Regis came into my life in 2009, October 16. He was a little, 5-week-old kitten, found in a friend's car under the hood, nearly dead from fear and the water a thoughtless man sprayed on him trying to get him to come out.
He was also covered with blood, presumably from his brothers/sisters and/or mother.
He bonded to me immediately and is my constant companion and protector. He looks out for me in many ways. For example, people he doesn't like, I have learned are not good for me.
People he loves are good for me.
I recently acquired a dog, a 2-year-old pit bull rescue, and she is becoming as close to me as Regis, although the two don't have love for each other (yet). I sense a rivalry there that goes beyond dog/cat. But she is also my protector. I live alone, so having a protector is valuable. My other cat was inherited from my late sister, and was her familiar. So she is welcome but very independent and gets along great with the dog. Not so Regis. Regis is threatened by everyone. LOL.
The other cat is Annabelle. I call her "little bit," because she is so tiny compared to 20-pound Regis, who is a maine/coon domestic cat cross. He is yellow and white; Annabelle is a grey/white/brindle stripe. Pippa, the dog, is brindle and white.
My animals are more than animals to me. I've had other critters, but none as important as these three. So perhaps I have three familiars?
I look upon a familiar as an animal that is more than an animal, but has human-like concern and emotions for humans. We care for each other and bond in a way that is vital to our whole being. I have a friend who is disgusted with the way I "objectify" my pets. And a boss who wants to come back as one of my pets when he dies, because he says I treat them like kings and queens. LOL.
Also, I called Regis and Pippa to me with a ritual before they came. So I know that they are special and meant for me. Annabelle I prayed for, because she was with my other sister after my baby sister passed, and not happy. My sister brought her to me on an airplane in a little black carrier. She has been with me since Thanksgiving 2010.
= new reply since forum marked as read