A Friend Called Alfie
Page 23
Gemini
Geminis are the cats that like to communicate most. They are definitely a chatty catty! They have a vocabulary of different meows and it’s up to you, as humans, to translate them. They are very bright cats, who know how to say words like ‘hello’ and ask ‘why?’, even as kittens. Leave paint around and Gemini cats will step in it in order to leave paw print messages around the house. It’s cat code for whatever you don’t normally understand …
Geminis are also computer cats who, like many of us cats, insist on lying on the laptop or sprawling all over the keyboard. However, the Gemini cat will take it further: they like technology and are the zodiac sign most likely to end up as a YouTube star. One of their favourite things is watching other cats on the internet and they will try to talk back to them. Communicator, friend, and technology savvy.
Gemini cats can look as if they are in cartoons a lot of the time because they strike a pose. You can see a thought bubble coming out of their head – even when silent, they are communicating.
Cancer
Cancer cats are known for affection; they make pretty good lap cats. They are cuddle cats that know when you need someone, and will get close – all the way up to your face. Cancer cats are most likely to miss their mums, so when bringing them home, pay special attention to their needs.
They are sociable cats and get lonely by themselves, so they either need other cats in the household or, at the very least, toy animals to cuddle up to. The Cancer cat is always one of the family and will fit right in with whatever family they are in. They will end up as the star in all Christmas photos. They can also be clingy and love to ride around on human shoulders.
They often strike the crab pose of the Cancer zodiac sign when asleep, curled up with their front paws under their chin. Cancer cats are also patriotic; they go wild at the World Cup and will leap up when the anthem sounds – let them watch the Queen’s Speech at Christmas and they will be very happy cats.
Just a warning though: Cancer cats do not like change. They dislike moving house and can wander back, so be aware. Otherwise, lavish your Cancer cat with affection and they will certainly do the same to you.
Leo
Leo cats are the rulers, or monarchs, of the house – and the garden. They walk tall with their tails in the air, like the Stray Cats song. The Leo cat is the original Disney Aristocat. Even the strays and adopted tabbies look pure bred. Every Leo cat has pedigree and lineage, even if they are mixed breeds. Every Leo cat will have a special someone in their family tree and their bloodline may feature exotic breeds. Your tabby today may have been part exotic ocelot once. Dignified, with fabulous posture, they have beautifully aligned spines. Treat them like royalty and you will be fine.
Leo cats have personalities to match their looks. They rule the roost and find it hard to accept that any other animal can be part of the household. Any newcomer will have to be taken down a peg, permanently. But once again, as long as everyone knows their place, they will get on famously with the ruler of the cats: the Leo. This goes for other cats, humans and all other animals. Even pot plants need to learn their place with a Leo cat.
Virgo
Virgo cats can easily become bored and need to be kept busy. A bored Virgo cat will drive you and everyone else crazy – even making messes purely so they can help clean up. Eventually, you will realise that they essentially want to accompany you to the office. This is why Virgo cats spread themselves over your laptop or sit deliberately in front of the screen – it is not because they are being difficult, but because they need to get to work. Give a Virgo cat a job and they will be the most productive cat you have ever seen. Give them nothing to do and they’ll also be productive, but your house might suffer as a consequence.
The Virgo cat is intelligent, has great loyalty and commitment, and can be a bit of a perfectionist. They love cleanliness. Make sure you give your Virgo cat tasks to do and they’ll be happy all day long. But beware – a bored Virgo spells trouble. Maybe get a mouse in?!
Libra
Libra cats can make enemies quickly. And any enemies made by a Libra cat can last for years. They have their very own Wars of the Roses going on across next door’s rose bushes, with a rival cat. Think Salmon and Tiger and you might get the right idea. Sometimes the feud lasts so long no one can remember what triggered it. It’s more of a grudge than a violent exchange so try not to upset a Libra cat and you’ll be fine. They are loyal as long as they feel you deserve such loyalty. It’s not a bad idea to spoil a Libra cat.
Libra cats can also engage in mock attacks as a form of flirtation until their love interest hits back. It doesn’t always work, but then wooing other cats is not easy for any zodiac sign …
Scorpio
Scorpio cats are passionate about life and love. Scorpio cats like to get involved … both their own love lives and those of other people – and cats. They are not terribly good on their own, and are never single for long. As a result, they can get into complicated relationships – oh yes, we know that one. Nothing is ever simple in the life of a Scorpio cat. Life is never simple for a Scorpio.
Scorpios like to have the upper paw in any situation. It doesn’t take long before they have humans or other cats wrapped around their little paws with their characteristic intense stare. Even when they are tiny kittens, Scorpio cats are very powerful.
Scorpio cats forgive and forget … not. They will find their own sweet way of exacting revenge if they feel they have been wronged by another cat, or even by you. It’s about power: they need to make sure they still have it. But, in fairness, the Scorpio cat will always use that for good rather than evil, so it’s fine. Mostly … Scorpio cats might be a little self-absorbed, but they definitely have their hearts in the right place. Their heads … well, that’s another story.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius cats are the thinkers of the cat world. If there was a spiritual leader of cats, they would be a Sagittarius. These are philosophical cats – like T. S. Eliot’s great thinkers and dreamers – and they have a benign smile on their face that might remind you of a Zen Buddhist or perhaps a monk from the Middle Ages. They’ve got it all figured out. With their incredible intelligence and calm manner, they can really understand what is going on.
Sagittarius cats also like to travel, even if only within their own universe. They will be out and about exploring a lot and learning from their environment. It’s how they learn the meaning of life. And, as their owner, you will be able to see them thinking at all times. You might not know what they’re thinking, but, rest assured, it will be very deep.
Capricorn
The Capricorn cat is one busy cat. This is the kitten who climbs up the curtain or clambers up to the top of the step ladder in the garden – no fear of heights here! Ambitious? Absolutely. Capricorn cats have a knack of getting to extreme heights and they feel quite comfortable there. It’s reflective of their need to strive for the top in all things. They also feel no sense of danger so watch out as they might need to have that pointed out to them at times.
Perhaps the most determined of all the cat signs, Capricorn cats can also be very helpful and practical. You need to be careful that they don’t get into too many scrapes – and, if they do, you need to be on hand to save them. Being the owner of a Capricorn cat can be very time-consuming, but there will never be a dull moment. And if you ever need help putting the fairy on top of the tree at Christmas, you know who to ask …
Aquarius
The Aquarius cat will be very popular – perhaps the most popular cat in the zodiac. The Aquarius is the only cat in town who will have a network of dogs, goldfish, parrots and other oddities in the neighbourhood. It’s a gang, and what a gang! Aquarius cats like to know they are part of a greater animal tribe. Even hamsters can join … Very inclusive and welcoming, the Aquarius cat won’t make anyone feel they don’t belong. Even humans are fully included in their pack.
But Aquarius cats can also be very indecisive. Do not give them two bowls of foo
d; the effort in trying to decide might be far too much for them. But, as a general rule, they are pretty easy going, fun to be around, and always ready for a party.
Pisces
The Pisces cat is away with the fairies. A dreamer, not a doer – and sometimes you will feel like tapping a Pisces cat on the side of the head to enquire if anyone is home. They love fish tanks and ponds, and can spend hours watching fish drift past. They will be constantly curious about your bath or shower and will try to get in. They don’t necessarily share the normal cat fear of water.
Pisces cats like to go under objects – particularly beds, but also garden sheds, so be careful. They love hiding, so you might find them under chairs and tables too. Their disappearing acts will start as soon as you get them home, even when they are tiny kittens.
The Pisces cat is also sensitive. They have beautiful, almost liquid eyes. They are psychic and know when you are going away or coming back, so it is no coincidence when you find them waiting for you at just the right time …
Acknowledgements
I can’t believe I have written a sixth Alfie book – how wonderful. I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to still write about Alfie. And that is thanks to a lot of people:
Firstly, to the team at Avon: my editor Helen, Sabah in publicity, Dom in sales and the rest of the team who work so tirelessly on Alfie, from the page to the shelves. I love working with you and I love the Alfie Avon team!
Secondly, to my agents, Northbank Talent Management, who not only support me but also do a great job to getting Alfie out there to different parts of the world.
Thirdly, to my family and friends, who all help me with the writing process in their own ways. I appreciate each and every one of you. Special mention to Jessica, who this book is dedicated to – thank you for all the cat gifts that definitely inspire me.
And, lastly but very importantly, to my lovely readers who continue to buy my books, which enables me to keep writing them. I appreciate you all – those who follow me on social media, those who let me know that they enjoy the books, those who read quietly and especially those who share photos of their cats with me. Without you there would be no Alfie, so please appreciate how important you all are to me. I ran a competition to have a character named after a cat and, although I would have loved to use them all, I was limited to one – so a special mention to Janet Heath and her cat Oliver who appears in the book. I hope that you enjoy this latest Alfie offering and I hope you continue to follow me where ever you may be!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acatcalledalfie/
Twitter: @ACatCalledAlfie
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Keep Reading …
One ordinary neighbourhood. One extraordinary cat.
Click here to read the Sunday Times bestseller and find out how it all started. The tale of one little grey cat and his journey to become a Doorstep Cat.
They were a family in crisis. He was a friend for life.
Click here to read the follow-up to the smash-hit bestseller,
Alfie the Doorstep Cat.
One little kitten. A whole lot of trouble.
The Sunday Times bestseller returns – and this time he has a sidekick!
Click here to read.
It’s time for Alfie’s first ever holiday!
Alfie and George are back for more adventures – this time taking them a long way from home …
Click here to read.
Can Alfie and George save Christmas on Edgar Road?
Another heart-warming Alfie adventure that is perfect to curl up with this festive season.
Click here to read.
About the Author
Rachel Wells is a mother, writer and cat lover. She lives in Devon with her family and her pets and believes in the magic of animals. Rachel grew up in Devon but lived in London in her twenties working in marketing and living in a tiny flat with an elderly rescued cat, Albert. After having a child, she moved back to Devon and decided to take the plunge and juggle motherhood with writing. A Friend Called Alfie is her sixth book.
Also by Rachel Wells:
Alfie the Doorstep Cat
A Cat Called Alfie
Alfie and George
Alfie the Holiday Cat
Alfie in the Snow
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