“I kept his name because it was just too perfect,” says Bea. “He’s definitely an Aries, and so is Soup (short for Supreme Josh), his little partner-in-crime.

“Soup, my talkative, high-energy baby was having a hard time adjusting to life without other pets in the place. And then, around the same time, my childhood kitty passed away: a black cat like Aries. I had been eyeing him on the Furry Friends’ website for a while before I sent in my application. He had such a distinctive face — a strong chin and chubby cheeks! But when I learned that, like Soup, he was talkative, high-energy and playful, I knew it was meant to be.

“His adjustment to my place was immediate! No sooner had I opened up the cat carrier than Aries was doing zoomies around the apartment. He didn’t even really explore. He just seemed to know that he was home and was ready to reign over his kingdom.

“But because he was a little too forward at first, Soup, who tends to be more cautious and reserved, didn’t know what to make of him. Now, they’re the best of friends, snuggling and grooming each other regularly. And when I said they were partners in crime, I meant it. Aries has figured out how to open pantry doors and cabinets, and Soup has figured out how to open treat containers!

“As much as Aries LOVES chasing the laser pointer, he can turn almost anything into a toy. And he’s a cuddler. He likes to be the little spoon. He curls up right alongside me, stretches out and sleeps that way for hours. He also loves scratches behind his ears, on his cheeks and under his chin.

“Not to mention his many endearing habits and quirks. He gives me head butts. He’s so fascinated by the toilet that I have to stand guard to make sure he doesn’t stick his paws in while he watches it flush. He also waits in the bathroom for the length of my showers and ‘sings a little song.’

“He has several preferred places to sleep at night. He can usually be found hogging the top of the cat tree or hiding in empty cubbies in the television stand. Of course, nowhere is better than right next to me in bed.”

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Furry Friends Fur-Ever Stories are compiled and written by Nomi Berger who is the bestselling author of seven novels, one work of non-fiction, two volumes of poetry, and hundreds of articles. She is a volunteer writer for Furry Friends in Vancouver, WA and also volunteers her writing skills to animal rescue groups in Canada and the USA. She lives with her adopted Maltese named Mini.