Cats I Have Loved

Hot on the heels of Mizhenka I bring you a cat post.

Unlike steadfast, loyal dogs I've found that cats drift in and out of my life for various reasons. Like mini, furry hobos they come, wrap themselves around my heart, and then disappear. I think I identify with the wanderlust of cats, and that's why I'll always choose a cat over a dog. Here are some cats still purring in my heart.

Mickey, was the first cat I remember loving. I remember him arriving at our house, small, raggy and frightened curled in my neighbours arms. He'd been bundled in a black bin bag and thrown into the road in front of my neighbours car and due to a big black labrador named Rufus they couldn't keep him. He found a home with us, and grew into a big black friendly tomcat. I don't remember what happened to him, but he lived many happy years with us before disappearing from my life.

Jess replaced him. My parents took me to the local Cats Protection and I quickly fell in love with the plucky black and white kitten climbing up the curtains. My parents tried to sway my affection towards a sedate black cat called Skipper. But they soon gave up and Jess came home with us. Wild and fiercely loving, he would bite you hard and then lick it better. He would never be handled by anyone but me. Jess went roaming outside one day to never return, probably to my parents relief.

Indy (bottom right) joined our household after Jess. A small, loving bundle of fluff, Indy was everyone's friend. He was mischevious and adventurous, deciding to live on top of the fridge when Paddy the dog joined our household. Indy never roamed for long, so when he disappeared one day we were all really worried. He came home, weak, thin, and ill. He'd been poisoned, but fought his way home to die in our garden.

After that there were no more cats in my families household, until I grew up and made a home of my own. After a few catless years, I convinced my boyfriend to open our doors to a cat.

Jiji (top right) was originally named Tipsey by the shelter we rescued her from. She'd been hit around the head and abandoned in a telephone box with her kittens at the age of 1. We fell in love with her big green eyes, and tiny body. She came home with us and because of her fear of the outdoors became a housecat. She has terrible balance, and can't retract her claws. She chirrups when stroked and dribbles when cuddled.

Gremlin (top left) I met in Thailand when I volunteered at a dog and cat shelter. He was the first cat I met there. Tiny, with hair that stood on end and a bellowing meow. I fell in love instantly. He left the catpen after a few days and moved into my room. Highly affectionate he would climb into my arms and sleep. I often woke with him nibbling my ears or nose. I prepared to break the news to my boyfriend that a small, slightly smelly, kitten was going to be joining me on the flight home. But sadly it wasn't to be. Gremlin was attacked by a dog while in quarrantine and would never find a home with me, or anyone.

Heartbroken for the loss I couldn't entertain the idea of any other cat coming to join me, Rob and Jiji. But then I received a message.

A friend's cat had given birth, and they were stuggling finding homes for all of the kittens. I was taken to meet them, and once again my heart was swept away by a small, ginger kitten with a pink nose.

Arthur (bottom left). The smallest kitten, he couldn't keep up with the playfighting with his brothers. He had tiny pink pawpads and wide-set eyes. He came home with me. In his slee he twitches, and if you touch him he meows silently. He's perpetually smelly, but so full of affection. He licks my nose, face, ears. He cuddles around me watching TV, he sleeps curled in my arms. He reminds me of Gremlin.