Street cred ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... she haz it!

Mama proved that she is no pushover.

Although she is somewhat apprehensive of Kootoo (I think she knows the pecking order), she can stand up to him if he gets too pesky.

Mama has also gone after Muffy when she's in a frisky mood.

As for her sonny Milo, she switches between wanting to play with him and wanting to "toughen" him up like a gangsta =_=

But blood is thicker than water. Milo is always hanging around near Mama and even going up to sniff her. But I don't know why Mama seems to be rather spooked whenever Milo gets too close. Give them some time, I suppose.

In the meantime, Mama's sniffles is not going away :( Her nose is still runny, but I don't really want to put her on anti-biotics again. She had finished two courses. We will monitor and bring to the vet if need be.

Pain in the butt ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... is Kootoo.

Kootoo: Me a pain in the butt?? Whose butt?

First he decided to chase after Mama cat, after realising that she is very mild and sweet-natured. He would spring into a run and spook Mama, who was scared into retreating into her cage. So I had to use some very stern words on Kootoo, plus brandish my bedroom slipper. That had some effect on him, he started behaving himself after deciding that it would be foolish to cross me =_=

Then Kootoo decided that he will use Mama's litter bin. And make a mess out of it. I know he is trying to assert his dominance, but some toilet manners would be appreciated!

Another pain - Muffy the Growler. A lot of posturing and growling from him since Mama started exploring the house.

Muffin: See me crossed paws? They stand for "No to Newbies!"

I think he deserves a good smack from Mama :)

Mama gets comfy ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Mama cat is feeling better, and today she did a grand tour of the house.

She spent a long time sniffing out everything - the standing fan, electrical cords, table legs, the kitty condo etc.


Mama is sooooo lovely!

Mama certainly knows how to seek out the most comfy places - within minutes of exploring our bedroom she was rolling on the quilt! :) Must be quite intriguing for her to lie on something so soft and warm.

I seriously think she remembers her sonny Milo. She miaowed at him so ever gently, and even tried to go near him several times. Alas, the ingrate does not want her company. The good thing is he allows Mama to get within arm's length. Of course he hissed at her ...



Will you wake up to your senses soon, Milo Boy???

Mama meets the gang

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I took half day's leave this morning to bring Mama to the vet. Her sniffles came back yesterday :( Her condition had improved over the weekend and her eyes and nose were clear and dry. She had completed her course of anti-biotics so I was perturbed that she can't seem to shake off the flu.

While at the vet, I decided to get her tested for FIV and FELV too. The results were negative :)



Cost of vet visit (inclusive of cab fares) - $120
Peace of mind - Priceless ;P

I had introduced Mama to the gang over the weekend.

Auntie P, you're spot on! Mama might just become the queen of the household as Kootoo was actually a bit afraid of her! Papa Porky observed that Kootoo wanted to be friends with Mama cat, but didn't seem to know how to go about doing it. So when he got too upclose with Mama, he received a swipe and a hiss :D But at least Kootoo has accepted her presence in the house, the two of them lounge together in a relaxed manner.



KXBC, you're right too. Milo the Ingrate didn't recognise his Mama at all. But the good thing is he is curious about her, although he is somewhat scaredy. I wonder if Mama recognised Milo, she miaowed a few times at him in a friendly manner ... But the ingrate would stare at Mama from the kitchen doorway for a few seconds before slinking away ...



As for Muffy, what can I say? : Still paranoid and hissy.

Mama cat is getting better ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... and noisier :)


Mama cat: I look unhappy?! You would too if you're holed up in a cage!

She has been meowing rather loudly quite a bit. I hope the neighbours won't find it a nuisance!

That aside, her sniffles is getting better. She can't wait to get out of the cage and toilet, but that would have to wait until she is in the clear and after we send her to the vet for her jabs.

In the meantime, Milo the scaredy cat has been hiding in our bedroom since Mama cat came home. We had to bring food and water to him =_= But this morning he ventured to the end of the hall (where the litter bin is now located) to pee.

Slowly and surely he will get used to Mama cat's meowing and strange noises from the bathroom! And soon enough, he will get to meet his "maker" :)

Muffy the psycho-kitty is still spooked, but less edgy.

Kootoo is ever ready to meet the newbie, but patience, my boy!

Welcome Mama!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Yes, we have an addition in the house :P


Tortie Mama is no longer a community cat :)

Tortie Mama, or affectionately known as Mama, is home with us.

As some of you would know, she is Milo's mommy. We sterilised her two and a half years ago and released her back in the estate.

About a week ago, we brought her to the vet as she was down with cat flu and had breathing difficulty. We had her hospitalised at the vet so that she can get her medicine regularly.

Papa Porky suggested that we adopt her. Well, it wasn't a tough decision, because Mama is really a very sweet girl, and if anything were to happen to her, I think we would be quite heart-broken.

My concerns were that she is down with flu, and of course, the stress of having to introducing the KMM to her. Plus the fact that the KMM have not had their vaccination in the past two years *ahem*

So we thought about this for a week. But when we visited Mama at the vet today, the answer was clear. We have to bring her home. There is no way she could recover from the flu if she is released back in the estate. Not with the year-end monsoon season. As for the KMM, well, they will get their long overdue jabs tomorrow and they just have to deal with a new kitty in the house, no? ;)

Mama, sorry it took us 2.5 years to realise that we care so much for you ...

Mama is now segregated from the rest in the kitchen toilet. The vet prescribed 10 days' dose of VibraVet and antihistamine tablets. When she is better, she will be introduced to the KMM.

So no, no happy reunion for Milo and Mama just yet ... but do watch this space :) Click here to watch Milo and Mama's video when they were catnapped in June 2006.

I hope Mama doesn't mind being "incarcerated" for a while!

And as for the KMM's reaction to Tortie Mama, well, Kootoo the kaypoh is as usual snooping outside the toilet door trying to sniff out the newbie. Muffy is spooked and anxious, while Milo has gone hiding somewhere :D But they will get used to her in no time, I hope ...

The Ultimate Basin Challenge - Part 2

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Ladies and gentlemen ...

The moment you've been waiting for is here!

May I present you ...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

The Champion Tubby!!!

Kootoo has defied all odds and won the Ultimate Basin Challenge!

** APPLAUSE **

The Ultimate Basin Challenge - Part 1

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I decided to buy a snug-fit basin for the kitties, and threw a challenge to the two tubbies, Milo and Kootoo (Muffin is happy with his cushion, thank you).


Milo the intrepid checking out the new tub.


Will he or will he not fit??


Milo has done it! Never mind the spilling over, will you?


Erm, it doesn't look too comfy, does it?


Look at those squashed paws!


Now, can Kootoo Monster win The Ultimate Basin Challenge?

The answer ...



...



...



...



...



...



...



...



... will be revealed in the next posting ;P

The zzz monster

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Milo is struggling to stay awake after 12 hours(?!) of undisturbed sleep ... Sometimes I wonder if the kitties know how "ho mia" (good life) they are!

And if I could talk cat language, you bet I will remind them everyday how lucky they are ... Any language centre out there teaching kitty speak??

Bear Bear

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

*Dusts the cobwebs and sweeps the tumbleweeds*

Ahem, sorry for the long silence :P

Work had me burning at both ends, and left me with little energy (and inspiration) to blog. Especially not when you've been writing and vetting scripts the whole day ...

But for my readers, who've been clamouring for updates on the fat ones at home (Papa Porky included, heheh), I must, I should, and I will continue blogging!!!!

First, I bring you news of a kitty for adoption!



This is Bear Bear, a 1.5 months old boy who was abandoned outside my brother's shop at Yio Chu Kang. My sister is positive it is a new abandonee as she has not seen any cats in the vicinity in the past few years she's been working there. It was crying out loud for its mommy, and was hungry and frightened.

My sis brought it home naturally :) Bear Bear is now friends with the bigger cats. We will send it for vaccination once it is bigger.

Ain't it cute? It's got socks too!



For responsible adopter(s) only!

Tiger on Tiger

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Papa Porky bought this cute, paw-print fleece blankie on board Tiger Airways for Milo.

Think of those who are worse off ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

The chapter on my mother's cats is not closed yet, at least not for me.

Thanks to all for your comments/emails, of course I am not taking it lying down ;) I have earlier written to the Minister, but I think he must be very busy now with the issue of foreign workers' housing ... So I shall wait patiently for his reply.

I related the cat woes to a friend, and his comment was chilling but true - if they don't even care for human beings, do you think they would even bother with animals (unless it hurts them where it matters, ie electoral votes)?

I try not to let the current state of things bother me as much. It helps to think of those who are worse off than our kitties.

I made a visit to the Metta Cattery on Sunday, it has been 6 long years since my last trip there. It was good to catch up with Siew Ying, who, despite all the challenges and difficulties, maintained an optimistic and cheerful outlook.

Some of the cats there are down with cat flu due to the wet weather, but otherwise they look happy and contented. And safe from human harm.


Look at my sexy eyes ... mesmerising, no?



Quiet but sweet charmer.



Friendly girl who shakes visitors' hand. Honorary mascot of the cattery :)



Sweet dreams, no doubt, Mr Drooler :P



He's larger than a toy dog!



Dreamer snoozing away despite other kitties stepping all over him/her.


Please help the Metta Cattery if you can - every effort counts. They need pet food, medication, scratching posts, old towels .... Of course, if you're like me (ie "lazy") you can donate money to help fund the running of the cattery.

Trying times

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Yes it's been a bad patch for me - at work and at home.

Had my nose kept to the grindstone at work, the stress and time pressure can kill.

It doesn't help that on the home front, the kitties at my mom's place faced an eviction order from the HDB.

I shall not dignify HDB by posting their run-of-the-mill reply to my appeal for a rational approach to resolve the issue.

The long and short of it is, the cats had to go.

So I called up the head of the HDB branch office and asked him what exactly was the "nuisance" that was stated in the complaint. He was dumbfounded. He couldn't tell me specifically what "nuisance" the cats had created. But we know why he had no answer for me. Because there was simply NO nuisance! He could only go as far as telling me that people saw the cats IN THE HOUSE and that they don't like it! (At this point my blood was boiling at the stupidity and ignorance of mankind. Even typing this now makes me angry!!!)

There is no point arguing with HDB officials who "just follow law", so I cut the exasperating conversation short.

Shortly after, HDB made an appointment with my mother to conduct a check on the house to make sure that we have removed the cats as per HDB's instructions. Gosh, if only other government officials can learn to be as "efficient" as HDB staff!

I couldn't take leave from work to entertain the HDB officials as they made the important visit to my mother's place. Well luckily I wasn't there, otherwise I could have gone blind from rolling my eyes excessively.

THREE officials from HDB came to inspect the house. I thought my mom had kept tigers and other exotic animals instead to warrant the presence of THREE public service officers (of course it is not a waste of taxpayers' monies, they're doing investigative work!) in her humble 4-room flat.

But I digress ... :P

So, they came, they saw, they took photos and they left.

No kitties in sight, save for our old Persian, who would be too traumatised if we move him to a strange place.

Our kitties are safe in another place, we had to protect them from PEOPLE. So dear readers, you tell me, who is more dangerous? Cats or People?

Just chill

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



I've been back in the newsroom for two weeks now. The feeling is strange - familiar yet new.

The 12-hour work days are gruelling, not to mention stressful.

Thank goodness I have two continuous rest days to chill ...

Buying time ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

My sister has just met the MP for Aljunied GRC, and explained to him that there is no basis for the anonymous complaint. He will write to the HDB to first ask for an extension of deadline, and in the meantime, he will mull over the issue and think of a way out for us ...

Where there's a will, there's a way. May compassion and rationality prevail.

In the meantime, we will continue to count our blessings and treasure everyday we have with our kitties ... even when they attempt to chew your freshly cut roses to bits =_=

The kitties surrounded the vase of roses like a pack of hyena.




Milo wondering if he could make a bandung drink out of the rose petals ...

Hopes and plans

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I have sent an email to the "power that be", and am hoping for the best. I am not asking for a change in the policy, that would take too long to happen. All I am asking is for HDB to assess the matter on a case-by-case basis, and not punish responsible pet owners like my mum with a blanket ruling. Removing the cats is a quick-fix approach that tantamounts to abandonment, and sending the kitties to SPCA is a sure-death "solution".

While waiting to hear from the HDB again, we have made some short-term and long-term plans.

Phyllis has kindly offered her help upon hearing my mother's plight, I am very touched by her kindness.

We will do everything we can for the kitties. Their fate lies in our hands.

Cappy, Nov 2007

A pet is for life, remember? :)

SOS!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

* Clarification - it was the HDB that issued the letter and not the Town Council, my bad. The Town Council had redirected the complaint to the HDB. As KXBC pointed out in the comments section, it is the jurisdiction of the Housing Board.*

The HDB has just issued a letter to my mom - she has to remove all the kitties in the house by 12 August because someone had complained that she is keeping too many cats and that they smell.

My sister called up the HDB chap and asked him where does he want her to remove the cats to. His reply: SPCA. Hullo???

She asked him what were the exact reasons for not allowing cats in HDB flats. The chap gave the usual spiel - that cats ROAM and that they poop everywhere. Ha! All HDB officers should be schooled in Cat Behaviour 101.

My sister told him that her kitties are not allowed out of the house, so how would they ROAM? They certainly do not do their business everywhere! My sister even invited the HDB officer over to the flat to inspect and smell it for himself :)

The chap said he will get his supervisor to call my sister tomorrow. My sister told him she will go to the MP for help too. We will see how things work out.

Now, dear HDB officer (or any HDB / town council officer for that matter), I hope you realise that we are actually helping to keep cats off the streets. We sterilise the kitties, bring them for yearly immunisation jabs, and keep them strictly indoors. Pray tell how are they a nuisance and why must they be removed from under a responsible owner's care just because ONE single person complained about them?!

More importantly, why let the kitties be the innocent victims of a disagreement between neighbours?

Comfy bedfellows

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I am a sucker for Hikosen Cara products. The latest acquisitions are these pillow cases.

It sure feels good to go to bed with the kitties :)

Bedtime manners

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Watching cats sleep is a very therapeutic, if not sleep-inducing, activity. I present you some of the best and worst examples of bedtime manners of the KMM crew ...

1. Curled up

This is how cats should be like when sleeping, all curled up (Okay okay, I know Kootoo is not exactly all curled up, but would you excuse him for his girth?!?!).

2. Dainty

As exemplified by Muffy, the dainty (or gu-niang, whichever pleases you!) sleeper snoozes on his side, preferably without drooling.

3. Utterly unacceptable

'Nuff said.

Ebony and Ivory

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



This photo reminds me of the 1982 song "Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.



Sing-a-long now :)

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord why don't we?

We all know that people are the same where ever we go
There is good and bad in everyone
We learn to live, we learn to give
Each other what we need to survive together alive

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord why dont we?

Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony
Ebony, ivory, ooh

We all know that people are the same where ever we go
There is good and bad in everyone
We learn to live, we learn to give
Each other what we need to survive together alive

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony
Side by side on my piano keyboard, oh lord why don't we?

Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony (repeat and fade)

Love us, not hurt us!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

A lovely feature written (and photographed) by a dear, dear friend ... I couldn't have done it better!





(Source: NTUC Media "Lifestyle" July issue)

Book review

Book title: Your Cat (The Boss)
Author: Helen Exley
Retail: $11.90, at gift stores island wide
Reviewer: Kootoo Monster



A must-read for any self-respecting cat "owner" *snigger*, this wonderful collection of 191 quirky and thought-provoking quotations about cats serves to dispel any doubt/misgiving/quandry you may have in your relationship with cats.



It provides the answer and more to cryptical questions such as "Why a cat?".

An example of an enlightening quote: "Being adopted by a stray cat is a sign that you are a kind, generous, warm-hearted sucker. ~Giovanni Andretti"

Here's another: "You can tell a dog to do something. You can put it to a cat as a reasonable propositon. ~ Michael Steven"

Dubbed the "Chicken Soup for the wretched cat slave's soul", the book helps you get in touch with your inner minion as you begin to realise and appreciate the sense of purpose and meaning your cat has bestowed on you.

Get your copy now, and your cat will be eternally grateful to you and stop chewing your shoelaces/pissing in your house plant.

I shall leave you with my favorite quote from the book:"There is a weary expression on your cat's face when she brings you home a mouse. It needs no words: 'Is this idiot woman never going to catch her own?' ~ Pam Brown"

Delish!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Lovely toesicles! Look yummy enought to eat, no?



Oooh, the owner of the toesicles is not too happy that I disturbed his beauty sleep and is giving me one of his looks!



Be afraid, be very afraid!

Gotcha Milo!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Woot, thanks to Cat Aunty for the reminder, it's been two years since Milo joined the Pigs!

Mama Piggy has come full circle

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



The cat is out of the bag, or box, whatever...

Yes, I have decided to return to Caldecott Hill. (No, Mama Piggy is not a celebrity lah, in case anyone is wondering! ^_^)

I left the newsroom in 2002, and have been a spin doctor since. It was quite a natural progression for most media professionals to cross over to the dark side of Public Relations, so to speak. But deep down, I know my heart is still with journalism. And six years of handling the media only served to stoke the fire in the belly.

So, come end July, it's goodbye Shenton Way, and hello Caldecott Hill!

My friends think that I am out of my mind to forsake the current job which has decent pay, relatively sane and regular hours and good prospects.

Well, I don't care. The heart won the battle this time round :)

Ugly ducklings

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Well well, you can't judge a book by its covers, and you certainly can't judge a cat by its colours!

Like in the fairy tale, these "ugly ducklings" have blossomed into beautful adult cats, with loving personalities.

Latte, October 2007


Latte, June 2008


Tiramisu, October 2007


Tiramisu, October 2008

Dell, December 2007

Dell, June 2008