Tiger Lily

She’s the smallest, but most ferocious cat in the world (well, in our house since she’s an indoor cat). Weighing all of about seven pounds, she dominates the lands by threatening to destroy any cat that might even think about attacking her. And she has lots to fear, as she has two big brothers that want nothing more, but to play with her.

Tiger Lily adopted us (well, me). We went to the shelter to adopt two cats. While the wife and kids were busy meeting / playing with a pair of brothers, I walked around looking at other cats. When I approached a large, open room, a small cat on the very top of a tall shelf, saw me, leapt down, and ran for the window right in front of me reaching up to me, as if to say, “please take me home.” I opened the door and went in. As I sat on a chair, she immediately jumped on my lap and curled up. I had been adopted. I talked to one of the workers and asked about her. She was the last of her litter (everyone else already adopted). I asked if it was okay to adopt more than two cats and was met with a smile. Then I had to break it to my wife.

Back in the other room, my wife and kids had decided these were the cats for us. I then mentioned Tiger Lily. They came and met her, and again she jumped right on my lap. Seeing this, my wife knew she was coming home with us too.

Over the years, she has never developed a relationship with the two boys who have grown to more than double her size. We keep her claws long so she can defend herself if they ever get out of line.

She’s a cutie and the one who works right next to me all day long.

Hunter

He’s the poster-boy for cats. Well, at least he thinks he is. Handsome with the best whiskers in the world. He’s playful and has his own agenda.

First and foremost, he is the defender of our castle. He sleeps near a window so he can keep an eye out for those horrible outside cats that like to wander on to our property. He has acquired many “outdoor” enemies over the years, and chewed up many cardboard boxes to show those enemies what he would do to them should he be allowed outside. He can often be found patrolling all sides of the house to ensure no cats, squirrels, dogs, birds, or anything outdoor, is on our property.

He’s not afraid of anything, except the vet. He would love to play with Tiger Lily, but settles for attacking his big brother during routine cleanings. His claws are sharp like needles, which is evident every time you hold him, which is often as that’s his favorite thing.

If you’re lucky, he will sit on your lap, but it has to be on his terms. And even then, conditions must be perfect. The blanket may require 20 minutes of clawing to get it just right.

If you want to be his friend, he knows the word, “treats,” and will come quickly. He likes his food more than anything, which is evident in his giant belly and bad report cards from the vet.

You can find him usually sitting on his “spaceship” or in the sunshine near the patio. He might even show you his belly.

Silver

He’s a dork. Just look at him. This is always him. At least he grew into his ears eventually.

Silver is the other brother. He’s not bothered by anything. Pick him up, put him down, take pictures of him, play with him. He’s really just looking to be around people. Well, people he knows. Come to the door and he’s the first cat upstairs. He’s afraid of just about everything. And that’s odd, since he’s the biggest of the bunch.

Weighing in at about 18 pounds, Silver makes the house shake when he jumps off of counters / furniture. He’s all muscle, but dumb as a board. Actually, do those two things usually go together?

He can often be found sitting in the sun, on a blanket, or on someone’s lap if he’s so lucky. Feel free to move around, he won’t budge. He’s always comfortable as long as he’s on or against a warm body. Sometimes it’s even his brother’s.

He’s also the one that Tiger Lily fears the most, or hates,… it’s sometimes hard to tell. He fears her more than anything. He walks very slowly around the house when he doesn’t know her location, always ready to run if she jumps out at him.

All that said, he’s just a lovable, goof. He would sit on you forever, if you never had to get up. Well at least until dinner time.