Little boys growing up

[MarrowFarmer]

We took two little boys from a local shelter back in August, they came from separate litters but have bonded better than we could ever have hoped. Pickle was found covered in flees hiding in a storm drain and Pumpkin was found under a shed with his sisters (their mother having died after giving birth)

Meet Pickle and Pumpkin on their first day exploring their new home:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... .jpeg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pickle peek-a-boo:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... 6.jpg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Pickle love:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... .jpeg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Lazy Pumpkin:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... c.jpg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Pumpkin cuddles:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... .jpeg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sleeping:
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... 8.jpg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All grown up (ish):
http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... f.jpg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Big weekend coming up, on Friday they are going in for the snip and then Saturday or Sunday they will be introduced to the catflap and given the keys to the neighbourhood

[meriad]

Oh my, they are adorable - I love that photo you've called Pumpkin Cuddles

And good luck for Friday but if I may make one comment; I'd wait another week at least before introducing them to the catflap so you know 100% the would (as small as it probably will be) is totally healed

[MarrowFarmer]

And good luck for Friday but if I may make one comment; I'd wait another week at least before introducing them to the catflap so you know 100% the would (as small as it probably will be) is totally healed

Oh gosh of course they will need to stay in won't they I really don't want to be the one to tell them though

[Crewella]

Oh bess them - they're gorgeous! It looks like, after a tough start, they really landed on their paws with you!

I agree with Ria, and also when you first let them out go with them and do it just before feeding time, so you can call them back in for food after letting them explore briefly. That way, you'll ensure they know the way back home. Also, remember it's fireworks night soon - you don't want their early experiences of outdoors to be scary before they've found their feet.

[lilynmitz]

What lovely photos of two gorgeous cats. Pumpkin is so like my beloved Mo, who was also 6 months when I got him. I do like black/B&W pusses.

[bobbys girl]

Two lovely boys! I especially like the photo of them sitting in the window - like a couple of bookends! I love happy endings

Good luck for Friday. Anything like our boys, they'll hardly notice.

[MarrowFarmer]

Boys update:

They were successfully de-balled last Friday and seem to be no worse for it

http://s230.photobucket.com/user/Mario_ ... 0.jpg.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All set for their big weekend of garden freedom. They have had a few little supervised adventures, Pickle seemed quite content to systematically work his way round the lawn jumping on every single blade of grass one at a time, Pumpkin on the other hand went up a tree and then over the fence into the land by a little stream 2nd time out so I'm guessing he is the one that will be the dirty little stop out and cause us the most worry

The plan is to lock the catflap up in the evenings once/if they both come in for dinner at least for a while before they are granted full freedom. There is a big scary white cat loiters in the garden, think I saw him take a squirrel last weekend, but he legs it every time he sees them in the window so I'm hoping they will not get into too many turf wars, have a feeling Pumpkin will be able to handle himself and Pickle will just hide behind him or us.

Nervous times ahead

[meriad]

That is just such an adorable photo; stunning. You should use it to make your own Christmas card

Good luck with the first garden outing. Just remember to not feed them so they're hungry when they go out. Then shake the food bowl so they come back inside and hopefully soon learn to associate that noise with hometime

Fusses to the two

[bobbys girl]

What a lovely photo! Pleased that they are doing so well.

[Crewella]

That really is a lovely pic! Glad they're doing so well.

[may]

Aww two gorgeous cats

[MarrowFarmer]

Well they went out and they came back

A few nervous moments when they disappeared completely. Pumpkin seems to be making friends with various animals rather than trying to bring them home including sharing a bird table with a squirrel Little Mr "I can't jump or climb" decided to bound up a tree and needed a hand getting down.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee29 ... 8606d.jpeg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pickle does seem to have an issue with the catflap though, he won't go through unless we lift it open for him

[bobbys girl]

rsz_p1010002.jpg

Gracie

(245.47 KiB) Not downloaded yet

SNAP!

When she was younger, Grace made a habit of 'getting stuck' in a tree.

Your boys are growing fast. Nice to hear they are doing so well.

[MarrowFarmer]

Jackpot, they finally used the catflap this morning without it being held open

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee29 ... 94f6dd.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bobbys girl]

Yippee! Happy Days!

[lilynmitz]

What fabulous cats. I love the picture of them peeping out under the blanket! Who can not like black or black and white cats??? I just love them!