Once upon a time,
there was a beautiful Persian cat who shared a home with a man
who spoiled her as only Persians expect. Then, one day,
she acquired a wicked stepmother and step-siblings who abused
her and finally ordered her out of the house. A friend rescued
her and brought her to Happy Tails where she was so terrified
of humans that she hid in her litter box all day.
A fairy godmother there decided to help her and emailed her picture (no pumpkin carriages or balls these days!) to the prince who did the Humane Society’s webpage. He immediately fell in love with her and brought her home to his castle. At first, she hid behind the computer desk all day, coming out only for meals or for short visits by the resident cat, a male Persian named Batzi, and a spaniel, Tillie, who also came from Happy Tails and was very sympathetic to her. She was terrified of the prince’s wife and ran whenever she saw her. This was very hard on her new stepmother who loves cats.
Gradually, she began exploring the castle, hiding under furniture if anyone was walking around. But it took months before she decided that her new home was very different from the old. Batzi taught her to play with toys, watch the bird feeder (feline TV) and race around playing tag. We knew she felt at home when she smacked him for playing too boisterously with her!!! She happily sits for long brushing sessions and now sleeps in bed with her new family. If she needs food, water or a change of litter, she follows Batzi’s example and complains loudly to her female “servant.” She has also made it clear that the word “Princess” must be used whenever she is spoken to! Although she is still protective of her shortened tail and damaged hip, she now struts around “her” castle with quite an attitude. I even had to ask her permission to use “her” chair to sit and write this story.
People who don’t appreciate the joys of owning pets really miss out on some wonderful experiences. We are all living happily ever after with our Cinderella kitty.
Leslie O’Malley Finke