When I first brought Dude home he was a sleepy lazy kitten. Once I got him to eat something and he realized he was home, the kitten came out of Dude and he became the insane play machine. His appetite for play simply could not be satiated.

Once Layla came home, that all changed. They play all the time. they wrestle, play chase, explore and patrol, hide and seek. they truly love playing and they certainly love each other's company. Play is often interrupted with kissing and grooming breaks.

Since the first time I allowed Dude to use my hands as toys he was infatuated with them.

DON'T PET ME! I WANNA PLAY! Was his common line. Sleep was also rare for Dude. He slept less than I expected a cat would/should, even if that cat is an energetic kitten.

With Layla around to play with, Dude now sees no need to play with me and refuses to chomp down on my hands or arms as he was so inclined to do not too long ago. Dude does however have a new appreciation for petting on his terms and only when he says its okay. If I dangle some of his favorite toys he'll play then, but he will not go after my hands anymore.

Meanwhile, Layla is the sweetest cat ever. Yesterday while I was reclining on the sofa she continued to lick my head for 35 minutes without a break. She's gonna get hairballs with my hair! She of course treats Dude to the same! Dude will be reclining quietly and Layla will come over, lie on top of him and hold him down while she grooms and grooms and grooms. Dude just sits there with this look of ecstasy on his face! It's the cutest thing ever!

I still don't know what I did to deserve two such wonderful cats and only wish that I had more room for more of them!

Copyright © Ari
March 4, 2003