Cats Are Also Bats

Halloween is always a big deal at our house, and everyone always gets involved, and that means cats, ferrets, dog etc. Everyone gets treats, if they dress up, and that means a costume portrait for a treat, time permitting. It is always a busy time for us too, with celebrations and festivities. And, sometimes entertainment events. I have taken to putting together a fancy table spread of goodies for spooky movie watching snacks and fun. Pets are never left out of the fun no matter what, they get holiday themed toys, treats, and love to watch me prepare for the festivities. They are constant companions and loyal devotees.

The adventure in pet costumes began, when my little ragamuffin kitten, Smokey came into my life. He demands attention, to be a part of everything you do, and is the best lap cat in the universe. He has been training his little brothers to be like him. This year, I decided to permit Smokey a costume break, he is our senior pet at fourteen years old, and it did not seem kind to make him dress up. In years past, Smokey has been a geisha, witch, vampire, dragon, jester, princess, and so many more. Smokey and I decided that a cat bat would be the perfect costume for this story, and that his brother, Byron, who happens to look a lot like him, would make the perfect cat bat.

A cat bat flew into my life, changing it forever. Byron is always there for me when I cry, need a hug, or to greet me good morning. He is a rescue kitty adopted from a shelter with a broken purr. His little motor gets stuck in his throat, and sputters out softly and almost silent, but his big heart shows through. As a little girl, I used to read a book series called, "Catwings" by Ursula K. Le Guin, and I always loved the stories and illustrations. I would often imagine that some of our high jumping cats had secret wings, and could fly, when we were not looking. For me, putting wings on a cat is just the purrfect idea.

Byron Owen is the sweetest kitty, and although he hates posing, he takes good photos. Some of my very best pet photography have had him as the subject. He wasn't sure about costume time, but was amicable about the whole thing without a hiss or a fuss. I took his big brother, Smokey the Cat's former Toothless the Dragon costume wings, and decided that Byron would be the best Cat Bat ever.

A side tribute to Smokey Fluffy, as he is usually the one getting dressed up for festivities, and has collected many costumes over the years. Smokey felt it was due time someone else learn the ropes of being a costumed cool cat, and Byron was up for the challenge.

It took a few reassurances, the perfect cat tree, and a few photos later, but there was Byron being my cat bat. I envisioned that he had flown up the cat tree, and was posing with some wizarding books and baubles. Ironically, the crystal ball is a "Wizards of Waverly Place" game sitting on my book shelf.

Byron had some mischievous and devilish expressions due to the dog, Maddoc, the border collie picking on his wings. But, Byron quickly forgot all about it, knowing he was superior to his canine friend. We had a good time taking the photos. After costume time, Byron was happy to come with a mew when called for a thank you pat. He knew that he had done a good job with our costume dress-up game.

I am forever grateful that this cat bat has stolen my heart, and makes my world better every day.