Feral Fables

                                                                      Braveheart

He is a most spectacularly handsome cat-------don't you agree? He is from the first litter and the lead male cat now. He did not always have that position. When "Tuffy" was living, Tuffy was the lead cat. But after his death (another story for another day) Braveheart took over that role. Of course, "Snow" is the top, top cat-------no doubt about that-----------but Braveheart is certainly next in line. He was given his name by my father when he was still alive. Upon seeing how shy and reticent he was as a kitten, my dad remarked in his gruff, humorous, tongue-in-cheek manner------"a real Braveheart, hey???" and the name stuck. It is appropriate though, as he is regal and very protective of his clan, like his namesake. He is the lookout of the group, and quick to challenge any intruder to the yard (cat intruder, that is.......). He is also very gentle, skittish and most loving. He is very close with Snow and Jingle, but especially with Snow. He follows her just about everywhere. They swish and headbutt a lot. It took longer for me to get close to him than it did to get close to his mom, but he is very loving with me now. He loves to have the side of his face scratched or brushed and will lean into any strokes with my hand or a brush. Sometimes he lies down exposing his belly to me while I continue to brush and massage him. He purrs and even drools------for a few minutes. Then he'll get up quickly and look around as if to say----"did anyone see that?" He is very playful with toys and can get pretty spunky in the evening, running around the yard. In the winter he is very funny with snow when it falls. He goes out to the deck and runs through the new snow using his paws as shovels to scoop the snow up in the air. Then he jumps at it as if it's a mouse he's caught! He does come indoors, but usually doesn't want to stay for too long. He's mostly an outdoor cat. In spite of his short coat, he is well equipped as he has an extremely dense coat with a heavy, downy under coat. This summer with the hot humid weather, he has been spending time under the papasan chair on the porch where the floor is cool and protected from the sun.