The Huntress…Betty Boop!

Betty Boop is a true New Yorker, born in Brooklyn.  Betty’s mother was the neighborhood cat.  She lived in the corner bodega and had about three litters a year.  In 2008, my daughter walked into our house one day with a cute little six-week-old kitten.  I already had a boy cat who was a little slow.  We called him a “goober and booger boy” because he could never seem to keep his nose clean.

Then in walks this cute little kitten cub one day.  My daughter put her on the floor, and we watched her move around with the movements of a lioness.  It was amazing.  I picked her up, looked at her face, and named her Betty Boop.

Betty Boop made herself right at home, quickly carving out her territory.  She had superior stealthiness, even though she was little, and she was the alpha cat.  Our boy cat would follow her, sleep where she slept, climb where she climbed, and stalk what she had her sights set on.  Betty’s energy was fascinating to watch, and you could really get lost in the moment.  It was like watching the rare footage of big cats you see on the Nat Geo Wild channel.

I own a building in Brooklyn and lived at the time in my basement apartment.  Living underground in any property in New York can be an adventure.  Most critters living outside in the elements find their way inside to seek refuge.  But, not one came in once Betty was around.  Soon after she arrived, our house was free from bugs, slugs, mice, and anything that dare cross the threshold of her new terrain.  My apartment became like any other unit in the house above ground.  Betty saved the day!  She became my true cat—the Huntress.