Frobbit House
Igreja Nova, Portugal, 2024
My human given name is Reddington, Reddy for short, but my full title is a story unto itself, so indulge me if you will, with some time and humour.
For all intents and purposes I am a rescue cat. Unlike my predecessor, Cherry, who was adopted from an animal shelter, I was abandoned up here in the hills of Igreja Nova last year. I cannot truthfully relay the entire story as to why my former humans deemed it necessary to abandon me here, but I found myself prowling around the small settlement for food. As you can imagine, none of the local residents, human or feline, were particularly welcoming, as I showed my most ungentlemanly side and proved to be belligerent on all fronts. Being an outsider to the established clan, I stand out like a sore paw in colouring and size. Not volume though, as I have a few good competitors on that front.
I chanced upon my future human on the street, who had been trying to get my attention to convince me to join the breakfast club at her house. I could only approach the feeding tray late at night after everyone had eaten, or in the early morning hours. As the weeks turned into months, I gathered up enough courage to march into the house like most of the others and grab a bite from there as well. This was particularly comfortable during the wet winter months, and I could warm up. Like the outside situation, I had to wait my turn until everyone else left before I could eat whatever was leftover. The human kindly put out an extra portion for me, and occasionally I shared it with Cherry or Warbles. They were the only two who did not punch me in the face or start a brawl on the spot, especially Cherry, who just quietly sat beside me and kept me company. I suppose she understood all too well what it meant to be abandoned by a human.
The other thing I had in common with Cherry was a collar. When the human found me, I was already wearing a bright red collar, which nobody really bothered to remove before I got dumped. This caused a bit of confusion among the neighbours because everyone automatically assumed that I belonged to Cherry’s human since she was the only other cat wearing a collar. This is how I got the nickname Reddy. As it happens, the human is a huge fan of the TV series The Blacklist, where the main character is named Raymond Reddington, so Reddy got expanded to Reddington. Normally you get a full name and then a nickname, but in my case, everything was upside-down and topsy turvy! Since neither of us was particularly enamoured with the idea of addressing me by a character’s name associated with mischief and malice, and she happened to be reading an inordinate amount of something called the Regency Romance novels, I became Sir Reddington, thereby elevating me to nobility. I suppose I fit the bill, what with my pewter velvet coat and all, I’m cool with it – as long as nobody insists on a brocade high collared overcoat and the only stick I have to carry is a breadstick.
When Warbles gave birth to her litter, most of us tomcats stayed away from the main house, and even more so when Cherry’s health began to decline shortly thereafter. However, on July 12, 2024 word spread like wildfire that there was a vacancy to be filled for the house cat position. Caruso, Warbles and I were the top candidates, but in the end, my more civilised manners and the fact that Warbles is still on maternity leave made me top cat and was offered the job. Mind you, it is not a full time indoor position, thank heavens. I have a hybrid contract where I get to spend as much time indoors as I like, but I stay outdoors overnight. As per Portuguese labour laws, I am under probation for three months but my contract includes loyalty bonuses and the Christmas bonus is still under negotiation. The perks include a meal ticket, which includes an omelette and a waffle for breakfast and usually some pretty decent meaty cat food in the evenings. Occasionally I snag a piece of cheese or some canned tuna but those fall under the bonus category. Pity. My duties include supervision in the kitchen, company during mealtimes, and being a practice patient for animal Reiki. I have no idea what Reiki is, but I end up taking three to four hour naps afterwards, so whatever it is, it works and I shan’t complain!
Living with the human has been a learning curve for both of us. It has been well over 13 years since there has been a tomcat in residence. During said years, all predecessors have been female, significantly smaller and lighter than myself. So the human needs to re-adjust to the fact that I can take up an entire sofa if I stretch out. On the other hand, I am learning that not all humans are out to get me. There are those with kindness and generosity who open their homes and hearts for orphans like me. I am slowly remembering what it means to have toys (I love chasing a ball around the house), a guaranteed meal and warm milk, what pats and crooning signify, and best of all what kitty treats are! I have to reign in my temper and remember not to wallop the hand that feeds me if startled.
Our friendship has come a long way since last year, and I understand that I have a proper name now, am welcome at all times, and get priority service. If I make a mistake, I don’t get hit or thrown out, and I go through great lengths to apologise profusely by means of head bumps and soft meows. It’s definitely work in progress and we’re not at the cuddling stage.
I am grateful and not ashamed to show it – or flaunt my new status.
With the signing of the contract I got the full title of Duke of FrobbitShire, so you may address me as Your Grace or Duke Reddington from now on. It works really well in German as well because I am Reddington Herzog von FrobbitShire. There is some small print I haven’t bothered with, but I suppose I’ll figure them out eventually, but one of them is writing these journal entries.
Wherever this finds you, I bid you a good day. May the morrow bring good tidings.
Meowingly yours,
Reddington, Duke of FrobbitShire
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