Six cats were enough. In no way were we interested in more cats while we were living in a two bedroom apartment. No way. Not for years. Absolutely not. It was not going to happen.

Yeah, right. One day Diane came home from work, and as is sometimes her custom, she walked to the other end of the apartment building to get the mail. On her way up the steps, she noticed three boys playing in the nearby playground with a kitten. They were not being cruel, but they were joking around and being a little rough with it. And when one of them picked up the kitten and acted (as a joke) as if he was going to drop kick it, she got a little miffed.

So she approached the three boys and asked if the kitten belonged to them. No it did not, but they had noticed a sign on the light post down the street about a lost kitten. So she picked the kitten up and took her inside. Squealing. Ivanova does not like to be picked up, and made this quite clear to everyone within fifty feet. Unfortunately, Sterling was not feeling too good when Diane brought her in. Fortunately, he was feeling well enough that he didn't mind her curling up with him on the bed. She stayed there all night. Sterling was hooked.

For the next week she was kept in our bedroom until we could have her tested. Those tests came out fine, so we decided to introduce her slowly to the other cats. Ivanova had other ideas. As soon as we opened the door, she hopped right out and mingled with the other cats. Reactions were mixed, but Ivanova didn't care. There was a whole apartment to explore! Curtains to climb! Sofas to bounce on! Tables to hop on! And dishes to inspect for leftover food!

For the next three weeks we refused to name her. We called her 'kitten'. The thought was that if we didn't name her we'd have an easier time giving her away. The day we went into the shelter to fill out her admission form, Sterling thought of a name. "Let's call her Ivanova, Cmdr. Susan Ivanova." Welp, I guess she's ours.

And that was the beginning of a whirlwind. Thai Foon instantly hated her, and attacked her when presented with the opportunity. They get really loud, but fortunately the fights are occuring less frequently. Kenda ignores her, except when she cuts in line for food. Two Tone and Jackie Chan were happy since here was someone they could chase. And Lacy simply looked down on her from her perch.

Ivanova for her part has become an enthusiastic member of the family. She sleeps with us every night and expresses her delight by giving us frequent baths. She still doesn't like to be picked up, but she does love to be cuddled. And she remains 'daddy's little girl'.