Chereads / My Wonderful Pets: Tales Of Courage and Friendship / Chapter 36 - Peanut and her kittens

Chapter 36 - Peanut and her kittens

 Peanut, a charming grey and white Tabby, was undoubtedly the most cherished feline companion I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The unique bond we shared was extraordinary and likely irreplaceable with any other cat. Initially, Peanut belonged to our neighbor, Diane. However, after an unfortunate incident involving the breakage of some antiques, Diane decided to transition Peanut to an outdoor lifestyle. My first encounter with Peanut was usual, I mistook her for a stray as she lingered by a bag with a single peanut, hence the name I affectionately bestowed upon her. Peanut quickly became a fixture in our lives, often waiting by the door for me, and occasionally, we welcomed her inside. When another neighbor informed my mother that Peanut was indeed Diane's cat, my mother, recognizing the attachment between Peanut and me, asked Diane if we could keep her. Diane agreed, noting that though her original name was Miss Miss, Peanut seemed a more fitting moniker. Peanut's companionship extended to our dog, Dawn, forming a remarkable interspecies friendship. On one notable evening, after letting Peanut out, she returned with a male cat following closely behind. His unfriendly demeanor earned him the name Mr. Grumpy. Shortly after, Peanut exhibited signs of pregnancy, prompting me to humorously question whether Mr. Grumpy was the father; her meow seemed a telling response. Peanut gave birth in my closet to a litter of five kittens: two boys and three girls. Each was named with thoughtful consideration: Crybaby the 2nd for his incessant cries, much like Crybaby the 1st; Stormy, born on a stormy night; Rufus, who was mistaken for a boy; Almond, resembling her mother; and Oreo, a black and white kitten reminiscent of Mr. Grumpy. Oreo, the runt of the litter, captured my heart but, unfortunately, passed away at just three weeks old—a loss that remains poignant to this day. We found loving homes for Crybaby the 2nd, Stormy, Rufus, and Almond. Almond, the largest of the litter, had a particularly feisty disposition. Throughout the years, Peanut and I remained inseparable. She even alerted us one night that stove was left on by pointedly meowing and sitting in front of it. In 2018, a maintenance worker's oversight led to a distressing episode where Peanut accidentally became trapped inside the wall of our home for four days. Her eventual return, hungry yet unharmed, was a moment of immense relief. After this ordeal, she grew particularly fond of my other cat, Pinecone, and developed a peculiar liking for mayonnaise. Peanut was an extraordinary cat, and I feel privileged for the six and a half years we spent together, except the four days of her unintended confinement. After my mother's passing, I, regrettably, had to part ways with Peanut and my other pets. The memories of Peanut, with her loyal companionship and unique quirks, remain vivid, and I hold onto the hope of being reunited with her someday.