The Ripley Collection

I'll flip ya for it

2011-09-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mike got out of the chair, and Ripley quickly hopped up. It was pre-warmed and so nice. When Mike came back to the chair, Ripley didn't want to give it up ... and suggested they flip for it.

Wait, don't move

2011-05-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Wait...don't make me move. This is so comfortable, I mean the position that I am in, and I need to think about it before I move so I can memorize where everything is so I can do it again.

I love my Ripley

2011-03-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Ripley entered my life a couple years ago, and he has filled the void left by my last kitty, Noodles. It took a while, but the big guy has wormed his way into my heart.

I have never had an animal companion so sweet, and caring. He greets me every morning with a cold nose and gentle pat to my cheek before he tucks in close purring loudly. He'd keep me there for hours if I let him.

When I am on my computer he curls up on my lap with a blissful contented purr; he's there right now. How lucky we are to have found each other.

I pledge allegiance....

2011-02-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Turkey time!

2011-01-02T10:40:00.001-08:00

I just watched as seed was offered to the turkeys. If only I could go out and meet them!

What a sleepy head

2011-01-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here it is 1:37 pm and Ripley is still not up. Com'on little buddy ... I need to make the bead!

First snow!

2010-12-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's sweater time...

Lots of activity this morning!

2010-10-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how many chipmunks there are out in the rock wall this year. This is the best window to see them scurrying by.

Here's a new one

2010-10-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

This is an old picture they just found of the last cat, Noodles, who lived here for 19 years before I came. He was exploring a wood duck box that Mike just made. I think he was having fun. I don't think I would fit in that box. What a silly kitty.

Heated beds are fine

2010-10-04T05:42:00.001-07:00

They plugged in my heated pad and bed yesterday. Thank gaud! They don't turn the main heat on around here until November or something like that. It's a household tradition.

Something for me?

2010-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

This box contained monarch caterpillars and monarch eggs. I like watching the whole butterfly-rearing process, especially when one escapes from its flight cage. Very exciting!

Going on in my backyard

2010-09-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

It is a lovely Sunday morning, and the backyard is abuzz with wildlife activity for me to watch from my widow shelf. I love Sundays!

Ripley's burger

2010-08-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, when we eat burgers, Ripley gets his own...minus the bun

Patience is a virtue

2010-07-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've been perched here for a while, the feeder is filled with fresh seed and still no fluttery takers. I've been told that patience is a virtue, but this is getting a tad ridiculous!

Fluttering mousies

2010-07-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last night was so exciting (even with the big noisy boomers going non outside). I heard something in the back bathroom. It was flying into the mirror under the nightlight. I jumped up onto the counter and couldn't help myself...I grabbed it in my gently into mouth; it was still.

I hopped down and realized it was not a mouse but a moth, but it was acting like a mouse: flipping around, and then being very still. I had to play with it, and play with it I did, nearly all night. Of course you know the outcome. I presented the moth to Louise this morning (it's what kitties do...share prey with their family) right next to her head, next to her pillow, and to my horror she picked it up and put it outside!

Noisey Nights

2010-07-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Dogs are not the only ones that are afraid of fireworks! Why do they have to start weeks in advance? There's no place to hide from the noise either.

Shake

2010-07-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

OK, here I am "giving paw." I really, really do not like to have anyone touch my paws, but for a treat I'll do it, reluctantly (notice face turned to side).

Rest in peace, Gizmo

2010-06-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

I always called him Gizzard, and I think it bothered him a bit, and I wish he was still around for me to tell him I didn't mean anything by it. Gizmo was my cousin and I miss him.

Shown here is a photo of Gizmo playing with a cat tunnel at my Grandma Marie's house. He could barely fit his head inside. What a silly Gizmo!

Gizmo was diagnosed with a lymphoma, and crossed the rainbow bridge to doggie heaven last week. We will all miss him terribly, especially Laura, who was Gizmo's constant companion.

I have a dream...

2010-05-17T06:02:00.001-07:00

....of someday sneaking out and scaling this tree!

Got-cha!

2010-04-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

A few months ago a new toy showed up. It is a feathery thing that is suppose to look and sound like one of the birds I watch out my "watching window." It mimics the birds well, and is, well, irresistible!

In the second photo I am getting ready to grab it again. Oh whaaaat fun!

I like to run after it, and catch it. Gotta catch it, or what's the use!?

He needs a scratchy pad

2010-04-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

We have a fox squirrel coming to the bird feeder that looks a little sick. His hair is real thin, and he scratches continually. We found out he has "the mange." We called Dr. Joe (my doctor), and he gave us some medicine to treat the squirrel. He said to put the medicine in peanut butter, which we did. The squirrel has not been back yet to get his treat...but we know he will.

Dr. Joe is such a nice person. He wouldn't let us pay for the medicine, so we left him a donation to help pay for all the nice things he does for people and animals. Dr. Joe's business in in Grand Blanc. It is called Briarwood Veterinary. If you'd like to have Dr. Joe take care of you, too, here's his web address: http://www.briarwood.vetsuite.com

Sun!

2010-03-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my day lounging on my windowsill shelf, or on the floor in the living room. The sun was so perfect ... I didn't get anything else done.

For entertainment I had seven deer (one still has some baby spots on his/her hindquarters!), 31 wild turkeys, black and gray squirrels, fox squirrels, red squirrels and chipmunks all feeding at once in the yard.

I saw Dr. Joe yesterday

2010-03-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

I went to see Dr. Joe for my annual checkup; he was quite pleased with my condition! He especially liked my coat, and how glossy I keep it. I gained two ounces but he does not feel I am overweight because I have nice definition on my back, and not too big a belly pouch. He even looked at my back end. Boy, was I glad I had attended to that before the visit.

Dr. Joe thought it was cool that I can chase "mousies" on our 80-foot runway in the basement, and that I make a thunderous sound. He asked if I had a cat tower to jump on. I bet that will be next!

I saw my cousin Beau again, but he didn't have much to say.

Shake (or gimme paw)

2010-02-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

I will try to get a photo later.

Ripley has learned how to shake (raise his paw and let me shake it). Cats usually do not like anything touching their paws so this is really an act of patience on his part. He learned to shake while I was offering him treats, in this case Pounce.

Last night, at treat time, he sat under the drawer where we store the treats, looked up at the drawer handle and raised his paw as if to shake. It was the cutest "beg" I have ever seen!

Shadows

2010-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

It was very active outside last night. About two hours before night time nap time two big coyotes came into the back yard. The white snow, and clear sky made it bright enough for me to watch what they were doing. They were checking out the bird feeding areas, and eating some corn. I am glad I am an "inside kitty." They must have been hungry.

Head first

2010-02-13T13:35:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am sleeping again, in my favorite position. It is a combo of the "meat loaf" and the "head first!"

It's about time you got home

2010-02-07T12:33:00.000-08:00

Sheesh...I've been waiting for you all day. Let's play!

Wool keeps me warm

2010-02-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

I got this last year, and forgot about it until this evening. It's about 10-degrees outside, and no sun. It feels the same way indoors. With my sweater on I stay warm and toasty.

My artistic side

2010-01-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

I posed for some photos today, and this is one we had fun photo-shopping. I like to lay next to the PC while we alter my pictures; the PC is warm.

Let's party!

2010-01-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

I cannot get this bag open, and it has been up in my food cupboard for over a month...something was said about waiting until the other bag of treats is gone before we open it.

The other item is my favorite can of juicy wet food. It says (because of my weight) I am allowed five cans a day, however if I'm lucky I get two, and the new dry food they got me says "for weight control." Hey what gives? Dr. Joe said I was not really overweight; you can still feel my ribs, kinda.

Well, I've just about had it. I can't wait any longer. Oh please let today be the day I get to party. They're gonna party. I saw them setting up to recording devices and talking about football games.

My new favorite toy

2010-01-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

I found one of these under the table in the dining room. They scoot across the floor fast, and make a lot of noise: essential qualities for a "great" cat toy. It's a bottle top.

I really, really love Sundays

2010-01-24T12:56:00.001-08:00

The dryer is so warm, and today is so bleak and dreary...this is my favorite spot.

Got what I asked Santa for!!!!!

2009-12-26T18:43:00.001-08:00

Yes! I got just what I wanted for Christmas from Santa.

I wanna play, too

2009-12-26T18:37:00.000-08:00

They had a toy called Tiddlywinks, and because I am just under the age of three (I'll be three February 5) and they can be a choking hazard, I was not allowed to play. You'd think some rules were meant to be broken. I am big for my age.

Heated beds are fine

2009-11-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

It is a rainy and overcast late Sunday afternoon, but ever thing is just fine and dandy in my heated bed...and if you look closely, just outside one of my watching-windows, the turkeys are here to entertain me.

The squirts

2009-11-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

OK, I admit it, I can be a real pest, but when the "big guy" starts playing music, I like to jump up in his lap and listen, too. He puts up with me for a while, and then puts me down on the floor ... but it isn't as warm and vertical on the floor, so pretty soon I jump up again, and that's when I get into trouble and get "the squirts!"

He has a water spray bottle on his PC desk top, and when I am bad, and don't listen, I get a squirt.

I love Sundays

2009-11-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

Simple pleasures

2009-10-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

I look forward to new play time activities.

Yesterday I discovered a big white sheet had been placed over the chaise-lounge in the "morning room." The sheet covered the piece from floor to floor on all sides making a big tent. I went inside the tent, and found I could see shadows of things as they approached, and I had fun sneaking up on them from inside, and then pounce.

When the people who care for me come into this area of the house, I run really fast and dart under the tent. This way they know it is play time again!

Tunnel time fun

2009-09-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

Fun, especially when mousies are darting in and out!

Tunnel time

2009-09-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Someone gave me this tunnel to play in. It is currently my favorite toy.

New toy

2009-08-16T10:51:00.001-07:00

New toy: I have no idea what it is. It has no eyes, and a stupid buzz-ball on the end of its tail. It's fun any way.

My new favorite chair

2009-08-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Right after eating lunch, the sun hits this chair at the perfect time to bathe, and sleep, which I love to do the most. I understand this chair was the former resident house cat's favorite. Smart guy.

Beautiful morning

2009-07-12T08:42:00.001-07:00

I am laying next to a laptop PC. It has a nice warm fan that blows on me. Being originally a desert animal, I love heat.

They're just plain weird

2009-06-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Louise likes to collect caterpillars and I like to watch her clean their containers, and feed them. I'm telling you, this one above is just plain weird!

Love the sun

2009-05-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love the sun on my face.

Flashes of blue

2009-05-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

This bird likes to come to the birdbath in the morning.

Meadowland friends

2009-05-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

These animals come in to eat the fresh grasses in the meadow directly outside my main watching window. They're just as curious about me as I am of them.

Little red blobs

2009-05-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

See the little red blobs in the upper right hand corner (click to enlarge photo)? It's a hummer feeder placed so I can watch a little bird that flies in so fast, I can hardly keep my eyes on it.

Who feeds me

2009-05-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is the big guy who feeds me. He is kind, and makes sure my water and food are fresh.

Bad kitty

2009-04-22T12:55:00.001-07:00

Oh, I know, I am being a very “bad kitty.” I am not allowed in the workshop … but it is so much fun to explore in here. It smells funny, and the sawdust sticks to my feet.

Vet visit

2009-03-22T10:27:00.001-07:00

I now have a "flag" on my medical history page at my vet that says "towel" when I am in for a visit.

Last Thursday did not go so well. When Dr. Amy started to give me my annual rabies shot, it hurt so much I lashed out at everyone. I did not mean to; I was just so startled that this soft-spoken person could hurt me like that. I was so embarrassed. Dr. Amy put a big, soft towel over my head, held me firmly, and then I knew what to expect.

I also met my cousin, Beau. He lives with Louise's Mom. We really did not have enough time to be properly introduced, but I overheard Louise and her Mom talking about having a play day, soon...just the four of us.

My incredible nose

2009-03-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'll agree...the texture on my nose looks like the
finish on a basketball. I do like to watch the Pistons.

I also learned that no two kitty noses are the same. Each one is unique, like a fingerprint.

My ample jowls

2009-03-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

My vet, Dr. Joe, said the reason my jowls are so well developed is that I was neutered late in life, so I was a “tom” for a bit.

My watching window nest

2009-03-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Last year, a pair of northern cardinals built and used this nest to raise three babies.

I am hoping they come back this year so I can watch them again.

Come Ripley

2009-03-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

We have been learning how to come. I give Ripley few treats, so when he gets one, it is a big deal. Treats are his reward when he comes to me.

I want Ripley to learn that "come" to me, means a reward. So far, it is working. The reason I am teaching Ripley the come command is in the unfortunate event he sneaks out of doors. This happened once, and after running into the woods about 200 feet, he finally stopped long enough for me to snatch him.

We have coyote, and other predators large enough to attach cats. I firmly believe that cats should never be out of doors because of all the things that could hurt them. I am Ripley's caregiver, and would never forgive myself if something happened to him. So today, we practice, come, and Ripley smiles.

Louise

The rewards

2009-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

Ripley's rewards. He didn't win, but he's a winner in our hearts any way!

Ripley's audiance

2009-02-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

Ripley's audiance, waiting to hear his acceptance speech.

Acceptance speech

2009-02-22T15:31:00.003-08:00

Here's Ripley practicing his acceptance speech, just in case he wins an Oscar!

Precious

2008-12-18T17:52:00.001-08:00

Cat's paws

2008-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

These paws make a thunderous sound!

Such a sleepy kitty

2008-12-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Just finished my evening meal, and am all snuggled up next to Louise and her warm computer.

I'm listening

2008-12-07T09:51:00.001-08:00

My new manicure

2008-12-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Backrub, anyone?

2008-12-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

The Ripley Technique

Focused on the body's pressure points, this finger-pressure technique hails from the desert regions of Africa, and is similar to the Chinese form of acupressure. Usually during a session, the client reclines while the cat uses his or her fingertips, thumbs, palms of the paw, and even elbows and knees to create pressure. Ahhh….

Goldfinches

2008-12-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

They seem to be really active today, and gutsy getting so close to the window!

Window watching in the sun

2008-12-07T09:23:00.001-08:00

A new study by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory and colleagues in Norway suggests that the benefits of moderately increased exposure to sunlight - namely the production of vitamin D, which protects against of many forms of cantankerous cat attitudes, and spells of the “bots.”

"Glamor" shot

2008-12-07T09:21:00.001-08:00

I can cast a catatonic spell...

Cleaning House

2008-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today we cleaned house, and found a few mousies.

Out My Watching Window

2008-11-27T14:54:00.001-08:00

I watched a bunch of American goldfinch today.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T14:51:00.001-08:00

Today, I got a new scratchy pad: my other pad was coming apart. I really love this new pad.

Oh that feels so good

2008-11-26T11:39:00.001-08:00

Ripley loves his scratchy pad.

New toy

2008-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Ripley is getting tired of some of his toys. This morning I rolled an emply oats container on the floor, and Ripley attacked it. Actually, he's still young enough to play with just about anything that moves.

"Safe place"

2008-11-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

If a cat puts something in its water bowl, that means that the cat feels it is a safe place to store its food. Ripley placed his fake mousie in his water bowl for the first time 11-24-08. He must feel completely safe and comfortable now in his new home!

Wordle

2008-11-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

Found a cool new website that blends words: www.
wordle.net

Cuddles

2008-10-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

I am learning the art of cuddling after dinner. We all retire to the bedroom and "spoon" while watching Keith Oberman, or whatever his name is. I have heard that the last house cat, Noodles, who lived her 18+ years really knew how to after-dinner cuddle. I do not hear reference to him, Noodles, as much as when I first came here…I think this is a good thing.

My nicknames are Ripley Guy, and Ripley Dude. I like how Mike says Ripley Guy; it makes me smile all over.

Scratchy pad

2008-10-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just love my new big square scratchy pad. It's the only thing I am allowed to scratch, and it is three times as big as the round one Louise first gave me. I can stand on the big pad and really dig into it without it moving all over the place. It also is flaking, and those cardboard flakes taste kinda good. It has some slits in it where Louise hides feathers...they are just like little hiding mousies.

What..........I'm NOT doing anything!

2008-10-04T10:48:00.001-07:00

One of these days, when she's not looking...

My tummy

2008-10-04T10:43:00.001-07:00

Yup, I have really pretty markings on my tummy.

They are there to entice you to rub it.

She Made Me a Sweater

2008-09-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

Louise made me a sweater. I proceeded to wiggle out of it, and hid it downstairs

A Web Post by Mike

2008-09-18T16:51:00.003-07:00

Earlier this year, Louise visited the animal rescue shelter in Fenton and believe it or not, met Ripley. She says they instantly bonded.

He's put on a few pounds since arriving. Ripley spends the day romping, exploring, bird & critter watching, and modeling neat sweaters that Louise makes.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-09-18T16:51:00.002-07:00

I like string, scratchy pad, being brushed.....

OK, Sometimes I Don't Watch

2008-09-18T16:51:00.001-07:00

I sleep.

What I Like to Watch

2008-05-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Squirrels. There are fox, gray, black, red, and little ground squirrels called chipmunks.

Watching Window

2008-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

The windowsill shelf is very cool ... well actually, it’s warm. When I leap up there, I immediately halt, because you never know what or who’s out there to see, and I don’t want to alert them that I’m watching! But most times, with the warm and comforting sun shining in through the window warming the shelf, I just curl up with my face smashed in the soft padding below me, and sleep.

Life is Good

2008-05-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am a "classic silver cream tabby" cat with swirling patterns on my sides and back; I look like a marbleized cake. My greenish-yellow eyes (the most common eye color) are quite expressive, and I have the tabby “M” marking over my eyes. I have been told I am very photogenic; actually I am quite a ham in front of the camera, as you will soon see.

I just found out that The Tabby Cat (Felis familiaris) was designated the official state cat in 1988, in response to the wishes of the schoolchildren of Massachusetts. How cool is that!

About one week after my arrival, a padded windowsill shelf was attached to one of my favorite watching windows. The shelf provides me a complete view of the backyard of my new home. I watch turkeys, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, rabbits, coyote (I don’t like them much), fox, and lots of songbirds. Life is good.

February 5, 2008 - My New Home

2008-05-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

I arrived here twenty minutes ago after a brief ride in a car, and my new carrier. I've just been told that this is my room. There are handmade, shallow ceramic water and dry kibble bowls with a cat picture on them, and a big, clean litter pan tucked back in a private area. There's even an elevated floor (table) for me to hop up on so I can look out the window that has a wide windowsill. There's much to explore.

Hi, my name is Ripley, and I am 1-1/2 years old. I was surrendered to Adopt-A-Pet in Fenton, Michigan, by my previous owner, and now have two new ones. They seem kind.