Spouse and I both grew up with and love cats but have never been able to have them because of allergies. We had an unexpected opportunity to acquire a pair of very friendly outdoor cats a few weeks ago and we are both head-over-heels in love. Artemis is a sleek black huntress* about a year old, and Hestia is the most beautiful tabby I have ever seen (about 6 mos.). They are the gentlest and quietest cats I have ever met. Hestia loves to be petted and will leap into the first available lap and begin purring before her overture has even been acknowledged. When no lap is available, she will flop down on the ground, roll onto her back, and invite bystanders to rub her belly. Artemis prefers to sit serenely beside us, ever watchful and aloof, but she responds instantly to having her head scratched and grows affectionate when she has not been around people for a few hours (or when she is the focus of attention). Having lived on the same farm until they came to us, they play and cuddle often and so far seem to be the best of friends. They bring me great joy.
AR.
*So far Artemis has only hunted cat toys, cat food, her shadow, grass, twigs, leaves, wood shavings, bottle caps, string, ribbon, blankets, towels, feet, shoes, and Hestia, but we have high hopes that she will eventually expand her repertoire to include small rodents and large insects.