CATS IN LOVE, THE NOVEL

CATS IN LOVE, THE NOVEL

By

Tommy Franks, Ph.D.

Copyright © 2007 Tommy Franks
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.
International Standard Book Number: 0‑926044‑56‑7

Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.

Due to the Author's prerogative, some words are in small letters and some are capitalized for clarity and emphasis and not necessarily in accordance with standard grammatical practice. Whenever pronouns or gender references appear in this book, they refer to both male and female unless otherwise noted.

This is a fictional book. Any references to past or current events, people, cats, or places are entirely coincidental.

Second Printing 2007

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my lovely wife Karen, Family, Friends, and Readers.

INTRODUCTION

This fictional book is about two cats (Precious and Felix). Most people love cats. I certainly do. If you are an animal lover or cat lover, you will want to read this book.

FIRST WORDS

My purpose in writing this book is to allow you the freedom to enjoy the lives of two wonderful cats and their love affair. In the future, you will probably have more compassion for the cat family.

BOTTOMLINE

Even though this is a novel, much truth will be found on every page. There is nothing new under the sun…not even with cats.

Let’s Talk About Cats

Many of you either have cats, owned cats in the past, or have had the pleasure or acquaintance of cats. As you know, cats are strange and unique, whiskered, fur balls that come in all shapes and sizes. Normally, you either hate cats or you love them. They seem to really teach you about patience and humility.

Our cat named Precious has taught me much about self-esteem. If I call her, she looks at me and runs the other way. The only time she seems to enjoy my company is when I put food in her cat dish. Sometimes, on her own volition, she will allow me to pet her head and rub her furry stomach…but not often. No, she is her own woman.

A new handsome young tom cat (Felix) moved into the neighborhood next door. One day Precious came running into the house and jumped up in the bay window space and stared out the window for at least 30 minutes looking at Felix, the new cat next door. Then she went into my computer room and wrote Felix the following short love letter:

Dear Felix,

I have observed you for several days now. I have something to tell you. I think you are handsome and attractive. I saw you chasing butterflies this morning. You really keep yourself trim and lean, don’t you? I wanted to talk and purr with you, but I am a little shy. I normally don’t talk to strangers. My masters have told me not to do that. Therefore, I will write you instead. I saw you digging in the flower garden when you thought no one was looking…I will never tell. Please don’t think I am just another feline pussycat. I am a lady. I am an elegant lady. And please don’t think that I am being forward or presumptuous, but I think I am falling in love you, my dear Felix. I know it’s summer time, but I do not think the season or weather has anything to do with this. I think this is more than mere kitty love. I have been observing you cautiously ever since you moved in. No, I am not finicky or pernickety! I am a very calm and cool cat. At least my family thinks so. Do you think we could ever become more than just friends? All I know is: Every time I see you, I get this funny feeling in my whiskers. I don’t think friendship will be enough. It seems that no matter where I am…sleeping on my master’s bed…hiding in the closet…eating my yummy cat food…or lying in the middle of the den upside down; I cannot get you off my mind. I think you all the time! I wanted to keep silent about this, but I just couldn’t keep it inside any longer. You probably think I am a crazy cat for writing you a love letter, but that is okay. You do not have to reply. I will write more at the appropriate time. Meantime, know this: I am seriously and deliriously in love with you. When I see you walking around in your front lawn, both of my ears quiver!
Sincerely yours,
Precious

The Next Day

Yesterday, Precious wrote Felix (the large male yellow cat next door) a love letter. Princess Precious, the elegant feline, initiated the first cat love letter. Today, let us look at Felix's response.

Dear Princess Precious,

I am so thrilled that you wrote. When I read your letter, I sort of got this funny feeling in my whiskers also. Please don't think that I am being facetious or arrogant in what I am about to say. Sometimes I am a little arrogant, but not today. I think your lovely cat letter was awesome. I agree…this is not just kitten love. You must be a sweet, classy lady. I have seen you from a distance and I think you are smashing, especially with your white paws mixed with your shinny gray fur coat. Even though my ears seldom quiver, my whiskers certainly did when I read your illustrious note. Today, I am feeling rather frisky. I can barely contain myself, especially when I see you in that picturesque bay window looking at me...with your kitten nose pressed against the window pane. In fact, my hairy tail stands straight up. Yesterday, I saw you near the rose garden and thought you might come over for a cat nap, but you didn't. Tonight, meet me by the cat-of-nine-tails pond after dark...and we will continue this enchanting rendezvous of cat love. We might even find a rat to chase or a squirrel to harass.
'Til tonight,
Felix

Princess Precious replied right away. This is her response:

Dear Felix,

The cat-of-nine-tails pond after dark will be wonderful! I am elated with joy. My purring has not stopped since I read your cat letter of love. You know I will be there with my feline white paws ready for you. Looney dogcatchers could not keep me away! I think I'm in love! Tonight, we will see.
Precious

The rendezvous between Felix and Princess Precious was planned. Let us look in on them and see how their meeting went at the cat-of-nine-tails pond and see how their relationship is developing.

Dear Prince Felix,

I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed our time together last evening. The full moon illuminated your handsome face and trim body. You looked just like a chivalrous and courtly top cat in shining armor! My whiskers are still twitching and my long claws feel like fire! I am so glad that we went for a fur dip in the pond. It really helped us to be cool cats. That pond will never be the same. I am so glad that you showed up. I wasn't sure if you would. Our neighbors seemed to be okay with our cat calls. No one seemed to notice as we spoke and purred to each other. Felix, I am so glad we met. I have been lying around all morning thinking about you. You said some "thought provoking" words last night. Hopefully, you meant them. We will see. Please tell me this isn't a dream. I believe you really care for me as a genuine pussycat. I know I care for you as a true tomcat.
Until we meet again,
Princess Precious

Later the next day, with green eyed observation and great anticipation, Princess Precious received the following response from Felix:

Dear Precious,

With you by my side, there is still hope and happiness for a tomcat like me. This is more than a mere cat dream. This is a love dream to its highest dimension! I feel all warm and furry inside. When you licked my hot hairy neck last night, you could have purred anything in my ear...and I would have believed you. You are one sleek, elegant, and classy green eyed kitten. Since last evening at the cat-of-nine-tails pond, I have not been able to think straight or focus on anything but you. I must tell you...You have made a believer out of me. There are still cat loving miracles after all! I need to see you again tonight. Let's meet at the pond again, same time...if that is okay with you. I believe I am falling in love with you! My paws and claws are hot!
Prince Felix

More Cat Talk

Continuing their kitty love romance, Prince Felix and Princess Precious have met several times in the past two weeks at the cat-of-nine-tails pond. Their relationship has blossomed into full bloom like catnip in a garden...Until now...Read on...

My Dear Prince Felix,
What has happened to you? It has now been four long days since I last saw you. I have waited at our favorite hang-out, the cat-of-nine-tails pond, for the last four nights now, but you have been a "no-show cat". I thought you loved me! I really thought you cared! What am I to do? I don't want to be branded as just another aging house cat. I am too young, feisty, and energetic for that. Every day I look out the bay window... hoping to get a glimpse of you, but you are nowhere to be found. I woke up this morning with hot tears in my tender green eyes thinking about you...my golden yellow Prince. Did I do something wrong? Did I say something to offend you? Where are you? Please don't break my soft, tender pussycat heart! Talk and purr to me!
Princess Precious

My Dearest Precious,

You would not believe what happened to me! The cat's out of the bag! This is the scenario: As you know, my sweet Princess, in our neighborhood they are building some new homes. Five days ago, being the inquisitive, nine-lives tomcat that I am, I decided to go check out the construction of one of the new houses. As I was investigating the floor plans, one of the construction workers shut the outside door to the utility room. Guess who was in the utility room? Yes, that would be me, your cat soul mate. Normally, I am more cautious and careful than that sort of thing. Anyway, I just got out this morning. Some kid heard my cat calls and let me out. I am so weak from dehydration and lack of kitty food. The only thing I had to eat during that whole ordeal was somebody's leftover peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I hate peanut butter. I hate jelly! My master was glad to see me. She gave me some fresh, warm milk and tuna fish. I will be okay in a couple of days. All the time I was in that small room, I was thinking and dreaming about you, my Dear. I almost panicked a time or two. I am too young to die. The only thing that kept me alive was my thoughts and love for you. In fact, you might say, you actually saved my life! I'm sorry to put you through so much kitty turmoil and pernickety anxiety. I know how finicky and fussy you can get. I do love you so very, very much. Meet me at the Rose Garden early Friday evening and we will catch up on all the neighborhood alley-cat gossip, the latest new dogs to tease, and "what's doing around town". I can't wait to get my paws on you! I truly care for you incredibly! MEOW!
Felix

The Cat Story Continues…

Friday, they had the meeting at the Rose Garden. It was a great meet and a good time of reflection. Read the next letter from Precious. She is definitely upset with Prince Felix.

Dear Felix,

I have been watching you lately. I have seen the way that hot little Persian alley cat across the street has been looking at you. Her name is Spitfire...by the way. I should not have to tell you this, but my eyes are green! Hello! Hers are blue. We don't get along. The next time she tries to brush up against you...you tell that little seductive minx to keep her paws off of you! Do you read my whiskers, Mr. Felix? Besides that, she is eight years younger than you. Why, just the other day, I saw her with a bright colored bow and rhinestone collar around her fat little neck! She looked ridiculous! Her front claws were painted hot pink! She looked like some cat hooker from Chicago! She looked like an alley cat, harlequin buffoon! This pussycat wants you. So, you keep your distance, you hear? You are my handsome, spicy Prince. Don't forget it. Remember, I keep my claws razor sharp. From the one feline fur who loves you,
Precious

Dear Precious,

You are one silly cat. Your short note was crazy. You know I only have whiskers and cat eyes for you. What can I do to convince you that my whiskers and kitten lips belong only to you? As a matter of fact, my long bushy tail, tender paws, and pink nose belong only to you as well. What can I do? Yes, I saw Spitfire by the red fire hydrant the other day. We exchanged amenities...spoke to each other, but that was all there was to it. Please don't waste your hot, kitty breath ranting and raving about her. Princess, nothing is going to tarnish the precious moments and memories and that we have shared together...nothing! Okay? I know how crazy you can get sometimes, but I am an innocent tomcat...really! No Persian temptress is going to take me away from you. Meet me again tonight by the tall pines in the back of my master's home and we will discuss this matter further over some catnip. My Darling Precious, I only have paws for you! MEOW! WOW! PURR!
Felix

A few weeks later, Felix and Precious definitely had some "kitten love" going on. Let's now look in on these felines and see where they are today:

Dear Felix,
The past few months have been the most glorious days of my pussycat life. I feel like a young kitten again. I no longer waste my time watching TV, cap napping, or staring into space like most cats. I've discovered a new zest for living. I now can really smell the flowers and hot coffee...I mean catnip. I don't claw the sofa as much anymore or unravel the toilet paper when my master is not around. I'm in love with you, Felix. As you know, I'm not a kitten anymore. I'm a wonderful and beautiful silver coated lady who purrs constantly now! You may want to come by the rose garden tonight for another chit chat and cat call. It’s supposed be a "full moon" tonight. We can go for a moonlit walk and smell the flowers in bloom or just look into each other's cat face and whisper (meow) sweet things. Felix, do me a special favor. Trim your claws. The other night when you kissed me, your claws were too sharp. Okay? Until tonight then...Meantime, I will catch a few fat grasshoppers for you. I know how you like to swat them around until they are dizzy...and then they hop off like drunken sailors in the night! See you in a few hours...

Precious

A few days later...

Dear Precious,

I had a wonderful evening the other night. You are the cattiest of female kittens, especially with your emerald green eyes! You are one crazy cat. I guess that is why I love you so much! This morning, I watched you from my window sill. You were chasing bugs in the grass. Your white paws were glistening in the sunlight. My whiskers got so excited just watching you walk and prance through the green, green grass in front of your home. Darling, do you think our passion for one another will ever cease? I don't. I will always cherish the memories of the past few months. You are so very special to me.

Listen, do you remember Pebbles, the young black and voluptuous cat who was always gossiping about others? Well, this morning she was hit by a car. It was simply awful. The driver didn't even stop. He left her alone in the road to die the death of a "road kill". I tried to save her, but she was just too weak to move or breathe. I licked her wounds, whispered to her in cat language, but her dark eyes suddenly just glazed over…and she was dead. She died in my paws. I will never forget her fur ball face and the look in her eyes. In her last cat whispers, she said, "Felix, no cat's life should end like this. It isn't fair. My life was just beginning. I had so many dreams and aspirations. Felix, I am dying. Please don't leave me to die alone. And Felix, please take care of your Precious. She is a wonderful and fine cat. Cherish her always. Bye now. I must go to cat heaven. Roscoe is waiting on me up there! And Felix, tell Oscar, my other sweet prince, not to cry..."

Precious, she then died in my yellow fur paws. I notified her masters. They cried and cried. Precious Darling, I will see you tonight at the cat-of-nine-tails pond. Until then...
I love you.
Felix

The New Beginning…

In a cat's life, nine seems to be significant. The common gestation period of cats is nine weeks...sometimes a little more...sometimes less. During this period of time, a cat's behavior may change a little...sometimes a bunch; however, this is nothing to be alarmed about. Okay? The first sign of cat pregnancy is extra weight. The female cat...will usually put on two to three pounds. The exact amount will vary according to breed and the number of kittens she may be carrying. During this time, masters (cat owners) should not give steroids, griseofulvin, or any kind of cat drugs to their cats.

Dear Felix,

Congratulations! You are now the father of our four adorable kittens (Snowball, Sugar Plum, Spitfire, and Sam). I have had so many visitors in the past few days. Don't they know that I must get my strength back and beauty rest? Kitten hood and cat hood are wonderful! Felix, I must apologize to you for the way I have acted in the past nine weeks. I have been a real weasel and porcupine to you. I have clawed you at times. I have hissed at you for no reason. I have bit you a time or two. I have manipulated you...harassed you... attempted to intimidate and dominate you! I am ashamed of the way I have acted at times. Please try to understand. Okay? You know I love you, but I have not been myself lately. Please come over this afternoon to see your beautiful and incredible kittens. We will have our usual cat chat. Also, bring me some tuna fish. I am hungry. I have missed you. I want to feel your tongue against my cheek...the softness of your fur...the sweetness of your gentle paws...the purr of your presence. Come to me Darling!
Your Precious Princess


Felix visited Precious the same day. They made up...meowed and purred for hours. Four days later...

Dear Precious,
You are such a wonderful motherly cat. All our kittens are so happy. Snowball and Sam look like me. Sugar Plum and Spitfire look like you. Last night I went to sleep meowing your name. My beloved Darling, you are everything to me...everything! Darling, I stayed up late last night...writing the following cat poem to you:

"My Feline Love"
By Felix

I used to dream of your eyes so green
And your loving paws around me.
I dreamed of your kindness and warmness,
And how wonderful you really are.
I used to dream of how I would never settle for less,
For anything less than best.
I dreamed of how you would majestically be my Princess,
And lay all fears to rest.
At one time, I was big on fairy tales…
How wonderful they would be if only true!
I have dreamed of romantic story books.
They all remind me of you.
I used to dream of a lot of things,
But the moment I met you, my Precious,
I immediately stopped dreaming,
Because all of my dreams have come true.
Felix

All great feline relationships go through the fire once in awhile, especially during a heated argument. Precious and Felix found this out recently. Read on....

My Dearest Darling Precious,

I am so sorry about the argument and cat fight we had the other night. I was out of line. I apologize. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I had no reason to get upset with you, especially about such a small thing as a dead bird. You told me to get rid of the red dead bird because you had an upset stomach. Some fur balls were making you irritated. I should have understood. I don’t know what gets into me at times. A little thing like a dead red bird should NOT interfere with our feline relationship! All day I have been going around chasing my droopy tail…meowing in misery. By the way, how is your ear? I didn’t mean to bite you that hard. I am sorry for acting like such a wild animal. I adore you so much. I am madly and completely in love with you! Please respond back soon because right now, I feel like a jerk…pretty rotten and guilty. Okay?

Your Love-Bitten Kitten…Prince Felix

TWO DAYS LATER:

Sweet Prince Felix,

All is forgiven. It was all my fault. I should not have nagged at you about the dead red bird, but I was feeling rather finicky and sickly at the time. You made me so angry! My ear is fine. How about your scratched up nose, face, and eye? Did your owner doctor you up some? You looked like Mike Tyson when he lost his last fight. How do you feel now? I too, am sorry that we had such a cat fight…over nothing. Let’s meet at the Pine Thicket behind the pond tonight and make up. Bring me some more of that scrumptious tuna fish. Okay?

From the One Who Loves You Baby…Princess Precious
My Dearest Precious,

This is just a short note to let you know that the answer is "yes". I will go to the Annual Cat Party with you at Aqua Pines. I would be most honored. I also want to let you know how much I love you. You have gotten me through some tough times this past year. Yesterday, as I was passing by your antique brick house, I saw you rolling in the autumn grass. Your silver gray fur and snow white paws really looked radiant and elegant. Your delicate, pretty face and emerald green eyes have stolen my heart away. Your sleek pointed ears and long whiskers really excite my heart beat. You are filled with such charm and class. I stopped dead in my paw tracks and looked at you for at least an hour. You are on my mind all the time! What can I do? Do you think it's wrong for me to tell you how beautiful you are and how much I truly love you...and how much I yearn to roll in the grass with you again?

Your One and Only Tomcat Prince…Felix

Felix, My Love,

Thank you so much for the cat lover's letter. I have some rather bad news for you. Since you are the father of our four adorable kittens (Snowball, Sugar Plum, Spitfire, and Sam), I wanted you to be the first to know. My master, Tommy, ran over little Spitfire this morning with his Mercedes. He didn't mean to. Spitfire had climbed up...on one of the front tires and had gone to sleep. When Mr. Tommy started his Benz this morning, little Spitfire did not recognize the danger. Upon backing out of the garage, Master Tommy realized it too late...little Spitfire was dead! My master took it pretty hard! He loves cats...especially me and these little ones. I saw tears in his eyes as he tried to hold them back. His face was white. He took little Spitfire in his arms and said, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were there. I love you, Spitfire. I am truly sorry. You are such a wonderful little kitten and fur ball. Please forgive me, my little one. If only I had known..."

His voice then trailed off. Master Tommy then took a shovel and went out back near the Cat-of-Nine-Tails Pond...and buried little Spitfire...all the time wiping his eyes and telling her that he loved her...and what an incredible little fur ball she was...and how sorry he was for all of this! It was not a pretty cat sight!

Felix, please meet me at Spitfire's gravesite this afternoon and we will talk further...
Your Princess

The Cat Novel continues: (One Month Later)

Felix, My Love,

It has now been a month since the death of Spitfire. Thank you so much for your love and tenderness during this unfortunate tragedy. Your letters always intrigue me. You make me smile; my whiskers stand up on end, and quiver! I appreciate you telling me that I am beautiful. Thank you. You seem to know me quite well now. You are such a romantic and passionate tom cat. Your letters seem to stir up my whiskers for some reason. I don't know why! By the way, Mindy, the kitten down the street, found one of our cat love letters the other day...and hid it. I eventually found it when I was digging by the old wagon wheel. I scolded Mindy and told her that if she wanted to keep her slender cat eyes in tact, she had better never do that again! She meowed and took off like a cat in a dog park. Therefore, be careful about leaving your love notes by the mail box. Use wisdom. You know we have some old gossiping, busybody cats in our community and cat hood.
I love you, Felix,
Your One and Only Princess Precious

My Dearest Princess Precious,

My heart hurts for you, my Love. You have changed my cat life forever! Catnip will never be the same again. Catching field mice has also changed forever. Scaring squirrels is just no fun anymore without you around to watch me and cheer me on. I am so happy now. How did you like the way I sneaked up on that Blue Jay the other day? Wasn't that fun? The Blue Jay clown never knew what hit him. When I got him in my sharp claws and tom cat teeth, he was mine...all mine. Wasn't that fun...seeing feathers flying everywhere...and that old Blue Jay attempting to peck me? Oh yeah! He didn't taste too bad either! Life is a bowl of cherries now that I have found you...one big bowl of cherries! You have given me hope, faith, and love. The other morning I was suddenly awakened from my cat nap...not by some mere noisy sound or by my keen sense of smell of tuna fish in the air...or some cat call in the morning sun. No, No, No! I thought of you. I thought of your emerald green eyes, your adorable pink nose, and your silver gray coat. I was then wide awake and couldn't go back to sleep. You have captivated my tender heart!
Loving you forever, my feline kitten…Your Prince Felix