Well, just recently, Kitty joined the ranks of outdoor cats. Her caretaker had taken a trip off-island, but this time was not able to come home at the appointed time, and the trauma of this delay forced her to step outside.
The outdoors hasn't changed her personality. She's still aloof, independent, and picky about which humans to pet her.
Here is how our meeting went when I visited...
Me:
Hello Kitty! How are you?
Kitty:
Fine thanks. Lost a few ounces 'cause now I have more work cut out for me, being an outside cat and all. I have to catch mice and snakes now.
Kitty:
And who are you?
Me:
It's me, Auntie Netty. I've come from America, where you momma now lives.
Kitty:
Ah hah. When you go back to America, would you please give my mom a message from me?
Me:
Of course! What would you like me to say to her?
Kitty:
Tell my mama not to worry about me. I've lost a few centimeters off my waist, but that's okay because I think I rather look good this way. Also, that I continue to guard her house against cockroaches, mice, and snakes. I don't much care for the other cats who live outside with me, they're not as intellectually stimulating as humans are. We get along okay, but if we get into an argument, I have my sharp claws to use in my defense.
And as Tita M taught her manners, Kitty came up to me to "amen" the old Filipino traditional way.
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