My new room mate

On Tuesday of last week I met with Sarah over coffee at the U. She told me about Nimbus, one of her kitties, and the trip to the vet. She also told me that her vet had rescued a 4-month-old kitty.



Apparently a couple had brought her in the be euthanized for scratching their baby.

That's right.

I swear, some people need an education when it comes to animals and small children. First of all, given the choice I would probably lose the kid before the cat, but I say this out of frustration. I'm simply furious that they would KILL a cat because it did something that cats do.

Secondly, what the hell were they THINKING getting a kitten with a newborn?????

One of the girls at the vet's office took it upon herself to "socialize" the cat.

I took a day or so to think about whether I was ready for another pet after Bob and DJ.

On Friday morning I went up to visit the kitten. After a lengthy pondering (of about ten seconds, I'm sure) I decided to take her home. The folks at the vet's office loaded me up with not only said kitten, (named Lola - which was a bit of a shock since my basement tenant's name is Lola) but a big bag of food, some food sample packs and her toy mouse.

Now, what, do you suppose, was her first official act upon arriving home?

A- Acted cute and sweet and did everything according to plan

B- Slept

C- Shit on the bed

If you chose "A", you're dreaming, if you chose "B", you get part marks for at least knowing the nature of cats, but if you chose "C", you have rung the bell!

DING, DING, DING!!!

How endearing.

Once we established that the BED is for sleeping in and the LITTER BOX is for rental returns, my anxiety level returned to near normal.

I discovered, however, that said kitty has, indeed, the makings of a true princess. Day two, and she'd already discovered a love for clean laundry and... money.





I would have said she has the makings of an accountant, but I dare say she has neither the patience nor the focus required for such a profession.

I swear, she never sleeps!

I woke up once last night to catch her in the act of actually 'cat napping', but as soon as she realized I was awake, she was all over the place!

Now, as for her name. I don't think I quite got across to you my true feelings about "Lola".

I hate it.

There is no way I'm going to have a cat named after my basement tenant! So, I had to find another name. In my frustration, I figured "Tequila" might be suitable as it reflects quite accurately my urge to deal with kitty situations. Yes, folks, this one may just drive me to drink! Then I thought, naaaawww... that's silly. Tequila? Who was I kidding??

Then I thought... "Tee-Kee". Cute, and quite acceptable. And if it's short for "Tequila", there will always be a story to tell.

As I was pondering this, I began to think back to my visit to New Zealand in 1978. The Maori people make a jade "Tiki", a good luck charm. Those who wear it are believed to be of higher intellect, insight and intelligence.



A good luck charm... tequila... it's all good. So, "Tee-Kee" has become "Tiki", or more to the point, "Lola" has become "Tiki", and as far as I can tell, it's all the same to her!

As I write this, Tiki is curled up on my lap and seems to be in her most sedate state since she moved in.

Tequila, I hear, makes a good sedative.