Gremalkin

There were quite a few cats available for adoption, some looked likely candidates, including one that reach out to every passer-by. Gremalkin was asleep, but I have a thing for grey cats. I asked to meet him, and he was very friendly when awake, and inquisitive. I made the arrangements to adopt on the spot.

Leela hates Gremalkin. I guess I understand, since after Nyssa's death, she was the only cat in the household. Now, she's no longer first to the food bowl.

Gremalkin is affectionate. He isn't quite a lap cat, as he doesn't sit still long enough to stay in a lap. But he will head butt, and if I'm lying down, he'll even head butt my head. (Bone on bone. Clunk.) He's started to play, and he'll chase anything. Only hassle is that he does nip a bit too hard when playing.

Even a year later, Leela will not accept Gremalkin. This is quite unfortunate, as Gremalkin is one of the sweetest cats I've met, he wants to be friends with everybody. When I have guests, he will poke his head out fairly quickly, and he loves to be pet. I don't think Gremalkin understood why Leela is so mean towards him.

Another thing to consider about Gremalkin: He is big. He weighs close to 17 pounds, and he is not an unfit cat.

After Leela died in 2004, Gremalkin was a little confused, but he's gradually come to accept the changes. I've not yet found another cat for him, so when I'm out, he's alone. As a result, he tends to be very demanding of attention when I come back.

Gremalkin also loves duck. When I cook a duck, I must be exceptionally vigilant so that he doesn't steal the bird, and more importantly, that he doesn't hurt himself trying to steal the bird.

Gremalkin was mentioned in the New York Times on October 12, 2004.

As of 2008, he's getting on in years, but he remains exceptionally friendly and loving.