Animal Stories ... K.C. and Poo-Pooh

When Cat #1 crossed the rainbow bridge, we got Cat #2, K.C., to keep doggie darling company. It wasn't long before doggie darling joined Cat #1 over the rainbow bridge, and I was determined to slow down the flow of pets through my home after the divorce. Unfortunately, Ex had other ideas. He brought me Poo-Pooh, a six-week old kitten who'd been abandoned in a dumpster, to keep K.C. company.

K.C.

K.C. was not happy to have a little sister. He was four or five at the time, and she was a dirty, sick, kitten impinging on his turf. They were separated until Pooh was healthy, and he quickly established himself in the role of Alpha Cat. The good part of that was that he, being a very well-behaved cat, taught Pooh the ropes. While she was still very kittenish, she was better behaved than many kittens I've had the pleasure to know. He also taught her how to be afraid of strangers, even while he basked in the company of said strangers and invited them to pet him.

Pooh, semi-hiding, ready to run if she has to

K.C. had a habit of stalking her, hiding on the other side of a corner as she came around, and then stepping out in front of her and scaring the living daylights out of her. Sometimes they'd chase each other until she conceded and ran to hide. Like a big brother, he'd wait at the bottom of the stairs when she came down to eat, just out of sight, and as she hit the last step, he'd pounce out and give her the equivalent of a "boo!" which would send her vertical, and into hiding for hours or days at a time. Pooh quickly became "the invisible cat" when guests were in the house, or after K.C. had tormented her. Nevertheless, she loved him, and when cuddle time came around, she would sneak up beside him and lay her head on his side to sleep with him. The two of them were very entertaining to watch, their love-hate relationship like many siblings.

K.C. was more of a birder. He liked to chase things in the air - a dangling feather or a fly in the house. Pooh has always been more of a mouser, chasing things that moved across the floor. Once she'd gained her health, the kids often played fetch with her - yes, she'd chase her favorite toy and bring it back for them to throw for her again.

K.C. took his turn walking over the rainbow bridge several years ago, and Pooh is now a senior citizen. She doesn't play anymore, but she does keep me company acting as my writing assistant. For a cat I was sure I didn't want to take on, she wormed her way into all our hearts.

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