No lie, cats, the color blue, mythological creatures, and fish are some of my favorite things. So this was a totally self indulgent little stitch that I splurged on.
Some modifications: 3/4 stitches are of the devil so I was like "yeah, no" and didn't do them. So that messed up the backstitch scale count something fierce, but it's my project and I'll do what I want to. I also substituted regular thread for kreinik metallics in the backstitching--I have a few bobbins left over from previous projects. Worth it, though.
Little kitty is hanging on my wall now. I'm so happy with the result, and I actually really like the color of the (18 count) aida I found in my stash.