#catsarealwaysincharge

[debwalsh]

She came up to me and stood on my legs, wanting to be petted. Next thing I knew, she was kneading away on my legs (ouch!) and then she just stretched out in my lap. She is so soft, it's hard to imagine she'd been living outside for so long. Then she got up and settled on my bed right next to me. Honestly, I never expected to ever get near this cat, let alone have her laying in my lap. She loves to be petted, and especially likes head rubs, just like her kittens Sam, Bucky, and Nugget. Welcome home, Grumbles. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #feralnomore https://www.instagram.com/p/CYdW6mJOKla/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Shine. So named because she hung out with the cat I named Sparkle back when my gang lived outside. She's a really mellow cat, but she doesn't often hang out with me. It's a treat when she does. She has a chair in the dining room/craft room to be that she really likes, but right now she's hanging out with me in my room. Such a gift. And is that a wink? #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes https://www.instagram.com/p/CZxjf-9L0ZE/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Jack's urethra is blocked and his kidney values are very, very high. The doctor doesn't know yet if Jack's kidneys are damaged or not. He's been hospitalized and they are working to unblock him snd flush the toxins from his system. The estimate for Jack-Jack's care is between $1100 and $2200. It's sounding like it may tend toward the higher amount. I normally just deal with my stuff on my own, but this time I do really need help. I'm going to pull my traders in reserve and set up auctions for them. Payment will be by PayPal friends and family, or Venmo. If bidding goes over $300, we can discuss a payment plan, but I'd need payment in full by end of January, and I would only mail once the payment is complete. Thank you for your support and your help! #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #jackjackisagoodboy #hopingforthebest https://www.instagram.com/p/CYuxVTPrp02/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

#thereisnoroomformeinmyownbed Grumbles, Nugget, Shadow. I'm hanging on the edge. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes https://www.instagram.com/p/CYalUQwthYY/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Glimmer really doesn't understand that he's like twice the size of his Mom, Sparkle. I really feel for both Glimmer and Bow - they are kittens, not even a year old yet, and they are both *huge*. They want cuddles and comfort from their Mom, but they crush her when they try to snuggle with her, so she's likely to leave or swat them. I was so pleased when I recently got a chance to pet and snuggle with Bow - and he seemed so happy to get affection. So that's a goal, to get both big Flerken boys to cuddle with me.. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #flerkensofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CciWldMOfSX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[debwalsh]

Captain America vs. the Flerken Butt. And Jack-Jack. Jack-Jack is a totally different cat than he was a month, two months ago. He's bursting with enthusiasm and energy, racing around the house, leaping over the other cats, jumping up on furniture, and alive with curiosity and joy. He still loves to stay close to me, wherever I am, and loves his little bed in front of the heater. And he's eating his special diet really well, and enjoying the new treats I've gotten him. As for that Flerken butt, I'm pretty sure that was Bow. Can you believe he's just a kitten? I've never had a cat that large, and both he and his brother Glimmer are enormous. They'll turn one year old sometime in May or June. Jack-Jack turns 10 in March! I look at these fuzzy kids, and I'm filled with gratitude for the help and encouragement I've received from my online family and my irl friends. And joy. You can't look at a happy and healthy cat and not feel joy. And when they choose you, blessed. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #flerkensofinstagram #flerkenbutt #captainamerica #jackjackisagoodboy #jackjackisafighter https://www.instagram.com/p/CaTY4Gvr1Iw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Magic. Such a cutie. I've always loved black cats, and when Phanny passed 2 years ago, I was left black cat-less. So Magic fills that void for me. Plus she's thoroughly sweet and entertaining. She's a real sweetie. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #magicisadoll https://www.instagram.com/p/CcGx8lNrOwO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[debwalsh]

Tonight it's Bow (Flerken) and Sam. She's laying on him - he really is that big. This is amazing because the two Flerken brothers tend to keep their distance. So to have him snuggling down with me is pretty special ... #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes https://www.instagram.com/p/CbrSW8zu9nY/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

I think Jack-Jack had a chat with some of the kids. That's Magic, Sam, and Houdini all on my bed. Quite a lovely surprise after several kitty-less nights. I've already gotten snuggles from Sam and Magic, and they loved getting petted with belly rubs. Houdini watched, rapt, and I think wants to try it, but she's not quite ready for it. That's okay. I can be patient. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #thereisnoroomformeinmyownbed https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbjio5uO-9L/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Look at this handsome fellow! Jack-Jack continues to do well! His diet now consists of the urinary wet and dry food prescribed by the vet, treats, squeeze up puree, and more treats. I'm really happy to see his appetite is much approved, and he's getting a lot of moisture in his diet. He's also doing very well with the litter box - no straining, good volumes. And his energy levels are wonderful. Like, he'll race down the hall and literally leap over other kitties in his way. Nothing is gonna stop Jack-Jack. We celebrate Jack-Jack's 10th birthday this month, too. He's been with me 8 years - I was his 4th Mom, and I will be his last. He sticks close, and often naps curled up against me, draped across my legs, or half in my lap. I love it. None of this would have happened without the support so many kind folks gave him and me. Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. Jack-Jack and I appreciate it! #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #jackjackisagoodboy #jackjacktakescareofhismom #jackjackisafighter #thanksforyoursupport https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNpNClLCic/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Another first, this time with Magic. She's the only one of her litter I managed to get, and she fills a hole in my heart for black cats. Until Jack-Jack, all my cats were black or black and white. Now Magic is my only predominantly black cat. This is the first time she's laid on me in bed. Earlier, she finished grooming and stretched out - only to roll right off the bed. I encouraged her to come back, and look at her - she's just beautiful. Now ... maybe I'll finally get to pet her without spooking her! #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #magicisadoll https://www.instagram.com/debwalshweb/p/CYnlweruNkx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Hey Mom! Are you up yet? We're hungry ... #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #caturday https://www.instagram.com/p/CauuibFO8LY/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Remember Captain America vs. the Flerken Butt? The Flerken Butt won. Still looking for one final piece of the strap for the Stealth shield to glue it all back together. Flerken Butts are stronger than they look ... #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #captainamerica #livingthegeeklife https://www.instagram.com/p/CasYeLZOm_b/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Finally! A lap cat! #jackjackisagoodboy #jackjacktakescareofhismom #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes https://www.instagram.com/p/CaTaLjsLoo6/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Jack-Jack says it's time to cuddle him, so I'll be posting more pins tomorrow. Doesn't Jack-Jack look great? He's been doing so well, and he's adapting to his new diet pretty readily. I've learned he does not like bits in his wet food. I mash it up as well as I can, but he'll lap up the broth - augmented with warm water - but most solid bits get left behind. He loves puree, tho. Not pate, puree. So I'm getting a smoothie blender so I can turn his wet food into puree for him. He does love the urinary diet dry food, tho. He took to that immediately. My monthly Chewy bill about doubled, but it's worth it if he's going to feel better. He's definitely gained some weight back, and he's got so much energy! Again, thank you to everyone who helped me pay the vet bill, gave advice, support, and vibes. Much, much appreciated. And as you can see, so worth it. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #jackjackisagoodboy #jackjackisafighter #thanksforyoursupport https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ_SqwuOLR9/?utm_medium=tumblr

[debwalsh]

Omg! I thought Shine was settling in, but today when I went out the kitchen door to put something outside, she burst through the door and bolted, heading along the fence toward the next street. If I hadn't turned when I did, I wouldn't even have seen which cat it was, she moved so fast. At least I know she had a good breakfast this morning. I've started serving the hordes Weruva wet cat food in the morning, to help distract them from the special urinary food Jack-Jack gets. Shine really enjoyed the new food the past week. I've always sworn I won't force a rescue to stay with me if they really want to leave. I hope she has a home to return to, a family that has been missing her. I'm sorry to those people if she does, but I know while she was with me, she was cared for, fed, loved, with comfy places to snooze, and toys to play with. And if she comes back, she will always be welcome here. I'm gonna miss her little face, always sitting on the chair to supervise distribution of kibble morning and night. Think I'm gonna go have a good cry now. #catsofinstagram #catsarealwaysincharge #catsareassholes #imgonnamissthatsweetface https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ7aowtujz2/?utm_medium=tumblr