Florence is from the RSPCA Leybourne rescue centre. At the time we had a tabby cat 'Percy' and had not long lost our female tortoiseshell 'Winnie', so we had decided that we needed another cat to replace her. She did come with her brother, Austin, but unfortunately he was killed recently, after having had him for 9 years.
As Melinda was working for the RSPCA at that point, we decided to visit Leybourne and see if there was a cat there. We looked around, but there was nothing really. Then, as we went to leave, one of the atttendants approached us and said that the manager had two rescued kittens that she had hand-reared and they were looking for the right family to come along. We agreed to take a look and two black and white kittens were then promptly put on our laps ... how could we refuse! (and i think they knew that).
So, two days later the home check had been done and we were in posession of our two new kittens. What surprised us was how bold they were, as soon as the carry basket was opened they shot out into the kitchen and started eating the food. Percy was fine with them, as nothing ever really bothered him.
Its six years later now, and Percy is no longer with us (Having lasted until he was 21). Both Florence and Austin are doing very well. Austin is rather large and still very bold and typically male. He has a thing for boxes and will shoehorn himself into the smallest one possible, he also likes to enter the lounge and roll on his back with this legs in the air, then just go off to sleep like that. Florence is more nervous but very vocal and will always shout at the top of her voice. She has become Amelia's cat as the two adore each other and will roll together on the floor or sleep togther on Amelia's bed.
Update : The biggest test for Austin & Florence has been the arrival of Luca, the German Shepherd. Funnily enough Austin (the bold one) is the most scared, and tends to spend most of his time out. Florence, on the other hand, just jumps up on surfaces and launches swipes at Luca's nose when it gets too close.
Update 24/1/10 : Unfortunately Austin (Florence's Brother) was killed today by a motorist who didn't even stop to check him. The whole family is devastated.