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Lucky Cats Hub Author 21 months ago

THROW-AWAYS

When they arrive, they are strangely quiet; deathly silent. I am always alarmed at this; and the familiar tightening in my stomach begins…is this one ill? Too sick to fight? Am I too late? It is always the same. That still, acquiescent behavior when a new kitty comes home.

These are the throw-aways. The unwanted ones. The unfortunates who may be less than cute or just a little too big. Left to fend for themselves in the brutal winter cold and scorching summer heat with no dependable source of food or water, no warmth or refuge from the elements, they suffer indescribably and, more often than not, die as horribly. Crouching beneath parked cars in parking lots after having been thrown out the door of an auto belonging to their “family,“ these animals are cast aside as so much trash, tossed out with the garbage, their fate almost certainly sealed.

Kicked out of door ways, running from threatening tones; harsh words from an elevated, unfriendly human voice, objects hurled their way; they roam the streets, begging, silently at times, to be found; to be rescued.

I find myself in their pathway more often than I had imagined possible. I hear of their plight; their guaranteed fate. The unlucky cats. At a local yard sale; kittens darting about in the shadows, the proprietor warning, to no one in particular; “if somebody doesn’t take them away, I’m going to call the pound, I don’t want cats running all over the place.” My alert signals are all going off. I must act, and act now. Their time is limited; the folks here are not shaken with the woman’s announcement as I am; there is no option.

“I’ll take them,” I offer. People look, giggle, warn of the hazards and inconvenience. I choose not to acknowledge or gratify the ignorant comments; I simply ask, “if you’re sure it is okay, I’ll take them now.” And I do.

During the ride home, these sad animals are mute, as if surrender has already occurred. I suppose, the current situation cannot be any worse than what they have already experienced. I talk softly as I drive, reassuring, low and soothing vocalizations promising safety and security.

When they arrive, they are passive, unresisting. As always, I worry. What I have learned, however, is that, for the first time in short feline lives, they can finally relax in a softly padded, dark corner, removed from fearful forces. At my house, nourishing food is readily available, fresh water is ever present, treats come throughout the day and lots of pets, soft words and non threatening surroundings allow relaxation that may never, before now, have been felt by these pitiful creatures.

For days, the cats lie as if in a deep slumber; rising occasionally to eat or drink. As if sedated, they are, I imagine, absorbing; savoring every bit of comfort which is available to them. Safe and warm, fed and loved; the throw-aways have come home, for good.

And, I know, in time, a trusting, renewed being will emerge from that oddly submissive, frightened animal. A surprising, endearing character will develop before my eyes, as if reborn into a new life.

I often think of what fantastic personalities; “kittenalities,” are lost because these cats are on survival mode their entire lives, disallowing the emergence of fabulous traits. Cats have such wide ranging and varied individual natures, it truly is amazing to watch these unfold when given half a chance. These souls; these lives are a gift to us. Think of it; another species so willing to communicate and coexist with us. This is a miracle; an everyday miracle.

If you see a stray, a forgotten, unlucky and unloved, kitty; often times, matted, flea bitten or scrawny, perhaps injured cat; please, give solace, won’t you? They have no chance in the wilderness, where coyote and wild dogs will kill them. They have no defenses against this new unknown, unfamiliar territory. In the streets, speeding thoughtless drivers take their lives without a second thought.

Think of this poor being, discarded for no good reason or because we have chosen not to be responsible. If you find it in your heart, coax that cat to safety, if even for an evening. Warm bedding, fresh food and clean, clear water can do wonders. In time, if time allows; you’ll see an amazing, unique individual appear. You’ll notice special nuances that were not initially present. The cat, like the forgotten child, will develop into an awesome, intelligent and often entertaining, friend.

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Lucky Cats Hub Author 21 months ago

When we first moved here with our original 15 cats, we never expected to find such absolute need. There are no animal rescue shelters in the immediate area and there seems to be a general lack of concern regarding helpless animals. Over the 3 1/2 years we've been here, we've rescued many dozens of animals. Mostly cats, some dogs, a few members of the wildlife community. Literally, domestic animals are regarded as "throwaways," thus prompting the first comment here. We always do the best care for these newly adopted friends, spaying, neutering, testing for feline aids and leukemia (btw, we NEVER sentence an animal to death because he/she is unfortunate enough to have contracted one of these diseases), vaccinations and typical needs such as flea and ear mite prevention. Our aids positive kitties live in separte "kitty condos" w/in the house and the leukemia kitties have an outbuilding which is attached to the main house and divided into 4 'apartments.' They receive the best of care and nutrition to ensure the longest, happiest life possible.

There is such a need here in SE Kansas. We are doing the best we can on our farm; housing dogs and cats, loving them and giving them every chance at a wonderful life.

Lots more pictures to come.

Lucky Cats Hub Author 21 months ago

I WAS SO MUCH OLDER THEN, I’M YOUNGER THAN THAT NOW.

Kathy

I had “had it!!” The old white cat with a torn up ear must be saved and I was the one to do it. Days passed; I’d walk by and see that sweet old cat laying in the sun, blind in one eye, flea bitten and being eaten away with what I suspected/ knew was cancer. He lived near me in a house that looked reasonably respectable. How could that cat be in such bad condition?

My best friend, Al, returned home from work to find me waiting impatiently for him. I wanted him to accompany me so that we could go, in force, to save the old cat. We marched down the street and around the block searching for the cat as we neared his house. My mission was to take the cat to my veterinarian no matter what his “owners” said, or how they felt.

There was no old white cat in sight. I entered their yard and almost tripped over the smallest, skinniest, most pitiful sight I’d seen in an awfully long time. There at my feet and baking in the heat of direct sun on a summer day, was a small white cat. She raised her head just the littlest bit and issued forth a sorrowful, almost inaudible “mew.”

With great determination, I walked up to the house, knocked, and when the occupant opened the door, asked if the deathly ill kitten I held in my arms was hers. She replied, “Yes, that’s Mom Cat.”

“What?” I asked incredulously.

“She’s ours. She just had 6 kittens.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The tiny thing in my arms had 6 kittens? She was no more than a kitten herself. How could this wisp of a cat have had kittens? There was nothing of her to nourish them. No wonder she was so depleted. But it did explain that funny little sound, only mother cats make, that she uttered as I tried to comfort her. I believe she knew she was being taken care of.

Well, now I was doubly determined. “I’m taking her to my veterinarian and when I return, we’re taking the old white cat, too. I’m sure he has a cancerous ear and an eye infection. I’ll let you know how they’re doing.”

With that, I turned and walked away, holding the kitten in my arms. I reached home and gave her water. She drank and drank, all the while making those little mom cat sounds. As I held her and talked to her, stroking her little head, she lifted a paw and placed it on my nose.

It was hot and she was weak…time was of the essence. I called my vet and said, “I’ve got an emergency case, can you take us?” I just knew that hours were all that remained for her if something wasn’t done quickly.

“Yes!” was the answer I got…we have great veterinarians!

The little one was extremely ill and close to death. She ended up staying at the vet’s for 7 days and nights, needing incredible amounts of antibiotics and hydration and all kinds of intervention to save her life. There were several times when our vets warned us that there might not be anything they could do to save her. She was on the verge. Thankfully, with divine intervention, she pulled through.

I knew that I could not return ‘Little One’ to her former life. There was no way. She needed protection and she needed lots of medical attention. With calculated intent, I called the people where she lived and told them how expensive were the medications and how long the treatment period would be for the little kitty. They didn’t feel they were equal to the task, (I knew that,) and asked if I’d like to adopt Mom Cat. (This was my plan all along.) Gladly, I said, “Yes, I’ll take care of her….don’t worry!”

Seemingly endless bouts of medicating followed. Twice in the morning and twice in the evening for six weeks! Not an easy task. In the beginning she was so weak that all she did was lay on my bed all day long. I’d encourage her to eat and drink and I’d have to carry her to the litter box. I covered her with blankets, checking on her throughout the day. She always purred and placed her paw on my face as I leaned near to talk to her.

Days passed and the little one became stronger. Pretty soon she was on her feet, grooming herself and, for the first time, she noticed that there were other cats in the house. Steadily, she improved, gaining strength with each day.

Now she is scampering about, running all over the house. Everything she encounters is exciting, challenging. She’s playful, pouncing on the other cats, chasing dust bunnies, exploring about.

Because of her tough past life and how little help she received from her former humans, she never really was able to grow to become a full sized cat. It’s hard to imagine this small creature nurturing 6 kittens. Little One looks like a kitten. Her teeth and claws are tiny and her body is not that of a normally developed adult cat. Through all of this, though, she’s as strong as an ox and has put on lots of ounces! Her eyes shine, her coat is sleek. She runs all around, slipping and sliding on the floor, jumping on all surfaces, even bounding from coffee table to “tall boy” to the sills of the windows in my vaulted ceiling. She has energy to spare, much like that well known bunny we’re all familiar with. She feels she owns my home, as she taunts my other house cats. They with great patience, tolerate her kitten like exuberance. “Little One” rules the roost. She can do no wrong, even when she is a curtain climbing maniac. Her joy in newfound kitten hood is wonderful to behold. Every time I watch her play, so delighted in life, I am reminded of just how close to leaving this life my Little One was.

I smile. “We have a kitten again!”

Epilogue

Today, Little One couldn’t be happier. She owns the place. All day long, life unfolds for her as if for the first time. She is the kitten she never got to be. Her 6 kittens have grown to be twice her size, all living in the area. Three remain at Little One’s former home. I check on them from time to time.

The old white cat whose forlorn appearance caused me to search that day, is also coming along fine. His name is ‘Sunny.” In the capable hands of our wonderful veterinarians, Sunny underwent surgery and he now sports the ‘Van Gogh’ look. Sunny lives indoors only now.

Lucky Cats Hub Author 20 months ago

Hi Schoolgirlforreal. Well, I'm in SE Kansas, just above Tulsa about 90 miles. I am so appreciative that you would love to volunteer. I wish you were nearer. We're trying to gather local volunteers; people who love animals as we do and you do but we're having a hard time doing it because this is a rural area and, well, the first hub explains it. Just knowing that you care and love animals, too, is a big relief. The world needs more people like you.

Lucky Cats Hub Author 19 months ago

Glassvisage, you are amazing! Your hubs are great and...you love cats! Doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for caring about our kitty friends and for following me..I'm just starting so all the cat supporters I can accrue is great!