"Zeussy Boy" and "Milo James"

That's what I call our cats; Zeus and Milo. I'm not sure if it makes them sound like superheros or outlaws...

Aside from the obvious difference in appearance, there is a night and day difference in personality. Let me explain....

Milo loves to go outside, especially at night. If we attempt to keep him in (out of fear that he might get eaten by coyotes), he makes a dreadful, incessant meowing sound while we're trying to sleep. He enjoys catching wild prey and living among the wildlife....

Here, Milo takes a long catnap with his peeps.

 Zeus, on the other hand, has not attempted to go outside since we moved to our new house. He's not about to catch his food when it's brought to him in a silver bowl each day. Think: gray Garfield...on steroids. Sometimes, he doesn't even bother to stand up while eating.

Resting in between meals or guarding his food so Milo can't have any. The look on his face suggests the latter, but I'll let you decide....

The closest Zeus gets to interacting with wildlife is drinking from our Beta fish's bowl (imagine the fish's surprise).

 

And while Milo is always having to watch his back to make sure Richard (and Zeus) don't sit on him...

 Zeus is living LARGE...

Too large!  22 lbs. large!!! Not the most dignified cat around...

Now, before you call animal control, let me assure you I have talked to the vet about his weight. We are currently working to get it under control through exercise and diet. All weight aside, however, I have never seen such a humungous domestic cat in all my life...

Zeus stretches out next to Juliette, age 7. This is in 2011, before he gained an excessive amount of weight.

 Each cat has his own special personality. Zeus spends most of his time sleeping. He hides away in the master bedroom unless he wants food or the litter box, meanwhile Milo prefers to be among the family. Despite the fact that Richard tortures him every chance he gets, Milo rarely scratches and never hisses.

In addition to their unique personalities, they have defining features as well. I think Zeus resembles a mountain lion....

And I don't think he'd be too embarrassed if I told you he wore socks....

 after all, I did just say he resembled a mountain lion!

No matter how many times I tell Milo he's special "just the way he is", he wishes he were a Pomeranian or a Pug.

This is the perpetual state of Milo's tail...very curious, isn't it?

 He's even more envious now that we've recently adopted a Pug puppy... 

It was meant to be - an Otis for our Milo...but this post isn't about dogs...

The great thing about Milo is that he's willing to let you do just about anything to him. Sometimes he plays dress up with the kids. 

 The kids try to play dress up with Zeus. He's never fond of the idea at first...

 but ultimately he gives in to his inevitable humiliation...

For the record, he's not fond of the idea after he gives in either!

I may be partial, but I think we have two of the most interesting cats that ever lived...

 I bet they would agree. ;-)