Tabs liked his Christmas trees full and lush…and now that I think about it, they were often shaped like him, with a very round, robust bottom.
He always insisted on being the one to pick out the tree for the house, and I think his list of criteria for acceptable trees included making sure the branches were low enough for him to hide under so that he could launch a sneak attack and swat at your ankles.
It’s been a year and half since Tabs crossed the rainbow bridge, and I’ve held on to his stocking. I put it up again this year, and even though he physically can’t be with me on Christmas, he still gets a sprig of fresh catnip.
Rosie’s been excited about the upcoming holiday too. Cats are funny… She also likes to hide under the tree, but I think it’s more of a relaxing experience for her than it was for Tabs. She’ll stare up at the branches dreamily, rather than vengefully swatting at your legs as you walk by.
I’m surprised she has yet to try climbing the actual tree, since all she wants to do when we go outside is climb trees.
Now that I’ve said that out loud, though, I think I may end up regretting it. How much do you wanna bet that tree is getting tipped over soon?
It’s a very Rosie Christmas
She went outside today wearing a very festive silver collar with matching silver hat. Her style is usually a little bit lower key than Tabs’ was. I think she’s enjoying her time in the limelight, and yes, while we were out there she climbed a tree. 😄
She’s sitting on my lap right now, rubbing her cheeks against my shoulder and looking up at me oh-so sweetly… I think it’s because she wants Temptations treats for Christmas, and this is her way of letting Santa know that she’s been a very good cat this year. 😊
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Jennifer Emmett says
December 13th, 2020 at 6:46 pmShe is adorable in her hat, so excited to be outside and her sweet face is so happy. Glad Tabs gets catnip too.
Rachel says
December 13th, 2020 at 7:32 pmSomething about Christmas trees and cats, they just can’t resist! And Rosie looks like a very skilled tree climber!
Christine says
December 13th, 2020 at 10:48 pmWhat a sweet tradition to keep Tabs’ stocking on the mantel and offering catnip to honor his memory. He will always be a part of the family and festivities. 😻 I regret not having kept anything of my late akita, Dante.
PGR’s hat is adorbs.
Karen C. says
December 14th, 2020 at 6:55 amI love it you give Tabs a Christmas treat! Speaking of treats, my kitty goes nuts for his 9pm Temptations treats. His internal clock is better than the one on the microwave by going to the pantry a few minutes before 9 every night!
Love Rosie’s fashionably sparkly hat.
Chelsea says
December 14th, 2020 at 7:24 amSuch a beauty. How sweet that Tabs still gets a little something. Jiji found one of his gifts, so I gave it to him early – he got a nice catnip carrot from Chewy. It made me think of Quincy, who loved carrots and catnip mice despite being a bunny. I gave Hettie one of her gifts too to be fair
Kim says
December 14th, 2020 at 10:08 amSo many great pics of Tabs! Our cats also like hanging out under the tree (when they were younger, they’d also hang out IN the tree). I think Rosie still has some youthful spring, so I’ll bet you’re right about the imminent tree-tipping. I love the Tabs is still getting a stocking and catnip; it’s a great tradition. 🙂
Tatiana says
December 14th, 2020 at 12:03 pmI can’t think of a cat who doesn’t like hiding out under the Christmas tree. I was thinking of getting a faux fur tree skirt this year to ward off the cold from the floors, in case Dear Daughter decides Nibbler needs to join us for Christmas and wants to sleep under the tree.
Quick, get thee to a hardware store and buy a small spool of wire and a small eye hook. Put the eye hook at El Hubs shoulder level behind the tree (preferably in a window moulding or find a stud in the wall. and run the wire around the truck at that level and into the eye hook. If Rosie decides to climb the tree you’ll have less of a mess to clean up. There will still a few lost ornaments but not a huge mess.
Karen says
December 14th, 2020 at 5:27 pmThat is a GENIUS life hack right there!!!
Tatiana says
December 14th, 2020 at 10:32 pmClear nylon fishing line works well too. You just have to make sure you knot it so it doesn’t come undone.
Sarah Lowes says
December 15th, 2020 at 11:57 amShe’s very photogenic and what a smart silver hat!
Love that picture of Tabs gazing at the red bauble…