Pumpkin, My Big Baby-Boy Cat

I have a second cat whose name is 'Pumpkin,' because he is a beautiful cream and orange tabby. Pumpkin is 12 years of age. Getting rather old, but he still likes to chase annie through the house, and down the hall. Pumpkin has a few health problems that we are trying to aleviate so he can spend more time here with us. We changed his food to a low-residue of the same brand he's been eating (Iams) as suggested by the veterinarian. Yesterday, we also found out he has a thyroid tumor that interferes with his digestion. Pumpkin may have a heart problem, but we are going to try and keep him with us a little longer.

Pumpkin has several nick-names - we often call him 'Put-Cat,' or 'Putter'. He is truly dedicated to Norman (my husband), and sits by his chair whenever we are eating. Pumpkin also comes running to Norman with a big meow when he (Norman) sneezes or coughs. I can cough my head off, and Pumpkin just sits there without any emotion. Pumpkin is quite lovable though, and makes friends with strangers quickly. He likes to sit upon a high stool and reach out and swat whoever walks by.

I will always remember the day I adopted Pumpkin. It was when we lived in New Mexico, and a friend and I went to the animal shelter to look at cats. It was there I found Pumpkin. He stuck his paws through the wire cage, and tried to reach us as we looked at him. One of the caretakers opened the door and let me hold Pumpkin. It was love at the beginning, when he began to purr loudly. If I would have listened to my friend, I would have named Pumpkin 'Carrot.' She will never live that down. Pumpkin now weighs 16 pounds, having lost a pound since his last visit to the vet. He is quite a big cat, as I know when I pick him up to groom him and clip his claws.

At one time, Pumpkin would always run and get under a bed when the door bell rang. We could never figure out why he did this. Then I began thinking that possibly someone might have come to the door when we were gone, and rang the bell and then pounded on the door because they thought we must be home. Now, Pumpkin still goes under a bed, but when he hears familiar voices, he comes out and is friendly. He even does this when strangers ring. Pumpkin is a special kind of cat. He is quite sensitive, and you can tell when his feelings are hurt.
I try to comb and brush Pumpkin weekly, as I also do with Annie. He doesn't mind it as much as my Annie. I also trim his claws at least monthly, and use the dander preventing liquid on him and clean his coat with a damp cloth that I use for his bath. Of course, I have to clean his ears, and then he smells so nice all over.