I am NOT a crazy cat lady. I am a lady with a CRAZY cat!

In honor of National Rescue Cat day (March 2)

The Cat Story

Born in the wilds of New Hampshire to humans who were anti-vaxers, anti-veters Kirby didn't have any early medical attention. The runt of the litter, born during a pandemic (Aug 2020) to a family that home-schooled before it was mandatory nationwide. The little male kitten had lots of cuddles and attention before joining our family in late October 2020 at nearly 12 weeks old.

a scrapbook page done in FOREVER Artisan 6

What's in a name?

Named for a video game character who eats everything off the floor - which Kirby the kitten did. We were convinced he was part dog when he had to pull him out of the trash can. Kirby settled in with my two teenage girls who spent at least three school days a week at home (virtual learning) so there was always lots of love, attention, and cuddles. From the beginning Kirby was chatty. Most likely being around people who talked as if he could understand. He had no problem attempting to reciprocate.

Kirby in her first cone, post spay.

A Different Pronoun

It was the following spring when Kirby changed pronouns from he to she after SHE went into heat. A very vocal event. An appointment to be spayed quickly followed. After surviving the shame of the cone she started going outside and soon discovered the joys of being an indoor/outdoor cat. She enjoyed coming in and 'talking' to everyone about the day she had.

Moving Inside

A year an half later, due to college enrollment and other changes, Kirby moved away from her humans and big outdoor space, into a first-floor apartment with Grammy. Her outdoor days were over. She continued to express herself noisily at all hours of the day and night, especially early morning. While she got lots of treats, she was lacking in being carried around like the royalty she considers herself. She made a poor choice on her part (a swallowed needle) that resulted in two long car rides in a crate, an overnight stay, surgery at the emergency vet, and another cone!

Kirby, post needle removal surgery

Another Move

She was just getting over the shame of that cone when she moved back in with me and my girls. She and I now live in a third-floor apartment. From here she keeps an eye on things inside and in the neighborhood. She tells me all about it when I get home and reminds me she needs treats. She gets lots of love during school breaks and a decent amount of carrying around the rest of the time too. She participates in nearly all my zoom calls by sleeping in the background. Like most cats, she appreciates a box and occasionally gets the zoomies.

She even gets to go back outside now but in a harness on a leash which may be more embarrassing than wearing a cone. She is after all, NOT a dog. Is she crazy from this life she has led - absolutely! Do we love her anyway. Of course.

Kirby on her outdoor adventures - you can't make her walk.

Pets are Family

Kirby is the fourth cat that I have considered part of my family. I also had a beagle for nearly 17 years between cats. Pictures of pets are prolific as are videos. Kirby was born in the digital age so all her photos and videos are automatically stored in my FOREVER account. I have had photos of other pets digitized so I have those memories saved as well. I have an album for my pet photos as well tags by each of their names. As a part of my family, pets are a part of the story of my life that I am documenting in FOREVER.

Sharing is Caring

Recently, I added streaming video to my FOREVER account. This wonderful service allows my girls to watch videos (LIKE THIS ONE) of Kirby while they are away at school without having to download them to their device. They are super easy to share with just a link. Along with a shared album, (CLICK HERE) they can see what mischief Kirby is up to while they are away.

When you are saving your memories do not forget the important part pet's play in your life story.

a scrapbook page created in FOREVER Artisan 6