Old cat stills has her chops

YOUNG AT HEART—Kyta is nearly 100 years old (in cat years) yet this fine old dame recently warmed Suzanne Kuric's heart by enjoying a burst of youthful energy. Kuric and Kyta live in Westlake Village. My aging cat surprised me the other day with a burst of energy that is usually reserved for a juvenile kitten.

Born in 1989, she is almost 100 years old. If you are a math whiz you probably figured out that based on her birth year, she can't be almost 100. But in cat years, she is. Kyta has outlived many of her cat friends.

Recently, she was ill. She was very lethargic and uninterested by food. Thankfully, she recovered and returned to her normal self, lounging on the window's sill or curling up on a pillow for a daylong nap.

Though recovered, I know that her aged body wouldn't withstand the decay of time much longer. I have prepared myself for her likely passing in the near future. However, that sorrowing belief was eradicated today.

While I was busy folding laundry, which Kyta usually observes through her sleepy eyes, I was given a joyful performance. Kyta was running circles over and under the 3-foot high elevated bed. Her playful mood demonstrated the antics of a juvenile, not a frail, old, close-to-dying cat.

Delighted by her energy, I joined in and threw a crumpled piece of paper in the air. Kyta bounced on the makeshift toy and paddled it around until it fell to the floor. Then, she jumped from her lofty position to capture the grounded object.

Before I realized what she was doing, she scurried to atop of the bed and crouched down, waiting for the next big game to come her way. Although she sports a calico coat, she appeared to transform into a tiger.

Sure, she is not a tiger. And she no longer catches the wadded paper in midair. Nor does she hear as keenly as she once did. But her youthful antics today has renewed my faith that she can live her remaining time with fun and laughter. Maybe to 100.

Suzanne Kuric of Westlake Village submitted this critter tale.