The Black Kitties Page

Dexie Cat: Devilish Spirit, Old Man

Dexie came into my family in October, 1990. As a kitten he was mischevious, overly affectionate and a real boy. He almost seemed mentally ill at times, throwing his body against the walls of our house, playing hide and seek with me and somehow understanding every word I would say to him. He had this incredible energy until last year, when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

When people would meet Dexie they couldn't believe that he wasn't a young teen - his energy was enormous because he just hadn't lost that kitty spirit. He loves people and won't hesitate to sit on anyone's lap that's available. Dexie hates to be left out and will follow the crowd where they end up in the house. Even in his old age he hasn't lost that need to be around people.

When the kittens were introduced Dexie was really confused. He hissed and swatted as most cats do, but I think he's found a renewed energy just by having them around. He has actually been learning from them! Since he grew up without other cats he set the rules and habits. Now he has other cats to watch, follow, imitate and even teach. And with time he has gotten...tolerant. My hope is that he will really love them someday.

The amazing people at Angell Memorial Hospital are impressed with Dexie's endurance and soft fur. See how brown it is? It used to be black. The chemo has faded his fur, faded his energy a bit...but he remains a real gem of an animal with so much love and heart.

Caille Kitty: She Loves You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

We got Caille back in November, 2002 from the Safe Harbor Shelter in Somerville, MA. Even as a kitten she was very forward, loving and affectionate to the point of even annoying sometimes! These traits have gotten even more developed with time. She loves curling up around my neck when I'm on the couch or even sleeping in bed. She thinks she's a scarf. Caille's tail reminds me of a squirrel tail - bushy but soft (not like I've ever touched a squirrel tail before, but...I can imagine).

Caille has learned her name and comes when you call her now, with this huge grin on her face! She has this gigantic smile, like The Joker. Matt and I tease her about this all the time (luckily she can't speak english). This cat is all about love and it makes her a really special kitty.

Sasha Kitty: From Runt to Big Mama

A week after we got Caille from the shelter, we told ourselves that if any other black kittens (there was one white kitten in the litter of five) left we would go check it out. We felt a little crazy doing this but it helped us decide. So the following weekend we went back to the shelter and Sasha was the only one left. She was the smallest one, pretty timid and didn't like to be held. But we took a liking to her and people had suggested getting two kittens instead of one so they would play together and leave Dexie alone. We thought it would be really cool if they were sisters and grew up together.

When we took Sasha home it took her a week to not hide (and this was locked in one room). Caille had taken 24 hours. This kitty needed extra patience and care. She grew incredible fast physically, surpassing Caille in size. In fact, we thought she was porking out so fast she'd turn into a fat cat! This picture is when she was really small. We'll see what happens after she gets spade...

The kittens look like sisters but have completely different personalities. Sasha remains a bit shy, but has learned to approach you and ask for affection. Once you start petting her she turns into a motorboat, purring and rolling around with glee. It took me a while to connect with this kitty and I still have more to go with her. I think that's what makes her a challenge but the outcome is really worth it.