Companions of our Hearts
Ruined Felines living in luxury
by Candis Hacker

Royal Treatment : “She thinks that is the best thing ever,” Hill said of the cat perch she made for her kitty, Princess.
"'Wilson' is my husband's and 'Princess' is mine," Jennie Hill said of her two cats. "My husband says I've ruined them, but technically they aren't my kids so it's O.K. to spoil them."

Evidence of the "spoiled" treatment is everywhere in the Hill household.

"Princess won't let anyone else sit in that chair," Hill said of a cushioned, throne-like Papasan chair in the living room. "We call it the 'Princess Palace.'" Princess, a calico kitty, also has her own cat perch.

"She has her own window with a cushion on the dresser and a bird feeder outside the window," Hill explained.

Even though Wilson, a Maine Coon mix, technically belongs to her husband, he receives no shortage of attention from Hill. "Wilson doesn't like doors to be shut," Hill said. "So I have to have a door cracked, no matter what — even when I am taking a shower."

Hill also supplies her frisky, 3-year-old felines with plenty of cat toys and treats.

"They have a TON of cat toys. And every time Princess begs, I give her food. They can do anything they want to do except get on the counters or table," Hill said of her precious pets. Accommodating her animals is a pleasure for Hill who says she loves cats because "they are independent. And I love how indignant they are."

She loves them so much, she is thinking of adding a third member to her spoiled pet-family.

"Princess likes to be talked to and told she's beautiful but she doesn't like to play. So I'm thinking of getting Wilson another friend. Everybody needs a friend, even when you don't want one," Hill said, reflecting on her own need to have furry companions. "A pet is always happy to see you. They don't care how you look, or how much money you make, or even if you smell bad. They always love you."