Feb 05, 2004

Pet of the Week: Ms. Kitty

They say cats have nine lives, but for Ms. Kitty, one life is good enough.

Frank and Jeannie Carbone first noticed a thin black and white kitten roaming their Almaden neighborhood four years ago. By the third day of her foraging, they placed food and water, which she devoured, in the backyard. They called the Humane Society and looked for missing cat signs, but to no avail. Ms. Kitty was homeless.

“We put food in the patio room and left the door open,” Jeannie said, “and when she came in we shut the door and she’s been with us ever since.”

The shorthaired tuxedo cat, monikered because of the distinctive black and white markings, not only moved into that room, but now roams the whole house. Ms. Kitty sleeps on a satin comforter at the foot of their bed and even drinks from a water glass on the bed stand.

“She likes to play baseball with us,” Jeanne demonstrates with a ball on the end of string. Sure enough, the pint-sized slugger bats the ball as hard as she can until the game is over. Other favorite toys include a well-chewed mouse and catnip sachets.

“Ms. Kitty isn’t any trouble,” Frank said petting her. “She’s never made a mess. It was easy to housetrain her. I just gave her a treat after she did her business. She still wants treats every time. She’s a well-behaved cat.”

Even the veterinarian is charmed by Ms. Kitty. When the Carbone’s first brought her to Almaden South Pet Clinic, they were called into the room. They found the vet on his knees with a flashlight trying to coax the small feline from under the table. She has been a good patient since and now the staff says, “Ms. Kitty is one of our favorites. She’s her own person.”

One of Ms. Kitty’s preferred spots is perched on the second floor window ledge watching people walk by. Her other is sunbathing in the patio room gazing and mewing at the birds and squirrels.

“Ms. Kitty is the best little cat. She doesn’t bother anyone and she gives back so much. We just love her,” Jeannie said.

Ms. Kitty is a contented cat. From down and out on the streets of Almaden to comfort, lots of food and plenty of love. This cat chose the best life.

—By Jeanne C. Lewis

Send us an email ( Julie@timesmediainc.com ) or a letter describing your pet (name, age, breed–where applicable) and where you obtained your pet (animal shelter, breeder, friend, etc.) and any funny stories or interesting information about your pet. Include your name, phone number, and the names of anyone else in the household. If there are children in the household give their ages too. Then send us a jpeg digital picture of your pet or a ‘real' print through the mail.