Huffle Mawson, Explorer Cat

And so farewell. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

2012-12-01T12:24:00.000+11:00

Dear Huffle Mawson

Thank you for allowing us to adopt you seven years ago, when you had spent so many months in the shelter, no-one looking at you because you were black, and shy.

Thank you for making us laugh with your antics. From the time you "caught" the gecko, to the time you actually caught the dragonfly, and that one time you caught a fly with your paw and couldn't quite believe it, and lifted up your paw to check, only to let the fly get away.

Thank you for always politely asking for ham (every single day) and for loving prawns nearly as much as ham - actually I think you loved prawns more than ham, but they were a special infrequent treat.

Thank you for being the conduit to making so many wonderful friends all around the world. It was wonderful to see so many of your friends post lovely tributes to you on their blogs in the last couple of weeks.

Thank you for being the sweetest kitty to grace our lives. Huffledad and I are going to miss you so much.

Love, Mum and Dad

Thank you to everyone for your kind words over the passing of our dear Huffle. We are just heartbroken, even more so because it happened while we were away. We take comfort in the fact Huffle was with her grandpa, whom she loved so much, at the very end. She did not suffer. And she knew she was loved for the seven years she lived with us, although we could not make up for the first five years of her life that were so hard.

Huffle was a special girl, and leaves a big hole in our hearts.

Teddy is adjusting to life as an only cat. He will continue blogging next year, but on his own blog: Teddy Westlife - Don't Bite. I'll be moving over his posts from Huffle's blog slowly over the coming weeks.

Thank you everyone, for being our friends.

This is starting to get old...

2012-11-08T08:43:00.001+11:00

It has been a while since you've seen my face on MY blog so here I am, hanging out on the new deck.

I have two pieces of news for you.

First, mum and dad are going overseas next week. You would think they would get over this travelling thing they like to do, but no. They're going to Papua New Guinea, for anyone who cares (I certainly don't). The Goon and I will be looked after by our grandparents. Grandpa said he was happy to mind me but he wasn't so sure about Teddy. HA! Teddy is also not welcome back at Boot Camp so I have to put up with him.

Second, we are going to be moving house again! Not until late December, but another move. I have spent the last year spreading my furs around this house and making it just nice (including some impressive vomit stains on the new carpet) and now I'm going to have to do it all over again in a new house! Dad says this move will be our last one for a long time, I certainly hope he means that.

So our posting will be even more spotty than usual, but maybe next year we can get back into some kind of routine. Wouldn't that be nice?

Not a good cat at all

2012-11-01T07:00:00.000+11:00

Teddy tried to tell you all how awesome he is and how clever and funny and cute... but he left out all the stuff where he behaves like a complete doofus.

Like this:

And this:

And this, this and this:

And this one:

And let's not forget his finest moment since arriving in this family:

Seriously. A complete doofus.

The Terrible Twos

2012-10-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

Woohoo it's my birthday! I am officially a BIG boy now and I am two! Can you believe I was ever this little?

And then I did awesome things like this:

and this:

And then I grew up and turned into a lion:

And now I am a legend in my own mind:

(me on the roof)

So I hope you will all stay and party! I heard a rumour there's even kitten food around for the youngsters (not that I have been able to find it).

Silly Saturday

2012-10-20T12:28:00.004+11:00

I am sitting like a good boy. Now please serve me my dinner at the table.

Huffle Mawson's Medical Monday

2012-10-15T07:00:00.000+11:00

Two weeks ago, I had a very bad day. I threw up five times in one day and that is a lot for any kitty. I also cried a bit when dad picked me up. Dad was very worried about me (so was mum) so I had to go to the dreaded vet the next day. I peed on the carrier while dad tried to put me in it, so he knows how I feel about that.

The vet weighed me, and I am getting smaller! I only weight 2.95kg which is not very much at all. I also have a dodgy hip (that is the technical term for it) from when I was badly treated as a young cat. The vet says I am starting to get arthritis in my hip as well which makes me feel sick and very sore and tired.

So now I get to eat kitten food, which is the best food ever. I am allowed to eat as much as I want because I am a bit on the skinny side. Teddy is not allowed to eat any of my kitten food, despite his best efforts. I also had a course of Meloxicam on my food, which I didn't really like but it seems to have helped as yesterday I sprinted up and down the hallway all day, having fun. I am feeling much better now.

AND I caught a mouse last week! Well, Teddy caught a mouse and brought it in the house and let it go. At 2am. Mum and dad were much less excited than I was, especially since I caught it all by myself! I wasn't happy when dad took it from me either.

p.s. that photo me is a few months old, I am looking a bit thinner and have more white whiskers these days.

Very sad news

2012-10-10T08:11:00.000+11:00

My friend Diamond, who just celebrated his 16th birthday last week, has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I think his human could use some purrs, if you have any to spare.

Once again, if you can't manage the word verification please leave a message here and I will pass it on.

Birthday wishes for a special friend

2012-09-28T22:16:00.001+10:00

Everyone, do you remember my friend Diamond? He is a very handsome kitty and today is his 16th birthday! I don't think many people know that it is his birthday so would you please go and say hi?

I know he would appreciate it.

Also, he has word verification on his blog so if you can't leave a message, put it here and I will pass it on to him.

Talk Like a Pirate!

2012-09-19T07:00:00.000+10:00

Mr Puddy's mum very kindly made me this picture last year. And I like it so much I am using again this year!

Avast me hearties! Can anyone help me make Teddy walk the plank?

Mancat Monday

2012-09-17T07:00:00.000+10:00

Is anyone else worn out from the weekend?

Sleepy Saturday

2012-09-08T12:12:00.000+10:00

It has been a crazy week with the weather here. We had lovely sunshines on Monday and Tuesday and then massive winds with heaps of rain! I have stayed inside since it started raining as I do not like to get my furs wet.

I know you will all be relieved to know that a foster home has been found for Bronzy and Slash! They'll be going to stay with Gypsy and Tasha's mum, which is great news.

Urgent assistance required!

2012-09-06T11:00:00.001+10:00

Friends, I know it's been a while and I promise to come back with actual photos of me soon, but right now some friends of mine need help.

Slash and Bronzy are Melbourne kitties like me. Their mum is from Singapore and needs to return home temporarily to deal with visa issues. She does not want to uproot Slash and Bronzy for a short time and have them fly to another country and be in quarantine for what may be only a few weeks. Do you know of anyone in Melbourne who might be willing to foster Slash and Bronzy for 1 - 3 months?

(Bronzy on the left, Slash on the right)

If their mum ends up having to stay in Singapore for much longer, then she would arrange for them to fly there too.

We don't have the space and Teddy would go ballistic if there were another two cats in the house, otherwise we'd take them here. Can anyone help?

Freaky Friday

2012-08-10T07:00:00.000+10:00

If you can tell me what's wrong with him, you can have another Olympic medal!

Wednesday Wrap Up

2012-08-08T07:00:00.000+10:00

In other Olympic news, Teddy was awarded a bronze medal in the Balance Beam, and I won gold in the Strong Cat competition! We are very excited and this is how we plan to celebrate:

Yep, we are pooped out from all the partying.

Medal Presentation - Competitive Napping

2012-08-06T07:00:00.000+10:00

Firstly, I would like to say congratulations to every single cat, dog and hamster who entered Competitive Napping. It was one of the biggest events of the Games, and truly you are all winners.

But, our independent judges have made their decisions.

The Bronze medal is awarded to: Genji Chan! The judges said they spent a lot of time looking at the photo and couldn't tell where Genji stopped or started. Congratulations Genji!

The Silver medal is awarded to: Tater Tot! Our judges said it was the look on Tater Tot's face that sealed the deal. Well done Tater Tot!

And finally, the gold medallist for Competitive Napping in 2012 is: Mr Darcy! What the judges want to know is, did you eat the mouse that was attached to that laptop? Congratulations Mr Darcy!

I also want to say thank you to everyone who submitted a photo. There are some very creative nappers out there in the Blogosphere. I'd also like to thank the judges, who could not be bribed in any way even though I tried. Thanks to my mum for putting together the posts for last week - it was a very big job. And finally, thank you to everyone who hosted an event during these Olympics. It was even bigger than 2010 and now I think I shall sleep until it's time for the Winter Games in 2014.

Competitive Napping Event Day 5

2012-08-03T07:00:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the final day of competition! We still have a few entries to get through so let's get started.

This is Chloe. She seems to have made quite the nest for herself behind the cushion on the couch there.

This is Casey the Boxer. Jaunty scarves seem to be all the rage at the moment, don't they?

This is Mayzie Gal's brother Capn Ripley, who is over the Bridge. But we had to let this entry in. I mean, just look at it.

Here, Candy is doing double duty by napping, AND spreading furs all over the clean clothes. Multitasking as its best.

Next up is Brulee. I don't think I've ever seen so much floof on one cat. Teddy isn't even in her class.

Here's Brinskey Winksey from the Houston Pittie Pack. Sleeping on your human is always more comfortable, I think.

Jasper submitted this photo of his friend Bogey (because Bogey doesn't have a blog). This is totally awesome.

Here's young Bibi-Chan, in a non-Houbibi moment. I believe those are Tommy's legs behind him too.

Um, Bernie, I think there may be more comfortable places to sleep? And where do you put your food?

It's monorail cat! No, it's just Ben, napping on the banister. High degree of difficulty here!

Oh Bella. You look so comfortable there. I think.

I just love this photo of Allie with her pink toes, having a spa day in the sun. Too cute for words.

And finally, last but definitely not least, Aimee, making herself comfortable and making sure the human doesn't get much room. Way to go, Aimee.

And there you have it. All the entries for Competitive Napping. It's been a massive week of competition and now the judges will retire over the weekend and make their decisions. Good luck to all of you, and thank you to everyone who entered. You are all winners in my book! See you on Monday for the medal ceremony.

Competitive Napping Event Day 4

2012-08-02T07:00:00.000+10:00

First up today we have Iza, Ayla and Marley. Ayla was not going to be denied the right to sleep in the middle!

This is Horatio Petrushka Nutkin, from the Cherry City Kitties. Are pizza boxes really that comfortable? Enquiring kitties want to know.

This is Goose. I think there's a story about those ears we need to hear!

A crowd favourite and a long time friend of mine, Ginger Jasper. Look and learn, young kitties.

Here's young Genji from the Chans in France. Is it just me or does he look like a kangaroo here?

Next up is Garth Riley. I defy you to figure out the paws and tail!

Here's Flynn. It kind of looks like he's doing ballet in his sleep, doesn't it?

This is Figaro and Ellie. At least, I think there are two cats in this picture.

And here's Figaro flying solo. One of my favourite pictures in this competition.

Faraday, do you not want us to see your handsome face?

Whatever that bush is, Eric, I hope it doesn't have thorns!

This is Pumpkin Puddy. You might think, she's in a stroller, so what? But she's AT BlogPaws in a massive crowd! It takes talent to nap in that situation.

This is Einstein the hamster. What a furry cute face!

This is Domino. I wonder if Domino was inspired by Snafu's medal-winning performance two years ago?

Last to compete today is Declan. Every time my mum sees this photo she laughs hysterically.

That's it for today. Tune in tomorrow for the final competitors!

Competitive Napping Event Day 3

2012-08-01T07:00:00.000+10:00

It's another big day of competition here at the competitive napping event. We have plenty of kitties and pups ready to get their cute on!

This is Moe. Anyone would thinks she's shy!

This is Missie, all the way from Romania! We don't get too many Romanian kitties entering. Excellent form, Missie.

Does Miss Melly Hamilton Weekes really need an introduction? I thought not.

Here's Maxwell showing us all what to do when the dreaded suitcases come out. I might try this next time my mum and dad think about going away.

We all loved this picture of Mario da Cat when it arrived. Seriously.

This is sweet Madi. Isn't she adorable?

This is Ling. I wasn't sure if I needed to add a modesty patch or not to this photo!

This is Leo from the Celestial Kitties. Some of those paws are facing the wrong way. I'm just not sure which ones.

Kjelle Bus (aka Charlie Rascal) was the second entry we received, and right away Huffle Dad was impressed.

Kip's mum said this was his gunshot position. I think she may be right.

This is KC, giving the stinkeye to whoever woke him up. Rude.

Katie has been having a massive few weeks, what with her Petties nomination and the big week of giveaways, so it's no wonder she needed a nap.

Jimmy is lucky. He has a real electric fireplace to warm himself and nap on. We have a cold empty fireplace.

Armani is a gorgeous mancat, but he really shouldn't be sleeping in JB's pink bed, should he?

This is Jasper. He feel asleep in his mum's arms. So adorable! Jasper is fairly new to blogging and doesn't have many friends yet so drop in and say hi to him!

Well that's it for day three. Are you exhausted yet? I sure am! See you tomorrow.

Competitive Napping Event Day 2

2012-07-31T07:00:00.000+10:00

I hope you're all ready for another round of some excellent napping. I'm really glad that someone else is doing the judging; there's no way I can choose between you all!

First up today are Shiloh and Shasta. Is there anything cuter than a pile of sleepy beagles?

This is the beautiful Sei-Chan, showing off those pink toes. Teddy is very obsessed with toes and is quite overcome by this picture.

Scylla, I can here all the parents squeeing from here! Look at that belleh!

Next up is Sarge, accessorising with a toy and a jaunty scarf. So stylish!

This is Sammy. My mum was ready to give him the gold medal when this picture arrived! Lucky she's not judging, that's all I can say.

This is Roo. I'm pretty sure I don't need to add any commentary here.

This is Reuben. Has anyone else ever bitten their tongue in their sleep? Or is that just my mum.

I always love a good bit of sitting-up-sleeping, as demonstrated by Rama here. By the way, even though Rama looks like Mango Man, Rama is actually a cane corso (pronounced kah-nay korso). So handsome!

This is EK, blissed out in the sun. Heavenly.

Look at Peter, from Purrchance to Dream. My mum is a sucker for those curled paws.

Obviously watching TV proved too much for Pasha. But look at the belleh floof!

Next up we have Oskar. I think that might be Moe in the background if you look carefully too. Oskar loves a mound of quilts like nothing else.

This is Only, from the Wild Cat Woods clan. I'm pretty sure that sitting up AND having crossed paws while sleeping scores very highly.

This is Mr Darcy. I'm speechless.

This is Mr Bingley. Can you tell he and Mr Darcy are related?

Well, that's it for day two of competition. We have three more days of excellent competitors to come! See you tomorrow.

Competitive Napping Event Day 1

2012-07-30T07:00:00.000+10:00

Let's Get Ready to Rumble! Um... quietly. That's right, it's competitive napping time!

This is how it's going to work. Today, and over the following four days, I am going to post all the entries for competitive napping. They will be posted in reverse alphabetical order, so if you had more than one entry from your family, they may not necessarily appear together.

Then NEXT Monday, the medal ceremonies will be held. HuffleDad and my bestest friend Zimmie's mum will be the impartial judges.

First up, we have Zoey from Zoolatry. Does anyone see anything wrong with this picture?

Next up is Zoey (and Harley) from ZeeZoey:

Those crossed back paws give Zoey a certain edge, don't you think?

Our next competitor is Winston. If this isn't napping of the finest order, I don't know what is.

Next up is tortie girl Willow. Boy does she know how to nap in style!

Here are Whisky and Ling, they're not synchronised but they're napping alright!

Next up, Weenie and Mona, the Texas dachsies. That is some serious napping going on right there.

What I'd like to know is, how does Tucker the great dane manage to make such a small nap pile? Where are the legs?

This is Treasure. I didn't know windows could be used as a prop for sleeping!

Next up, a stylish French competitor - Tommy from the Chans. Sleeping with a prop is very clever, Tommy!

Now, this is Reuben's cousin Tater Tot. This is one of the most impressive sleeping positions I've seen in a long time. (if you don't know Reuben, his entry is coming up in the next day or two)

This is Sweet. It's a bit hard to fault her name, isn't it? Look at those paws!

This is Star from the Celestial Kitties. I'm pretty sure her back end is higher than her head. How does she not get a head rush??

This is Socks. Helping the human with their work, no doubt. Good job, socks!

This is Sneaky Pie from the Kwee Cats. Look at that head tilt!

Jasper submitted this picture of behalf of Smokey, who doesn't have a blog. Just as well, because look at that napping form!

That's it for day one of competition, folks! Tune in tomorrow for the next round!

I am feeling very Olympic today

2012-07-27T07:00:00.000+10:00

Today I thought I'd show you our entries in the Olympic events.

I am entering the Balance Beam over at Cory's place:

And so is Teddy:

And Teddy is in the Hiding competition at Quill's:

Teddy is also in Fierceful Yawning at Kashim's blog, and I am in the secret Strong Cat competition at Quill's. You'll have to wait til the events start to see those photos.

Words Fail Me on Wednesday

2012-07-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

Honestly. Does anyone know what he's doing here?

Miraculous Monday

2012-07-23T07:00:00.000+10:00

This is me and Teddy in the same photo! It hardly ever happens. I was sunning myself on the driveway near the neighbour's car and he came out to annoy me.

Mancat Monday

2012-07-16T08:44:00.000+10:00

See how manly I am in my mancatly pose on the not-quite-finished deck?

Mum keeps telling me to get my floof in order but I just don't know what she's talking about.

Are you ready for the Olympics? There are less than two weeks to go now!

Huffle says we got a message from her web host saying the mailbox was nearly full so if you submitted a picture and didn't get a reply from her please try again. Also, if you wanted to enter but missed the deadline you can have until this Wednesday (July 18) to get your entries in.

Monday Movie Madness

2012-07-09T07:00:00.000+10:00

I started out trying to attack the bathmat. I do not like that bathmat and I attack it every single day. I think I'm slowly beating it into submission.

Anyhow, I suddenly realised that my tail, known as Something Like Bob, was being naughty! So I had to try and teach Something Like Bob a lesson.

By the way, does anyone know what that tall white thing is?

Don't forget, this is the last week to get your entries in for Competitive Napping! Click here to find out how to enter.

Allie, Ellie, Tamir, Cubby and Clifford are hosting Smackdown. Information on how to enter is available here.

Wally, Ernie and Zoey are hosting Synchronised Snoozing. How to enter information is posted here.

Cory and her family are hosting Balance Beam. Information on how to enter can be found here.

The Katnip Lounge kitties are hosting Counter Surfing. Information on how to enter is on their blog here.

Penelope and Kozmo are hosting High Jump. Check their blog here for information on how to enter.

DaisyMae Maus is hosting Team Lounging. Information on how to enter is on her blog.

Callie and Sassy are hosting Competitive Nip Bliss Out. Check their blog for instructions on how to enter.

Kashim, Othello and Salome are hosting Fierceful Yawning - give us your biggest yawn. Information on how to enter is on their blog.

The kitties at Purrchance to Dream are hosting the RedDotAThon. For information on how to enter, check their blog.

Little Quill over at Housecat Confidential is going to host three events: Wrestling, Hiding and Cat Tree Gymnastics. Visit his blog to find out how to enter.

Entry for most events closes on Friday 13 July so get cracking!