Kewpie’s not a doll

Kewpie, a super-high energy calico, has become one of Cecil’s best friends in the cat loft. She’s a few months older but has no trouble keeping up with him! Cecil still needs some medical procedures, but he and Kewpie both are available for adoption, click HERE. Come meet them at the BARC Cat Loft.

Cecil and the snake

Cat Loft predator – August 3, 2006

Augie Doggie

Shawn, cat loft adoption volunteer extraordinaire, has named the little blind kitten Augie! AugieDoggie! I know, he’s a CAT, but like every good nickname it just popped into my head and will not leave. He’s fighting a bad case of the runs, so I took him home to give him some extra TLC and monitoring. Kittens this small can decline very quickly, but he already has a small fan club rooting for him.

One-Eyed Cody – The Cat Loft Bully

Cecil went to the AMC for the last procedure on his eyes, but it was cancelled because the machine used to “freeze” the hairs rubbing his eyes wasn’t working. Needless to say human and cat were not pleased with having to schleppe to Manhattan in 90 degree weather for NOTHING! We have to wait for a reschedule, but in the meantime, Cecil’s tearing up the Cat Loft. He’s very wary of Hermes, but fascinated with Cody (above) for some reason.

The Kid Next Door

This little one is Cecil’s new neighbor. He’s only about 6 weeks old and is blind. What a pair, Cecil born without eyelids, and this furkid born without eyes! Fortunately, he’s very responsive to sound and loves to play and be handled. As soon as he’s officially checked in he’ll get a name and a number. I’ll keep this post updated!

All the Cecil photos I took yesterday are out of focus. I wish I had a video camera to catch him growling at the kitten and grooming himself at the same time. Sounded kind of like “rahwlga, rahwlga, rahwlga!” He was happy to see me and is loving the constant food supply. He only got two squares at my house!

Auggie passed away on August 5th – see comments

The Cat Loft’s New Resident

Cecil had another recheck at the AMC. He’s getting some antibiotic eye ointment again, but Dr. Aquino was pleased overall with his healing process. She’s going to do some final procedures next week where the individual hairs that rub his eyes in a couple spots will be “frozen”. It’s nowhere near the “big deal” his original surgery was and knowing Cecil, he should bounce back quickly.

Cecil has been moved to the Cat Loft. It was a very difficult move. For me. Cecil is a little grumpy about the small orange kitten in the kennel next door, who is also new to BARC. He kept reaching into Cecil’s space trying to steal his toys. However, this prankster was just adopted so Cecil should have time to adjust before he gets a new neighbor. On the other side is an adorable tiny tiger who was born without eyes. Brand new to the Cat Loft, and still nameless, this little one shouldn’t give Cecil any grief, but we’ll keep you posted! I’ll try to get some photos today and put them up here later.

Be sure to visit! He’s still a bit “mouthy” and likes to chew on your arms, but it seems to just be a bad habit, and he’s getting the idea that humans don’t like that! A very clever cat is Cecil and what a great companion he will make for just the right person.

I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!

I can’t get the new video clip to upload from the camera…grrr! This is the first photo since Cecil’s stitches came out. Dr. Aquino is pleased with how he’s healing, but won’t know if he will need more surgery until she rechecks him in a month. The plastic “cone” collar is off for the time being, and he’s having a ball with his er, ball. A blue ping pong ball with a rattle inside is the current favorite, but it keeps ending up in his water dish. He hasn’t figured out the little hammock I hung from the roof of his kennel yet though.

We got the bill for the surgery and consultation…$1,498.50! Ouch is right! Any donations would be greatly appreciated. It’s kitten season at the shelter and resources are especially scarce right now. Just yesterday, while struggling with the camera and computer, a milk crate full of tiny grey tigers came in. Six little orphans who will need to be bottle fed, tested and vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and housed until homes are found for them. Every dollar helps… click on the donation link on the left, and thank you!

How’s the reception, Cecil?

June 4, 2006

The swelling and redness around Cecil’s incisions has diminished, but now he has some contact sores and a rash from having the collar constantly rubbing his ears! As I’m typing this, he’s chasing his tail and jumping in and out of a cardboard box simultaneously, so I guess he’s feeling alright regardless! He is getting kind of “mouthy,” chewing and biting my hands, which worries me a little. Who knows how much real affection and socialization he got before being rescued at 4 months. The elizabethan collar and not being able to play unsupervised with other cats is no doubt frustrating him as well. I try to give him breaks when he’s eating or playing out of his kennel, but he gets right to scratching and rubbing his eyes. It must be so itchy right now. Anyway, nothing we can’t work on, and Wednesday Cecil goes in for a recheck and evaluation so keep your paws crossed!

A friend Down Under

Smoggy from kittiecatd’s photostream on Flickr

Cecil has a one-eyed furry friend from Australia! His name is Smoggy, and we met through the Flickr photo website where you can upload and store your photographs for free. You can share with the whole wide world, or keep your pix private. BARC has a group on Flickr, and welcomes all BARC alumni to join up and post your critters portraits. Smoggy’s person is obviously a very special critter herself and has some of the best cat photos ever! Check them out HERE.

First Surgery, Done

Not a pretty sight, but he’s purring!”

It was a long surgery, but Cecil got through it with flying colors. He’s now recovering in his foster home and getting back to being a goofy kitten. The surgeon said she was pleased with the surgery, but the little orange one may need additional procedures depending upon how the incisions heal. There is considerable swelling right now, but the pain meds and antibiotics seem to be working… he was on his back playing with his toys today, oblivious to the giant cone around his head! You’d think having something around his neck would bother him, but the elizabethan collar hasn’t brought back the memories of his old injuries.

The Medicine Bag

Cecil’s medications and instructions