The Frisky Feline

 Okay, six cats– and vacation time looms.  Hoo-mans, we have a problem!

I’m so hesitant to ask, because six cats are a lotta work, but–since I am willing to do this for them in return–I apologetically ask my sister- and brother-in-law from next door if they could drop in a time or two each day to dispense basic nurturance (the easy part) and to dispose of previous nurturances (the  icky part).

They have agreed, so now my task is to figure out how to make the chore as  quick, simple and painless as possible.

Obviously, I will try to have supplies all together, so that it’s no big deal to put out fresh food and water.  That is pretty much in place now.
 But, the food and water were never the issue really– the big issue is dealing with litter boxes for SIX cats…that’s a lot o’ boxes.

So, I’ve decided to move the boxes into my office, right beside the back door.  The kitties are used to this location–I use it whenever I mop the floor where the boxes normally sit.   I don’t use sifting liners most of the time, but during this time I’ll load each box up with 10 of those, stacked, so hopefully the mess will be quickly swept out without too much um, perusal time by my intrepid in-laws.  
Beside the boxes, a trash can, pre-filled with liners, for whisking the mess away–again, quickly, without much fuss or focus.
Outside the back door, a gi-normous bin, so there’s no need to tote the bags very far, yet they aren’t left in the house to welcome us home.

Okay, what else? I’m assuming that for 7 days, my spoiled darling cats can manage without the usual Goodie Handout, can manage to keep each other entertained (cat toys will end up buried under the furniture within the first 12 hours!),  and manage to remain in reasonably good health while basically unsupervised.  (Now that I am realizing that they’ll be unsupervised, with all the implications of that situation, perhaps I’ll buy some extra toys to be handed out every couple of days.   Yes!  That will be best!)  I’m assuming that “home alone” will bring out some interesting behavior problems, and I hope to minimize that as much as possible.

Hmm, okay, I think everything is covered, except for a couple of very nice gifts for the relatives.  I guess I’ll be finding out soon. Maybe you have been in this situation.  If so, your comments and suggestions are welcomed below!

 Susie

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Six busy cats in residence makes for one busy housekeeper!

It starts before I even have my first cup of coffee. I’m off to the kitchen, where I give all the counter surfaces a good wash. I make every effort to discourage counter cruising, but sometimes, someone will get all brave and naughty, and, well…that’s just gross. Then, time to get the coffee started. As it is brewing, I capitulate to all the furry little bodies I have been tripping over up to this moment, and fill up all the food bowls and refresh the water bowls.

Next, I head for the litter boxes. I try to add glamour and excitement to the job by referring to it as panning for gold, but as to date, I haven’t found any. Gold, that is. I find plenty of other stuff, though!

Then, I traipse outdoors to dispose of all of the non-gold I have mined from the pans.

One family member is overjoyed by this trip to the wild: our dog gets her breakfast and a little one-on-one time.

Then, it’s back inside, to wash my hands and give the doorknobs a quick shot of disinfectant spray and a good cleaning.

Trying to stay ahead of DH (the one member of our clan who is not crazy about all these cats!) I try to round up any stray furballs with the Swiffer. He can get kinda cranky if there are flying fluffs of fur wafting about on his way out of the door!

I usually vacuum through the house at least twice every day, morning and evening. Sometimes more, if Crazy Cat Hour has been particularly active for the day–I have three light-colored tabbies and bold-colored furniture and rugs. I use a few different techniques to remove hair that doesn’t vacuum up easily. Sometimes, I just slide on a latex glove and run my hand along the surface. The hair just rolls right up! A damp cloth works in the same way. When there is not a lot to be removed, a lint roller does a wonderful job, too!

Then, there are the spot-cleaning jobs. You know, those little accidents are absolutely repulsive to look at, so I try not to! My usual response is to cover it with a couple of layers of paper towels, grab a small trash bag so that it is between my hand and the icky stuff, and try to get everything removed in one swoop. To clean the area, be it hardwood floor, rug or furniture, I usually use a couple of pumps of window cleaner and tamp it dry with more paper toweling. (Use this method with caution–test for colorfastness, and follow manufacturer’s recommendations!)

During the day, I go back through the litter box routine at least twice. More, if needed. Ditto the counter routine and the floor routine, and anything out of the ordinary…I use a lot of trash bags and a lot of paper towels! Not that it isn’t worth it. I really enjoy hanging out with my six little hairball machines.

I’d love to hear how your routine plays out! What are your best tips for keeping everything tidy? Please share your comments below.

 Susie

 I’ve just learned an easy formula to guestimate your cat’s age as it compares to human development:

1.     The 1st year = 15 human years.
2.     The 2nd year, add 9 years (24).
3.     Each successive year, add 4 years.

So, in chart form it’s as follows:   

And so on…

Remember that not all breeds age at the same rate, and that other factors, such as diet, environment and even experiences will play a role.
Learn more at http://cats.about.com/library/howto/htage.htm

This is something I had been wondering about and finally today, I took the time to look it up. That means that I have 3 cats that are about 28, and 3 at about 18.  Hmm, then I wonder why they all still act like hyperactive toddlers?  Guess that will be the next thing I look up…

Susie