Full Name: Ripley
Age: 5
Given Birthday: Oct. 13, 2001
Nicknames & Phrases: Bratchild, Boogerette, Goofball Babycat, Little Rip, Silly, Sweet Li'l' Kitty
Quirks: Sneak Attacks on anything that moves, ambushes through afghans, cuddling in my arms
with her head buried in the crook of my elbow, loves to be spun in circles when laying on her side.
History:
On a Sunday late in November of 2002, my nieces showed up at my door crying and begging me to look at
a kitten they'd found. I was appalled at the baby's condition!!!! My sister Jenina didn't even want the girls to
bring the little kitty to me. She was sure the baby was going to die and she knew how badly I'd feel if I couldn't
help. The girls persisted and eventually, Jenina gave in.
What the girls handed me was a baby barely alive. She had no energy to even lift her head! There was a piece
of fecal matter protruding from her rear. She was so bony, I couldn't even tell her sex! When I did the dehydration
test (See: First Aid for Cats), all of her skin lifted and stayed. All of her whiskers had been cut off and there was a
large hematoma in the middle of her chest. I honestly didn't think the baby would make it, either. After giving the
girls a list of what would be needed for the kitten's care, I gave her intravenous fluids and water through an eye
dropper.
By the time Jenina and the girls came by later with the provisions for the baby, she was trying to sit up! We
were all amazed and elated! :-) This little kitty was a fighter! I kept watch on her through the night and took her
to my vet the next day.
What Dr. Kim told me didn't surprise me at all. She said that this kitten shouldn't have survived at all and that
it was a miracle that she did. She gave the baby a general wormer and instuctions to me for her recuperative care.
It was going to be something of a long haul considering the baby's condition. Right away I named her Ripley (for
Ripley's Believe it or Not).
She stayed in my bathroom until she was strong enough to fend for herself among the older cats. How she loved
my visits! :-) Little Rip loved (and still does) to play roughly. It was such fun for her when I'd growl at her and spin
her in circles while she laid on her side getting dizzy! lol When she was able to stand up straight again, I'd be treated
to a bite-fest! lol
Finally the day came when Ripley was healthy enough to get to know the rest of the cats. Oh what a day THAT
was! lol There was the usual hissing and running away from the big, treacherous kitten. Khan on the other hand,
adopted her right away. He was constatly mothering her, giving her baths, sleeping with her, playing ever so
gently with her little kitten self. He's a wonderful mother! lol :-)
As Ripley grew, it became immediately evident that she was going to be a kitty to be reckoned with, small size
or not! She played too roughly with some of the older cats who prefer more gentle play as they age. Once again,
it was Kahn who was her most constant playmate. I well remember a day whe Ripley was four months old...
she took a running start, a flying leap and rolled 15+ pound Khan! I've never seen a more surprised look on a
cat in my life! LOL Many of the others will take her on when they're in the mood for it but Ripley quickly
established her status as "queen terrorist!" She takes what she gets and comes back for more...lol
Ripley's also another fetching member of the Herd. While Shades prefers toy mice, Hazy Mist, her gum wrappers
and Misty her key ring, Ripley's toy of choice is a ball. Any ball will do though soft is better. Woe be unto the
cat in Ripley's path when she's after the ball, too! LOL She'll run right over them without a second thought!
Hehehe!
Ripley also has a very loving nature as well. This little lady never does anything half way. When she's in a
loving mood, she's every bit as cuddly as she can be ornery. She has a soft, ladylike purr and an extremely gentle
way of expressing herself. Her favorite way of cuddling is with her head buried in the crook of my elbow while
purring away. She also loves a good conversation...lol Her meow sounds as though it never properly developed,
though. It comes out as more of a 'Minaaah.'
Due to the extreme nature of her obvious abuse at such a young age, she still trusts nobody but myself at
the moment. Even when my mom comes by, she runs and hides. My mom is my most frequent visitor! I think
that in time, Ripley will come to the realization that most people who come here know and love all of my
babies. When that happens, there will be a lot of loving coming her way! In the meantime, I'm completely
enjoying being Ripley's only person! lol She's turned this household upside-down but in a most positive way!
However, this little lady has a lot to share and I hope that you've enjoyed her! :-)
Cuddling with "Uncle Khan" Mom? Where'd your face go?
Fact: Most serial killers start out by abusing small animals.
