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As a general rule, families adopt pets. In our case, the opposite has come true. A kitten has recently adopted us. Not long back, a stray cat had managed to install her squealing, squirming mass of kittens in a portion of our rambling house. One by one, the healthier and more adventurous members of the litter vanished away into the big bad world.

As a general rule, families adopt pets. In our case, the opposite has come true. A kitten has recently adopted us.

Not long back, a stray cat had managed to install her squealing, squirming mass of kittens in a portion of our rambling house. One by one, the healthier and more adventurous members of the litter vanished away into the big bad world. However, one little scrap of fur and bones, for reasons known only to herself, decided to become one of our family.

We read the early signs and decided to demonstrate our inhospitality to her in no uncertain terms. But as soon as anyone approached her threateningly, she launched into a truly virtuoso performance in which she contorted her body into a defensive ball, mewled in abject entreaty and shielded her face with her paws as if to ward off anticipated blows. Heaven knows from where this measly mite, still wet behind the ears, learnt such a canny trick of self-preservation. She did succeed in her purpose though. Even the stoniest heart responded to her exaggerated histrionics, and let her be.

The question of her residency rights now settled, she started harking for her next immediate need, namely food. Everyday, the earliest riser in the family was bombarded by an agile, boisterous ball of fur which tangled itself underfoot, clamouring for succour. She left only one way to buy one’s peace of mind and preserve one’s bones; and that was to accede to her demands. Breakfast over, she slinked away, and reappeared hours later, right on cue, as soon as dinner was served. Once again, she curled up at the feet of her chosen diner, and let out a pathetic litany of mews and yowls, until the stiffest resistance melted. Thus she ensured a regular, though reluctantly doled out supply of her two major meals of the day.