Congratulations to Drew!

ETA: ong

Rock on, Calli!

Yay, ND!

Question for experienced cat-ownersknowing-type people: Any clues on why my (neutered at 5 mos.) male cat repeatedly bites the neck of my (spayed at 4 mos.) female cat? He's always done this once in a while, but now it seems to be twice every hour. It started about the time that she staked out my bed for her exclusive use during the day, but whether that was her defence against his sexual harassment or the start of it, I don't know. I do know that last night after being the victim of that special love-bite, she beat the tar out of him with the result that he slept downstairs by himself overnight, instead of on me.

Another question is, do cats in colder climates have a physiological need for larger portions of food as winter sets in, or are they just big whiners? They are getting more insistent at non-mealtimes that they are very hungry and need to be fed again. They don't seem to be either losing or gaining weight.

Another question is, do cats in colder climates have a physiological need for larger portions of food as winter sets in, or are they just big whiners?

Little of both, I'd say. On the biting, I'm not sure, other than it clearly sounds like some kind of dominance behaviour. But it sounds like she's handling it.

(I should add that "bite-necks" was the hands-down favorite game when my (spayed female) dog and my parents' (spayed female) dog were together, but it doesn't sound like the same thing going on.)

Woo-hoo, ND! Congrats!

Another question is, do cats in colder climates have a physiological need for larger portions of food as winter sets in, or are they just big whiners?

Cats tend to lose a lot of heat through their ears. It takes a lot of energy to generate enough heat to keep them comfy. I usually feed mine a teeny bit extra in the winter (especially if he's going to be going outside).

Playing ketchup once again…

Best of luck Jilli. Yay for getting rid of cramps and pain. I’ve no doubt that The Husband of Reason will pamper you as abundantly as you deserve.

I am stunned at the poopyhead cow-orkers of Jessica. If I lived in NY I would love to bring cake and balloons and hunky strippers to treat her properly.

Good to hear a nice report from Ellie’s pediatrician.

I have no suggestions for the sleepless babies. Brendon slept very soundly. I would take him out of bed, strap him into his carseat, put him in the car, go to the train station, sit in the parking lot with train horns blowing, pick up DH, drive home, take him inside, and put him back in bed. Never woke up. Bobby on the other hand fights sleep like it was a polar bear. If he fell asleep in a car seat we would carry it inside and that is where he stayed. Mostly he slept with his ear to my heart. I got a lot more rest those days.

I'll never forget the awful nurse telling me how much he would scream when they used the saw to take it off. I was appalled and terrified, but when the doctor turned it on he was mesmerized. Absolutely silent, staring at the thing in fascination. If I hadn't been so relieved, I would have given that nurse the biggest Fuck You evah.

You would think that healthcare professionals would get that not all children are the same. If there were we could just write one book and be done with it. Each one is a unique little mystery.

WOO HOO NoiseDesign! We know you work your kilt gilded butt off on your productions. Nice to see you get a shiny reward and recognition.

Happy Birthday Sumi!

Good for Drew! yayayyayayayayyay