This is your cat on drugs …

Every year, one of our crueler traditions is getting our cats high. They have developed quite a catnip habit. They’re all very excited anyway, because they know about the stockings full of toys and cat treats and, yes, catnip. Cleo the Horrible Kitten was a little confused, as this was her first Christmas, but she caught on really quick. She got a new feather stick toy, and she ran off upstairs with it, clutching the feathers in her mouth, the stick bouncing on the stairs between her legs. How does she not trip? We haven’t seen the toy since, so apparently it is well hidden. When she came down and saw the other toys, she fell in love with a yellow fish with a feathered tail. She seemed confused but delighted with the whole day.

The other cats lurk around waiting for their fix. Did you know that cats under the age of 10 months don’t react to catnip? Cleo wasn’t interested, but Kiki and Boo are complete addicts. Princess likes it, but she was too royal to get down and dirty. Not Kiki and Boo. They literally roll in it. Kiki stuck her whole head in the bag.

Every year Kiki hordes the toys. She gathers them all together and dares the other cats to touch them. It’s why one of her nicknames is “The Girl With the Most Cake.” Actually, Keas was pretty laid back this year. She only slashed Boo off the scratch box once, and she didn’t have to be locked in her room.

So far, Kitten is liking this whole Christmas craziness. A tree to climb in, ornaments to bat and smash, strings of beads to chew on, a sock with toys in it, lots of tasty foods to sample — she was definitely rescued by the right family!