Ever since we adopted our three-legged cat, Satchi, the boys have been wondering when we might adopt a second cat, a buddy for Satchi. Our original plan had been to adopt two cats at once but that, for various reasons, did not pan out. We wanted to give Satchi time to adjust to being a tripod, get stronger with his mobility, and generally settle in before we introduced another cat. I began to ponder whether Satchi might want to be an only cat….
Then my 8 year old was taught persuasive writing at school as part of a unit of work on modes of writing. He came home with this letter.
It was a plea for a second cat. Another cat would be company for Satchi, there would be more cats to share around between Pict family members, and it would multiply the fun in the house. It was pretty well argued, expressed with clarity, and heart-warmingly cute. Ugh. How could we say no?
Mr Pict and I chewed it over for a few days and then we caved. Persuasive writing education won out. Along with they puppy dog eyes of four kids.
We went along to another pet adoption event run by the same organisation from whom we had adopted Satchi. As soon as I walked in, I spotted this tiny little scrap, a wee ginger kitten. We knew, from discussions with the vet, that we had to have a cat who was also male and was younger than Satchi. Bingo. And incredibly he was still available! The place was pretty packed but nobody had put in the paperwork for this adorable wee furball. We spent some time with him, checked all his paperwork, and – woohoo! – he came home with us.
He came with the name Peanut and, just as with Satchi, we decided he should keep his name.
We have to gently introduce Peanut to the household and keep him and Satchi separate for a couple of weeks. The youngest kids are delighted as it means Peanut is permanently resident in their bedroom and he is proving to be a snuggly wee thing. My oldest son thinks he looks just like an ancient Egyptian cat and he is being treated like a tiny wee Pharaoh.
Less impressed with this new arrangement of small kittens behind closed doors is Satchi. He wants in to meet Peanut. He likes to hang out outside the room and sniff under the door, where Peanut is sniffling and snuffling away on the other side, and occasionally the tips of their paws meet.
I think so far they are mostly curious about each other but I would be lying if I said I did not have some trepidation about how it is going to pan out when they first meet. Watch this space.
A Pict in PA 
Yey, Satchi has a new friend. Peanut is a cutie and I hope they become the best of friends by now.
They still haven’t formally met. They’ve only seen each other when Peanut has escaped. The vet recommended two weeks to gradually introduce them to each other.
Ah two weeks of hide and seek and getting to know me stage. I’m excited for both of them.
I’m excited but nervous. I’m not sure how to manage things if they don’t get along. Fingers crossed.
Fingers crossed 🙂
I’m convinced by the persuasive writing 🙂 And both your kittens are sweethearts!
Thank you. I need to email a photo to my son’s teacher so she can see how her teaching had consequences. 😀
Good idea 🙂
Oh, he’s a handsome little thing. And I’ve got a soft spot for ginger cats–we had one named Big Ol’ Red Cat, who we still miss. Our vet swore red cats had a common personality–friendly, outgoing, and real clowns.
And that’s a great piece of writing your son did.
Thank you, Ellen. I was impressed by his writing too. One of my favourite childhood pets was a feral kitten who we took in. He was a sleek wee ginger tom too.
Yowzers, that’s logic that can’t be argued with, and so eloquently presented. Welcome to the clan, Peanut Pict!
ps… Satchi – what a magnificent tail you have!
Thank you. It is quite a tail, isn’t it, even missing its tip.
He is a wee cutie! I have a rather gorgeous marmalade cat who had huge ears like that when he was a kitten. [he grew into them eventually]. I’ve never managed the two weeks separation thing – two days is about my limit and I’ve never had any bother with them not becoming friends. [Except when the puppy arrived and Orlando decided to live on top of the fridge for the first year; but that was because he had become rather precious about being an only cat since his companion had died a few years previously]……. I think as long as the first cat knows he is ‘top cat’ ie fed first, petted first etc etc it all settles down very quickly. Enjoy, enjoy!!
Thank you for your lovely and informative comment. I honestly doubt we are going to make it to two weeks too. It requires way too much compliance from the kids and the cats are too sneaky. We will, however, enforce it until Peanut’s sutures have completely healed.
I’m so happy. They will do fine together and settle their own way of doing things. Fantastic!
Thank you. I’m very hopeful that they will become friends.
Peanut looks gorgeous – you couldn’t resist a cutie like that. Love the names too – Peanut and Satchi are great!! I am not going to mention the results your son’s persuasive letter had since our son is gunning for another cat and a puppy….. The paragraph where he says it will stop “the people” fighting about whose bed to sleep on is superb too, love it!!
Thank you. It’s funny because all four boys were excited about the prospect of actually getting to name a kitten but in the end decided Peanut should keep the name on his rescue paperwork, just as we did with Satchi. I look forward to seeing whether your pet family expands.
It’s not in the plans but you never know…..
So sweet! We had to keep Tiger upstairs in the girl’s rooms and bathroom when we first brought her in. And to keep Ginger from eating her. Now the have elevated each other to mediocre, at best.
Ha ha! I would accept mediocre. I just don’t want fur flying and more lost body parts.
Pingback: A Tale of Two Kitties | A Pict in PA
Pingback: Peanut’s First Birthday | A Pict in PA