We have four cats. The two oldest are Polly and Heidi. Both were adopted a few years ago from a shelter known as SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, located north of Princeton.

Polly came so named because she is polydactyl and has extra toes on all feet, and she is also partially blind. Now an adult, her days are mostly inactive until she hears sounds in the kitchen that suggest that mealtime is approaching. Polly likes to lie on top of the tree and look at blowing leaves that she probably thinks are the birds she used to see when her vision was better.

Heidi was originally named Axle, because she was found beneath an old truck. When moved to our home, Axle spent the first two weeks hiding, so we renamed her Heidi. Slowly, she has gained a little confidence, but remains our least-social pet, and the center of this cat tree offers necessary protection.

Nevertheless, Polly and Heidi now have a good home and provide us with an image of solitude while Calvin and Kona are often a blur of activity.