19 June 2005

A tiger by the tail


Meet 'Smartie.' He is our new nine-week old kitten and he's absorbing way too much of our time. His coat is dark chocolate with just a few creamy grey stripes. Although not purebred, there is a high percentage of Maine Coon in him. Despite being a lover of animals I have resisted pets until now, I would like a dog but it just isn't fair when you are out all day. The dogs that I know appreciate and even demand a lot of attention. A cat is much more self-sufficient.

He runs like the wind, jumps at his own shadow, climbs into the tiniest spaces and inspects everything. Around the house he has found various small objects that have become favourites for attack! He has also discovered several secret, dark hiding places. He is litter tray trained too, which is a real bonus. Cat owners among you will know all these sentiments but bear in mind I'm still a learner...

I wake up during the night to find a soft ball of fur sharing my pillow. In the morning I awake to see a small tiger's face staring at me from inches away, purring happily. After only ten days it already seems like he has always been here. Today he went for jabs, micro-chipping and a general health check. The injection has left him sleepy, miserable and less friendly although we are told this will pass. (My eldest son and his fiancee took two from the same litter to their new rented bungalow.)

There are more photos of Smartie on Through the Lens. What a little sweetie!

15 comments:

Perfect Virgo said...

"Squeaky" looks very calm and refined, I had a feeling she'd be able to read! Just typical to fall in love with a scatty youngster...

Russell CJ Duffy said...

pets are great but you are right about dogs. we had a king charles spaniel that my daughter named teapot ( when in the park i would lower my voice to gruff and macho tones before calling him). he was a lovely dog but such a burden and such a tie. prior to holidays or long weekends away we would have to arrange for someone to 'dogsit'.
cats are different. far more independent. Smartie looks sweet.

Perfect Virgo said...

CJ - Smartie is asleep on the corner of my mouse mat right now! Oh the irony!!

Luckily my sons would attend to feeding etc while we are away but a dog would be an altogether bigger commitment.

"teapot!" he he, good one!

Perfect Virgo said...

Kimberly - such a pity you can't have yours to stay... They all have their own distinct characters and it's great to watch them develop.

(I'll let you into a secret - I have been known to gush, but then I'm an emotional virgo. Watch out for other sentimental clues...)

Anonymous said...

What a great Kitty Perfect. I like Kimberly cannot have pets. I ussed to have 3 dogs and 1 cat though when I owned my own home. I was lucky to get away with Frankie even after the landlord told me to get rid of him...

Perfect Virgo said...

DG - lovely isn't he. What a pity you can't keep a pet. Right now the companionship could be such a big support to you...

Anonymous said...

One of these days I will have to post a blog and some pictures of my cats. Give you a hint...one is named Jazz but I call him Spazz because he is a nut. Happy Father's Day.
Peace,
JJ

Perfect Virgo said...

Kimberly - I am a believer in star sign traits and potential compatibilities. Virgo as you know is all about organisation, antisceptic cleanliness, tidiness to the point of obsession, lists, catalogues and perfection. Sound familiar? (That's me.)

Compatibility is a fantastic subject, the books are often right but not always. My soulmate was a Scorpio.

JJ - I can't wait to seee your cat pictures. Spazz sounds like a handful! For Father's Day we all went to a pub where my younger son works and had a meal. I feel rather full now!

Anonymous said...

Perfect - I think a pet would be a bg help right now.

As A Libra, I try to be fair and see both sides. I like balance...maybe how I justified everything I did..no?

Perfect Virgo said...

DG - of course that makes perfect sense. Trying to be balanced and see both sides certainly justifies behaviour. Trying to be fair to everyone worries me because it tears you in different directions.

Perfect Virgo said...

Finnegan - you must be telepathic! Watch out for a strong biking post coming very soon. I can't say more than that now...

Recreational is a delightful way to put it... Works both ways as Smartie will have the snip in 3 months!

Wardo said...

Ah, the cat picture. Required material for any blog:

1.) A post or title that includes any of the following words: rant, musings, ramblings;

2.) A Goth-cool profile picture;

3.) A list of site-links you enjoy, but never click on;

4.) A cat picture.

Although this is a really nice cat, I have to admit. *Awww!*

-A

Mere Existence said...

I don't trust him.

Jen said...

SO cute.

I came over to say hello because I've been way too much of a stranger lately!

Perfect Virgo said...

Argus - the bloggers unwritten code is now written! It was only a matter of time before the cat picture crept in...

Faith - yes, I know you love them. This one is quite cute I agree, he is developing his little character and dicovering interesting things all over the house.

Rand - you old cynic you!! Don't worry, normal service will be reumed soon, I've been way too sentimental!

Jen - hello and welcome back! I know you've been a busy bee and it's nice to see you back. Did you have me down as a cat man?