Billu's entourage
Dogs have owners and cats have staff. Whoever said that definitely had Billi in his mind. A loyal partner, a midwife, a nanny cum baby-sitter and a masseuse are the entourage at her service. Billi is our five-year-old femme fatale cat.
Last year, she gave birth for the first time and in the last 12 months this is her third litter, a total of ten kittens.
She needed no prodding as her instincts and nature went to work. Only after her delivery did she give us a “meow”: ‘I’m tired, need some milk. And look at my brand new brood,’ said her proud light sea-green eyes. But in seven months time, it was different. On the day of her second delivery, she refused to let my husband out of sight. When he arranged for a tub and put it on the bedroom loft (her previous preferred place), she refused. He brought it down and she accepted it. The moment, however, my husband left, thinking she might need her privacy, she followed him out of the room. After a couple of tries, he sat down next to her, hoping it would settle her. And it seemed so, but it was not to be. She followed him mid-labour when he started leaving yet again. That meant only one thing: My husband had to see her through till the last kitten was out like a proper midwife!
Billi’s third pregnancy, and the entire story was repeated. Hubby dearest, for sure, would be offered the post permanently but we are taking no chances. She is going to the vet earliest possible. As to why she was not spayed earlier is another tough tale. For reasons varying from the vet being out of town, to her (Billi) being sick to some other family member being ill, she dodged the vet’s scalpel. And then it was futile, for she was onto her next already.
Billi is one smart cat. This grey-black-cream and spotted brown bundle of fur employs a special nanny. A kitten from her last brood that has not been yet placed or adopted is roped in as one. A five-six month old kitten, a male one at that, taking tender care of the mewling litter. Harried mothers would love to learn how to get the older ones to lovingly mind the younger siblings. As they grow up, Billi’s nanny graduates into a baby-sitter. Meanwhile the other members of the family are not allowed to twiddle their fingers. After all her labours (pun unintended), Billi does need some relaxation. So up on the sofa next to you, with her head between her front feet she lies down and gives a look which none can mistake for anything other than an order to thump her shoulders. And if you tire or get busy with other things, there’s a sharp reprimand, even a threat of a bite. Taskmaster she might be but she inspires loyalty. Proof? The father of all the three litters is the same black cat who visits her dutiful every week (Oh well, may be once a month.)
This wonder, super cat knows not only how to hold her man but also lead and protect her entourage.
It’s just after nine in the evening and Billi has finished her dinner when suddenly she charges out the door. A stray dog has entered the premises. Is it the end? But who would expect a cat charging a dog? It’s the howling, retreating enemy that we see. Billi returns, the home secured. No we don’t need a watchdog. Billi hai na. (Billi’s there.)
Last year, she gave birth for the first time and in the last 12 months this is her third litter, a total of ten kittens.
She needed no prodding as her instincts and nature went to work. Only after her delivery did she give us a “meow”: ‘I’m tired, need some milk. And look at my brand new brood,’ said her proud light sea-green eyes. But in seven months time, it was different. On the day of her second delivery, she refused to let my husband out of sight. When he arranged for a tub and put it on the bedroom loft (her previous preferred place), she refused. He brought it down and she accepted it. The moment, however, my husband left, thinking she might need her privacy, she followed him out of the room. After a couple of tries, he sat down next to her, hoping it would settle her. And it seemed so, but it was not to be. She followed him mid-labour when he started leaving yet again. That meant only one thing: My husband had to see her through till the last kitten was out like a proper midwife!
Billi’s third pregnancy, and the entire story was repeated. Hubby dearest, for sure, would be offered the post permanently but we are taking no chances. She is going to the vet earliest possible. As to why she was not spayed earlier is another tough tale. For reasons varying from the vet being out of town, to her (Billi) being sick to some other family member being ill, she dodged the vet’s scalpel. And then it was futile, for she was onto her next already.
Billi is one smart cat. This grey-black-cream and spotted brown bundle of fur employs a special nanny. A kitten from her last brood that has not been yet placed or adopted is roped in as one. A five-six month old kitten, a male one at that, taking tender care of the mewling litter. Harried mothers would love to learn how to get the older ones to lovingly mind the younger siblings. As they grow up, Billi’s nanny graduates into a baby-sitter. Meanwhile the other members of the family are not allowed to twiddle their fingers. After all her labours (pun unintended), Billi does need some relaxation. So up on the sofa next to you, with her head between her front feet she lies down and gives a look which none can mistake for anything other than an order to thump her shoulders. And if you tire or get busy with other things, there’s a sharp reprimand, even a threat of a bite. Taskmaster she might be but she inspires loyalty. Proof? The father of all the three litters is the same black cat who visits her dutiful every week (Oh well, may be once a month.)
This wonder, super cat knows not only how to hold her man but also lead and protect her entourage.
It’s just after nine in the evening and Billi has finished her dinner when suddenly she charges out the door. A stray dog has entered the premises. Is it the end? But who would expect a cat charging a dog? It’s the howling, retreating enemy that we see. Billi returns, the home secured. No we don’t need a watchdog. Billi hai na. (Billi’s there.)
posted by varada @ 9:25 AM
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