Grendel

Grendel is the alpha male of the house and has had some health problems in his life (hip surgery for arthritis, severe asthma, and an intestinal disease).

He’s a totally selfish attention sponge (he can’t get enough lovin’), but he’s also a very sweet cat who enjoys being around people. And I don’t just mean me and my close friends — Grendel likes anyone; he’s never met a stranger.

He’s very laid back and takes everything in stride, which means he’s the first to investigate new things and meet new people.

Grendel fights with his asthma each and every day, but he’s a winner and doesn’t let it slow him down much. He takes his meds twice a day like a good boy and, although he sometimes just doesn’t want to deal with it, he almost always sits patiently and takes his medication with dignity and unflappability.

He’s also the master of the silent meow — the strongest weapon in a cat’s arsenal — yet has no problem truly voicing his opinion when it’s called for.

Grendel likes to stay “under foot.” This almost always ensures he’ll get stepped on or booted or otherwise physically contacted and can therefore look forward to much deserved love and affection.

Grendel and Kako are an item — or so she thinks. Kako fell in love with Grendel at an early age and has been his constant companion (he might say stalker) since then. He’s very good with her and takes a lot of her abuse (such as her lying on top of him and not moving when he’s having an asthma attack or kneading on him when she’s getting comfortable). But sometimes he hits his limit and has to smack her around a bit. Yes, it’s very unpleasant and not a comfortable subject, but our family has dirty little secrets like everyone else’s. I believe I mentioned somewhere that it was a white-trash relationship.

Pronunciation: GREN dl

Namesake: Grendel, the monster from Beowulf; so named because he was a tyrannical beast when he was a kitten: always into trouble (e.g., he liked to climb the wallpaper) and always the first to start a fight; also, he’s the alpha male who asserts his dominance with ruthlessness sans excess, a stark contrast to his otherwise overly lovable and easy going personality

Relationship: Loki’s brother

Nicknames: Sponge; Roly-Poly; Grendelkitty; Grouch

Breed: Domestic Short Hair (DSH)

Color: Gray tabby

Gender: Male

Birthdate: February 15, 1997

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Photo Highlights:

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but we share everything.

I love this picture! I decreased the shutter speed on the camera and took the picture with incandescent light in the background — and what a result. Oh, and he’s very happy.