A small, completely ginger feral cat, now known as Mrs Purrkins, went to stay with Lauren G. She spent the first week or two in the bathroom where Lauren eventually won over this little wildie with the help of a comb - she had discovered the joys of being groomed! Life was hell for the first year as this little feral didn't understand what a litter tray was and so went wherever it suited her. Lauren despaired because she was having to throw good things away which had been ruined by "Mrs Pee-kins".
Mrs P spent the first couple of years in the bedroom of her own accord before suddenly deciding to move into the lounge where her perimeter was about 14 foot square. She just seemed happy that way. She has since decided to move back into the bedroom and to go to the lounge when she wants a cold drink or a change of scene. She also started to sleep on the bed every night. She is really snuggly as well and purrs on contact.
When she catches your eye she opens her mouth as though she is trying to meow but cannot make a sound which looks cute. However, several times a day she starts calling out, very loudly, and Lauren thinks she is trying to communicate some kind of concern about where she is. She can see, but we're not so sure about her hearing.
In the past Lauren has had kittens to stay and they seem to latch on to Mrs P. She put up with it although her face was a picture as she clearly did not approve! One of Lauren's other cats, Spatz Minor, often snuggles up to her as well. She must be the motherly sort to needy pussycats.
She is a bit funny and ragged looking now as she must be well over 15 years old, but she seems happy enough. She accepts all the other cats but gives them a bat over the head if they annoy her.
Mrs P never had a hope of finding a home because she was too tame to go to stables, but not tame of house trained enough to live with a family. As it happens, Lauren is glad she has spent the last years of her life with her, especially now that they have tackled her bad habits.
Lauren Grace, October 2003
