[ February 8th, 2016 at 1:35 pm ]

This morning, a tense standoff between cat and duck. Wilma the duck displayed a combination of fearlessness and naivety. Molly the cat was more territorial than I’d ever witnessed before.

[ August 17th, 2014 at 8:37 pm ]

At the advanced age of (almost) 13, Molly has learned a new trick! She figured this out all on her own: when the cat toys are corralled in their makeshift container — a Scratch Lounge that Molly has never once scratched — the toys are worth very little, in terms of entertainment. But when the cat toys are removed from the corral, well, suddenly they become a lot more fun. Yes, Molly has recently started adorably picking up her toys in her mouth and moving them onto the carpet, where playtime ensues. The other night I nearly experienced cuteness overload when Molly picked up her fuzzy ball and took it up onto the ottoman only to toss it overboard and dive down after it, savagely. Go Molly!

[ November 26th, 2011 at 9:29 pm ]

Two more of Molly’s favorite spots these days:

1. Perched on the arm of the couch nearest the deck, which is not coincidentally where one can find the best view of the bird feeder.
2. Exactly 4 feet in front of the living-room heater.

[ October 11th, 2011 at 4:04 pm ]

Molly has a new pastime. She crams herself into the narrow space between my bedroom door and the closet door, which is a sliding door with a mirrored surface. Then she and her reflection peer through the crack into the hallway. The pair meows softly and awaits the arrival of my skittering fingertips… at which point they attack in unison.

My theory is that Molly is a bit lonesome, and hanging out with her reflection makes her feel like she has an identical-twin best friend. Do I need to adopt a kitten or something?

[ January 18th, 2011 at 10:55 pm ]

[ December 31st, 2010 at 2:54 pm ]

Today I lost my lovely cat Twinkie. She was a friend and companion for almost 11 years. Even though she was fighting kidney problems, a tumor on her lung, and a herniated bladder, she was sweet and affectionate to the end. I miss her terribly.

[ April 22nd, 2009 at 8:09 pm ]

I tested my smoke detector just moments ago, pressing the button and listening for the “all’s well” tone, which it dutifully produced. The tone itself was piercing and shrill. Immediately afterward, I heard a small, plaintive meow from under the bed: Molly. The poor thing, she does not deal well with loud noises. Sneezes, movies with explosions, and drunken street kids in the alley are additional examples of noisy things Molly dislikes.

[ December 9th, 2008 at 9:22 pm ]

In memoriam;

Grover, you were the first cat I ever lived with who tolerated and even, sometimes, appreciated my company. I have thought you and your stick legs poking into my chest frequently over the years.

Grover, you will be missed.

Twinkie and Molly, please don’t ever die.

[ May 8th, 2008 at 9:28 am ]

I watched a mediocre movie last night (“You, Me and Dupree”) which was actually quite notable because during one particular scene both of my cats’ names were mentioned within a few seconds of each other.

Molly: There’s, like, a million Twinkie wrappers on the floor of your car. You’re not fooling anybody.
Carl: All right, all right. So I admit it, I enjoy one occasionally. Is there something so wrong with that? And, Molly, look, I am under a great deal of stress.

Not only that, but the two characters were arguing — just like Molly and Twinkie do on a daily basis. So fitting.