tizimatt.info

So…we caved, and we got a kitten. I know…I can’t believe it either. Keegan has been asking for a pet for as long as I can remember (as an alternative to a sibling), and we have been always postponing the pet issue. Obviously we did not want to be stuck with a pet WE have to care of (like the fish). However, our little Dart met an untimely death, probably due to chemical shock, and rekindled all hopes. In fact, when we broke the news, Keegan actually cheered. R.I.P. Dart.

We started researching, since I have never really owned a pet, and definitely not a kitten, and tried to get familiar with adoption rules, which pet are the least allergenic (Matt is slightly allergic to some animals), which ones are the more cuddly, and of course, what kind of modern, designer accessory I can buy for a kitten. That’s the best part, right? Of course, just like babies, they usually do not like your cool accessories…

An awesome littler box, a cool tree and a fancy cat bed

We had just started our research, when, on the fateful day of October 24,we took Keegan to get a haircut.

As we were having lunch afterwards, we decided to visit the Humane Society shelter, to see what we needed to do to adopt. We got to see lots of adorable kitties, and we asked to speak with an adoption counselor, who could hopefully stir us in the right direction…well, stir she did: as we mentioned we wanted a young cat to grow up with Keegan, she immediately took us in the kitten room, where many adorable little furry balls were playing. She helped Keegan play with them, and interact with them, and…it was all over. How can you spend time with kittens and not bring at least one home??? Keegan immediately liked an adorable orange tabby, which was exactly what he wished for. It was very outgoing, friendly, and at 2 months old, irresistible.

We rushed to buy a couple of toys, and food and litter, as I ordered my cool accessories, and took him home. His name was Mandrill (which I found hilarious, especially because he had been neutered 5 day earlier. Go look for the meaning in Italian) and his estimated date of birth is August 23, 2015, exactly two months old.

first close up

Despite his constant mewing on the car ride, he felt quickly at home, and loved the toy we got him. Keegan promised to take care of him, feed him, clean his little and sleep with him. So far, so good. We kept him confined in Keegan’s room to give him time to adjust.

playing with Keegan

 

But our little guy adjusted quite quickly. He was already potty trained, and we only had one accident, when we bought the wrong litter for him.

We gave ourselves a day or so to choose the perfect name, and boy did we choose right! We named him Fireball. Very quickly we noticed how appropriate the name was. He has boundless energy, he is stubborn, and loves to play. No wonder his personality was rated orange at the shelter. We also noticed so many similarities with Keegan: he is amazingly curious of everything around him, he is super friendly and loves to cuddle, he needs lots of physical contact, he loves to wedge himself in between us, he is stubborn, and defiant: often he would look at me and then go ahead and try to eat my plants, or drink from a pot or toilet…

He also loves screens of all kinds, again, just like Keegan, and would often perch on my desk when I am trying to work. He needs company and attention at all time, so he often keeps me “company” in my office.

He loves chewing on cables (thanks for destroying my keyboard) and walking or sitting on the keyboard, as long as it is connected to he screen. We set up one keyboard for him on the floor, but it does not satisfy him. It is way more fun to walk on my keyboard, so if you receive a weird email, with gibberish, you know where it came from.

did you notice the irony of the title??

He seemed to be a Martha Stewart fan as well: he is transfixed watching Martha explain how to make a cat toy.

Fortunately, after being a pest for a while, he usually crashes and takes a nice long nap, so I can actually get some work done.

Of course, as soon as he wakes up, he is fully ready to play.

However his favorite sleeping spot is Keegan’s bed, even when Keegan is not there. Maybe all the soft stuffed animals make it particularly interesting. He obviously totally ignore the cool bed we bought him…

He is also keen on sniffing, and eating any food WE are trying to eat, and drink from any container, except for his food bowl.

Whoever said cats are aloof has never met Fireball. Of course he is a kitten, and can completely change his personality, but for now I enjoy the sweet snuggling when he is sleeping in my arms, and petting his fur, that is getting softer every day. Do not worry, I am not tuning in crazy cat lady, and after this post I will restrain from posting adorable picture of Fireball, but let me indulge at least once.

Keegan loves to cuddle with him as well, and he is learning the hard way not to grab him roughly or hold him when he wants to get down and play. Interestingly enough, Keegan usually talks to him in Italian when he wants to cuddle him.

cuddling with mini Joda

cuddling inside Joda’s robe

my handsome Jedi struggling to choose between the dark side and the light side

Fireball discovered the pleasure of warm laundry

Fireball is really funny to watch, especially when he does his acrobatic, and crazy running, or when he is chasing his tail, or playing in his tree.

He seems to really like us all, and we are all smitten (despite the many scars all over our bodies). We enjoy watching his antics and looking forward to seeing our two babies grow together. Welcome home Fireball!

Comments are off for this post