5.14.2012

My First

Sometime around the age of six, I began to campaign for a kitty of my very own. The two cats in our home had clearly claimed my Mom as their person. We had a casual, but cool relationship. I longed for the special bond with a furry one that my Mom had.

My step-father was equally determined to not have any more cats. Two was enough, he said. He and I also had a cool relationship - actually it was closer to cold - ice cold.

Luckily, I had my Mom on my side. When she learned her friend's cat had kittens, she wrangled a casual dinner invitation for the family. I was beside myself in a kitten-pile of black-and-white tuxies. I was begging to take one home, but my step-father was still holding firm on "No".

I had my eye on a cute little lady, but Eugene had other plans.

Eugene sized up the real decision-maker, and made his move. He strolled right over to my step-father and began to meow loudly to be picked up. I think Eugene wanted to have a face-to-face discussion. My step-father ignored his request.

Eugene was not going to be denied. Eugene began to scale his pant leg like he was climbing Mount Everest. I felt sure this was going to push the option of getting a kitten even further to the "No" category.

"Look at the balls on this little chit!" My step-father said with some admiration as Eugene paused at his knee. Eugene stared up at him and fearlessly began his ascent again.

"Well, if you're gonna get one, it's gonna have to be this one."  He said, pointing at Eugene - now clinging at mid-thigh.

I was already snuggling the kitten I had selected close to my heart. I wasn't ready to cave, but Eugene knew he was my cat. Our eyes met, and he just knew what to do to convince me.

I swear there was a knowing glint in Eugene's eyes as he sunk his claws into my step-father's tender lap area.

"Yeah. I'll take him!" I said, as I plucked him from danger. "You're a good kitty!"

Eugene purred in agreement. 

21 comments:

  1. One very clever kitty!! They KNOW, you know :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh Eugene was so wise at a very early age! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eugene was clearly an astute judge of character. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. "Tender lap area"...

    Cracked. Me. UP!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yep, some kittens are just born smart. The Cat Before Me was smart like that too when she was young and in need of a home...

    ReplyDelete
  6. MOL, We can tell Eugene was one of a kind and very smart.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear 7 month lurker,

    I wish I had a way to reach you, but I hope you look back here. Your stories have delighted me in a week where there was little delight. Thank you so much for your comments.

    Meg

    ReplyDelete
  8. Eugene was wise beyond his weeks. ; )
    Such a sweet story. XO
    Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ah...Eugene...my kind of mancat. purrr...meow!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hee! :-)
    Good to hear from you, Meg.
    And Eugene of course.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Eugene sounds purrfect and oh so adorable=what a great and wise boy!!...xoxo...Calle, Halle, Sukki

    ReplyDelete
  12. Now that is one smart kitty. We are so glad that Eugene knew what to do to rangle his way into your family. Can't wait to hear more about him. Too cute. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Somehow they know and just make it impossible for us to say no!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh we must hear more about Eugene.
    purrs
    >^,,^<
    ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

    ReplyDelete
  15. Eugene was one heck of a smart kitty! Thank you for sharing this story with us :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Us cats knows! And Eugene, hes told yous!
    Kisses
    Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ah... your first love was a Tuxie boy???

    xoxo Figaro

    ReplyDelete
  18. 7 month lurker here (ha ha!), thanks for the sweet comments Meg. I do wish I had chimed in earlier to let you and Fin know how much I enjoy this blog. I still check it from time to time mostly to read "old favorites." You are a talented writer--ever considered children's books?

    I love Eugene's style! That cat knew a great opportunity when he saw it and was not going to let it pass him by!

    ReplyDelete