Pet Cat

Cats :A new arrival

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

Bonjour everybody. Let me introduce myself.I’m Haricot Blanc – a French cat. Well a kitten at the moment. And this is my blog.I’ve just found a new home with His Master’s Dulcet Tones and The Other One Who Feeds Us (henceforth to be referred to as HMDT – heavily capitalised because

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Bonjour everybody. Let me introduce myself.I’m Haricot Blanc – a French cat. Well a kitten at the moment. And this is my blog.I’ve just found a new home with His Master’s Dulcet Tones and The Other One Who Feeds Us (henceforth to be referred to as HMDT – heavily capitalised because there’s always one isn’t there? And Toowfu) which kind of gives the game away about what is probably awaiting me down the line.I have the feeling I’m not alone here in this adventure, but I’ve not yet happened upon any other creatures great or small, so I can’t really tell you much about what is, after all, just an inkling at the moment.w4dq6xebk5Anyhow I only moved in two days ago and am quickly getting the lie of the land.So while they’re both out I’ve slipped into the study to investigate. While the cat’s away…no that’s not quite right is it?Not only have I adopted a couple of humans, but as you can see I’ve also discovered the joys of this computer thing.So whenever they’re not around I intend to make full use of it to tell anyone out there reading what life’s like here in France….for a cat that is.Oh yes. In case you were wondering about the name, it’s French for “White Bean”. Original huh?I didn’t choose it of course. They did. HMDT and Toowfu.You would be right in asking what they were thinking of at the time. Yes I’m white, and definitely very cute, but I don’t look anything like a bean. Do I?Apparently they wanted a name that began with “H” because it’s a kind of a family thing. I’m not sure that I understand entirely, but I guess it’ll become clearer with time.So it looks as though I’m stuck with it. Little do they know though that I actually already have a name. Proof I suppose that neither of them has read T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s book of practical cats”.Had they done so they would have known that while we cats require THREE names, the most important is the one known only to us. I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about.In a sense though the pair are rather bucking the trend here in France because tradition has it that when choosing a name for cats and dogs a specific letter should be used depending on the year.It’s really only strictly applied to those with pedigrees, but it’s also common practice when naming those of less – how shall I put it – “reliable lineage” – and that includes me.This year’s letter is “E”, which might come in quite handy when I’m a little older as it means that should I feel the need to lop a few years off my age at some point in the future I can quite easily turn around and say, “Hey, my name begins with ‘H’ so of course I’m not quite that old yet.”Hang on a moment, I can hear the key in the front door. I think it’s them. So I’ll have to rush back to my basket to pretend I’ve been sleeping while they were out.After all I don’t want HMDT and Toowfu discovering my hidden talents.This blogging thing looks as though it could be fun. When I get the chance I’ll be back to tell you a little more about life here.For now though, as we cats say in France “miaule”.A bientôt.Haricot B.

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Cats :Have passport, can travel.

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

Bonjour again everybody. It’s me, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.Have passport, can travelThey’re out – remember HMDT and Toowfu? So once again I’ve grabbed a little bit of computer time.I’ve been installed chez moi for a week now, and you know it isn’t half bad.Admittedly

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Bonjour again everybody. It’s me, Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.Have passport, can travelThey’re out – remember HMDT and Toowfu? So once again I’ve grabbed a little bit of computer time.I’ve been installed chez moi for a week now, and you know it isn’t half bad.Admittedly I don’t have full run of the place yet, just the master bedroom (of course) and the massive en suite where I can tender to my needs.It’s something about “being introduced gently to the others”, and “not having had all my shots yet”.Ah yes regarding the former. My suspicions have been confirmed. I’m not alone (with my adopted humans) in this adventure.There are more four-legged friends around. I actually made the acquaintance of one of them the other day; Hiro, a supposedly friendly little madam who still seems like a giant compared to me and as far as I can tell is prone to mood swings.Actually HMDT was quite surprised when he first introduced us to each other, assuring me that Hiro was “the gentlest, best-natured kitty around.”That wasn’t exactly how it came across though as after some initial snuffling and delicate head rubbing she became more than a little hissy for my liking. It probably has something to to with being really peeved that I’m around. That and the fact that as far as I can tell, she seems to have been given a boy’s name.C’est la vie, I suppose.Oh yes, and that brings me to my other news for this week. The “shots” I mentioned earlier.HMDT chauffered me to the vet the other day for my vaccinations.Shots against cat ‘flu. (coryza) and feline infectious enteritis (typhus), are pretty much standard here in France, even for cats who are never going to venture outdoors. And for those who’ll be allowed beyond the front door at some point, an injection against feline leukaemia (leucose feline) is also recommended.I got the lot with a needle jabbed into my backside. How undignified! And I let them know my complete displeasure at being treated in such a manner by letting out the biggest of yowls.That’ll teach ‘em.There’s worse to come though, because if I understood correctly once I turn three months it’ll be time for another jab; this time against what they call “rage” here in France, or rabies in English.Plus it’s an experience I’ll have the pleasure of being subjected to annually. Huh.While all that was going on, do you know what I overheard the vet say?”She’s already quite a sassy little one and I think she (me) is likely to grow up to be ‘full of temperament’.”Would you credit it! Talking about me like that, and immediately after having shoved a needle into me. The cheek of the woman.I mean, how dare she. I’m just too adorable. “Full of temperament,” indeed.After more prodding and poking me gently, she also mentioned another couple of things that I found quite interesting.Apparently a fair number of pure white cats are deaf. I’m not though as she discovered by testing out my hearing.Another thing is that in summer I should have sun block applied to my delicate little (pinkish) ears as they’re susceptible to sun burn.Anyway she confirmed I was fighting fit and in perfect health and issued me with a brand new passport which contains my vaccination history, the personalised number of the electronic chip I had implanted when I was just a couple of weeks old and other personal info (such as who I “own” and my address).So there you go, I’m a fully-registered French cat now, ready for much more mischief and looking forward to making my presence felt.Right, I think that has pretty much brought you up-to-date for the moment.I feel a nap coming on, so I’ll sign off of for the moment.A bientôt.Haricot B. w4dq6xebk5

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The Cat :Le bilingual blogging French cat

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

Bonjour everybody encore une fois. It’s Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.I’ve been asked why I blog in English.Well to be honest, it’s the language that comes most easily to me.It’s the one in which HMDT and Toowfu choose to address me.The fact of the matter is that I’m bilingual.

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Bonjour everybody encore une fois. It’s Haricot Blanc, le blogging French cat.I’ve been asked why I blog in English.Well to be honest, it’s the language that comes most easily to me.It’s the one in which HMDT and Toowfu choose to address me.The fact of the matter is that I’m bilingual. One of the pair (HMDT) is a native English speaker, the other one (Toowfu) is French.Whatever the case might be, and whichever tongue they might choose, I feel more than free to ignore them at will, according to my mood.That said, I thought now might be a good chance to share with you some of the diminutives I have to put up with from the pair of them, and some of the expressions or words I’ve learned in my short time here. Treat it as a feline dictionary if you will.The most obvious terms of endearment for French cats is “minet” (silent “t”) for puss and “minou” for pussy or kitty. I quite like those.I get called “Ari” (short for Haricot Blanc, which is let’s face it, a bit of a mouthful. And yes as you’ve probably noticed the “H” isn’t pronounced.That’s often the case with many words in French, so Hiro, the “supposedly friendly little madam who still seems like a giant compared to me” I mentioned in my last blog becomes “Iro”.”Strike a pose” – HiroAs for cat, well that’s “le chat” (silent “t”) for all of us in general, which is a bit sexist I find as it’s a masculine noun. Still, there is a she-cat equivalent used for we gals – “la chatte”.Oh yes, by the way as I’m not yet three months old, I’m clearly still a “chaton” or kitten.Time for din dins (yes HMDT really does use those words) becomes “l’heure de mon repas” or “miam miam” (yummy) and it’s always served to me in my “gamelle” (bowl or dish). At the moment I’m gobbling up meals whenever I like as there are always biscuits or “croquettes” on hand and I have the feeling that’s pretty much going to be my standard diet in the future, and they’re washed down of course with “l’eau” or water.When I’m purring (which I do an awful lot of the time) Toowfu tells me that I “ronronne”, and if I’m feeling sleepy “j’ai envie de faire dodo” or I want to go beddy-byes, I head off to my “panier” or basket.Admittedly it’s not the most glamourous of beds and has certainly seen better days, but it’s apparently a bit of a family heirloom and therefore much loved.And that has to be a good sign doesn’t it?So there you go, a look at some of the words that might come in handy for fellow cats should they make a trip to France.If you would like to learn some more, just get in touch and ask me.For the moment though j’ai envie de faire dodo so I’m going to make myself comfy in my panier.A bientôt.Haricot B.Some more photos of me in my “panier”

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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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Cats :Hiro, le blogging French cat’s bigger buddy

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

Bonjour. Perhaps you were expecting to read something from Haricot Blanc, but she has kindly allowed me to paw away at the keyboard for a while.Let me introduce myself. I’m Hiro (pronounced “Eero”), le blogging French cat’s slightly older and wiser confidante.I see she described me

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Bonjour. Perhaps you were expecting to read something from Haricot Blanc, but she has kindly allowed me to paw away at the keyboard for a while.Let me introduce myself. I’m Hiro (pronounced “Eero”), le blogging French cat’s slightly older and wiser confidante.I see she described me earlier on as “a supposedly friendly little madam who still seems like a giant compared to me and as far as I can tell is prone to mood swings”.Well I would like to set the record straight. Let me reassure you that I am as HMDT told HB “the gentlest, best-natured kitty around.”In fact if they were handing out certificates in good behaviour and mild temperament, I would be given an A+. And that’s not idle bragging.Admittedly things got off to a hesitant start with HB – she seemed so small in comparison and madly keen for a whole heap of rough ‘n tumble. I wasn’t really sure what to make of her, and it just seemed easier to show who was boss – rather hissily I’m ashamed to acknowledge.But now we’ve bonded, and it looks as though we’re going to have a great time together. I just can’t wait to help her explore Outside and discover what the world has to offer.Of course that’s all in the future.I see myself as the quintessential “Kool Kat”. Nothing fazes me, well apart that is from HER, the rather – how should I put it politely – “highly strung” and “capricious” PRESENCE that (thinks she) rules the roost here.I don’t want to give the game away too much, but HB has rather a surprise in store.You see we’re not the only ones to have adopted the Fontainebleau couple (or the “tin-openers”, “biscuit-providers” and “comfy laps” as I variously call them). There’s another one she has yet to meet – a grimalkin, if you will, who is….well, exactly as the terms describes.Plus – oh I shouldn’t really – there are some four-legged, lop-eared nutters around. But I’ll leave it up to HB to give you her impressions once she encounters them.After all I don’t want to influence her opinion or worry her unnecessarily over matters that really aren’t that alarming.It’s all part of the learning process, and I’ll let her discover and share with the rest of you, all in her own good time.For the moment though, back to me. I’m two years old (born on 23 May, 2007 in case you’re interested) and as you can probably see, as black as HB is white (although in direct sunlight you can see that there’s definitely more than a hint of brown to me too).I have a thundering purr, which I frequently put to full effect; and an even louder “singing” voice with which I make my presence felt and demands for food known.Not that I’m a gourmand mind you. Toowfu makes sure that I watch my weight, and I haven’t been allowed anywhere near HB’s grub, which smells and looks gorgeously rich in protein. Oh memories!Oh yes, and (again) contrary to what you might have read, I’ve absolutely nothing against having been given a boy’s name. I like to think it marks me out, and it has certainly confused a couple of the comfy laps’ friends when they come to visit.”Oh he’s gorgeous,” they say on learning my name. Only to be corrected by Toowfu that I’m very much a girl.Apparently I was named after one of their favourite characters in a US television series called “Heroes”.Right.That’s my introduction done. I hope HB gives me the chance to blog here again at some point.For the moment though, I’ll take my leave, and rest-assured, in me she has a faithful friend, playmate and protector.Salut.Hiro.

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Cats :Keeping healthy – the dreaded “vermifuge”

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

Do you think comfy laps would like some of this?Bonjour. Ici Haricot Blanc, your blogging French cat.De retour as you can see.Hope you enjoyed the last entry from Hiro.And it’s true what she wrote, we’ve bonded. Even though she’s still huge in comparison to me, she doesn’t seem to

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Do you think comfy laps would like some of this?Bonjour. Ici Haricot Blanc, your blogging French cat.De retour as you can see.Hope you enjoyed the last entry from Hiro.And it’s true what she wrote, we’ve bonded. Even though she’s still huge in comparison to me, she doesn’t seem to mind when I invite her for a grapple although she gets a trifle antsy when I forget that my choppers are still a little on the sharp side.One of the hazards (for her) of my teething I suppose.Besides she’s not around all the time, and when she makes an appearance I like to make the most of it.Wasn’t it interesting what she wrote about the PRESENCE? I wonder why she insisted on capitalising it. And who or what are the “lop-eared nutters”? She has refused to divulge any further details telling me that, “All will become clear in good time.”I’ll certainly keep you posted when I know more.One thing I rather liked was the way she signed off, promising that in her I have, “A faithful friend, playmate and protector.”Now that’s what I call true cat solidarity.And I thought her phrase for describing HMDT and Toowfu collectively as the “comfy laps” was quite appropriate, especially as I spend a lot of time sitting on HMDT’s when he’s trying to work in the study.Think I’ll use it too in the future.Actually HMDT’s not in my good books at the moment.It was his turn to give me breakfast this morning, but before doing so he picked me up (ever so gently mind you) and started squeezing something into my mouth.No word of explanation beforehand and no warning what was coming….and it was just ghastly.I attempted to spit the lot out and struggled quite a bit with my legs flailing in all directions in protest. But to no avail. He kept a firm hold of me and I had no option but to swallow.Apparently, as I had explained to me afterwards, it was all “for my own good”. Don’t you just love it when you’re told that?I was, so I learned “being wormed” or “vermifuger” as it was put to me. Somehow it sounds nicer in French although the experience is just as unpleasant in whichever language you choose to use as far as I’m concerned.After all that I needed something to get rid of the taste and eagerly tucked into my grub.But do you know what Hiro told me later in the day? I would have to go through the same procedure in a month’s time and then every four weeks until I’m six months old. After that it’ll be twice a year.She gets pills rather than paste – something I hope I’ll be given instead in the future.I mean, do you think comfy laps have even tasted the stuff before subjecting us to it?Rhetorical question really as the answer is obvious.Yeeurk. The thought of it still makes me shudder.I have a sneaking feeling that it was that dreaded three-letter word (the vet) that put him up to it. I’m going to have a few things to say to her about that when I next see her – next week I believe.A bientôt.Haricot B.Oh good shoes….and LACES! I need somewhere to hideThis’ll do nicely

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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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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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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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