Cleanliness is next to Catliness

Cleanliness is very important to a cat, no matter what san.
Megat's laid back everyday stance :)

Last night Megat lost his temper. Just after midnight I woke up to the sound of deep meows which I recognised as Megat's voice. I contemplated ignoring him but I knew that he would not stop until I saw to him. When he saw me, he stopped meowing and pawed at the door of his cage, wanting to be let out.

I saw immediately why he was yelling. His litter pellets were all over his blankie and I smelled poo. Poor Megat. I know he does not like pooing in his own litter in the cage and would often race to the litter in the bathrom if he has to do big business. I think the smell of it bothers him (and rightly too). I cleaned and washed out his litter bin, put fresh litter in it and gave him a new blanket. After that, he was a much happier kitty and we both had some sleep.

Since Megat is a senior kitty, he needs the litter in the cage. Otherwise he would just go.

Cats are really fastidious about cleanliness and I think all of the amigos are this way. Bujang expects his throw-ups to be cleaned immediately, Toro expects very clean litter or he would pee in the shower stall, Tanaka would ensure all bits and pieces are buried and Ms Akira would not use the litter if there is poo from the boys! So therefore I was quite surprised that in one episode of "Clean House" on cable, the homeowner said that she would make sure she cleans her cat litter bin (pick up after them, not wash the bins) once a week!!

The question of the bath

san said I should blog about taking baths since I like them very much. A blogger asked san whether it was wise or even advisable for cats to be given baths. san told me she doesn't know the answer to the question but she said maybe we should just tell people why san made us take baths anyways so she told me to begin the tale.

I take baths because I like them. Every morning I would wait for san to finish giving Toro his meds and then she would have to give me a gentle wipe down. THAT is not a bath of course but I like to be cleaner than clean. san gave me baths from a long time ago when I first came to live here. Then I had fur that stuck to my skin and she could not clean all the dirt and dirty leaves and faeces away without hurting me. So the vet said she should clean me up with warm water and salt everyday until I got very clean. Then she gave me baths and till today, san bathes me once in 3 or 4 months only when we have to go and see Dr L. san says we must always put our best clothes on to see the vet :)
I take baths only after I had been to hospital to see the vet as san thinks I should not smell of medicines when I am in the house with the rest of my bruffers as they think I smell strange. But because I am a long-haired cat, san takes me to the groomer in about 2 or 3 months so the groomer can trim my fur shorter and so I would take a bath then too. Sometimes san takes me to the groomer to take a bath if I had an accident like the last time I had peed in my carrier on my way to the vet or when I had peed on the vet's table as he had poked me on the abdomen to check if my bladder was ok. san thinks a groomer could do a better job of cleaning me up then after my accidents. san also gave me baths after I stayed in the hospital for a week and after the vet took out my catheter as I she thought I would appreciate being very clean and smelling clean too. I do not mind taking baths and quite enjoy them.

I DO NOT like baths! NO WAY! I would bite anyone who tries to bathe me and they deserved it! I had not taken a bath for many many months - a whole year or maybe two! san brings me to the groomer as I would not let her or the vet trim my nails but san thinks I should have shorter nails as grandma is very old and she is afraid I might scratch her by accident. Also I take walks and like to roll about the drains and concrete so since I sometimes sleep with san on her bed, she thinks I should taike baths. san always wipes my feet after my walks though and if I roll about she would try to wipe me with some cat wipes but she thinks I should take baths although only once a year. I DO NOT like baths san!

I remember having only 3 baths in my 2 and some odd years. I took a bath when I was furry small as san did not know where I had been living and then when I threw up after running about with my bruffers a year ago. Then she gave me a bath in the sink with Cousin R's help but I got away before she could use the hair dryer to dry my fur..hahaha. I have not had a bath since as I do not go downstairs nor do I have to visit the hospital. san just wipes my feets when I go out along the corridor. I only go to the vet once a year for a check-up. No baths for me :) But I know Cosuin R and san are planning to give me a bath before my birthday in November. I am going to watch out fur that!

I have only had three baths in my life. Iam now 6 years old. I am a very clean cat and the only accidents that I have ever had was when I sometimes throw up after breakfast. Then san just cleans me up and I am okie. I live in my princess room and do not mix with the bad boys at all. I have my own things and do not go out for walks so I don't need baths :)

We hope this is enough information for the blogger who asked san about baths. san says to play it by ear or nose :) san does not think its cruel to give cats baths but cats are clean creatures by nature and all moms and dads should do what they think is right by their kitties :)

Cleanliness is next to catliness

Are you serious?

Whoa! Feels like the real thing.

Whah! This is good man. I can stretch out even....

Watch out Bujang!!

On Sunday, I thought I would buy the amigos another bin. The bins in the house, especially the one in the dry bathroom is always full these days with 4 cats in the house. The one in the kitchen is usually very clean. I guess no one wants to walk all the way to the kitchen unless its after dinner when every one of them is in the kitchen anyway.

Toro decided to be the first one to test run it. He scratched the bottom of the bin and then decided to lie in it for size. :) After some time he actually wanted to jump Bujang but wisely changed his mind :)

Now we have 3 bins for four cats. This bin costs me $18.00. Its the largest one of its brand and even Bujang can use it quite comfortably. Today when I got home from work to clean the bins, I notice that they were all rather clean. I guess the amigos have decided who will use what bin and at what time :) I don't want it to come to a point that someone will decide to make a point and leave poo on my rug, or leave me poo to teach me a lesson. :)