meet Mars: a new member of our family adopted from the Humane Society
I will never forget our visit to the Humane Society, where we first met 7 month old Mars, a mixed white/calico kitten. I have come home to Benjamin and J for the winter holiday from school, a delightful month free of academic responsibilities and full of domestic banality, in which I am thriving. We had decided to take the opportunity to adopt another cat after seeing that Benjamin would have more fun with someone else to chase him around, and that we need to support pet adoption in any way that we can. It was extremely moving to be in that small room lined with cages as we were greeted by a chorus of sad meows. We had such a difficult time deciding which cat were were going to take home with us. When I approached Mars’ small cage, he was curled up (as he does, into himself) sleeping. I made a kissing noise to wake him up so I could meet him, and instantly he was a ball of affectionate energy, rubbing against the metal bars. It was only a matter of time before we decided he might be a great friend for Benjamin. Here he is, after we had left the room and returned.
We had to keep him separate from Benjamin for a while while we gave him his last few days of medicine (for sore gums with teeth coming in) and gave them a chance to get used to each other’s scents. It was not long before they began to play together and seem amicable. But Benjamin is still seemingly mad at me for several reasons, including, likely: shaking up his life, feeding Mars better food, and cuddling with a new kitten. Well, I hope he will come around soon, since J and I are missing our morning Benjamin cuddles.
Mars is truly a ball of cute kitten-energy, he finds everything interesting and loves to watch us in fascination as we perform regular activities such as making a sandwich, or in my case internet surfing. I was surprised as he pounced on my macbook and began to paw at the keys and screen violently. He of course, does millions of cute things every day that make us laugh.
He has many interesting physical features including a beauty mark a la Marilyn Monroe style, mismatched eyes (one white rimmed, one with black liner), and a long neck and small face which often make him resemble a spider monkey as he observes things around the room. I was also tempted to name him Bowie, after David Bowie whom he sometimes resembles (at least in the movie the Labyrinth!). He has long hair but is very small and lithe - and, he purrs very loudly.
With a toy mouse:
While he and Benjamin still don’t get along perfectly, Mars is such a friendly and loving cat that I think Benj will eventually come around. I have caught Mars lovingly grooming Benjamin by licking his nape a few times, but this doesn’t last long with Benjamin (yet).
Okay, enough pictures! You can tell that I am utterly enamoured. I couldn’t think of a more special way to enjoy the holidays, than with my (now expanded) family.
Can’t wait to meet him in person!
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