A CAT & A BOY {a love story of sorts}

These two have managed two years together, and although I wouldn't say they were best friends, they certainly hang out a lot together. Stanley definitely feels the love more for Betty than the other way round, but recently I think Betty is warming to him and realising he isn't so bad really. I always had pets growing up, we had a black and white cat my parents got when my Mum was pregnant with me, and she was called Kitty (original I know...) and outlived 5 others cats, 2 rabbits, 3 hamsters, goodness knows how many fish, and died at the grand old age of 21. I was so upset when she died, but I do think it taught me a lesson on death and being caring for something else other than a human being. For most children it can be their first experience of death, and although this is not nice, it is a good way of learning about the bigger issues out there that they will one day have to face. I really feel that having a cat around the place makes our home feel complete. I know some people can't stand cats, they find them 'offish'! And I realise they can be funny old creatures, but I have always preferred them to dogs. I like their independence and they way they look at you, they have some very cutting looks. We have only had a few incidents with Betty lashing out at Stanley, and mainly because he probably pushed his luck. I know he still adores her though and always thinks he can command her about and get her to play with him, which of course never works!

early days

a favourite spot for them to sit

sizing each other up

'playing'

Do any of you have pets with your children, and do you think it is an essential part of growing up?

KITTY LOVE

they are getting on much better. i think stanley is understanding betty doesn't enjoy the bashings. she does after all share many of the same features he has which he likes to point out (poke at)...eyes, ears and a nose...and heaven forbid - FOUR feet! lucky betty. plus he says 'eeow' to her. all. day. long. so really perhaps she does deserve a more gentle petting. it normally starts off pretty gentle. but perhaps gets up worked up to something that i would call a bash, not a stroke. still we are getting there...
i think it's important for stanley to understand and respect animals. and after all, poor old betty was here first! she is amazingly tolerant. they have been a few scratches, and to be honest, none that he didn't deserve...but still i worry about her getting his eyes so i have to watch them carefully. recently though it looked liked betty was giving some 'love' back!

footnote: it turned out it was just cupboard love. oh well, was nice while it lasted!

also, thank you for all the well wishes. it seems to have gone away and we are at last a totally well house, for now! a vote would complete the happy feeling! thank you so much xoxo

THE FOLDED MATTRESS.

who knew what fun could be had from a manky. old. stinky. yet to be 'febrezed' sofa bed mattress. my better more hygienic self thought i shouldn't let him play...but hey, i got at least 10 whole minutes of peace so why not. even the cat had a blast!