The Cats.....

It all began rather innocently years ago. Our dog had recently passed. A mother cat had given birth in our garage. We captured the three kittens. One was turned into the Humane Society, one managed to escape and one we kept. Kiki became the first.

During nightly exercise walks, we noticed and then later, began to feed the stray cats we encountered. One thing led to another and we became involved in the Feral Cat program. We assist with capturing stray cats and having them neutered. And we feed them of course.

M&M was one of the tiniest strays. She looks sort of like a miniature Puma. M&M became the second.

One day this large striped dopey cat showed up at our feeding area. Extremely friendly, cuddly and just a rag doll of a cat. Paws is just such a carefree guy. He likes to slam into your legs to let you know he is there ready wanting affection. We were concerned that his easy acceptance of strangers and his dopiness would be his downfall, so Paws became number three.

M&M has a brother - all black, slightly cross-eyed and knock-kneed rear legs. He is very skittish and untrusting. As such, he tends to run without looking. One day he was struck by a car. At the time, the damage looked to be a dislocated rear leg. Over weeks, he recovered somewhat and when we were able to catch him, he became number four.

All the while, another cat kept coming to to our house - he had decided to adopt us. He was just a monster grey and white cat. He had a 'take no crap' attitude. For a few years he lived outside and I am not sure when it happened and I'm not sure I know what number he is. But once he came inside, he quickly became my wife's protector and constant companion. While Peeno took over the bedroom, the others were relocated to the lanai. Peeno never played well with others.

The lanai is a very nice cat play land. Lots of places to hide and play. Protected from the weather yet open enough to watch the surroundings.

These days diabetes has robbed Peeno of his muscle tone and of his 'take no crap' attitude.

We love them all and are happy that they've all become part of our family.