The Way of Cats

2007-11-23T00:45:00.000-08:00

Cats are notoriously difficult about revealing their true age. Except at the beginnings and ends of their life, a well fed, well loved cat can appear any age from five to fifteen. A stray, struggling to survive on the street, can seem much older than their actual age.When I first saw RJ in the shelter, I thought he was a small adult cat, even though he was only four months old. He was so thin, with none of the baby fluffy fur, that at first I didn't recognize the clear signs that he was, indeed, a kitten. When I did note the big ears, big paws, and hopeful baby expression on his bony face, I couldn't help wanting to bring him home and get him to look like a kitten is supposed to.Now, at seven months, his fur has grown in and his face has cheeks. He's a buddy to Mr. Bond and a trial to Puffy, but he's learning. Finally, he's not only looking like his age, he's acting like his age.