Cairo is Fat

We've had Cairo for several years, now. She's a fun cat, I have to say.

Andy with Cairo just after we found her and decided to bring her home. She was abandoned in Cairo, West Virginia, thus the name for her. I have never seen a kitten take so instantly to a human family. There was no transition period, at all. She acted as if she had been among us since birth. No fear. No trepidation. Just acceptance.

And Cairo these days. She still has that brilliantly pink nose that hasn't faded since kittenhood.

Cairo WV was once a prosperous town, drunk on oil money. These days it's barely there. This converted bank building is one of the coolest structures left.

Kitten Lilly

We've had Lilly for more than five years, now. She is the smartest cat we've ever had. I'm convinced that what I've heard over the years is true: Siamese cats are the most intelligent breed. Our last Siamese, Cinnamon, was also exceptionally smart, and she lived to be almost 21 years old.

If Lilly lives that long, she could outlive me.

She is also the single most affectionate cat that I have ever seen, or ever even heard of. I've seen many cats that are lap babies, but this is far beyond that. The center of her world is, of course, Carole; but when Carole is not around she smothers me with affection in her place.

For your cuteness overload today, here are photos of Lilly not long after we brought her home.

Like just about all kittens, Lilly enjoyed squeezing into any open drawer she could find.

When we first got her, she was brilliant white. Like every Siamese I've seen, she slowly faded to more brown as she aged.

A coy cutie, for sure.

The Boss

What is it about cats? 

Lilly thinks she owns my workspace. My office chair is her favorite spot to nap. Or just to relax. I'm expected to sit on the edge of the seat when I write. Does she move when I do this? Hell, no. She will, however, brace herself against the back of the chair and attempt to push me off with her paws. True story.

Cats and Birds in the Yard

Between bouts of me versus the novel, I took the cats out yesterday for a stroll in the yard. I keep them leashed, both for their own security and to keep them from nabbing any unsuspecting birds.

Lilly tries to climb a tree to get a mourning dove.

It ain't happenin', chump.

Ah, dat boid is too small anyways.

Oo! What's that?!

I yam a gorgeous cardinal, and you're not getting me, either.

Lilly and Cairo

Over the years I became a cat person. Yeah, I started out loving dogs, but then I grew up. Being a mailman makes me even less a fan of dogs. I really like cats. I don't hate dogs (well, not anymore), but I just prefer cats.

Here are two of the cats who live with us:

This is Lilly. This photo was taken soon after we brought her home.

And a more recent photo of Lilly relaxing on the couch.

Andy found Cairo. I took this photo within minutes of her discovery (and adoption by us) in Cairo, West Virginia where we found her. What has amazed me always is how smoothly she adapted to being with us. She acted from the very first moment as if she belonged with us. She never cried or ever seemed surprised or alarmed. It was as if this was the way it was supposed to be.

A more recent photo of Cairo. She's very big and very fat now.

Cairo and Lilly on our new couch (which we had covered with sheets while we were teaching them to leave it alone).

My Cat

Sophie may be strange, but she's my cat. It's a rare moment that she is not somewhere near me when I'm at home. Poor critter.