Hi Nicola(RockysMum)
I know that you have now reserved your two new and absolutely gorgeous kittens, but I wanted to tell you my story of getting Winnie, my sleek black panther cat.
In 2008, my 18 year old tabby/tortie princess called Lucy, had to sadly be put to sleep due to kidney and liver failure. It completely crushed me to have to say goodbye to my best friend in the entire world. My Mum and Dad loved her as well, but Lucy always was constantly around me. In the same month, we also lost my Grandad (Mum's side), who was a cat lover as well.
Since my Grandad and Lucy left us, my confidence and self esteem completely crashed down to 0. I couldn't concentrate at work/college or anything. The relationship between Mum and I was at total meltdown point. I didn't know why I was so angry/stressed so constantly, and now coming to think about it, losing Lucy was the problem.
Over the years (up until now), my parents kept saying they didn't want another cat until the extension was finished, even though I was pleading for another one.
In 2012, I lost Grandma (again on Mum's side), and unlike Grandad, I had a really strong bond with my Grandma. It was such a sudden shock to lose her, and again my confidence crashed, but I wasn't sure why.
Thankfully Mum and I have now become close and everything is fine in that respect.
It got to the point though that I was really missing Lucy and my Grandparents, especially when Mum found some pictures of Lucy on my birthday. I wasn't sure if or when my parents would allow me to get another cat, so I spoke to a friend of mine, Lewis, who is practically an uncle to me and we really get on well. He told me to leave it for a few more weeks and then discuss it again.
So I did. But on the 5th August this year, I had had a really bad day at work and burst into tears in front of Mum. When she had calmed me down, I took the courage to ask again if we could get a cat now....and to my complete surprise she and Dad agreed, provided we found one that would fit into the family.
So, that evening, I was on the RSPCA website and found Winnie. Now this is the best bit, Winnie is the same name as my late Grandma, so it was really spooky to see her. I immediately told Mum and showed her and Dad her RSPCA photo and Mum couldn't believe her name - and said reserve her now! So I contacted the woman and she got back to me within hours of my e-mail.
And the rest...they say...is history.
Since getting Winnie, my confidence and self-esteem is slowly rising and I swear that my Winnie is my Grandma in feline form...because Winnie is very affectionate with everyone she meets and "talks" so much....and my Grandma was always chatty and sociable lol.
Winnie (the cat) is the perfect reason for me to get up in the mornings and I often give her about an hours worth of love, food and attention before I go to work and when I get back. My parents and I are so glad that she is in our lives...and my parents don't know why they were so hesitant about getting another cat...so I am really pleased about that.
Winnie is about 10 months old now. We got her when she was about 8 months old.
OK - so I have waffled - as per usual when I start talking about Winnie lol.
I am really glad that you have found these two gorgeous furry bundles of joy. I absolutely love the tabby's ears and the black/white one is simply adorable.
Now we need names lol.
Hope that helps - and I apologise for waffling lol
Mweekie xx