It was the cat-lady’s morning routine.
Every morning she went to the back of the house and opened the door. Her five cats were always waiting for her, meowing and squeaking. She love feeding time. They were always so affectionate. She had bowls already lined up and filled with each one’s preferred food. She would put the bowls down, one by one, each time calling the pet by its given name. The old lady prided herself with her careful choice of these. They were individually named after people and friends that she’d known over the years. There were three queens and two toms. Of course, the ladies were served first.
Blossom was the first. She was a small, shorthaired tabby. She was a quiet cat and very much a sun lover. She was named after her neighbour’s granddaughter. Agnes came next, another tabby. A bit on the tubby side and very affectionate. She was given the name of her good friend and bingo partner. Then came Silvia, the Siamese. A naturally elegant creature, perhaps not so loving, rather snooty in fact. This was her favourite school teacher’s name, who was rather snobby, but a great English teacher.
Then came the boys. Finley was first. He was a grey Burmese. He was gentle and very young, not much more than a kitten. He was named after her daughter’s baby son.
Last to be called was Jack. Jack the Ripper. A large, brutish, animal. She sighed. He didn’t remind her of anyone.
He just killed birds!
