The New Member's of My Family: Ilya and Chuck

by Brad
(Spokane, Wa)

After loosing my best friend, Bubba the blue point, I was (and still am in many ways) in complete depression and grief. In a way, I feel guilty for adopting kittens so soon. But, the neighbor boy, who watched Bubba when I was gone on business or vacation, found these two at Partners for Pets: a local animal rescue shelter specializing in cats in Spokane County, Washington. He insisted I have a look and he was right, they are very cool.

The bio of the kittens was odd, "The two must be adopted as a pair." They were found in a field outside of Spokane and assumed to be brothers. Partners for pets' vet found that they were at least a week apart in age and my vet said the same thing: Chuck the black, is taller and longer than Ilya the red. How these two little guys found each other is a wonder. If Chuck, the black, is separated from Ilya the red, Ilya begins to cry like no Siamese can rival.... And, I think we all know what that's like. Chuck doesn't cry but he goes into frantic search mode. Believe me, it's absolutely true: mayhem ensues if one can't find the other after waking from a nap.

They were caught together; cell mates in lock down prior to being snipped, vaccinated, de-wormed and flea dipped; and when in the open general population of about 20 cats in the strip mall where Partners for Pets' adoption agency is, they kept together. After the rep told me they had a stack of adoption forms for Vanilla but none for Chocolate or worse none for both (Chocolate and Vanilla were the adoption names) my heart sank as I contemplated their bond. And, black cats have a hard time being adopted due to the unbelievable amount of morons in our population so it was possible Chocolate could stay in the cell block for a long time. Additionally, I read a story here and elsewhere that found healthier lives for Siamese cats when they have a side kick or two for play time: keeps them out of trouble. So, I said yes to both.

Having said all that justification for adopting Chuck, I don't want you to think it's all for the Siamese. Chuck is a kind cat and that oozed from his personality at the strip mall. Even though he's older by a week, he seems to mentor Ilya.... It's kind of funny to watch. I thought that dynamic was true only of humans. Chuck watches after him, there is no question.

Anyway, I've had them for a week and happy my arm was twisted by my neighbor kid. Ilya is either a red point or cream point. His mask and ears are bright orange while the color of his gloves and boots are deepening. His eyes are a pale blue which is one reason I chose his name: Crimea Ukraine is where I've seen his eye color in people. It is striking. His voice half broke from a cute kitten by adding some Siamese "gravel" on the way back from the vet on Wednesday. Since they're a little beyond four months old, I'll have to wait and see if he is truly a red point. I have a feeling he's cream since his markings are so faint at this time.

I also wanted to thank those who encouraged me to find another friend sooner than later. You were right. I think this is going a long way. Thanks so much for putting up with my rants of doom.