We have a new family member. Popper comes to us as a rescue cat from Craigslist via the secret machinations of our youngest son, the third of three. He's nineteen. He didn't consult us beforehand. Because of some allergies in the home we haven't had furry pets for the past 20 years or so. And because of some backstory issues that our youngest is enduring there ensued some negotiations. (It's not really fair to him to discuss what those issues are in a public forum, but they're rather common ones that many families endure.) I've written before about him here on OS, praising his accomplishments. He's a genius, or nearly so as a young member of Mensa and the author and illustrator of two books so far. But those gifts sometimes come with attendant costs. It'll be ok, I'm not worried when I look at things long term.
So, for now, Popper is staying. I'm not sure why she's named after the greatest 20th century philosopher of science, Karl Popper, but it seems to be ok. She hasn't objected at any rate, or not in any way that I can understand. She seems to be gently interrogative in a lovely small voice. She doesn't talk much, and when she does it's in the form of a delicate half purring question—purrrrrRow?
You can see her pretty eyes in the top photo above in a larger version here.
Popper's beginning to earn her keep in a couple of ways. It appears that she's a very good watch cat, alerting us when the mail carrier or flyer distributors come by the front door.
Keeping watch on the front door.
She doesn't care for stray cats or leashed dogs pulling their owners either. When they come by she lets loose a deep throated rumbling growl.
A stray cat! Get away! (I love this pic of her...see it larger here.)
I think the following series also indicates that she'd be good at getting rid of vermin. Especially if their little mousey guts were replaced with catnip.
you can see her mighty huntress toothy fanginess in a larger pic here.
Catnip stoned and wore out
Popper also shows some facial expressions of contentment and affection on occasion, which is one of the rewards of having a cat share her home with you.
Oh! Update: I found this hilarious!
all images copyright © 2010 barry b. doyle · all rights reserved
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Comments
Besides, she's too beautiful to be exported.
Janie, she does love the nip.
Melissa, thanks, it really is the thing to do when someone wants a pet...rescue from a shelter or adopt from Craigslist or the like.
Starvey Cat, no.
WAH, she is indeed! She spent the morning on my lap as I was trying to type this post.
MsM, she won't be exported, but I'm using Popper to try to entice Ms Notorious to venture south of the border for a visit.
Owl, thanks so much!
Starvey Cat, yes.
Janie, if I did that, it would make that putrid rice ring look worse, people would be a pukin'.
beautiful cat. great pics. rated for all of it but especially "mousey guts."
I love these pics. Every one of them.
Good on you for having some fur regardless of the allergies.
They say blood pressure drops when you pet them.
Lisa, thanks so much for coming by, always a treat.
femme, ha! at least it wasn't about me getting ripped to get ratings.
Stacey, yes, it didn't take long for me to fall for her.
Mission, I know...I've always had cats in my home growing up, and I've missed them sorely, but the kids allergies were a problem...now that the kids are grown it may be a bit better.
Steve, sorry for your loss of Sadie and thanks so much for stopping by.
Voicegal, nor would I! She's really gently when she's playing with me though...very soft play bites.
Blue, I'm not surprised by that at all, thanks for your kind words. xo
Reminds me of a poster I had while in college..."Love to bite they heads off, nibble on they tiny feet..."
♫♫Love them little mousies
mousies what I love to eat
bite they tiny heads off
nibble on they tiny feet...♫♫
Ardee, she is very pretty. xo hope you have a terrific artistic spring!
Aunt Mabel, I'm honored that the doyenne of OS advice has stopped by, thanks for the kind word on the photography.
as is your essay
thanks!
Best of luck with her, brother. She sounds sweet.
*Goes and looks up how much Zyrtek stock is trading for*
I want you to come take pictures of my puppy.
Thanks for opening your home to a rescue, from me and my furry clan:)
(thumbified for kindness to animals but I agree with Ann, that cat is giving me the evil eye.)
We grow catnip with kitty grass from seed in a big, wide Mexican pot on our deck. You should see how whackadoodle the kitty boys get!
I'm allergic to the kitty boys. Dan just vacuums the hell out of our house and I seem to be adapting by nagging him to do so when the wheeze-fest begins. I love em and can see how you came to love Popper too.
Rated because her cuteness is non-falsifiable.
I'm so envious. A new kitty. They're so lovely and good. Your kitty is quite the huntress and watch cat. Good to have. (Trust me, we have a few mice roaming around here and it's not fun. One cat like Popper and I could sleep easier at night.)
But this felt like strolling through a gorgeous gallery exhibit. My fave is the 2nd image perhaps. But its a tough call because the series of a cat playing with a "toy" is so telling and amazing.
Popper.
Rated with a paw print.
This cat doesn't look like a captor. You don't sound like a hostage to me. Hmmm, the cat that took me also doesn't care about my allergies. "So, for now, Popper is staying..." I smell Stockholm Syndrome. If she starts hiding in corners and leaping out to swat you, you'll know there's no getting free... you'll be in love.
Kisses,
Marcela
Rescued animals make my heart soar I hope Popper can stay with you since you seem to have some affection already.
rated!
I just love, love, love kitties. Even though, if we were as small as that little toy Popper's chomping on, she'd show us no mercy. I love that little bit of wildness that remains in them.
Rated of course!
Seriously--thank you for rescuing Popper. She's beautiful.
Thanks so much for your lovely and kind words, about Popper and the photography.
(I've been working installing some mitigating safety measures at the back side of our home...two break-ins on my car in the past few weeks and a near entry into our storage shed...I surprised the thief accidentally when I went to check on something...
so, been up in the attic running some wiring for motion sensor lights and recording video cams.)
Thanks again for the responses, it's very much appreciated.
And yes, she's very pretty. . .
fatRocco and feralRusty
lol
Okay, I will stop stalking you now.