Oh, Universe. This is not what I had in mind by “cuddling them off to the vet.”
Last night, I reached into the flower bed and pulled out the little gray kitten, who was too weak to put up much of a fight. Then I swabbed the infection out of his eyes, gently washed the crust off his nose and while his mama sat at my feet questioning my authority, bottle fed him some kitten formula. When I put him down next to her on the lawn a few minutes later, he took two steps and gave up. And that’s when we went to the vet because I couldn’t stand the idea of that tiny thing dying out there in the heat.
My husband would tell me that if he did, that’s how natural selection works. Well, not in my damn bushes, it doesn’t. This is why the Visa card was invented, I suspect, to interfere with Mother Nature when she’s PMSing.
Unlike Midge, this little one is terrified of me. Which, naturally, makes syringe-feeding difficult. Part of me is so heartbroken to hear him cry for his mama, but what can I do? I can’t give him antibiotics twice a day if I give him back to her. I can’t even be sure the antibiotics are going to work. The vet at the emergency animal clinic said we’ll know by tonight if he’s going to make it.
Last night, I slept on the floor of the office where he is quarantined, afraid that something might happen. This morning, though, he appears to have more energy and I’m packing up my laptop to go work from home so the ritual force feedings can begin in earnest.
Once he’s well, he’s going to need a home. I would sincerely appreciate any leads on a good, stable kitten home.
You’re the best.
For this reason is why I cannot go into pet stores or look at strays in the face! I would be the crazy cat lady.
You ROCK!
Thank you for caring so much about those around you , including furbabies. I hope I would do the same thing if I was in your shoes.
He is gorgeous. If I could have cats, I’d take him.
I’m glad he was living in your bushes.
If I could, I’d be right there to bring that little guy home with me. Fear not. You’ll find him the proper, perfect home.
Once again, nice job!
How can anyone walk away from an ailing kitten?!! You did the right thing.
A friend just rescued a stray kitten so infested with fleas that he was skin and bones. He was so weak and on the brink of death. After manually de-fleaing (is that even a word?) and feeding him like you’re doing, he’s the sweetest most playful jumper, runner and mischief maker ever.
I hope the kitten recovers soon.
If you still have him when we close on the house in October, I’m flying from Denver for him. Maybe even his sibling….(It’s a long time, but we just started the house buying process last week and apartment said no pets.)
Oh, he’s so pretty. If I could take him, I would. Alas, I am far away and already have more cats than my fiancee can handle! Good luck finding his forever home!
He’s gorgeous. And you are a wonderful, wonderful person. I think you’re earning yourself gobs and gobs of good karma.
“My husband would tell me that if he did, that’s how natural selection works. Well, not in my damn bushes, it doesn’t.”
Hell yes.
I was just bemoaning my cat allergy yesterday. After looking at that sweet face I am doing so again. Not to mention the fact that I live 5 hours away. Though I have wanted to take a small road trip to IKEA. But my 90 lb dog is scared of cats so it wouldn’t work anyway.
You will find him the perfect forever home. He will make it! He must!
I knew I liked you for good reason! I have 4 of my own rescue kitties. All of them from the streets (or parking lots or gas stations or backyards). So I understand and am also on my way to crazy cat lady status, but I’m ok with that. Besides two of them were my boyfriend’s first and then one came along and asked for help after we already had three.
If I didn’t live 2500 miles away…
On behalf of the cats/kittens you have saved and us animal lovers out here, thank you.
I haverea your blog for years and reading this Post reminds me why. You are a truly wonderful person and those kittens are blessed to have you.
On behalf of all animal lovers, THANK YOU! Even though I’m in Southern California, I’d take him, were it not for the fact that my boyfriend and I already have six! I’m putting the word out, though, and will let you know if anyone comes forward.
I am a cat mom myself and dude, you rock. <3
My daughter found a stray 3 weeks ago in the middle of a busy street. I said I would get him well (he had fleas, ear mites and a wonky eye infection) and then he had to go. I fell in love, so now baby makes 3 (Sammy, Lily and baby Charlie). I’m such a sucker!
I volunteer at a no-kill shelter in Houston. If you’re willing to bring him down here, I could get him in. Let me know. And thanks for taking care of him…I’m a huge animal lover/advocate. All my pets are rescues, I also foster pets for military families overseas that have no other alternatives, my dog is a therapy dog, I’m a vegetarian, and I volunteer at the shelter. Every little bit makes a difference!
Heather, you are such a good person. I wish I could hug you for doing this.