Kitten pictures!

I've wanted to get a cat for many, many years. I grew up loving the Siamese cat our family had and I was initially planning on getting one of those. Although coming close to it a couple of times, the right opportunity never seemed to appear. Taking in a new family member is not a responsibility I take lightly; it has to feel exactly right.

However, it looks like the moment has finally arrived. A while back I was browsing Swedish cat breeders and stumbled upon S*Junglespots, a small cattery with these irresistible creatures in need of a home:

Originally the serendipitous result of the crossing of an Abyssinian with a Siamese – both prized as unusually intelligent, playful, and affectionate breeds – the Ocicat is a beautiful spotted cat with lots of personality. A breed with plenty of desirable qualities that should make for a great pet for the dedicated family or owner.

How could I resist? This is the kitten I look forward to having as my feline companion in coming years (picture from when he was three weeks old and almost unbearably cute):

He's now about nine weeks old and still with his mother at the cattery, but assuming all goes according to plan he'll get to familiarize himself with the Petersson residence in just a few weeks. Hopefully he will be as happy and excited about this arrangement as I am. Here's a more recent picture of him in his favourite spot, enjoying the warmth in front of the stove:

Update: I have just received the very sad news (on my birthday, no less) that the vet thinks the kitten has a congenital health problem and is highly unlikely to reach adult age. If true, it will be put down. I guess it was too good to be true, after all.

Update 2:The kitten has been showing fairly strong signs of improving lately. There will be a more thorough veterinary examination soon. I don't dare hope for too much at this point, but I'm not giving up either.

19 April, 2006