentially pulled muscle.Wonder of wonders though, in the car back home I started feeling better, and by the time I had made it through the front door, I was back to my old (young) self, rushing around the house like a Force 10 gale and generally making my presence felt on the place.Appetite back, motions (hate to mention that, but it’s rather important) passing, everything seemed back to normal. And on Friday I was chirpy all day.But then in the evening I started feeling woozy, not wanting to touch my food and hardly bothering to raise myself from by basket throughout the night.Once again the comfy laps were concerned, and rang the clinic out of hours early on Saturday, and I was taken in for yet another consultation in the afternoon.This time I had a flash test which indicated the possibility of the Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) against which I had been vaccinated a couple of weeks ago.And more worryingly there was the fear that I had somehow contracted the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) against which there is no vaccination!Blood samples were rushed off to a lab, and I was kept in for two days for observations and to receive a perfusion as I was still running a fever and had no appetite.That didn’t last long though, as by Monday I was wailing to be allowed home (the vet told HMDT all about it when he came to collect me in the afternoon) and gee was I happy to be back where I belonged.No more silence and calm for me – even if it has been advised. Instead I’m full of spirits, eating heartily and enjoying making mischief.The only downside has been waiting for the results and taking some revolting medicine (is there ever any other sort?) twice a day…some sort antibiotic in liquid form, served to me through a pipette unwelcomely (as far as I was concerned) thrust into my mouth.HMDT and Toowfu are still, as they say, “Keeping an eye on me”. Vets instructions apparently, but to be quite frank, I feel in fine fettle…as this video more than attests to.Oh yes, and here’s a link to a selection of photos I’ve (rather pretentiously perhaps) entitled “Haricot B – a study against orange” and “The cat that didn’t ’sat on the mat’”.A bientôt.Haricot B.Whoever said “The cat sat on the mat?”

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Pet Cat :Les Lop Ears

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

A holiday bonjour from Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.I mentioned in an earlier piece that I don’t live alone in Fontainebleau.There are of course the comfy laps, HMDT and Toowfu. That goes without saying.Plus you’ve already “met” my pal Hiro, the female cat who has no problem

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A holiday bonjour from Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.I mentioned in an earlier piece that I don’t live alone in Fontainebleau.There are of course the comfy laps, HMDT and Toowfu. That goes without saying.Plus you’ve already “met” my pal Hiro, the female cat who has no problem with gender identity even though the comfy laps insisted on giving HER a boy’s name.And there was an allusion to the PRESENCE, about which (or whom?) I know as little as you at the moment.Perhaps though you remember a passing reference made by Hiro to some other four-legged critters whom she called the “lop-eared nutters”.Indeed I’ve had the pleasure of hearing them exercise their vocal cords – to the delight of everyone else in the neighbourhood – while I’ve been trying to snooze in the afternoon.But up until now I haven’t actually seen, let alone met, any of them.That though has all changed.Holidays are all about relaxing, enjoying the weather, discovering new places and making new friends.And that’s exactly what I’ve been up to over the past week as I came muzzle to maw with La Grande Dame and watched in amusement from the safety of the bedroom window as les Lop Ears raced around outside.Meeting la Grande DameLa Grande Dame is a rather hefty and somewhat sloth-like old gal whose major pre-occupations in life as far as I can tell seem to be eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping, swimming, eating and sleeping (in that order).She’s placid and gentle and like many of her ilk “not quite all there”.Her daughter, Blondie, is a bit of a stunner, but every bit as barmy.Blondie – not exactly camera shyThe trio of daftness is completed by Silly; the comfy laps must have spent hours trying to come up with that name!Silly by name, silly……Yes they’re dogs – which explains a lot I suppose – and pedigree English cocker spaniels at that, with monikers longer and more illustrious than their behaviour would seem to support.Anyway, as promised, here’s some short footage HMDT shot of the three of them during a recent splash-about in a nearby lake.They might look a little half-baked, but they could be fun.I’ll keep you posted.A bientôt.Haricot B.Mother and daughterSuch a racketMore racket

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The Cat :All of a “rage” at the Vets

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat, here once again.Perhaps that should read “sulking French cat” as I’m just back from, what for me is fast becoming something of a four-letter word, the VETS.Now would someone out there like to enlighten me. What exactly is it with periodic

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Bonjour. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat, here once again.Perhaps that should read “sulking French cat” as I’m just back from, what for me is fast becoming something of a four-letter word, the VETS.Now would someone out there like to enlighten me. What exactly is it with periodic medical visits and needles? Do those, albeit highly-qualified comfy laps get a kick from sticking them into our bottoms.I, for one, am beginning to think so.A few weeks ago HMDT took me for my first trip to the clinic. Just a check-up to ensure that everything was in working order (I could have told him that, had he bothered to ask).A most unwelcome signMuch hilarity about my “sassy” temperament, “cute” zapping around the house as I get my bearings, how I have a limited attention span and can’t quite work out what my tail is for and blah, blah, blah.There were some wise words from the vet concerning my ears (pink and delicate – sunscreen “obligatoire” in summer) and then…well you probably know what happened next (if not, here’s a reminder).The dreaded “needle in the backside” as I received my vaccinations.So when we pulled up this afternoon outside the vets, I pretty much had an inkling as to what to expect.Oh yes they (the vets) are all very kind and knowing, saying, “This won’t really hurt” (note already the use of the word “really”) and “It’s all for your own good in the long run”, and then before you know where you are they’ve kindly grasped you by the neck with one hand to immobilise you, while the other is brandishing that sharp little devil.Is this REALLY the way to travel?I tell you, I don’t like it. In fact I DON’T LIKE it at all.It might well be in my own interests and all be part of keeping me healthy, but as far as I’m concerned it’s just not fair.I mean, what have I done to deserve it? Nothing. I’ve just been me.This time around it was a vaccination against rabies – or “rage” as we call it here. How appropriate is all I can say.All right, so I knew it was coming but it still didn’t make the experience any the more pleasurable. Once again I let them know exactly how I felt about it.The good news (yes, there is some) is that I’ve now got the all clear to venture outside. So I suppose that’s something to look forward to.And all being well I won’t be subjected to the same sort of humiliating treatment for quite a while.Voilà. C’est tout pour le moment.Yours (still in high dudgeon)Haricot B.Back home

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The Cat :It’s playtime!

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour à tous et à toutes. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here once again.On my mind today are TOYS (intentionally writ large) and especially the shape, size and sheer variety provided, all in the name of keeping me entertained.After all toys maketh the cat, do they not?A

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Bonjour à tous et à toutes. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here once again.On my mind today are TOYS (intentionally writ large) and especially the shape, size and sheer variety provided, all in the name of keeping me entertained.After all toys maketh the cat, do they not?A veritable industry has blossomed to keep us occupied, and dare I say it, one totally unfounded on what we all know we really want and need.Sure it’s lovely to have the odd plaything bought for us, and when I first took up residence here in Fontainebleau at the end of June, one thing in particular struck me about the welcome I received.I was inundated with a selection of toys the comfy laps had decided were to provide the basis of my “favourite things”.They had clearly raided the local pet store in anticipation of my arrival.Let loose among the shelves, they had tried to buy a selection of the cutest, most chewable and enticingly dangly knickknacks and playthings that would keep me forever enthralled.Hah! Perhaps they hadn’t realised I have the attention span of a goldfish.That said, while I’m not going to gripe about the toys (too much) some of them quite honestly defy belief…even to a three-month-old kitten.There’s a little grey hedgehog (er hello, have cat toy manufacturers ever seen a grey hedgehog?) with a pull-out tail (ditto) to make it zip across the floor with me in hot pursuit.A grey hedgehog – say no more!Similarly preposterous is the pink bear equally sporting the extendable tail that retracts once at full length.Pink bear say “hello” to grey hedgehogA blue hippo (of all things) with an incredibly long tail is regularly proffered to lure me into chasing around in circles to tire me out. I have to admit that I succumb whenever it’s waved in front of me.Tussling with the blue hippoAnd then there’s a vitiman-packed, green-olive scented scratch post welcomely promising “attraction maximale” (I don’t think I need to translate) to prevent me from sharpening my claws where I shouldn’t.All very well-meaning and certainly I have got some use out of all the gifts. But let’s face it – and here’s the crux of the matter – comfy laps just don’t get it do they?I mean, had they asked me what I really wanted the list would have included the following…and not an extra penny (or centime as we say here) would have had to be spent in the first place.For starters, I love to get my teeth into the inside of a toilet roll – the cardboard bit.It’s just right for flicking out of the bin in the bathroom, grasping it in my mouth and then parading around the house with.Better still of course is a whole toilet roll just waiting to be shredded. All right, I know I shouldn’t. But it’s soooo tempting just sitting there, waiting.Waste paper bins in general are a toy treasure trove especially the one in the study.It’s full of paper and makes fabulous rustling noises when I leap inside and tip the contents on to the floor.Perhaps it makes a little mess, but at least it gives the comfy laps something constructive to do as they clear up in my wake.Shoes, slippers and laces – I’ve mentioned those before. But honestly, I just can’t get enough of them. And there seem to be so many lying around just waiting.Then of course there’s that thing that at the end of my bottom. It has been there since I was born, and even though I know it’s there, I still end up chasing around in circles trying to catch it.Not really sure why.Because I can I suppose.So you see. I’ve only mentioned a few of my really “favourite toys” and already I’ve provided proof that most of the things I find fascinating are pretty inexpensive (running to “free” much of the time), available and provide hours…I mean hours of fun.I’m sure I’m not alone.Now where’s that ridiculous blue hippo?A bientôt.Haricot B.

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Pet Cat :Haricot Blanc – A study against orange and the cat who didn’t “sat on the mat”

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here.I thought I would share with you a few photos taken of me recently as the sun streamed in through the window and I rolled around on the mat.At not even four months old, it’s hard to keep still, and taking photos can be more than

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Bonjour, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here.I thought I would share with you a few photos taken of me recently as the sun streamed in through the window and I rolled around on the mat.At not even four months old, it’s hard to keep still, and taking photos can be more than a little difficult.Of course the easiest time to take a snap is when I’m dozing, or just waking up.And the best shots (IMHO) are those where the background provides a glorious contrast to the colour of my coat.Here’s a selection I’ve called “A study against orange” and “The cat who didn’t ’sat on the mat’”.Enjoy, and let me know what you think.A bientôt.Haricot B.A study against orangeStretched out asleepWakingHalf awakeAwakeThe cat who didn’t “sat on the mat”Mats are made for chewingYes?Is this my best angle?

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Cats :Holiday encounters

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here, from a very sunny and hot France.As you might have guessed, and will be able to see from these pix, I’m on holiday.Last week the comfy laps stuffed the car to bursting point and headed south to spend some time in the countryside.They

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Bonjour, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here, from a very sunny and hot France.As you might have guessed, and will be able to see from these pix, I’m on holiday.Last week the comfy laps stuffed the car to bursting point and headed south to spend some time in the countryside.They didn’t forget me (how could they?) and rather than leaving me in the care of a lovely lady who looks after the house and garden while they’re away, decided that I too should come along.After a three-hour drive, during which I didn’t complain too much, we arrived and even though everything is new (again) I’ve had the chance to do my fair share of investigating and have had some enthralling encounters.First and foremost was my introduction to the sitting room sofa.Perhaps not the most extraordinary experience for the more world wise among you, but a complete revelation to me.Then there was my the chance to explore the outside world, initially from the safety of a first floor window and later during a short chaperoned romp in a meadow.That’s where I came nose-to-nose with one of the Lop Ears.You might remember my pal Hiro mentioning them earlier, but you can read and see a little more about them here in a piece which includes selection of short videos taken by HMDT while they were splashing around in a nearby lake.For the moment though, I’ll leave you with some shots of me taking my first tentative steps in to Big Outdoors and of course blissfully rolling around on the sofa.You can also see a few more photos of me outdoors here.Bonnes vacances.Haricot B.Haricot B encounters a sofaHaricot B. and the Big Outdoors

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Pet Cat :First tentative steps in the Great Outdoors

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat, goes walkabouts in the meadow.And ends up with a little more than she bargained for!

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Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat, goes walkabouts in the meadow.And ends up with a little more than she bargained for!

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Pet Cat :Teething troubles chez moi

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour encore. C’est moi, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.As you’ve probably gathered by now I’ve been in my new home for over three weeks, and while I’ve definitely settled in – no problems there – I’m now quite literally experiencing what can only be described as “teething

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Bonjour encore. C’est moi, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.As you’ve probably gathered by now I’ve been in my new home for over three weeks, and while I’ve definitely settled in – no problems there – I’m now quite literally experiencing what can only be described as “teething problems”.To be precise I’ve got toothache BIG TIME as I’m starting to lose my milk teeth and the adult ones are making their presence known…and felt.So it’s all rather a testing time – for me and my surroundings – as I plunge my gums into what ever is at hand (or mouth) and attempt to gnaw my way to paradise.Furniture, towels, cushions, pillows, belt buckles, tassels and (my favourite of all) shoelaces beware! If you’re in my line of mouth then you’ll soon be making acquaintance with my emerging choppers.They’re not all through yet of course, but I can feel them coming, and so can HMDT and Toowfu, who haven’t be spared.Until now they’ve both been quite happy to let their hands dangle around my mouth while I’ve given them the gentlest of nips during a bout of rough ‘n tumble.Now though I’m understandably getting a little bit fractious and sometimes chomp just a little more strongly than intended. No harm meant though – it’s just difficult to find some relief.Most of the time gnawing doesn’t present too much of a problem. There’s always something to investigate and even if nothing is left lying around, I can usually make sure that it soon is by “bringing it down to floor level”.Soft furnishings have a certain “give” to them. My special toys of course come in more than handy – or mouthy.Clothes left tantalisingly draped over a chair – sorry but they’re fair game as far as I’m concerned.And I’ve taken a rather special liking to an ancient pair of slippers that I found by the end of the bed the other day.Bliss.Those slippersSometimes though, even I get it wrong and can end up with a nasty surprise.Take the other day for example while Toowfu was taking a shower and I as usual was perched on the edge “minding my own business” and watching and wondering what that green bar might be that was being rubbed into a furious lather.As though my musings had been heard, there was a sudden thud as it slipped out of Toowfu’s hands and on to the floor in front of me.Ever the curious one of course – after all we cats have a reputation to live up to – I leant forward to investigate and without thinking eagerly sank my teeth into it.You can probably imagine my horror when my gnashers made contact with what I now know to be the rather disgusting taste of soap. Not to be recommended under any circumstances, and I beat a hasty retreat.Toowfu was in hysterics, which I didn’t think particularly fair. After all it’s not kind to those just starting out and don’t know any better.Doorstop, toy or chest of drawers? Decisions, decisions, decisionsOh well, the best that can be said I suppose is that we all have to learn somehow.And not everything that falls from on high is worth sinking one’s teeth into, even if one has the desperate need to gnaw.How profound is that?And with that thought, I’ll leave you for now.A bientôt.Haricot B.

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Pet Cats :Haricot Blanc speaks out

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:52:55 +0000

Bonjour. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here.Guess who got a little too close to the cameraJust a quick entry as I’m just about to about to be driven somewhere in the car. And that, in my admittedly brief experience, never bodes well.Doubtless I’ll have more to say on that

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Bonjour. Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat here.Guess who got a little too close to the cameraJust a quick entry as I’m just about to about to be driven somewhere in the car. And that, in my admittedly brief experience, never bodes well.Doubtless I’ll have more to say on that subject shortly.Now remember I told you earlier that I was bilingual – born and being brought up here in France, but having adopted an Anglo-French couple.It’s no big deal really as the following short video illustrates.It sort of goes to show that music isn’t the only universal language because we cats know a thing or two that we could probably teach those tin-openers, biscuit-providers and comfy lap cushions about in terms of crossing cultural and linguistic barriers.HMDT kindly shot it a couple of days ago just before my midday meal, although to be honest I would rather less time had been spent trying to capture me on film and more attention spent to the matter at hand.”Miaule”A bientôt.Haricot B.

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