Heart Warming

Kit Kat And Lucy by Lonnie Hull Dupont is a delightful account of life with two cats, neither of which were purchased by the author. Both appeared seemingly out of nowhere and looking for love. Lonnie Hull Dupont tried to find alternative homes as her husband was allergic to cats. Circumstances arose and she fell in love with them. “If she [the cat] wants to be here that badly, then she can be.”

The author had grown up with pets but city living meant hers was a pet free zone for twenty years. “This country mouse rather happily turned into a city rat.” Lonnie Hull Dupont had always been closer to animals than people and reminisces about her childhood, saying “The cats were my best friends of all.”

Cats are remarkably perceptive. They seem to know when one is ill or upset. The author suffers from anxiety. The cats had an inbuilt instinct, knowing just when Lonnie or her husband needed help, as only a cat can give. “What was most amazing… was how this strong-willed creature knew when we weren’t feeling up to par – and then how she helped us.”

Owning cats can be worrisome when they are ill or getting old but the good times outweigh the bad. Lonnie Hull Dupont explores the bond between her and her cats, noting “Midst a background of purring, I was going to become very productive. ” A purring cat can be therapeutic.

Cats are independent creatures. No one can ever train a cat. They know what they want and when they want it. The relationship is always on their terms but we cat owners fall in love with every cat we own and are happy to do life on their terms!

Lonnie Hull Dupont is a Christian. She prays for her cats, showing that God is interested in every aspect of our lives and concerned for all creatures great and small. “I pray about many things, but with so much misery in the world, should I beseech God on behalf of one blue kitten in winter?”

The novel has it sad moments too. Lonnie Hull Dupont talks about losing a loved one. As a Christian she “knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was not lost to me forever, that someday I would be with her.” I must admit I shed a tear as the author described life ending for one of her cats. Having been in that situation myself, I, along with other pet owners I am sure, could empathise. With owning any animal, we know that one day we will have to say goodbye.

Kit Kat And Lucy was an absolutely delightful read. A wonderful book. An absolute ‘must read’ for anyone who loves cats.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON