The kittens get a field trip

I've been thinking of ways to boost the kitten's self-esteem and thus their confidence and one of the more powerful tricks I have up my sleeve is to take the kittens out of the house for a quick trip somewhere else. Last night I thought I'd take the kittens out of the house for a bit, so I packed them up and took them to my office for about forty-five minutes.

They were fairly quiet on the ride in, just a couple of mews. Once we were there Sprite came right out of the carrier and started looking around. I tried to keep their area limited because I didn't want to have to track them down, so I attempted to keep them within the confines of my desk.

I got my computer and turned the music up and sang a bit to them. I tried not to move too much as I feared frightening them and causing them to panic. When it came time to leave I was a bit afraid they had gotten free and were hiding somewhere that I'd never catch them, and then I turned around and saw this.

I scooped up Sprite and put her in the carrier and brought them home. They were just as quiet on the way home, which was nice. Once I got home I went right back to the kitten room and Lemonade was happy to see them. She chirped at them and sniffed them and gave them a few licks and then it was business as usual. Everyone ate some and then it was time to take a bath.

All in all a successful trip.Hopefully, it will help the kittens realize they can handle anything. Time will tell.

#TakeYourCatToWork on #TakeYourDogToWork Day

Today is take your dog to work day, but I say we don't let that get us kitties down.  As you know, I am lucky enough to be able to bring my foster kittens in to work on occasion to help socialize them. I know it is a huge benefit to them, and it improves their self confidence and allows them to adjust to new situations easier when they do it when they are so young.  I wasn't able to bring my current set in as they are a little young and litter box habits aren't to be trusted yet

I know most cat people aren't able to bring their cats to work, but we are not alone, most dog people aren't either.  But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate in spirit..

And know, if you have a young cat or kitten, the more you take them out of the house when they are young, the easier it will be on them when they are older. Introduce them to as many new experiences as possible. Repeat a few of them from time to time too so they are familiar with them. Take your kitties to a friend's house if they are accepting of your kitty, take them to the local pet store. I once took Jack to a local ice cream shop for ice cream; I will admit he made quite an impression on the folks there.

I often see people decry it as abuse when you travel with your cat, I say it is only stressful on the cat when they are not used to it. Make it a positive experience, be loving and full of praise, and you too can have a kitty you can take down to the local ice cream shop.

or that will hide in your inbox

Take your kittens to work day

I had the opportunity to take the kittens to work. It is always interesting when kittens get into a new place. Some take over and run like the wind all over the place, some hide, some seek me out and hang out with me the whole time, some seek out other people and get all up in their business. This time we had a little bit of all of that.

Now where are we??

This place smells weird

Is this how we access the interwebs?

No.. this computer isn't even on.. 

Sully and Nessie thought hiding out in the corner was a good idea

The Kraken selfie

Hello? Kitten Central, how can we help you?

oooh, what's over there?

These shoes smell familiar.. 

All five kittens out and about

Zookie thought he'd help with the filing

but he was pretty bad with the paperwork

The kittens are doing well. The girls finally hit two pounds, so it should be a short while before everyone is at weight. It is amazing how fast that next half pound often goes on. They are still sneezing randomly, which started right after they got their nasal vaccine and hasn't really turned into anything but I do wish it would stop.

I brought Mina back to the shelter last week to be neutered and put up for adoption. Mentally she was done nursing the kittens and every time they latched on she became annoyed. There was no real place for her to escape from them and she no longer took any pleasure in my visits, she simply sat at the door flomping her tail up and down. While I wish there was an easier way for her to find a home, going back to the shelter was the best way and soon enough she will be will be the pampered little house cat she deserves to be.

I am going to be scarce for the rest of the week as I am headed down to Nashville to attend BlogPaws. Paws crossed Eli and Jack don't miss me too much as they both have been under some stress lately and showing signs of having urinary discomfort and it is freaking me right out. My poor husband is going to have a list a mile long of stupid things to do for them..

Take your kitties to work day

Seriously?? Tomorrow* is officially Take Your Pet To Work Day??

Looks like a few someones are going to be getting baths tonight (because the youngsters haven't taught Simon and Schu how to eat with out getting dirty and in all truth they've been learning a few things from them about carrying around some food for "later")

Thank you ModernCat Twitter for telling me..

Speaking of ModernCat.. Don't forget you can vote for Fleurp.. not that she has a prayer of a chance now that City the Kitty is involved.. (not to mention the other celebucats)

*well apparently I forgot to hit publish.  The kittens are here with me at work now :) I brought my camera, if photos are taken, they will be shared.