About two weeks ago now, I wondered aloud as to why we hadn’t seen Cass in a while (Midge’s Feral Mama —> Mama Cat —> Mama Cass —> Cass) and grumbled over how dedicated she’d been to thwarting my plan to get her baby makin’ parts shut down. I saw her that very afternoon, though, and realized why we had not seen her. Because she was off having babies.
The cutest damn babies there ever were (next to Midge herself, naturally, and Hal, though I never knew him as a wee one), I think, now live in the bushes outside of our kitchen window. Two of them – one gray and one torty, just like Midge. We were in the middle of Hal’s illness (which after vet visit number four seems to be healing, finally) and so I was already feeling like a horrible failure in the Keeping Kitties Happy and Healthy Department when I realized I’d totally tanked in my resolve to keep Mama Cass un-knocked up. It broke my heart. But it also made me more determined than ever.
Every night and every morning since, I have sat out there by those bushes, being eaten alive by biting insects, patiently talking to Mama Cass while I plied her with food and cool water and cooing songs about fuzzy kittens and life-saving veterinary care.
Three nights ago, she rewarded me by laying down within arms reach and calling her kittens out from hiding. My heart might actually have stopped beating for a moment while out they crept and zoom! right back into the bushes. Ma, there’s a lady out there! But Ma was having none of it and issued a direct order to get on with the suckling while the suckling was good. And so they suckled while I watched and heaved heavy sighs.
Last night, I petted Mama Cass. I mean, really petted. For weeks now, I’ve been sneaking in a touch or two. A tap on the nose, a brush of her side as she scooted by. But last night, I got her good. Against her better judgment, at first, but what could she do with such tempting vittles placed strategically at my side? She ate and I petted.
And then this morning, I petted again – only this time, even after the food had been gobbled up. I scratched her arched back and she shocked us both by purring and tilting up her chin for a rub. And she called her babies, who pranced around in me in wide circle, chasing Mama’s tail and tackling leaves.
I’m going to hold one of those babies soon. And they are going to love it. Once they’re weaned, I am going to cuddle them all off to the vet and find them happy homes like the one Midge has where her humans only freak out a little bit when shower curtains are climbed and eyeglasses are chewed.
And screw the humane cat trap thing. By the time we’re done with this, Mama Cass is going to let me pick her up. Because I’ve decided that is how it’s going to be. And I will sit outside every morning and every night and get West Nile Virus if I have to because if you think a feral cat is stubborn, you should meet her resident cat lady.
Awwwwwww – you are such a great cat lady. Cass knew what home would take care of her & her babies. Pretty soon she’ll be eating out of your hand.
Best wishes for conquering of Mama Cass and the little ones. I’m certain you’re on the right track.
Way to go, Heather!
Your approach is definitely more humane, albeit more time consuming.
Pics please!
You are such a good cat mama. When I was in high school, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a feral cat that kept coming to my house. He had on a flea collar and had one leg stuck up in it where he had to tried to pull it off. The collar had started to grow into his skin. What a sad sight he was, walking on three legs and getting choked by this collar. He was so skittish, though and wouldn’t let me near him. Well, I made it my personal mission to save that poor, little guy. Every day when he came around, I tempted him with treats and water. Eventually I was able to pet him, and finally he trusted me. So, I brought out the scissors finally and as I was petting him, quickly snipped that flea collar. Well, he went running off, but was back the next day. I was then able to get the flea collar off. Definitely a big moment of achievement!
Sylvester, as I called him, came around here and there after that. It feels good to help out, and you are doing a great thing.
I love your approach. It’s just a matter of time now.
I must admit I’m a tad envious right now. I’d love nothing more than to be seated in the center of playing kittens! Such fun! Enjoy.
I just had to comment because our poor adopted cat also has a name derived just like Cass’!
Awesome > Ossy (pronounced Aussie) > Ocelot > Ossy Bossy > Boss
So glad my crazy name convention just might not be so crazy
KB
A woman after my own heart. You’re good people and Cass knows it.
Aw, I love!
The hardest part is yet to come – when you have to take the kittens to find a new home and you really really want to keep them as after all, they wouldn’t cause too much trouble!
(a friend of mine went down that slippery slope and now has 7 cats!)
Oh, yeah. The Dork Lord has put his foot down quite firmly on the matter.
All I have to say is that you’re awesome. Thanks for doing that for her/them.
Awwwww what a lovely thing you’re doing!
Those little kittens and mama cat are lucky to have someone as caring as you to help them. My 2 little rescue kittens (left in a field at a week old! WTF is wrong with people?) are doing fabulous and I think they think I’m the mama cuz they love the love bites! (Ouch!)
Kittens (and baby anythings) make my heart melt!
Could all this cat & kitten fostering translate to baby fever?
I love that you love cats that much. Help a kitty, get good karma. Isn’t that how it works
I love this.
You have to be one of the most determined people I know. PGod Bless the kitties, but can you also, maybe, fix our economic crisis. If anyone can do it, it seems to be you!
I love that you are doing this!
I love this determination and sacrifice — especially the bug part. But, because I’m crazy, it also occurred to me that this is like something out of a Cat Horror Film.
Open: Human woman luring cat out of bushes, with food and cooing.
Voiceover: “Against her better judgment, she learned to trust again.”
Cut to: Cat letting woman pet her, introducing her kittens.
Voiceover: “AND THAT’S WHEN THINGS WENT WRONG!”
Cut to: Family being broken up, kittens put in foster homes.
Cut to: Interior remarkably like a mad scientists lab, Mama Cat strapped to the table.
“MREOW??”
Fade to black:
Voiceover: COMING THIS SUMMER!
Again. I’m not right.
You remind me of my mom. She rescued any number of wild kitties and their offspring. We even had a photo album devoted to all of our temporary stray cat and dog adoptees. Good for you.
Ooooo, pictures? I need something squee-worthy these days
I am super jealous of your mission…
That’s incredible. To be able to win over a feral cat like that is pretty impressive. You deserve all the good karma coming your way.
I wonder if she started of belonging to someone. Because it is HUGE to get a feral cat anywhere near you. You are the cat whisperer.
Maybe you can find the same home for the kitties and they won’t have to be separated. And Mama Cass will live with you and you can all go visit the kitties. And everything will be sunshine and roses.
People told me I should breed my puppy because she is so beautiful. Which she really is. But there are enough homeless pups and animals. And truth is I couldn’t have given those babies away. I would have loved them and been a puppy grandma. Plus I think it’s sad the way people breed their pets and then steal the babies from the mama and sell them. I know I am probably being irrational but it breaks my heart.