Mark's "Zoo": Kazuma and KeaLani

The first time that Mark met Kazuma,
he was dangling from the upper reaches of a papaya tree in Maui.
"He" being the cat, that is....

Kazuma (so-named after a Hawaiian surfboard company) was rescued by Mark after the young kitten had been adopted by somone who had no time for the rambunctious youngster.

Christmas Day 1998 saw the official arrival chez Lindsay of Mark's first Hawaiian cat. Kazuma showed his appreciation by promptly zoning out with his favorite book ->

Being an extremely social cat, Kazuma often tried to make friends with neighborhood cats. One day, a lovely orange cat appeared on the patio. Kazuma was beyond smitten, but after a day of romance at a short distance, she never reappeared, despite Kazuma's vigil at the location. Time for a trip to the Maui Humane Society.

Mark returned with a report about a sweet orange cat who had been at the shelter for a month...much to the surprise of the shelter staff, since she was pretty, healthy, and very friendly. She had been delivered by the concierge at Maui's stunningly-exotic Kealani Resort, where she had taken up residence (did we mention she was smart?) and particularly enjoyed raiding room service trays. The next day, after an ear tattoo and a spay, she was sprung and we introduced her to Kazuma.

KeaLani ensconced herself in the middle of our king-size bed and accepted visits from us or Kazuma at her leisure, but after a couple of days, only one problem remained. She refused tp eat any cat food, instead turning her nose up at anything except cold coffee and toast as she apparently enjoyed during her resort stay. Finalllllllllly, she agreed to make the transition to feline food, but not without significant weight loss and great coaxing.

Baby Kazuma with his favorite book

Kazuma the Great Lizard Hunter
(pictured in the Maui Sveldt)