The fantastic Miss Kitty Fantastico was first alluded to in the epsiode New Moon Rising when one of her mommies (Tara) suggests getting a cat to second mommy Willow.  Yes, Miss Kitty has two mommies. Hey!  She gets teased enough from the other kids at the cattery without you adding to it.  I know the kitty elite like to say that a cat needs a mother and a father but let me tell you this, no couple has ever loved their cat more than Willow and Tara.  So there.

Anyway, Miss Kitty appeared in two subsequent Season 4 episodes, The Yoko Factor and Restless.  In The Yoko Factor a touching scene near the beginning establishes our heroine's strong bonds with Willow.  However, Tara seems to playing it cool in this scene - a possible avenue to be explored next season?  Is Miss Kitty worried that Tara doesn't love her as much as Willow?  Take heed Mr Whedon!  Think of all the cute kitty angst! Another possible theme for next season was also explored in this scene - the idea that Miss Kitty could succumb to the affliction that haunts all cats in their darkest nightmares.  Yes, Catnip addiction.  It's possible that this may be brought on by Willow who suggests in New Moon Rising that they should "make kitty go bonkers with string and catnip."  Tssk, tssk Willow, that's very insensitive.  Miss Kitty also appeared in Willow's dream in Restless, one of the privelaged two who shared her 'safe place' thus, I believe, further strengthening her Willow-bond.  Miss Kitty is also very mysterious in this scene (it's a well known fact that slow motion=mystery.)

Some people will tell you that the most mysterious character of the season was Tara (that hiding the powder scene has everyone's knickers in a twist.)  It seems to me though that Miss Kitty is a million times more mysterious - where did she come from, pet shop or animal rescue? (Update! - Miss Kitty comes from an animal rescue (see the season 5 episode Family. See this wav file for proof. Will the other questions be answered too? Stay tuned to season 5!) What role will she fill in Willow and Tara's lives?  Even such innocuous things as who were her parents and how old is she?  These are important questions which hopefully will be answered next season.  When they are, rest assured The Miss Kitty Fantastico Appreciation Society will be waiting.