Kitten season

We recently lost one of our pets to the street in front of our house.  It was surprising in that this was easily our smartest and fastest cat, able to snatch birds right out of the air.  We witnessed this at least three times.  She was also well used to the street and the neighborhood having lived here for 6 years. 

 So we were more than a little shocked when our headlights illuminated her crushed body on the other side of the road as we backed into the driveway.  Roads are busy in Morris County and ours, even though a 25 miles per hour zone, most cars can be clocked nearer 40 especially on weekend nights. That’s the hazard of being a cat owner on a suburban street, lite-up collars and street-wiseness wont stop more than a ton of metal and plastic moving at 40 mph.

After we buried her and said our goodbyes, it came time to make the inevitable next decision.  Another cat?  It was unanimous, we have room for another and there are so many that need good and caring homes.  Besides, the best cure for loosing a loved pet is getting another as soon as possible.

We like St. Huberts Giralda, my middle son even volunteers there.  They are pleasant competent, and never destroy the animals they save. All of our pets, save one, for the last 20 years  have come from the Giralda.  They are the people we call when a stray comes into our yard and the first place we contact when one of ours goes missing.

We were a little concerned that kittens might be in short supply, so we called ahead.  Older animals are harder to place, so there are always a good supply of those, but we had our hearts set on a fresh, rambunctious kitten.  However, I was immediately informed that this was “Kitten season” and they were filled to overflowing with candidates for us.

It was as easy as hopping in the car and filling out a form or two (and writing a check) and home we came no longer “kitten-less.”  Unfortunately I have to harden my heart in the Cattery at the Giralda or I’m likely to come home with 14 cats.  They are all clean, well fed, healthy and adorable.  There was one I was particularly impressed with called “Mikey”, probably one of the largest cats I’ve ever seen.  Huge, well proportioned and gorgeous, he had that “I’m in charge” look that I really like.  Sadly, we were on a kitten hunt and I didn’t think I could seak him out under my shirt.

Of the 15 or so they had that day it was heart rending to choose just one.  Luckily my kids are older now and they don’t go around the room saying “I want this one, and this one, and these two, and all of these....” anymore.  Well, actually they do, but thankfully not out loud.   They still give me the “big, sad eyes” when they hold a kitten up for my inspection, though.

I asked where all these cats came from and as it turns out people all over the county find them and turn them in.  Mother cats have them in the late spring and then meet their maker on a road or just wander away looking for food to feed their litters.  The Giralda collects them, feeds them and gives them medical care bringing them up to snuff for adoption.  Depending on their age and how long they stay in the cattery, they get all of the shots required, are constantly cared for, exercised and played with. 

The Giralda also participates in a network of animal centers so pets can be moved to where they are wanted.  Our dog Sarge originally came from West Virginia, but you hardly notice his accent at all anymore.

It did prove too difficult for us to choose just one kitten, so we came home with a pair of little black kitties who are well matched.  That’s ok, they will keep each other company the same way out two remaining older ones do.  That’s right, somehow we now have four cats, which is dangerously close to “cat lady” territory.  It doesn’t bother Sarge, though, instead of top dog , he’s always been “he who eats last,” the bottom cat.  I guess a sudden increase in management doesn’t phase him at all.

We consider it a commitment to care for unwanted pets, so long as we have room.  We love them and they always seem to return the pleasure.  However for now, we’re all full up.  Sorry Mikey.