Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an adorable cat.

He's getting on a bit now - about fifteen years old if the RSPCA got it right when we adopted him.

Why 'Pumpkin'? Well, he's big, round and orange, and moved in at Halloween. On 31st October 1997 to be precise.

He can still be very kittenish, particularly when he is appealing for more food (often).

When he came to us he was pretty much a silent cat, but now he talks to us all the time. He shouts for more tuck, he says 'Hello' when he comes in from the great outside and notifies us if he has been rained on.

A year or so ago we acquired an arbour. We call it 'Pumpkin's Shelter' because it immediately became his most favourite place for taking in rays or observing. It protects him on three sides, keeps him dry whilst providing a good view of his territory and files his nails nicely.

Inside our house we have three beds and one futon, and all these are primarily Pumpkin's. During the night he tries to take over my pillow. There aren't many mornings when I don't wake up wearing a ginger hat.

Pumpkin has his own armchair and his own seat at the dining table. He likes to join us at meal times in anticipation of a tasty morsel or two. "Meat, fish, cheese, meusli or yoghurt will do nicely, thank you. I'm not a fussy cat." !!

It was years before Pumpkin would sit on a lap. I'm so pleased he eventually decided it was a good thing.