The Devon Rex is often compared to a pixie, with its elfin cheeky face, turned-up nose, and oversized ears. Like other Rex breeds, it originated from a spontaneous genetic mutation in a barn cat litter, resulting in a wavy coat.

Devons will follow you from room to room, talking to you with chirps and trills, and will happily arrange themselves around your neck like a suede scarf, so you may carry your Devon with you wherever you go. The Devon Rex image shown here is "Yoda," pictured at seven month.
_{Photo © Natalie, breeder Elizabeth Wynters}

This is the last week you'll see the November Tortie gallery this year, updated with several new photos. Feast your eyes on this parade of lovely tortie ladies, and if you are lucky to share your home with one, submit your own tortoiseshell photo with the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information.

Does your tortie cat epitomize tortitude? Share more photos and her story with this easy-to-use form
_{Photo of Tortie Kitten Scout
Photo Credit: © Dee Kridel}

Cats absolutely need a form of identification, even if they are indoor-only cats. Indoor cats do escape at times, and unlike human children, cats are unable to vocalize their names and addresses. After weighing all the options, my conclusion is that microchips are the best form of identification for cats. I'm not alone in that opinion either; laws requiring microchip for pets have been instituted by the European Pets Travel Scheme (PETS), as well as state and local laws in the U.S. The Companion Animals Act in Australia requires the microchipping of all cats and dogs acquired since July 1, 1999.

The microchip is a "living tissue friendly" glass bead about the size of a grain of rice. It is embedded with a unique number which will be registered with the owner's address and contact information in a database. Inserting a microchip is very similar to giving an injection. The chip is placed into a large needle with a special injector, and is inserted deeply under the skin between the shoulderblades of the cat. The insertion is relatively painless and cats do not . . . learn much more about microchipping cats, then vote in the poll. Feel free to post your comments below.

I recently brought home two little kittens to keep my 18 year old female tabby company after we lost our 15 year old black and white patch Leo this past September. I decided that I had to bring a kitty home that looked nothing at all like our beloved Leo as it simply would have been too painful due to the short time in which we lost him. Anyway, I brought home two tortie calico kitties, Karly and Willow.

I've always loved torties as they have such an affectionate personality but, they are very much their own kitty and very individual minded. Willow certainly . . . read the rest of the story.

Anne's story defines the concept of "two kittens are better than one" perfectly. It also is a great example of honoring a cat loved and lost by adopting another cat. It was a purrfect choice for my last Cat Picture of the Week for November, and gives me and my readers double our pleasure. This photo is also featured in the 2009 Tortoiseshell Cats Gallery, which I am wrapping up this weekend. You may submit cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information.