Cat Tale

Today Writing Straight from the Heart  is joining Angela's blog,  West Virginia Treasures   http://wvtreasures.blogspot.com/2011/04/weather-report-from-jazz-tuesdays-show.html  for  "Show and Tail"  Tuesday where bloggers write about animals and their pets. Be sure to check out the other posts from all over!

Once upon time, in the arid southwestern desert of the United States, a litter of  newborn kittens opened their eyes for the first time. The runt of the litter could fit nicely in the palm of one's hand.

After much lobbying on the part of our daughter, our family agreed to adopt the tiny ball of fur . Because of her color, we named her "Honey Cat."

 Throughout all the years of our children's childhood, Honey Cat flourished. She lived both inside and outside the house and truly became a member of our family.

 When she was younger, Honey Cat was quite a huntress and brought home prairie dogs, rabbits, mice, and once, a 12 inch lizard that just about scared the wits out of me.

 She survived coyotes, scorpions,  a snake bite, and 119 degree Arizona  temperatures.   Perhaps, in her cat's  mind, she thought she was Queen of the Desert and was indestructible. That was not too far from the truth!

    



When we moved to Western Massachusetts, Honey Cat flew cross country with me in a carryall bag under the seat on the airplane. She was a horrendously annoying traveling companion and almost busted out of the carryall, despite having been tranquilized before take off. She made  growling, whining sounds and frantically scratched the top of the carryall for hours. The whole trip was a stressful, nerveracking nightmare for me. Honey Cat, however, could have cared less how she was acting. She just hated flying and let me know it.

  

Once in Massachusetts, she adjusted quite well to the tremendous temperature changes. She went from the heat of the desert to the "Arctic tundra" of New England without a flick of the whiskers.

All winter long, her favorite spot is the rug in front of the fireplace . Unlike native New Englanders, she doesn't budge outside for the entire winter. 

Once spring arrives, however, she takes over the backyard and guards it with ferocity.  Even neighborhood dogs would not mess with Honey Cat or they'd probably get their ears bitten off.  She's vicious when it comes to protecting her terrain.

Honey Cat is more than 15 years old now. The veterinarian examined her recently and said, " This is a very old cat." ha! Take 15 "human" years and multiply them by seven! That's how old Honey Cat is.

  Our "children" are all grown up and married but still love that cat.

 We don't know how much longer Honey Cat will be with us so  every moment with her is more precious than ever.  But who knows?  She may outlive me!

She truly is one "Honey" of a cat. 

DO YOU THINK IT'S TRUE THAT CATS HAVE NINE LIVES?