Meet Sherlock – Teaching My Baby Brother the Ropes

It’s official. I now have a new baby brother named Sherlock. And, although I’m used to the idea by now, he really has a lot of learning to do. Fortunately for him, he has the best big sister around to teach him how things are done!

Before we get to the good stuff, let me tell you how this little guy came into our lives.

Sherlock’s Rescue

It all started when Mom and Dad decided to take a vacation. Without me. Phffffft. They spent a weekend at a big cat rescue sanctuary, as if we are are not enough feline for them! But I digress.

On the long road trip back home, Dad suddenly swerved his car around and made an illegal U-turn, much to Mom’s dismay. But he had seen something. A tiny little smudge of a kitten was laying in the center of the fast lane of a busy highway. It was right over a hill, making visibility nearly impossible. He knew he only had a few seconds before a car didn’t see him there and ran him over.

Pulling the car over quickly, Dad jumped out and ran to the road, arms waving frantically. He was just in time before a car came speedily over the hill. Returning to the car with the tiny package in his hand, he delivered him to Dr. Mom.

Mom took a look at the fragile, bleeding little body and knew his chances were not good. He had some small head wounds, his respirations were rapid and shallow, and he was losing consciousness.

There were no vet clinics nearby, so Mom was on her own. After gently cooling him down and administering fluids, he slowly came around. He was critical for the first 24 hours. But then he suddenly perked up and came to life! After blood tests to make sure he was healthy enough, he was slowly introduced to our family, and he quickly became one of the clowder!

So, since he is yet so young and impressionable, I feel compelled to share with him the way of the world. Here are the important life lessons from Teacher Pebbles:

Mom and Dad

Now, Sherlock, I know you have already met Mom and Dad. Although they can be a little restrictive at times, they really are pretty pawesome. You probably already know that. But here are a few things you may not have figured out yet.

Dad – Dad is very affectionate. I mean, like, over the top sometimes. He loves to cuddle excessively (are you familiar with Elmyra from Tiny Toons?!). So if he gets a little carried away, just give a little rabbit kick or scratch, and he’ll usually put you down. Something else, and this is very important, your chances are pretty high of scoring a bite of human food with Dad. If you act pitiful, you might get a tiny bite. But, even better, when you swipe at his fork while he’s eating, he gets frustrated and will toss you a big bite! He also loves it when we play or act like wild cats! In all, Dad is quite amazing.

Mom – Mom is the one who serves us the most. It is her main purpose in life, after all. She feeds us and cleans our potties. She is gentle and loves us very much. However, she is ridiculously over-protective sometimes. So, if you want to climb the curtains or jump off the top of one of the cat towers, I recommend waiting until she is gone. Also, unfortunately, Mom is a veterinarian. Which means she frequently pokes other animals with sharp objects and does unspeakable things with their back ends! Normally, this doesn’t affect us. However, on rare occasions…. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Feeding Time

So, dear brofur Sherlock, without a doubt, “hungry kitty time” is the best! It happens twice each day. You know what I’m talking about. It’s early in the morning. Mom and Dad are asleep in the giant cat bed, not moving. But your tummy starts to roar. Mom is not moving. The panic starts to set in. Starvation seems likely if you don’t intervene. So you go to Mom and gently lick her face. Nothing. You meow loudly but to no avail. It’s time for drastic measures. A gentle paw to the face should do it. But instead, Mom just rolls over, huffing. So you crouch low, wait for the perfect angle and… POUNCE! Right on her face.

I will warn you, little brofur, that last maneuver should only be reserved for extreme cases of near death. But it will get Mom out of bed, I can promise you that! And don’t even waste your time trying to get Dad out of bed. You’ll surely starve to death before he feeds you.

Now, in the evening things are typically much smoother. Mom usually goes by a clock. But the worst days are when she has to work late. It can be quite distressful. The only thing I have found to do is to distract myself by unraveling the magic paper attached to the wall in the bathroom. But you will have to find your own way to release frustration. The magic paper is all mine! But don’t get too distressed. None of us have starved. Yet. 

The Brofurs and Sisfurs

As you have already learned, we have both canine and feline brofurs and sisfurs. Generally speaking, it’s nice to have a big family. However, sometimes they can all be just a little over the top!

The canines: Don’t listen to the media. We get along just fine. Mostly they just sleep a lot or play in the fence outside. Occasionally, they may play a little with us felines, but they usually stick with each other. The best use of the canines is as a sleeping buddy. They are quite warm and cuddly. If you step on one hiding under the covers, they may growl at you, but don’t worry. It’s just talk! The biggest downside is that they are very emotionally fragile. I mean, a cricket can chirp outside and they fly to the door and yap about it. *Sigh* Canines.

The felines: Of course, we rule the house, with me as the queen. Sometimes we can get in a heated debate about perches or treatsies. But it all works out in the end. And clearly, you have no problem with the felines, as big brofur Isaac has adopted you as his son. Ridiculous.

Here is a video Mom took of one of our first meetings. The boys are foolish as always. I wisely chose to stay back and observe the situation from a distance.

Company

On certain occasions, completely without warning, other humans may come to the house. Sometimes it is just a stranger that places boxes (which we love!) on the porch and then runs away. But sometimes there are others that enter our territory.

The most likely humans will be the Grannies. (Can you believe Mom and Dad have Moms, too?!). The Grannies are nice and quiet. They will pet you if you choose to let them. I like them, but some of the others (I’m talking about you, Milton!) choose to hide away. You will have to make that decision for yourself.

Rarely, a completely new human may enter our domicile. None of us approve of this. We all (canines and felines) go into panic mode. However, I always observe the situation from a safe distance. Don’t worry, little Sherlock. I will keep the humans in line.

Toys

There are two large baskets of my toys in the living room. Now, some of these toys are large and squeaky. I have little interest in them, so I allow the canines to play with them.

But the real toys, the springs and bells and kickaroos, those are the best! Feel free to swat, pounce on, attack, and carry around in your mouth any of the toys. The springs in particular are perfect to swat around. They roll nicely under the refrigerator and stove!

But you must remember one thing, and this is very important! The catnip in mine. When I have a catnip toy, I take it very seriously. Don’t even think about touching it. I will cut you.

Welcome Home Sherlock

So, baby Sherlock, those are but a few of the things you need to learn as you grow up in my house. I know there is plenty more for you to discover. But don’t worry, little brofur. You just happen to have the smartest and bravest sisfur a little kit like you could hope for. I’ll keep you straight. And if you have any questions, always come to me first. The other felines can’t always be trusted. But I suppose I am happy to have a new young mind to mold and train in the right way. So, what I’m trying to say, little Sherlock, is “Welcome Home”!

Until next time…. Keeping Pebbles Strong!