#my cat who was born in 2019 when i call him a baby kitten

[mariekavanagh]

How many cats do you have? I love your pictures of them :)

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my cats as much as I do ^^ 

 First of all we have Rhaegar, who was born on 22nd June 2017. His mother was a stray cat I rehomed to a man through work, but she escaped and became a teenage mum before she was spayed. My first cat had died 2 days before Rhaegar was born and so the man offered me a kitten, which naturally I accepted. Rhaegar was my other half and I's first pet together and came with us from London to Manchester. Rhaegar is tabby and white and is my good sweet boy. 

 Next we have Freya, who we came across when she was a stray mother of eight kittens being looked after by a client at work. We were actively looking for a second cat, preferably female, to join our family and she came along as just the right time. Freya is a calico. Fun fact: In Malta, calico cats are called "Tal-Madonna" (of the Madonna). I'm not sure why but my best guess is because calicos are exclusively female. 

 And finally, Fenrir. The aptly-named little monster who was brought into my clinic as a five-week-old baby who was found abandoned in a bush. Our best guess is that he was born on 13th September 2019. Who would have thought that sweet little baby would have turned into the bane of my existence? Fenrir is grey and white and will eat literally anything, resulting in him having already had over 1000 pounds worth of medical treatment for foreign body ingestions in his short life.

[writersrealmbts]

Train Tracks: Route 2; Pregnant

Description: Hybrid!Reader x Taehyung: As a hybrid you have no worth and your means of survival is digging through the trash, working odd jobs for those who are more kind-hearted, and–unfortunately–pick-pocketing. When you choose the wrong target, things take a strange turn as this obviously wealthy man enters your life.

Warnings: It’s just a mess.

Posted: 05/16/2019

Tags: Taehyung, Human Taehyung, Hybrid Reader

Fluff, angst: 3,339 words

A/N: This route gave me no end of trouble, and it’s not what I had in mind but it’s the only thing I could get to work for the story and then I sort of gave up so it is what it is. It’s over! Yay!

You sat down hard, feeling a little lightheaded and nauseous. Again. “You alright?” Taehyung asked quietly, signaling the dog the two of you were training to sit and wait before coming over to you. You let your gaze flick up to him. “Um, I think I might need to go see Jungkook.” You’d been feeling…off for a while now. You’d been working with Taehyung since that day you woke up in his house, so about two weeks. You were exhausted, off-balance, and nauseous at times. You’d been fighting the reality of the situation for a while, but now you had to know. Taehyung nodded. “I’ll give Jungkook a call. Just rest.” You nodded, closing your eyes. You were scared. You remembered the deal you made with Taehyung, but it still scared you. Taehyung came back. “Come on, he’s getting the stuff and he’s going to meet us at my house.” You took his hand to get up. “I’m scared.” “It’ll be okay.” He led you out the door, and through the city, supporting you when you felt wobbly. 

Jungkook arrived at the house half an hour after you and Taehyung did, with a friend. You glanced up at Taehyung, but he was already moving toward them, hugging the new man. “Jimin-ssi!” Taehyung hugged him tightly. “Hey, Taehyungie.” The shorter man greeted warmly, then looked at you. Both Taehyung and Jungkook whispered to him, looking a little stern. He just nodded then slowly approached with Jungkook after Taehyung had come back to your side. “Y/n, this is Jimin. He’s a friend of ours.” Jungkook spoke softly, and you relaxed a little. You trusted Jungkook, he was gentle and kind and if he was saying Jimin was okay, then he should be, right? You glanced up at Taehyung. “He’s okay,” Taehyung murmured. You nodded. Jimin cautiously approached you. “Hello, y/n. It’s nice to finally meet you.” “Nice to meet you,” You responded, smiling a little. “Jimin is a health specialist for hybrids. He brought the equipment for testing you,” Jungkook explained gently. You nodded. Taehyung helped them set up equipment in the room. Jimin was obviously in charge now, but Jungkook was the one that was communicating with you to get you ready for the check up. Both Jungkook and Taehyung looked uncomfortable though. Jimin rolled his eyes. “Y/n, is it okay if I kick these two idiots out?” “Hey!” You nodded. “She said okay, get out. You’re acting weird and you’re making me nervous. Just, get out of my way.” He ushered them out. Once it was just the two of you he let out a breath. “Alright, so you’ve been feeling a little sick?” “And off-balance. And just, tired.” You lay back, trying to relax. He nodded. “Alright, and…were you ever taught anything about pregnancy?” “Only what I’ve learned on the streets.” “Okay. You’re a cat hybrid, so if you are pregnant you’ll have a gestation period that could last from four to six months. It depends on your breed.” “Singapura.” He winced. “So, four or five months and you’ll probably have to have a cesarean section. Alright, let’s check you.” You tried to relax as he checked you, heart sinking as he sighed heavily. “Where are you living?” “Am I…?” “Yes.” You closed your eyes. “I made a deal with Taehyung that I would stay here if I was.” Your eyes were filling with tears. “Good. You’ll need a safe environment. You’ll probably end up on bed-rest by the third month. Is it okay if I continue as your doctor?” You nodded. He was quiet as he cleaned up with his back to you as you got fully clothed again. “Y/n?” “Yes?” He came over and gently guided you to sit down again. “I know…I know that this isn’t exactly a happy thing for you. That this is because you were attacked. But your babies…they won’t know that.” You shivered, ears back. “Babies? Not one.” “It’s really rare for hybrids to have just one unless they’re animal counterpart usually only had litters of one or two.” You felt like you were shrinking. “How many?” His gaze was so sad. “Five.” Your eyes widened, and you could almost feel your pupils dilating with fear. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. We’re going to take care of you. We’re going to keep you safe and healthy, and warm.” His voice took on a soothing quality and he started petting your hair. “We’re going to get you a nice nest set up in a safe, warm, place.” “Warm. Safe.” You shivered again, taking shaky and shallow breaths. “Come on,” he guided you gently out of the room, “We’re going to go make a nest for your babies. A safe, warm, nest where you can rest.” You mewled softly. A deep voice joined Jimin’s. “Hey, y/n. Can you look at me?” You met Taehyung’s soulful eyes, swallowing slightly as the sight grounded you a little. “Five.” “Okay,” He replied. “We’ll have to make a nice big nest that’s still cozy.” You nodded, feeling a little heavy-headed. “You want me to carry you, kitten?” You nodded again, reaching your arms out. He scooped you up, cuddling you close. “There we go. I’m going to keep you and the kits safe.” “Safe,” You whispered. “But my home…” “We’ll move your things here. And when the kits are older, we’ll take them camping there. You can show them the wonders of the outdoors,” he murmured. “You can teach them important life skills. And which way is North.” You smiled a little. “Yeah, don’t follow you.” “Exactly,” He replied, the smile he had on his face evident in his voice. You nuzzled into the stable warmth of his body. “Sleep.” “Okay, we’ll get you settled in so you can sleep. We’ll talk more when you wake up, and we’ll get started on making this place ready for the kits.” You fell asleep quickly, not even settled into a bed but warm and protected in his arms. ——— You glared at Yoongi. “Not there.” He looked satisfactorily scared as he picked the table and moved it to a new spot, not setting it down until you nodded. Taehyung stroked your hair, trying to soothe you. You wiggled back against him more, watching with narrowed eyes as Namjoon brought in a chair, and nodding when he put it in the right place. Hormones definitely were getting the better of you, especially today as they moved things around the room where your kits would sleep since you honestly could barely walk. At three months, with five kits in your enormous belly, you were essentially stuck in a wheelchair because you couldn’t physically handle the weight of the kits. You were too small, and Jimin’s visits to check on your health, as well as Jungkook’s, were growing more and more frequent until Taehyung finally just told Jimin to crash in one of the guest bedrooms until you had the kittens. Their friends had been making trips out to your home when they had the chance and transporting things here for you, not that there was much, but you had wanted the clothes and some of the blankets. The two books you owned. It was more because they were things from your home than actual need. Taehyung had easily fallen into the role you needed of provider. The role a mate would normally play. He kept you safe, and kept others from irritating you too much. He brought you food and gave you more soft supplies for the nest you still picked at and arranged. He comforted you, and kept your spirits up. Where you were worried about being a mother, he was excited about the kits, keeping your spirits up and keeping you optimistic about the future. He was the one thinking of names for each of the kits, imagining what they’d be like and getting your mind to sort of imagine everything being okay—though it was always with him acting as the father of your kits. Right now, though, the boys were moving in some extra furniture and items for your kits once they were born. Taehyung had gone on a shopping spree, apparently, but when he got back with the guys to help you had been upset and uncomfortable to the point where you wouldn’t let Jungkook near you. Jungkook brought a bag up to you and Taehyung, setting it on the edge and gently pushing it towards you as you eyed him warily. Taehyung reached out and grabbed the bag. “Look, I got these for the kits.” He started pulling out plush looking animals. You perked up, shifted awkwardly so you could see him as well as what he had gotten. “I got a duck, a bear, a penguin, a dolphin, and an elephant.” He set them in a row for you to evaluate them. You smiled and took them one by one, tucking them into a special spot in the nest. You then winced, rubbing your belly. “I want them out.” “I know. But they aren’t ready yet. You want a bath?” He asked, shifting so he was close enough to feel your belly as well and smiling when he could feel them moving. You nodded. He moved closer, helping you off of the mattress and supporting you as you lurched forward under the weight of your belly. All of the men were tense, watching you carefully until you were back on your feet. “They’re too heavy,” You whispered, scared of hurting yourself. You had nightmares about your body tearing open under the weight of the five babes inside of you. “It’s okay, it’ll be okay,” He murmured, putting a hand on your stomach, a little underneath to support it. “That’s why I’m helping you.” You looked down. “I don’t want to take a bath anymore.” “It’ll help you relax, and we’ll put in the special bubbles that help your skin and relieves the aches in your muscles,” Taehyung coaxed. You blinked up at him tiredly. “I can’t change or get in and out of the bath on my own. Showers are hard. Getting dressed is hard. Drying off is hard.” He was quiet for a while, then he nodded. “I’ll have to help you then.” You looked up at him in alarm. “Look, there’s another month before you’ll be able to safely give birth to these kits. You need to be able to get clean, and if that means me helping you, then that’s what we’ll do.” “But…you’d see me,” You said, face burning. You were looking at the floor. Hardwood. That wouldn’t do. “Need rugs.” “We’ll go look into getting you some soft rugs,” Namjoon said, herding the others out. Taehyung gently tilted your face up. “I see you now.” You shook your head. “Look, it’s me or a complete stranger. I don’t want to stress you out, but I will make sure you get clean whether you cooperate or not. Not that you need it right now, but you’re so tense and jumpy. You need to relax, and we need to give your skin treatment to make sure it doesn’t get damaged. Please let me help you.” He gently kissed your forehead. You were suppressing a distressed sound. “But I’m huge and a mess and—” “Beautiful.” You flinch at his interjection. “This isn’t beautiful, it’s—” “You’re carrying life, what could be more beautiful? I think you look beautiful. You trust me, right?” You met his eyes and nodded. “Then trust me when I say that you look beautiful. Trust me to help you.” He rubbed his thumb over your stomach. You nodded again. “You want me to carry you to the bathroom, then?” You lifted your arms in response. He bent so you could wrap your arms around his neck and so he could properly lift you. He carried you to the bathroom in his room, setting you on the chair by the tub. “Alright. I’ll run the water, just rest for now.” You nodded, watching him prepare the bath for you. “I was scared of you, you know.” He glanced over at you, then smiled. “Jungkook told me. He was really surprised at how quickly you started trusting me.” You shrugged. He came over to you and helped you stand up. Your face, ears, and tail were burning as he started undressing you like it was the most normal thing in the world. He’d seen your belly before because you had needed help putting lotion on it when you got a rash from a minor allergic reaction two or three weeks back. But now he was seeing your whole body. Everything you hated, or felt weird about. And he didn’t seem to notice anything at all. He just helped you into the bathtub without a word, then went to talk to the boys before he helped you with your hair. You slid under the bubbles, getting your hair wet. The water helped alleviate some of the weight, but you still felt like you had this huge weight attached to your middle. He came back not too long later, entering quietly, but making sure you heard him. “Better?” “A little,” You agreed, tilting your head under his hand so that he would rub behind your ear. He complied, leaning down and kissing your nose. “Want me to wash your hair, or let you relax more?” You hummed, not certain. You wanted both. Just like when it was late at night and you were cuddling with him because you needed him to hold you so you could sleep and you just wanted him to kiss you but also weren’t sure that was what you wanted. Your eyes widened from slits when his lips pressed a feather-light kiss to your lips. He smiled at your surprise. “So cute.” “Can you rub my feet?” You asked. He grinned at the abrupt change, then looked over at your feet. “I’d get pretty wet.” “So don’t wear your clothes.” He looked at you in shock. “What?” “Hey, you saw me in all my pregnant glory. At least you’re in normal shape. I’m a balloon.” You looked down at your belly. “That has little alien beings inside of it that I can see moving.” He leaned over and made an adoring sound. “They’re going to be so cute!” He then met your eyes again. “Are you sure? I mean, I’m still a man.” “One that I need to rub my feet. Don’t worry, I’ve seen everything.” You tried to reach for the shampoo but your stomach got in the way. You growled, shifting so you could reach it before he could grab it for you. You opened the bottle and started lathering your hair. “Besides, the tub is big enough.” He didn’t answer, so you glanced over, seeing him taking off his shirt. Yeah. No big deal. Definitely not a big deal. He climbed into the water quickly, sinking below the bubbles by your feet and bringing one up so he could rub it. He seemed a little shy and maybe embarrassed. You smiled across at him. “Thanks, Taehyung.” He smiled back. “I told you. I plan on being here for the long run. This is your home now. This will be their home. They’ll have a better start to life than you were given.” You rubbed your hand over your stomach. “Do you think I’ll be a good mother?” “Yeah. I really do.” You hoped he was right. ———— You hissed before you even had your eyes open, sensing an intruder trying to enter your nest where you had your kits. “Shh, y/n, it’s just me,” Tae’s voice washed over you and you relaxed, blinking blearily before looking to your five kits. They were all sleeping peacefully, tails curled around themselves or their siblings hands or feet, so you turned your attention back to him. He crawled in behind you, careful not to come between you and the kits again (you still felt bad that Jimin might get a scar from that scratch). “Didn’t mean to wake you,” He whispered. “The boys left. How are the kits?” “Mmm, the boys are fussy, but I expected as much.” “Why?” “Boys are always fussier than girls,” You pulled the one boy to your chest when he seemed to be working himself into crying. “I still need to name them.” Tae cooed softly, gently brushing the baby’s cheek. “I’ve got a list of names on my phone if you’d like to look at those.” You smiled, wiggling back into his grasp. “You want to hold him? He doesn’t want to feed.” “Yes!” He helped you sit up, propping you up with some of the pillows, before carefully taking the small kit. He looked at it with so much love, you would almost say that he loved them more than you did. “Look at you, so big. You gave your momma so much trouble.” That was an understatement. You had gone into labor unexpectedly and all of you had misidentified it as false labor. This big chunk was the first to be born and he was far too big for you. Your pelvis was fractured and the others were removed through a c-section. You were on a lot of pain-killer. “But me and momma are going to take such good care of you and your siblings. I’m going to love you with all I’ve got,” He whispered. “And don’t tell your momma, but I’m going to keep loving her too.” You smiled and purred softly. The two of you had been growing closer and closer the longer you were pregnant the more you understood that Taehyung was just waiting for you to give him the okay to be the adoptive father to your kits. About two weeks ago he had confessed that he fell in love with you in that alley, and frankly you had easily fallen in love with him once you had relaxed. You trusted him more than anyone else. “Look at your cute little kitten ears and your tiny little fingers,” Taehyung murmured adoringly. “You all took after your momma, that’s good.” You checked your other kits but they were sound asleep, all breathing well. One of the girl’s tails was flicking happily and a little purr filled the nest. “Three little boys and two little girls,” You murmured. “This is going to be interesting. Boys are so much trouble.” “Girls are so moody,” Taehyung countered. “Boys are too. Plus they rough-house and hurt each other.” “Girls are…” “Quicker to mature,” You pointed out. He chuckled, snuggling the baby. “They smell so good.” You looked up. “Yeontan is trying to get into the nest.” “Yeontan, out,” Tae ordered. You smiled a little. “He’s got quite the mouth.” “I’m moving training to the house. The dogs are ready for in-home training. Will you be okay with them in the house? It’ll be good to have them around kids and train.” You nodded. “I’ll talk to them. Besides, they can run through the house for me since I’m not really able to move much on my own.” He set the baby back down with the others and you made sure the babe was properly positioned. Taehyung kissed you when you looked back up. “You’re sure you’re okay with me being their dad?” “Are you sure you’re okay with it? Five kids is a lot.” He just grinned. “It’s the perfect amount. I mean, I always said I wanted four boys and one girl, but it’s probably better this way.” You nodded. “This way neither of the girls ever wants for another girl and they don’t get spoiled for being the only girl.” He shifted your pillows so that you were laying back again. “You should rest some more while you can. I’ll watch over them.” You nodded, closing your eyes. You could hear him whisper as you fell asleep: “I love…”

Masterlist. ~ Part 2. ~ Route 1

Tagging: @jiminslye​

[bee-kathony]

Fraser Memorial | Ch. 12 “Beginnings & Endings”

a/n: Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story! Sadly, this will be the last chapter (at least for a little while). I’ve got some new fics in the works and I felt it was time to wrap this one up. I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think! 

Ch. 1 - Sutures | Ch. 2 - Maybe This Time | Ch. 3 - Movie Date | Ch. 4 - Two Pink Lines | Ch. 5 - Boss’s Boss| Ch. 6 - Grapefruits | Ch. 7 - The Stables | Ch. 8 - Bear This Pain | Ch. 9 - Spontaneity | Ch. 10 - Gifts | Ch. 11 - On Call 

One Year Later October 2017

I checked my reflection in the mirror, applying one more coat of mascara before I decided my make-up would just have to do for the evening. My dress was a simple black, that hugged every curve and line of my body. Just the way my husband liked, or so he showed me.

“Sassenach!” He called from the living room, “Are ye ready? We dinna want to be late!”

“Such an impatient man,” I fussed, grabbing my coat from the bed and slipping it on over my shoulders. Jamie was waiting for me, his arms crossed, looking down at his watch.

“I’m ready. I swear it!” I smiled and kissed him on the cheek as he turned his face to press his lips to mine.

“Don’t!” I pulled back, “You’ll mess up my lipstick and I don’t think you want to wait around for me to fix it.”

“I’d love to mess up yer lipstick, Sassenach. And that wee dress of yers too,” the color of his eyes turned into a deep blue, “but yer right, we must go.” He sighed, frowning as he settled for a kiss to my forehead and took my hand, leading me to the door.

“Are you nervous, Jamie?” I squeezed his hand as we walked to the car parked on the street.

“Aye, a wee bit.”

“Your speech will be great, I know it.” He stopped us before we climbed into the car, his hands slid down my body to rest on my hips.

“’Tis a big responsibility, bein’ an owner of a hospital.” He squeezed my sides making me jump, “With my father retiring and all, I ken it has to be me but I just worry I willna be good at it.”

Not caring about my lipstick or the stain it would leave on his lips, I pressed forward and closed our mouths together. “Jamie Fraser, you’re the bravest man I know. You’re ready for this, your father has trained you well. The past year has been in preparation for this moment. Besides…” I smirked, my hands sliding down over his arse, “I can’t wait until I can say I sleep with the boss.”

Jamie laughed and pressed his lips to mine again, “I love ye, Sassenach. Truly, I do.”

“And I you, Jamie. Now let’s go! It’s bloody freezing out here, and I need those heated seats!”

He let go of my hips and opened the passenger door for me. The entire drive over, his right hand never left mine - I squeezed it off and on, a matter of habit, to remind him I was there. I was always going to be there, I was always going to be his biggest supporter.

The tension was seeping out of his body. No normal person would have known that, but I knew James Fraser, and I knew just how big of a night this retirement gala at Fraser Memorial was going to be.

We arrived to the hospital right on time and with only one squinted eyed look from Joe, no one appeared to notice we’d almost been late. The gala was quite impressive. With decorations everywhere, the hospital cafeteria no longer resembled itself. Of course, it still needed to be in some working order, but arrangements had been made for the food to be delivered to those that needed it.

Jamie squeezed my hand tightly as he led us through the crowd of people, stopping at nearly every table to say hello to someone. There wasn’t a single person here that didn’t know Jamie. Being the son of the owner of the hospital had built up quite a reputation for Jamie, but he had come to visit me so often that at first, people just thought he was my clingy boyfriend. That all changed of course when we were married and Jamie started taking on more responsibility at the hospital in preparation for this day.

Brian Fraser was retiring from the hospital and leaving it all in Jamie’s capable hands. By no means was Brian too old and unable to work, but he wanted to spend the time he had left with his family. We walked up to the table near the front and he pulled me into a warm hug.

“Ah, Claire, tis always good to see ye.”

“You as well, Brian,” I smiled and then said hello to Ellen, Jenny and Ian who had all come for this special night.

After Brian’s and then Jamie’s speech, there would be dinner served and some dancing before the night came to an end.

“Did my brother manage to keep his wame under control?” Jenny leaned over to me as I took my seat next to her.

Jamie was talking with his father, no doubt going over some points in his speech.

“Yes,” I grimaced. “He was awful close to losing his lunch earlier today, but I gave him some peppermint tea to help calm his nerves.”

“Och, he’ll do just fine. He’s worrying over nothing,” Jenny smiled.

“The lad was born for leadership,” Ian agreed.

He was born for leadership. Jamie was born for a lot of great things. He was kind, brave, strong and extremely compassionate. As I watched him talk with his father, the way his hands moved when he talked, the slight twitch of his lip when he smiled, I was reminded why I had fallen in love so quickly with him. He put me at ease.

Over the few years we had known each other, we had barely gotten into fights and when we did, it was usually Jamie who was first to come and apologize. I knew that when Jamie was always told he was stubborn, he would disagree with that and say that I was the more stubborn one in our relationship. But no matter the argument or disagreement, Jamie always made sure that we were okay. He was my fierce protector and I was his.

I grabbed my glass of wine and took a long sip, waiting for the evening to begin.

“Still trying then?” Ellen noticed my consumption of alcohol and knowing we were trying for a baby, smiled sadly.

Nodding, I set my glass down. “Yes, I thought I might have been, but it was a false test.”

She slid her hand over mine and squeezed it, “Dinna fash, Clare. Ye’ll have bairns soon enough.”

“I sure hope so,” I smiled and then turned my attention to the small stage as Brian stepped up.

He tapped the mic, making feedback echo around the room, “Hello everyone, thank you for coming tonight. It truly means a lot to me and my family that you’re here.”

Jamie was off to the side, waiting for his turn and I saw his fingers tapping nervously on his thigh. All throughout Brian’s speech, I kept my eyes on him, begging for him to look at me, to hold my attention so that he wouldn’t be nervous. His eyes were focused on the ground, his notecards clutched tightly in his hands.

I hardly noticed Brian’s speech was over, but soon I was the only one left sitting and quickly rose to clap as Jamie then took over at the podium.

“Thank you Da,” Jamie said proudly, motioning towards Brian who took his seat next to Ellen. “Before I say a little something, I just want to thank my father for everythin’ he’s done not only for this hospital, but for me and our family.”

Ellen slid her arm over Brian’s and I thought I saw a few tears in his eyes.

“Ye’ve been the foundation for our family, Da. When Willie died, I didna ken how to keep goin’ but it was ye who helped me to find a purpose and for that I thank ye.” Jamie cleared his throat then and turned to the audience. His eyes glanced around the room before finally settling on mine — he smiled and then began.

He had the audience laughing along with his poor medical jokes and I heard a few sniffs when he told the story of his brother and how the hospital got its name. Then as he told everyone how he hoped to bring something great to this hospital, everyone stood to their feet and cheered him on, all willing to help him achieve that.

He came to me first, kissing me deeply to my embarrassment as the people around us whooped and hollered.

After he sat down, then the food was served and eaten quickly along with plenty of wine.

Thinking that Jamie was standing to go to the loo, I barely noticed his hand as he held it out to me. “Will ye dance wi’ me, Sassenach?”

“Oh,” I smiled and looked up at him before sliding my hand in his, “I’d love to Mr. Fraser.”

His hands wrapped tightly around my waist, holding me close to him and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Slowly our bodies began to sway and I kissed him. “Well done on your speech, love.”

“I have ye to thank for letting me practice it so much.”

“Too much,” I laughed. “But you really did a wonderful job, I’m very proud of you.” As I said this I felt tears spring to my eyes for all he had accomplished and would accomplish.

“Dinna cry, mo nighean,” Jamie pressed the pad of his thumb just under my eye to stop my tears.

“Sorry,” I sniffed and wound my hands in his hair at the nape of his neck. “I just love seeing you in your element.”

“Aye,” Jamie kissed the tip of my nose. “I get the same feelin’ when I see ye workin’ wi’ yer scalpels and wee needles.”

I slid my hands down his back and settled on his waist, “Here’s to you darling, on your fine achievement of becoming owner and the big time boss of this hospital.”

“Here’s to us, Sassenach,” Jamie corrected and planted a kiss on my lips. “And for everythin’ that’s ahead for us. Everythin’ that life has to offer, I’m glad I have ye by my side.”

“I love you.”

“And I you,” Jamie pulled me to him and we swayed slowly, cherishing the feeling of just being and smiling at the possibilities of the future.

May 2019

“Can you believe the twins are six months old already?” I smiled as I took a few more pictures of Malcolm and Lilidh playing with our newest housemate, Adso the kitten.

“Tis hard to believe, Sassenach. I feel like it was just yesterday that we found out ye were pregnant,” Jamie smiled and then reached for my phone to look through the pictures. Adso was a rescue that Jamie had found on his walk home from work one day. I wouldn’t let the cat in the house without proper vet checks, but once the little kitten was deemed clean, I welcomed him openly into our home.

“Who kens, maybe this time next year, they’ll have another brother or sister to play wi’.”

I gave Jamie a stern glance, rolling my eyes. “I just started to get my body back and you’re already thinking of another child. We’ve got our hands full enough with these two rascals.”

Lilidh was gentle with Adso, softly stroking his fur while Malcolm kept pulling on his tail, making him meow rather loudly.

“It doesna have to be next year then, Sassenach,” Jamie grinned playfully and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against him on the couch. “Maybe a year and a half.”

“In your dreams Fraser,” I hit his stomach.

“Weel, if we dinna have any more bairns, I’m quite satisfied wi’ these two,” Jamie said proudly as he watched them. Their hair was growing fast now and they both were sprouting nice red curls.

“Are you?” I looked up at him.

“Aye,” Jamie brought his hand under my chin, his rough fingers pulling me to look up at him. “I have everythin’ I’ll ever need in this verra room.”

“A wife, two kids and a kitten,” I smiled. “What more could a man every ask for?”

“Ten more bairns?”

“That is completely out of the question!” I laughed and swatted at his hand. He laughed beside me and then pulled me closer, his hand sliding down over my hip. Jamie knew just what he was up to — his fingers slowly kneading my side.

“Stop it,” I said softly and tried to keep my attention on the twins.

“I’m no doin’ anythin’, Sassenach.” His fingers pressed firmly against my hip before traveling up and under my thin sweater. The pads of his fingers ghosted lightly over my bare skin and I shivered. How was it possible for him to make me feel so aroused in a matter of seconds?

I rolled my eyes and then stood up, pulling him to his feet. The twins were sitting in a playpen, with no chance of escaping and all we needed was a couple of minutes for what I had planned.

Jamie started to open his mouth in what I assumed was protest, but I yanked on his arm, pulling him to the bedroom. With the door kept partially open to hear any signs of distress, Jamie pinned me to the wall and hiked up my leg around his waist.

“Christ, Sassenach,” Jamie pressed forward, his mouth on my neck and I slid my hands between us, unzipping his pants. I had his cock in the palm of my hands in a matter of seconds and Jamie was moaning against my skin, his tongue flicking on my pulse point.

“God, I need you,” I panted and then dropped my leg so he could pull my pants down over my hips. Desperate to feel him inside of me, we didn’t bother undressing further and I had to bite down on my lip as he entered me in one quick thrust upwards.

“Mmmm,” I groaned and Jamie’s hand flew over my mouth to silence me.

“Be quiet, Sassenach,” Jamie chuckled and then grabbed my leg to wrap around his waist and began to roll his hips upwards.

I held onto his shoulders and pressed down against him, feeling him inside so deeply. I wanted him, needed him and craved him always and I also knew we needed to make this quick to return to the children.

“Touch me,” I panted and then kissed him. He gave a slight nod and then his fingers were on my slit, his thumb pressing firmly against my clit. A few more seconds of this, joined by his thrusting and I felt my climax hit me, nearly pulling me to the ground. Jamie was the one this time to cry out and I moved my hand over his mouth and he gently bit down as he came.

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ,” I muttered whenever Jamie pulled out of me and began to tuck himself away.

“I was plannin’ on havin’ my way wi’ ye later on tonight, mo ghraidh but it seems ye couldna wait,” he smirked and then helped me zip up my pants. “Was it all that talk of bairns?”

“Shut it,” I laughed and then leaned up on my tip toes and kissed him, tugging on his collar.

“Just admit it, Fraser,” he nearly growled. “Ye want to have more bairns wi’ me.”

I nipped at his nose and then turned to walk out of the room but not before he could pull me back to him, tight against his chest.

“Fine. Maybe I do,” I said quietly. Of course I did.

“Then I plan on gettin’ in a lot of practice until we find out if yer wi’ child again,” he smirked and gave my bum a nice little pat.

“Oh do you?” I grinned and kissed his jaw.

“Aye, I do.”

“I’d like to see you try,” I flicked my tongue out against his stubble and then pulled away from his grasp quickly, returning to the twins. He joined me a moment later and I smiled at him — I’d joined the twins in their playpen, holding Adso on my lap now. Jamie grinned and then pulled out his phone, taking a few pictures before joining us. We sat there for hours, playing with our new kitten and laughing whenever the twins both tried to pull on Adso’s tail.

I loved our family, and I loved the thought of adding more children to our crazy little bunch. As the twins focused on the wee kitten, I met Jamie’s eye above them and smiled and it was like I was transported back to the day I first saw him — hobbling in with the help of Ian because he was too stupid and dislocated his arm.

Whatever he was, he was mine and I loved him and the life he had given me.

[kittyxlover]

I'd like the internet to know about Smokey the cat.

Today I'm sharing some of her story with the world. Though we've long since lost old photos I'll make due with the ones I have. I may add more later on since there's a limit to how many pictures you can add at one time.

This was Smokey. My beautiful fluffy grey and white tuxedo baby. Today, March 14th 2019 would have been her 24th birthday, and mark 20 years with my family.

Sadly she had to be put to sleep on February 12th 2019. She had been sick off and on for months and suddenly just stopped eating. Nothing we tried worked so after 2 days I called it. Clearly she was telling me it was her time. I didn't want her to suffer because I wanted to spend more time with her.

She came to us as a feral cat. Adopted from a local shelter to help us with a mouse problem we had. And because I kept pestering my mom about wanting a cat. I live up to my username. Kitty lover since day 1.

So it was very fitting that she was only a few months younger than me (I'm born in November). We were always together. She was my partner in crime to help me even the odds against my 3 older brothers.

Whenever they were mean to me growing up she'd help me get even. Claws hurt a lot more than anything I could do. One time she even went as far as coming up to my 1 brother and showing him her latest catch. And oh boy let me tell you. You have not lived until you witnessed a boy scream bloody murder while trying to do a Spider-Man impression up a wall to get away from a cat with a mouse in her mouth. She was happy as could be as she trotted off with her latest catch.

When she was young she was basically the Kool-Aid Man. You shake a bag of Temptations and she'd come running, bursting into the room at mach speed like "I heard the treats! GIVE!" You cold hear every thump and bang as she made her way towards you too. Was the best way to find her sometimes.

Growing up we lost her in the house quite a lot. As you can imagine it's not hard to lose a mostly grey cat in the dark. Now imagine having to go down a flight of stairs and not know if she was sprawled out on one keeping a watch of the house. It was like the worse game of Hide and Seek ever. Because when you find her you got claws and little cat teeth in your feet.

She was a very loving and sassy cat until her final days when she went down hill. Always wanted to be with people, didn't matter what you were doing she'd be right there curled up with you so she could get attention or just enjoy some cuddle time.

She loved blankets. Loved being curled up under them with people. Or just by herself. They were her safety spot. When she was under a blanket she was happy and content. Some she would claim for herself. We weren't allowed to use them. They were hers and she made it well known that they were hers. It's incredibly weird being allowed to use a blanket again when for the last 11 years I'd get attacked if I tried to move or wash it.

Despite her grumpy face she loved cuddles. Every chance she could find she'd be in someone's lap or curled up with me like this. Purring away. She was a complete sweetheart who just wanted all the love and attention she could get.

But wasn't afraid to show you who was boss if she got a bit over stimulated or annoyed.

I have an auto immune disorder, so I can get sick very easily and tend to have a lot of days where I feel too crappy to get out of bed or go very far. So Smokey took it upon herself to try and be my personal nurse. She was always by my side, trying to purr me better. Or just telling me "hey, I'm here. It's ok Hooman."

Despite her age she was still very feisty up until her final days. She never got along with other cats, and barely tollerarted some dogs. She wasn't afraid to throw paws and show them who's really in charge... sometimes even through glass doors.

But she also had a playful side. Her favourite toys being shoelaces, bell balls, and any kind of writing tool. She'd go nuts for any of them in the right mood.

She was a master expressions and sassiness. Always put me in a better mood when I'd look over and she was practically judging me for just about anything.

She managed to survive my brothers growing up, 3 moves in city and 1 across country. Out lived 1 hamster (no she didn't eat it), 3 dogs, and 3 cats we tried to have along with her (didn't last long. She practically tried to murder a kitten so they were given to better homes.)

She lived out her final years in the beautiful mountain province of British Columbia, Canada. Enjoying the scenery and window sunbeams whenever possible.

It's incredibly lonely without her. We keep thinking we hear her collar, or her attacking something in the hallway. I keep rolling over expecting to see her curled up on her heat pad happy as can be. But when I do it's just an empty space where there should be a cat.

To many she was just a cat.

But to me she was my whole world.

[morganbelarus]

Meet Garlic 2.0, Chinas First Cloned Kitten

When Huang Yu was left devastated following the death of his 2.5-year-old British shorthair named Garlic, he knew there was only one thing to do: make another one exactly the same.

Cue Sinogene, a Bejing-based pet cloning company that has already cloned more than 40 pet dogs, including the world’s first police pup. The somatic cell cloning techniques of animal species is a relatively new technology and certain challenges persist when it comes to making clones of felines. But they were up to the challenge.

“The reproductive and physiological characteristics of cats are different from those of most animals. Because cats are not spontaneous ovulation animals, they are one of the few ovulation-inducing animals,” said veterinarian Shi Zhensheng in a statement. “Their reproductive cycle is special and cloning techniques are difficult. The operation is cumbersome. This successful cultivation of cloned cats is one of the few successful cases in the world, marking China’s major step in the field of cloning.”

After nearly a year of effort, scientists were able to transfer an embryo to a surrogate cat who carried the developing kitten for 66 days. Garlic 2.0 was born on July 21, 2019 via natural birth and its genetics are entirely derived from the somatic cells of the now-deceased Garlic. Scientists say they have observed new Garlic for almost a month and report that it is in good physical condition and does not act differently than naturally bred kittens.

Garlic (left) next to its now-deceased predecessor. Sinogene

The procedure came at a price tag of at 250,000 yuan ($35,000), reports Agence France-Presse, but Yu says the money was worth having his fuzzy feline friend – or a version of it – back.

“Its name will continue to be called Garlic because in my heart I have always felt that the cloned kitten is the continuation of its life,” he said in an interview with the cloning company.

Though he will miss his original cat who died of an unnamed illness, a new cat with the same genes brings him comfort.

“I think that the original intention of each owner to clone their pets will be different. Each cat is an independent individual and has his own personality,” said Yu.

Last year, more than 22 million Chinese residents were raising some 40 million pet cats, according to the pet-cloning outfit. If even a fraction of them are willing to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to have their fur babies replaced, then the pet cloning industry could soon be an especially lucrative one.

Just last year, Chinese biologists successfully cloned two macaque monkeys in what were the first true clones of a primate species. A lab in South Korea will also clone your dog for a cool $100,000. But the fun doesn’t stop there; researchers are attempting to clone a wooly mammoth while Siberian-based scientists are attempting to clone a 40,000-year-old preserved foal.

The cloning of domestic animals could have other applications as well, such as cloning endangered animals to increase and efficiently manage populations and curb diseases, according to Sinogene. The company plans to attempt cloning equine animals and homing pigeons in the near future. 

Garlic (right) with its surrogate mother. Sinogene

Original Article : HERE ;

The post Meet Garlic 2.0, Chinas First Cloned Kitten appeared first on MetNews.

Meet Garlic 2.0, Chinas First Cloned Kitten was originally posted by MetNews

[thegrumpypenguin]

  Snow leopard cubs on a warm day – look at those pink tongues!!!

  Adorable Mylo

This will be the very last post I complete for 2018 and there is an excellent chance that I have saved the best for last. Over the past couple of years at the Toronto Zoo there has been quite a “Baby Boom,” and two years ago I decided there were enough new offspring to warrant their own calendar – and I continued that trend into 2018. There have been countless new and beautiful babies born in and around the Zoo since then – and in other Zoos and locations, too. Many of these have been of the family Felidae (or “cat”), which is likely my favourite taxonomical family of all. I have featured lynx babies “Cinders” and “Ashes;” the four gorgeous white lion lads; the clouded leopard sisters who survived against great odds; and the improbable five kittens born to first-time cheetah mom, Laini, shortly after she arrived in a swap with Parc Safari. Thirteen beautiful new kittens born in the space of barely a year. But, to my mind, the most beautiful of all were born last of all when Ena, another first-time mom, gave birth on May 18, 2017 during a month-long strike at the Toronto Zoo.

  Keeper Jennifer and Mylo, first day in public

Three cubs were born on that day (two boys and a girl); however, their father, Kota, was a carrier of Bordetella bronchiseptica (aka “Kennel Cough”) and apparently passed the problem along to his cubs. On June 15, 2017 one of the boys sadly passed away after contracting the infection. The remaining two cubs were immediately given treatment and recovered wonderfully, although Mylo, the second boy, definitely progressed a little more slowly at first than his sister, Kita. In another blow to this little family, Kota had to be euthanized in October of 2017 after quickly going downhill due to age-related issues, although I have heard whispers of the “Kennel Cough” issue perhaps also taking hold of him at the end. However, all that aside, the remaining two cubs and their then seven-year-old mom, who had arrived from Japan a year earlier and was introduced to Kota after Tiga (the previous female) passed away, bonded together brilliantly and I was giddy with excitement when I learned of their impending public debut, set for August 25, 2017.

  Kota (facing camera) and Ena

Kota had fathered two previous litters when he was introduced to Ena. I tried to visit them as often as I could after they were first put together; early on, they seemed to mostly be “putting up with” each other. As time went by, I began to see them sleeping together in the den, but Ena had a “safe place” on top of a hammock-like contraption that actually looked a lot like a howdah without an elephant. If Kota approached that area while she was sitting up in that hammock, she would hiss at him until he backed away. Then one day I came by and could only see Ena, at first, in that very hammock. It wasn’t until I moved a little closer that I noticed the second tail and realized that she had finally allowed Kota to come up and join her. That was when I knew they were going to get along just fine. They cuddled more closely in the den, followed each other around the exhibit, and spent long hours just lying close to each other, staring at the turs across the road. It came as no real surprise when I learned of Ena’s pregnancy in the early spring, but it was still an absolute delight!

  Mylo (top) and Kita

Because they were born in May, and didn’t make their public debut until they were three months old, I spent a lot of their early days watching them pant and look for shade. They weren’t exactly lethargic, per se, but I knew they could be a lot more playful, given the right circumstances. Never the less, as I watched them through the late summer months and well into the fall, two things became readily apparent: 1) Ena was a terrific mother, often running up to the cubs and forcing them to play with her instead of the other way around; and 2) the Eurasia Keepers did an amazing job of socializing the little balls of fur, because they were extremely precocious, inquisitive, and engaged every time I got their attention (which was pretty much every time I visited them). I got to know which one was which very early and spent so much time with them that Ena herself used to look over when I’d show up, something she had not really done before. The aforementioned tur had already been one of my favourite attractions at the Zoo and I often headed to see them during the summer when the rest of the park was very busy; now there were days when I went directly to that corner of Eurasia and ventured nowhere else for hours.

  (L-R) Kita, Mylo, Ena

Snow leopards, in general, may be the most beautiful cats in the world – they’re certainly at the top of any list of gorgeous felines. But even within that context, Ena is one of the most stunning snow leopards I have ever seen. There is such character and beauty in her face and I have spent many hours just looking at her, even after the cubs were born. The cubs were bound to be adorable in any event, but their lineage (Kota was pretty darned handsome himself) ensured that they would be heart-meltingly cute. But I didn’t only show up so often just because of their beauty. No, I wanted them to get to know me very well, to be calm around me, or even to react positively to my presence, as I was just biding my time until the heat had passed, the crowds had stopped showing up, the temperature dropped, and the first flakes started to fall. I knew that would be the best time to see them. And they didn’t disappoint, once that time arrived.

As the weather began to cool off, we began to play more. Eventually, the snow did fall, and I grabbed my camera and rushed over to the Zoo at even the sight of a few flakes for quite a while. We started to play Hide and Seek. Then they started to just flat-out stalk me, but I didn’t get a lot of shots of those times because I was having so much fun with them I simply forgot to do so. And then, right smack-dab in the middle of December, I remembered.

    I have many more videos of these guys – and others! – on my YouTube channel. Please check it out if you get the chance!

  Ena, Kita, Mylo in a chain

I’ve gone to see them so many times since they first came on display, and I almost never failed to get the attention of at least one of the three. And Ena absolutely loves playing with her offspring! The photo here is a very typical scene: Ena will walk past one or both of the cubs nonchalantly, pretending to be minding her own business. But the giveaway is this: that giant, fluffy tail will be standing straight up in the air like a huge flag, and whether she is wiggling it or not, it taunts the cubs. Within seconds, one will take the bait and start to chase after her; more often than not, this will result in Ena jumping about 10 feet vertically (as if she’s been caught by surprise) before dashing away on the dead run, one or two slightly smaller versions of herself in tow. And even though I’ve seen it happen many times, it enchants me on every occasion, even to this day.

  Kita just before she stalked me

As the cubs grew up, it seemed they lost interest in playing with me when I’d come to see them. But that wasn’t what happened at all, as it turned out: it was simply too darn hot all summer for them to have the energy to run around. When the temperature dropped again this fall, I went to see the family and found them lying together on a platform wrapped around a pole in the middle of the exhibit. I called out to Kita and, as you can see here, she opened her eyes and fixed them on me. Right after I took this photo, I shuffled my feet a little bit in the dead leaves and then ducked down behind some rocks, out of sight, for a second or two. When I popped back up, Kita was not where I left her… because she had jumped down to the plateau on her side of the fence and was inching toward me, ears pinned back to her head, eyes as big as frying pans. When I repeated my hiding trick, she came racing across the rocks and leapt onto the screen right in front of me, before jumping down to the ground and strutting back and forth, clearly begging for some skritches (she didn’t get them from me; I feel it’s important to make that clear at this point). She eventually went back up on the rocks and we repeated the game twice more. I don’t know how much longer these youngsters are going to be at the Toronto Zoo – they will want to breed Ena with a new partner as soon as possible – but for the rest of the time they are there, I am going to milk the opportunities as much as I possibly can.

Well, I am clearly going to end this post with a collage of photos of the family, but before I do I want to again thank all of you for buying my calendars or, at least, for reading along with these blogs. I bought a new kit and zoom lens at the end of last year and they have greatly improved my photos; every shot in the 2019 calendar (I am only making one version for next year) was taken with the new camera, with one exception: November. But you’ll have to wait until then to get that whole story.

So please join me again next year when I will continue to find things to tell you about the gorgeous animals of the Toronto Zoo, and fill the posts with photos you may not have seen before. Thanks again, have a great holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

  2018 “ANOTHER BABY BOOM!” Calendar – December Story This will be the very last post I complete for 2018 and there is an excellent chance that I have saved the best for last.