Introducing the original, Quadraphonic kitty: Ivan. Ivan was my Korat. Fairly rare breed, I completely lucked out getting him. He was a reject from a cattery that, thankfully, rather than doing the unthinkable, let their substandard kittens out to adoption centers. I first encountered him when it was he and his brother on display. They told me he was a Russian Blue, but Russian Blues don't have copper eyes as kittens. But I digress. I initially wanted his brother, Duke. I mean, who wouldn't want a kitty named "The Duke"?
Long story short, I went back on Friday and Duke had been adopted. But before he left, he and Ivan got into a big scrap. I took one look at Ivan, and my heart melted. Here was this poor kitten, in a box, his ear all scabbed up from the tattoo, his nose, forehead and other ear scabbed up from the fight, and like most kittens, had the trots something fierce.
I said to the adoption lady "He's a loser, just like me! We're perfect for eachother!!" And we were! He became the best cat ever.
He even loved going for car rides! Now, how many cats ENJOY car rides? I can safely say I've only known ONE. When I'd drive home to visit my mother, he'd plop down on the passenger seat of my Tiburon and just chill. The seat warmer may have helped. Who's to say? Anyway, more often than not, if a car was left open, he'd call shotgun and expect a ride!
Sadly, we're not sure what happened to him. 2013 was a f*****g terrible year. They say Korats bring good luck. Well, Ivan must've staved off the bad luck I seem to encounter.
Because in 2013, Ivan disappeared in May. In June, we lost my last Uncle. In August, my Tiburon lunched it's engine and in December, my mom broke her ankle.
After Ivan's disappearance, we adopted another from the SPCA. Her name is Riley. She's the 1 in 5 orange, female cats. We thought we were adopting another male as most orange cats are male. "His" neutering was scheduled, took "him" in only to discover (much to the vets' surprise) the wrong equipment. Had to reschedule for a spaying.
She's damned lucky she's so cute, fluffy and loveable. Otherwise, she's as dumb as a post. Can't jump for SHIT. Loud noises spook the hell out of her. Her own shadow scares her.
Definitely a downgrade from Ivan. Oh, the stories I could tell about him. My mother does not like cats, or animals in general. But even she liked Ivan and even today, gets a little misty-eyed when we talk about him. I'm sure everyone has that one, magical pet and Ivan was for sure mine.