Arabella was born in Houston (1999), in a litter of at least 5 kittens. The Humane Society happened to have a store/adoption center in the mall at the time, and I was passing by, and saw the most beautiful creature in the window. She stood out among her siblings, and I fell in love instantly. Before me was a scraggly, black and caramel cat, fuzz far too long for her tiny figure -- her tail, which she held in a lovely curl, looked so pitiful, since her long hair made it look "crooked." I knew that I must have her, and happily filled out all the adoption forms before I could pick her up for the first time.

Well, the first time proved it -- Arabella had a personality! I gently put her up to my shoulder, whereupon she MEOOOOOOOOOWED! I was infinitely surprised at the loudness of her voice -- especially for such a tiny kitten! I brought her "home," which was my college apartment at the time, and introduced her to her new surroundings. She had some complications after her spaying surgery -- the vet told me that she was probably too young -- but I took care of her every need so that she would grow up healthily. Time proved that she was a special critter indeed -- I later found out that every one of her siblings had died because of some kind of parasitic worm. Arabella had been spared that malady.

Particular Proclivities

Arabella, (who needs no middle name), has very sensitive ears. She yells as us when we put the silverware away, and similarly complains if we talk too much when music is playing. Yes, she loves music, and her proclivities run in the direction of John Rutter, (who conducts/composes the most beautiful choral pieces), Tori Amos, (who is a favorite of mine as well), and classical music in general. (Her favorite CD is "Magnificat" by John Rutter, which we listen to nearly every morning. During Christmas Season (which runs from November to March, we listen to "Carols from Clare.") Arabella also complains about coughing, and is adamant about water being changed on time, (she's trained us to do it twice a day now), and is vigilant that her bowl is always full. The only "snack" she likes is chocolate ice cream (of a particular brand), and the occasional sip of milk.

Why would I attend to these demands, you ask? Arabella is my Treasure. She comforts me when I am sad, keeps vigil when I am sick, and greets me every time I come in the door. She "squacks" in the mornings before I wake up, purring to gently bring me from sleep, eager to spend the day with me. At times she plays the "diva," but her innocence and compassion always give her away.

My Arabella is a true torty, (tortoise-shell cat). From the above you will apprehend that her personality is quite eccentric; she is highly intelligent as well. I call her my "Arabian cat," since her stance is very refined looking, like an Arabian horse, she stands so very proudly. She's very tall compared to other cats, and she LOVES her tail. She's what I call a "fuzz-tailed" cat, and she uses every fibre to greatest advantage.

Arabella is 10 this year, and she's getting ready to begin her career with the Royal Ballet. She "dances" with her tail, curling it this way and that, gliding across the floor gracefully twirling it about. Already we know she will be a Prima Ballerina!