Results: Jeff The Cat: Provider Of Love, Laughs, And Teacher Of Empathy (Part 1)

Jeff is one of those accidental cats. He just kind of appeared on our little farm and decided we were his home. He was tiny, adorable, and the kids found him first… and named him Jeffery Albert Batman, Jeff for short. He wasn't going anywhere. Have you ever adopted a stray cat?

Honestly, you can't blame him. Warm barn, clean food and water, 3 kids to love on him, and a sap of a lady who instantly and intensely falls in love with any critter that lets her near it (it's me, I'm the lady). He even made himself best friends with the family dog. My husband was "firm" that Jeff had to stay an outside cat and he did… mostly. Jeff made himself very difficult to dislike. He loves anyone who offers a glance his way, tolerates toddler attention like a daycare teacher, and simply has one of those personalities that even makes people who hate cats, love Jeff. He even likes the vet, seriously. Jeff eagerly awaits our mailman every day just for a chance at extra tummy rubs. Have you ever had a pet that loved attention - from anyone, even strangers?

Even though Jeff was technically our "barn cat", he quickly became a "barn cat with benefits". Jeff enjoyed his days snuggled inside on the couch and his evenings doing whatever he pleased around the farm. He even developed an affinity for cheese sticks that is unrivaled in our home. If you grew up on a farm, did you ever have a "barn cat" that spent as much time in the house (or maybe more) as in the barn?

Now, please don't mistake any of this for indicating that Jeff was a good barn cat. We have all watched mice run right past him (over his tail once) with Jeff awkwardly stumble in a lame attempt at looking as if he had any idea what he was doing. When he did hunt, he was so uncoordinated that he would almost never catch his intended target and would instead start "hunting" caterpillars or leaves… you know… easy prey. Jeff frequently would fall from heights with no explanation, tumble down stairs, or begin a somersault routine at the end of a fast run. We just accepted that Jeff was a little different and accepted him as part of our family. Have you ever had a pet that was a little less than coordinated - or clumsy?

Jeff developed a special relationship with our children very quickly, especially our son. Our son was 5 years old when Jeff showed up and the bond was instant. It simply became expected to see a little black extra shadow chasing behind my son during playtime on the farm or found a little black bundle curled up under the covers with my son at bedtime. Have you ever had a pet that would follow you (or another member of the family) pretty much anywhere and everywhere?