Usually when a new feline enters my life, I follow a standard procedure: the cat lives in the bathroom for a couple of days to get acclimated, goes to the vet for a routine exam, and upon getting a clean bill of health will be slowly introduced to the rest of the clan. I broke the rules for “Itty Bit”, whom I would eventually rename “Sadie”.

As soon as I entered my apartment with the carrier, Trouble approached it, and Sweet Pea wasn’t far behind. Trouble wanted whatever was in there very badly. I set it down and opened . . .