Spring is here and a young man’s thoughts turn to love…

In Shadow’s case, his thoughts started the weekend he turned eight months old. Perhaps it was going to a show and smelling all those other boys or maybe it was some deep-down sense that he was now an adult in the cat fancy world. Either way, he came home from the show determined that Shira would be his girlfriend.

Shira had not been showing any signs of being in heat, but I think the little guy knew she was approaching it. For the first day or two she rebuffed his advances. Oh, he tried! He talked to her, he licked her face, he followed her from room to room like a lovesick teenager. When he thought he’d romanced her enough, he’d climb on top her. And he'd get swatted for his efforts.

But after a few days Shira was much more receptive. Unfortunately, the Peanut boy’s skills as a lover had not improved much in those couple days. Yes, he was still quite interested in her. The talking and the kissing her face continued. And he was trying to mount her. It was here his efforts went astray.

You see, when a male cat mounts a female, he’s supposed to grab her neck to hold her still. Shadow would grab her, mount, and then let go while he tried to find the right position. All the while he was trying to give her kisses on her face. This resulted in his “business parts” being located about mid-back on Shira. Shira would roll over and look at him like he was insane. Obviously this was not going to produce any babies!

After several days of this futility, Shira apparently decided he was useless. She’d stand at the patio door calling. “Please, won’t a real man come visit me?!”

Shira did not get pregnant and after a week of these antics, life was back to normal at LostWoods. Peanut once again had time to cuddle at night with me. Shira was back to ignoring him as befitted her status of Queen of Everything. Talia and Zeke were once again his best friends. Until the next show.

Yes, the young man once again decided he needed a girlfriend. This time Talia was his intended. And once again, he was more talk than business. All his attempts at breeding her that I witnessed were much like his vain efforts with Shira. I sighed and hoped he’d learn next time around.

Much to my surprise, a few weeks later I was holding Talia and noticed her nipples felt more prominent. A quick look confirmed it – the nipples were bright pink. Now I can feel the babies moving when I hold Talia. Active little babies, already playing I think. I guess Shadow must have figured out what to do at least a couple times.

About the time I noticed that Talia was showing signs of being pregnant, Shira cycled again. This time around there was no doubt the Peanut boy had it all figured out. Shira was much happier and I suspect there are more little ones on the way. The little guy is still a lover who romances his girls with talk and kisses. And now even Queen Shira lets him cuddle now and then.

(--> Cat Tails, Pg19)

© 2003 lisa s vasa

 

(Please note that you will see a number of photos of our cats and kittens that I've taken outside in a natural setting. The LostWoods cats do NOT go outside unsupervised! When we do go outside for pictures and occasional adventures, there is always one person and usually two watching them closely. We do have an outside, fully enclosed run to which the older cats are allowed access, but even then we check on them often.)

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