Family relationships important to felines, too

Foster Moms and volunteers display much enthusiasm and joy when we adopt out a set of siblings, Whether they are small kittens or adult felines. The idea being the pair will always have a friend to play. We eliminate the introduction process to a new feline.

I believe that there is even a more touching pairing. That is the pairing of a young mother feline with one of her own children, especially if she mothers her kitten long after she is spayed. The life-long bond is precious. It is a bond of playing, eating, sleeping and grooming together.

I witnessed this scenario first hand. My Maine Coon mix, Bitsey, experienced the joy of living 13 years with his mom. The two were inseparable until cancer claimed her life.

Bitsey, down deep, knows his mom is gone but refuses to believe it. He sleeps in her chair and cat bed every day. He even roams the house looking for her, as if there is some corner of the house he forgot to look. His demeanor is pathetic and his loss is real.

That's why I would like to suggest the pairing of two of today's featured felines, Roxy and her daughter, Pixie.

Featured felines:

Roxy, an affectionate, loving and playful 1-year-old, craves attention and must have the company of a feline pal. She also wouldn't mind a patient mellow doggy friend. Roxy's favorite pastime is cuddling with companion cats, games of chase and play. She was displaced from her home as a kitten, and then had three kittens of her own, before being rescued by Buddy with her family. She is not declawed and enjoys lap time. She greets you at the door with a playful leg rub and enjoys being brushed.

Pixie is the kitten most like her sweet mom, Roxy. A 5-month-old Maine Coon mix, Pixie has inherited her mom's long fur and sense of adventure. Pixie, purrs when she is petted or offered treats and is shy with new human contact, which is one of the reason Buddy would like to keep Pixie and her mom.

Darth and Vader: These two boys have always lived together and will celebrate their second birthday in April. They do everything together -- eat, sleep, play and groom.

These two are social and full of energy and would be perfect for a family with children. Darth and Vader would welcome the exercise.

Adoption events: March 29: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Animal Feeds and Needs, 401 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights; and PetCo in the Mount Prospect Plaza.