Tabitha was adopted from the SPCA as a 2-month-old kitten in July 1989 by Beverley Benderoff. As a typical domestic short-haired tabby cat, Tabitha had black and brown patches on her back and black stripes on her legs. Well actually, there was one thing about her that was NOT typical ... she had no tail, just a little bunny rabbit pom-pom! She managed to get Beverley's attention by being very vocal, seemingly calling out from her cage, "Take me home with you, I'll be your friend forever!" Beverley felt sorry for her and thought no one else would want to adopt her because of the missing tail, so the decision was made. Fifteen minutes later, Tabitha was on her way to her new home.

The name "Tabitha" was suggested by a relative of Beverley's who thought it would be a good name for a tabby cat, and it didn't take long for Tabitha to recognize when she was being called, often responding with her classic wide-eyed stare or, later on, her finely honed "air meow" (characterized by an open mouth with no sound being emitted). Tabitha frequently tested the limits of Beverley's patience by sticking her nose and paws where they didn't belong. Her favourite fascination was with pens, watches, jewelry, loose change or any small lightweight object with which she could happily engage in a solitary game of hockey. Things kept disappearing from tables and desks, only to be discovered days later under the coach, behind the TV, etc.

One of Tabitha's more endearing habits was to crawl under the covers of the bed and make her way down to the bottom to sleep there. Beverley would often come home to find a suspicious-looking "lump" at the foot of the bed. Tabitha was so small as a kitten that Beverley decided to buy her a little pink collar with a bell so that her whereabouts would always be known. Nevertheless, for such a small kitten, Tabitha was never afraid of strangers. Whenever someone came over to the house, she would boldly venture over to the front door to investigate, which made it much easier to show her off to friends and family.

At 6 months of age, Tabitha was taken to Baker Animal Hospital to be spayed. Since Tabitha was strictly an indoor cat, Beverley decided to have her declawed as well in order to rescue the furniture from certain destruction. For a little while after that, Tabitha kept clawing at anything she could get her paws on, with little result, so she eventually clued in and gave up.

When Tabitha was 11 months old, Beverley adopted an 8-month-old grey and white male kitten named Mickey from an elderly couple that lived in her apartment building. Mickey was extremely affectionate and more than willing to make friends with Tabitha. She, however, being very territorial and ever protective of her "turf", didn't share his enthusiasm. After a few days of bickering, hissing and spitting (Tabitha only), they managed to learn to co-exist peacefully, eventually even grooming each other and occasionally curling up together on the couch (almost always initiated by Mickey). However, when the playing got too rough or aggressive, Tabitha would still tell Mickey to "back off" in no uncertain terms.

Tabitha and Mickey spent 8½ years together and became great friends. Unfortunately, in October 1998, Mickey became very ill. After an inconclusive blood test and medication which failed to solve the problem, the poor boy had to be put to sleep at only 9 years of age. Tabitha seemed somewhat bewildered at the loss of her brother and friend, and it took her some time to readjust to being alone.

As fate would have it, she wasn't alone for very long. In 1999, Beverley married Michael O'Reilly and they moved to a new home. Suddenly Tabitha had a new "step-brother", Kramer. She seemed to accept Kramer a little more readily than she had Mickey, probably because Kramer wasn't invading her territory. This home was new to both of them, and the adjustment required them to get used to their new surroundings as well as to each other. Much hissing, spitting and swatting ensued (Tabitha only), but they learned to love each other nonetheless. Kramer would very innocently initiate play with Tabitha, often getting a little overly rambunctious, and Tabitha would clearly let him know when he'd crossed the line. The two of them kept each other company while Beverley and Michael were at work during the day, and the cats would often be seen huddled close together on the couch on cold winter nights.

Tabitha has had various health problems in recent years. In February 2002, she had surgery to remove her thyroid gland and managed to come through that with flying colours. Then in December 2002, she was diagnosed with diabetes and is now required to have two insulin injections a day, which she seems to be tolerating quite well.

Sadly, she lost yet another friend recently, her beloved step-brother, Kramer. In late February 2003, Kramer was diagnosed with advanced kidney failure and consequently had to be put to sleep. It all happened very suddenly and the whole family was heartbroken by the loss. Tabitha was understandably quite distraught and seemed very lonely and in need of extra attention, which her owners were eager to provide. She now has a new habit of seeking out Michael's lap every night after dinner and making herself quite comfy there for as long as he'll let her stay there.

Strangely enough, Tabitha has since taken on some of Kramer's old habits, as if she's picking up where he left off. When Kramer was around, she let him do all the "talking" and "complaining" and just sat quietly by his side while he aired his grievances. Now she boldly (and very loudly) announces to her owners when suppertime has arrived, just in case they've forgotten what's expected of them.

With all she's been through in her (almost) 14 years, it would seem that Tabitha is a survivor. There's no reason to believe she doesn't have at least a few good years left.

Meanwhile, the purring continues...

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