Our cat tower is the best $100 I’ve ever spent, hands down. It has multiple levels and perches and scratchers, it stands up to two 16+ pound cats rocketing up and down it, and they can use it as a literal jumping-off point to the top of the nearby bookshelves, where they can be Tall. I congratulate Tommy and Sophie on their new domain.
We bought a rather tall cat tower. We have it against the window, next to the couch. It has several levels and a perch at the very top that Hamilton has claimed. The perch is impossibly small, and Hamilton loves it.
One of my favorite photos of Finlay and Snowy, is a reverse of this. Finlay is looking to come down from the tower, and Snowy is sitting there blocking the way down.
I never had a cat tower when I had cats. Is it weighted on the bottom? What keeps it from falling over when they are climbing or being rambunctous on it?
I did end up getting PC and Mac a new toy for their gotcha day, actually two. I found a toy that has a feather that moves around in circles when turned and is visible through side holes of the toy and also has ball they can see through the top and reach in a swat. It was a bit like the one I bought them last year, at least the concept was similar but it works differently and is holding up better since they broke the one last year on the first night and this one is still working. After I saw that I saw Fippity Fish and I had thought about buying one of those before so I figured why not. They don’t seem to be as interested in it. It flops around if you touch it. They pretty much just look at it wondering what it is. I have to touch it to make it flip around. As far as I know they haven’t touched it yet. It did come with a fishing pole you could use to play with the cats with it. Maybe they would be interested in it that way.
My cats have zero interest in those structures. I’ve given away several over the years. They did, however, love the spiral staircase in one of our homes.
I just put out Mippy’s cat tree for the trash collector (fairly well-destroyed where he scratched it). I donated his bed to a local rescue place. I’ll get another cat when I’m ready, maybe by spring, and will get the new cat new towers and a bed.
I have one floor-to-ceiling cat tower, which was a good investment. Without that ceiling brace, cat towers tend to topple over when leapt upon at high speed. Once that happens, a cat might never use it as even a scratching post, ever again. I’m not saying they use it every day but it’s there when they want to get high.
I’ve gotten one as well. No one likes it. I’ve got it set up so they can look out if they want to. Nope. Treats will get Sebastian up, but once they are gone, he’s back down. Oopsie looks at it like, why? Cat nip, no go too. I’ll have to donate it.
Crow’s Nest, it’s the spot Bandit and DC argue over. According to DC, when Bandit is in the crow’s nest first there’s plenty of room for two, but when he’s in the crow’s nest first there’s only room enough for one.
My best tree was given to me. It has a 3’square base, 9 levels, 7 sisal scratchers, and a rope. There is a square crow’s nest, a basket, a slide, cubby with two entrances. There is normally one of the 8 cats crashed on it at any given time. Got it home in my Mazda Miata, fully assembled. The people who gave it to me had two cats who wouldn’t go near it and it was too big for their condo. It stands over 7 feet tall. Best free present for the cats ever!
I follow a YouTube channel called The Hockey Guy. In his recording room, he set up the cat tree, and the cats would be there doing cat things during videos. People liked it. Lately, they have a bunch of pet rabbits (they started with two rabbits, and you know . . .) Some of the young rabbits have figured out how to climb the cat tree, and so they often join in the videos.
It is with a very heavy heart that I share some sad news. Lupin died this morning, shortly after breakfast.
It was very quick. He’s had a great few weeks since his medicine was adjusted. He had been in good spirits, active. Breathing better, eating great, causing heck, and sleeping well. He had an appointment Friday morning to have new imaging and bloodwork, and I expected good news. He had a good day and night yesterday, and woke up excited for breakfast.
I’m pretty sure he had a heart attack or maybe a stroke. It hit him quick, but he did not seem to be in pain. (A nurse in our family thinks this may have meant a stroke, which feels a bit like a blessing since he went so quick and without much suffering.) Just one moment he was himself, and then he was not, and then he was gone. Goldie and Iggy never left his side. Ryan and I were with him too.
Even with four other cats, two children, and three pet rats, the house feels somehow empty without Lupin. He was a huge personality, it does not feel real yet.
Lupin was a terrifically good bad best boy. He was strong and active, until this heart disease caught up to him the last few months. I’m incredibly grateful that medication restored his spirits and comfort, these past few weeks especially. Just yesterday he long-jumped over the last few steps and landed in the kitchen. He has been regularly knocking my phone to the floor to wake me, and everything off the island to demand dinner.
There would be no ‘Breaking Cat News’ without Lupin. It all began when he knocked everything off a shelf and Elvis and Puck came running to investigate. I owe so much to him.
Lupin could communicate with people better than any cat I’ve ever met, using taps, pats, and directing by leading one to a spot to tell us what he wanted, be it pets or dinner. He was extremely friendly to people, and mostly distrusting of other cats. Goldie and Lupin were each other’s shadow, they would snip and snap at each other all day, napping a foot apart. Unexpectedly, he bonded with Iggy as a happy surprise. He had more patience and enjoyed playing with Iggy more than any other cat he’s known. I’m grateful they had a chance to meet. I wish they’d had more time together.
I’m grateful Lupin is no longer in discomfort and not suffering, but I will miss him so much. I know you will too. I’m thankful we had nine terrific, hysterical, never boring years with this beautiful force of nature. I’m so sorry to have such sad news to share, my heart is hurting too. As I told the Boy this morning, “right now Lupin is knocking everything over in Heaven…”
Hug your kitties today. And if a glass rolls off your shelf or a phone suddenly falls to the floor, I like to hope it’s him, free to finally wreak totally havoc in every home that opens its doors to cats. Much love to everyone.
Still dreamingDoes a leaf on the ground dream of being on the tree? And if so does the tree dream about being a seed? And if so does the seed dream of still being in the apple?Because the apple still dreams of being on the tree.
Oh, Georgia. I’m devastated to hear this, but I am also glad that he didn’t have a long decline due to the heart disease. Bless you and your family for making all of our lives richer and happier. Goodbye Lupin, you little devil. Thanks for being you and inspiring us all to not be afraid to run around with no clothes on, knocking stuff off of tables and shelves.
Losing one of our fur babies is so devastating. They give us a bit of their heart when they come into our lives and take a bit our hearts when they leave.
I just read the very sad news about Lupin and am so sorry to everyone. I sometimes feel as though I know the BCN cats better than I know my own. After all, they can talk and their imaginations know no bounds. I sure wish he could report back from the bridge.
He’s off somewhere playing with Miss Tillie (finally). This hasn’t been the best HolyDay season for me and my XYL. But Lupin’s loss is the worst. He was a good boy. Thank you, Miss Georgia, for sharing all those years with us.
I was just now reading this strip about the rainbow PRISMs – https://www.gocomics.com/breaking-cat-news/2018/01/10 – which includes a tribute to David Bowie on the second anniversary of his passing, when it dawned on me:
Lupin crossed the Rainbow Bridge on the sixth anniversary of David Bowie’s death.
face.less_b over 2 years ago
I love you Tommy and I know you love Sophie but every once in a while you need to throw you weight around.
deadheadzan over 2 years ago
“Okey Dokey “ “ Your wish is my command “! He is so cheerful about it that it makes me smile.
deadheadzan over 2 years ago
The new cat tower is indeed magnificent!
Sue Ellen over 2 years ago
Come on, Sophie. The tower is big enough for both of you. Please share with Tommy.
Le'letha Premium Member over 2 years ago
Our cat tower is the best $100 I’ve ever spent, hands down. It has multiple levels and perches and scratchers, it stands up to two 16+ pound cats rocketing up and down it, and they can use it as a literal jumping-off point to the top of the nearby bookshelves, where they can be Tall. I congratulate Tommy and Sophie on their new domain.
maggijoseph Premium Member over 2 years ago
Get over yourself Sophie! Tommy needs a chance at happiness too!
Lady Bri over 2 years ago
Tommy is such a gentlecat. Always deferring to the whims and dictates of his lady Sophie. ❤
Jungle Empress over 2 years ago
Never stop smiling, Tommy! We appreciate it!
WelshRat Premium Member over 2 years ago
Tommy, oh cuddly, fluffy, bee… You might knock it over.
Gloria Fleming over 2 years ago
Tommy toebeans sighted.
Gent over 2 years ago
A cat tower, eh? Ya means like the one where Miss. Puddy tat stands on and says “Oh Ro-Meow, Ro-Meow, wherefore art thou Ro-Meow?
Red Bird over 2 years ago
Tommy is so understanding. I admire that.
FreyjaRN Premium Member over 2 years ago
It’s a nice tower.
jr1234 over 2 years ago
Meow Manor
jr1234 over 2 years ago
a real trip https://www.gocomics.com/offthemark/2022/01/10
misty over 2 years ago
“Wow, Rude!”
ladykat over 2 years ago
Sophie will let you up eventually, Tommy. She just wants to enjoy the “new tower smell”.
rs0204 Premium Member over 2 years ago
We bought a rather tall cat tower. We have it against the window, next to the couch. It has several levels and a perch at the very top that Hamilton has claimed. The perch is impossibly small, and Hamilton loves it.
awgiedawgie Premium Member over 2 years ago
Tommy is so agreeable. Of course, he secretly knows that he’ll climb it anyway as soon as Sophie leaves to use the sandbox or something.
Snowy&Finlay over 2 years ago
One of my favorite photos of Finlay and Snowy, is a reverse of this. Finlay is looking to come down from the tower, and Snowy is sitting there blocking the way down.
rya1 sh3a over 2 years ago
8/10
cat19632001 over 2 years ago
Is the striped part a hammock?
azkfwecho Premium Member over 2 years ago
I never had a cat tower when I had cats. Is it weighted on the bottom? What keeps it from falling over when they are climbing or being rambunctous on it?
Susanna Premium Member over 2 years ago
I did end up getting PC and Mac a new toy for their gotcha day, actually two. I found a toy that has a feather that moves around in circles when turned and is visible through side holes of the toy and also has ball they can see through the top and reach in a swat. It was a bit like the one I bought them last year, at least the concept was similar but it works differently and is holding up better since they broke the one last year on the first night and this one is still working. After I saw that I saw Fippity Fish and I had thought about buying one of those before so I figured why not. They don’t seem to be as interested in it. It flops around if you touch it. They pretty much just look at it wondering what it is. I have to touch it to make it flip around. As far as I know they haven’t touched it yet. It did come with a fishing pole you could use to play with the cats with it. Maybe they would be interested in it that way.
SheMc over 2 years ago
You WILL go to the top pretty Tommy XXX
cat19632001 over 2 years ago
But Tommy, can’t you hope up onto the lower round tunnel part and then jump up onto the platform?
wintercollie over 2 years ago
OT :has anyone been watching Around the world in 80 days with David Tennant and the new season of All Creatures Great and Small?
Grace Premium Member over 2 years ago
My cats have zero interest in those structures. I’ve given away several over the years. They did, however, love the spiral staircase in one of our homes.
MIHorn Premium Member over 2 years ago
I just put out Mippy’s cat tree for the trash collector (fairly well-destroyed where he scratched it). I donated his bed to a local rescue place. I’ll get another cat when I’m ready, maybe by spring, and will get the new cat new towers and a bed.
mistercatworks over 2 years ago
I have one floor-to-ceiling cat tower, which was a good investment. Without that ceiling brace, cat towers tend to topple over when leapt upon at high speed. Once that happens, a cat might never use it as even a scratching post, ever again. I’m not saying they use it every day but it’s there when they want to get high.
metagalaxy1970 over 2 years ago
I’ve gotten one as well. No one likes it. I’ve got it set up so they can look out if they want to. Nope. Treats will get Sebastian up, but once they are gone, he’s back down. Oopsie looks at it like, why? Cat nip, no go too. I’ll have to donate it.
bobw2012 over 2 years ago
Big stretch, with claws.
smorbie the great and beautiful over 2 years ago
Maine Coons are usually very laid back. I know he’s not really a Maine Coon, but that’s what he looks like to me.
jwarrenphd over 2 years ago
poor sweet little Tommy.
willie_mctell over 2 years ago
Cats love to share.
knight1192a over 2 years ago
Crow’s Nest, it’s the spot Bandit and DC argue over. According to DC, when Bandit is in the crow’s nest first there’s plenty of room for two, but when he’s in the crow’s nest first there’s only room enough for one.
crazeekatlady over 2 years ago
My best tree was given to me. It has a 3’square base, 9 levels, 7 sisal scratchers, and a rope. There is a square crow’s nest, a basket, a slide, cubby with two entrances. There is normally one of the 8 cats crashed on it at any given time. Got it home in my Mazda Miata, fully assembled. The people who gave it to me had two cats who wouldn’t go near it and it was too big for their condo. It stands over 7 feet tall. Best free present for the cats ever!
cat19632001 over 2 years ago
So if tiny Sophie has a big stretch, then what size stretch does Tommy do?
Brian Premium Member over 2 years ago
I follow a YouTube channel called The Hockey Guy. In his recording room, he set up the cat tree, and the cats would be there doing cat things during videos. People liked it. Lately, they have a bunch of pet rabbits (they started with two rabbits, and you know . . .) Some of the young rabbits have figured out how to climb the cat tree, and so they often join in the videos.
Georgia Dunn creator over 2 years ago
It is with a very heavy heart that I share some sad news. Lupin died this morning, shortly after breakfast.
It was very quick. He’s had a great few weeks since his medicine was adjusted. He had been in good spirits, active. Breathing better, eating great, causing heck, and sleeping well. He had an appointment Friday morning to have new imaging and bloodwork, and I expected good news. He had a good day and night yesterday, and woke up excited for breakfast.
I’m pretty sure he had a heart attack or maybe a stroke. It hit him quick, but he did not seem to be in pain. (A nurse in our family thinks this may have meant a stroke, which feels a bit like a blessing since he went so quick and without much suffering.) Just one moment he was himself, and then he was not, and then he was gone. Goldie and Iggy never left his side. Ryan and I were with him too.
Even with four other cats, two children, and three pet rats, the house feels somehow empty without Lupin. He was a huge personality, it does not feel real yet.
Lupin was a terrifically good bad best boy. He was strong and active, until this heart disease caught up to him the last few months. I’m incredibly grateful that medication restored his spirits and comfort, these past few weeks especially. Just yesterday he long-jumped over the last few steps and landed in the kitchen. He has been regularly knocking my phone to the floor to wake me, and everything off the island to demand dinner.
There would be no ‘Breaking Cat News’ without Lupin. It all began when he knocked everything off a shelf and Elvis and Puck came running to investigate. I owe so much to him.
Continued in comment below…
Georgia Dunn creator over 2 years ago
Lupin could communicate with people better than any cat I’ve ever met, using taps, pats, and directing by leading one to a spot to tell us what he wanted, be it pets or dinner. He was extremely friendly to people, and mostly distrusting of other cats. Goldie and Lupin were each other’s shadow, they would snip and snap at each other all day, napping a foot apart. Unexpectedly, he bonded with Iggy as a happy surprise. He had more patience and enjoyed playing with Iggy more than any other cat he’s known. I’m grateful they had a chance to meet. I wish they’d had more time together.
I’m grateful Lupin is no longer in discomfort and not suffering, but I will miss him so much. I know you will too. I’m thankful we had nine terrific, hysterical, never boring years with this beautiful force of nature. I’m so sorry to have such sad news to share, my heart is hurting too. As I told the Boy this morning, “right now Lupin is knocking everything over in Heaven…”
Hug your kitties today. And if a glass rolls off your shelf or a phone suddenly falls to the floor, I like to hope it’s him, free to finally wreak totally havoc in every home that opens its doors to cats. Much love to everyone.
trudyconley Premium Member over 2 years ago
POOR Tommy!!!!
burke129529 over 2 years ago
OT – Dante
ThePandaOfTheOpera over 2 years ago
Still dreamingDoes a leaf on the ground dream of being on the tree? And if so does the tree dream about being a seed? And if so does the seed dream of still being in the apple?Because the apple still dreams of being on the tree.
pabsfx-comics over 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing Lupin with us. I regret your loss. Blessings to all.
Widdershins over 2 years ago
Oh, Georgia. :( … you all must be devastated.Bon voyage, little Lupin. You will be truly missed.
NyahNyahNyah over 2 years ago
Lupin is in the lead in the Running of the Cats in a whole new race course! And! Now he can hear the cheers for him!
(And the crowd goes wild!!) \0/ ♥️
pjsdoghouse2003 over 2 years ago
I’m so sorry Georgia. You brought Lupin to all of us and we are richer for getting to know him. He will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.
mikendi over 2 years ago
So very, very sorry for the loss of Lupin. He seemed to be a wonderful kittie and inspiration. Big hugs…
Animom4 over 2 years ago
frodisaur2 over 2 years ago
Oh, Georgia. I’m devastated to hear this, but I am also glad that he didn’t have a long decline due to the heart disease. Bless you and your family for making all of our lives richer and happier. Goodbye Lupin, you little devil. Thanks for being you and inspiring us all to not be afraid to run around with no clothes on, knocking stuff off of tables and shelves.
Kitty Queen over 2 years ago
Losing one of our fur babies is so devastating. They give us a bit of their heart when they come into our lives and take a bit our hearts when they leave.
clouds_loom over 2 years ago
We’re so sorry for your loss. Lupin was a force of nature. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing. HUGS
sdjamieson Premium Member over 2 years ago
So sorry to hear of Lupin’s passing, but glad he’s at peace. Farewell, cat of adventure.
Denny Wheeler Premium Member over 2 years ago
The below was written for/about a particular human, but it works for Lupin at least as well.STEADY AS YOU GO
© Jennifer Cutting 2014,Once and Future Songs, BMI
You have always loved to travel
on the wind and land and sea,
And you’ve seen so many places it can hardly be believed,
Now the place that you are going
we’ve seen only in our dreams,
Let our love keep you steady as you go.
Many hands make you ready, with a touch so sure and soft,
Many strong arms to lift you, as you go aloft;
As you sail to Forever, where the wild waters flow,
Let our love keep you steady as you go.
Well it’s love that bids you stay here,
and love that bids you go;
In this port, it’s “fare thee well,” but in the next,
they’ll shout “Hullo!”
You could stay here in this harbor,
but that’s not what ships are for,
Let our love keep you steady as you go.
CHORUS
And I hope that you’ll forgive us any harm
we’ve brought to you,
And the joy’s what you’ll remember
when your journey here is through;
You will still be real as ever,
though you’ve sailed beyond our view,
Let our love keep you steady as you go.
And the sorrow in your leaving,
may it open up our hearts
To the sorrow felt by others,
so that we can do our part;
As we comfort one another,
then the healing time will start,
Let our love keep us steady as we go.
CHORUS
Many hands make you ready, with a touch so sure and soft,
Many strong arms to lift you, as you go aloft;
As you sail to Forever, where the wild waters flow,
Let our love keep you steady as you go
bonita.eley over 2 years ago
SO very sorry for your loss
xsintricks over 2 years ago
:( RIP, Lupin.
Treehouse3443 Premium Member over 2 years ago
I just read the very sad news about Lupin and am so sorry to everyone. I sometimes feel as though I know the BCN cats better than I know my own. After all, they can talk and their imaginations know no bounds. I sure wish he could report back from the bridge.
jadejadon over 2 years ago
Catching up on my comics when I came across this sad news; typing in tears for a wonderful cat I never got to meet but feel like I knew.
GreyMouser over 2 years ago
He’s off somewhere playing with Miss Tillie (finally). This hasn’t been the best HolyDay season for me and my XYL. But Lupin’s loss is the worst. He was a good boy. Thank you, Miss Georgia, for sharing all those years with us.
anitakapita over 2 years ago
Georgia Dunn…Hear, hear, well said!
Fennec! at the Disco over 1 year ago
I was just now reading this strip about the rainbow PRISMs – https://www.gocomics.com/breaking-cat-news/2018/01/10 – which includes a tribute to David Bowie on the second anniversary of his passing, when it dawned on me:
Lupin crossed the Rainbow Bridge on the sixth anniversary of David Bowie’s death.