My name is Ashley. At least that's my latest. The first owner called me Garbage. I remember my mum. We were separated when I was only four weeks old. Mum used to feed me. I sucked her nipples. But what I missed most was her love. The owner hated me.

The day they left they packed up all the furniture and left me alone on the balcony in the cold. I did not know what to do. I miaowed but no-one came. A long black night passed. I had to escape. I jumped and landed in the tree.

Fortunately it was a nice fine day. The woman they call the cat lady was walking in the park and she saw me. This was the best day of my life. But I was ill.

Next day I was taken in a basket to someone they call the vet. He put a sharp needle into me. I screamed. It hurt. I wondered if my life was going to all torture.

Nevertheless to my surprise the next day I woke up feeling better lying down next to a big dog. "You have had the flu" said the lady.

They put some milk into a saucer and I was able to lap it. I had not tried before. The lady put some soft food into her hand and she was able to eat this too.

There were lots of others cats in her house. Big cats. But none as loving as my mum. I did miss her. But I watched what they did and started to play about.

One day they put me in the box and took me to church. The lady took her dog along too. I purred and purred because everyone in the church stroked me. The lady vicar took me in her hands and made a fuss of me. I heard them say this was an animal blessing service. The dog I had got to know was there too.

I had been there in the big house for six weeks then was taken to the church again. Another lady took me home. I am just settling down. But the kitten food is delicious and there is a nice room to play in. I hope I will be able to stay. The garden looks nice and the lady was saying I could go outside to play soon. My name is Ashley.

P.S. I've had a sex change. They thought I was a boy, but I'm a girl!