Elsa Clair

Elsa Clair

Elsa Clair

Elsa Clair is has the black and white splotchy markings of a Holstein cow. She has a half-mask; her left eye peers from a triangle of white fur, and her right eye from a black patch, which features a tiny extra drop of black, like she’s crying one black tear. When she runs, which is very often, Elsa Clair holds her tail parallel to her back, as if it changed it’s mind, made a u-turn and decided to aim forward.

Look fast; she's ready to run!

Look fast; she’s ready to run!

She may be the smallest of the cats, but it is unwise to underestimate her. Ask her brother Calvin, who knows better than to walk down the stairs when he sees the tips of two black ears just peeking over the edge of a step. No mouse is safe from Elsa Clair’s speedy pounce.And the lives of bugs, moths and spiders last fractions of seconds once our Miss Elsa Clair has her sights on them.

Beware the creature on the stairs...

Beware the creature on the stairs…

Elsa Clair is a ball of furry contradictions. She is sweet, offering up little trills of commentary that would melt the heart of the most hardened soul.

Adorable as a kitten...

Adorable as a kitten…

 

...adorable as a cat

…adorable as a cat

Yet she’ll show no mercy, smacking Calvin with a swat so hefty I can hear the thunk–just because he happened to look at her funny. She finds the most interesting places to curl up and nap, yet she always seems to be busy, on her way to some Important Cat Task must be attended to.

The bed is better when it's upside down.

The bed is better when it’s upside down.

She has a slow sauntering walk, yet can turn on the turbo power and rocket from one end of the house to the other in a blurry streak of cat shaped speed.

Flat cat Elsa Clair; the calm before the storm.

Flat cat Elsa Clair; the calm before the storm.

You can have entire conversations with Elsa Clair as she pings her way around the house, calling out to see if people will answer. “M’row?” she’ll ask, and one of the humans will answer back, “M’row?”

“MeRow row ROW?”

“MeRow row ROW?”

“Rowrowrow murrOW?

“Rowrowrow murrOW?

Her calls always sound like questions, and while we have no idea what we’re actually talking about with Elsa Clair, she enjoys the discussions, purring in between calls and answers, and rubbing everything she passes on her way into the room.

 

Merow?

Merow?

Elsa Clair fears nothing; she is always game to try just about anything, particularly if one of the other cats did it first. It’s a kitty version of “Anything you can do, I can do better.” Until she joined our family, I didn’t realize cats could learn that much just by watching each other. Elsa does it one step better though; she doesn’t even have to watch. For example, the first time she saw Calvin on top of the medicine cabinet, it took her about three seconds to figure out how he got there–and another two seconds to put it into action. Calvin had been pondering that caper for a few weeks before he figured it out. This is why you can find Elsa Clair in all kinds of interesting place–such as performing gymnastics on top of the drying rack in our laundry room. Calvin figured out how to get up there, but Elsa Clair owns the place.

Gymnastics, by Elsa Clair

Gymnastics, by Elsa Clair

In addition to bravery, Elsa Clair also has an extra dose of kitty brains and curiosity. She’s the first to figure out a puzzle or notice a pattern. Such as, when Mom takes the dogs outside at night, moths might come in the door. Thus, a cat who waits by the door might get a fun and fluttery treat. Elsa Clair does this every evening, and Calvin and Athena join her as well.

Waiting for moths, in a convenient box

Waiting for moths, in a convenient box

She will investigate any noise that isn’t on the agenda; all printing must be approved by Elsa Clair.

How does it do that?

How does it do that?

Ever the hunter, Elsa Clair has perfected the Hide and Pounce, practicing on cats, dogs, people and toys. She’ll hide behind anything, watching patiently until the moment is right.

Nothing here but a moose

Nothing here but a moose

 

One of these things is not like the others

One of these things is not like the others

Friendly, yet enigmatic. Centered when at rest, yet always in motion. That’s Elsa Clair.

Elsa Clair

Elsa Clair

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