The Man of the House

Four years ago when I moved into my apartment, I knew that once I got settled I was going to look for a roommate.  And by roommate I mean kitten.  I started frequenting the local animal shelter in search of a new feline friend.  During one of my visits, I saw that there was a litter of kittens along with their Momma all in a kennel together.  I loved seeing the mom in there with her babies.  It made me feel comforted that their short lives were a little less harsh since Mom was there looking after them.

I was the first person to request to adopt one of the kittens, therefore I got the pick of the litter.  I remember watching them scrambling all over their patient mom; so many little limbs all moving at once.  One little black and white tuxedo stood out to me, as I stared into the cage, he stared right back at me. He was an adorable tiny thing, with green eyes, four little fuzzy white legs poking out from a belly of white fluff.  He looked like a black and white cotton ball with legs. His facial markings were almost symmetrical, with a black mask around both eyes and a white nose with a cute perfect pink tip.  When I asked to hold him he looked up at me and cuddled right into my hands.  It was noisey in the shelter so I could not hear his purr but I could sure feel his purr motor going. 

Fast forward four years and that sweet loving kitty is seriously one of my most favorite things.  Whenever I get home and open the door to my place he is sitting on the table right next to the door waiting for me.  (My hand inevitably hits his head when I then turn on the light so he gets a free pat on the head by waiting for me like this.) He is a lover and would be happiest if someone was petting him incessantly.  He is the only cat I know who purrs in anticipation of being petted, and he loves having his belly rubbed. He is social and loves to be around people.  He comes when he is called or if a hand is left in a position that looks as though it may want to pet him.  He purrs while eating and boy does he have an appetite.  He weighed a pound and a half when I first brought him home and today he weighs in at a whopping 15 lbs!! (He gained so much weight at one point that Bubbles gave him the nickname "Tic-Tic". Get it? Little head, big body).  He has never showed interest in any of the cat or kitten toys that I bring home, instead preferring to play with my rubber bands for my hair.  His other favorite amusements include tissue paper, paper towels and toilet paper.  It does not fail - everytime I leave the bathroom door open he sneaks in and shreads/unrolls the toilet paper. The entire roll. This is his newest favorite activity. He sleeps on my bed at night and wakes me up in the morning with quiet little meows to get me out of bed to feed him.  He is the best to have around when I am sad or sick; the greatest couch cuddler I know.  I can't imagine my life without him. ♥