The Adventures of Periwinkle and Stinky

 

Periwinkle paced back and forth in front of the Teleportation Tunnel.  She couldn't wait for Stinky's arrival.  It seemed like forever since they were together, even though it was the same amount of time as every week.  She groomed her furs and kept her eye on the Tunnel.  Suddenly, the Tunnel started to shake and, with the familiar WOOSH, Stinky popped out and landed right in her waiting paws.  They spent time whisker-kissing, paw-patting, and catching up.  Periwinkle hugged Stinky extra tight because she knew how sad he was since his fursib, Astrid, had gone to the Bridge.  She squeezed his paw and asked how his Mom and Dad and fursibs were doing.  Stinky said they were doing okay, but were very sad.  Once again, Periwinkle squeezed his paw and hugged him.

Wiping a tear away from his eye, Stinky asked what they were doing.  Periwinkle replied, "I didn't think you would want to go anywhere this week, and our friends all liked the cartoon cat Adventure we did last time so I thought we could continue with that.  Stinky smiled and thanked her for being so thoughtful.

"We had some requests, so I thought we would start with them," said Periwinkle.  

First, we had a request for Tigger.  

Periwinkle went on, "Tigger is the impulsive and restless tiger from 'Winnie the Pooh. While he isn’t exactly a cat, he’s part of the larger feline family. Tigger is outgoing and fun-loving and thinks any challenge or task is “what Tiggers do best.” Tigger is best known for bouncing around on his tail through the Hundred Acre Wood.  Tigger made his first appearance in the book The House at Pooh Corner, which was published in 1928. That was the second volume of the beloved stories written by A. A. Milne. Likewise, Tigger didn’t appear until the second Winnie the Pooh animated featurette, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day, which was released in 1968."

Stinky looked up the next cartoon cat, Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes..  He told Periwinkle, "Hobbes is Calvin’s stuffed tiger, but he’s also much more than that. To Calvin, Hobbes is alive—he’s his best friend, playmate, and partner in mischief. The funny part is that whenever other people see Hobbes, he looks like just a regular stuffed animal.

Hobbes is very different from Calvin. He’s calm, thoughtful, and sometimes even wise, while Calvin is wild, silly, and full of energy. Hobbes likes tuna sandwiches, pouncing on Calvin, and sometimes teasing him. He also gives Calvin advice—sometimes serious, sometimes funny. Periwinkle said, "So Hobbes is the sensible one? Sounds like me when I tell you not to climb too high!"  Stinky blushed but went on.

"Together, they go on big adventures in their imaginations—exploring space, fighting dinosaurs, or making up new games. But in the end, Hobbes is always by Calvin’s side. He represents friendship, imagination, and the magic of seeing the world playfully.  I hope that's how our friends view us!"

Both tabbies began to research the next cartoon cat, Top Cat.  

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Stinky found him first. "I’ve got the scoop on the super-cool cat named Top Cat—or T.C. for short. Top Cat is the boss of a bunch of alley cats in New York City. He’s slick, smooth-talking, and always has a clever plan. He lives in a trash can (but a fancy one with a lid he uses like a door). T.C. isn’t alone. He’s got a whole gang—Benny the Ball, Choo-Choo, Fancy-Fancy, Spook, and Brain. They’re his pals, but they’re also his crew for all his wild schemes. Most of the time, they’re trying to outsmart Officer Dibble, the policeman who keeps telling them to behave. Top Cat may be sneaky, but deep down, he’s got a good heart. He always looks out for his gang. That’s why everyone follows him. He’s like the alley cat version of a leader. I think Top Cat’s a lot like Hobbes but with more sass. He’s clever, confident, and always ready to land on his paws… kinda like me when I climb on something!”  Periwinkle rolled her eyes but didn't comment!

Periwinkle sat tall, curling her tail neatly around her paws. She gave Stinky a wise look and began, “Alright, Stinky, now it’s my turn. I’m going to tell you about another famous cat—Heathcliff.”

Periwinkle continued, “Heathcliff isn’t just any cat. He’s an orange tabby who lives in a neighborhood where he causes all sorts of mischief. Unlike Top Cat, who runs with a gang, Heathcliff mostly does things on his own. He’s tough, scrappy, and isn’t afraid of dogs or humans. In fact, most of the time, the dogs are scared of him! Imagine that.” Stinky was impurressed, “A dog afraid of a cat? I like him already!”

Periwinkle purred in agreement. Heathcliff is known for stealing fish from the market, tipping over garbage cans, and pulling various pranks. But underneath all that toughness, he has a soft side. He really loves his family—especially the humans he lives with. And when he’s with his girlfriend, Sonja, he’s much gentler.”

Stinky  commented, “So, he’s like a neighborhood rascal, but with a heart, and his girlfriend has a good influence on him like you do on me?”

“Exactly,” Periwinkle said. “He shows that we cats can be mischievous and independent, but also caring. Kind of like you when you act all tough but then curl up next to me for naps.” Stinky looked a little sheepish, then gave a small purr. “Heathcliff sounds like a cat I’d want on my team.” Periwinkle giggled. “If Heathcliff, Top Cat, Hobbes, and Tigger all joined us, we’d have the best kitty crew in history!”

It was almost time for Stinky to head home.  The two spent some time hanging out with Reesie before he had to go.

After some paw patting and whisker kissing, Periwinkle asked Stinky to please give his Mom an extra hug and let her know that she and her Mom and fursibs were so sorry about Astrid.  Stinky said he would. He stepped into the Teleportation Tunnel, blew one last kiss, and, with a WOOSH, headed home.  Periwinkle went back to the sofa where Reesie was and took a nap with her paw on the spot Stinky had been.

Periwinkle and Stinky would like you to add any other cartoon cats you would like to learn more about so they can research them for you.