minnie the minx

This is Minnie, she is a new kid on the block. She is pretty cute, and has come to live with Asha and I.

NO KITTENS FOR THE MOMENT

Sorry to have to inform you that Asha is not having kitties. She displayed many signs, but the Vet has confirmed she is happy and healthy but not a mummy at the moment. I have missed her the last couple of weeks when she has been in the kittie nursery, and though I am sad that she has no little ones, I am glad to have her back with me so we can play together. I guess mum and dad will take her off to see Auntie Connie soon. When that happens, I will let you know

TO BE - OR NOT TO BE?????

I had hoped to have had some news by now about Asha and her possible kittens. Hence, why I have not written for the past month. However, as with everything, Asha is never that straight forward! If she is to produce, then she has only about a week and a half to go but she is certainly not looking very plump. Mum has everything ready for her, beds scattered all over the place and loads of towells etc., in fact you would think we were planning for a litter of about 100!!! Anyway, we are truly just going to have to wait and see. Her teats are pinky but mum would have expected them to be more prominent at this stage. She is being spoilt rotten, and thats great 'cos so am I. Only the best for us ha ha! Mum still seems confident that she will produce something and Auntie Connie and Uncle Stuart feel that if she is then it may be just one or possibly two, which would mean that possibly her hormone level is low and she is unaware that she is pregnant. This would explain why she seemed to call at her last season time. I will of course let you know the outcome, but thought this information may be helpful to anyone that may have had the same issue. Most importantly, she is in excellent health, and that is all that really matters. Mum has bought a crate and covered it all over and it is full of towells. It is just like a cave and lovely and warm for me to settle into (I think it was meant for Asha, but we shall see about that when the time comes). So, there is no cause for concern, and I shall let you know the outcome when I know myself.

POLL OVER

Poll over - and 100% of you stated that you enjoyed my blog. Thank you to those who took part.

Sadly there were only six of you ha ha. Nevermind, I guess the rest of you are on holiday at the moments. Well I hope so !!

Awaiting news on Asha and her possible kittens, will let you know as soon as we know anything.

PLEASE VOTE ON MY POLL

I thought it would be fun to have a poll and I would love it if any readers of my blog would kindly vote. Obviously I have no idea how many of you read my adventures, nor whether you actually find it entertaining, which is of course what I hope I am achieving.

If you look to the top left hand corner of this page, you will see where to vote, and I would like to thank you in advance for sparing a moment to do this.

Maybe if it is successfull, then I can run a different Poll every week.

ASHA HAS RETURNED !!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Asha has returned after her week of being wined and dined by Gogees Monet(Imp), a very handsome brown spotted Bengal (who as mentioned previously is my dad) - hence where I get my good looks from.

Obviously it is far too early to tell whether or not she has brought Bengal kittens back in her tummy, but if she has, they will all be brown spotted, and will carry the snow gene.

If she is expecting the patter of tiny paws, then I am hopeful that Asha’s kittens will live up to my expectations. For example, not that I am bragging or anything, I am just proud to say that my dad Monet has fathered some amazing kittens, and to mention but a couple, he is also the father of a recent GCCF Grand Champion and also another TICA Double Grand Champion. Asha, as you know is a Zawadi Bengal, and her dad is Glitterglam Purr Ardua. He is an AOC eyed snow spotted boy, he is very big and handsome, and Asha’s mum is Advish Mzuri - she is known as Trouble, and is ‘a bit of a looker’ (hmmm I can see where Asha gets her naughty ways and good looks from ha ha!!).

Anyway, when she returned I approached her slowly and licked her head, but then realised that she smelt differently so I bashed her on the head with my paw. She did the same and then she dashed back into her cat carrier. I sat waiting for her whilst hiding round the corner, and as soon as she crept out I leapt towards her. She hissed and so did I, but then I just kept my distance and followed her around for the rest of the evening.
We slept in separate beds that evening, but early the following morning, I watched cautiously as she came towards me. Was this going to end in fisty paws??? No, in fact she climbed into my bed and gave me a lovely long wash, then we settled down together for a nap, as it was too early to get up.

We spent the next day exploring the ‘cat nursery’. The carpet has been removed, and a washable flooring laid for easy cleaning. There is a cat tree in there and few other bits and pieces. I guess there will be more added when we know whether we are in for some little ones. I certainly wont be sleeping in there, all those screaming kittens, no, I will stay put on mum and dad’s bed to ensure a peaceful sleep. Asha is welcomed to all those disturbed nights, its certainly not for me.

THE LOVERS

You may recall on my blog of the 4th July, I shared with you the news that little Asha is growing fast and had come into her first season. Well, last weekend, she had her third season and ‘called’ like she has never called before!!! What a noise she made, so I left her to it, and played with my dogs instead.

However, after a short while, I noticed mum placing Asha into a cat carrier. At first I panicked, were they going to take her to the noisy cats home?? - is there such a place!? Surely not! As I watched with my human sister Amy through the window, mum and dad drove off with Asha in the back of the car. I was immediately very concerned, yet I could not somehow imagine that they would abandon her no matter what she had done. They are such forgiving softies, and I know that they love us both very much. I decided not to worry for the moment, and I was soon amused by a day of games, treats, and fun with Amy and my dogs.
Mum and Dad were gone all day, then in the evening I heard their car approaching the driveway. I sat on the stairs, waiting patiently to see if Asha had returned with them, but to my horror, she was not there!! Perhaps they really had taken her to the noisy cats home! Words cannot describe the way I was now feeling.

I started to blame myself, poor Asha, if only I had warned her to keep the noise down, I should have done more to save her, I guess I will never see her again - all these thoughts were going round in my head. I even thought back to the times I was mean to her, I just felt so guilty and at this time, I would have given anything, even my best and favourite toy, just to have her back home with me. Poor Asha!! What had become of her???
After making a cup of tea, mum sat with me, and re-assured me that Asha had most definitely not gone to the noisy cats home. She was in fact having a week away at the Zawadi household with my wonderful Stud dad Monet. I have to say I started to feel quite sorry for him, if he was going to have to contend with all that noise. Silly me, all that worrying, and all the time, she was fine and I can now look forward to her return at the weekend. Thank goodness for that.

Yesterday, we received a photo of the ‘happy couple’. As you can see they are having a great time together, Asha is obviously totally in love, and has thoroughly enjoyed being wined and dined by Monet. He is a truly caring partner, and is constantly washing her and looking after her, so I can relax knowing that she is in safe hands.

Gosh….. I have just thought …. Does this mean that she is not coming back alone? Will she be carrying some tiny sets of paws and tails? Hmmmm.. Well, we shall have to wait and see. I shall of course let you know the outcome.

Just to think, it has taken me all this time to train my dogs, then Asha, and now I may be having to continue with my work with Asha’s kittens. Mind you, I am sure it will be fun, and never a dull moment. I had better go and tell my dogs about the possible newcomers. After all, it is only fair that they lend a hand with the training.

POOR ASHA - IN A STRANGLE HOLD!!!

The other day, whilst shopping, mum acquired a carrier bag. This particular bag was not plastic, but paper. Knowing how much Asha and I love to jump into boxes and anything else available, mum thought that it would be safe for us to play with - WRONG!!!
Even though this bag was not able to suffocate us, it had two paper handles, and whilst mum and dad were downstairs, poor Asha had managed to put her head through the handle very easily. However, she did not find it so easy to remove it!!! Hence, she panicked, and basically dashed down the stairs attached to the bag, heading for mum and dad in order that she could be released from this extremely uncomfortable, scary situation.

Following the quick removal of this bag, she sat and required loads of fuss to calm her down. Poor Asha, have to say I found it pretty scarey too. Just goes to show yet another example of how something that appeared safe, was far from it. Never underestimate a Bengal.

COOL BED - PURRRRRRFECT SOLUTION

The weather at the moment is extremely hot, and Asha and I are feeling the heat. When mum puts us in our run, she has a fan running constantly, on the outside of the run, to keep us cool, and she has changed our fleece blankets to cotton. She also changes our water several times a day, in order that we don’t have to drink warm water. Thing is, that we feel the heat just the same as the humans and enjoy this consideration.

This photo was taken the other morning when mum woke up, only to find that little Asha had flipped the igloo bed over as she was clever enough to realise that the bottom part was a lot cooler than the top. Bless her heart, what a purrrfect solution.

EGG FRIED RICE? - NO THANKS!!

Always been a bit curious about this Chinese food that mum and dad rave about, so I decided to try it for myself. Egg fried rice - not for me thanks yuk!!!

YOUR CALL ASHA

It would appear that my little girl snow kitty is rapidly becoming a ‘grown up’. I find it hard to believe that she is nearly nine months old now, and has spent this past week ‘calling’.

For those of you that are not aware of this term, it is when the female comes into season and she calls for a mate. She has made noises this week that she has never made before, and she most certainly has not made them quietly. I ran off twice as I wondered what on earth was the matter!

This is only her first season, and who knows when the next will be?? It could be a couple of weeks time, or it could be a couple of months. Either way, she is certainly making the most of it, and is very attention seeking as she rolls around the furniture and struts about all over the place. She is obviously feeling very pleased and contented with herself.

Thankfully, she has been reasonably quiet at night, so has not disturbed my sleep, but that is probably because she is so worn out after all her flirty efforts in the day time.
I think that mum is hoping, in the not too distant future, to be lucky enough to mate her with a lovely brown spotted Zawadi Stud boy. I am hoping that if she does, that it will be my dad Monet. After all, if there are to be little ones, then they are going to need to be as handsome as me, and share my calm, intelligent ways. Surely there can be no better choice.

Mum and Dad wanted me to be an indoor pet, so consequently I was neutered in order to avoid me possibly spraying on their furniture. Have to say, the scent is far from house friendly!!

Anyway, I will keep you updated as I would want you to be the first to share any news. I suspect it will be a little while yet, but that will be for nature to decide.

THE GREEN EYED MONSTER!!!

I just wondered why when I went to bed I had two eyes the same, and yet the next day, I have become the green eyed monster. I am of course joking, and my eyes are still as gorgeous as ever, and have not changed at all. Nevertheless, I am not amused by this insult and have cautioned the photographer (mum) to get things right in future.

TOO BIG FOR THIS BED ???

As I laid here half in my bed and half out of it, looking so sorrowful, mum explained that now I was a year old, she was of the opinion that I had grown out of this bed and would need a larger one. “no way”, I thought, as I realised my plan had backfired.

All I was doing was a bit of attention seeking, and now it could cost me my favourite bed. I thought quickly as I needed to take immediate action.
Just playing mum - this bed is just purrrrrrrrrfect.

In fact, we can still both fit in here.

POP GOES THE BENGAL !!!!!

As mum was busy cleaning upstairs, Asha and I decided it was time to stretch our legs, and went to explore the kitchen. We were in luck as mum had accidentally left one of the kitchen cupboards open. So in we got - so much to play with and what was this open bag with little yellow pea size objects inside? Apparently, this is called popping corn and when mum cooks it, it grows into big puffy pieces.

Well we had a brilliant time, turning the bag out all over the floor and in the cupboard - such perfect play size pieces, which kept us amused until mum returned from upstairs and we both decided it was time to make a quick exit in the hope that she would think our dogs did it!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TO ME

Just look at my lovely creamy birthday cake. A whole year has passed since I was born and I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have learnt so many things and now feel very mature and grown up. Of course, I still have loads of growing to do, and loads of new things to learn, but I am looking forward to every single day as there is always something new. I am actually nearly a year and a month now, but mum has only just downloaded my Birthday pics.
Make a wish Tyson - but hurry up says mum as she is worried that my ear is just a little too close to the flame!
“Now its your turn Asha” - said I, as I am a generous, sharing, caring chap. The truth is, that I had had enough, but didn’t want to see it go to waste.

Last, but by no means least, my dogs are left to finish it - After all, they let me help with their birthday cakes. Just look at Gizzy with her tongue curled round her creamy face.

AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE

Whilst watching my efforts in the washing machine, Asha has come up with an alternative. As with most Bengals, we love to play with water, but Asha is not just playing with this water, she is actually using it to wash with.

Firstly she works out the flow of the water, and then she angles herself allowing the water to fall over her back, and turns round and does the other side. Afterwards, she sits there, wet, and places her front paws under the water and then washes them. This was, she can get her wash done a lot quicker, and with a lot less licking, thus giving her more time to play. Yet again, showing her high level of intelligence being put to good use.

DELICATE WASH ONLY PLEASE

I wonder how many times you Bengals have tried to get into the washing machine. All that water gushing around, what amazing fun it looks.
Well I have been trying for ages, but the door is always kept safely closed. However, upon my keen observations I have realised that there is a short time delay of approximately 8 seconds when mum takes the washing to the table, and the door is open.

An opportunity not to be missed, at last I have managed it within the time limit. However, I was somewhat disappointed to discover that it was dry, not a drip of water anywhere. I sat and I waited, but still no water and I was now bored with this machine and decided to join Asha and play in the bath instead.

SECONDS AWAY - ROUND ONE

Asha and I decided that it would be fun to have a play fight with Gizzy. As you can see I am doing admirably well.
That's right Asha, fought in true Bengal fashion my little Braveheart.
This was a great pastime, no winner and no loser, just a playfight. However, Braveheart became Nelson, with one eye shut as Gizzy decided to finish the game with a sloppy kiss and curled her huge tongue round Asha's head. As you can see she was not amused!

IT WASN'T ME!!!

If ever a face looked innocent, well…. don’t believe it. Mum had made a surprise three tier birthday cake for her mum and it was fully loaded with strawberries and a bucket load of double cream. She had even iced it with 21 today as that is the age her mum would love to be again.

Thankfully she had the good sense to put it away until the time of consumption, but afterwards, there was a good half of the cake left due to it being so huge, and it had been left out on the worktop temporarily whilst more space was made in the fridge.

Such a temptation for Asha was just too much to resist as she went to investigate. Was she the cat that got the cream? No, she just stole a strawberry, licked the cream surrounding it, and batted the strawberry onto the kitchen floor, presumably for our dogs, who were not impressed and just trod on it.

I was very relieved that she did not jump on the cake, in fact, she caused no damage at all. It was also very clever that she didn’t get strawberry stains on her paws and cute face.

PLAYING THE RUBBER BAND JO!!

Here she is, my little musician playing the banjo. Well not quite, but it is a box with a rubber band on and she is making music in her own way. Bless her. Don’t think it will quite make the charts though.

FEATHER FIGHTING!!!

Asha - I am very patient, however, I draw the line when we are both given the same toy and you want both of them. Just take a look at all the feathers that I have!!!Quack quack!!

BOX CLEVER!

Just thought you would like to see the photos taken when Asha and I found a wine carrier to play with. We are so easy to please and this is truly a perfect example that we do not require expensive toys as we are intelligent enough to make a brilliant game out of the cheapest items.

SHE IS ON THE ATTACK
IS THAT A SPIDER???
THINK I WILL JUST EAT THE BOX!!!
OR SHALL I CHASE THE SPIDER???
HOW AM I GOING TO GET OUT OF HERE!!??

ASHA THE ACROBAT!!!

Mum had laid the clean bedding over the banisters ready to make the bed, and guess who decided to take up residence on it? Little did Asha realise, that within the next two minutes she was going to over balance and land, complete with bedding (which of course gave a nice soft landing, almost like a huge parachute) as she nose-dived to the bottom of the staircase. Totally unbothered by the whole event, she curled up in the bedding, and went to sleep. Mum, being a softie, didn’t want to disturb her so the bed making was put on hold, until Asha decided it was time for a stretch. It is such a hard life being a Bengal!!!

MIRROR IMAGE

There I was, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I noticed this very handsome brown spotted Bengal in the mirror. I have noticed it a few times before. When I raise a paw, so does he, when I meow, he does the same, what a wonderful Bengal he is, and so like myself.

TOP HAT OR TOP CAT???

I found this photo quite amusing. I am watching the birds out of the window, and Asha is sitting on the bed, no doubt thinking about what trouble she can cause next. However, is she a giant or have I become the shrunken one??? I look as though I am sitting on her head.

UNDER THE BED TIME!!!

As you will recall, from my comments earlier in the blog, I am not impressed by this bed. It would not do for us all to like the same, but Asha likes it and sleeps on it now and again. I think that is because she is a girl, and they are more inclined to like all the fancy frilly things, just my opinion of course. However, I have finally found a use for it. My father is mad about pink, and will only be groomed by his pink brush. I am the same, it is my favourite colour and as much as I give into Asha with most of our toys, the pink cat nip bow is mine!!!

Hence, I have now realised that I can get under this bed, and hide my treasures and my pink cat nip bow will be safe forever.

PINK SCRUNCHIE BORROWER

Here she is again, in the bath, and this time she has stolen the pink scrunchie off the side, which belongs to Amy. Is it the pink that she loves? (my Bengal dad will only be brushed with a pink brush) - or just the fact that it is something else which she wishes to hide in our bed, that is light and easy to throw up into the air. My guess is that it is the colour, who knows? Either way, she was having a great time.

Fortunately mum caught her in the act again, and hopefully Amy will never know. Not until she reads it on my blog of course!!!

PLUG BORROWER

Now as you have learnt by now, Asha loves to steal and hide almost anything that she can get her paws on, in fact, the kitchen sink plug went missing so much that in the end, mum and dad hid it under the sink in the cupboard.

However, yesterday, mum decided that Asha had probably forgotten all about it, and decided to put it back in its proper place - in the sink. I laughed to myself, ‘cos I know what a little minx Asha is, and sure enough, in no more than half an hour, she had appeared and stolen the plug yet again.

Fortunately, mum had the camera to hand and you can see where Asha has thrown the plug, on the floor, then, pauses for a moment, before deciding her escape route, then, picking the plug up by the little piece in the middle, in her mouth, (she looked like a baby with a dummy!), you can see her dashing off. Well, I was not going to hang about and be involved in such behaviour, so before she had chance, I beat a hasty retreat, with Asha dashing to follow me, before she landed her ‘plug dummy’ in our bed with her usual ‘wasn’t me mum - it was Tyson expression.

THE POTATO BORROWER

When mum walked into the office a few days ago, she noticed a greyish looking object down by her chair. At first she was wary of getting too close - was it alive? and could it suddenly bite? She grabbed Asha and I and moved us to the bedroom for safety. Then, all alone, she very cautiously approached this unknown lump, only to discover upon further investigation, that it was a raw potato, which must have grown little legs, jumped out of the pan, from the day before, and run upstairs, then finally probably exhausted by it all, had fallen asleep on the carpet.

Of course, there could be another explanation, this clever potato may have had some help from a blue eyed Bengal. Mum whom for this adventure, shall be known as Mrs Marple decided to set a trap to see if she could catch Asha in action. Mum peeled the potatoes, and left them in the pan of cold water, ready for cooking later.

Hours went by, and nothing happened, I think Mrs Marple was beginning to believe that the mystery potato really did grow legs! Anyway, as time passed, mum forgot all about it. That is, until dad came home, and enquired why there was a potato in the middle of the bed. How sneaky was that???

But alas, this was still not proof that Asha was the culprit, it could still be that another potato had grown legs and was perhaps looking for his friend. I have to admit that the wet paw marks across the worktop were a bit of a clue, coupled with water splashed all over the place, but dear Mrs Marple wanted strong evidence. (not so she could tell her off, she simply wanted a cute picture of Asha in action for my blog).

Well her patience paid off, and here is Asha, caught in the act, with her new potato toy on the bedroom carpet. Bless her!!!