I heard a very faint meow. Then another. I looked over and there was Tigger and his sister Pooh. As I watched the first two tabbies, more six-week old kittens began to meander out of the hedges and towards the food on the porch.

I’ve probably told the beginning of this story a while back in this Movin’ On With Nellie column. Now the whole six plus two interlopers have been fixed—spayed and neutered, thanks to Monte Vista Animal Clinic and Cats Alive SLV. It has taken a few months to catch them all; but thankfully they all will have a happier life now. Benefits of spaying and neutering include that cats have less tumors and aggression issues.

The one I named Tigger is now my kitty love. It’s real. How real? Oh, this little teenager tabby has discovered that being held is not all bad, and having his face rubbed is the best. He loves chicken and sharing my sandwiches as I do with my dogs. 

Still recovering from the veterinarian visit, he was a little wobbly but kept nuzzling for more back rubs and head pats. Slowly, that little guy’s purring motor started. He now follows me from room to room just like my Schroeder does. When snack time arrives, he lines up with the canines. 

I caught his selfie when I used a tiny piece of rotisserie chicken to entice Tigger up to my lap, or to the feeding station. Like Jackson Gallaxy of “My Cat From Hell” fame says, Tigger is food motivated. Jackson is a star in the feline world as a cat whisperer and has a scent solution business to address aggression, shyness and other and situations with domestic and feral feline friends. He teaches that cats communicate what their needs are; humans need to listen. I think that’s possible. 

Tigger rubs against my legs in the kitchen and meows so I know that he’s asking for some food. Jackson says, that having a rhythm of exercising or using interactive toys, feeding and then sleep enables their feline sleep, wake and play cycle. I have seen this routine work first hand. Another solution that Jackson has when a cat has accidents is to put litter boxes in several rooms so that the cat can find the accepted spot for his business. He gives guidance on introducing a new cat to your home, too.

So I’m in love with another of God’s creatures, a teenage kitten named Tigger. Purrrrrrfect.

—Nelda Curtiss is a retired college professor who enjoys writing and fine arts. Contact her at [email protected]