My Parents’ First Kitties

One day, Dad brought The Kitty home. She lived on a college campus, where a kind-hearted student—the son of one of Dad’s coworkers—named her Ghost and fed her snacks between studies. Knowing this was no life for such a royal cat, word got out that she needed a stable home off the streets, and Dad answered that call. The Kitty was a splotchy gray when she arrived at our house, but Mom took care of that with an immediate bath that revealed her snow-white fur coat. It wasn’t long before The Kitty took over her serene surroundings, met all the neighboring cats, and became The Mother Kitty when Gordon and his five siblings were born.

Gordon was an adventurer from the start and still travels the world far and wide, showcasing his talents to admirers everywhere. No matter how far he roams or what wild tale he spins, The Mother Kitty always reminds him to call home and sets him straight about the important things in life.

The Mother Kitty’s ultimate friend and foe is Simon. He showed up at Dad’s office, looking for work. With a resume of circus performer, construction worker, and philosopher, how could we refuse? The Mother Kitty isn’t so sure but puts up with his pea brain for kicks and secretly smiles at all his attempts to entertain her. I think Simon is in love.

Click on their photos below to read more about these three who were first to inspire my drawings.

My Sister’s First Kitties

My sister met Comet while working at a veterinary office. He was surrendered there at 3 years old. This sweet, shy boy didn’t spend long in that cage and was soon enjoying the quiet condo life in Cincinnati.

Before long, and to Comet’s great dismay, Ashes moved in to help him come out of his shell. She was younger, chatty, and full of kitten energy. At first, Comet was having none of it, but as only she could, Ashes eventually won Comet’s heart and they’ve been inseparable ever since. True love always wins.

One of the perils of being a veterinarian is the knack for attracting animals in need. My sister’s house filled with a few more friends, including:

• Norman, who chased her down a bike path and hitched a ride to his new home;

• B.J., who lived in the neighborhood but showed up, tired and with a suitcase, at her front door, and asked if she could spare a room forever; and

• Mini, who — like Comet — was surrendered at work and melted everyone’s heart with sweetness until she found her new family. Another unlikely pair, like The Mother Kitty and Simon, Norman and Mini are best friends for life.

Click on their photos below to learn more about these Kitty friends.

My Parents’ Latest Kitties

Although years passed since The Mother Kitty, Gordon, and Simon said goodbye to us, they didn’t leave before cementing our home’s reputation as the dream destination for all kind cats. Simon, who had lost his vision in his old age, told us he had a vision of new friends arriving soon.

Sure enough, Dad went to the post office to get the mail one day, and came home with Tyrone, an orange kitten who our friendly postal worker saved (along with his siblings) from a sewer drain.

It wasn’t long before the stray cats who gathered in our neighbor’s backyard noticed the view from across the street, and one of the tiny black kittens, Walter, decided to climb into our lives. Atop a tree by our back door, he squeaked until Dad found and rescued him. Tyrone nodded approval and kept an eye on his new little brother.

A little while later, Mom heard some squeaking too. This time, it was during a thunderstorm downpour and seemed to be coming from the back deck. Mom scooped up our tiny tabby Emily, and Emily gave the boys a wink. These cool cats were meant for each other.

Click on the photos below to learn more about these Kitties.

My Sister’s Latest Kitties

My sister’s boyfriend, now husband, also came with cats. By this time, Mini was queen of the household but still remained wary of her new housemates Ry-Oh-Ki and Mew.

A big bear of a cat, Ry-Oh-Ki grew older and wiser with each passing day. He spent most of his time contemplating life’s big questions and relaying deep thoughts in very few words.

Mew, on the other hand, built her reputation as a bully despite her missing front claws, and it was only amplified by her constant calls for attention. Rest assured, any voice as unique as hers is bound to be heard far and wide, and she knows it.

Enter Stephen into this mix—a tiny black kitten with some questionable brain damage—and you’ll never have a dull moment with these three.

Click the photos below to read more about these Kitties.

The Honorary Kitties

There’s no doubt we love cats, but my sister took in some other furry friends over the years too:

• She rescued Polly, our O.G. Honorary Kitty, from a breeder who brought her in for a checkup and left without her. Polly was so relieved to move in, she didn’t mind being surrounded by cats. Realizing this giant Golden Retriever was a fluffy pillow, Mini was the first to cuddle up.

• Carmella, the O.G. Guinea Piggy Honorary Kitty, came from my nephew’s school, where she served as a classroom mascot until retirement came calling. She loved lounging on her fuzzy blanket and laps most of the time, which is probably why she was so good at her job.

• Shortly after Carmella said goodbye to us, Byzee escaped pet-store life and was gifted into my sister’s home. Unlike Carmella, he loved zooming in all directions between meals and naps.

• Finally, there’s Rose, who came to my sister from a life of luxury with a mess of allergies and other problems. With some consistent medication, routines, and encouragement, Rose loves her new life with Stephen and Mew. But, of course, Mew has her own opinions on this topic.

Click on the photos below to learn more about the Honorary Kitties.