I found myself struggling to breathe. But she paused part way between the bathroom and the bed and I realized she was probably terrified I was going to laugh at her. We had done some pet play before, but this was a big leap for her.

"I have the most beautiful kitten in the whole world," I said, shifting to the edge of the bed.

"Meow," I heard, with a little tinkling of a bell. Dear god. I got down off the bed, went over to where she was and knelt down beside her. I took my hand and began gently running it back and forth from her head down...