Calvin and Abby

Abby and Calvin have a complicated relationship. As a baby, Abby adored the cat and squealed in glee whenever he came near. And although he was far from reciprocating those feelings, he was gentle and kind to her, almost as if he could sense that she was fragile and needed special treatment.

But when Abby became a toddler, things changed. Calvin seemed to recognize that she was now on a more equal playing level....and she learned that Calvin has claws and will use them when he gets irritated. Although she has only been lightly scratched a couple times, she frequently acts scared around him and often keeps her distance. But then sometimes she is drawn back to his soft, cuddly cuteness and bravely shares her toys with him (she loves it when he sniffs her toys when she holds them up to him) or, more rarely, tries to give him a kiss.

Soon after we adopted Calvin from the humane society seven years ago, we knew he was not a child-friendly pet. Still, we had hoped that he might change once we had our own children. Alas, it is not to be, as he barely tolerates occasional attention from Abby and Ben. I do have hope, though, that as Abby grows older that he perhaps will find a special spot for her in his little kitty heart. =)

Abby has an adorable shirt that says "'C' is for Cat" and decided to show it to Calvin, thinking he would be interested.

"See my shirt, Calvin?"


Hm, he doesn't seem to be very interested...imagine that! ;o)

Mommy was enjoying a rare cuddle and rest time with Calvin on the couch. Not to be left out, Abby crawled up on my legs to read a book.

Then she decided that Calvin would want to hear the book too and asked me to read it to him. =)