Quite possibly the softest creature in the world, Peanut is also the most elusive cat in the group. Rescued from a pet store owner that was taking him to "the pound," Peanut joined the family a mere six months after Electra. His skittish behavior caused Robin and Wendy to worry that he might have been mistreated, but over time it became apparent that shyness was simply a part of his unique personality. Peanut typically avoids strangers by hiding under furniture, but curiosity usually wins out, and the patient visitor will be rewarded with a tentative sniff and a squeaky meow (not to mention a chance to stroke his long orange fur). This distinctive "squeak,"combined with a giant feather duster of a tail, allows him to express his feelings quite eloquently.

Ironically, Peanut's inhibited nature is balanced by an adventurous streak, and the uncanny ability to sneak about undetected. Robin's brother, Stephen, experienced this firsthand, when he fell asleep while catsitting and woke to find Peanut had disappeared. He eventually turned up in the basement of the apartment building - meowing through the wooden slats of a storage unit. Recently he escaped through our screen door for an all-night outing, and we didn't realize he was missing until the following evening. A frantic half-hour later, he turned up under a neighbor's fence, and we have since vowed to keep a closer eye on his slippery movements (in case you were wondering: our cats are indoor creatures - as a rule, they are only allowed outside under supervision).

A perfect day for Peanut would consist of: numerous naps in various catbeds, a trek outside to snack on a few varieties of grass, a bit of grooming from Mama Electra, and a trip around the house on someone's shoulder (this, of course, is so that he can sniff items that are too high off the ground for him otherwise). Peanut likes to wrap up a busy day by acting as reverse alarm clock: between 10 and 11 pm, he jumps on the bed, flicks his fluffy squirrel tail and squeaks reproachfully at us, as if to say, "time for bed already, ya morons."

In Memoriam     Peanut Ridley    1992-2001

In the early morning of June 7th, Peanut's heart simply stopped beating. We were aware that he had a pre-existing heart condition, but were unprepared for such a sudden and drastic turn of events. He was with us at home, and the end came very quickly. We believe he suffered little pain.

He will be greatly missed by his adoring humans, as well as by his buddy, Electra, his co-habitant, Ginger, and even by his nemesis, Fontleroy. Peanut will be remembered not only for his soft coat and gentle personality, but for his sweet soul, which will stay with us always.

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