Holly - Well, I'm not doing anything else, so why not? The sun is out and it's finally warm enough to sit on the deck railing again. Boy, what a winter! I hope it's over.
Me - I do, too! It looks like this is your favorite spot. I have a lot of pictures of you sitting here through the years.
Holly - Yes, it is. The deck is best in the morning when the sun is shining here, then I like to rest in the sunny spots in the laundry room for the afternoon.
Me - You just sit on the railing? You don't go anywhere?
Holly - No. At my age, I don't care to chase and play with the youngsters anymore. I have to hiss and swat at them to leave me alone when they try to entice me into one of their silly games.
Me - They probably have never seen any cats your age! So tell me, what's been going on since last year when I featured you on my blog for your 25th birthday?
Holly - Oh my, I'm on the internet? Did anybody say anything about that?
Me - Yes, a lot of people left birthday greetings, but we had some trouble with the internet and all the comments disappeared. I'll show you the ones that came in after that.
http://loveablecat.blogspot.com/2014/03/holly-is-25-welcome-to-birthday-party.html
Everybody admires you for being a great cat and living to such a ripe old age!
Holly - They do? Did you know that 26 cat years is like 120 human years?
Me - I did! I have a chart on that...somewhere....If I can find it, I'll put it in the Kitty Times newsletter again. Can you tell us the secret of your longevity, how you have managed to live so long?
Holly - I think one reason could be that I've never been left to fend for myself as an outside cat or ignored inside the house. I've always been loved. I think love is the most important factor in achieving a long life.
Me - I think that's true, and you're definitely one of the lucky ones. I'll never forget the day we brought you home.
Holly - Me neither! I was 15 then and it was a cold winter, like this year. I don't remember the date, though.
Me - It was in March, 2004. You've been here for 11 years.
Holly - Thank you for not sending me to live with anyone else, by the way. I knew you did that because you feared no one would want to adopt a senior cat. I missed my family for a while, but it's been good here, too. Say, did you ever find my actual date of birth?
Me - No, and that's why I chose March as your unofficial birthday.
Holly - That's OK, but I suppose that's why I'll never win the "oldest cat" trophy. We can't prove anything without papers.
Me - That's right, but we both know how old you are and I celebrate you every day for being here. Say, you look like you've filled out a little since last year, too.
Holly - Yes! I gained almost 2 pounds this year. Thanks for serving my favorite food....meat! We kitties are carnivores, you know.
Me - I know, and I respect that and want you to be happy and healthy.
Holly - I'm sorry I don't groom myself these days. I just don't like licking my fur anymore.
Me - That's OK. I enjoy brushing you. Sorry about having to shave the mats off, though.
Holly - I'm sorry, too. I just can't always keep my tongue in my mouth and the drool dries on my fur now and then.
Me - I understand. Well, it's been a long day and it's time to eat again. What would you like for supper?
Holly - You have to ask? OK, I'm ready! I know it's going to be the good stuff again!
Me - You got it, girl. Thanks for chatting with us and Happy Birthday again!
