Farewell to a Dear Friend

Sweet Praline passed away peacefully yesterday with her Mom by her side.

She was 15.

I am grateful to have gotten to know Praline and her Mom,
Paula, through our blogs.

I remember when I introduced Slash to the blogosphere over 2 years ago,
Praline and her Mom were one of the first to welcome him warmly.

They have given us a loving space in their hearts ever since.

I will sorely miss reading about Praline's daily adventures,
especially the ones that she shares with her Mom.

They have a beautifully close relationship.

From that impish kitten...

To the lovely lady that she grew into...

Praline adored her Mom every step of the way to the very end.

In fact, it was on her Mom's shoulder that Praline laid her head
and shut her eyes for the last time.

Even as my heart aches, I cannot imagine the depth of Paula's grief.

I urge you to pay Praline's Mom a visit at her blog
and to leave a few words to help soothe a badly broken heart.

~5-Cat Style

Primping & Preening

It has been a rough two weeks.
But that's no reason to neglect one's grooming.

~5-Cat Style

Wordless Wednesday

~5-Cat Style

Mystery Monday

Often mysteriously in sync

~5-Cat Style

Slash goes Fishing

I want to show you a new 'fishing' game that I really enjoy.

Here's how I play it.

I start the game by giving my fish a really good thwap...

Making it swing back and forth really madly.

And that's when I try to catch it.

I usually start by swiping at the fish.

As soon as I've caught it with my paws...

I will bring the fish to my mouth...

And bite it!

I will then drag the fish up on to the cat tree.

And give it a few more celebratory bites.

I never want to let the fish go.

But Mommy says that if I do not release it...

I cannot start a new game.

So I will reluctantly drop the fish from my mouth...

And start a new game right away!

Sometimes the fish swings around so wildly...

That it takes me longer to catch it.

I will try to hook it with my right paw first...

And then my left.

When both paws fail, I will use my teeth.

I will snap fiercely at the fish.

But I don't think it is scared of sharp teeth.

When the fish keeps escaping me no matter what I do...

It can get very frustrating!

But I keep trying.

And what do you know?

Success!!!

Oh sweet success!

You are mine, Fishy Fish!

With a firm grip on the fish...

I try to pull it up carefully.

Because if I am not careful, it will drop from my mouth and escape again.

Once it is safely up on the cat tree...

I will chomp and chomp on the fish.

I will gnaw and chew and crunch and munch...

Until I am all tired out.

So that's my 'fishing' game.
I hope you've enjoyed watching me play it!

~5-Cat Style