Pikku Punapippuri

Tubesday

2012-02-21T06:05:00.012+02:00

Loyal readers, we are recovering from the hilarity inflicted on us by Mom Trish at the Katnip Lounge in her comment yesterday. She made a very cheeky comment about Jura-ninja's absent jewels being the butternut squash. We were rolling on the floor with our sides splitting. This is a most excellent comment and even better that it has not been made at my expense!

And then, after all that excitement, of course we have had to have some treats. Here I am making sure there are none hiding away after we have emptied the tube.

I get my nose down as far as I can.

Ah - this is better. I can bite it and then throw it on the floor.

Of course it would be even easier if Äiti just went to the cupboard and got another tube......

Mancat Monday

2012-02-20T05:47:00.019+02:00

Jura-ninja came inside for some rest and to thaw out his toes. He hogged the hammick but no one minded as we know how chilly the snow is on our paws. Soon he began showing off his tummy (and the remains of his baby butterball balls)-

And of course, he had to continue with his rubbery exercises.

And Pekka-poika was sneaking up on him, ready to make him bounce. His plan was foiled by a photographer who tends to spoil our fun at times.

She said she wanted an artisitic shot of his lovely lilac furs and tender toe pads.

Not that he has much fur - that thin layer of velvety stuff hardly counts as fur.........

Sunday with a big S

2012-02-19T05:33:00.023+02:00

The weekend is of course recreation time for us. This usually means heaps of nip and valerian marinated socks, and a big cloud of 'do not disturb unless it's for food' above us.

The ess is an essential (hehehe) support in such times. As you can see, it shapes the spine exquisitely.

Stran-veli is king of the ess.

Actually, he looks pretty stuck there. It's going to take something mighty strong to shift him.

Tessie-kilpikonna does the trick!

Saturday Catioday

2012-02-18T13:38:00.000+02:00

In the last week we have had blizzards blowing across the catio. The snow is wild and wind blown. Äiti has been sent out to do snow work to make sure all is tidy for us.

The snow has been uneven, and it is very hard to know if we will sink down to our belly fur as we traverse the wilderness outside.

Stran-veli helps her dig the snow.

Peka-poika inspects the path she has dug to Poo Corner.

I keep look out, risking being blown away in the Arctic gusts.

And then Aila-sisko finally shows herself and judges it safe for a girlcat to stick her paws outside.

Just beyond the catio we are hoping that a new snack dispenser will prove fruitful this year. Loyal readers, this fills us with hope and makes Äiti very excited - there is a little camera inside and she hopes to watch any birdies that nest inside. We of course share her keen interest.....

And finally we all had a chuckle at this. Jura-ninja picks his way through the drifts.

Friday - ready and waiting

2012-02-17T05:49:00.010+02:00

It's nearly the weekend. I'm all alert and waiting for all the attention I can get. And I can't wait to get on the catio again to look for signs of life. Äiti says there's not much out there but I can smell those stinky birds beginning to return.........

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-16T05:26:00.000+02:00

Äiti is very grateful to all of us for helping fulfil her life. We are moderately content with her and the food and attention we get. We could have more of it, of course. One thing that we are all grateful for is Rilli-ukko.

Rilli is a big part of perheeni. We know he has poorly kidneys but he is still eating. He is getting cranky and only wanting food he really likes, and he's getting it! We are watching and learning. He also sits up by Äiti in bed and purrs loudly - she wakes up and reaches into a drawer, and he gets Dreamies!
But he is a true Finncat - it may be -15'C outside but he always wants to check the catio.

Words not needed Wednesday

2012-02-15T05:10:00.001+02:00

Valentine Toesday

2012-02-14T05:31:00.013+02:00

Sometimes a wash can be quite a task here in the Arctic conditions of my kingdom.

I have chilly snow in my toe furs.

But I must make sure I am clean and tidy as it is Valentine's Day and I want to look my best for my beloved......
Here in Finland we celebrate 'ystävänpäivä', friendship day so I extend the paw of friendship to you my loyal readers and hope you all have a very friendly, harmonious day.

Pekka on the catio

2012-02-13T05:16:00.013+02:00

A year ago, Pekka-poika was taken to eläinkoti, the animal home. He had been living rough for the winter, which must have been very hard as last winter was much colder than this one. He was hiding out in the empty cottages in an area called Vihanti here in Finland north. We think he must have had a family at sometime as he is very friendly and playful, and he fits so well in perheeni. Äiti brought him home last February when he charmed her on her last visit to eläinkoti. She doesn't dare go back!

Now he still enjoys the snow, and he stays outside longer than most of us. Yesterday he supervised the snow work Äiti was doing clearing the catio. And he paused to send a message to the Katnip Loungers.

We wish to reassure our loyal readers, especially those cheeky desert cats, that we are meticulous in our outdoor activities. When we squat and evacuate, nothing freezes up here, I can tell you! Our golden glacier is growing quite nicely. And all orifices function without frostbite.
Getting back to the subject in paw: Pekka was also looking for mousies.

But he realised that Äiti was so noisy, they would all run away so he just played anyway.

He caught a little twig.

And then ran a circle around it.

Before galloping inside.

He's very sensible - why stay outside when there's the sound of a food bowl being filled ?

Snow Relief Sunday

2012-02-12T05:24:00.012+02:00

Loyal readers, we are all in a spin with the weather. Yesterday it was -1'C; two days ago it was -25'C. It's cold then very cold, then cold again. We cannot keep up. We cope by making sure we stay inside in cosy sauna conditions. But yesterday it was fine, so we shot out to inspect the catio. There was much more snow.

Stran-veli of course strode over to Poo Corner. He needed to check it out.

You can see how seriously he takes this checking. And he's not best pleased to be caught on camera.

But, he comes back in safely for a tickle and a few treats to make up for his chilly paws.

Then we left Äiti outside to get on with tidying up the kingdom and doing the snow work.

Super Saturday

2012-02-11T12:41:00.001+02:00

Äiti has promised us she is spending most of the weekend at home, and will take lots of photos. We are very happy and sleeping away the afternoon to celebrate. But Rilli-ukko is especially pleased, as he had a yummy breakfast. He is becoming more fussy about food, and has lost weight but we are really encouraging him to have lovely stuff to help him keep his energy up and keep his poorly kidneys going. He just LOVES muikku!

I apologise to you, loyal readers, for the sound quality but Äiti decided to keep the noise in because you can hopefully hear Rilli's satisfied chomping when he gets going on the fishies.

Friday!

2012-02-10T05:52:00.003+02:00

It's Friday. Will you spend more time with us this weekend Äiti, please?!

Thursday thwack attack

2012-02-09T05:15:00.020+02:00

The stairway shelves are normally occupied by Roosa and RIsto but of course the burmese butterballs get all over them too. There are a couple of access holes cut in, ideal for a game of thwacky paw.

Jaava-ninja has the upper paw, being on the top shelf. She is a sneaky girlcat and has learnt her tactics well.

But Jura-ninja can fling his paws with stealth and skill.

But of course Jaava-ninja just carries on.

These tussles are usually followed by a great race up and down the stairs, until one of us mature mancats comes along to calm them down and sit on a butterball or two.

We remember warm sunshine......

2012-02-08T05:01:00.000+02:00

It was -30'C outside. We were very safely inside. Even though it is sunny and beautiful, it sure is chilly on the pawpads. We decided to reminisce and look at photos from warmer summer days. We're waiting for them, believe me!

Tuomo Tangle Tuesday

2012-02-07T05:53:00.015+02:00

Tuomo-veli is dealing well with his thyroid problems, we think. He is certainly better tempered now he takes his medicine. However he will not take it if any other kitties are around so he has trained Äiti to give it to him with a huge spoon of creme fraiche last thing at night before his bedtime cuddle by Äiti's pillow. She is truly Under The Paw.

He has plenty of energy to tussle now, and any ninja who passes by is usually trapped. Here Jaava is the latest victim.

She of course can put Tuomo in his place too.

And there is a good exchange of paw pokes and grabs.

And she can always resort to sitting on his face!

And Tuomo does not respond very politely either.

Weekend suprise

2012-02-06T05:41:00.010+02:00

When Äiti finally stumbled out of her pit yesterday morning,she was very surprised to find Tessie-kilpikonna. She has been sleeping for about three months, and decided to wake and go for a little walk.

Harris-veli was very pleased to see his shellyback buddy. We were very surprised as the temperature dropped to -31'C overnight, so she chose the coldest night so far to wake up!
Äiti then had to go hunting for lettuce. This was not easy as her car battery went flat, which was totally unfunny in such nasty temperatures. We are hoping that this will not happen again - anything that would prevent her getting to the shops for us must not be allowed.

Britcat Sunday

2012-02-05T05:39:00.001+02:00

Contrary to what you may think, loyal readers, we do not indulge in mood altering substances all the time, here. In fact, we had such a valerian session last weekend that Äiti has been posting photos of it all week - and she has been to lazy to find new pictures. SO, it may seem that we are drug crazed and chasing pink mousies all the time, but actually this is not the case. However we are still demanding extra munchies.

Aila-sisko can try to share the smelly sock with Stran-veli, and then Harris came along.

Harris is too polite- he needs to steal it. Äiti really wished Lewis-veli would join in but he was shyly hiding behind the chair. He had his turn when the camera was safely put away.

Stran-veli, being top cat, has to have his fill before he will share anyway,

It might take a while for this to happen.

Saturday Smack Down Sequence

2012-02-04T06:04:00.017+02:00

Loyal readers, blogger has nearly exploded on us with this sequence but may I present to you last Saturday night's valerian induced smack down between Pekka-poika and Jura-ninja. I cannot possibly commentate as it is just too fast and furious, so I just leave you to exhaust yourself with this sequence of twentysquillion photos which start with a cheeky tummy snorgle from Pekka-poika.

What on earth has happened to your tail, Pekka ?! Did someone plug you in ?

And so it continued........

Scissorpaw Friday

2012-02-03T05:31:00.001+02:00

We have had a week of fluffy valerian-induced pink mousie chasing. But we have not lost our lean, mean killing machine side.

Jura-ninja is getting ready to dice and slice whatever comes near. Luckily it's just the wandy sticky toy. And he's getting his fangs ready too.....

Thursday Sockfest

2012-02-02T06:18:00.013+02:00

Socks come in pairs, so Äiti stuffed two with valerian. While one was being slobbered downstairs, I found the other.

I carefully defended it from ninja attack.

And kept a watchful eye on everything around me.

And then the slurpfest began.

Worth waiting for.....

2012-02-01T05:33:00.000+02:00

We watch, and we wait patiently.....

Be patient, dear Harris.

All good things will come to those who wait.

But it's my turn first.........

Valerian in a smelly sock - what can be better ?

Toesday

2012-01-31T06:22:00.017+02:00

Who is hiding behind these tender pink paw pads?

Yes, it's Roosa - under the influence of some valerian root which Äiti stuffed into a sock.

She and her brother were having a great time on the latest addition to the skyway - a ladder o
across the shelves covered with the most atrocious floral design that doesn't not match any of our furs!

But the Muhos gang do not mind and were busy inhaling the blissful fumes. Luckily they did not fall off the ladder!

Mighty Monday

2012-01-30T06:14:00.039+02:00

We have had the most stupendous weekend. It's been really cold (-20'C) so we didn't go outside - frozen peemails attached to the 'tocks are not nice. Äiti recognised our need for entertainment so she provided playtime and valerian root. We were rioting! There will be more photos in the week but I have been insisting that the first post has to show my mighty prowess.

When Äiti gets up out of her pit (it's filthy and Tuomo-veli is still snoring on the bed), she moves the yellow blanky. This is my clue to leap on the bed and help her. I usually end up under the blanky.

This morning Stran-veli jumped on the bed too.

He began bashing the wonderful yellow lump that was my most royal self.

I tussled under the blanky.

He made ready to leave, but I had other plans.

Disappointingly Äiti's camera was not fast enough to catch the amazingly nifty and skilful move I made next. I leapt up and rolled, and covered Stran-veli with the blanky, freeing myself. Äiti stood astounded- Even Tuomo-veli was impressed (he had moved to the safety of the hammick).

And now I get to pounce on the blanky lump.

Stran-veli was a bit spooked by this. He's not used to my status as top cat!

He stayed quite still and was a little nervous. Äiti thinks this is because at some point he might have been blind because of his eyes being injured, and he was on the streets then, which would have been scary. So I was most gentle with him.

And Äiti made sure he was okay.

He calmly emerged, ready to chase us all round the house!

Playful is an understatement. No one is safe when he gets all leapy and cuddly.

And more tussling....

2012-01-29T06:03:00.030+02:00

Within seconds of Jaava's pushing Tuomo-veli off the hammick, she was challenged by Stran-veli who wanted to play too.

His kindly paw on a shoulder is something we all love.

But he knows how to push with that paw and render us onto our backs!

And then he goes for the chewy attack.

We like this picture: Jaava-ninja is a little lilac tortie but she does blend well with handsome ginger furs.

The contrast in fluff levels of their tails is most amusing.

And Stran-veli is somewhat larger too. It's all fluff and muscle of course.

Saturday snorgle

2012-01-28T05:59:00.020+02:00

Tuomo-veli is still affectionately mugging the ninjas. He loves a good chew on a tasty Burmese ear.

They are remarkably patient and do not hiss or squeal.

Jaava-ninja is getting quite good at keeping him at paw's length.

But Tuomo-veli is strong and can just push her to the ground.

This may look sweet but it is actually a tactical battle for the hammick.

Which Tuomo-veli has lost. He calmly gives a ninja high five smacky paw in recognition that he has lost to a less than year old girlcat.

And Jaava-ninja turns around looking for her next playmate-victim.

Full Frontal Friday

2012-01-27T05:50:00.005+02:00

And I must admit that I am quite often allowing Äiti to comb my fantastic furs: the Tolerable Comb is usually acceptable and I really like wrapping myself round Äiti's hand as a kitten mitten and she then teases out a few tangles. Gently, of course.

Pin up Thursday

2012-01-26T06:02:00.032+02:00

Loyal readers, I am so very proud to announce that our Marley Fund calendars arrived yesterday. We know these are late - and we are very unimpressed with the printing company that they used for the delay - pah! But the Marley Fund does loads of most excellent work for kitties with FeLV and FIV, and the more people that buy these calendars, the more money these kitties and their helpers can get. And Äiti of course bought some calendars because our very own Stran is Mr January! It's this picture that is hopefully being displayed on many walls right now.

And this next picture too. I must admit this is one of my favourites. Äiti has it on the cover of her work diary and is often asked about it.

I am brimming with patriotic pride as Stran is the only non-US cat and is flying the Finnish flag for us. Even though he's Britcat!

Äiti usually makes her own calendars each year, but they have photos of beautiful Finnish nature (and perhaps some stinky birds), but she is wondering about making a calendar of us. I, of course, think this is a magnificent idea and cannot imagine anything better than being the pin up boy for very many girlcats to look at (although of course I only have eyes myself for my gorgeous beloved Maggie May, who was herself a Marley calendar girl last year).

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T05:26:00.009+02:00

Tussles for Tuesday

2012-01-24T06:37:00.020+02:00

This is not too much of a tussle - it is more me being caught by surprise when Stran-veli was in pikku pentu mood leaping around the catio.

But we think this is glorious sequence of our generous ginger fluffiness.

Stran-veli literally skidded into me. He loves skidding through soft snow.

What a fine pair of 'tocks and pantaloons.

He looks a bit disappointed when I leap away.

But I must confess, in a tussle with Stran-veli when I might get pushed all over a freezing catio, I think it was a wise move to go inside!

Stran-veli stayed outside for a while. He has a little 'mohican' ridge of fur down his back which looks very funny. However we love him loads so we don't laugh at it of course.

Mirsku Monday returns

2012-01-23T06:18:00.027+02:00

Mirsku-veli is a very laid back mancat. Äiti is always encouraging him to play, especially as his muscular stature seems to be expanding.

He is still wishing to destroy the sticky wandy toy. Each week more of it's long feathers get pulled out.

This is Mirsku's upper body routine.

And now he proves he can stand on two feet. At this point the rest of us dashed to safety: one belly flop from Mirsku and there'd be a tsunami on the local lake. Even if it is frozen.

And now he does his break dance routine to maintain his lower body. His rabbit punches are not to be experienced without safety equipment.

We told Äiti to take photos no one would complain about: we Finns do not mind nakedness and letting it all hang out but we do try to respect other kitties delicate eyes. Sometimes.

Put it away Mirsku! You do not have to prove just how long your tongue is.

Those are mighty claws and paws.

Ah - it looks like Mirsku's work out today didn't really work. You look fatter than ever, Paksu-poika.

Snow work Sunday

2012-01-22T06:30:00.044+02:00

Whenever there is snow, Äiti goes outside to move it from the drive. Otherwise she would not get the car out so could not go hunting for food for us. We usually make sure she does this properly and supervise - from a distance.

On the catio, we are often busy doing our own snow work.

Rilli-ukko here is covering some yellow snow. He may be 18 years old but he still knows that al fresco relief is most pleasurable.

But as winter progresses, we find we have to make huge leaps over the snow, or our belly fur gets chilly.

Of course I have no problem with brave leaping, but for the others it is important that Äiti does snow work on the catio too. Now we can supervise this closely. It is important to chose a comfortable clear patch to watch from.

And then get an all round view.

She looks like she is slacking off - keep going Äiti; I will not have laziness!

Or is she going inside to get the treats ? That might be allowed.

She's left it quite deep here - that is good as it gives mousies an opportunity to hide.

Here is a very good mousie hole, but it's empty right now as noisy snow work has frightened them away.

But we hope they will be back. In the meantime, all is well in my kingdom.

And Äiti has insisted I put in a Jura-update. He is nearly back to his former energy levels and has been chasing Jaava-ninja around the house. They are very pleased to be reunited - she is definitely a happier little girlcat today.

Post-surgery Saturday

2012-01-21T06:02:00.028+02:00

Äiti came home from work yesterday to find a lonely little Burmese butterball who was missing her brother. She wasn't sat out in the snow, but Äiti thought this picture summed up how Jaava was looking. She certainly was not her usual energetic self and was missing her litter buddy.

She was very happy when the Box of Doom reappeared and Jura hopped out (quite energetically, considering). She gave him a lot of sniffs and then a wash later. Pekka-poika was on hand too: he was in charge of washing the more delicate parts. I had a sniff but left him to it. I did celebrate his return with a bit of peemailing - it was only a little one though so I hope I will be forgiven.

Jura spent the evening asleep on Äiti. He was following her around a lot and even managed a quick sauna. In answer to the Katnip Loungers, we don't know how many kilos he lost, but he is now 4,5kg which is not bad for his age and breed (and is considerably more than me - pah!). We think he will not miss his ninja nuts, especially as he still has furry bits there. This is the Finnish fashion, as you will perhaps have noticed from Mirsku-veli.

Today we shall be resting up and making sure our little mancat is recovering properly. And I need to get some laptime from Äiti to make up for the fact he was in my place last night.

Now you see them, later you won't......

2012-01-20T06:35:00.030+02:00

Jura-ninja is playing innocently like pikku pentu. He is being discrete with the offending items, which make me go yellow with rage!

He doesn't know what is going to happen. Chomp!

Mirsku-veli does a quick check as we say 'bye bye balls!'

Pekka-poika gives him a reassuring cuddle.

And then proceeds to operate........

Don't worry loyal readers, we are only joking. Poor Jura will be off in the Box of Doom to ystävämme eläinlääkäri and will be fully asleep when he is detached from the huge rocks which have been weighing so heavily on my mind. We have our paws crossed and hope he returns back with his legs not too painfully crossed. Äiti is trying to remind me of how I felt when I lost my pikku palloja, and says perhaps I should be a little kinder and stop making jokes about nutless ninja buttercats - but this is just so much fun. Good luck Jura!

Update: Jura is back and doing fine. He is currently lying on Äiti's lap and recovering. We are very grateful, especially Jaava-ninja who really missed him.

Not Impressed Thursday

2012-01-19T05:57:00.050+02:00

Loyal readers, I am deeply unimpressed. I am in a right royal strop, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I am throwing my mousies all over the place, and if any girlcat passes me by then they better get out of my way. Except Roosa - she's too scary. And Aila-sisko is quite good at fighting back. And Jaava also has a bit of a swipe.

Over the last few days Äiti has been watching me. On several occasions I have turned my 'tocks and peemailed. This morning before breakfast I left three messages - it was most satisfying and they were distributed far and wide. And I had chased Aila-sisko - it was bliss.

However Äiti does not feel the same way about this, so she got on the phone to ystävämme eläinlääkäri to 'talk'. Now I usually have great respect and tolerance for ystävämme eläinlääkäri but she said I was doing this because I was threatened. Loyal reader, this is sacrilege. An outrage. ME ? King Kitty Cat of Finland (North) threatened. Pah!

I have been sulking in my box, and cuddling Äiti and demanding extra treats and attention in response, just to prove I am not threatened. I also took a swipe at a couple of the lower echelon members of perheeni too, just to feel better. And I made sure that I was the only one who got a tummy tickle from Äiti and a snuggle on her lap. Just to prove I am a truly self-confident top cat.

Apparently, due to the presence of two rather large growths on the back end of Juura-ninja, I have gone into over compensation mode and if this is not dealt with soon, I shall become a sprinkler hose, peemailing in all directions. Apparently I am not responding well to the testosterone levels in the house, which Jura himself is completely ignoring. Well I am going to ignore everyone instead!

But, these misguided humans are going to try to set this right. And the funny thing is, it doesn't involve me at all! Loyal readers, tomorrow Jura-ninja is to be snipped. The Burmese butterball will be de-balled (will this just leave butter ? voi voi). The ninja will be nutless and his jewels removed. Äiti says they'll look very good stuffed and mounted on the wall, or make a nice pair of earrings but I think no such souvenir would be welcome in here, in case it leaked nasty pheromones. But I do not like that I get the blame for this: what if Jura realises that his empty swagger is all my fault ?

Weesday

2012-01-18T05:56:00.021+02:00

As the daylight hours grow longer, we find Äiti is sometimes coming home from work while it is still light. We then clamour around the back door, wanting to go out. The snow is quite deep but we do manage to dash out. And the first place we stroll to is our very own Poo Corner.

And yes, this is where the snow is getting more yellow, and lumpy brown. Stran-veli has been meticulous in scraping it.

And he is of course equally carefully in cleaning himself.

Now Poo Corner is frozen solid and it is hard to scrape, but the powdery snow is soft on the 'tocks. Amazingly Jaava-ninja usually stays out the longest - she managed 5 whole minutes yesterday when it was -10'C. The rest of us were inside, nice and toasty but Äiti was monitoring her very closely to check she had not frozen absolutely solid.

In Finland it can be very dangerous to stick your tongue out in winter. If you lick something metal, you get stuck to it! This apparently is something human children do, but they only do it once! We, of course, never do it at all.........

Thunderous Tuesday

2012-01-17T06:07:00.028+02:00

The new wandy sticky toy is really popular. Trouble is, there is the risk of high flying ninjas if you want to join in playing with it.

Or overstretched elastic ones.

And this is just terrifying to us non-ninjas. (And the bad photoshopping is equally terrifying to us - Äiti will correct it!)

Imagine if we could do this. What damage could a flopping Mirsku Paksu-poika do ? We shudder to think. In fact, we just shudder.

Mousesearch Monday

2012-01-16T05:30:00.024+02:00

We brave Finncats have been out on the catio. The snow is powdery and soft, but a little chilly on the paw pads.

Pekka-poika is reminded of last winter when he was living wild in the fields (he must have had some shelter somewhere so he did not freeze to death - thank goodness). But he loves being outside and strides purposefully through the snow.

And he begins to dig down.

Deeper and deeper - we were really hoping he had found a mousie trail.

No luck - he digs in a new place.

And in another.

But unfortunately there were no tasty mousies and he just got a bit flaky!

And I had no luck either.

But our search will continue!

We Love the Weekend

2012-01-15T06:43:00.040+02:00

Enough sulking! It's time to get enjoying the weekend and loving life and perheeni (including Aila-sisko, of course). Yesterday, after a respectful lie in, we woke to find clear skies and cold snow. Äiti took this photo from the back of the house area. My kingdom is highlighted in the yellow box. But the important thing is that there is a bright yellow blob in the sky: this was our midday sun! It is back. Soon it will be spring and life will return to the wilderness of snowy Finland (north).

And with this light and clear air, we braved the cold (-10'C) and went playing in the snow.

Tuomo-veli sank deep.

And we were quite worried about brave Jaava-ninja because her belly sank deep into the drifts as she made her way back to base camp. We do wish she would realise that she has not much fur and could easily become a frozen butterball.

And I, of course, was very bravely charging around, checking all was well.

Äiti says I must tell you about some heroics I was involved with. Personally I am too modest to mention it but she insists. The other evening Mirsku-veli began bashing Jaava quite severely: she was chewing something from the floor. I was next closest and joined in - I did not want her eating what was on the floor. Äiti was most unhappy with us big mancats - until she realised that Jaava was trying to eat a pin! Mirsku-veli and I were protecting the little ninja. Äiti safely removed the pin and instead of frowns and wagging fingers, we got scritches and treats. She says we are hero cats - we were quite proud of that and had a lovely wash to celebrate.

Sulky Saturday

2012-01-14T06:25:00.042+02:00

I am having a quiet time in my box. No girlcats allowed. Aila-sisko and her ever so lovely nose patches are nowhere to be seen.

I am a very handsome mancat and Äiti says and I must not be jealous of what others say about Aila-sisko and her beauty. She says perhaps in time I will appreciate her more. Pah! Actually, Aila-sisko was kind to Stran-veli after his recent operation, and she showed a very friendly side. So maybe she is not so bad.

One thing I am not sulking about is being awarded this lovely accolade by Simba and Audrey - the Liebster Award. Liebster means 'favourite' or 'beloved' in German and its for blogs that don't have so many followers or people commenting. And I should be passing it on and re-awarding it to some blogs but to be honest, we have very many places we visit that we consider our favourite which fit this category. Too many to list, and in fact several of them have already received it so we will just leave it be. Äiti says I need practice at just 'leaving things be' as I can apparently be a 'little monster'. Me ? Just look at this handsome face - I am a picture of innocence. That is definitely not a snow ball at my paws which I will throw at anyone. Definitely not.

Generous Friday

2012-01-13T06:17:00.021+02:00

Loyal readers, I have read your comments and maybe I should sometimes give more blogspace to the rest of perheeni. So I asked Aila-sisko to pose with the wonderful New Year card we got from the Whiskers and Purrs gang. It's a beautiful card, and I think perhaps it should have a handsome mancat modelling it. Instead, may I present, Aila-sisko.

I am speechless, loyal readers. She cannot even smile! Monster ingratitude. Äiti says I am being harsh and Aila is beautiful, and I am a right meanie to girlcats. Time to be mean to Äiti methinks - it's Saturday tomorrow and she will no doubt want to stay in bed late................

Thwacking Thursday

2012-01-12T06:30:00.010+02:00

I am a kind and generous King, so let shy Britcat Harris-veli take centre stage today.

He is thwacking our favourite sticky wandy toy. We all like trying to destroy this but it is remarkably strong and so far only a few bits have ended up detached.

Whizz around Wednesday

2012-01-11T05:26:00.036+02:00

When we get too much snow. Äiti has to do 'snow work'. So she cleared the deck of the catio and now we have snow piles. Of course we have had a sniff around, as these provide a good place for mousies to hide. We haven't caught any yet - but we hope it won't be long. Pekka-poika is certainly trying to find them - he digs in deep.

And then runs around like a mad thing.

Watch out - I don't want your back legs in my head!

And I'm not impressed by your bottom.

And the front end is not much better, hehehehe.

Okay- I take that back. You are a handsome ginger mancat - not too bad for a short-furred fluff!

Oh no, don't do the crouching thing.

Because that means you are going to do the pouncing next.

You are such a show-off Pekka-poika!

Tingly Toesday

2012-01-10T05:12:00.035+02:00

Loyal readers, we have had a great giggle over your comments to yesterday's pictures. Mirsku looking like a frightened rabbit - hehehehe. I was rolling around laughing over that. And the Nuts of Disrespect - hehehehe. Today Mirsku-veli is a little more balanced, and focused. here he is cleaning the snow flakes from his claws.

And I have been paddling through the drifts.

It's been nice to jump into soft snow.

Maybe a bit cold on the luxurious tummy fur.

But I have sisu; I can withstand these hardships.

You cannot stay too long in it, or the tufts of fur between the paw pads get wet - that's not so nice.

And look at these beautiful paw prints. Actually, they are not mine: I am too light to leave such deep Fatboy holes in the ground!

Mancat Monday - not for the faint hearted.

2012-01-09T05:27:00.002+02:00

You can just see that something is going on in the little ninja brains. They are planning stuff. They certainly don't seem to realise it is cold outside.

Jaava-ninja lets Pekka-poika get a little but close.

Mirsku-veli points out that this could be a little bit too friendly so gives Pekka a thwack.

And Pekka-poika escapes to the very manly reindeer-fur lined hut with the girlie little heart on it.

And this leaves Mirsku-veli to get up close to Jura's bottom.

And he gets more than he bargained for. That is some bottom of disrespect!

And he is so shocked, he headbutts the snow!

That has certainly given him something (or things) to ponder!

We have just read this morning, with huge sadness, of the passing of our friend Lolo from WeezDaBadCats to the Bridge.

We tip our tails and bow our heads, buddy. And many purrs to your family.

Snuggly Sunday

2012-01-08T05:46:00.066+02:00

Yesterday joulukuusi was taken outside and Äiti collected a huge tub of pine needles to put in the sauna. We joined in with the cleaning, and also of course played outside. We are quite happy it is not so cold as it means we go out more. And of course we come inside to snuggles and cuddles, so I thought I would show you the softer side of perheeni.

When Stran-veli came back from his operation a couple of weeks ago, I stood with him and made sure he ate some food. He did this within 2 minutes of coming home!

Aila-sisko washed his wound from his little lump removal. This was a fibroma and not anything to worry about. And we are delighted to report ystävämme eläinlääkäri said Stran's blood test results were 'magnificent'.

The ninja's are quite enthusiastic in their snuggling. In particular Jura is a battering ram when he wants a snuggle, and Jaava just yells at us.

But they do slow down a bit. And then they find a place to snuggle. Mirsku-veli has a large capacity for this!

And they are often found together.

And then they sleep in ridiculous positions!

And sometimes they don't get much peace from us - particularly from Pekka-poika.

We Finnish mancats show our affection in different ways. Tuomo-veli loves us all really, he's just a bit aggressive in how he shows it. Pekka-poika can cope though.

Okay, it's not much of a snuggle, but only friends can do this to each other.

But at the end of all the running and chasing, and the yelling and the pointing of paws in denial of who made the mess or stole the best bed, there's one thing that matters most........

Another Snowy Saturday

2012-01-07T05:54:00.022+02:00

We have had more snow but the weather is still relatively warm, only about -2'C. And because of this Äiti has kept tuulikaappi open so we have been running in and out of the snow whenever we like. This is good because it means we can warm up in between mousewatches. Äiti is also happy as there is a bit more light now, and that means that spring will come in a couple of months!

Ruska is hard to photograph in the snow, Äiti says. And yesterday he was out as the flakes were whirling around.

He can keep very warm underneath all that fluff.

And he was doing his best to look very sweet and noble.

But I do not think he is much competition for me! I have snow on my wise whiskers - you cannot get cuter than that!

I just want a little nap!

2012-01-06T06:58:00.002+02:00

Sometimes a mancat just needs his sleep. But no, I am in demand and photos must be taken. Even in Turtle Bed I am not left in peace.

And I sit on Äiti's lap and Fatboy Mirsku has to take up more than his fair share!

Surely I cannot be seen here.

If I pull the cover down, maybe she'll go away.

I give up. Ear wash time.

Now the other ear.

And a wash. Now I am nearly awake.

Well, awake enough to go upstairs and find a space on the bed. Move over Pekka-poika.....

Thursday Tarting

2012-01-05T06:16:00.002+02:00

Mirsku-veli loves exposing his belly and getting loads of attention. He is a real mancat tart. The only problem is that he clamps his jaw around the hand that tickles him, and he doesn't realise quite how hard his jaws push together.

And his paws can exert quite a pressure too.

And here we have a double attack of paws and jaws. He better be careful - Äiti needs her thumbs intact to open our food cans.

He calms for a while to enjoy a bottom scratch. He is very enthusiastic about this, and this can go on for quite a while!

And then he wants his tummy tickled again!

Wednesday Wrassling

2012-01-04T06:35:00.023+02:00

Loyal readers, yesterday's quiz was clearly a challenge! Carolyn-täti from England was totally correct: the mighty Mirsku's claws were first, then Stran-veli's dirty pawpads and sneaky Aila-sisko was in Turtle Bed. I realise it was a very tricky thing to work out, so today just relax your eyes on these photos showing my mighty mancat tactics when challenged by Pekka-poika.

I am not afraid of a ginger paw on the shoulder.

Or a chew on the ear.

Or a poke in the upper abdomen.

I can make the cheeky upstart fall back in surprise: my flattened ears tell him I mean business.

Move away. Step away now.

Yes, back you go. My ears are still horizontal.

Paws down, there's a good boy.

I will not be phased by you, farmboy!

Pah! If all you can do is show me the Bottom of Disrespect I am not very impressed.

He really is full of himself! Luckily I am a patient King, and can tolerate these rude sorts in my kingdom.

Toesday Quiz

2012-01-03T06:48:00.005+02:00

Loyal readers, this is just for fun as Äiti is skint after Christmas (that is English slang for having no money, except that which is necessary to feed us of course!), so the only prize is glory and our admiration. Who owns these toes (and claws!)? The finger belongs to Äiti, in case you are wondering.

And who has filthy paw pads? We know they were cleaned up very soon.

And who is sitting in Turtle Bed?

Good luck!

Mauling on Monday

2012-01-02T06:08:00.008+02:00

It can be really tough here in Finland (north), especially in winter. Our brave little ninjas are out patrolling in the frozen snows. There is little food to be found, and they have to wander for ages before they find a hint of a morsel in the deep drifts. And all the time they must be wary of predators.

Especially Tuomo, the tiger of the sub-Arctic. He gives them no peace and as soon as he spots a Burmese butterball, he attacks!

The snow flies and the fur freezes.

Tuomo especially likes putting the bitey on a Burmese bottom. Jaava looks on very patiently.

But a foot in the face is really not liked.

She's planning her escape, fast!

She leaps away.

But her place is swiftly taken by her brother. Tuomo's joy is clear.

He turns to go for the bum-bite.

But Jura is far too buttery and quick. He will not be bitten!

And he dashes inside to warm up. Unfortunately Toumo follows and the playfights continue for some time. We have to admire the rubbery ninjas, they have patience and stamina - which is just as well!

Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-01T05:58:00.021+02:00

We are all welcoming the New Year enthusiastically, but of course the most enthusiastic of us is Stran-veli. Yesterday, less than 24 hours after his op, he was dashing through the snow.

He just loves life!

And he always knows where to place his paws perfectly.

And we all appreciate his guidance and wisdom.

And his sense of fun!

Snowy Saturday

2011-12-31T08:13:00.032+02:00

What's Pekka-poika doing, all wide-eyed on the catio ?

Aha - a friendly blink ......

And then a respectful look downwards.

Now we know why....

But Mirsku-veli will not be blinked at. He charges and Pekka-poika throws his paws up like a girlcat.

So Mirsku-veli swings a paw.

And gets a thwack on the head.

Pekka-poika vaults over Fatboy.

Now he knows he has to run away fast.

Run as fast as you can!

But he's not fast enough to avoid the side swipe. Mirsku-veli is not easily beaten.

Loyal readers, it is New Year's Eve and we will spend some moments reflecting on the year, and those we have lost. A candle will be burning on our catio, and we will be hoping for a healthy and wealthy 2012 for perheeni, and for all our friends far and wide. To all of you, onnellista uutta vuotta!

Fangful Friday

2011-12-30T07:17:00.004+02:00

Actually, Stran-veli only has one 'fang' and he'll only have a few teeth left at the end of today. So while we all sit with paws crossed that all goes well, here's a picture of him playing like pikku pentu yesterday.

Update: Stran-veli is back and sleeping. He actually only needed his teeth cleaning up and ystävämme eläinlääkäri was very pleased with him. He also had a little lump removed from his back - nothing serious - and a full set of blood tests so that we can just keep an eye on him as he is a senior kitty.

When he came home Aila-sisko was the first to sniff him and she gave him a little wash: they have a very strong Britcat bond. But I was next and we shared a plate of food - I made sure no one else stole it. And Äiti said it really didn't matter that Stran was a little sick later as he will need time to recover and sleep. But we are very happy to have him back with us.

Thursday Tar

2011-12-29T06:08:00.019+02:00

We like it when Äiti has visitors. She gets so nervous whenever I walk in the kitchen and strut across the table, pointing my bottom to towards the window, hehe. But I have been well behaved and did not produce peemails when we had visitors the other day.

We were allowed to try the food.

Pekka-poika loved the pulla.

And here Rilli-ukko watches as Stran-veli slurped at another Finnish delicacy, the ice cream. We have excellent ice cream in Finland - this is particularly yummy as it is tar flavoured. Yes, this is totally true. Tar, which traditionally was produced from pine trees. And even Äiti thinks it is delicious.

Tomorrow Stran-veli is having an operation on some teeth. I know Äiti is worried about this as he is an older kitty and there are always dangers. We have our paws firmly crossed all goes well, and we have promised him lots of ice cream to help him heal up.

The Battle for the Turtle Bed

2011-12-28T05:59:00.021+02:00

Loyal readers, there are all sorts of battles and struggles in perheeni. This is true, we think, in any family where one cat wants the best chicken bits and another feels it is his right to have them instead. This is how younger kitties learn their place.

Jura-ninja felt it was his place to be inside our latest favoured area, Turtle Bed.

You can imagine that this did not last. He was teleported out of it and given the mighty psycho eyes from Tuomo-veli. These are enough to scare anyone away and lead to years of tuna therapy for more vulnerable little boycats.

Tuomo-veli turns off the psych-beams and settles for the evening, in his place. He has won the Turtle Bed and no one comes close.

And Jura-ninja slopes off to a cardboard box. Luckily Tuomo-veli is not phased by the bottom of disrespect shown, or there would be major surgery practised!

Tuomo's Tuesday

2011-12-27T06:32:00.006+02:00

Tuomo-veli has never really liked other cats, but the little ninjas have won him over. When they were tiny he did leave them alone, but he figures now they are bigger he can 'play' with them. This starts with him jumping up by one of them and starting a wash.

Then a paw is slapped across a shoulder.

And an ear starts to be bitten - gently of course.

And then the washing gets more thorough and he starts to chew them a little.

And then they find he's sitting right on top.

And it's usually at this point they realise that they might need to escape.

And so the play fight begins.

Paws and claws are extended. Tuomo's tail starts to thump and wag - he loves it. Luckily the ninjas are pretty easy going and patient. If it were me, I'd be out of there like greased lightning.

But the pawing goes on for a while, and then a bit of twisting and sliding.

And grabbing at Tuomo's neck. Of course the butterballs have to be seen to be fighting back - especially Jaava as she cannot be seen to be a weak girlcat.

Presents, presents and more presents.

2011-12-26T06:13:00.023+02:00

There were so many presents under joulukuusi, we knew it would be a marathon to open them all up. And you know what, they were nearly all for us!

First there were toys and some food from a very kind student of Äiti's.

Now if Äiti has students like this, then we think it is okay she is a teacher.

And it seems like the cats are in charge anyway, hehehehe.

I had to check the bag was completely emptied.

And look at this beautiful fabric we can put on the chairs to save us from the friction of rough surfaces! There were several blankies in a HUGE parcel that was delivered a while ago from the Muhos gang's friends.

It was delivered in this lovely bag. Handmade of course.

And can even be used inside out. Wow. See Äiti, that's what your sewing should be like.

And we got a lovely cushion: and even though it looks like Rilli-ukko, we can all sit on it!

And then we have our Secret Paws package from England, from the very adorable Dora the Explorer. It was all packaged so neatly in a lovely box. There was a beautiful card and fantastic photo.

And toys! So many toys. My favourite mice........ Catnip and crinkly stuff. Oh, it was bliss.

Give, give, give!

And there was even a present for Äiti there. We were so happy - this Secret Paws is a fantastic idea: so thank you Dora and Kate and of course Truffle, Brulee and Mom Paula.

And there was one big box left for us, which had some yummy food and an incredible bed: turtle bed.

Turtle bed can be sat on or sat in - this is a most excellent idea and many of us had a go. Of course, I was first. This is only right for a king.

It's a good fit. And I can thwack things safely from the inside.

And there were more treats from Carolyn-täti in England. And a huge surprise: a painting of Mirsku-veli! This is a close up of his fatboy face and looks lovely. It was a completely lovely shock and Äiti is utterly delighted. Carolyn has painted Stran and Aila before, and Äiti was hoping one day she'd paint someone else from perheeni.

Mirsku-veli now has several portraits done. I must have words with Äiti about this, because it would not be good if Mirsku gets ideas that he is the most attractive of us and deserves the most attention. That role should of course be mine. But it is Christmas so I shall let it pass - and shall make sure that Äiti hurries up and commissions another portrait of me soon!
The Burmese ninjas had a good time. They played with everything and were quite naughty! But Christmas is for the little ones really, hehehe.

This bag of treats did not last very long. In fact we all ate a lot from several treat bags. Our bowls were also never empty and we had some of the organic chicken Äiti cooked. We all had a fantastic time, and thanked Äiti loads by purring all over her, and dribbling a bit.

Peace and Joy!

2011-12-25T17:47:00.000+02:00

Loyal readers, I have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity this Christmas. We are all flabbergasted and speechless by so many wonderful presents. We are too overcome (and full of yummy food) to write about everything now - a full report will follow tomorrow. But I do wish to thank my Secret Paws, Dora the Explorer! I keep seeming to draw beautiful little torties to me, hehehe. Seriously, the parcel was just stunning and we have been playing with all the amazing stuff ever since - but I will say more tomorrow. But today, please accept a huge thank you, Dora and Kate.

We did look at the piles of presents and realised that our pile was so much bigger than Äiti's. She laughed and said that was how it should be, because being with us was her best present ever. So I let her do this to me!

I quite like being made to look even more handsome, and the Tolerable Comb is not so very bad. And many of us tried to do this as Äit lay on the sofa watching tv.

Stran-veli does not often lie on laps, so this was a really nice present for Äiti.
And then Roosa joined in with some untypical behaviour - she loves a head rub but we don't usually see her tummy or toes!

We hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas like ours. We realise we are very lucky, much luckier than many in shelters and those out rough. If only we could help everyone........

Hyvää joulua! Merry Christmas to everyone.

2011-12-24T15:34:00.000+02:00

It is traditional for great leaders to give Christmas Greetings, so from the King of Finland (North) and perheeni, I extend the paw of peace and floofy tail of friendship to all on the cat blogosphere - feline and human. May your celebrations bring what you wish - be it ham, turkey, salmon or reindeer feasts. And may we remember those we love and who love us, and those who have gone before.

And I am a very happy mancat today as I have opened my present from my girlfriend, Maggie May. I am over the moon with delight. Look!

This is mine, all mine!

And look at the card (my poor darling suffered the indignity of clothes; I am so pleased to see she is oozing angry tortitude!). There are so many toys here - I may share them. Maybe!

But no cat is having my green ribbon. I carried it into the kitchen and began having some quality time with it.

Lovely tastes ans smells. Please go away now Äiti.

Hug, hug, sniff, savour.

Aw! This is from my girlfriend. I am the luckiest mancat alive.

Hyvää joulua kaikille! Happy Christmas everyone. (We get to open the other presents tomorrow)

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:52:00.001+02:00

This afternoon, I will finally get to open my present from Maggie May, my beloved. Even though Äiti is English and opens her presents on December 25th, I am a Finncat and I stick to my great national traditions and open up parcels on December 24th. I am not so sure that Äiti will let me open up everything that is under joulukuusi, because nearly ALL the parcels are for us felines (as it should be, of course) and she'd be left with nothing for her British day. But I can prioritise!

But Äiti is very happy right now. She picked up two parcels from the Post Office: one is our 'Secret Paws' and the other was from our friend, Denise Laurent, the official portrait painter by royal appointment of King Kitty Cat of Finland (North).

Loyal readers, behold the images of Mirsku-veli, recorded for posterity. First. 'Mirsku in the sink'.

And now 'Mirsku on the deck'.

Now I will not spoil the show by complaining that Paksu-poika has TWO portraits done and I only have one, nor that his modesty has been 'brushed out', but instead I shall stand back in awe and wonder at these beautiful images. She has really captured his playful but thoughtful eyes in the first picture. And his laid-back-ness in the second. And in fact there was a third image in the package too, which we shall post later on. We are truly grateful for these beautiful pictures.But please note that the portrait of me which Denise did in summer is of course the most magnificent of them all. How could it be otherwise?

Joulukuusi

2011-12-23T06:53:00.000+02:00

Äiti was home in daylight, and we helped her put up joulukuusi, our tree. Of course the little ninjas had to investigate.

Looks like the tree is not so popular!

The best part is all the presents put underneath it.

I have been guarding them - afterall there is a very important parcel for me there from my girlfriend, Maggie May! I am still swooning over the fact she commented on my blog a couple of days ago.

I still have to wait until ChristmasDay though to open the present. *Sigh*.

But these youngsters have no patience. Jura was right in the bag. Admittedly it is stuffed with things for US!

Maybe this will take my mind off the other parcels........

And the toys do look really interesting......

Solstice Thursday

2011-12-22T06:47:00.039+02:00

We have just had the longest night. Of course, we decided to be awake at various times - like 4am wanting food from Äiti (which was not granted to us - what a meanie!). It is appropriate then that we have a few shots of us snoozing. Even the ninjas sleep, sometimes.

Stran-veli is an olympic snoozer, and he snores too sometimes. Äiti is a bit confused as he is the one waking her in the morning, which is unusual. She is keeping an eye on him and giving him lots of tickles.

I make sure I get my share of them too, but I like to spread out when I sleep. This maximises the area over which I leave my fur.

Pekka-poika appear to be awake. Maybe I should delete this photo. But he does look quite handsome so perhaps it is permissible.

Now you can see from this angle that Tuomo-veli has got quite a belly. He has gone from being a lean, mean, eating everything machine into a tubby, mean, eating-not-quite-so-much-but-still-more-than-he-needs machine. He is also avoiding taking his thyroid medicine which is not pleasing us at all.

Now we have exciting news; it is Äiti's last day at work and then her holiday starts. And we have our joulukuusi on the catio, waiting to be brought in and decorated. This will be especially exciting for the Burmese butterball ninjas as it is their first joulukuusi. I remember well my excitement about it when I was pikku pentu. Here is a picture from the archive of me rocking around the Christmas tree.

Äiti is preparing for chaos when she puts it up. Harris-veli always tries to eat it; I try to climb it and of course we have the great unknown of how Jaava and Jura will respond. As long as Mirsku-veli does not sit on top of it, we will be fine.

Rilli-ukko's Wednesday

2011-12-21T06:30:00.024+02:00

We have noticed from the comments that Rilli-ukko has a fan so we have allowed him to do a post. Actually, he is just too involved with a toy soaked in stinky valerian to notice that he is the star of many photos.

He is an old man but has a fine set of teeth to tug with.

He is doing well at the moment - his kidneys are far from brilliant but we have paws crossed for him at all times. Sometimes it is hard to be patient when he gets a bowl of special food and the rest of us want it, but we know that it is important that he eats undisturbed because he may not always have an appetite.

And he loves company. He is always aroud Äiti like a shadow.

And he does like to have a snuggle, purring very loudly. Then he falls asleep, snoring even more loudly.

His nose is pink and healthy - a good sign. And his tongue is clearly very stretchy!

He is a hero to the Muhos Gang, and he is very special to us. Even if he does get all the good food!

Tuesday GIrlcat Toes

2011-12-20T05:39:00.010+02:00

Aila-sisko was sat on the sofa arm when she spotted a mancat on her radar, and went all flat eared. As if we would disturb her!

And before Äiti could refocus for a second shot, she shot off. it wasn't as if we were going to tease her. Honest.

Mirsku Mancat Monday

2011-12-19T05:44:00.041+02:00

Misku-vekli has had a busy weekend. Most of the time he has been energetically sprawled out. We think it takes great skill to spread out so effectively.

And then he swipes out at the royal tail fluff if I happen to walk by. This time I did not stand for it, and applied a swift kick to his extensive tummy, only to receive a headbutt for my efforts.

Pekka-poika thought he would escape, rather than defend his king. He showed Mirsku a rapid bottom of disrespect before hiding like a girlcat.

And then Mirsku played gently with Jura-ninja. I noticed he didn't get headbutted! Maybe the sight of his enormous munat put Mirsku-veli off.

Loyal readers, some of you asked about Jura's jewels. He is only being allowed to keep them because he is behaving himself and not signing everything with stinky mancat spray (this is my job, as I seem to have forgotten that my little packages were removed a long time ago). Äiti has no intention of allowing Jura to produce any little ninjas - for which we are very grateful. She says that when his assets are too large for him to walk properly, she'll get them removed and mounted for display. We are not sure she's serious about this, but the items in question do seem to get bigger everyday.

And of course Mirsku-veli is not wanting to be left out so keeps flashing his 'nads flamboyantly - he's another one who has forgotten they are missing!

Soggy Sunday

2011-12-18T11:59:00.001+02:00

Yesterday we celebrated the fact that Äiti was home during the 4 hours of daylight we have right now, and we dashed out onto the catio to play in the snow. But we had an unpleasant shock - no snow! Jura sniffed at the patches of icy stuff.

We were busy surveying the grass! We should not be seeing this stuff until April! Truly there are strange things happening with our weather.

This morning Äiti let us out again, and there was snow. Perhaps all was now corrected.

We stood at the edge of the snow and dipped a paw in, and it was icky and wet.

We don't like wet snow. Even Ruska was very brief with his mousewatch mission.

Pekka-poika also stepped out and he started miaowing he was so unimpressed.

And Stran-veli was very brief in his footfall over to poo corne. Every time we go out he dashes to the corner for a quick dig and spot of relief.

And when he is finished, he always plays like pikku pentu. Today he just skidded through the slush.

Look at these perfect paw prints in this imperfect snow.

What is up with this weather? Humans, is this all your fault ? Or a random fluctuation in the atmospheres? Has Stran-veli produced so much methane in poo corner that our world really has become warmer ?

Saturday's second helping

2011-12-17T21:37:00.000+02:00

Loyal readers, many of you commented on my magnificence in a photo which Äiti took last weekend. She has now had it cleverly photoshopped to remove a fence pole from my rear, and provide a better background. So I humbly present to you, King Kitty Cat of Finland (North) in the wilds of his winter kingdom.

And Äiti wants to send many thanks to the official royal artist, Denise Laurent, for doing this.

Saturday skirmish

2011-12-17T06:35:00.002+02:00

The ninja baby butterballs have grown. They are fast big ninja butterballs now, capable of whacking each other, and Äiti, more forcefully. They are very determined and even though Jaava is half the size of her brother, she does not give up easily in play-fights. And yes, believe it or not, this is play.

Jura lets himself be flattened.

And bitten.

And bunny-kicked.

And then seeks revenge.

They are still made of rubber.

They stretch and squirm.

And make sure they clean up afterwards. Jura, pays particular attention to his special parts - which for some reason he has been allowed to keep!

And he's getting much better at protecting his modesty!

Friday sulks

2011-12-16T06:02:00.007+02:00

I am sticking my tongue out at Äiti. I am still not allowed my present from my girlfriend. And I am making my claws at the ready.

And how's this for a gesture ? Do you think she will get the message ?

How mean can she be?!

2011-12-15T06:02:00.024+02:00

I am in a very bad mood. A real stinker of a mood. There will be peemails. There will be furballs. Äiti came home from work carrying the post and I immediately caught the smell of a package from the USA: My girlfriend, the most gorgeous Maggie May, has sent me a parcel. I was so happy. I was leaping on the kitchen table and trying to grab the parcel (not easy without thumbs). I was eagerly looking at Äiti for her to open it and do you know what the mean old fleabag did ? She has hidden it and said I must wait for Christmas. Pah pah pah! If course I know where it is but again the lack of thumbs is stopping me. So in the meantime, I can only dream of what my beloved has sent, and I am all a-quiver at the thought of opening it. But there are at least four thousand sleeps before Christmas.......

Äiti has made some amends by posting my latest favourite picture of myself. I am racing through the snow, straight towards the camera. This was not posed but for once Äiti has taken a good shot, in my humble opinion. She still needs some lessons on processing the image - for a start she needs to remove the catio wire (which would be great if she could do that in real life, hehehe). And then it's all a bit grainy but I am sure she could make me look even more heroic if she tried hard enough. Anyway, I post this picture for my beloved, in thanks for the kind gift that I am not allowed to have. Pah!

Wednesday work out

2011-12-14T05:31:00.002+02:00

Sometimes it's good to give the others in perheeni a chance to think they can get the better of me - it keeps them on their toes.

Afterall, Pekka-poika is a playful mancat, and letting him push me over in the snow encourages his inner kitten.

And I really don't mind so much when he walks over me. What kindly King would ?

Nor do I object when his back paws kick my noble head.

But when he dares to turn round to have another go, well, then I'm off!

But my tail is held high, despite the fact I am bruised, battered and just a little bit cold!

Yesterday we had a very important visitor and were brought a huge Christmas parcel. Rilli, Ruska, Roosa and Risto were brought presents (which they will share) by the sister of their original human who so sadly died too young. I was very proud to welcome her to perheeni (and it was very funny listening to Äiti try to speak Finnish for an hour or so, hehehe). The best thing was seeing Ruska eat from her finger - it is so good that he had confidence! We hope that Äiti will visit Ruska's sister in Espoo sometime soon - even if it means that we will be abandoned.

Snowy japes

2011-12-13T05:52:00.014+02:00

The mighty hunter eyes his prey.

He leaps up - but maybe this prey is too big and bitey!

But no, Tuomo-veli is scared so turns to run.

He dashes through the deep drifts of the Finnish wilderness.

Leaving the mighty ginger hunter to seek more fun and games elsewhere.

We decided not to tell Pekka-poika he had snow on his head as he looked very silly. But not as silly as he looked when Mirsku-veli came along.........

Mirsku Monday

2011-12-12T05:54:00.048+02:00

We have had an ace weekend - playing in the deep snow (more photos of that soon) and then helping Äiti wrap the Christmas parcels. Only she didn't think we were much help. When Äiti goes Christmas shopping she always gets us extra stuff, and this time we got a great present.

Green Bug!

This bug moves really fast over the floor. It was a bit freaky to begin with, especially as Mirsku had been on the kissanminttu when it appeared.

Once he decided he wasn't hallucinating, he set about killing it.

But it survived his mighty thwacks and it kept flashing and waggling its freaky legs.

Mirksu tried to bite it, but it wasn't tasty.

So he whapped it about a bit more. Quite how it could survive this, I have no idea. It must be made of super strong steel.

And then Aila-sisko had a sniff. She left Green Bug for us mancats to deal with.

And the ninjas did the same.

Jura tried to out-stare it.

But Pekka-poika blasted it upside down with his double barrel lasers.

And in the meantime I occupied myself snorting the rest of the kissanminttu off the ess.

Snowy weekend

2011-12-11T06:49:00.010+02:00

Yesterday we woke up to find deep snow on the catio. We of course wanted to investigate. And the bravest of us were those with ginger fur! You can see Stran-veli striding through the drifts and I made sure the boundaries were safe. The butterball ninjas were not so brave - they padded their paws gently but found it a bit chilly, hehehe. Jura got quite a surprise when Tuomo jumped on him.
We are pleased to see Äiti has been busy, and our Secret Paws parcel has been sent off. We hope it arrives in time, and are sad that we have had to be a bit careful as it is going to another continent, and we are not siure what customs will allow. But we are very pleased and proud to be participating.

Silly Saturday

2011-12-10T10:33:00.000+02:00

Okay, this is not my best angle, but it does show my wonderful sharp teeth. I was in fact asleep when this picture was taken, but I am always alert so my eyes were open. A true King can never relax totally - he must always be on the look out for sly girlcats and marauding Burmese ninjas. And also for the sound of the treat jar..........

Friday friends

2011-12-09T05:08:00.000+02:00

With fourteen of us, it is hard to ensure everyone gets the fair amount of blogspace - of course I have to have most because I am King Kitty Cat of FInland (North), and the creative one. And when some of us hide away it is actually quite hard to get photos. Lewis-veli is the best at hiding, whereas his brother Harris-veli is more confident and always hanging around the food bowls. Here is a lovely picture of the Britcat brothers in the bedroom basket.

Risto hangs around upstairs, moving from the stair shelves to the sauna and wanting snuggles from Äiti. We are very grateful that his whining has almost stopped: Pekka-poika can now make eye contact with him (for a short time, like a nanosecond) and he does not erupt into a ball of whinge.

Roosa hangs around near Risto and is also very cuddly with Äiti. She is quite fiesty if anyone comes close.

All our girlcats are pretty assertive. Luckily they keep out of each other's way most of the time so there is no bloodshed. Jaava-ninja is a little diva - if she wants food then she'll push anyone out of the way to get there. Even Stran-veli - who lets her do it because he is such a gentleman. And yet when she wants to, jaava can snuggle up and demand that we mancats wash and flatter her.

However if our girlcats did ever get together and team up, we mancats would be doomed. Their plotting skills (Aila-sisko), along with the Claw of Doom (Roosa's permanently extended claw) and Jaava's assertive pushing and yelling: well, it just doesn't bear thinking about!

Tearing around Thursday

2011-12-08T04:55:00.000+02:00

Here are some 'still' photos of us on the catio at the weekend - only they are not very still! Nor are they very sharply focused as Äiti says the light was bad and we were moving too fast - any excuse for her poor skills. She says she doesn't like to use flash much, and the blurring makes us look quite agile.

Mirsku-veli manages to launch himself upwards. He needs huge muscle power to do this!

And I am pretty good at leaping too, of course.

I think I look extremely magnificent in the snow, with my furs all fluffed.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T05:32:00.000+02:00

First catio snow

2011-12-06T18:15:00.000+02:00

Loyal readers, as a special treat for Finland's birthday, may I present to you the first trip into the frozen wilds of the catio this winter. We finally had some snow! And this was the first experience of snow for the Burmese butterballs.They were very adventurous, which surprised us all as they do not have so much fur. They dashed out and began sniffing and exploring, as you can see! I was out supervising and checking all was well in my kingdom. I have fine long furs so the cold does not bother me. Not yet, anyway.

Hyvää itsenäispäivää! Happy Independence Day!

2011-12-06T06:08:00.000+02:00

Today we celebrate Finnish Independence Day! The flags will be flying and we will be patriotic. I will let the Britcats join in, even if Britain was the last country to declare war on Finland! This was not their fault. No, today is about celebrating this wonderful country, and also other lands which are free from fear and oppression - and crossing paws in hope that one day everyone can know this peace.

We will light two candles in the window so any passing weary soldiers will know they have a welcome here. This is an important tradition, even if Äiti panics about us setting the curtains on fire. And we also light candles to send light to all those we remember - there are some very poorly kitties out there on the blogosphere and we keep our paws crossed for you .Ginger Jasper, good buddy, we are thinking of you and yours.

Mischief on Mancat Monday

2011-12-05T05:21:00.014+02:00

Sometimes it's not so good having Äiti around with the camera. I mean, a little bit of tail swiping isn't a crime, is it ? But Äiti says I didn't have to look quite so enthusiastic.

But I couldn't help it - I was so happy because my beloved girlfriend Maggie May had sent me a message. My mancat heart was all a-flutter, and I just couldn't resist a ninja-tail-tug in celebration.

Sunday Slurping

2011-12-04T15:27:00.001+02:00

Tuomo-veli is enjoying life with the ninjas. He is also playing lots, but always by his rules. When he spots a butterball, he wanders over and sits on them!

And then he starts biting and washing them. For an old grumpy cat, he is actually being quite sweet most of the time. Luckily they are no longer tiny pikku pentu and can cope! But somehow I think Jaava does not enjoy his washes that much!

And, unsurprisingly, Jaava-ninja is learning to fight back!

Tuomo is proving to be tricky when it comes to his medicine too. He now loves making Äiti run after him with a spoon of crushed tablets and creme fraiche. Sometimes he goes up and down stairs twice before he agrees to lick the spoon. However, should she reach out to grab him, his mighty defenses appear and he becomes a vey big, muscular butterball who can slide out of every grip and grasp.

Shining Saturday

2011-12-03T17:40:00.002+02:00

Last night (well, actually it was 4pm) Äiti put up some new catio lights so several of us dashed out and ran around.

I, of course, made sure everything was marked properly.

Inside, she had to fix the lights because some little teeth had been biting at them! RIlli is posing in front of them - today he ate two bowls of food on his own. We thought he had been losing his appetite a bit, but he has been saving it! Hyvä Rilli-ukko!

And this morning, because Äiti was home when the sun rose at 9.30am, we went outside for a 9 catter picture. We are looking for the snow that should be here, but it wasn't even frosty!

But we are very happy Äiti has a long weekend off work: we have four whole days with her. We have plans, and they don't involve giving her an easy time, hehehe.

Friday frolics

2011-12-02T05:28:00.004+02:00

Come on, it's the weekend. We are ready for some serious rest, relaxation and rasslin'.

Thursday thoughts

2011-12-01T05:47:00.000+02:00

Every winter, we Finncats get ready for the hours of darkness and deep snowdrifts. We make sure Äiti clears a snow path to the shops so we have plenty of food. And then we lie dreaming of the summer and the green of the catio. Jura-ninja is very good at this.

But this year we are confused, and suffering more than usual. There is no snow! And today there was rain. Wet rain. Water. Not frozen. Last year it was -20'C at the end of November and today it is +5'C. And even though we don't like it when it is very cold, we hate the damp even more so have not been going outside. Äiti hates it too. It is most disturbing. And when there is snow, the world feels much lighter and brighter. So its all a bit dull and dreary here. Äiti has said this weekend she will put up lots of lights to help us feel better.

But in the meantime I shall climb into whatever bed I can find, and wait for the weather to change. Afterall, we are all looking forward to the Burmese butterballs' first snowball fight.

Girlcat Wednesday

2011-11-30T05:49:00.007+02:00

Pekka-poika has been chasing someone round the house.

He needs to be careful or he will get a paw full of sharp claws in his nose.

Afterall, don't be fooled by this sweet expression........

Tuomo's Tuesday

2011-11-29T05:00:00.007+02:00

Tuomo-veli is very strong and somehow has never learnt to play gently. Human attempts to tummy snorgle have often resulted in parallel drips of blood down the cheeks (just ask ystävämme eläinlääkäri!). But right now Tuomo-veli loves biffing the ninjas and giving them a quick playful thwack. Jura is not so impressed with the little nips he gets between his back legs, but the Burmese rockets are so good-natured and playful, they usually come back for a wrestle as the video shows.

Kitties, we promise this is play, just Tuomo-monster style. No vet visits were necessary afterwards (as Burmese bones must be made of rubber).

Mirsku Monday Again

2011-11-28T06:00:00.003+02:00

Mirsku-veli just spends his time spilling out of whatever bed he is in. He has no shame and everything is on display. Äiti finds tickling that tummy is irresistible.

Mirsku then magically brings all paws up and clamps her hand in a mighty rabbit-punching, vice-like grip.

And here he is in MY box. Sometimes, it is best to share these things: I don't like rabbit-punching, vice-like grips.

And as usual he spills over and rolls around on his back.

He is pretending to play with a mousie. One of mine, I hasten to add.

This playtime lures in a ninja. We are briefly worried that Mirsku will eat Jaava-ninja.

Yes, she's totally crushed there.

But somehow she uses her butterball skills and escapes, showing Mirsku the Bottom of Disrespect. He flashes his lasers back at her.

And starts cleaning her fur from between his paws.

And then she's back for more. Now there are dual lasers from the box. This is most worrying - she maybe wants to be squashed again!

Girlcats- I shall never understand them!

Snoozing Sunday

2011-11-27T13:16:00.000+02:00

We had great fun last night with the nip, so have been sleeping soundly. Even Äiti has been resting up. I like snoozing under covers.

Which is great until somecat comes and walks all over you. Here I am pretending to Jura-ninja that I am cannot hear him - or feel his heavy paws on me. I am being very, very still. Äiti was astonished- usually I would have erupted in a volcano of hissing by now.

And it worked! My nuisance of a pikku veli cannot find me and sulks off to bug someone else. Triumph!

Saturday Celebrations

2011-11-26T18:26:00.000+02:00

Well, this is the bestest Saturday ever, methinks. Äiti is incapacitated thanks to some eye ointment - NOW she knows how it feels! Her eyes are stuck together so all she can do is lie on the sofa - under us of course. But also the Bag of Impending Abandonment has been returned.

I was the first to check it out. It smelt very strange. Äiti thinks it had got stuck somewhere called Birmingham. The English Birmingham that is. Stran-veli of course also had to check it. Actually he was trying to stop me from peemailing it.

He has suggested that the bag stays firmly in Oulu, forever. Äiti agrees. Anyway, it was undamaged and not even opened. And we were really disappointed when it was finally opened to find no presents for us. Äiti had explained to us she had had a lousy time without the opportunity to shop, but we had not quite believed her. She tried to give us some Welsh fruitcake to make up for it but that was not appreciated. So, she has said that to make up for it tonight we can have a good old nipfest. Let the celebrations begin....

Friday Hijacking

2011-11-25T15:33:00.000+02:00

I love my special food. It's mine, all mine.

If I can't see you, then you are not there. Nom, nom.

Go away!

*Sigh*. What else can I do ? Jaava-ninja is very insistent.......

Finished ? Can I have my food back ? Oh no, now there's another ninja behind me.

Troughing Thursday

2011-11-24T06:11:00.000+02:00

Now this is the sort of access to food I like! This is my special food, and I enjoy eating it straight from the jar. And the good thing is, there's only room for my head.
We are still trying to get Äiti into a routine but are getting confused by her. She is getting up at least an hour earlier than before and leaving for work far too soon as she has loads to do. Since it's dark here until 9am, she says everything feels like the middle of the night so it doesn't matter what time she goes to work. And she is not getting time to go visiting blogs and comment - we are working on correcting this but it's taking a lot of patience on our part. Äiti is still very annoyed that her luggage is still missing and she is probably going to have to replace everything and do an insurance claim, and what with the work she's doing, she's not very happy. And the darkness here doesn't help. So I shall have to be a patient, benevolent King Kitty Cat and resist the temptation to thwack her into action.

Tolerable Wednesday

2011-11-23T19:12:00.000+02:00

Here is the Tolerable Comb. i still like to keep it at paw's length.

And when it gets too close or tickly and tuggy, then I can bite back big time!

Tuesday Tummy

2011-11-22T18:34:00.000+02:00

As Äiti is still miserable - she told her students that her sense of humour was somewhere in Europe (not Finland) with her luggage, I have been trawling through the archives and found this blissful shot of my curly bits. She is bound to be cheered up by this! Actually, I have recently been allowing Äiti access to my tummy furs and she has been combing me without serious injury to her person. This is because I have a favourite diabolical comb, which I suppose I could call the Tolerable Comb. I still have to be in a particular mood for it which is of course totally understandable.

Mirsku Monday

2011-11-21T17:33:00.000+02:00

Mirksu is here washing his vast furs, which has nothing to do with today's post but is the best picture Äiti could come up with. She's not back in the rhythm of our routine yet. We had a great Sunday snuggled with Äiti, but today she had to go to work. But we were delighted when she came home early, and skipped her Finnish class as she felt headachy and yucky. Her luggage still has not turned up, but we are not so bothered as there were no treats in it for us. She tried to explain that her trip had been such a nightmare, she had not even had time to get us yummy presents. And she reassured us she has no intentions of leaving us again, for a long while. Which is just as well.

Super Sunday

2011-11-20T11:53:00.000+02:00

She's back! And we think Äiti is even happier about this than we are. She is very tired but we are making sure she doesn't rest too much. She says she has been totally deprived because - and you will never believe it - she did not see a single feline for 3 whole days. Total deprivation she said. We will make sure she recovers soon.
And we were very well behaved in her absence - the place was only trashed once and only a couple of cat trees knocked over. However I am not so happy that our wonderful cat sitter told Äiti that I got upset when she was playing with the soppy, energetic ninjas on the kitchen table. I deny totally climbing on to the table, fixing her with my steely eyes and raising my tail in a vertical salute, and peeing all over the curtains in a jealous fit. There is no photographic evidence so I shall continue to deny this unless Äiti gets a DNA testing kit. Then I might have to change my story.......
We hope we'll be catching up with all our bloggy pals later but Äiti is busy trying to sort out lost luggage We are quite pleased the Bag of Impending Abandonment is somewhere missing in Latvia, but she is not so happy.

Ticked off Tuesday

2011-11-15T04:00:00.011+02:00

It's too early. We need to sleep.

We are unimpressed.

We won't even look at you, Äiti.

Shut the door quietly when you leave. We hope you appreciate the furball at the bottom of the Bag of Impending Abandonment.

Serves you right. But do come home soon......

Moody Monday

2011-11-14T06:18:00.019+02:00

It's pretty bad when Stran-veli turns his back. He says he remembers 5 years ago when Äiti went on a school trip, and that was in November. That was when she first came to Finland. And she liked it so much she came back a couple of times and then decided she would move here. We are all grateful for that - and the Britcats agree it was worth all the hassle as they love it here. Now Äiti is going on another school trip and we really hope she doesn't decide she likes it so much that she wants to move there!

Äiti has reassured us this is very very unlikely to happen - she is going to somewhere called Wales which she says is very nice but not Home. But just in case, Stran turned his back for a little while. And then he came out and played like pikku pentu. We apologise for the bad noise on the video- Äiti was too busy packing. Pah!

Box defending!

2011-11-13T06:23:00.002+02:00

Loyal readers, you can observe my mighty skills at box defending! Our Novembers are cold and dark, and at times like this I need to be clear that I keep hold of my property. Ruska is in the rear guard. I sit in my castle and decide to just randomly paw thwack Stran-veli, who takes it in good humour. Pekka-poika is less amiable but I see him off. Jaava-ninja wisely holds back. And then of course I need to check out all is well with Äiti. All is good in my kingdom.