I once had a fluffy cat named Leo, but he got lymphoma and I had to have him put to sleep.
I'm sorry to hear about your lab as well. They are very sweet dogs.
I love ginger cats! Leo was a ginger, and I have one right now named Chunk.
Yikes! That doesn't sound pleasant, but I know they do that to try to show you they like you. They think you appreciate the gifts.