Belle the ghost kitty makes rare appearances to rub against the human’s feet and get treats. Hands are not acceptable, but feet won’t pick her up. She doesn’t so much meow as squawk. She adores the Christmas tree and is mesmerized by the sparkle.

So named because one eye took a long time to open when he was born, Pirate is also affectionately known alternately as Frat Boy or Mike Tyson. He’s a big beefy cat with a tiny little voice, who likes to bite the hands that feed him. A few days after we got him, when still a tiny kitten, he sailed off the upstairs landing and broke his leg. He spent several days at the vet, gnawing off his little cast and getting an extra round of antibiotics. Now that he’s grown up, he’s an excellent lounger, and is entertained for hours by the birds outside. One catbird in particular loves to taunt him at the front window.