Short story: Orange tabby cats

One particular morning as Mom approached her car, she was sure she heard a faint meow. Dad came out to open the hood only to find all curled up in a ball, probably to keep warm, an Orange Tabby kitten.

This kitten was soon appropriately named “Lucky.” Lucky because mom didn’t start that motor! Over the years, he became a fixture in the La Mirada home. 

It was not unusual to open that door and find Lucky sitting atop the TV, or curled up in a corner of the love seat, or even lounging on top of the ironing board. Shh! I have even seen him asleep in the middle of the kitchen table.

Mom loved her cat and, likewise, she was his favorite human being. Something cute that happened while Dana and Nadine lived in La Mirada, Lucky was on Nadine’s lap and began his habit of sucking and kneading her clothing. Nadine, just a kid and disgusted with Lucky’s habit, said to Lucky: “Well, just suck, suck, suck.” And she got up and left him there. We kidded and joked about that for the longest time. It can still bring a smile to my lips.

In later years when Mom became so ill and passed away, I took Lucky to live with us (Smith, Mark and Tracy) in Whittier Woods.

Coincidence! It happened that one morning when I was running late to get to work; I got in the car, started the motor, heard a meow, and saw fur fly. I was so afraid that I did what Mom hadn’t done all those years ago. Thank God, Lucky was still Lucky; he was unharmed.

Our next move was to a condo in Hacienda Heights. Lucky was in the garage eating; we were inside but heard a noise that was disturbing enough that we went out to check to see what the commotion was.

It turned out that two roving Boxer dogs somehow grabbed Lucky and dragged him off. Mark began chasing them like a mad man. I had never seen him in such a frenzy; now I was concerned for him.

Sadly, that was the last time we saw Mom’s cat.  It makes me think he wasn’t so lucky after all. But then, that walk over to the Rainbow Bridge changes everything, as does hanging out with the likes of other beloved family cats that have passed on: Tux, Garfield (Fat Cat as I called him), Cleo, Mama Kitty (Shooter), and Baby girl (Mittens).

Now Mark has another Orange Tabby cat living with them in Santa Rosa. He is B-boy (previously known as Barley). Unlike the friendly and playful Lucky, B-boy is active, independent, rebellious and is what you would call a Tom Cat. 

Not so much now, but when he was younger, he caroused all night and came home when he damn well pleased, in sad shape with scratches that were bleeding and patches of fur missing, etc. But he was ready to go out again the following night. All this carousing has left him with lots of Tom Cat aches and pains.

However, the softer side of him is brought out by his favorite human being, his mama (Valorie). He is a good size cat (Tabbies enjoy eating and tend to be overweight). She even managed to put a purple ribbon or collar around his cute, fat neck.

Mark has texted me photos of B-boy lounging in the doorway entrance to their kitchen and also just camped out in the middle of the room or enjoying and getting rays outside on their patio. Another of his favorite lounging spots is their sumptuous Sleep Number bed.

I think that since he is now older and has learned he can’t Tom Cat and carouse all night, he is much happier growing old and being loved and petted while resting in mama’s lap. He’s a hoot!

Sharon Benson-Smith a member of the writing class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program. It is held off-campus at the Norwalk Senior Center.