Crowded Cathouse

Tibby Bean and Circe are the full-time matriarchs of the cathouse.  They will live out their lives here.  They are very content to watch as cats and kittens come and go.  They are part of what we call The Gray Girls.  There are actually eight Gray Girls now.  The old crew - Tibby, Circe, Glitter, Spritz, Cashmere, and Mitts - have been joined by Tulip and Halo (Halo is one from the Fantastic Fifteen).  Add Percy, Luna, and Golden (also from the Fantastic Fifteen), the Formerly Feral Four, and Survivor Kitties Trex and Frosting (Fantastic Fifteen, too).  Daphne is in a cage, but she is out the entire time any one of us is in the cathouse (working, playing, or taking pictures).  That’s eighteen cats living in the two rooms of the cathouse.  Yes.  We are crowded.

This is the absolute maximum number for the cathouse.  No more IN until some get placed.  And with Autumn just around the corner, well . . . .     We’ve never made it through an Autumn without needy kitties crossing our path. 

Today I will highlight three Winnie’s Wish cats that will be some of the hardest to place.  These are kitties “with problems”.  And I’ll end with Luna - no problems, big talker.

You’ve met Tulip.  She was the pregnant stray that Older Daughter picked up along with Daphne.  (The two were fighting over a chicken bone in front of a dumpster.)  Tulip had her kittens with us, but none lived.  During the process of birthing, everything shut down and we nearly lost Tulip.  When she pulled through, it took a long time for her to regain her strength.  She and Daphne were living in cages (separately) in my kennel office, and we got to know Tulip very well.  She was such a lover that we knew her personality would make her very adoptable.  She loves to be in a lap.  She purrs and rolls and rubs and takes such joy in being with a human.  She would be a perfect candidate for a forever home.  And then . . .

Tulip moved into the cathouse and was very nervous about being with the other cats.  We didn’t worry much because most adult cats have some trouble moving into a new environment of already-established cats.  Tulip would lash out at any cat who approached her.  We still didn’t worry because we knew she was just trying to feel safe.  She would eventually find her place in the crowd and do fine.  But Tulip has gone the path of Sparkles.  (Remember our special plea for an adoption for Sparkles?)  Tulip does not get along with the other cats, and she is absolutely desperate to have the attention of any of us humans who enter her world.  Like Sparkles, Tulip is an AMAZING cat in terms of her love for a person, but she does not consistently get along well with the other cats.  Don’t get me wrong - sometimes she seems content to be near the others.  And sometimes she bats and plays with toys, even sharing with another kitty.  But in a heartbeat, she can go from walking peacefully through the building to hissing at a passerby.  We know that a cat like this can make it (and even do well) in a home because we have had that experience once already.  Kat of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Horde came to our rescue and adopted Sparkles.  She now lives as Lady Audrey in that home.  The adoption has been quite successful.  We now hold the same hope for Tulip.  Can YOU provide that home?





Tibby, Mitts, and Tulip on the right.

On to another harder-to-place kitty.  Meet Halo.  I don’t think Halo has ever been highlighted in any post.  She is one of the Fantastic Fifteen.  She is a solid dark gray, almost a blue-gray.  Her tail is too short.  This group came from very rough living conditions so it’s possible she lost the end of her tail at some point.  Or this may just be the way Halo’s tail has always been.  We are pretty sure that she is the mother of Max and Dearest (the two kittens who went to Goldie in Georgia).  She is what I call a “background kitty”.  She stays in the background.  She doesn’t cause any trouble, but she doesn’t come for attention either.  She sort of gets lost in the crowd.  I try always to remember to go to her every time I’m in the cathouse.  She arches up and wants to be petted.  She seems to be completely nonaggressive.  But she will NOT demand attention, or even ask for it.  I hope that if she gets “chosen”, she will blossom in her new home.  It’s possible she just needs an environment where she receives more attention than she can get here.





Halo, with Dearest.




The third possibly hard-to-place cat is Percy.  Percy was one of the three adult males who came as part of the Fantastic Fifteen.  He is an orange & white mancat with a very strange personality.  We have no idea what might have happened to him in his life that could have caused his current demeanor.  But we have never had an adult who acts quite like Percy.  When we first took on the Fifteen, there were sick babies, and adult females and males that we had to keep separated.  Winnie’s Room filled to overflowing.  Males were in cages while females were out.  Then females went into cages to give the males a chance to move around.  It was chaotic to say the least.  We didn’t know the personalities of ANY of the cats or kittens at first.  But something immediately stood out about Percy.  He didn’t stand.  Ever.  

This “not standing” thing that Percy did began to worry us.  At first, we thought he was hurt.  We stood him up and he would wait until he thought we had seen enough, and then take himself right back down into a reclining position.  With investigation, he did not seem to be hurt.  I worried that maybe he was weak.  But as he ate and rested and was cared for by us, he continued to “not stand” even though he was gaining weight and strength.  I thought maybe he had a heart condition (or something) and it was a strain to stand for very long.  But he checked out fine at the vet in that department. 

Here is what we have finally decided about Percy.  We think he is sort of like our Jack Dog.  He has just been so traumatized by his life that he tries never to be noticed.  He tries to just be wherever he is, not moving and hopefully unnoticed.  If I go to him, sit on the floor beside him, and start petting him, he starts purring.  He doesn’t look at me.  But when I stand to leave his side, he stands and arches as high as he can to get one more caress.  Then he immediately lies down as I walk away.  Oh, Percy.  We need a person who will shower this sweet, sweet boy with affection and teach him that people are good.  He gets along fine with the other cats, but he certainly doesn’t assert himself.  If he goes to a food bowl, and another cat comes to that bowl, he moves on to a bowl that is not occupied.  He is a precious cat and I hurt for him.  He does loves the outside deck.  He learned how to go through the little kitty door and he spends some time outdoors nearly every day.  Is there anybody out there who could give Percy the love and security he deserves?     








Now a word about Luna.  We brought the kittens of the Fantastic Fifteen home before we went back for the adults.  All of the kittens were sick, but Golden also seemed depressed.  We assumed it was because she felt so bad.  But when we brought the three adult males and the three adult females into the cathouse, Golden transformed.  She ran to Luna’s side and stuck to her for weeks.  They are clearly mother and daughter.  For some time, I’ve hoped someone would adopt the two together.  But recently, Luna seems to be somewhat annoyed with Golden.  Golden is now being entertained by the recent delivery of SIX new kittens into the cathouse.  The dynamic has changed entirely.  I now feel comfortable saying that Golden could go into a forever home as a single.  And the same is true for Luna.

Luna is a joy of a cat.  I happen to LOVE talkers.  My heart cat Sofie was a talker.  Well, Luna is the talking-est cat in the cathouse.  She starts the conversation the moment you step into her world, and she manages to carry on this conversation the whole time you are there.  She is a beautiful cat, long and lanky, with a long thin tail that ends in a white dot.  Her voice, however, does not match her body.  It is a deep, gravelly meow.  It’s crazy to be in the cathouse, listening to Trex the young man chirp out his tiny little mews, while mom Luna is conversing in a less than feminine tone.  Luna is a great cat.  And she’s ready for a home of her own.


Here's Luna, eating with Halo.

Looking up at me . . . . talking.

I anxiously await a comment or an email of interest in one of Winnie's Wish kitties.  I hate to sound desperate, but truly we are at a maximum number in the cathouse.  I know that Autumn will probably bring more needy kitties.  I absolutely need to get some cats and kittens placed here at the end of Summer.  I KNOW you can do this, CB.  If you've ever thought of adopting another kitty, won't you please consider making that decision now.  I also know that l0ts of you guys tweet and/or have Facebook (I do not).  If you would highlight a kitty or refer people back to my blog, I would be extremely grateful. 

See you tomorrow.

ADDENDUM.  Percy just made a liar out of me.  I published the post this morning and headed back to the kennel.  The cathouse is right beside the kennel.  I peeked in the window (as I often do) to see what the kitties are doing when they don't know we're around.  But Circe must have heard me outside because she suddenly jumped up and shot through the kitty door onto the outside deck to find me.  What I saw next was surprising.  Percy jumped up, too, and was the second one on the deck.  I actually saw him scamper across the cathouse floor, jump up to the landing where the kitty door is, and shoot through the little door.  He walked out onto that deck, dropped to his side, and meowed directly at me.  I swear it was like he knew what I'd written about him this morning, and he'd decided to prove me wrong.  Ha. Never a dull moment. 

Comments

[madeline]

Halo looks like a Russian Blue, my son used to have one and he was a wonderful cat.
I sure wish I could help you out.
I have posted your link on my facebook, hope it will do some good.
They are all such beautiful cats.

[Abby]

Halo has such haunting eyes.
We so hope that some good home open for all of these wonderful kitties!
Purrs and love
Abby and Mom Debra

[Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom)]

The cats and kits are all adorable ~ each one deserving the best of loving homes. I long for them to find the love from a human who can provide a forever home. Sending love and wishing good luck.

[Lee County Clowder]

We really wish we could afford to grab a couple. Dad has already decided who he wants. (although it changes sometimes) But he doesn't think he can afford the V*T care they might need right now. (He still remembers Mitts problems)

Maybe soon..

[Andrea & the Celestial Kitties]

Tulip has beautiful eyes! So exotic!
Those faint stripes on Halo's legs looks like he's wearing pajamas!
Percy has amazing cheek bones! What a cute flopsy mopsy!
Luna looks so bright and cheerful, love that dot on her tail!

Who could resist these amazing kitties? Kitties with issues? In the right home these wont be issues at all! They need you! They need your home and your love! Come on, you know you want one of them, and you know which one.. Please email Chrystal and make a kitties dreams come true!

[ginny wells]

Andrea said what I was thinking - a lot of love is out there waiting for a warm furry body to cuddle up to on a cold winter night - I wish I could take two or three but I have more than my share of furry love. The vet bills are a problem for some of us and we here at the Fur Family home pick the brains of the vets when we go- to learn what a cat can take and what they can't - there are a lot of home remedies and herbal remedies that can save money- it is like every thing else in life. If you have x amount of dollars a week or month than look for coupons on the internet and in the news papers and find standard remedies that cats and dogs both can use - some are great for both. I learned that some very good childrens remedies over the counter can be given in very small amounts to adult kitties with out any bad side effects. I have learned Vicks salve rubbed on a chest can open up the sinus of a kittie as long as you beware of the eye region. My husband ordered a book on home and urbal remedies for animals and I have used that so many times-Vets have to make a living also, but beware the vet that pressures you for all kinds of expensive treatments for your pet that may not be necessary - I have left some vets behind for that and won't hesitate to do it again.Common sense can go a long way in treating a pet. In a dream world we only buy the best- but in reality it is more important to give lots of love to an animal who desperately needs love more than fancy beds and play things or pet clothes - I have found to keep my rescues I have to shop coupons and sales and use my own common sence to be able to include a home less pet that would just love a place where they are loved forever. Please- if you can find a small spot in your home for a furry one God will bless you - Warm Wishes -- Ginny& The Fur Family

[LP]

We hope your wish comes true Chrystal and you get some of these babies adopted into loving forever homes! They are all such a lovely lot... surely someone will be tempted!

We also hope Waggles is doing well after her latest treatment. We are thinking of you and sending you lots of good vibes! :)

the critters in The Cottage

[Kat and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde]

Knives says, "Audrey says, "Hello Stinky Ole' Sister's Foster Mom. If dad hadn't said we had to wait to have another Forever Friend we would want Bagheera to come live with us!! We need another boy to help cancel out the gurl cooties coming from Audrey!! Mom helped her put up something on our blog about the cathouses being full! ::kitty kisses to all of the Feeders at your cat house!!:: Keep up the good work! My Foster Mom couldn't even tell that I was a boy!! Geeze!!"

[Kat and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde]

PS That was me, Knives. Audrey poked me so it messed up. Stinky ole' gurl sister. I'm going to go stare at her some more and then lay in front of the food bowls. HA!

[daily dose]

Glad to hear from the Teenage Ninja Kitties. I was able to pull comments from the adoptive families on my August 4 post. Didn't have anything from you guys then, so it's nice you've added your comments today!!

[FallenNeonAngel]

hey i was just wondering whether its possible to adopt
one of the cats coz i live in Malaysia.

[daily dose of dogs (aka cats with your coffee)]

Hi FallenNeonAngel,
email me at c3k@lazernetwireless.net