Sunday, October 10, 2010

Domenico - Cat of the Week


Twenty+ pounds of feline pulchritude - that's our Domenico. I love orange cats, especially BIG orange cats, and when this guy showed up on my radar, I just had to have him. Joyce, a serious cat rescuer here in town, had retrieved his mother from the side of an I-80 onramp, and, a week later, Mama Cat rewarded Joyce's efforts by presenting her with six kittens. I ran into Joyce at the vet six weeks later, and she told me she had a cat for me. When I went to pick him up, I discovered he had an orange and white brother. Wow! A two-fer! I happily packed the two of them into the carrier and was on my way, when I noticed a tiny little tortie sitting in the corner of the cage. A long time ago, I made a horrible mistake in adopting two kittens, and leaving a little sister behind. I learned later she'd been dumped at the pound because no one adopted her. I've never forgiven myself for that. So, this time, I scooped up baby sister, and off we went. DH, expecting one new kitten when he arrived home from work that evening, was flummoxed to find three, but he got over it when he heard my story, as he'd never forgiven my earlier mistake, either. Now, five years later, they're our most familial unit - hanging out together and scrapping like true siblings. Brother Alessandro has maintained at a sensible thirteen pounds, while sister Lucia is practically a miniature cat at only six pounds. You might think, considering his bulk, that Domenico would be somewhat of a hazard around the house, but he's as lithe and agile as a cheetah as he barrels over, under, around, and through the house and garage, usually with Lucia in hot pursuit, presenting a ludicrous picture. He's playful, loving, intensely curious, and a wonderful lap cat, though he's been known to cut off the circulation in one's legs when lapping it up. The only thing about him that doesn't "fit" is his voice - a high-pitched chirpy squeak that makes us howl with laughter every time we hear it.

At six months - already over ten pounds...

Hanging with his buddy, Ralph...

Helping fold the laundry...

Every cat's favorite plaything...

Just being cozy...

1 comment:

Healing Woman said...

Domenico is so cute. I don't own any pets now but have fond recollections of a cat, who was much a part of our family as the kids grew up. Her name was "Mama Kitty" Domenico looks just like her.

I missed your last post somehow and just wanted to tell you that I can't wait to see all the new techniques you use once you get started with your upcoming class. You are using names I've never even heard of to describe the things you'll be doing. Sounds so interesting.