June 27, 2008
Awkward on the Cable Box
June 20, 2008
What Do You Hear, Mortimer?
June 6, 2008
Mortimer Long Legs
May 23, 2008
Sleepy Mortimer
April 24, 2008
Someone Likes the Cat Grass
March 28, 2008
Holga Mortimer
March 8, 2008
Mortimer Gets His Trim
It wouldn't be fair to clip Randolph's nails and not Mortimer's, right?
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 9:57 AM
February 8, 2008
Upset Mortimer
That's what happens when you pick him up! Also, note the similar expressions on Shannan and Mortimer's faces.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 6:22 PM
February 1, 2008
Something Good In Mortimer's Diet?
Good news for Mortimer. He actually gained weight when we took him to the vet last weekend, coming in at a whole half pound heavier than his previous visit. That's like 10% of his body weight! Maybe it's the Hill's Prescription Diet he's on, maybe it's his pills, or maybe it's his fluids. Whatever it is, it's great news. I don't think it's the pumpkin that he snuck a few licks of a week before his visit. If you look carefully, you can kind of see some discoloration on his chin area from it.
Hopefully on his next trip, he'll weigh even more.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 4:57 PM
January 18, 2008
Tucked Up Mortimer
Sometimes Mortimer spreads out to sleep, other times he just curls up in a ball.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 4:34 PM
December 28, 2007
Mortimer's Drinking Fountain
December 14, 2007
When It's Cold Out, Give Mortimer a Box Warmer
He still loves his cable box, but Mortimer likes his the new heat pad in his box too.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 1:58 PM
November 25, 2007
The Kitties Love Their New Catnip
I think it's some sort of dragon. Though at this point, it's all deformed.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer, Randolph at 10:37 AM
October 26, 2007
Petting the Blur That is Mortimer
I kind of like this blurry photo that Shannan took this morning of Mortimer getting his cheeks scratched. That may be the one activity he likes more than eating.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 5:16 PM
October 5, 2007
See, He Really Does Like the Carrier
September 28, 2007
Wired
I love the look/texture of Mortimer's chest hair.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 3:44 PM
September 21, 2007
Look Who's Curled Up in His Carrier
He was probably asleep until I started taking pictures.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 1:03 PM
September 14, 2007
Mortimer's Ears Are HUGE
At least from this angle they look huge. Maybe it's all the weight loss, plus his ears not having any weight to lose, that makes them look extra big.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:55 AM
September 7, 2007
Mortimer's Morning Feeding
I guess it's a good sign that Mort is eager to eat in the morning. It's strange though, we feed him about a can a day and he still acts like we never feed him.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 12:12 PM
August 31, 2007
Mortimer's Needles
To help Mortimer's kidney function (one of his potential causes for weight loss), we recently started to give him IV fluids. We got a starter kit from our vet, but just got a box full of supplies that included 100 needles! It seems like a crazy amount, but since we got 12 bags of Lactated Ringer's solution, we might actually need all the needles. So much for Shannan's dislike of needles.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:45 AM
August 24, 2007
A Compact Mortimer
Isn't this the cutest photo ever? Okay, maybe not ever, but it's pretty damn cute.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:29 AM
August 17, 2007
Food on Nose? Lick it Right Off
Sometimes I wish I had a cat-like tongue. That way if I got food on my face, I could just lick it right off.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 9:40 AM
August 10, 2007
Mortimer is a Skinny Bitch
Since the bitch word has yet to be symbolically banned in New York City, I'm going to use it a few times here. Bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch. Even though Mortimer is neither female or a dog, I'm using bitch in an endearing way. Or something like that.
Anyway, when Mortimer went to the vet recently, we found out that he lost even more weight and is now 5 lbs 14 oz. I think Randolph could eat that much food in one sitting if given the option. It seems like Mort now has some kidney problems (common in abyssinians) in addition to his liver/intestine issues. We're going back to the vet tomorrow for some more tests and to learn how to give him a saline solution. Hopefully that, along with a kidney friendly diet, will help him put on a little heft. Right now, he's just skin and bones. Some might say that he's a 'ripster'.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 9:51 AM
August 3, 2007
Two Cats in Their Carriers
Whenever we would cat sit my my parents' cat Bobo, all three cats would somehow rotate use of her cat carrier. Because they seemed to love it so much, we got a couple new carriers for Mortimer and Randolph. Two identical carriers. Actually, I think they're technically dog carriers. For some reason, they prefer the carrier positioned on the left even if we rotate them. They even fight for that carrier.
Sometimes they'll both be in the carriers at once, as pictured here. Don't they look like a disaffected married couple?
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer, Randolph at 9:08 AM
July 27, 2007
Mortimer and My Lava Domes
Mortimer heads to the vet tomorrow for his checkup. I'm not sure that I've seen an increase in his weight since I see him everyday. If anything I think he's lost or stayed at the same weight. We'll find out tomorrow though.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:32 AM
July 20, 2007
Commuter Cat
July 13, 2007
Mortimer in a Box on a Pizza Box
Kind of reminiscent of when Randolph was a kitten.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:51 AM
July 6, 2007
Mortimer's Still Skinny
As you can see, Mort is still skinny. There are some days when I feel he has gained weight and others when it looks like he's lost weight. I suppose we'll find out during our next visit to the vet, but I'm not sure it will be positive.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 9:04 AM
June 29, 2007
Licking the Fingers
Okay, I lied. I think this will be the last photo of Mortimer going nuts over fish.
He liked the fish so much that he even licked the juices off Shannan's fingers.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:34 AM
June 22, 2007
Pinning Back His Ears, Going for Food
Okay, this is the last picture of Mortimer eating his fish (not that I don't have like 10 more). The fun can only last so long.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:45 AM
June 15, 2007
More of Mortimer Going Crazy
Personally, I think these pictures of Mortimer going crazy over fish are hilarious.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 9:09 AM
June 8, 2007
Going Crazy Over Fish
We had some leftover fish last night from dinner so Shannan decided to give some to Mortimer. I'm generally against giving our cats food from the table, but Shannan was for it. While I'm still against it, it was some priceless entertainment. Mortimer went CRAZY. His claws came out, he was grabby, and he loved it. You can even see how he scratched Shannan's wrist in the process.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:10 AM
June 1, 2007
Mortimer's New Meds, Now with Needles!
While Mortimer is still eating voraciously, he's still not gaining weight. He didn't take to the fish oil on his food (he's so picky), so we're going to try some new stuff. Right now, we're going to give him one vitamin B12 shot a week and starting next week, he's going back on the 'roids and antibiotics. Hopefully, he'll become Barry Bondsesque in no time.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:48 AM
May 25, 2007
Between the Feet
May 18, 2007
Mortimer in Stitches
Thankfully, our worst fears for Mortimer were not realized. There was a fear of cancer, but the doctors opened up little Mort, and did biopsies on his intestines and lymph nodes which came back negative. While it was a costly way to rule cancer out, it was obviously the right decision.
The stitches above were removed last night and our vet says that they are healing perfectly. The only problem is that, because of his weight loss and mostly shaved belly, he looks even skinnier than he did before. But, we're hopeful that his hair and weight will come back.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 4:12 AM
May 11, 2007
Mortimer in Recovery at the Vet
I've briefly mentioned it before, but Mortimer has had some health issues recently. He's been dropping weight and lost a whole pound in a month between his last visits to the vet. While weight loss of that magnitude would be fine for a fat cat, Mortimer was already on the light side for his breed. With tests ruling out a thyroid condition, his doctor wanted to rule out cancer, so he had a biopsy earlier this week. While we don't know the results of the tests yet, we're cautiously optimistic. He's also recovering from the surgery well, passing his food and water tests as well as pooping right in front of me.
Unfortunately for Mortimer, he's at the office for the weekend as he recovers and we go to a wedding in Illinois. It's for the better, because they take really good care of him at the New York Cat Hospital and he should be watched pretty carefully. Also unfortunate for Mort is that they had to shave a lot of hair on his belly. I paid Moritmer a visit yesterday and he was obviously pretty happy to see me.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:01 AM
May 4, 2007
Peeking into the Sun
April 27, 2007
Mortimer Working on His Tan
He wants to look good for the summer. Problem is that he's a tad too skinny right now to fit into his swimming suit.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:33 AM
April 20, 2007
Pill? Who's Getting a Pill? Me? What?
Moritmer has never liked getting picked up, but I'm pretty sure when we pick him up to give medicine, he likes it even less. I think he is getting used to it though, so maybe when he's off meds, we can pick hip up and he'll actually enjoy it.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:21 AM
April 13, 2007
Moritmer's Good Side
At least during this picture, it was. He had food on the other side of his nose.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:53 AM
April 6, 2007
From the Container Store
Though we didn't get the cat or the container thing from the Container Store.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:14 AM
March 30, 2007
Mortimer's New Hangout
We have lots of floor space in the apartment, but Mortimer has taken up to laying on the cable box recently. I guess he just likes the warmth.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:00 AM
March 9, 2007
Mortimer and His Ball
Mortimer doesn't tend to play with his ball too much.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:34 AM
March 2, 2007
Mortimer on the Roomba
Mort's newest thing is sitting on our Roomba. A couple of times, he's actually pressed a button on it. One of those times, he actually managed to press clean, causing the Roomba to play it's little "I'm going to clean tune" followed by the sound trucks make when they back up. As suspected, that kind of surprised the cat.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:17 AM
February 23, 2007
Someone's Missing some Belly Fur
A little more than a week ago, we took Mortimer to the vet for a sonogram in attempt to find out the cause of his weight loss. Blood tests and x-rays didn't show anything (the lengths we go for pets!), which is why we had to get the sonogram. That finally revealed (after belly shaving - see another view) that Mortimer had a thickened small intestine, which may cause decreased absorption of the nutrients in his food. We were told to give Mort some prescription food that has protein sources that are new to him. What's crazy is the flavors this food comes in. Not your typical liver, fish, or chicken, but duck, rabbit, and venison! Our cat now eats better than most humans. Hopefully, this will result in some weight gain for the little dude. We've certainly noticed a positive change in his personality though.
Incidentally, if you're looking for a vet I highly recommend the New York Cat Hospital. Despite being so far from our apartment, we find the staff there to be the biggest cat lovers we've ever seen. Maybe it's just our cats, but the service that they provide is worth the inconvenience of the commute.
P.S. - I'm told that this photo is very un-Tien Mao like.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:23 AM
February 16, 2007
Mortimer's Winter Coat
We had to take Mort to the vet on Wednesday. Shannan insisted that he had to wear his little coat because it was so cold out. Apparently the ladies at the vet's office loved it.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:38 AM
February 9, 2007
Feeding Time - The Battle for the Bowl
There was a time when my parents' cat Bobo would just wait around to wait and eat her food. Recently, she's become more aggressive in eating. Maybe because she realizes that when she waits there's not going to be any food left.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:17 AM
January 26, 2007
Mortimer's Sinkside Perch
Recently, Mortimer has started to retreat to the bathroom countertop to hang out.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:17 AM
January 19, 2007
Moritmer Guards his Catnip
That 50 pound sack of catnip has taken a serious beating, but Mortimer still likes to guard it from Randolph.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:39 AM
January 12, 2007
Sttttttrrrrrrr-etch
January 5, 2007
Mortimer Likes the Phones
Because a cellphone isn't enough communication for Mortimer, he also has the apartment phone. He's on both of them all the freaking time.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:59 AM
December 29, 2006
Scary Mortimer!
This was taken during post-meal cleaning. He's not that mean or scary normally.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:49 AM
December 22, 2006
Mortimer Gets Fancy
I came home last night to find a copy of Cat Fancy Magazine in my mailbox. I don't remember subscribing to it, so thanks to whoever sent that to me. In this issue we have: clean teeth in 10 steps (for Mortimer) and peaceful living: secrets to a happy multi-cat home. Perfect! This subscription is already paying off.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 5:19 AM
December 15, 2006
Moritmer Likes Laundry Too
It's already established that Randolph likes clean laundry. So much so that he even ends up in the drier. Mortimer just likes to use the laundry basket and the clean laundry to sleep on. Nothing like a clean shirt with cat hair all over one arm.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:53 AM
December 8, 2006
More Cleaning Photos
It really is the cutest thing when you pick Mortimer up for cleaning, clipping, brushing, or drug administration.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:57 AM
December 1, 2006
There are Those Ears Again
November 24, 2006
Mortimer on the Table
A little late on this one as I rushed out of the house for all those fabu Black Friday sales. Fabu, I say, FABU.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:25 PM
November 17, 2006
What's That Under the Table?
November 10, 2006
More Mortimer Cleaning
Oh, how Mortimer hates getting his ears cleaned or his claws trimmed. Whenever he's flipped over on his back, he automatically covers his ears. It's ridiculously cute when you witness it in person.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:23 AM
November 3, 2006
Mortimer Plays Peek-A-Boo
He's not very good at the boo part as he tends to run and hide.
Photo by Shannan
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:43 AM
October 27, 2006
Mortimer Next to Scratch Pad
October 20, 2006
Hiding Spot
A hiding spot doesn't work very well if the thing you're hiding from is at the same level.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:18 AM
October 13, 2006
Kitty in the Sink
Like many cats, Mort likes to go straight to the source of the water. Usually he just sticks his head under the faucet, but the other day he was just sitting in the sink.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:06 AM
October 6, 2006
The Dark Cat
I like taking pictures of Mortimer against the wall.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:02 AM
September 29, 2006
Mortimer Hides from Cleaning
The other day, we were cleaning Mort Mort's ears and he wasn't liking it. It was super cute though as he was moving both his paws up and down to cover his ears from cleaning.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 8:01 AM
September 22, 2006
Mortimer is a Clean Cat
I believe he was cleaning his head when I took this. Don't you love how cats lick their paws to clean their heads?
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:59 AM
September 15, 2006
Mortimer Gets Camera Shy
It's not often that Mortimer doesn't like having his picture taken, but sometimes he's not drawn to the camera, but shies away from it.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:42 AM
September 8, 2006
Mort's Face = Transformers Logo?
I was trying to think of a way to describe the face that Mortimer has in this photo, but the best I could come up with is that it looks like either a Decepticon or Autobot logo.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:59 AM
September 1, 2006
Squinty Mort
Ever since we got Randolph, there's been a noticeable change in Mortimer's personality. Obviously, this was to be expected, but when we got back from vacation, we saw an improved Mort. Somehow in our time away, he and Randolph have become a little more adjusted. Perhaps it's because Randolph doesn't chase him as much anymore or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is, it's nice to see a little of the old Mortimer again.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:58 AM
August 11, 2006
Post Meal Cleaning
August 4, 2006
On The Couch
I think he was looking down at Randolph when I took this.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:57 AM
July 28, 2006
Mortimer Eating
He might be missing a couple of teeth, but Mort still eats really fast.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:56 AM
July 21, 2006
Blink Blink
Ahh, don't you love the reaction to flash?
If you're reading this in some sort of feedreader and happen to like these cat posts, you should really click on over.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:55 AM
July 14, 2006
Things Mortimer Loves
Mortimer loves Apple, the NY Times, and Threadless. Oh wait, those might be things that I love.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:59 AM
July 7, 2006
The Seldom Cuddled Mortimer
Mortimer hardly liked being cuddled before we added Randolph to the household. Now, it's even rarer that he'll jump into your lap. So sad. Because it's obvious that when you get him there, he really loves it. Well, at least sometime.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:54 AM
June 30, 2006
Lickety Lick Says Mortimer
June 23, 2006
Urban Cat Sprawl
Mortimer for dinner? Not quite as tasty as Randolph pizza.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 6:40 AM
June 16, 2006
Scratches From the Big Hand
There's nothing quite like scratches for an attention starved cat.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:50 AM
June 9, 2006
Mortimer Still Adjusting; Food Diary Redux, Day 3
Having my parents' cat Bobo around is helping Mortimer deal with Randolph - mostly because Randolph and Bobo chase each other. Shortly after this picture though, Randolph and Bobo chased each other around for a bit. But the reason he loves Bobo the most is that he eats any food she doesn't finish right away.
2006 Food Diary, Day 3:
8:52 - Still warm everything bagel with scallion cream cheese from Baglesmith.
9:23 - Work, start of 25 oz of water from Nalgene. Finished at 11:31.
11:40 - One substantial sized strawberry
12:48 p.m. - 20 oz bottle of water with lunch. Same sandwich as Monday from BP.
2:23 - 26 oz of water. Finished at 3:30.
3:53 - one chestnut - at this point, I'm getting a little hungry.
3:58 - 10 Veggie Stix
4:02 - small piece spicy chocolate
4:05 - half a fig newton-like fig bar
4:09 - one stick Stride gum
4:27 - six nacho cheese Doritos. I think they should have a variety with extra flavor, something like extra nacho cheese. Mmm.
4:37 - 18 oz of water. Finished 5:17.
5:46 - 6 more Doritos
6:43 - 10 peanuts
7:12 - Dinner at Rialto. Three glasses water, one mojito, two pieces of bread with butter, calamari with chipotle dipping sauce, grilled pork chop topped with shredded apple in a honey sauce with mashed potatoes and spinach, shared an ice cream sundae.
10:47 - Home. One pint water.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, Mortimer at 8:59 AM
June 2, 2006
Mortimer's Comfort Spot
With Randolph all over the place, Mort can find few areas of comfort. For him, those are generally places where 'Dolph (we're not really calling him that) can't jump to yet. While he can get to the table, Randolph can't jump to the table directly yet.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:50 AM
May 26, 2006
Mortimer, Slowly Adjusting
Mort Mort isn't too happy about the new addition to the house. I think he mostly hates the fact that Randolph chases him around. But really, what doesn't Randolph chase? Sadly, Mort isn't eating quite as much as he normally does, but he probably needed to lose some weight anyway. He's also not quite as social as he once was. At least the situation between the two is slowly getting better.
Posted by tien mao in Mortimer at 7:56 AM