Imp, Missy Tee and Calzini are all litter mates. Their mother was a black cat we called "Mamma Nera" to differentiate her from "Mamma"...who is gray and is Scruff's mother cat.
Mamma N. was quite feral and not very trusting of humans, but while she was pregnant she was obviously hungry. It took a while, but she eventually would come into the courtyard to get her meals, like everyone else.
Once the kittens were old enough, she began to bring them up to our "ristorante." Scruff was still outside at that point, too, so they all were familiar with one another.
Cat litters can have multiple "father cats," so litter mates may be full or only half siblings, biologically. Each one of these kittens seemed markedly different from the other. One tortoise shell, one gray kitten and one tuxedo. One female and two males.
We never did get a chance to bring Mamma Nera to the veterinarian since we were so busy with all the others and eventually the inevitable happened and she had another litter, two kittens - one totally white and the other totally black and both adorable.
They, too, were brought to the "ristorante," but the white one was the only one bold enough to climb the one step and seek the food. I was just guessing that this kitten was a male since he was considerably larger than the other and more outgoing.
That, sadly, may have contributed to his end as the white kitten, Mamma Nera and another large mostly white cat were all poisoned by something someone left in the street. Sib disappeared too, but he may have been injured, we aren't sure.
The little black kitten, just over two months old, was all alone and crying for Mamma. It was awful. We were able to befriend her because the weather was warming up, so my husband sat outside for a while every day with a feather teaser toy (and food, of course) until we were able to pick her up and bring her in. Little Notte, "Orphan Black."
She was the cutest little thing and as time passed I noticed more and more similarities between her and Imp. The first thing I noticed was their eyes, which are the same shape and often bear the same expression. They have the same body type...slightly stocky, just a bit wider and shorter than the others. They have the same texture coat, very thick and soft, but not a double coat. It's just a guess but I think it's possible these two are full siblings, although from separate litters.
Two full siblings, four altogether with the same mother, but believe me, they are ALL family. It's remarkable to me how well they all get along (except Missy...when she's hungry) and enjoy each other's company.
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