I made a trip down to RI this morning. Fortunately I got out and about before everyone else headed that way so traffic was moving right along. Why did I go to RI? BDF, a guy on the Firewoodhoarder's forum had taken in 4 kittens that a feral cat gave birth to in their garage - they were born exactly 9 weeks ago. At 4 weeks he and his wife took them from the mother, who was starting to move them to a barn, and began bottle raising them. Their goals were to get them used to humans so they could be adopted, then to find them good homes. He has been posting pictures of them, and commented on their progress on the forum.
So, I got to BDF's place, spent quite a while with him and his lovely wife - and of course the kittens. I knew Slash was not to be mine (BDF's wife had already claimed her), so I concentrated on wooing the other three to see who the best one would be to take home. Note that the names were given from defining characteristics, just to tell them apart, so they aren't meant to be permanent names.
Glasses (who had markings as if she were wearing spectacles - complete with temple pieces), although polite enough, definitely gave me the impression that I was not her type. Ah well, not every human loves me either. Both Runt and Spot were very relaxed around me and didn't even take a second look when I started petting them. This is amazing since BDF said they had only seen 1 other human (besides him and his wife), and that was just 2 days ago. Anyway, They both were happy to be pet and bottle fed by me (so was Slash, but Glasses didn't even make an appearance for that).
So, decisions, decisions. One kitten would be more likely to bond with Rita. Ah, but two kittens could soothe each other thru this upheaval from everything they have ever known. Yeah, both Runt and Spot came home with me. Spot was vocal a couple times during the ride and I would talk to him then sing when a good song came on. Runt was very calm the entire time. However, they did sleep or at least stay quiet for 98% of the ride. Welcome to NH! Yes, they had their seatbelt on
Rata looking at the cat carrier - getting the feeling that all is not the same in her world.
Rita looking in the cat carrier
Rita growling and turning away from the carrier. she actually did very well; just a couple of growls then walked away. Before I let the kittens out I gave Birdie and Ziva bread slices as treats, then gave Rita some treats. This is normal routine when I have been away for hours during weekend days.
Spot was the first to venture from the cat carrier to the pen that they will have as a safe place when I'm not around to supervise
Spot and Runt (her name will probably change - just have to figure out what suites her)
Although Spot is the most adventurous, Runt is the most calm, so as they have been relaxing, Runt is in the foreground of the bedding box and Spot is in backsitting up
As I am writing, Rita is on my desk, blocking the view of the monitor and getting pets, as usual. Hopefully the transition will be smooth. Although it will be interesting to see her reaction when the kittens get into playing mode.
Good on you! Nothing like a couple of kittens to perk up the household. May they enjoy your loving care for many years to come!
Posted by: Cop Car | July 14, 2018 at 06:23 PM
aaawwwwww
Now I want a kitten.....
Posted by: Ruth | July 20, 2018 at 09:05 AM
I thought I would get another older cat from the rescue league that I got Rita from. But when the guy started posting pictures and progress reports on the forum, my plans kind of changed :)
On another note - I called Spot a him earlier in the post. I keep having that issue in my mind - she is female. She is so forward, adventurous and outgoing compared to Rainey that somehow I keep thinking "he". Maybe the name doesn't help (although I don't make the mistake of thinking her a dog - LOL. Ah well, doesn't matter what gender I call her, she will be an it in a few months :)
Posted by: bogie | July 22, 2018 at 06:30 AM