Undomestic Quotes

“Justin's small form was very still with excitement, his attention riveted on the black feline. "Look, Mama!"
Phoebe glanced at Mr. Ravenel. "Is she feral?"
"No, but she's undomesticated. We keep a few barn cats to reduce the rodent and insect population."
"Can I pet her?" Justin asked.
"You could try," Mr. Ravenel said, "but she won't come close enough. Barn cats prefer to keep their distance from people." His brows lifted as the small black cat made her way to Sebastian and curled around his leg, arching and purring. "With the apparent exception of dukes. My God, she's a snob."
Sebastian lowered to his haunches. "Come here, Justin," he murmured, gently kneading the cat along its spine to the base of its tail.
The child approached with his small hand outstretched.
"Softly," Sebastian cautioned. "Smooth her fur the same way it grows."
Justin stroked the cat carefully, his eyes growing round as her purring grew even louder. "How does she make that sound?"
"No one has yet found a satisfactory explanation," Sebastian replied. "Personally, I hope they never do."
"Why, Gramps?"
Sebastian smiled into the small face so close to his. "Sometimes the mystery is more delightful than the answer.”
― Lisa Kleypas, Devil's Daughter