Happy 5th Birthday, Herman!

It's my 5th Birthday and we are having a party!  Mom forgot all about it until she saw it on the Cat Blogosphere.

Karen Jo:  I did not.  Why do you think I took two pictures of you yesterday afternoon?

But you didn't get me a present.

Karen Jo:  Poor Herman!  You have gotten lots of presents lately.  A couple of months ago I got you a Plague Rat.

Yeah, that was pretty awesome.

Karen Jo:  I got you the turbo track you are sitting next to.

And gave it to Spyro.

Karen Jo:  Nothing is preventing you from playing with it.  Just a few days ago I got you a Neko Kragonfly.

Which I don't play with.

Karen Jo:  Yesterday I brought you home a new sister.

Big deal.  I tried to check her out in the PTU and she snarled at me.

Karen Jo:  She was scared.  Her family dumped her off in the drop-off box at the shelter and she was in a cage for days.  Give her a chance to get used to her new family.  Anyway, we are having a big party and you can invite all your friends.

Come on over.  The party starts now with a sleep over.  There is not quite as much room as last year, as Oja is in the safe room, but we still have the living room, kitchen, litter box room and Mom's room to play in and sleep in.  We have loads of toys to play with and Mom has promised to work the wand toys and laser toy for those of you who like that stuff.  There are plenty of places to sleep.  There's my ham-mick and bed and all the couches have comfy blankets on them.  There is a big pillow on the table, which also has a fuzzy blanket on it.  There are chairs and my platform, too. For you kitties who like to sleep with a human, my Mom has a full-sized bed with room for lots of kitties.  The best part is that Mom is retired now, so we can party all night.  There is a stereo for dance music and a great hall for THoE.  You can all meow a hello to Oja under her door.  We have plenty of Stinky Goodness and Tiki Cat along with ham, turkey, shrimp and salmon to eat, with nip cake and ice cream for dessert.  Of course there are plenty of drinks, too.  Niptinis, meowgaritas, catnip champagne and cat milk for the younger kitties.  We want to have a big blowout because this is a very special birthday for me.

Karen Jo:  It sure is.  For kitties who get FeLV when they are young, like you did, the most dangerous time is from the time they first get it up through four years old.  You are now five and are through that period.  Your chances of living a normal lifespan are now much improved.  I am thrilled.

Does this mean I don't have to take my yucky medicine any more?

Karen Jo:  Hardly.  You will probably have to take it for the rest of your life.

Rats!  At least I can wash it down with a meowgarita.  Let's party!

Spyro:  Don't forget that there are lots of things to knock down and push off tables.  Let's get started!