Chica Bonita

by Melody
(Kansas)

Our pretty, little black kitty came to us through a local shelter in 2008. Her tail was so skinny it reminded me of a licorice whip, and I wanted to name her Twizzler.

Hubby and the kids started calling her Chicken Bone because she used to be about as big as one. I thought that was a horrid name for a cat, so I officially named her Chica Bonita. Today, she responds to Chicken Bone, Bone, Chica Bonita and Chica!

Some of her behaviors are not those of an average cat, and we are convinced that she has some identity issues from all of the initial confusion in naming her. When she wants attention she sits up on her bottom with her back straight and her paws relaxed in front of her. She looks just like a meercat as she looks around and checks out the scenery.

When she is tired and relaxed she lays on her back with her paws tucked under her chin--more like a sea otter. She will even sleep that way, right in the middle of the living room floor!

When she is feeling social she will tilt her head and open her mouth when you look at her. "Hello! How are you today?" she asks; just as any polite person would do in greeting.

No matter what you call her, or what creature ahe thinks she is, she's everybody's baby.