'tis the season to be jolly

Athena likes eggnog. She is still anti-social, though increasingly relaxed. I'm seeing quite a bit of kitty-belly and she hangs around me fairly often. No petting or snuggling allowed yet though.

Both she and Henry have hand issues. Henry tries to bite or scratch hands (and he's got sharp little claws too. Or did until I trimmed them). Athena also doesn't like hands, though she won't allow herself to be touched with feet or implements either.

So, I try to offer them treats by hand whenever possible. As I was pouring myself a glass of the festive drink, I thought "who could resist eggnog?" Apparently small black kittens are not of the number who can. I dabbed a bit of the super-yummy cream layer onto my finger and offered it to the princess. She continued to be leery of the hand, but was not above licking at the cream

Of course, black cats do not come single spies but by battalions: Henry and Alma made an appearance. Alma was perfectly happy to lick the rest of the cream off my finger. Henry, alas, doesn't get the "lick" concept and, once again, bit the hand that feeds him, waters him, cleans his box and offers him treats. Sigh.

Quick update

Athena now demands treats and to be let into the basement, but will still not be snuggled. She is the most high-maintenance feral I've ever encountered.

Henry is the biggest snuggler ever. He acts as the hub of the cat family - he's got such a sweet personality and won't take "no" for an answer.

Alma, I think, would be happier in a home of her own. She beats up her kittens and hates Orpheus. She loves to sit on my lap for hours though, and is completely devoted to me.

Orpheus spends much of his time outside, which is serious neglect on my part considering that he's also declawed. On the other hand, he likes it so much and he's lost a lot of weight because he has something else to do besides eat.

When I work from home, I have a constant rotation of black cats on my lap. Which is nice.