Pucifer's thoroughly rotten day

Feeding time for the yard cats and Mooch, Freeloader, Hairball, and Fuzzface were missing. The only one waiting for breakfast was this little, solid black kitten - as yet unnamed. She's a beautiful animal and just at the age where she can gallup, but can't quite coordinate all those feet into a true run. Now, this kitten has been making herself known at the food bowl for about three weeks now, and hasn't been quite as skittish as the old timers. For the past week, I've been able to reach out and give her a quick pet, after which she would dodge away, but come right back for more.

Today was different. She spoke (in sort of a Siamese voice) and I got to stroke her twice. When she ran away we had a prolonged discussion and she agreed to come back. She put up with more petting. Suddenly, I grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, which more or less paralyzes a cat. I need another cat like a moose needs another hat rack, but Nell's (my office accomplice) parents were wanting a kitten, and we have an opening for the position of Office Cat anyway.

My first observation was "Hey, this cat isn't scared of me." So, I released my death grip on her neck and held her more like a kitten. She put up with it. My next observation was that this cat had a mangled foot. Anyway, I carried her into the office, and the wretched beast started purring! Keep in mind that this is a feral kitten that had never been held, and was almost untouched by human hands.

Nell took her to the vet and they treated her, but kept her overnight as anesthesia is kind of touchy on a kitten of tender years. In any case, her life is not in danger and neither is her foot, though there was evidently quite an infection in progress. We git her back tomorrow. Just for fun, I think I'll fill out an employment application in her name, stating experience, qualifications, and objectives.

Who gets the bill? Don't know yet, but free kittens usually end up costing around $140.00, not counting ER services. If she goes to Nell's family, it's Nell's bill. If she works out as Office Cat, we'll either split it or charge the company - if we do a real sales job on the boss, who is a real softie inspite of being a jerk in some ways. Whatever, Pucifer won't be spending the winter under a storage shed. I explained all this to Mooch later in the day and she took it well. Just sat there with her tail wrapped around herself, gazing at me through those bright yellow eyes.

Pucifer is named in honor of Pohl Anderson who used the name for one of his feline characters. I did think of naming her Office so we could charge her expenses to the Office Supplies account.

Anyway, Pifka, that's what made the day so great. Maybe your best wishes had something to do with it.