Thursday, August 28, 2008

Thursday: Cats. Work Safety

Work safety
I get back from vacation and go to the bathroom. Much to my surprise I see some of that safety foam on the edge of the garbage can. It is your normal sheet metal garbage can mounted to the wall. The edges aren't sharp and the corners are rounded. It is easy to avoid so doesn't seem to be an obstacle. The only thing I can think of? Our safety engineer decided it was a hazard to the workplace.

Cat breeds
Ben was looking at cat breeds today and we decided that Flurry's marking match a Turkish Van pretty well and her attidutude matches a Maine Coon. Turkish Vans are all white except for markings on the head and tail. Flurry's aren't as prominent as purebreeds though. This is what wikipedia says about Maine Coon personailites, with my remarks:

"Maine Coons are a breed distinguished by high intelligence, dexterity, and playfulness. They have a tendency to use their front paws extensively (often curling the paw round to pick objects up) and as a consequence will easily learn to open cabinet doors, turn on water faucets, flush toilets, or pick up small objects. Some Maine Coons will eat, or even drink, from their paws, rather than from the bowl itself. All the time!

Due to their above-average intelligence, Maine Coons are known to be one of the easiest cat breeds to train. Maine Coons are noted for their ability to trill their meows, which sounds like a combination of a purr and a meow We think she does this, and they tend to make this sound when happy or startled. When they do meow, it tends to be very high in pitch, in comparison to other breeds. They are noted for rarely eating alone, preferring to eat in the company of other cats or humans. She often eats when we are in the kitchen Maine Coons are not known to be "lap cats" but of course, this may depend on the individual cat and some may prefer laps. Flurry's oonly a lap cat for the day after we get back from a long vacation

Some Maine Coons enjoy playing with, but not usually in, water. Flurry lover her sinks! ...

Maine Coons can be very dog-like in their behavior. Playing fetch is a favorite game. As with dogs, they will bring their ball, drop it at the feet of their intended playmate and wait for the ball to be thrown. They will often accompany their owner on chores She loves following me! like getting the mail, walking the dog, and may also come when beckoned, even if outside. Maine Coons are typically very calm and listen to their owners. Ok, well maybe she isn't very calm or listeny."