Happier Times

Animal Compassion Network volunteers had setup a few cages of kittens at a local pet store. I had just moved into my new house and wanted to find a companion for Kiki. I was “just looking.” How many of you have said that?

One cage held two older kittens: one black, one tortoiseshell. I asked to see both kittens in a separate room. The black kitten bounced around the room, a little bundle of energy. The tortoiseshell kitten wandered around on a table and did not seem as lively as the other one. Given Kiki’s laidback mood, I thought the tortoiseshell would be more compatible.

I christened her “Maddy.” I introduced her to Kiki by placing the cat carrier on the floor. Of course, Kiki hissed and growled at Maddy. I knew they should be supervised for awhile so I locked Maddy in the spare bathroom when I went to work.

Oftentimes, I would find Maddy curled in the sink basin when I returned. She was seven months old, long and skinny. This was back in the day when she could actually fit in a sink basin.

A few days later, I returned from work to find the bathroom door open. I must not have secured the door because Kiki shoved it open. Whatever differences they had, they sorted them that day.

Maddy was a contrast to Kiki’s refined attitude. She liked to stick her paws in the food and water bowls. Sometimes, she would take bits of kibble and wash it in the water bowls like a raccoon. She gobbled her food as soon as it was placed in the bowl. She was not as neat as Kiki. Sometimes, I could see the disgust written all over Kiki’s face as she eyed Maddy from across the room.

When Gracie joined the family, Maddy was the most welcoming. While she did not cuddle against Gracie and groom her, she did accept her presence better than Kiki has. They would sleep on opposite ends of the sofa. Maddy would hide underneath the bed with Gracie. For Gracie’s part, she would not fuss much whenever Maddy wanted to sleep on the bed with us.

She was a unique cat whose life turned out okay. She was born in a strange house to a stray cat who wandered in through a cat door. She had the good fortune to end up at a no-kill rescue group instead of a kill shelter. She spent eleven years in a safe home where her every need was met. She had plenty of toys and warm beds. She had our undying love and affection. Rest in peace.

Rescue Mommy