Lest I forget to post!  It was 6 years ago tomorrow that a lovely grey cat
came to my patio door and started yowling.  Many of you may remember I'd
never been around cats before.  So (ashamed) I tried to run her off.  She
was having none of that.  She hopped over the fence but was back within
minutes.

It was bitterly cold that day (in the 20's Farenheit) and as the sun set the
cat was still yelling at my back door.  I knew it was going to get even
colder.  So I decided okay, I'll run to the store and pick up some stuff.  A
litter box, cheap litter, a bag of Meow Mix and a cheap plastic combo
food/water bowls.  I figured if she was still out there when I got home I'd
invite her in out of the cold.  While at the store I had the presence of
mind to get cat pan liners and a litter scoop; could be I had a premonition

When I got back from the store she was still there.  So I lined the litter
box (had to read the instructions LOL) and added some litter.  Food and
water and I was all set.  I went to the back door.  Opened it and said
something innane like, "Well, come on in!"  She hestitated, looking at me,
looking at the nice warm inside.  After a moment she tentatively stepped
inside and I closed the door behind her.  She proceeded to check out the
apartment, tentatively.  I watched as she noted the litterbox in the
hallway.  I walked to the kitchen and "showed" her the food, which she
gratefully accepted.

When I went to bed that night imagine my surprise when this lovely cat
jumped up on the bed next to me!  She was purring, but it was rather
distressedly, as if she wasn't sure.  I was charmed.  I slept well that
night and I think she did, too!

She was slim but not overly skinny.  No collar but I figured she was lost.
I did the requisite take photos (all I had was a polaroid camera back then)
and create flyers which I posted around the neighborhood.  I called the area
vets and shelters; she had not been reported missing.

A few days of this and she had me wrapped around her little paw.  I figured
I'd better name her.  We all know what happens when you name a cat!  She was
walking away from me and I was watching her when the name Persia just popped
into my head.  I said it out loud and she turned around and came running
towards me!  Well, that must be your name then!  :D  And I guess you're here
to stay.

Took her to the vet to be checked and to get her shots.  He said she was
probably 2 years old, *maybe* 3.  He felt a spay scar and she had been front
declawed.  He speculated she had been abandoned (what a shame!).

She's been with me ever since and almost from the get go has been the
sweetest, lovingest, snuggliest, follow-me-around cat in the world!

Happy Annifursary, sweet Persia!

Jill