Sol3 - Cat Tails 1: The Beginning

Page Updated:

29-Apr-2002

Yours truly, in the undergrowth

I have been allowed by my pet (Dave) to have my own say about feline topics in this bit. My name is not based on the old car but actually a character in "Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy" (rumoured to become a Hollywood film - Dave). First though, I need to update you on the whereabouts of some of my feline friends that some of you may remember.

I have managed to find a photo of the first cat that was lucky enough to own Dave. This cat was named 'Q' as he had markings on his back that formed a 'Q'. As you can see he was well cared for with his own cosy basket in his personal corner of a greenhouse. He passed away at the age of about 10, sadly this was preceeded by going a little loopy! At least most of his life was pleasant enough. This picture was taken a very long time ago, even before I was born!

'Q' in his basket, in his greenhouse

The first two of us in the main household (many years after 'Q') were, Emma and Tilly. Emma (shown here) had a grey/blue colour with very soft down like fur and Tilly was black with a white 'bib'. Both were 18 months old when taken into this household, they also attended a 'Beccon' science fiction convention in Basildon, Essex many years ago. However, when my pal Zaphod and I turned up Emma couldn't come to terms with the attention we received. So she moved in with Mark's (Zaphod's pet) parents. Where she was spoilt rotten for many happy years. Sadly, she later disappeared and was never seen again.

I hope to improve the quality of these pictures of Emma in the near future.

After Zaphod and I arrived, Tilly made friends with Zaphod much more quickly than with me. Possibly because he was very dark brown (probably Burmese, although he always tried to deny any such lineage) and my coat is a stunningly handsome ginger and white. Racism is rife in the feline world, unfortunately. The three of us also moved house together to a larger place with more garden, and a pond! Needless to say we made our feelings about the new home known to our respective pets, Zaphod to Mark and Tilly to Dave. I just let them both know . . .

Many enjoyable years were spent at this homestead, including close encounters with some strange creatures called frogs. These seemed to be incredibly dim and I had great fun poking them out of their hidy hole between the top of the pond and the flag stones around the edge. Not that my pal Zaphod was much brighter, he was terrified of outdoors and if anything surprised him (such as a falling leaf) he would dash back inside! One bonus that our pets added was a 'cat door' into the conservatory, this was a great idea and numerous hours every day were spent in there.

My great friend, Zaphod

While our pets were trying to 'sell the house' Zaphod became very ill, it took a good deal of money and time to find out that he was suffering a heart condition. He was to avoid any circumstances that would make him nervous, this was somewhat difficult for him! The prospect of 'moving house' filled our pets with dread, as this could be the 'final straw' for Zaphod. As it turned out Zaphod survived a further 7 traumatic (for the rest of us) months, which we all tried to make as pleasant as possible for him. In addition the 'housing market' was 'slow' at this time. Finally, the inevitable came and they took Zaphod to the vet one final time. The rest of that day became rather strange, as on their return they busied themselves tidying the house, whereupon some strangers came to walk around the house. By the evening the atmosphere was very confused as there was sadness over Zaphod's passing, but joy over 'selling the house'. We all agreed that the two events were somehow linked.

I think I have bored you enough for now, in part 2, I will tell you about the move, Tilly and introduce you to many more new friends . . .

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