It all started with a long, bumpy car ride to a place I had never been.
I am not a scaredy cat, or even a shy kitten, so to me the whole thing seemed curiously adventurous!
Where am I going? What will happen next? I wondered.
I was delivered to a family in a large farmhouse and told this is my home now.
It was all so exciting and new!
Many people came to greet me in the kitchen, where I made my arrival through the back door.
The house was loud and full of clamor!
The mama was shuffling around me in her house slippers, clearing off the table, while the children took turns picking me up and playing with me.
Everyone seemed happy to have me there and I heard the mama tell the children to be gentle with me.
Even through all the commotion, I always felt safe.
This is a happy home, I thought.
Finally the dinner dishes were cleared and the mama sat down with me, scooping me into her lap.
"I am your mama," she said. "You are loved here, but I expect you to be a good boy."
I try to be a good boy, but there's so much to explore here that sometimes I get into trouble.
I really like the bathroom sink, but my mama doesn't want me to play in it...
I was told this is my bed, but I don't want to sleep in it...
And when I tried to help one of the kids with their school work, I was shooed away...
I guess I have a lot to learn about the rules.
But then I used my litter box.
My mama patted my head and said, "Good job!" and that made me feel proud.
They tell me I am an elegant cat, so I was given the name Regal.
I don't know if I like it, but they say I will grow handsomely into my name .
Today, there was a bright sunbeam stretching across the kitchen table.
I love sunbeams!
So my family made a cozy place for me to sit and get warm while watching the birds flit around outside.
I am having such a nice time at my new home getting to know my family.
They are very kind to me and pet me whenever I ask.
But it is exhausting at times. I am just a little kitten in a loud, big house!
So as long as I can take my nap here, and not in my bed, I am content.
The new member of the Downs family,
~ Regal
