Excited!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Like Kootoo Monster, I could hardly contain my glee too.

Am looking forward to starting my new work tomorrow :)

Blessed

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



My lovely colleagues gave me this key pouch, and a farewell card that touched my heart.

I was glad to be a source of laughter and fun to them, and am thankful that they made my time there enjoyable.

Am down with a bad throat infection -- the lymph nodes at the neck are swollen, swallowing saliva feels like I am gulping pebbles. The fever refuses to abate, and pain is ravaging the body.

Am looking forward to being healthy again.

A "Nomad" speaks

From the desk of Mama Piggy:


Milo: SnZZZzzzzz ...

Goodbye Toa Payoh, Hello Shenton Way!


Milo: What?! Mama Piggy is on the move again?

Yes, I am changing jobs AGAIN.

Friday would be my last day with this listed company, and I am starting work at the new place on Monday.

It would be my 7th(!!) job in 12 years of working life.


Milo: Sigh ... Why can't she be like us cats? We find a nice spot and we stay put!

Will it be my last? Will the Nomad ever settle down for good?

Clubpets Q&A on cats

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Excerpts from Clubpets (Issue 23, Mar to May 07):


Q: Do cats always bury their waste?

A: A subordinate cat will bury its faeces so as not to demonstrate its presence to more dominant cats. A dominant cat will leave its faeces uncovered. A cat kept on its own will bury its faeces by scratching on the litter tray. This has nothing to do with cleanliness - it is a sign that the cat feel that its owner is dominant. In households with more than one cat, you will often find that one or two cats leave their faeces uncovered, whereas the rest will cover it up.


Talk to the paw.

[Mama Piggy: Alrighty Kootoo Monster, you are pardoned. But can I tell you it is really not a pleasant sight to see you display your poop in the litter bin as though it's icing on the cake???]


Q: Do cats really sulk?

A: When you scold your cat, do you feel that he's rebuffing you or sulking by turning away? The real reason behind this is that humans are huge to a cat. When you scold him, you are intimidating him. And when you look down upon a cat to discipline him, he associates your fixed gaze with a rival. The eyes of many animals are a signal of power. In comparison to a cat's size, his eyes are enormous. In hostile situations, a dominant cat will stare at his rival, who will look away rather than increase the hostility. So when your cat turns away after disciplining, he isn't sulking; he's surrendering!


Of course I am not sulking, woman! I am not ignoring you either, you 're just insignificant! Oh wicked me!

[Mama Piggy: Hmmph, then Muffin does a mean surrendering. Have a nagging suspicion that even while they appear to be "surrendering", the KMM crew are still "buay song" (sullen) after we chide them for some misdeeds]


Q: Why do cats suddenly take off at 90 miles an hour?

A: This behaviour is seen mostly in indoor cats who are not able to burn off energy. They will dash around jumping off furniture with a wild look in their eyes. This usually occurs late at night with cats younger than five years old, but can be seen in older cats as well.



Energy conservation in progress, DO NOT DISTURB!

[Mama Piggy: I swear the House of Pigs keep flying lemurs instead of cats. Try sleeping less in the day, busters. Helping me with the housework when I am away at work would be much appreciated.]

China pixs

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



In my humble opinion, the West Lake in Hangzhou is over-rated. Maybe the Spring-time crowd there got to me, I didn't find West Lake especially enchanting.

Shanghai zaps me with its fast-paced mode and horrendous traffic, but at the same time it perks me up with its dynamism and energy.

I look forward to the day when I can cross the roads safely, without cars and motorbikes ramming into me even though it is MY right of way.

We're back ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... and the heat and humidity in Singapore is almost unbearable.

Gimme the cool, crisp air of Shanghai anytime!

I will even put up with the chaotic traffic, rude drivers (especially the driver of a black Audi who nearly ran over me!) and funny English.



More pictures to come.

Out of sight ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... but not out of mind!

We're heading to Hangzhou and Shanghai, China on a red-eye flight tonight, and will be back on next Tuesday the 24th.

My sister will be catsitting the KMM crew.






Behave, kitties!

Update on Twinkle

From the desk of Mama Piggy:


Poor Twinkle has been keeping Phyllis very busy the past couple of weeks with his diarrhoea.

After several vet visits, it is now confirmed that the little fella is down with some kind of poisoning, the cause of which might be attributed to the fumigation at the rubbish dump where he was found.

It breaks our hearts to see him suffering. We can't wait to see this manja purring machine back in the pink of health!

Some random pictures taken at the cattery today:


Timmy old boy with Papa Porky.


Senor Achiwawa having a tete-a-tete with Sunshine.


Poser at Cattery 1.

Lessons from my cats

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I think we have a lot to learn from cats.

Muffin has taught me that an abused animal can learn to love and trust again, so why can't "normal" human beings unlearn their "hatred", and learn to accept and tolerate harmless community cats in their midst?

Milo showed us in this video that we should learn to make hay while the sun shines and enjoy simple joys in life :)

One Year On

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

It's been exactly one year since Muffin joined the family!

13 April 2006

7 April 2007

Muffy never cease to surprise us with his sweet gestures and manja moments, especially when he approaches us for scritches and chin rubs. He likes to bid Papa Porky goodbye in the morning by doing figure-of-eights around his ankles (and leaving him with patches of white fur on his trousers).

Oh, did I mention that he always come and sit next to me when I call his name?

We love this boy.

Milo Copperfield

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Look Ma, no(body)!

You are never too young for ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... a slipped disc.

Yep, I have been rendered somewhat non-ambulant due to a "partial" slipped disc. It happened out of the blue this morning. After my morning coffee, I sort of sprang up from the sofa to walk to the kitchen to wash up.
I didn't sense anything wrong while walking to the kitchen, although the back felt a bit stiff. It was only when I tried leaning my body forward while washing the mug when a piercing pain shot through my lower back.

To cut a long story short, I still went to the office to get some work cleared, saw a doctor, and was given two days' medical leave and some very strong painkillers and muscle relaxant.

Being healthy and illness-free is a blessing which many of us take for granted, until the moment we are rendered immobile or weak by sickness.


I wonder if cats suffer from slipped disc problems too?

The Weekender

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Gosh, the long weekend was over in a flash!

We need more three-day breaks!

Remembrance

From the desk of Mama Piggy:


The monastery's version of the garden gnome :)

We went to the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery columbarium today to pay respects to my late father.

I didn't bring any fruits, flowers nor a trunkful of paper money. There was no need to, I feel. I have come to my father with a true heart that remembers his love for us.

And when I die, there would be no need to keep my remains in an urn. My ashes will be scattered in the sea, I will live in the hearts of those I love.

Morning Glory

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Milo basking in the full glory of the morning sun :)

Be kind

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

According to the latest issue of the SPCA Bulletin (Feb/Mar 07 ), there was a 25 per cent spike in the number of alleged animal abuse cases investigated by the SPCA in 2006. In absolute terms, the SPCA handled 916 such cases last year.

Some highlighted cases include:
- A Maltese dog thrown to its death from the 22nd storey of a Fernvale Road flat
- A two and a half month old kitten beaten by a man with a wooden pole
- Two stray dogs poisoned with insecticide
- Stray cat kicked by teen

Of course, it is possible that an increased awareness of animal welfare has led to more abuse cases being reported, instead of a real increase in animal abuse.

But whenever I come across such news, I can't help but feel that it is such a sick world we are living in. We do not even have the basic respect for life. Then again, when even domestic maids are treated like animals and denied proper food and rest, what do you expect our fellow Singaporeans to feel toward stray cats and unwanted dogs?

Will animal abuse ever be eradicated? I hope to live to see that day!

As HH The Dalai Lama said: "If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."

I think the "others" include the animals that live among us too.

How do you know if your cat loves you?

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Of course my cat lurrrves me, silly!!!

My cat shows his affection for me by sleeping on my leg ...

... using my foot as a pillow.

This effectively prevents me from getting up to do all those dreadful housework.

So you see, my cat lurrrrves me!

Busy day

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Tiny Twinkle is now boarded at Phyllis' cattery, where he'll receive tender loving care.

The feisty boy walloped a whole plate of boiled chicken at the cattery.

Senor Achiwawa and his sister also brought Brownie and Scout to Pet Clinic for their second booster jab.

They have done a great job fattening up Brownie, who now weighs in at 3.65kg. She will be sterilised soon.

Little Scout has grown into a big furball!

He was a bit anxious while waiting for his turn at the vet, check out the video :P

Twinkle

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Cat-napping is infectious, it seems.

Our friend Senor Achiwawa and his sister have catnapped a scrawny 3-month-old tabby boy from their Marine Parade estate.


Tabby boy is malnourished and is suffering from a bout of diarrhoea. He's now boarded at Pet Clinic for observation and will be put up for adoption once he's in a better shape.

We've decided to call him Twinkle. He's skin and bones now, but with tender loving care, he should blossom into a beautiful cat.


Senor Achiwawa says Twinkle (top) resembles Kootoo the kitten (below), what do you think?

Snuggles

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

T'was a cold and lazy afternoon.

Papa Porky decided to steal 40 winks on the couch.



The kitties wanted to get cosy too.



Kootoo, for some strange reason I can't fathom, chose the "smelly" end, with his nose pointed in the "right" direction.

Doe and Ray settles in

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



L & K, the new "parents" of Doe and Ray, sent me these lovely pictures of the duo settling into their new home.

An SMS update on the kitties:

"The kittens are fine. Doe eats a lot while Ray is very playful. Doe always pushes Ray out of the food dish. They poo a lot too!"

A simple life

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Domesticity at its best.

Muffin

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



It's been almost a year since Muffin came into our life.

Sometimes when I look back, I do wonder why I adopted him instead of the many other kittens and cats that were available at Phyllis' cattery. Afterall, the poor fella had been abused and was emotionally scarred. I guess we just wanted to give him the love that he deserved, and to make up for the suffering he endured under the hands of my fellow human beings.

Muffin was and still is wary of us handling him, but he has his moments when he would approach us for cuddles. He may not be as sweet as Kootoo or Milo, but he is still our Muffin.

Doe, Ray & Meeks adopted!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Doe and Ray were adopted by a lovely couple, L and K this evening.

Meeks has found a furrever home at my sister's place, of course :)

Out with the old ...

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

... and into the new!



Muffin has ditched his old favourite cushion for the new cat bed, especially when the air-conditioner is on full blast.




It makes for a furry comfy snooze.

Pei Pei la prima donna

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

A lovely update from Pei Pei's adopters, S. and her housemate. Pei Pei has been introduced to their resident tabby, Curio.



Excerpts from our email exchange:

"Things are quite fine, though I do hope they'll get along 'better'. We're thinking that they'll still need some time to get used to each other. Curio is a darling and has been so patient with her. He's quite the sweetheart and always meows to be near her when we separate them.

She, on the other hand, is quite mischievous! She's a bit aggressive still, and is more hot-tempered around him and us, she doesnt allow any of us to touch or carry her! But she has shown some signs of improvements, don't worry. Over the days, we see her playing more with Curio and fighting less, and we take that to be quite a positive sign.

Usually after they fight, they each claim a chair under the dining table and take a nap.

Pei Pei really is so pretty. She's acting every bit the high Majesty she looks like, with all her tantrums and poses. Hehe."

Furry nice bed

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



The kitties have not warmed up to it yet cos it smells new, but I am sure in no time they would be fighting to sleep in it.

Food for thought

From the desk of Mama Piggy:


My yummy, animal-friendly lunch.

I have overheard this question many times while buying my meals at vegetarian food stalls.

“What meat is this ah?” The man pointed to the mock pork ribs.

It never fails to tickle the funny bone in me. No offence to those who ask this question, but does it really matter what “meat” it is? I mean, surely you come knowingly to a vegetarian stall and you know everything there is like, NON meat?

I can only conclude that those who ask this question want to know what it would taste like. But a more suitable question would be, "What dish is this?" Agree?

Kungfu fighting

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



This is a sampler of what happens at the House of Pigs every day.

Sampler because it is not the full works -- somehow when I shoved the camera in their faces when they are fighting, the cats become very “pai seh” and call it quits.

Milo's video

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



This is a self-indulgent video on Milo's growing up years. Yes, another of those awww-inducing, saccharine-sweet, reminiscence piece ... I promise to catch the trio in a brawl and put it up on Youtube, lest you think that the critters are all so well behaved and polite to a T.

Speaking of which, Milo the abominable cat very nearly ruined this video project by using the laptop keyboard as a launchpad while chasing Kootoo. Had half a mind to hold him by the scruff and give him a hard twack on the rump. Of course I didn't. Duh.

Brownie & Scout update

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Here's an update from foster family on Brownie & Scout.

"Hello, one week on, the kitties are doing well. Eating a hell lot and pooping a lot. Scout's a nice boy and is becoming a big furball since he eats and eats! Brownie is a bit of a lap cat actually... sweet tempered."

Band of Brothers

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Love is all around ... :)

Lapping it up

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



This is a video of Milo drinking water from the tap.

Whenever we go to the kitchen or toilet, he would jump into the basin and implore us to turn on the tap for him until he gets his fill.

Feeding Frenzy - Remix version!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Here's a redux of an earlier video - with supers and a cheerful soundtrack.

Explanatory note: I had to hide in the kitchen toilet to prepare the wet food for the kitties -_- they go crazy at the mere sound of me opening the cans.

Furry Babies

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



The trio have put on some weight and are vaccinated and dewormed.

The kitten with the pink collar is, of course, Meeks, the only girl in the litter.

Animal Planet - Siblings that kill

"Now, should I start with the heart or the entrails?"

Operation Fattening Up

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

We visited Brownie and Scout at Vincent's shelter on Sunday afternoon.



Scout the cutie is simply adorable, he makes a good, placid lap cat.



Brownie needs to be fattened up before we send her for sterilisation. Vincent says she is eating well, and a health check at Pet Clinic showed that she is in good health.

Senor Achiwawa and his sister have very kindly offered to take care of Brownie and Scout while we look for suitable adopters.

Pei Pei adopted!!!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I am on cloud nine!! Yes I am, because Pei Pei has found a home!



S. and her friend visited Phyllis' cattery on Saturday evening and were so smitten by Pei Pei's adorable nature that they decided to bring her home to be the companion of their other kitten.

Vegancat, who was at the cattery, took this video of Pei Pei leaving the cattery with her new found "parents".

I also pointed the adopter to Tipped Ear Clan to read up on how to introduce a new kitty to the resident cat.

Be good, Pei Pei!! :)

Cleanliness is next to godliness

Rock-a-bye baby

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



In case you are wondering, the kitties NEVER sleep in this hammock!

Doe, Ray and Meeks

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

I've gotta put up the adoption notices for the trio soon. They are getting too adorable!

Doe (on top, with a darker cream coat and a bob tail) and Ray are two brothers with a mischievous streak.

The duo always bully their dear sister Meeks, who is a sweet angel.

We hope that the potential adopter can consider adopting all 3 kittens, or at least 2 of them, together. My sister would keep the other one that is not adopted.

Pei Pei - video and new pix!

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Thanks to Vegancat, who sent me this lovely "music video" of Pei Pei! She looks tubby!!


When will that special someone bring me home?

Bad Hair Day

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

Kootoo is shedding heaps.



A grooming session at home produced three times the amount of fur shown in the picture.

He also sports a small balding patch at his right hind leg, and has been nibbling there quite a bit. I will monitor it to see if it gets worse.

Kitties Galore

The three kittens are doing well, eating voraciously and playing like little monsters in the making :)

The kitten that is being "mauled" in the video is the only girl in the litter, she is rather shy while her two brothers are very active and mischievous.

Happy Lunar New Year!!

The House of Pigs wishes all readers a Happy Lunar New Year that's filled with good health, joy and happiness!

Gong Xi Fa Cai and don't pig out too much!!

Sister act

From the desk of Mama Piggy:

My sister has also gone into the business of catnapping, it seems.



She found this bundle of hapless kittens at the void deck, and with no mother cat in sight, she decided to bring them home and foster them until they are old enough for adoption.

About one-month-old, they have a unique light orange coat.

Skivers

From the desk of Mama Piggy:



Mention "spring-cleaning" and the skivers immediately dive under the sheets. Shufferin' Succhotash!