As of today, Charley, my feline QI, has had an addendum added to his name: He is now, Charley, Scorpion Killer. We live in Nevada and small scorpions are not uncommon. No, they are not the type that will kill you, but apparently if one stings, it feels like a wasp sting. Ever since Charley was a kitten, I was afraid he'd tangle with one--he likes to chase the odd bug that gets in the house--but nothing ever came of my concern. The other night, however, I heard this strange popping noise. Charley was giving a scorpion a few good whacks. I immediately finished the job for him. Since then, we've found 3dead scorpions. The darn things don't die on their own, so the only explanation is Charley. All I can say is "Good Kitty!" Michelle in NV --
Totally OT--QI's
Sep 23, 2006
8 Replies
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One of my stitcher here found a dead scorpion under her pillow after she woke up with what she thought was an insect bite on her neck.
I must get a training manual for my kitties and set them to sentry duty!
Aren't QIs wonderful? 'Dorable Dora is constantly on the watch for unsavory critters. I live in town so I don't have to worry about scorpions coming indoors, but in a mobile home court you never know what may turn up. In the
8 years we've been here Dora has dispatched 2 roaches, a cricket, a few flies, a spider and innumerable "miller moths" and anything else that moves. I'm always grateful. However, I suspect that she plays with the poor things until they wear out. If she seems bored, I can always let in another "miller moth" to entertain her in the evening.This part of Arizona is home to a small, nearly transparent variety with serious venom. But (knock wood) no sign of any yet. I buy fabric at yard sales when I can, and always shake it out before bringing it into the house. As I say, you never know. I bought a T-shirt at a State Park last year and when I unfolded it at home, there was a largish Arizona Brown spider hiding in the folds. This variety of spiders are related to the Recluse spiders and a bite can cause nasty problems. I disposed of that one very quickly!
Charley deserves a special treat! He sounds like a champ. Kindly convey my congratulations to him. Dora says, "Yow!"
Hehehehe... Sugar Puff brought a mouse in to play with the other night. She played with it until it ran down. I think it just had a faulty battery connection, as every time she whacked it, it started up again...
Cornflake like to despatch birds, rats, and bunnies. He regards the old ex-orchard across the way as a sort of bunny take-away: cat equivalent of MacDonald's!
Tell your kitties it's all in a quick whack from an outstretched paw. No noses! No sniffing! Michelle in NV
Hi Carolyn,
Yes, I know the type of scorpion you mean. I think the only place they are native here is in the southern most tip of NV. However, I have heard they can come in on shipped lumber.
Tell Dora to be very careful! She sounds like she wouldn't hesitate to take one on. Another good kitty. :-)
Michelle in NV
I looked at your QI, and I felt so sad. We used to have a black cat like that. Your Charlie looks just like her. We had her for about 12 years. I still miss her. I may have been sad remembering her, but happy that you have such a beautiful one.
Jean in MI
Hi Jean,
It's always so hard to lose a QI. What was your lovely girl's name? How long ago did she pass?
Michelle in NV
Just a note.... living in town is no guarantee of no pests. I remember my granddad finding a sidewinder on the sidewalk at 4th St. and Euclid. And we had some scorpions there too. As well as the pervasive brown recluse/AZ browns, and black widows.
They get in everywhere.
Pati, > Aren't QIs wonderful? 'Dorable Dora is constantly on the watch for unsavory
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