A boy and his cat

For some odd reason, Jasper (our new kitten) and Ethan have developed quite a bond. The only reason why we were even getting a new kitten was because Emily was wanting one, but this cat is definitely Ethan's cat. Emily prefers to stick with our very old and much lazier cat that doesn't mover around much. And let me tell you about Jasper. This cat is like having a rat, a raccoon, a monkey, and a lion all rolled into one animal. I've had lots of cats in my lifetime, but NEVER one quite like this. He is a very much a brat, but then just showers the kids with affection and purrs and goes crazy the minute they walk through the door when they get home from school. And when you say his name and talk to him, it is like he talks back to you. Now here is the strange thing about the relationship between Jasper and Ethan. Usually, Ethan is very cautious about everything he does. You would think that would include an animal with lots of tiny needles as claws that are used often. That isn't the case, though. For some reason, Jasper will allow Ethan to just walk up and manhandle him. Ethan does get clawed sometimes, but it doesn't phase him. He carries Jasper around. He will walk up and just pick him up and put him in his lap to pet him. It really is quite amazing because Ethan is usually just so cautious with animals. Emily can't really get near the cat because he just totally stalks her and pounces on her. And she pretty much just screams when it happens.

We have been introducing Jasper to the outdoors these past few days. He is almost 5 months old now and is plenty big enough to go outside. He is having a blast playing in the back yard and it is hilarious watching him play on the swing set. Who would have thought that a cat can have as much fun on a swing set as children???