Thomas the Cat

I guess I should explain what possessed us to get a kitten. We have been talking about getting Ian a cat for a while, but we always change our minds. However, a couple of weeks ago, we started hearing mice. We couldn't find them, we could just hear them. Then they (it?) started getting braver. It would dart across the kitchen and the living room. One even leaped out of Ian's closet at Hazen (very funny). So one day Hazen said to me "That's it! Don't be surprised if you get home and we have a cat!".

We looked at kitties at the Humane Society--both dogs we've owned since being married were adopted. I feel strongly in adopting animals when possible. Unfortunately, none of the adult cats were good with children under 5. Since we have a 3-year-old and I want to run a daycare, it is very important that we have a cat good with children.

So...we checked the paper and found some "free to a good home" kittens. Thomas was chosen (the most frisky in the litter, we were told) and brought home. The hope is that since he's a kitten, he will grow up with some of the abuse of a toddler (poor thing) and will handle it better when he's older. We also plan to get a dog once we get our orders and get moved on base (I'm a glutton for punishment...toddler, kitten, dog, new business, hopeful pregnancy...I love it) so it's also necessary that the kitty be good with dogs. Again, as a kitten, he'll be more adaptable.

He has adjusted very well to life with the Nobles. We've had him for three days now, and he has made himself right at home. I was really worried because he is only 6 weeks old, the ABSOLUTE youngest that a kitten can be taken from its mother. But he has done great. Very little crying (only for a few seconds at bedtime), he's eating well, he's using his litter box. He is doing a fantastic job.

The worst is that Ian is VERY excited about his new kitty. VEEEERY excited. He picks him up and drags him around and tries to boss him around (ever tried to tell a kitten what to do? Doesn't go so well...). But Thomas has been great. They will play together for awhile, chasing each other around. Thomas will humor him and sit in his lap for a bit. When he's had enough, he hides under the coffee table.

He and Hazen have a special bond. They lie together and Thomas sleeps on Hazen's chest during the day. Hazen said to him last night "Damn you. You're making me like cats".

The funny thing is this whole cat thing started because of the mice. Thomas is barely bigger than the mice and really doesn't understand the mousing thing yet. So we ended up getting some humane traps (they don't kill the mice so we can set them free). Unfortunately, the mouse seems to be too smart for this trap...we haven't caught him yet.

We are happy with our newest family member. We're hopeful for many long, healthy years with Thomas the Cat. :)