does the cat show up in the day time.

Carolyn ........... Smokey is neutered.

"A Warner Brother's organization called C.A.T.S. Inc. cares for all of the backlot kitties, including Ellen's mystery cat. They say our kitty is named Smokey, that he is fixed, and has been roaming the backlot for 4 years. Check out catsatthestudios.com for more info."

Ellen mentioned this on her show several weeks ago.

So, yes we do know the cat is fixed, we do know his name, and he is healthy.

Refer to
www.catsatthestudios.com

I glanced over your cat diary. What I can't believe is that I'm actually taking time to look at it! I did skim some of the comments, mentioning something about catnip. Here's a bit of a story about catnip: My son and daughter-in-law got catnip for their cat many months ago. The cat coulndn't have cared less about it. They moved and the catnip got left at my place. Since the move they got another cat. I found the catnip with some of their supplies and returned it to them in a zipper baggy. They left the baggy lay on the counter, not giving it much thought. After some time, the cats were acting crazy. They wondered what had gotten into them. They found them in the catnip. In fact, the first cat, who was normally timid towards the second cat was much more agressive towards the second. He was batting at the second, protecting his stash! - So, moral of the story, cats may or maynot care about catnip. It depends on their mood.
Here's something we wonder - What drug is in that catnip to cause them to go so crazy - when they do go crazy for it?

A little fresh catnip sprinkled lightly on the condo's levels would probably get Smokey over his trepidation quickly.

I'm also concerned about the plastic on the chairs. If Smokey decides to explore underneath, he could get trapped and smother. This has been mentioned before by me and others.

Joe, if you're reading this - could you suggest a change to cloth dust covers? If Ellen is made aware of the dangers of the plastic, I know she'd want to play it safe.

Thanks for everything - and also please thank the camera-guys for parking the cameras away from the webcam after hours. It's great to have a full view!

betty

Where is Smokey's litterbox? If you supply food and water,a litterbox needs to be close by. (Maybe Smokey can get outside or has a litterbox in one of the other studios,). Did you know if he gets on that plastic, he's going to tinkle all over it? Cats LOVE to wet down plastic. Then down to the carpet it's going to run and Smokey's going to start leaving his little damp surprises in the same place all the time where Ellen interviews her guests. No one will like that. Joe, go get a litterbox and some premium litter and hide it somewhere, then you won't need to cover the chairs. That plastic is too inviting, if Smokey gets under it, he's going to smother. Smokey is no different than a small child, give him a safe environment.Which brings up another subject, does Smokey have a rabie collar on? If not, catch him and get all his shots. I'm sure Ellen will pay for it. Get him something wider than a coffee cup for his water and feed him a good catfood (I bet you can get Halo for free). I hope you didn't have to pay for that expensive tower - Smokey would rather have a couple of old magazines or newspaper opened up to lie on, an open paper bag to play in and a shoe box taped shut with a hole cut in the side to play in. Throw some maudie gras (sp?) beads, stuffed toy and a childproof medicine bottle with a few buttons in it on the floor and Smokey will give you lots to report on.

Sorry this is so long, but you're a parent now Joe and you are responsible for Smokey's well-being.Don't do the chicken thing and dump him somewhere else now that you have a little to do to make him comfortable. Just get him settled right in the studio and we can watch him for years. We already love him,right everybody? If you need help, I'm sure a few animal lovers (like maybe Ellen) will help you. Now that you have taken on this endeavor, we love seeing your reports on Smokey. Do the right thing for Smokey now and we can watch him for years!

Really nice to see you are keeping "tabs" on Smokey. I think he/she needs a playmate. Since you don't know if Smokey is fixed better play it safe and leave a stuffed kitty near the tower. I have 16 cats and they love their stuffed animals. Of course a real kitty friend would be best but for now just try a stuffed kitty.

Smokey t-shirts have been mentioned before in a different blog but ignored.

Can we have Smokey signed t-shirts in the Ellen shop!!!!!

Pic of Smokey.. and a paw print!...

Maybe a cute saying on the back... "Cat Nip loving Smokey!" Something like that... something maybe a little catchier.. and yet funny!!!

(Buddy is my special cat now deceased).

I miss the feeding dishes under the coffee table. When I see them, at least I know the cat is still around. How does he come and go inside and outside the building or is he stuck inside. In that case, what about the litter box or is he being a "bad" kitty?