Too late to change my mind...

In September I adopted a 3-month old kitten--Gremlin (who was immediately renamed Webster).  Jen had been mildly encouraging me to add a little critter to my household since Gilly met--and immediately fell in love with--Millie, their adorable feline.  Prior to making the big decision I listed the pros and cons of such an action:  I don't need another animal!  What if he/she scratches furniture?  Will he/she be litter box trained?  It would be a good companion for Gilly.  But what about vacations?  I still don't have a satisfactory answer for the last question.

But within the first five minutes of my visit to C.A.T.S, I was hooked.  After all, when Gremlin, i.e. Webster, began purring the moment I picked him up, I figured he picked me--right?  And how can I say no then?

The paperwork suggested it could take up to a week before new kitten and already-established household pet complete their meet-and-greet.  Webster's experience in meeting and connecting with Gilly took two hours!  Yes, my Big Guy loves other animals, adults, kids, and probably birds--if they didn't fly away when he runs at them...

My life has changed.  I get wa-a-a-y more steps each day on my Fitbit!  I clean the litter box three or four times each day--adding a sorta toe-touching routine as I bend over for this cleanup duty.  I have three spray bottles within reach at all times: 1.  Catnip to remind him where it's OK to scratch; 2.  A no-scratching spray for the furniture; and  3.  One filled with water when he ignores the other two!

Webster is smart.  He understands:

No, Webster.  
I said NO Webster!!

Get down, Webster.
I said GET DOWN WEBSTER!!  
DAMMIT! (squirt, squirt) and he's off the table/counter or no-cat zone item...  Easy AND more exercise!

I bought him a tower which is placed at the patio door.  He loves to watch Gilly roam outside.  But gets even more of a thrill laying in wait to attack as his canine brother walks by.

Since the arrival of winter, I have to admit sleeping warmer.  With a 70 pounder on one side, and my now 7 month old curled under my arm on the other, I literally feel like a bug in a rug.

Life is not perfect however.  Well, at least if you communicate with Gilly.  He has set himself up as my warning system when he catches Webster doing those things that are a NO.  He runs over to Webster and occasionally lets out a low growl to warn him that Mom's on her way.  Then there are the looks.  My beautiful Big Boy comes to me and pleads with his eyes:  Mom, things were so good before.  You know, just you and me.  or Mom, I've never given you this much trouble.  and most touching of all... Mom, you still love me the most, don't you?

So here I am several years post retirement talking, teaching, feeding, loving and cuddling with My Boys, and now, after 4 months only occasionally asking myself:  And I got another pet WHY???

PETS are bundles of LOVE wrapped in FUR.