Friday, April 29, 2011

Happy Birthday, Charlie!



I talk an awful lot about my cat Priscilla, but there's also another kitty in my life that's just as close to my heart, and his name is Charlie! He's been a part of our family for nearly five years now, but he could be considered a black sheep of sorts. I don't want to say that Prissy HATES him, but sometimes I think that if she spontaneously developed the ability talk, her strong dislike towards him might be the first topic of discussion. Oh, sure..there's nose (and butt) sniffs here and there, and they generally cohabitate in harmony, but I'm not sure a day has gone by without a hiss and/or swat to remind him who's really the boss!

Bonjour!

It's a pity for her though, because Charlie is one of the sweetest cats you'll ever meet. He's extremely affectionate (a nice way of saying clingy) and devoted. He loves following people around (he's no stranger to getting tripped over), and being the center of attention. He's not really like any other cat I've ever encountered, and in fact, sometimes I think he's more like a dog (or an alien).

He lacks the grace and poise of Priscilla, and I wonder if that's part of the reason why she looks at him with such disdain. He's clumsy and overly curious; This is a cat who routinely sneaks into rooms and gets locked in them for several hours, once took a spin in the dryer (he was fine), and even singed some fur on his back leg the time he accidentally turned on the stove.

From Rags to Riches

That being said, I don't think I've ever heard him hiss in his life (Priscilla is fondly referred to as "the airbag"), and I call him a "Beanie Baby" because he's long and lanky, and you can throw him over your shoulder, rub his belly, and squeeze his toes, and he won't even bat an eyelash.


He came into our lives during a hot summer five years ago when our dog, Teddy, discovered him living in the sewer down the street. He would spend his days there, sometimes emerging, but quickly retreating when a person or strange truck would drive by. We'd find him napping with his head on a hard rock, and every day for about a week or two, we'd lure him out with food and water. He was so friendly, we quickly determined there was no way he was feral, and must either be lost or abandoned. We put signs up all around the neighborhood proclaiming, "Lost Cat!" and checked with the local shelter to see if anyone had been looking for him, but secretly hoped they hadn't.

Last day outside!

I'll never forget the day we lured him to our house with a cat toy that looked like a computer mouse. He would walk (it's more of a waddle) a few steps and sit down again, and then repeat, over and over until we finally made it to the front porch. He camped out there for a few days, sleeping on an old kitchen chair cushion under a bench, before we were able to take him to the vet.


Once there, we found out that he was around a year old, not micro-chipped, healthy, and had already been fixed. Since no one stepped forward to claim him, we officially decided to bring him home and make him an indoor cat. Priscilla may not have been happy about it, but I'd say he acclimated to his new lifestyle pretty quickly.

Happy Sixth(ish) Birthday, Little Charles! I love you!

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34 comments:

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR, SWEET CHARLIE!! So happy to meet you!! I hope we will be seeing more of you, handsome one!!
xoxoxo

Brian's Home Blog said...

Happy Birthday to you handsome Charlie!

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

Happy Birthday Charlie. Wow you are one handsome mancat. You has to assert your rights and get posted on the blog more.

MOL, Scylla is the hissy one here but Artemisia is the boss. Scylla hisses but nobody pays her any attention least of all Artemisia who just looks @ her like "are you talking to moi?"

ZOOLATRY said...

Happy Happy Day, Charlie... we think you have a few habits not unlike our Zoey (not a bad thing... just makes you very special!).
We're so glad you made it from the street to the porch to your furrever home!

Marg said...

Happy Birthday Charlie. You sure look like a really nice kittie and we are so glad that you found such a nice home even if your sisfur hisses at you all the time. We have a lot of hissing that goes on here.You are also very handsome. Take care and have a great week end.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Happy Purrthday Charlie! Aren't you glad you got them to lure you into your house...heehee

SuziQCat said...

Happy Birthday Charlie...you are beautiful!

Jube Jube said...

Happy birthday Charlie!

Zee and Zoey said...

Awww... Happy Birthday Charlie! You are so similar to our sweet little Peanut. I think we need to arrange a cat date for the two of them! This is your special day, don't let Priscilla tell you otherwise!

Meows and Hugs from all of us at the Zee Zoey Clan - human Deb, Jazz, Harley, Zee, Zoey, Mia, Peanut and Rolz

Katnip Lounge said...

Charlie, Happy Birthday-ish!!

We have officially decided we want to hear more about you! Especially the Stove Incident.

Have a wonderful day!

Jans Funny Farm said...

Happy Birthday, Charlie. We're glad you have a safe, comfy home.

The Monkeys said...

Happy birthday, adorable Charlie! We think Priscilla may have a tiny crush on you...that's why she hisses ;)

Have a fantastic day!

Ann Dziemianowicz said...

Happy Birthday Mr. Charlie! You are so lucky to have picked Catsparella as your "owner." (we really know who's in charge).

You sound like quite the character! Hopefully I'll get to meet you and your sis some time. Enjoy your day sweetie!

Marcia said...

Who knew? It seems to me that Charlie needs more time in the spotlight! Our beautiful little bitty Persian Phoebe is 1/2 the size and less then 1/2 the weight of her litter mate Rudy the Himalayan. However, she runs the show!Once they were buds, but then 6 yrs ago, a trip to an unfamiliar Vet put an end to that! They arrived to the Vet in the same carrier, and due to the hissing and spats, my daughter had to stay at the Vet with them while I returned home to get a second carrier for the 2 sec. ride home. And they have been living in a parallel world since! Pheobe, being the ultimate GIRL commands the scene, and Rudy treads lightly, but loves to antagonize. Her little body has the hiss of a Cougar! And it sounds as if death is imminent when Rudy chases her!Donny gets along with them both so is a buffer. It just seems that your Charlie is a laid back BOY, and that is how my boys are, and Prissy, well, the name says it!!My Phoebe could be called Prissy too! Love them all, but the boys I have had seem to be more social and dog like compared to my girls (Marie included). Charlie is a sweetie and needs to "come out". We'd love to hear more about this gorgeous guy! How lucky he is that you found him and took him in!! Such a wonderful story. Happy Birthday Charlie!!

Cats of Wildcat Woods said...

What a great story about how you gotted Charlie! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Kendy P said...

happy birthday kitty!

Everycat said...

Happy Birthday Charlie! Looks like you landed firmly on all four of your lovely velvety paws when you found your family! Have a great day!

Whicky Wuudler

T said...

The photo of Charlie as a pumpkin cracked me up! LOL! Not a happy kitty but patient!

Anonymous said...

Happy bday Charlie! it's my kitties birthday too!

drksolest

Ingrid King said...

Happy Birthday, Charlie! What a wonderful boy! I have to say, though, he doesn't look too terribly thrilled in the photos where he's dressed up in hats and sweaters... :-)

Daisy said...

What a great kitty you are, Charlie! Happy, happy birthday to you!

Jacqueline said...

Happy Birthday handsome Charlie!...We are so glad you found such a loving home and are very happy to "officially" meet you!...We adore black cats=our Mommy thinks they are very lucky!...We hope you have a fun celebration with lots of extra cuddles and treats on your special day, sweet boy...kisses, precious friend...Calle, Halle, Sukki

The Florida Furkids said...

Happy Birthday Charlie!

The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie

The Island Cats said...

Happy Birthday, Charlie! What a handsome house panther you are!!

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Happy Birthday Charlie!

meowmeowmans said...

Happy Birthday, Charlie! We are so glad you have such a wonderful forever home. :)

Clooney said...

Theese is just excellent to meet Charlie! Happy Birthday Charlie! And many more...I'z got my jazz paws goin' for ya buddy! It is so interesting to hear your story and we are so glad you ended up with Miss Catsparella. I hope you get TONS of Num-Nums on your special day!

Liz of NaturalCatCareBlog said...

Charlie--you're beautiful! Happy birthday my dear cool cat.

Nadbugs said...

I just love the way you told this sweet sweet story. Best of the best, Catsp. A wonderful lift for me.

Mo and The Purries said...

Happy Birthday you gorgeous House Panther!

Samantha & Mom said...

Happy Birthday Charlie and we are very pleased to meet you!!

Samantha hisses at me everyday too Charlie!! But it makes for great fun for me!!

Howdy from your TX furiends,

whiskerkisses said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE!!!

We loved your story about how you were found! We wish you many more years of cuddles and adventures!

Hugs, and purrs,
-Rebecca & Twiggy :x

Wendy @ iwuvwes.wuvtags.com said...

That is, hands (and paws) down, the BEST pumpkin costume ever. And the best model, too, of course.

Unknown said...

OMC! I missed Charlie's birthday! When I was reading about this cute black kitty, I was thinking it really reminded me of someone. Is it possible he has a long lost brofur? Mum is pretty certain, we are related. In the meantime Happy Belated Birthday!

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