This is the story of how Cleocatra became my baby:

Christmas 2000

When my sister and brother-in-law were still dating and my sister was living out of town (long distance relationship) my brother-in-law got two kittens for her from a foster home as a X-mas gift - Cleocatra and her brother Mishka. My sister couldn't handle both kitties in her tiny apartment so Mishka went to live with my brother-in-law. Cleocatra came home with my sister every weekend and the entire family fell in love with her - even my mum who was petrified of all animals. Once my sister became engaged she moved back home until she got married - along with my sister came Cleocatra. When my sister finally got married my parents and I refused to part with Cleocatra. We threatned legal action if my sister should try and remove Cleo from her new home (only half joking). My sister was devastated but it all worked out for the best. When Cleo got really sick my mum was able to stay home with her all day and take care of her something that my sister would have never been able to do. This story is still a happy one because my sister now lives only a half an hour away from us and works about 10 minutes away from us - she visits Cleo on weekends and weekdays at lunch and after work until we come home.

When Cleocatra first started coming to visit us my mum had a list of rules for her to abide by - my poor mum all her rules were broken by Cleo's second visit. My mum who had never before touched a kitty (she used to put food out for strays and race back into the house before they could emerge from their hiding place) has become Cleo's favourite person. She pets, cuddles and kisses Cleo the most and when Cleo last got really sick she even started carrying her around.

Even though we are so saddened by Cleo's sickness we would never trade a second of the time we have with her - each day she makes us laugh and smile. I'm 23 and I could move out at any time but I know that my parents would disown me before they give Cleo up so I stay only to be with my baby.

Sorry I know it's long but I've edited out quite a bit. I could go on forever about Princess Cleocatra (Her Royal Highness Princess Fluff Bottom).