Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

In my day, never was longer.

Fight them, without becoming them!

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

We know you aren’t a Democrat but since you seem confused let me help you.

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

Not rolling over. fuck you, make me.

No offense, but this thread hasn’t been about you for quite a while.

The words do not have to be perfect.

When we show up, we win.

Not loving this new fraud based economy.

“woke” is the new caravan.

This country desperately needs a functioning fourth estate.

Accused of treason; bitches about the ratings. I am in awe.

If you are still in the gop, you are either an extremist yourself, or in bed with those who are.

They think we are photo bombing their nice little lives.

Motto for the House: Flip 5 and lose none.

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

Trump’s cabinet: like a magic 8 ball that only gives wrong answers.

… riddled with inexplicable and elementary errors of law and fact

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

the 10% who apparently lack object permanence

Pessimism assures that nothing of any importance will change.

Sitting here in limbo waiting for the dice to roll

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Cat Blogging / Thanks…and, uh…News

Thanks…and, uh…News

by | 81 Comments

This post is in: ,

Two quick things:

First:

Thanks to everyone who was so kind in your responses to my farewell to Tikka. It meant a great deal to read the outpouring of love for that magnificent cranky old beast, and I was very moved by the stories of the losses of beloved companions.  I know we’re not supposed to say this out loud, but y’all are good people.

Second:

Tikka left a hole in our household. Champ feels it.  She’s been very needy, somewhat confused, and constantly next to one human or another–mostly me, as I keep a bed for her next to my computer. She’s here as I type this:

Thanks...and, uh...News

The humans do too. Even though I was Tikka’s person, my wife and kid both feel the same absence I do.  I had been planning to let that just be the way things are for a while, but we all knew another cat was in our future.  That thought made its way to the same folks who connected us with Champ–letting us know one day in the first pandemic summer that there was a kitten who needed a rescue and if we said yes she would arrive tomorrow. And she did:

Thanks...and, uh...News 1

Well…they’ve done it again and my son has just let me know that the vague intention of a cat we expected to meet in late summer or fall will arrive in a few hours.  Seems another little one needed a home and we’re it.

It will be interesting to see how and how fast Champ adjusts. Tikka was surprisingly mellow when she arrived. Here’s hoping for a repeat.

Thanks...and, uh...News 4

I’m a bit stunned and am really not ready…but that’s how this works. Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

I’ll provide an update when blessed increase arrives.

And again: thanks y’all. It was a comfort to write that farewell post, and more so to receive the Jackaltariat reaction.

Treat this as an open thread.

 

Reader Interactions

81Comments

  2. 2.

    suzanne

    Seems another little one needed a home and we’re it.

    That’s how it go. Congrats!!!

  3. 3.

    BeautifulPlumage

    Hmmm, posted @ 3:18 pm blog time + “a few hours” = kitten pics by 7 pm blog time? : )

  5. 5.

    Kayla Rudbek

    Sorry for your loss of Tikka. I hope that Champ gets along with the new kitty.

  6. 6.

    BeautifulPlumage

    I interrupt this post for an important announcement

    Salutations, Consumers/Products/Friends!
    We are writing you this email to inform you that the Global Tetrahedron subsidiary Cat Masters Inc. plans on performing a global reboot on all cats between the hours of 10 PM and Midnight E.T. on Monday, May 12th 2025.
    Cat Masters is responsible for over 90% of the breeding and distribution of cats, mostly dropping them in randomly selected locations in cities and towns all over the world. It is considered the most successful cat-allocation network in history.
    Cat Masters executives have assured, both our highly-paid legal team and our highly-bribed animal ethics team, that this feline reset is necessary. Global Tetrahedron and Cat Masters Inc. feel this reboot will improve your interactive cat experience and should result in very few actionable lawsuits.

    It may be difficult to know that your cat has accepted the wireless update and the reboot is successful. Here are some signs to look out that will indicate a successful update:
    —Your cat will veer wildly between demanding affection and hiding under furniture.
    –If your cat likes to “knead bread” on people or objects it will still do so, but with a more Eastern-European flair.
    –Your cat will now be able to catch and consume the red dot from a laser pointer.
    -Your cat will be able to control nearby birds with their mind instead of the other way around.
    –Your cat will knock glasses over so the liquid moves away from electronic devices instead of toward them.
    –Overall, your cat’s actions will make 10% more logical sense.
    If you feel like your cat did not update, please make sure that your feline has the Cat Masters insignia on its back tooth, upper lip, or body, paw or head. If you do not see the distinctive logo you may have a sub-standard feline from one of our competitors. If this is the case, we are not responsible for your cat’s actions or upgrades.
    Infinite Growth Forever!
    Global Tetrahedron Communications Citadel

    Thanks, Onion!

    And congrats to the whole family!

  7. 7.

    Spanky

    Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

    The story of my life so far.

    The cats have chosen you, Thomas Levenson. You have nothing to decide.

  8. 8.

    NeenerNeener

    Hmmm… “Blessed Increase” sounds like an interesting name for a cat.

  9. 9.

    Sure Lurkalot

    No reason to fight destiny, clearly, that sweet kitty needs your family and all the cat love you have to spare.

    I just started reading So Very Small and I’m already enjoying the writing and what it’s going to teach me. One of my favorite books that touches on your subject matter is Destiny of the Republic, about the assassination of Garfield. One of the “side” stories was about arguments over his medical care.

    Best of luck with the book and I hope the cat introduction goes well.

  11. 11.

    Spanky

    @Sure Lurkalot:

    about the assassination of Garfield.

    Ah, I hadn’t heard about that, but I’m not too broke up. I was never partial to ginger cats.

  14. 14.

    MazeDancer

    Wonderful news! Clearly, Tikka working those angel wings for you.

    My experience is nothing helps the ease the pain of losing a cat like getting another cat.  The pain doesn’t go away. But the expansion of love just helps.

    May Champ be happy, too.

  19. 19.

    Kayla Rudbek

    @TaMara: if I was a single person, I probably would have the maximum amount of cats that the county would allow.

  21. 21.

    Professor Bigfoot

    So sorry for the loss of Tikka, but The Cat Distribution System obviously has you pegged, you lucky fellow! (more accurately— what lucky kitties!)

    May you all find more joy in each other.

  25. 25.

    WaterGirl

    I have never heard of a cat cafe before.  Charming idea.  And dangerous! :-)

  26. 26.

    pat

    Suzy, “senior, declawed” came to live her best life with us a week after we lost Pablo.  She had been abandoned in a humane society when her family moved away.  She slept the first night in our bed and I can’t imagine life without her.

    So good news on your new cat!  Photos, stories, please.

  27. 27.

    Old Man Shadow

    Best way to honor your departed friends is giving a new friend a forever home filled with the same love. Good luck and bless you.

  28. 28.

    scav

    That little Blessed Increase is very much expecting what is their due in that photograph.  Needy in a mere practical sense yes, but those eyes, ears and nose are waiting to see how well those needs will be met.

  30. 30.

    Another Scott

    Thanks for the update.  Someone smart once said the only solution to cats is more cats.  :-)

    Another interesting update – KyivIndenpendent.com:

    The newly appointed Pope Leo XIV spoke out against Russia’s continued war against Ukraine in an interview on May 9.

    Speaking with Peruvian news outlet Semanario Expresión, Pope Leo condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, characterizing it as a “a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power.”

    Oh My! [/Takei] It’s really, really good to see someone newly in power speak the truth plainly and clearly in foreign affairs. More, please.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  31. 31.

    NotoriousJRT

    I hope the new little one brings entertainment, joy, and companionship to all in your.home. Tikka’s paws can never be fully replicated, but I hope the new kitty makes the empty space fill and fade.

  34. 34.

    trollhattan

    Heh, that didn’t take long,

    Congratulations and  a side note, you seem to live in a feline monochromatic universe. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

    Enjoy that new little troublemaker!

  36. 36.

    Tom Levenson

    @zhena gogolia: It is…in her first minute or so in our house. She was six weeks old–she had to be homed more or less immediately (and earlier than recommended) because her mom had her in a car repair shop and the litter had just gotten to the age where they could get into all kinds of things small animals are best not near.

  37. 37.

    Tom Levenson

    @scav: That’s actually a picture of Champ the day we got her. I’ll have pix of the new one up when he gets here.

  38. 38.

    danielx

    Sorry for Tikka’s loss. Always got the feeling he was judging one and feeling less than satisfied,

  39. 39.

    SW

    Ready or not it is the only thing that works.  They demand your attention and that’s a good thing.

  41. 41.

    No One of Consequence

    Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

    Rotating tag line nom. (And I’m not even a cat person.) Bon chance to you and your newest feline overlord/lady.
    -NOoC

  43. 43.

    scav

    @Tom Levenson: Oh well, I hope at least it’s a good description of Champ!  Still, if so, Blessed Increase will have to pull up their little socks and make the grade. Go team!

  44. 44.

    CaseyL

    Discovering the new kitty – their purpose, their personality, their way of interacting with the world – will be joyful, fascinating and, with memories of Tikka always in the background, ever so poignant.

    I hope Champ likes the newcomer; I hope the newcomer likes Champ.

    Best wishes for the newest Family Blend :)

  45. 45.

    WaterGirl

    @Another Scott:

    Pope Leo condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, characterizing it as a “a true invasion, imperialist in nature, where Russia seeks to conquer territory for reasons of power.”

    FINALLY!   Thank you Pope Leo.

  48. 48.

    WaterGirl

    Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

    New rotating tag in honor of Tikka, Tom, and the new kitty.

  50. 50.

    Jackie

    @Bex:

    If it’s a boy, he could be named Leo.

    My son’s birthday is early Aug., so his Zodiac sign is Leo. He got a kitten for his 10th birthday, and of course named him Leo :-)

  51. 51.

    DEBG

    Congrats on a new feline overlord. That kitten photo of Champ made me squee very loudly.

  52. 52.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    The Cat Distribution System is very effective at having kittens and cats show up when they detect that you have a vacancy. I had one show up last summer and she morphed into three when she had two kittens via emergency C-section. We didn’t plan for six cats but here we are. After hand feeding preemies for a couple of weeks there is no way we can give the kittens away now. So mom and kits join our three guys in our household mayhem.

    I’ve become that guy with too many cats and I like it. You have a really cute cat starter kit there! Congratulations to you and your family and here’s to hoping that Champ is chill with the addition to the household.

  53. 53.

    H.E.Wolf

    Best wishes to all in the household – newcomers, current residents, and past presiders-over. Looking forward to photos of the new kitteh.

  54. 54.

    satby

    @Rose Judson: and @Tom ^ More cats are ❤️

    I didn’t mention it in your beautiful memorial to Tikka, but I lost one of my 3 tuxies, Buddy, earlier than expected from his disease two weeks ago. That same night, the other male, Sammy, escaped in a fluke. I was desolate. And even with 7* other cats, the house was strangely quiet, because those were my two most social and rambunctious boys.  Fortunately, last week I recaptured Sammy, who is happy to be inside again. No new arrivals slated, since I still have a full house, but the others were obviously missing both boys and are happy Sammy’s home.

    * Remember, I’m in a rescue group. Officially 4 are fosters, though they’ll probably be here forever. Not really a crazy cat lady 🤪

  55. 55.

    HopefullyNotcassandra

    Losing a beloved pet is never easy.  Yet, I will wager no pet lover anywhere would opt for a pet-less do-over.  May your new kitty bring joy to all of your family, including Champ.

  56. 56.

    eclare

    Oh I missed the news about Tikka, I’m so sorry.

    Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly between Champ and the new kitty.  As you wisely put it, sometimes the universe lets you know that your new kitty is here.

  58. 58.

    Dr Daniel Price (Saint Vincent)

    One must allow the Cat Distribution System to do its work, and it seems that you have.

    We said goodbye to Kabo at the end of March; he had been fading slowly, and then precipitously.  We sent him off to rejoin his sister (Nizel) and all of the other cats who have blessed us with their presence in our homes.

    Two cats remain with us.  One clearly misses his “daddy cat”.  Both have, at times, shown willingness to achieve a detente.  At other times they growl at each other and slap-fight.

    The CDS, in its wisdom, will favour us at some future date.  Now is clearly not the time, and one does not test the CDS.  The large dog’s favourite game is “put cats’ heads in her mouth”, which Cathulhu tolerates–and sometimes encourages, regrettably–and Topaxi endures.  How that dog would act around kittens seems evident, hence no recent acts of the CDS at our abode.

  59. 59.

    CaseyL

    I have very politely but firmly told the CDS to put me on Hold for about a year, just so I can travel a bunch, on impulse, whenever I want to.

    I had kitties for 35+ years, loved every moment of it, and grieve still for them all, but feel I have earned a little break.

  61. 61.

    Pauline

    Congratulations! I’m really looking forward to seeing pictures of the new kitty.

    Glad that the Cat Distribution System is blessing your home in such a timely manner.

  63. 63.

    BellyCat

    After 53 years of cat ownership, I finally realized that the best remedy for losing a furry companion that owns you, is to immediately get another one. So happy for you! This whole “wait until I’m ready“ thing rarely serves one well.

  65. 65.

    What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?

    @Sure Lurkalot: I read that book about Garfield too. He seemed like a good one – probably would have been the best President between Grant and Teddy Roosevelt.

     

    Condolences on your loss, and congratulations on your new cats Tom.

    I’m currently reading Richard Fortey’s Earth: An Intimate History.  Very good layman friendly overview of geology. My next science read will probably be Ronald Clark’s biography of Einstein. Is that a good one? I found it in a little free library along with A Wrinkle in Time and a book about Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill by Jon Meacham. That was one jackpot of a little free library.

  66. 66.

    sab

    @BellyCat: We were too old when we took our last rescues. I took my uncle’s cocker when Uncle  died, and the poor little guy would have been better off euthanized. He missed his old home so much.

    Cats not so much. Echo and Solly happily settled in. We have five others.

    We have lined up people to take them, because their life expectancy is way beyond ours. Not all of them, but at least the youngsters.

  67. 67.

    satby

    @eclare: Thanks. He was a very sweet boy, like your William, also gone too soon. But we gave them the home they deeply wanted for the time we had with them, and that’s heaven to them.

  68. 68.

    NutmegAgain

    OMG that face! Those eyes!!  You’ll not be able to deny that kitty anything (or I wouldn’t, anyway.)

  69. 69.

    sab

    @eclare: You lost cats this year, didn’t you?

    I was lucky with the ones I got. Five other cats and a pitbull were overwhelming for them, but they have come around and seem to be settled in. The little lady is a sweetheart and my darling, and the large lad seems to want tax prep in his future. Otherwise he is always happy to supervise humans doing chores.

  70. 70.

    NutmegAgain

    I’ll just pitch in and suggest that if you find your home empty of four-legs (or hell, even 3 legs), fostering is a great experience. About a million years ago I fostered a litter of kittens that came in to a shelter where I volunteered. I think I may possibly have kept several ::cough::. But in recent years I’ve been fostering doggos who come into rescue with issues like medical or even, lord save me, behavioral issues. (120 lbs of misbehaving dog is a bunch of challenge.) But seeing them go on to loving and well-matched homes is about the best feeling.

  72. 72.

    Kayla Rudbek

    @eclare: apparently it’s reservation only, so I haven’t been there yet. Maybe I should make a reservation and go play with the kitties even though I can’t bring one home.

  74. 74.

    Another Scott

    Meanwhile, … TheRegister:

    This week, meet a reader we’ll Regomize as “Walt” who fixes computers.

    “One day a client came in and complained that her laptop would not turn on.”

    Walt opened the laptop, examined it for a minute, saw that various blinkenlights were all the right color but the display appeared dead.

    “Do you own a cat?” he asked.

    “Yes,” his astonished customer replied. “How did you know?”

    […]

    🤪

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  75. 75.

    Tom Levenson

    @What Have the Romans Ever Done for Us?:

    Ronald Clark’s biography is ok, but it was written before most of the Einstein papers were available to scholars and it’s a bit hero’s journey-ish for my taste.

    The best (as in the most thorough) lay biography is Albrecht Folsing’s Albert Einstein. It’s competently written and translated though the prose isn’t going to make you kvell, and Albrecht did all the work. The best scientific biography, with a good deal of math involved, is still Abraham Pais’s Subtle is the Lord. Pais was a friend of Einstein, and it shows in a good way in the biographical elements of the book. You can read that one and skip most of the math; it’s got a lot of interesting material. Finally, my own Einstein in Berlin is not a true biography, but people have told me they got a lot out of it, and the physics explanations in it, I’m told (by the then head of the MIT physics department, for one) are clear, not-wrong, and lay-friendly. ;-)

  78. 78.

    anitamargarita

    Happy tears for all of you! I hope Champ gets some consolation from the new arrival. My sister recently lost a dear car friend who had been our dad’s cat. Within 2 days an acquaintance asked if she knew anyone wanting a cat. . .

  79. 79.

    MagdaInBlack

    I think a lot about getting a second cat or kitten, but  I am away from home 11 hours a day 5 days a week and that situation is no way to introduce  and acclimate a new pet.

    So I live vicariously thru you guys here =-)

  80. 80.

    Albatrossity

    Good to hear that you will soon have a new kitten to provide for your needs and distract your heart. My daughter believes that everyone should have two cats, and has convinced many of her single-felined friends to get the second one. Of course, she now has three cats, one aged (he kept her company during undergrad, grad school, two post-docs and in her current job in Montana), one middle-aged, and one youngster, rescued from an abandoned barn/cattery in the high prairies of eastern Montana. They get along famously, and I suspect your new arrival will also soon be comfortable and comforting.

  81. 81.

    Phishwu

    My younger one, my baby girl, started sleeping by me for the first time in over a year the week before Sam passed. She knew what was coming. She stayed upstairs and slept by me for weeks after. She and Sam were never cuddly, but she grieved as hard as we did. She still isn’t crazy about Finn, he has too much energy for her, but she is starting to tolerate him.

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