Thursday, March 28, 2024
black catscat photographscats

A Visit from Uncle Mark

three black cats with one person
Three needy black cats

My brother is pressed into service trying to pet three affection-deprived black cats at one time. Jelly Bean is getting the pets here, Giuseppe is in front ready for more (he’d been hogging the limelight until JB sidled in between them), and if you look under Mark’s right elbow you’ll see an ear—that’s Mimi giving him head butts and face rubs.

Mark stopped over today to drop off some paperwork and have a cup of coffee before he walked back home in the chill drizzle. Eleven years ago he suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident and is disabled by a seizure disorder and mild cognitive disorder. He lives near me and often walks to my house to drop things off or pick things up (like food), help in my yard and just to visit. Though he is 6’4″ with a deep voice and big boots, my cats have always adored him. He has a gentle demeanor that all animals seem to know.

The boys headed right for him when he came in the door, and Mimi joined us when we moved to the kitchen. He didn’t get a single moment of peace from them, and it’s a good thing he’s got big hands because he can actually pet two of them at a time. “There all so nice,” he said. “Shiny and healthy. And someone has a really big purr.” That would be Jelly Bean.

And just before he left, Mimi decided she needed a bit of individual attention and sat right between his feet. I think his boots are bigger than her.

person's feet with black cat
Mimi demands attention.

Bernadette

From health and welfare to rescue and adoption stories, advocacy and art, factual articles and fictional stories, "The Creative Cat" offers both visual and verbal education and entertainment about cats for people who love cats, pets and animals of all species.

6 thoughts on “A Visit from Uncle Mark

  • I HAVE CAT

    Wonderful post Bernadette. Your brother seems like quite the animal lover not unlike yourself. He is lucky to have his sister so close (not to mention so many furry nieces and nephews!)

    Reply
    • He’s just what they need some days! But he likes to play with them too–my brother is quite the sports fan, unlike me, and they’ll sometimes get nicknamed after whoever is famous at the moment, plus he’ll spend half the day tossing a ping pong ball for them giving sports commentary. They are in heaven!

      Reply
  • Cats are so knowing. They can sense loveable people.
    Glad you had a good visit and your affection-deprived cats finally got some rubs. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jay, cats know when someone else will enjoy their affection too, the whole thing is reciprocal. He also thinks four big black cats is just pretty cool all around.

      Reply
  • Kimberly Helgeson

    Love this!

    Reply

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