Throwback to Happier Times

A throwback to Happier times... Two years ago but sometimes feels like forever : a happy Hammie the bobtail cat smiles as he cuddles with me. He was such a sweet boy.

And he isn't the only one we've lost. It's been a rough year but I don't write about these things because there's no point in spreading the pain around. Just this one time, I will - to say that I am grateful for the time we had together. And that is my thanksgiving. This is a remembrance for the kitties who made my life better...

Love your babies. You won't have them forever.

Lucy, Hammie's bobtail sister

Lucy left us, too. Former feral cats often have multiple health problems and although I try my best, I fail way too much. I feel like I failed them, and I'm sorry.

Spot, a tiny cat even as an adult

Spot also left us. He was such a sweet boy, too. His health problems kept him small but he loved his family so much. And I loved him, too.

Katniss

Katniss has a sister who is still here, and seems healthy, thankfully. Her multiple health issues didn't slower down much. Now she is at peace.

I am thankful for having these cats in my life. They made me happier, made my world better. In another, better world, we would still be together. But I don't make the rules,

Thank you, kitties, for making my life better. I hope I did the same for you, while you were here.

Love your kitties. Make the world a better place while you can. Nothing lasts forever.

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A House for a Cat

Awhile back I was contacted via email, asking me if I'd be interested in checking out a cute little cat house. I figured, sure why not? I mostly work with feral cats, of course, but if they like something then any pet will as well. So this one showed up from the people at KatKabin ...I was going to take a cat-free photo first but I didn't get a chance. It was occupied within about 30 seconds....

Georgia the tortie showed up and made herself right at home. Apparently, she thinks this is all hers!  The one I got is a double door model. They let me pick and I know feral cats often won't go in anything that doesn't have an escape hatch. The single door model would probably be warmer, though. Anyway, it comes with a nice cushy bed that apparently everyone loves....Another visitor arrived...

Katniss found this situation most interesting. Something new and different! Georgia was not amused. But Katniss can be patient.  So she found herself a comfortable spot to wait her turn. But then another visitor arrived...

Squeaky definitely wanted in on the action. Georgia, who didn't want to discuss it further, turned her back on the camera and took a nap. Georgia had a nice long nap. Katniss finally decided to see what else was happening in the area... but Squeaky was more patient...

Victory at last! After this, Squeaky was seldom seen anywhere but in the KatKabin. For a couple of days. She would not give up her prize. However, a girl has to eat too and eventually someone else got to try it out. I had to move it first, though...

So the thing is, it's too well built for me to just let the feral kitties have it. I mean, it's tempting and all but there are many feral cats here and I'd have to get several of them to keep everyone happy. They would love that, I'm sure but that's not in my budget.

So after this photo shoot, the KatKabin was taken indoors where it is never unoccupied.  They might get another chance to hang out in there at some point, who knows? Is it a good house for feral cats? I don't know, maybe. It's probably more suitable for pets, especially if you have only one or two or three kitties. Feral cats are pretty territorial...and cranky. It's big enough for two cats...maybe three if they're good friends, but with feral cats everything is "all mine" and that is all there is to it.

If you lived in a cold climate, you'd want to put something insulating over it... some foam or some hay or something like that. It seems pretty solid so I think it can handle weight. On their pages they show a kitty inside the KatKabin in snow. It's definitely dry inside because the openings are set back so you have a little overhanging roof. But still, I'd be worried about warmth in such conditions. The single door model would probably be warmer, if your cats will use it. With feral cats, this might be an iffy proposition, but pets would probably be okay with it.

So you might as well check them out! They certainly aren't within everyone's budget ...mine included. But I was fortunate enough to have this one donated for the cause, and for that I am very grateful.

Katniss the Kitty Cat

How could you resist this face?  This post introduces Katniss, our newest rescue cat. She was once a very sick feral kitten, but she's feeling much better now. She's been spayed and had her shots - and is very adoptable. I think she's very colorful for a basic tabby cat, don't you?

Katniss is an affectionate girl. This is a big contrast to when she was rescued. For quite some time she was terrified of people. But then she learned that we're okay after all. Now, many adoptable kitties end up not getting adopted, so they have to hang out here with the ferals. It's not the worst thing that could happen, but a loving home is so much better!