My Feral And Rescued Cats

[tarasgirl06]

I thought we might look back at the story of BJ in honor of his happy news!


The evolution from feral to friend.

After a couple of years of only seeing glimpses of this kitty, I finally convinced him he didn’t have to run.
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He still remained elusive...
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And hid from me, but he ate the food I left and he watched me.
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He saw me as I helped his colony.
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He analyzed the situation as only a cat can do.
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He often warned me off but I kept moving in closer.
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In time, I began attempting more.
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Although he began to let me near, I did get warnings. Lol
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At last, I found a food he could not resist. Treats were given quickly and cautiously.
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After many months of trying to earn his trust, I was rewarded. I touched him.
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He began to be calmer if I was near.
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I was still given clear instructions in kitty speak.”Don’t approach without permission Hooman!”
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He always loved having cover over his head. The Sweet Gum ( Falling Star) tree was his favorite. I always imagined he made many wishes under his tree.
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This was the first time he left the cover of the swamp in my prescence.
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I knew he had begun to trust me when he rolled over and exposed his tummy.
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He finally followed me home.
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His first night in as an enraged feral was a bit nerve wracking at first. I wondered how he would react.
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He didn’t try to eat me, he simply hid.
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He was quite vocal but mostly just to warn me that there were other human outside.
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With time, he allowed petting with a glove.View attachment 321128
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I brought in a baby Sweet Gum tree to make him feel more at home and he thanked me by rubbing against my feet.
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I took him in to get a vet check and get him neutered. That’s when I learned he is FIV positive and had heartworms. I could not socialize him for adoption but I could bring him into my family. Being put back outside was never an option. He would not have survived.
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I began to let the others meet him as he resided in the safety of his cage. The first to approach was his lady from outside, Flowers.Although they had been apart for awhile, they immediately re bonded. True love.
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I began to allow BJ just outside of the cage door.
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He was learning to allow petting. ( and enjoy it)
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He had taken treats fro my knee outside. He remembered.
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A lap could be good!View attachment 321144
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As I sat on the floor with him, he started rubbing against me.
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I started introducing him to being held by just lifting him slightly. At first he was indignant! Lol
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However, he was starting to enjoy being inside.
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Flowers helped by giving him kitty kisses.
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I started to see a relaxed kitty.
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He was obviously a gentle giant.
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He was finally allowed to leave the cage permanently.
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He snuggled with me on the sofa.I got kitty kisses. View attachment 321160
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He made biscuits!
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This fierce feral laid back in my arms like a baby. He wasn’t going to eat me after all!
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His personality is far more than just wild kitty!
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He loves everyone. Mitsy is another he knew outside. It had been over a year since he had seen her but it took only moments to rekindle the love.
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Learning about inside things took time. The cat tree just didn’t work as well as his Sweet Gum tree. Lol
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He quickly got the hang of napping on the sofa. Lol
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And of doing absolutely adorable things!
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He started protecting us all as he had his colony members outside. He alerted to any threatening noise.
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He started settling in to life inside with a family.
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We are a family.
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Toys hold no interest but my glasses are very interesting.
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He has his own pair now and he loves them. Perhaps they remind him of having Swet Gum leaves over his head.
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Sharing a bed with a hooman is kind of nice too.
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He is rewarded for giving love by getting love.
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He adores all the kitties but pays special attention to the ladies.
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He remembered his children too. He is quick to defend his son.
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And he’s very gentle with his daughter.
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He loves having a hat! Lol
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No matter what it’s made of!
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No matter how long he was separated from colony members, he remains loving and loyal.
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He is gentle and protective of the Hooman now too. He doesn’t think she should be outside either!
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BJ is loved by all!
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I was grateful and delighted to hear that he is finally free of heartworms. No room for heartworms there! Perhaps it was because he has a heart full of love.
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If anyone ever tells you that you cannot save or socialize a feral, send them here to meet BJ. An old feral Tom can love as much and as gently as any tame kitten. Ferals count as much as any other life. The heart full of love in this cat came from all of the people here who have given him a piece of their hearts! Thank you to all. I’m convinced that you saved him.
Have a great night everyone. Dreams of a happy BJ ! And as with any story from Chez Catbird......it ends, they lived happily ever after. View attachment 321206

What a beautiful "tale" with beautiful accompanying pix! It's so true that cats bond deeply and their families should always be respected just as we would want our own human familes to be respected. It breaks my heart when family members are separated.
Much gratitude to you for educating others with this message in such a wonderful way! SO glad BJ's news is GOOD.

 

[Jcatbird]

Furballsmom Purrs back!! We have some to spare and share. Lol

tabbytom Having your own rescue , I know that you know exactly how great rescues are to have in our lives. They have tons of love to give. I love the emojis! I can never resist a smiling kitty!

rubysmama BJ was actually living outside longer than two years. I had seen him but he was just a flash in the woods. For two years I had been luring him in closer. He’s a survivor. If his story encourages even one person to help a feral, that would be so great. I hope that more people will realize what they are missing if they don’t save a feral. They are all worth saving and without help, their time is limited. They are fighting the odds to survive past a few years. Cars, humans, dogs, predators, disease, starvation, inclement weather and so many other things put them at great risk as they live outside. I’m so glad that BJ came into our lives as well as all the other ferals that joined us. Each one is a treasure.

N NY cat man Miss Eleanor is another beautiful example of how each feral brings precious love and joy into our lives. She is amazing! She is lucky to have found your family and you are lucky to have found her.

M maggiedemi I’m very happy to hear you have gotten rid of scurvy. Isn’t it nice that just eating certain things can makes us feel better? Nature provides.
You are very wise to recognize the lessons that BJ demonstrates. They do work for us too!
Being apart can make the heart grown fonder. Bj certainly never forgot his loved ones.
I actually do think our hearts are made up of all those who touch our lives. We start out with very simple little baby hearts but with each life that crosses our path, we take away something new. By the time we are old, our hearts are comprised of thousands of parts. I owe a lot of my heart to the donations made by Sarah and kitties. I think our hearts grow when we can appreciate every thing around us.

tarasgirl06 I agree, separated families is very sad and detrimental. The bonds are so important. BJ has been wonderful to share his story we me and with everyone else. Each story is special. I’ve been very privileged to be allowed into the world of ferals. I’m sure you understand exactly how it makes me feel.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Furballsmom Purrs back!! We have some to spare and share. Lol

tabbytom Having your own rescue , I know that you know exactly how great rescues are to have in our lives. They have tons of love to give. I love the emojis! I can never resist a smiling kitty!

rubysmama BJ was actually living outside longer than two years. I had seen him but he was just a flash in the woods. For two years I had been luring him in closer. He’s a survivor. If his story encourages even one person to help a feral, that would be so great. I hope that more people will realize what they are missing if they don’t save a feral. They are all worth saving and without help, their time is limited. They are fighting the odds to survive past a few years. Cars, humans, dogs, predators, disease, starvation, inclement weather and so many other things put them at great risk as they live outside. I’m so glad that BJ came into our lives as well as all the other ferals that joined us. Each one is a treasure.

N NY cat man Miss Eleanor is another beautiful example of how each feral brings precious love and joy into our lives. She is amazing! She is lucky to have found your family and you are lucky to have found her.

M maggiedemi I’m very happy to hear you have gotten rid of scurvy. Isn’t it nice that just eating certain things can makes us feel better? Nature provides.
You are very wise to recognize the lessons that BJ demonstrates. They do work for us too!
Being apart can make the heart grown fonder. Bj certainly never forgot his loved ones.
I actually do think our hearts are made up of all those who touch our lives. We start out with very simple little baby hearts but with each life that crosses our path, we take away something new. By the time we are old, our hearts are comprised of thousands of parts. I owe a lot of my heart to the donations made by Sarah and kitties. I think our hearts grow when we can appreciate every thing around us.

What a wonderful interpretation/thought/feeling! Some people are kind of weirded out when I tell them so often that I have just lost a loved one. I always say I am sad for ME, because I have to continue on here without their physical presence, voice, etc., but I am very glad for them, because they are in a much better place than this veil of tears! And I also believe, and say, that the more friends and loved ones someone has, the more losses they have, of course! so your interpretation and mine are the same, in different words.
As for feral cats, THIS is a feral cat.

 

[tabbytom]

Having your own rescue , I know that you know exactly how great rescues are to have in our lives. They have tons of love to give. I love the emojis! I can never resist a smiling kitty!

Yes, I'm glad that I rescued January. Every time I feed him, when I play with him or just see him lying down looking around or looking out the windows or sleeping, I see the peace and happiness in him and the security of being indoors.

With our much given love to them, they do give you back a double portion of their love and joy!

 

[Jcatbird]

I spent last night sterilizing the house. I took everything out of the cat room and scrubbed, washed and sanitized. I stopped in the wee hours of the morning. Today I started on the kitchen. I’m pulling everything out and repeating that process along with painting. It’s going to take time but I’m going through each room that has held a sneezing cat! This is beyond Spring cleaning! Thank goodness no cat had an appointment today!
Yesterday I spent the afternoon with the vet. Wellness checks are starting up again. I had a short break but we are coming back into the busy season for that again.

Hey! You don’t need to scruff me! I was enjoying looking at my reflection in the table!

This must be a new tech!

She’s new?

Bonjure, get off Mom’s Head!

It’s okay Wanda Heart. Mom will hold you while they check you.

Ahhhh, hey guys! I know I practically live here but we’re not spending the night. Can you turn the lights back on?

They really did turn out the lights. I think Wanda Heart liked it. Lol Exam over? After sitting there a few minutes I did get up to make sure they weren’t closing up for the night. If I’m spending the night there, they need to give me a softer bed. That exam table is hard! Cold too!

The wellness checks were all good. Banjo was mad that Whistle didn’t come but she forgave me. Later.

I’m always supposed to be with Whistle!

Remember that Mom! We travel together!

I’ve been scolded! Lol Thank goodness kitties always forgive! Banjo is asleep beside me now. Lol

Back to work! Have a great night everyone!

 

[Jcatbird]

Yes, I'm glad that I rescued January. Every time I feed him, when I play with him or just see him lying down looking around or looking out the windows or sleeping, I see the peace and happiness in him and the security of being indoors.

With our much given love to them, they do give you back a double portion of their love and joy! View attachment 321316 View attachment 321319

I’ve seen the most precious photos of January. I fell in love with the first picture I saw. That darling and expressive face speaks volumes! I’ve smiled every time I’ve seen him. I know he keeps you smiling. They do return everything we put into the relationship , tenfold!
I don’t know if everyone else has seen him but the photos will melt your heart and make you laugh. Maybe you could share a photo? I can’t describe him and do him justice.

 

[tarasgirl06]

January is a big-eyed lithe little charmer! If you've seen him, you'll be smitten forever!
And wow, Jcatbird , do you ever take an hour off? I know a day would be too much to ask. Your thriving, happy clowder is proof of that!

 

[tabbytom]

I’ve seen the most precious photos of January. I fell in love with the first picture I saw. That darling and expressive face speaks volumes! I’ve smiled every time I’ve seen him. I know he keeps you smiling. They do return everything we put into the relationship , tenfold!
I don’t know if everyone else has seen him but the photos will melt your heart and make you laugh. Maybe you could share a photo? I can’t describe him and do him justice.

Yes again, he does bring a smile to my face every time. I wanted to post sone photos of him one or two posts up but I thought this is your thread and better not disrupt it with January's photos but since you asked, I'll oblige

As many do not know how January came into our lives, here's a brief history.
He was rescued off the streets with a big gaping wound near his bum exposing bare flesh. Then he was dumped again the very night he was rescued, not sure it's because they noticed the open wound or they said their cat is afraid of January. So he was actually doubled dumped!

I was told that there was a kitten which was rescued last night and is now at the common area of the apartment block. Upon hearing this, I rushed to see the kitten. I saw him in a box crying and he was very scrawny looking. Being weak and injured, January managed to climb out of the box to greet me. I told myself, this kitten chose me and I gently carried him in my palms and then I noticed the big gaping wound. I immediately told them that I have to take him home and go to the vet ASAP and that's how I took January home.

Going to the vet on the next day of rescue

Home after the vet's visit (vet says he's around 3 weeks old)

Collage of his growing up

Most recent shots of him and he just turned 4 year old last mid December
Stretching out relaxing

Having his meal

Looking out the windows

Sleeping in a safe home

BTW, January was named January as he was recused in January Here's his name made out of his whiskers I picked up

Sorry to have taken up so much space in your thread Jcatbird

 

[Lari]

I assume Lelia had siblings she was separated from since it was mentioned when I'd asked where she was from that the kittens had spent time on an enclosed porch before they were trapped and socialized. It is sad to think about the kitty family she lost, but my apartment I was in wouldn't allow more than two cats anyway, and the thought of not having her in my life also makes me sad.

I think she's pretty content with her life and now she has another sister in Sparkle, so it turned out okay, I think.

 

[Furballsmom]

This is beyond Spring cleaning!

Gracious sakes, I'd say so!

 

[Jcatbird]

tarasgirl06 I have noticed that we often view the world in a similar manner. We certainly both appreciate all life. We have great respect for it and the hearts and feelings that go along with being part of this beautiful earth. Our hearts grow even with loss.
I am smitten with January too!
Take a day off? Ummmm, does that mean do nothing? Well, I’d be interested in trying that but I don’t think I could manage. I actually did take a little time two Thanksgivings ago to visit the Indian mounds! I climbed to the top and enjoyed a most magnificent view of the river and mountains in the early morning light.Then I spent a little time talking with the staff of the museum there about the artifacts that I had heard were being returned from the Smithsonian. I got very lucky too! They had been returned and the gentleman I had struck up a conversation with allowed me to see the artifacts. I believe they are now on public display. Most of the mounds have been completely undisturbed. A rare respect for an archeological site.I was very glad I had gone to the site very early that day as it allowed me time to discuss the history with the staff undistirbed. It was a very enjoyable morning, although far too short. I would have liked to hike the entire grounds. Maybe one day. That was a great “day off!” Honestly though, any day that’s a good day, is a day off to me. Lol

 

[Jcatbird]

tabbytom No apologies please! I am so glad you shared the story of January with us. I always love hearing about other kitties and their loving guardians. If you had not gone to see about that kitten when you did, he might not have survived and that would have been a terrible loss to the world. Oh my He is so adorable! Poor little one had such a hard start in the world and yet I see the light of life and love in his eyes! He is so content now. That is the most precious face. I love all the photos. I’m amazed that he healed and I’m so glad you chose each other. A love match for sure. Another rescued cat has a safe and happy life thanks to you. Personally, I think that story fits purrfectly here. I’d like to hear updates from time to time too! He has a part of my heart.
I think that having you, and others, share a little of the rescue love here may even serve to inspire another rescue somewhere down the line. If I didn’t already do it, that face would make me run out and rescue a kitty!
Very cool Whisker writing! Excellent use of the coloring of the whiskers!

 

[tabbytom]

tabbytom No apologies please! I am so glad you shared the story of January with us. I always love hearing about other kitties and their loving guardians. If you had not gone to see about that kitten when you did, he might not have survived and that would have been a terrible loss to the world. Oh my He is so adorable! Poor little one had such a hard start in the world and yet I see the light of life and love in his eyes! He is so content now. That is the most precious face. I love all the photos. I’m amazed that he healed and I’m so glad you chose each other. A love match for sure. Another rescued cat has a safe and happy life thanks to you. Personally, I think that story fits purrfectly here. I’d like to hear updates from time to time too! He has a part of my heart.
I think that having you, and others, share a little of the rescue love here may even serve to inspire another rescue somewhere down the line. If I didn’t already do it, that face would make me run out and rescue a kitty!
Very cool Whisker writing! Excellent use of the coloring of the whiskers!

Definitely January would not have survived if he's left out alone to fend for himself. He'll be attacked by other cats and most sad is despised by cat haters when they see a sickly wounded kitten. I cry a little each time when I feed him his meals as I always have the thought of him being left out and not rescued and would not have survived.

Indeed he had a rough and hard start but he stormed it through and his wound closed up perfectly and he knows that I'm giving him all the love he needs. His photos I posted here are just a summary from the first day he came home till now. I have tons of his photos and I have a box where I keep all his fallen whiskers

Thanks to you and others too for rescuing kitties and for giving them a warm and fur-ever loving home and a safe sanctuary for them to live out their lives (this is my standard reply to all who rescue or adopt kitties )

 

[Jcatbird]

Lari I know what you mean about thinking of the other kittens. I wish I could have kept all the colony here together. I still think about every single kitty I held and then had to let go. Mitsy and her babies were particularly difficult. I felt awful when her babies left. I knew that I couldn’t give them all a proper home though. As it turned out, her older babies, Whistle and Banjo did return. I still wish I could have kept them all. Mitsy seems happy though. She has BJ. I think that Lelia having Sparkle makes a big difference. Having you too. We can love others besides our siblings and that’s what counts. They have love. One of the kitties I adopted out comes to mind right now. Beauty had a litter of three. Emoji, Bee and Chessie. A lady and her two sons came here to see about adopting a kitty. They wanted a young kitten but these three were several months old. The family walked around the house meeting all the cats and kittens I had here at the time. Chessie had been at the door when they came in. As the family held other kitties, Chessie followed them and was totally focused on them. Chessie chose them immediately. It didn’t take long for the family to choose Chessie too! It was a love match for the start. I still get updates and photos. By all appearances, you would think Chessie had been born to the family. Chessie even adopted their doggie. They snuggle together with the two boys. I always feel better about having let kitties go when I see how absolutely happy Chessie is now. It was the right thing for Chessie. It was the right thing for Lelia too. You, your husband and Sparkle are her family.

This is Chessie with his dog. I understand that he walks the dog too.

 

[Jcatbird]

tabbytom I know what you mean about crying a little when we think about what could have happened. Sometimes when I am holding one close, my heart Is flooded with emotion. They are such loving babies. As much as I give them love, I want to pour more into them. I’m so grateful that they were willing to come to me. It could have been a very different ending. Happy endings are the ones I always hope to find. Your standard reply is the purrfect one. I am also grateful for every kitty that finds sanctuary.

 

[Jcatbird]

Furballsmom Maybe you could join us for Spring cleaning? It should be a breeze after this!!

 

[Jcatbird]

This person needs help for a very young kitten with pneumonia! Any help would be much appreciated! 5 day kitten Pneumonia

 

[tarasgirl06]

Jcatbird I have a lot of trauma over having to airlift twelve of my beloveds, most if not all of whom are family, but I lay the blame for that at my ex's door -- and also partly at my own, because divorce is rarely if ever one person's fault. I did the best I could and it was almost miraculous that there was someone who was recommended to me who was able to accept them all; and I try to stop there and be grateful. But I willl always miss them more than words can convey, and I will always wish I could have kept us all together in the Mojave, where we were so happy.
tabbytom Oh, the EARS and the EYES! I do love the sight of a big-eared kitten or cat. And he's kept his big ears and eyes! He is absolutely precious.
We all enjoy the "tales" of our beloveds, and we all share them in that spirit and also in hope of inspiring others to rescue. As I was born into a family "with cat" I can say that it is the best life to have. The times when I could not have cats with me were the least happy times of my life and the times when I engaged in risky behavior because I was unhappy. There is the proof that "life is better with cats"!!!
As for the kitten with pneumonia, Jcatbird , two words: VET. NOW.

 

[Jcatbird]

tarasgirl06 I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Those things do stick with us. I remember special happy times and places too. I try to remember the good parts and put the rest on a shelf to gather dust. Of course sometimes those things do come back to us. I always hope for more moments like those special ones. They are cherished when they come. The jewels in the tapestry of our lives.

That kitten did get to a vet. They aren’t in this country so I don’t know just how things work there but the goats milk seems to be working. She’s taking it and if anything can strengthen and nourish her, she may recover. It’s the first thing that has worked for her. Hoping now.

 

[Jcatbird]

I got sidetracked again! We are in flood stages here. I had to spend much of the day clearing debris away from the yard to prevent the drains in the washing machine or septic from being flooded. It will take several days for the water to go down on the river. I hope we have some sunny days! The river won’t crest for a couple of more days. It shouldn’t come near the house but there are homes along the river that are already surrounded by water. Those people are used to being flooded in. I can’t imagine having to leave your home in a car one day and a boat the next! As the river lowers, the water table will too so I am hoping my preparations will keep things working here. The wind may help dry things too. It’s been fierce the past two days. A cat shelter I had in the yard to clean is now an acre away. Lol Somehow it managed to fly over an eleven foot tall building. Wheee! That would have been interesting to watch. Lol

We have less sneezing and coughing in the house today. I’m desperately hoping that things are improving. I don’t know what caused it but I hope it never returns. I’ve been medicating eight cats without any assurance that the medicine was actually doing anything. We are only halfway through the antibiotics for some and only just started them for a couple of the cats so I tend to think they are not what is stopping the problem. And yet...... I feel I need to continue unless the vet says to stop. It’s a true challenge to medicate some of them. Purry is so easy! He just allows me to do anything with him! Mackie, not so much! Lol I always have to grin though. It’s like medicating an octopus! Octocat! He has at least eight paws! He sent the syringe flying across the room last night! I could swear he laughed afterwards!

Banjo got worried about Froggie but the frog house is secure. I heard the tree frogs in the swamp singing in the rain yesterday. Today is cold so they are quiet again. It snowed in the northern part of the state today. It happens up there sometimes. It’s much rarer for it to happen here. We get fluid snow. Lol


It’s been raining hard Mom!

I keep thinking about Froggie.

Can you go check his house?

You’ll get your fur wet!

Check please! I did! Lol Frog house is fine. Froggies are still there.

We’re relieved!

Rubbit wants to meet Froggie.

Hey Rubbit! Don’t hibernate!

Are you going to sleep too?

Let me help you up.

I’ll keep you warm by the heater and by giving you kisses.

Rubbit must be sleepy.

Want some bugs or something?

There aren’t any bugs in here.

When it stops raining I’ll get mom to go find you some bugs.

The heater is making me sleepy too!

Uh oh. Somebody’s coming.

Be very quiet Rubbit.

Don’t even think about it Smokey! Rubbit sleeps with me!

Don’t worry....

I’ll always protect you!

And she did! Banjo gave Smokey a swat for trying to join them in the carrier. No fluff tails are going to squish the Rubbit! After Smokey left, Banjo brought Rubbit up on the sofa. They are both asleep next to me now so I didn’t have to go get bugs in the rain. I’ll offer them both some Fancy Feast broths later.

Have a great night everyone!