Emmakin - the Russian Blue Cat

Nobody knows about love at first sight better than Susan.  A dog devotee since childhood, Susan was less than curious one day when her colleague, Louise, popped her head into Susan’s office and announced she had a kitten for Susan to meet.  Louise had a habit of rescuing strays and bringing them to the office in hopes of finding good homes.  It often worked.

Two hours later Susan happened by Louise’s office and saw several other staffers crowded around a small creature.  When the six-month-old kitten spotted Susan, she immediately broke from the crowd and came to her.  Susan was instantly smitten by the grey Russian Blue cat with amber-colored eyes, one of which was crossed. 

At the end of the day Susan offered to host the unnamed kitten overnight since Louise already had several cats at home.  She knew nothing about cats and Louise had to educate her about kitty litter and other basics.  The overnighter turned into a week. Each day Susan brought the cat into work, knowing that Louise had put up posters and was actively searching for the original guardian.

After several days Susan named the cat Emmakin -  Emma - after a favorite aunt who had recently died.  Emmakin sat in Susan’s office window. When Susan needed to make copies, she draped Emmakin around her neck and the two completed Susan’s tasks together.  

To Susan’s delight, Emmakin shared many of the characteristics of a dog.  She was loyal, devoted, and sweet. She even retrieved the ping pong ball Susan threw for her.  At week’s end Susan told Louise she wanted to keep Emmakin.  Since there had been no response to the posters, Louise was happy to oblige.  Louise had known from their first meeting that there was a connection between Susan and Emmakin.

Since Susan lived in a bustling urban area, Emmakin became an indoor cat. Early on Emmakin happened outdoors, climbed a tree and had to be coaxed down by Susan, holding a small bell that she later attached to Emmakin’s collar.  When the curious feline allowed herself to be talked out of the tree, Susan knew she had gained her trust. 

As the years passed, Emmakin would sometimes join Susan in the backyard while she gardened but the cat never strayed.  Emmakin felt a bond of love and friendship from the first time she spotted Susan standing in the doorway.  The feeling was mutual.

In memory of Emmakin:  1992-2012  

by Elizabeth Sundstrom