Scratch That

Over this past weekend as you know Khalessi meet Grandma and Grandpa, as well as Auntie Rosie and Sparkles, Uncle Kinsei. She also got to meet future Dad. By future I mean when my significant other moves in. So I suppose he's still Dad now, but that's a whole 'nother discussion.

Dad was thrilled to meet Khalessi, and even more thrilled when his cat allergies didn't flare up and react. Yes, Daddy has cat allergies. A terrible thing. But he had no reactions which I think is due to the fact Aaron is likely allergic to cat dander and not cat fur. Something I found out when picking out Khalessi's dry food is the better quality food given to cats (and pets overall) the less dander is produced (due to having healthier skin/fur) resulting in less active allergies. She had only been on the food, Blue Buffalo Dry Kitten Food, for a week. I can't wait until he comes up to Grand Rapids to visit for an extended time to see if the idea of better food=less dander=less allergies continues.

So while Dad was visiting Khalessi he and I created a wonderful scratching post for the little majesty. Here is a photo list detailing most of the process.

Dad binding the sisal twine around a 4x4 post.

Me, holding the rope being very productive.
That rope would bunch up around itself quickly!
See that just under my hand? I had a very important job.

Proud parents nearing the end of the wrapping process.

Working hard!

Dad starting to wind up the extra rope we didn't use.

Setting up the tower in front of Her Majesty herself.
See her sitting on the rocking chair?

"Now what is this?"

"Oh yes, this is nice!"

Dad playing with Khalessi, urging her to use to post.

"I suppose this will do."
Yes, those are catnip stalks by her.

Overall Khalessi seemed to love the post, of which Aaron and I are very glad. It took perhaps 20-30 minutes overall to put everything together with the sisal rope taking the longest. I give a huge thank you to Grandpa for letting us use scraps in his shop and various screws and tools.

The post is now sitting proudly in my apartment and the best new is, she uses it still! At least, 80% of the time. Nothing seems to beat out the rug...

Meet the Grandparents

So today Khalessi had a big car ride, two hours from Grand Rapids to hometown of Fenton! Surprisingly she only made crying sounds when we were in stop-and-go traffic getting from apartment to highway and off highway to the Grandparents house. The in-between time was spent sleeping soundly. Guess what that means? Yup, somebody won't be sleeping tonight. Well, make that three of us. Auntie Rosie gets to experience an excited kitty in the early a.m.'s.

Both Grand'maw' and Grand'paw' thought Khalessi was adorable, though Grandpa didn't really show all that much excitement. I could tell though, by the little actions he showed towards her. Grandma was certainly more direct. And of course Auntie Rosie fell to kitten-sized pieces.

The current Queen of the house, elder cat Sparkles, was none too pleased with the part time addition to the household. Hopefully they work things out (or Sparkles just ignores her). Kinsei, elder dog, was thrilled to make a new friend. Amost too thrilled, he got a handful of hisses from Her Majesty herself.

All in all a great productive first day visiting the Grandparents. Currently Khalessi is discovering the litter box, and feels like it is her personal beach resort, and laying in it - purring. Good thing the litter is new!

Say Hello to Khalessi!

Welcome everyone to my blog following the ups and downs of being a new pet parent. In my case, I am now the proud human of a 6 month of Maine Coon/Tiger mix kitten. Rescued from a terrible fate I brought her home with me to my new home in Grand Rapids. Already she has become use to her new surroundings, but it wasn't always that way.

Not even a full week away from being owned by a cat I have had many new parent freak outs, ranging from "Oh no! She's not eating enough!" or "Is the litter box to tall and that's why she hasn't gone yet?" to the extreme "Why is there blood on her paws... is that a tooth in the carpet!?!"

Easy to say, my life has been turned upside down.

In a good way.