Your Cat(s)' name, age, and gender
Jewel is the oldest she’s a 12yr old female, all White w/raccoon colored tail, Nellie Bell is next she’s a 3yr old Long Hair female, Tortoiseshell. Last is Oscar she’s a 3yr old female, Grey on top and white on bottom like a Teddy Bear.
Is one cat the matriarch or patriarch? Describe how.
Nellie Bell assumed the mantle of Alpha from my oldest cat “Big Kitty” when he crossed the bridge in 2007. It was a rather quiet ascendancy as my next oldest cat Jewel is not into politics. Nellie wasn’t the obvious choice as she still has some growing up to do herself.
How I Became Part of a Cat Family
In 1988 I retired from the ARMY and we moved from Georgia back to California. We drove and brought along our dog and two hamsters. The trip was just too much for the little ones and so we buried them in my Dads back yard. Shortly thereafter our dog jumped the back fence and was lost as well.
It was a hard time for all of us. My son wanted to get another Dog and I said “No Dogs” lets wait for a while. He countered with “what about a cat?” We never had a cat before and I was intrigued. So I agreed we could visit to the local shelter "just to look".
My Cat Family Members
Big Kitty, (1990-2007) was my first cat, he was the best cat that ever lived. Before my son went to college we shared many laughs observing BK’s antics. After my son left for college he became my constant companion. He loved to see what you were doing but he never interfered he’d just sit and watch. And on occasion he would steal my pen. An inside/outside cat he never roamed very far and when I called him he came right away.
He was everything a cat should be and more. He’d give you cat kisses and take a nap with you every day. His nickname was “Mr. Mellow” he was a really great cat. He lived by himself for 10 years and then I brought him a little sister named Jewel.
Jewel was a Christmas gift from my Cousin and his wife. They rescued her and another kitten from two little boys. The boys found the kittens abandoned in a local park and were feeding them dog food. My Cousin and his wife rescued and raised them until they were old enough to adopt out. When they gave her (Jewel) to me she was still so small she fit into the palm of my hand.
When I first introduced her to Big Kitty I knew nothing about introducing cats. I gave her to him and said if you hurt her your out of here. I shouldn’t have worried; he loved her and guarded her like she was his own. Actually he taught her how to be a cat. They were inseparable. She and Big Kitty had 7 great years together, they were the best and closest of friends. She and I both miss Big Kitty every day.
Nellie Bell, I don’t know how she found me but if you ask her she’ll tell you an Angel brought her. She was soaking wet and crying on my doorstep how could I say no! She looked so small so pitiful. I just had to bring her inside. After a dry towel and some warm food she fell asleep on the couch. Both of my other cats approved of her on the spot. And now we were three. She is so loving and grateful for a home that she tells me thank you every day. She is my cuddle bug my sweetie.
Oscar is the most unusual story of them all, saved in the nick of time. My apartment manager was handing her over to the animal control officer when I stepped in. Later I found out that this cat had been mistreated. Her two favorite moves were scratch and bite. Many of my friends said “Get rid of her” but I just couldn’t let her go. Showing patience that surprised even me I gave her love. Three years later she sleeps with me every night. She still bites if you move too quickly towards her.
Tips and Tricks
- Give them your love and it will come back ten times over.
- Cherish them every day they don’t live forever.
- Take them to the vet early rather than later.
- Give them the best food and water.
- All cats should be indoor cats no excuses.
- Enjoy your cats they are the best things in life.
