The Cats: An Update

Spencer and Sebastian turned 1 on Feb. 26, and I had ideas of doing a blog to commemorate the day. Heck, I had ideas of celebrating with a little family party for them. Thankfully, they haven't given me too much guilt about the lack of attention.

 Still, we've had the boys 10 months, and since they've long passed the kitten stage and settled nicely into our family, they deserve an update post. They are fantastic companions to each other and to us, and we are very grateful they have joined us. You often find them together, and when they are apart for a while - say, Spencer's sneaked into the garage to chase crickets - they greet each other with lots of kisses. Both are generally very quiet, talking to each other softly, though they also purr loudly and often.

 Since they're young, they are still playful, chasing toys and beads, racing up and down the halls and walls, climbing into things... They also are quite clumsy. Graceful? NO. They knock things down, often on purpose. Nighttimes can be a bit ropey - twice we've awoken to great (and messy) crashes. Once, it was Stace's model Triumph Spitfire he's had for years and years, and last week, it was a picture frame on a shelf.

Sebastian, above, especially like to tip up cups of liquid, and attempt to eat plastic grocery bags.
Another of Sebastian's odd habits involves standing up and boxing, or pawing, panes of glass like windows, sliding doors and mirrors. It's most fun when he has wet paws from climbing around the shower, so he can leave streaky vertical marks all over. Here, he is boxing the box. He also likes to stand behind a person sitting on a chair or couch, and give them bear hugs. He is super affectionate and loving. Actually, both cats are, though Sebastian is quicker to jump into any open lap.

Spencer's worst habit is his desire to be free, chasing the lizards, squirrels and birds. We always have to watch the doors, and he gets out too often. So far, we've always chased him down, but it does get annoying.

If that's his worst behavior, of course, we won't complain too much. Both cats are good about scratching in the right places, and neither has ever sprayed or otherwise used the toilet outside the box.

Sebastian, on the left, is huge. He is over 15 pounds, while Spencer is no lightweight at 12 1/2 pounds. Carrying the two of them together is no small workout!

Both cats are great friends to Violet and Cora. Cora is partial to Spencer, and Violet is more likely to say Sebastian's name, and squeeze his neck in love. 

 While Cora wouldn't let them share her bed for many months, saying they kept her awake, she has for the last number of months happily slept with them. They are good boys in bed, not waking us (or Cora) up too often. In this photo, Cora had the stomach flu overnight (the start of the family's adventure in flu), and in the early morning Stace settled her back to sleep before he went on to work.

They're affectionate, loving, purr-happy, and absolutely fantastic with children, both ours and all of our little friends who come over to visit.

So, happy belated birthday, Spencer and Sebastian! We love you!