Nina

Stray kittens don't come along very often. And, being fairly helpless, furry young mammals, they are very hard to resist.  Add to that the clamours from one's own human offspring, and there was no way this little bundle of fluff was ever going to leave when she found us on Friday.

She has gained weight and confidence. And she shows no favouritism in the family. She is resting her front paws on my left hand as I type this with my right index, and purring peacefully. Her once dirty and matted coat is now soft and looks a great deal whiter. After all the stroking and food and love she has received she is definitely looking and feeling a lot better. Polly has proved to be an expert at spotting and picking off ticks. We have lost count of how many ticks have embedded themselves in Nina and gorged themselves on her blood and Polly has calmly taken on the role of tick nurse.

Nina has befriended all the humans in the house. The remaining challenge for her is to win over Mouser, who has enjoyed unchallenged dominion here for some five years.