Clem and Child

The current outdoor kitty named Clementine has become a father. Now, I don't think he technically or biologically became a father, but in every other sense, he has. Actually, given Clem's stunted physicality, I don't think he COULD father kittens, which is a good thing. We don't need more kittens. We already have one as it is . . .which is why he is now a father.

A few weeks ago, my roommate noticed there was a kitten darting around the porch. He never stayed long enough for him to get a good look at him, but he knew he was there. We both hoped he had a home or at least a mama cat to take care of him. We're not sure he has either, but somehow he has managed to survive. We would take him in, but he is terrified of humans. In fact, he is mostly terrified of everything except Clementine.

The new little kitten LOVES Clem. He hangs out with him as much as he can. Even though he is afraid of us, when Clem is on the porch, he will also be brave and stay on the porch, so that he can continue in his quest to sleep on Clementine as much as possible. He follows him all the time. If the older cat is in the front of the house, the kitten will be in  the front of the house. If he is lounging under Rabbitkiller, the kitten will be right next to him. When I see Clem walking from one side to the other, very soon, the kitten will be scampering along behind him.

Clementine seems rather less enthused about this new arrangement. He isn't mean to the kitten, but he certainly doesn't seem to appreciate him laying against him in hot weather. He doesn't seem to enjoy it when the kitten bounds over him. I don't think he likes it much when he eats his food. I doubt he enjoys being kneaded on. It's possible we saw him trying to nurse the other day.

Even if he doesn't really like this intrusion into his life, I think it's good for him. Clem is a bit too wild to really become an indoor cat, but he craves a lot of attention. Since the kitten has come into his life, he's been less apt to stand at the door and whine to be petted. I think he would rather just be left alone. The kitten has added new definition to his existence, as he has done for the kitten.

It's also been a lot of fun for us to watch them. Clem's avoidance of the kitten and the kitten's awkward adoration of him can bring lots of entertainment. Well, at least it does for the humans in  the house. The indoor cats are less than pleased about the new kitten showing up. But then again, they're bitches and never see the humor in anything.