VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

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"Oh, Mommy, look! That kitten looks just like Marnie!"

"Yes, honey, I believe you're right."

"Green eyes like Marnie. Black and white like Marnie. Four white paws, white chin, and a little white on its nose! It's perfect! Can we get this one, Mom? You said we could get a new kitten every since Marnie died last month."

"I know, honey, that's why we're here. But we can't get this one . . ."

"Why not? Oh, look, it's licking my finger. It's purring! Please, mom. We hafta get this one!"

"No, sweetheart. Look at the card. This is a boy kitten."

"So? I don't mind if it's a boy! I'm a boy too!"

"No, absolutely not. Male cats grow up to, well, they spray, honey. All over the house."

"Ma'am? Excuse me, but this male kitten is already fixed. It's extremely unlikely that he would spray. Besides, did you know that female cats can also spray?"

"No! I didn't know that!"

"Yes, it's true. After all, spraying is just a cat's way of saying, 'This is mine, and this is mine, and that is mine. However, when both sexes are fixed before they are adults, chances are slim to none that they will ever develop this behavior."

"Oh! Well, if you're sure . . ."

"Yes."

"Can we get him, Mom? Can we?"

"Yes. He sounds like he's the perfect kitten for us. What should we name him?"

"Why his name is Arnie, of course!"