The cats are back this week after being absent last week due to my last round of medical commuting between Honolulu and San Francisco!

There is healing power in cats, although it’s a power likely shared by animal companions of all kinds.

Being home sharing time with them adds a needed layer of stress relief!

This time I was surprised to realize that Kiko was most excited by our return, edging out Kinikini, who has been the longtime leader in this category.

Kiko was first at the door when we arrived from the airport, and then it seemed like every time I sat down at the dining table for more than 30 seconds, a black and white cat would mysteriously appear in my lap, waiting to receive pets and begin the drooling routine. She doesn’t really announce herself, she just appears.

No, that isn’t quite accurate. Sometimes her sudden appearances are preceded by a few seconds of zoomies as she streaks around the room, leaps wildly on the table, and then slips past my left arm directly onto my lap. Most of the time I’m barely aware of the process as it is underway, and only recreate it in my mind as the drooling begins.

In any case, suffice it to say that the cats are happy that we’re home, and we’re equally happy to see each of them!