Dude Looks Like a Lady

Okay, so I'm not really a pet lover. I'm sure you already know that about me. Brad is exactly 95% less enthused about pets as I am (severe allergic reactions may have something to do with that). But we were adopted by this funny little kitten that showed up in our back yard in June and refused to leave. After a couple of weeks of wishin' and hopin' that the cat would go back where it came from, and a couple of weeks of listening to the kids fall hopelessly in LOVE with this funny little creature, I finally broke down in a moment and weakness and let them feed it a can of tuna. Well, obviously, if there ever was a chance of the cat leaving before that moment, we had just put that notion to bed. Okay, whatever, we can have an outside cat. Fine. I can handle that.

Well, Kate named her Mittens. She's been a sweet cat, very mellow, and only tried and succeeded in sneaking into the house a few times. The kids have enjoyed her immensely.

Brad and I thought we had better get her to the vet for the basic shots and "the operation" so we didn't end up with lots of little Mittens' running around. So last week I loaded her up in the car, picked Kate up from school, and headed to the vets. During the exam the nurse became completely perplexed as she looked at the cat. First she confirmed what we thought, that Mittens is a girl. Then she took a second, third, and fourth look. Then she started probing around (something I'm just not willing to do). Pretty soon she found a boy part, but not the accompanying boy parts (please don't make me say it). She was very perplexed so she called in the vet, who came to investigate. Long story short, after some intense yowling on Mittens' part it was determined that SHE is a HE, and if you want to get really technical, an IT.

He came to us as a kitten, but apparently was just old enough to be neutered before he showed up on our doorstep. So, a big THANKS to whoever fixed Mittens, (who is now known as Mitt around these parts!). We are relieved to know that we won't have anymore little furballs running around here!

Just as a sidenote: Kate was so distressed while they were examining Mitt. She tried so hard not to cry, but couldn't quite hold in her emotions. She is such a sweet, sensitive, caring little thing. She really ADORES animals. She'll probably have a houseful when she's an adult. Poor little kid, she's got a couple of meanies for parents! Just to prove what a gem Brad is, though, he's agreed to build a cat house for Mitt so he can survive the winter. Kate is elated!