“Hi! I can see you’re going to wake me up, too. Ask me questions, just like you did with my bro Carrot. So, you like listening to cats? We cats do like talking to people, but please don’t laugh at us. I know – I have a funny name – Squash. It’s only because I’m just about the color of a baked acorn squash. I suppose you could call me Yam – I’m that color, too. But I’m not for eating or cooking. No way! I’m a fine furry young guy cat – for cuddling and loving and petting. Please!”

“Yes, I came here with my siblings – Red, Pink, and Carrot. We’re all about 6 months old and haven’t decided whether we’re kittens or cats. Red isn’t red; he’s mocha latte. Pink is only pink if you know the singer Pink; they have the same color hair. And me? I’m not a squash. Carrot is no carrot, either. But we are the most charming, cuddly, lovable, playful cat family you could meet.”

“Red, Carrot, and I were Pink’s band when she started her career. I played bass guitar, Carrot was on drums, and Red did lead guitar. But then she got famous – and dumped us all for Billy B., some professional musicians and a bunch of roadies. What’s a guy to do? She is our sister, after all.”

“I think it’s time to make you laugh. How about if I wake up seriously, fly out of this hut I’ve been sleeping in, head across the room and knock a rattleball into that black and white girl’s cave? Watch! She’ll bounce straight up in the air! Maybe she’ll even squawk! Am I a wee bit naughty? Of course – I’m a teenage cat guy.”

“You clearly need a couple of furry fellows in your life – fine furry fellows. See, with teenage cat guys, you want to adopt two of us – at least – keep us entertained with each other so we don’t entertain ourselves sacking your pantry. Oh, oh. How about $245? Carrot and I or Red and I would be pleased to join your family? And you could, of course, inquire about all three of us….”