Introduction

There is a fine line between being an ailurophile and obsession; it is difficult to know where I fit along that spectrum. Nevertheless, the arrival of new kittens can take virtually anyone who is tolerant of felines toward the pole of obsession. In the most positive way possible, kittens bring out our protective instincts, forget our responsibilities, and become paranoid about the dangers that threaten the safety and health of little ones. For those of us who do not have human children, they are not only akin to children, looking into those big round eyes we know that these kittens will evolve to be our companions, but completely dependent upon us for years.

Cats are funny creatures. At once aloof, but dependent and social at the same time. Curious and brave, timid and shy, the emulate what many humans want to be. The fears that cats spark in some people strike me as odd, and I hope to write about these later. But their soft purr, their evocative stare, as well as their expressive communication, I find completely enticing. I have heard, on different sources, that women, in particular, are drawn to cats because they are about the same size as human baby sparking maternal instincts. There is a risk at anthropomorphizing cats, believing that they inhabit the same emotions, desires and reasoning as us. Yet after living with cats for years, it is difficult not to speak on their behalf and believe that we know and understand them.

With the arrival of the clowder, I look forward to seeing juvenile cats gamboling sideways with great abandonment. I like watching young cats grow and learn. Each cat develops their own routine and teach humans what they want. Given the culture we live in, there will be a constant barrage of photographs and videos as they grow and mature. Unlike human children, concerns about privacy will not deter us from sharing photographs and videos. As the clowder age, cute photographs will transform into capturing the stately serenity of the lives of housecats. It will become difficult to remember a time without them. Inevitably, they will become our family. Having cats (and dogs) is bittersweet: In all likelihood, we will outlive them. Nevertheless, the joy and companionship that they bring will to this household outweighs, infinitely, any sorrow that may come.