I've mentioned our cat previously. The Tank is...
opinionated?
antisocial?
This is his house, and he allows us to sublet.
Big E and I are loved, but the girls...
are largely tolerated to live in his house,
They are not allowed to pet him or hold him,
and he keeps them inline with swats and intimidation.
But this weekend,
a lanky, half grown kitten appeared in our yard.
He's a stray without a collar,
and he's The Tank's younger twin.
But, this kitten is a lover.
He purrs, and rubs, and encourages the girls to love him.
And The Tank?
From inside the house, he growls, he yowls, he hisses,
and when that fails to scare off the kitten,
he snuffles and snorts like a congested pug.
Today, The Tank is quieter.
There is the occasional hiss, but the more angry outbursts have eased.
So, there is a fragile hope that this kitten might become ours, and that the girls might have the joy of a cat who will love them.