Whiner (aka the $800 Cat) Earns His Name

Whiner, the neighbor's cat, has not visited us in some time. His brother, Franklin, died last year and he's been pretty much of a recluse in his home. However, yesterday morning he appeared on our deck. Being the good neighbor that I am, and wanting to stay on good terms with PETA (see previous post), I stepped outdoors to give him a pet. He loves to have me rub his ears, his head, along his back and insists this not be a short-lived experience.

Since I had not seen him in some weeks, I figured he came over to wish me well on Chemo day. I asked him how he was feeling and then assured him I was doing well. And I asked him to keep the robins away from our dwarf cherry tree. "Don't kill 'em," I said. "Just keep 'em away from the cherries." I have no clue whether he listened up. There are still cherries on the tree but it appears some are missing. Those pesky robins.

I stepped back into the house and Whiner came to the door to whine, what else! He has earned his name well. However, I never let him in the house for fear he will set up a second residency. Nice cat that he is, I don't want him in the house. Outdoors is good.

The $800 cat? When Whiner was a kitten he climbed up under the hood of a neighbor's car and got caught in the fan belt when the owner hit the switch. Poor Kitty. His owner says, "Eight hundred dollars later we had a three-legged cat." Whiner has a crooked grin because the same incident knocked loose several teeth on one side. (you can click on the photos for a closer look)

He's a fortunate kitty. And I like to have him visit. But no whining, Whiner! It simply won't do! We don't tolerate whiners and complainers around here!

After awhile he decided it was a no-go and he headed home to breakfast. He did not take a second glance at the robins in the cherry tree. Silly cat. Silly me for mentioning them to him. Not so silly robins.

Pardon me if this shows up twice. It appears blogger has lost my original post about Whiner. He deserves better than that!