Our Practice Baby

I had to do a post on Phoenix for several reasons:

1. I heart cats
2. Phoenix is our first "child"
3. When I send out photos most of my pictures are of Phoenix
4. My brother, Ryan would be so disappointed if I didn't (one of his blog name ideas was "Phoenix and the Rest of Our Family")
5. Phoenix is a very interesting cat, in a dog-like kind of way

We adopted Phoenix September 2006, after much begging and pleading with my husband. He said that I could get a cat as soon as I found a job, so shortly after finding one we were on the hunt for a little friend. We ended up adopting him from Edwards A.P.E.T. on base, which is a no kill rescue facility- he was about 6 months at the time, and his name was "Lucky."

He is certainly cute, but looks can be deceiving. One of the first things we found out about Phoenix is that he loves to lick hair. (Kinda gross I know.) He is especially excited when there is a visitor, and a new head to lick. Phoenix will eat practically ANYTHING. Most cats are a little finicky when it comes to food, as they should be. Phoenix likes anything from meat to dairy, to fruit, dry cereal, and chips. He will wait for a handout or paw food right out of my hand when he is desperate. Phoenix also likes to play with his own dry cat food. He scoots his food dish over to his water dish and dunks pieces of food in his water, then proceeds to scoop his soggy food out with his paw and eat it. As you can imagine he constantly has wet paws. He loves to get in the way and be in places he's not supposed to be. For example, his new favorite thing is to jump in the refrigerator every time it is opened. It can be quite frustrating so I will shut the door for a few seconds, and lo and behold he is ready to come out when I open the door.

In some ways Phoenix is like the Marley of cats. Despite all of his "special" qualities, he really is a good cat and companion. He generally follows us from room to room and enjoys curling up next to us on the couch. He is very friendly and loving, that is when he's not biting or chewing on things. :)

Phoenix hanging out in the dryer