Miss Heidi-Cat

I'm aware that I promised a Snowflake blip today, but I caught Heidi in a better light. Here she is in the garden, looking rather inquisitive. Perhaps this was because I was outdoors in a dressing gown, or maybe she was just amazed that I was up so early.

When I refer to Heidi as 'she' it doesn't seem odd, despite her being a tom-cat. Yes, Heidi is a male. The confusion started when Heidi was a tiny kitten in Ramhaw Rescue Centre, and I took a day off work to go and 'rescue' her.

It was 2006 and we felt that our eldest cat, Monty, needed a friend. He had sadly lost his sister Ruby a few years back and needed a new chum. Whilst Paul was out at work, I drove to Ramshaw with the cat basket and there she was, the last kitten of the litter all alone in a cage. She was so small that I could hold her in the palm of my hand. It was love at first sight, so I duly made my donation and swept her away.

I called Paul to tell him that I couldn't find a kitten, and the only one left had to be re-homed with its mum. He foolishly believed that I had left Ramshaw with an empty cat-carrier, and I set about planning Paul and Heidi's first encounter.

This was my first kitten and I was somewhat naive to think that she would just eat some lunch and curl up with Monty on the sofa. What she did do, was hide under the TV for around 3 hours whilst Monty hissed and generally looked furious.

I ended up calling Paul to ask for advice thus ruining the surprise and losing me all kitteny kudos.

Paul came home from work, Monty continued to hiss and Heidi continued to hide (indeed, that's how she came to be called Heidi).

Fast-forward to 2010 and a 4 year old Heidi is still highly-strung and generally scared of everything. Except other cats. She terrorizes other cats. Oh, and she once caught a bat.

I'm pleased to say that she 'tolerates' her three brothers. Look out for them in future blips....