Four is the ideal number of poker players, and it also happens to be the best number of cats at Shadowcat Manor to create the least amount of hissing and flying fur. Any more, and we report an increase in injuries; any fewer, and the place just looks empty.

There are, occasionally, additions to the Basic Four, but they are not part of what gives this place its backbone. They may represent whiskers, or a claw or two, but, for the most part, four is what we play with at this table.

I will introduce you to the cats individually later. For now, just know that all cats at Shadowcat Manor are rescues or children of rescues. Their stories are as varied as their personalities. Some harbor secrets, still, that we are not privy to, and they may never tell.

On a typical day, the cats stick around for a round of poker stares and tapping tails. The one who looks away first is bluffing. Sometimes, some cat doesn't want to ante up, but they all know the game. In time, everyone has to show their cards.

Once the staring and tapping is over, the cats play their best hand. Look for smugness on some cat's face. He probably holds a Full House. Twitching whiskers may mean three Aces, purring, Four-of-a-kind. Their poker faces are not so convincing. A cat has too much body language for a good bluff. Occasionally, there is a hiss and some cat throws her cards on the table in disgust. The loser stalks away with tail whipping. The winner with a swagger.

Once outside, territory has to be marked, by the winner as well as the loser. It's important to remain present and accounted for. Another day, another game.

Four cats of Shadowcat Manor divide up territory according to the four directions. Of the ten acre property, about three acres of yard and woods is split according to temperament. Always the hot headed cat takes the South quarter, the gentle, most spiritual one goes to the East. The one, whose fluid movements reminds us most that cats are essentially liquid, takes the West quarter and the frosty one, whose temperament is like a permanent winter, resides in the North.

Occasionally, a fifth cat, usually a roaming tom, tries to carve out a slice of woods for himself, but that never bodes well. For this poker game, four really is the perfect number.