THE DAMSEL

Auntycat has been around for a few years now. She used to belong to someone from the 7th floor at opposite block and was unfortunately impregnated by Xiao Merah at 2nd floor, who belonged to the Malay nenek. Malay nenek loves cats, but has a weird way of treating them. But that is another story. Auntycat had a litter of 6 kittens and was promptly spayed. The kittens were no longer around and Auntycat leads a life of swinging singles once more.

People called her "Chou Mau" or ugly cat. She is really not much to look at. A mix color coat with short spiky fur, small head, huge ears, stout body and skinny legs which lack coordination and stumpy tail. Her front paws are deformed, with 3 digits only and irregular shaped paw pads, so she tends to sway when she moves about. I have to say after years of feeding, Auntycat has put on weight to the size of a small hen, her whiskers has increased in numbers and she is more assertive towards the newcomers. She still does not enjoy petting, especially on the head.

Auntycat is the first one of the cats who recognises the ringing of my keys, and would run across from wherever she was hiding to reach me so she could have a feed. She also knew very early on to wait at one spot where we could see each other, normally at the garden bench just below our balcony. I normally feed her in the mornings, but sometimes when Nenek is away, Auntycat knows to call for me on my way home. She is normally satisfed with biscuits, but enjoy an ocassional can of fish. She doesn't like fancy chicken or turkey.

Auntycat always wears a bell, so I know when she is running towards me, even in the dark. Several bells were lost over the years but they were promptly replaced by Nenek's family. Until now, we do not know Auntycat's real name.

Kiki loves to disturb Auntycat when she is eating. He would crouch on the bench and poke at Auntycat's back and tail. She used to hate it and growl at him but now they are friendly with each other. They sit together and chat sometimes. Auntycat is also getting used to Hat sharing the park bench. She is afraid of Blacktom and Mera, who tend to chase her and she has to hide under the drains. Hitam she could tolerate, and he had even brought her to our house once. The local boys like to bully her too, but after some harsh words and fistworks from me, they had learnt to stay away from her.

What I like about Auntycat is her intelligence and positive attitude. She is handicapped but she goes about her daily business with confidence and spirits. I hope she still has many more years in front of her.