fiesta kittens

"I keel you"

baby tetris.....

mom doesn't remember how much she paid for that toy

but it gets a heck of a lot of use

we basically ignore it - until the kittens get it going and

the noise gets our attention

this is how the boys spent most of last weekend

find sun, pile up for a nap

we hope Daiquiri doesn't see her with that ball

Well, it is getting to be about that time....mom weighed the kittens on Monday night and 3 of them are big enough for surgery. Queso, Taquito and Blanco will go as soon as a time is set (hopefully this week so they can go to an adoption event over the weekend). Salsa and Tostada aren't quite over 2 pounds yet.

video wednesday

the girls - Tostado and Taquito

new kittens

On Saturday, mom had to bring a big boy back from Petsmart to the adoption center due to him having a cold. While there, since Margarita had moved to Petsmart, mom offered to take another tiny family. There were several options, but the head of the rescue ended up sending this group home with mom:

They were left in a carrier outside the rescue center. ugh.....

Anyhow, mom is a sweet torbie. And there are three boys.....one brown tabby and two flame point meezers. Their ears and tails have changed, though their noses aren't orange. The boy in the front of the picture and mom have a pretty nasty cold, so they are on meds. And no....there isn't anything else wrong with him. He has something stuck to his fur on his face and while mom has tried to clean him up some but it may need some soap and mom doesn't want to stress him out too much.

Introducing: Morocco (the mom), Cairo (the brown tabby) and London and Rome (the orange boys). The #citykittens

Morocco is super sweet and asks for attention. Though she is pretty defiant about not taking the meds. So far mom is winning, but it may end up being a draw. Cairo and the other meezer (mom is threatening to put letters in their ears cause she can't tell them apart at the moment) seem to be healthy...but that may not last. The snotty meezer is pretty stuffed up but hopefully that will clear up quickly with meds on board. He is eating, so mom isn't too worried about him.

Mom put the gate back up in front of the bathroom door to act as an airlock. However, upon smelling canned food, the fiesta kittens charged the gate and mom opened the door to a pair of orange tabbys. Now mom has to grab them every time she leaves. It is every kitten for themselves around here.

weekend report

Mom spent most of her time getting stuff done around here. Tons of laundry, cleaning the bathroom, the dreaded vacuum cleaner.....and a couple of naps of course. :)

Margarita went on Tuesday to be spayed. She was pretty done with the kittens and mom hadn't gotten to the point where she trusted Margarita out of the bathroom without supervision, so it was time for her to head out to be adopted. There was an open space at a nearby Petsmart adoption center, so on Saturday morning mom took Margarita over to there and got her set up in a cage over there. Hopefully someone will see her and fall in love quickly.

 

last trip to the milk bar before mom leaves

 

little orange stalkers

 

"mom mom mom mom"

Remember this girl??

In March mom was contacted by a previous adopter that this small black cat was outside her house.... in a snow storm.  Mom picked her up and then got permission for Sonata to be part of the rescue. Well....  Sonata got ADOPTED!!!  On mom's trek to Petsmart on Saturday, she met Sonata's new mom and dad. They do have another cat at home but Sonata should be fine. They talked about introductions and taking it slow. Good luck baby!!!

And then there was something else on Saturday.....but more on that tomorrow.

The fiesta kittens are doing well and getting pretty close to 2 pounds. This age is tough cause they spend a lot of time running around and burning calories.

Random Fridays

Because you can never have too many kitten pictures, here are some more of the kittens enjoying the hotel room at Blog Paws.

places to go....

Dis bed is nice and soft (Salsa)

nice box Miss Julie

resting up for his adoring fans (Queso)

Mom and Miss Julie came in to the room the first afternoon

and couldn't find any kittens....

They were behind all the curtains WAY in the corner

dis my chair - got it??

office assistant, ready for action

Mom has to say, they were wonderful at the event. And in the hotel room. They had several visitors and after hiding the first couple of times quickly realized that everyone was there to love on them. Yes, they require packing some extra stuff, but mom bought a disposable litter pan to take with, so that didn't come back. Food was eaten down there, so that lightened the return trip some too. And as mom said, if you are taking one, the stuff required for more than one isn't that much greater. Not every animal is ok to travel, but these guys were great.

a tour at Mars #sponsored

Mom got an invitation before Blog Paws asking if she would like to be part of a group that got to go out and see the new Mars Petcare Global Initiative Center near Nashville. Mom moved some things around and got to Nashville on Tuesday in order to catch the bus on Wednesday morning. They got a bag of goodies - dog stuff, cat stuff, other stuff and one thing that got mom pretty excited - a Wisdom Panel test. She didn't know Mars owned them, but is pretty excited to use the test on Grandma's little brown dog. We will let you know how that goes and the results when it happens.

There aren't many pictures on this one - a lot of their information and facilities are proprietary and we respect that.

Anyhow, the team at Mars was great. They talked about how they are family owned and that is how things in the company are viewed...as how they affect the family. From creating to testing to developing to production, the consumer and their pet are first on their minds. All of their suppliers have to let Mars associates into their facilities for reviews and testing. If suppliers refuse, they are no longer used. Associates have the right - and are encouraged - to stop any part of the process at any time if they feel something is not up to standard. It was interesting to hear that each step of the process - from development to implementation is tested - no food or treat even gets near an animal until they are SURE it meets their standards and is safe.

But let's be honest - mom was interesting in the taste testers. They have dogs and cats on site....they aren't quite full yet but will be soon. Most of their pet associates (and that is what they are called - with name badges and everything) come from local shelters, though some from reputable breeders and some even came from here in Ohio. Each animal is generally on the younger side and helps taste test for 2-4 years before they are available to associates or the public for adoption. All the animals are chosen for being "picky" eaters.

The dogs are in pods that have outdoor space as well as indoor space. They have activities each day - from walks to agility to running around the outside play rings. And....each dog is taught basic obedience. Which only makes them even more adoptable. And they will run a Wisdom Panel dna test on the dogs so that they can cater some interactions (as well as food and vet care) to the predominant breed. Dogs are picked and separated by size.

This is Ruby - she is about 3 years old and has been with Mars for about 5 months. She was excellent on leash and very well mannered as she met everyone.

Representing the cats was Whisker Biscuits. Like the other cats, he is being taught a targeting technique using a clicker. The cats live in the upstairs of the pet facility. But you never heard any noise from the dogs downstairs. Each room has 10 cats in it - there are themes to each room with murals on the walls. There are bed and cat trees....and even a catio to allow them a chance to catch a breeze. There are interactions each day with staff and associates as well. The cats are chosen by coat length.

Mom was impressed - not just with the process they go through to develop and test each product, but by the enthusiasm of each person she met....not just out at the facility but all weekend at Blog Paws. At one point Dr Tiffany met Queso and mom thought she was going to put him in her pocket and take him home.

Mars owns Nutro (which we just switched to here), Temptations, Pedigree, Iams, Eukanuba, Cesar, Sheba, Greenies, and Banfield (we didn't know that - mom was surprised), along with other brands.

*We were compensated for our trip out to visit the Mars facility. However, that didn't influence mom's opinion (or her enthusiasm). We only share info we feel is relevant to our readers. Mars Petcare is not responsible for the content of this article.

Blog Paws 2015 (part 2)

Mom did manage to make it to a few sessions. One was done by Lon who is a writer and can be found on Veteran Traveler and works with Gander the Service Dog. He spoke about authenticity in your writing and mom is taking his information to heart.

There was also a time management session (we can wait while you stop laughing) and then one by Petsmart Charities about cats and social media. It was pretty interesting. And in fact, since June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month, they are promoting cat adoptions and have a quiz you can take to check your cat-itude.

Mom got to meet Sparkle and Coco and Snotface the ferret and lots of other neat animals as well. The award ceremony was fun as always and lots of our cat lady friends won awards.

Next year is in Phoenix and while mom won't be able to make it, she bets they will have just as much fun.

the yellow haired lady cheating on The Island Cats

Queso loving on Miss Kate from Hauspanther

the famous Katie from Glogirly

Waffles from Glogirly

Summer from Sparkle Cat

Blog Paws 2015

Sorry we have been hit and miss on the blogging for a few days. The mom has the thumbs and she was at Blog Paws. There were so many changes to her schedule, we weren't sure what plan she was on when she left, but she ended up leaving on Tuesday afternoon and coming back on Sunday. She said the drive down wasn't too bad except for a few spots of terrible down-pouring rain. She said the drive home was terrible....she had to stop a couple of times to get out of the car cause she was tired.

Mom took Salsa, Queso and Taquito with her, leaving Margarita, Blanco and Tostada here. Other than some #ScreamingQueso on the way down and back, the kittens were great.

Mom had to tell Salsa his adoring fans hadn't arrived yet

They got up to the hotel room first thing and mom set their stuff up in the bathroom and shut the door while she unpacked. She said when she opened the bathroom door, the boys came charging out and directly into the mirrored glass closet doors. Apparently not all hotel rooms are as big as they appear.

Mom went to a special event on Wednesday (she will blog about that later in the week). While she was there, her phone went off and the pet sitter sent a text asking if mom had taken Daiquiri to the event. Ummmm - no. After a few back and forth moments and head banging by the mom, Daiquiri was found under a blanket under Junior under the sofa cover. Argh!!!! Mom was afraid something was wrong as Daiquiri was very social with the pet sitter the last time mom went out of town, but Daiquiri seemed fine when mom got home.

Mom was rooming with Miss Julie from Sometimes, Cats Herd You and they had a great time. Mom says the best part of Blog Paws is getting to see her fellow blogger friends (she would say cat ladies, but she is friends with some dog people and even a lady that owns a ferret).

She missed the sessions on Tuesday.....she took a trip with Miss Teri from Curlz and Swirlz and Miss Amy from Sebastian the Sensitive Soul and they all got new ink. Yep - mom added to her cattoo collection with a paw print on her left arm near the other two tattoos.

Miss Julie's laptop was a big hit with all three kittens. She finally had to start moving the screen to a blank page to keep from posting weird things on the internet.

Of course the kittens had to make sure they got their beauty sleep.

All three kittens were put in a harness and went downstairs at different times.

Salsa HATED it!! He lasted about 30 minutes....airplane ears the entire time....before mom took him back upstairs. He was perfectly relaxed in the room and was out and about when people came to visit (which they did), but being around the noise and the crowds was not his thing.

Taquito wasn't so sure about her first time out. It was the opening event, which was an ice cream social. But the music was pretty loud. Mom waited until the next afternoon and took her down to the exhibit hall and then to a session with Alana Greylak from Cat in the Fridge about photos and video on your phone (mom learned a lot). It took her a few minutes, but Tostada relaxed....and even dozed during the session.

Queso was a hit though. He was unfazed by everything. What mom terms "bombproof". In fact, he went to the awards ceremony and slept through most of it on the table. MOL He was passed around and kissed and held and was great about it all. He even walked down the hall with mom a couple of times.

All three loved being out in the room and slept on the beds with mom and Miss Julie every night. They are going to make some families very happy.

Quick update

Mom is having a great time at Blog Paws with her blogging friends. The kittens have been well behaved (mostly) and loved on. More next week, so stay tuned. The awards will be livestreaming tonight at 6:30pm CST. You can go to the Blog Paws site for the link.

wordless Wednesday - kitten video

fiesta kittens - 7 weeks old

Wow - time seems to fly....

The kittens were out and about most of the weekend. They got their second round of vaccines on Saturday along with preventative dewormer and a nail trim.

And a weigh in:
   Salsa - 2 pounds 3/4 ounces
   Queso - 1 pound 14 3/4 ounces
   Blanco - 1 pound 10 7/8 ounces
   Taquito - 1 pound 10 3/8 ounces
   Tostada - 1 pound 7 5/8 ounces

Mom has been busy packing and shopping. She is heading out to Blog Paws on Tuesday afternoon. She is pretty excited to see all her blogger friends. Be sure to follow our facebook page or like us on twitter and instagram to keep up with all the happening. We will have a video posted for tomorrow and then mom may not be online here for a few days. She is getting back Sunday but not sure what time so we may not have anything up Monday either. But keep with us and we will have a big Blog Paws review next week.

Margarita has been out with the kittens this weekend too. She is still pretty hissy....some of it may be momma hormones and protectiveness. Some of it may just be her...we don't know her background so it is hard to say. Mom is hoping to get her spayed next week and talk to the rescue about maybe getting her into one of the stores where we have adoptable cats. She isn't very big and is sweet but certainly has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to express her opinion.

Memorial Day

THANK YOU to those that have served, are serving and intend to serve our country in the armed forces.

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random Fridays

Blanco getting a snack

Taquito deciding that the dry food is pretty good too

Salsa considering a jail break

snoozing sisters - Taquito above and Tostada below

Blanco knows how to use Queso for a pillow

Salsa is still contemplating a jail break

Mom is taking the weekend to get packed up and ready for Blog Paws in Nashville. She is pretty excited to see all our blogging friends. As you know, we don't travel, but mom plans to take fosters.....so, we have a question:

Who from the fiesta kittens would you like to see attend Blog Paws???

We make no guarantees that mom will take whomever you suggest, but we would love to hear who you think and why.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And we have a flashback for this Friday: a certain group of kittens turns 3 years old today. Happy Birthday to the original alcohol kittens: Whiskey, Gin, Moonshine and Bourbon

turkey turkey

We were sent come treats from Chewy.com, but as always, our opinions are our own. Or in this case, the opinions of shelter cats.  MOL

Mom asked for the Dr. Tim's Turkey Chips this time. These are just freezed dried turkey hearts sliced into pieces. The pieces were a little bit for the cats, so mom broke them into chunks, and that was pretty easy.

Puma is a 3 year old house panther who is very sweet. He took the treat right from mom's fingers.

Sammy isn't even a year old yet. And so super sweet - he loves to give head butts. Mom first gave him an entire treat which he couldn't quite eat. When mom went to take it back to break it up for him, he wasn't sure he wanted her to have it back.

This is Sardine. She is a 4 year old girl found covered in mud under a bush by a good samaritan. She is front declawed and was probably the only one in the room that didn't seem all that interested in the treats.

This is Whiskers. This handsome 2 year old boy was also found outside wandering around on his own. And he LOVED the treats. In fact, he got out of his cage and mom used them to lure him back.

Cougar is about 18 months old and has placed to go and things to do. But he stopped in his tracks for these treats and even followed mom around his room asking for more.

Bermuda is a 4 year old girl who has been at the shelter for a while. She is social though on her own terms. That being said, she was certainly open to a good turkey bribe.

The container was much bigger than mom expected and there were certainly treats left over. She said she is going to take them back with her tonight and give them out again (mom volunteers Tuesday and Thursday every other week). Heck, mom even used them to lure a girl cat out from behind the copier when she escaped from an office. MOL

Now all we have to do is convince her to share with US!!  haha