A Mitzvah Indeed

These noodleheads turn 13 today. They were born in the wee hours of the morning as part of a litter of 5. Their genius brother, Pinto, died unexpectedly in 2004 of unknown causes. Their remaining brother, Max, lives with Pony Express and their sister, Mariah, with MamaKizz.

Elvis is the Platinum Cat. He received a grim diagnosis of his heart when he was 4. He takes medication and supplements daily and he mysteriously lost a tooth last year but he's in pretty good health. He's in miraculously good health for a cat who was expected to keel over before the age of 6. He likes to play fetch when the dog will let him in on the game and he sings with me if he thinks I need back up even though he sounds like what would happen if you married Mickey Mouse to a buzz saw. He's good fun and good company but he's complicated.

In contrast Anna has been the lowest of the low maintenance cats. She has lived life at a healthy weight, with healthy eating habits, and basically good mental health...for a cat. This year, however, it seems that her kidneys are, perhaps, heading south. For now she is still not terribly demanding but, of course, it has me thinking.

I will miss both of them terribly when their time comes, that should go without saying. This new diagnosis for Anna, though, makes me realize how very hard her passing will be. You might think that a pet who demands little and generally stays out of one's way wouldn't hook your heart. You don't necessarily notice her at first glance. She's a bit of a wallflower. She's the smallest of her siblings and looks like she could be easily broken by the world's regular workings. You know who put bossy Pinto in his place when he came to stay, though? You know who comes to sit with me when I've been gone for a while? You know who sat with the old dog when she was sick and probably having seizures while they were home alone? Yeah, Anna. When she goes the very fabric of our little ecosystem will unravel. Which is, probably, as it should be.

Anyway, it's amazing that these cats came to me. It's amazing that they're still here. They are simply amazing. I'm feeling pretty lucky to have them around.

Photos taken today by me: Anna, Elvis, Anna, Elvis.