Meet Elvira

Born in September of 2010 at Babe's Cat Farm, Elvira was a pleasant surprise when she was brought home the following October. A tabby/calico mix, she was named after cult figure and "Movie Macabre" hostess Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, very fitting since her arrival was two weeks before Halloween.

Elvira's first night in her new home - October 2010

The inspiration for Elvira's name, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

Elvira was first referred to as "Runts" as she explored the world of the farm; constantly leaving the shed to explore the fields and gravel piles; dodging large tractors and dozers; spending lots of time inside Babe's house where I'm sure she got lots of treats (maybe that's how she got so spoiled). When she came to her new house she immediately made herself at home.

In the beginning the whole thing really was like caring for a baby. She was (and still is) a baby. Even though Elvira was about six weeks old we thought we'd see if she would drink from a bottle. I wish I had a video: She took about two suckles off the bottle and then bit the entire top off! At first we were just stunned by what she did, and then couldn't stop laughing. Of course, she just had this, "What'chu lookin' at?" expression on her face. This was just an early example of her feistyness.

Although she was a wild little girl who constantly climbed the furniture and explored what all her claws could sink into, she is a very smart girl as she learned how to use the litter box her very first day! She is now a full-fledged house cat, sometimes a picky one at that. It took a few dry kitty food brands before we found one she finally tolerated. But even getting her on dry food was a challenge as she only preferred Friskies canned food. What a spoiled baby.

"Please take me with you." Look at those claws!

Sugar and spice, but not always nice.

Elvira is now on her way to becoming a "grown up," but she will always be a kitty. At first she used to greet me every night when I came home from work and she had to sit on my lap. Now she says, "I'll give you my attention when I'm ready." We think Elvira's real stray mama was killed as Babe hasn't seen her around the farm in well over a year. However, Elvira's inherited her mama's maternal instincts as she now cares for her 6-month-old niece and nephew.

She was not happy...

...at first.

More to follow...

Elvira takes a break from the summer heat in July 2011.