We have lived with cats for many years. They have appeared from time to time here on Espirational.

Our first feline family member was Hershey who joined our family as a handful of black fluff. My family did not have pets when I was growing up so I doubted my ability to care for this tiny kitten but she lived to a ripe old age so I must have done something right. Hershey died before we started Espirational, but I was able to find a picture of her on my lap.

When Hershey died I said I couldn’t take the loss of another cat. but just a few months later we were at the shelter. Poor Callie was hiding, showing no interest in us. Bob was drawn to her so we asked to meet her. We were discouraged from adopting her because she had been through a failed adoption and the last person had made her sound like the cat from hell in the surrender papers. She started out sitting next to the volunteer in the visiting room, but as we asked him questions she was slowing making her way to me. I looked at her and said, “So do you want to go home with me? It’s forever, we’re not coming back here.” When we got home and opened the carrier she peeked out and saw where she was and spent the next hour running excitedly from room to room. “I’m home.” She made the move with us from Omaha to Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Callie died in her teens from the same disease that killed Hershey.

Callie’s Grand Adventure

So once again I said, “That’s it, no more cats.” But… six months later I was at the local rescue organization adopting. But 2 cats this time, not just one. And kittens at that. A year and a half later I have an occasional thought about the wisdom of bringing home kittens at the age of 65, but Lizzie and Beth came into my life when I needed their joy and energy. They are our children and an important part of our family.

I hope you took the time to click on the links to read past posts about our feline family members.

Okay cat lovers this is your chance to brag about your cats. Please tell us about them in the comments below.