Describe the circumstances of meeting your first cat
I was young, about 2 years and 4 months, when my family arrived in Dorset to holiday with my grandparents. Upon getting out of the back of the van, I saw a cat I knew, called Badger. On a couple of previous visits I'd been told of her her habits, and seeing her followed by a leaf, I did a double-take, for there was no wind. Badger's habit was to disappear onto the common for 6 weeks or so, and then return with a solitary kitten. This was just such an event, and my Grandmother said to me, 'She's yours, what will you call her?'
I looked at my Dad's van, the kitten was similar in colour, and said 'Rusty'.
How many visits did you make before adopting?
We stayed for a fortnight, and Rusty and I were pretty much inseperable, the bond between us was pretty strong and fairly exclusive, as I was the first human that Rusty had ever met. When the visit came to an end we all went home, Rusty and I in the back of the van.
We made a few more trips in the van, down to Dorset and back, our number increased by my baby sister and a daft boxer dog called Rufus. Rusty had complete dominance over him, it was funny to watch.
Advice
- I couldn't really comment about this from personal experience, as every cat I've rescued has come to me.
My First Cat's Name, Age at Adoption, and Oldest Age
She was black/brindled, sort of Tortoiseshell, with the family mark upon her forehead. Her mother, aunts, and sisters all had a blaze of orange tabby, of the same type and same placement.
She was 2 months old when I went home with her, and lived to be 14 years old, which was a family trait also.
The Mutual Bond I Shared With my Cat
We were close, and I learnt much from her. She was semi-wild in a lot of ways, but for me she had tolerance and even affection, mine was the only lap she'd occupy.
At night she liked to be out, mostly. but in later years she used to lie on my feet, to start, and progress up my body till morning.
Significant Benefits of our Relationship
I have been imprinted with feline fascination from day one, and have spent my life interested in genetics and heritability. All the ladies I have been with were cat lovers themselves, and Rusty is a significant first memory, an instance of error-checking. I like to think that Rusty liked me too.
Why I'd Do It All Over Again
I have done, in various ways, often since, so 'Thanks Rusty'.
