What’s squeeshy and sweet inside and blackened on the outside? Toasted marshmallows, or cats, maybe both. Let me explain. Hmmm, so there’s this day when this person (probably it was me) goes into this suite to visit with some old friends and new. It is entirely likely that said person was singing the Ju-Ju-Beeeee song to Juel (okay, it is definitely the case). Also, it is highly probable that this person found a clean cozie to lay over a cat bed in order to sit comfortably on the floor and invite over any cats seeking attention, affection, or a thrown ball. In certain spaces in the Place of Places, such a situation is similar to a campfire in midsummer in the deep woods, where cats are drawn to a person like moths to a flame.
Although midsummer is yet a ways away, camping out for an enrichment visit in a suite is a perfect pastime in any season. And this spring season just past, lavished the collective hearts and scritching fingers of the people at Tabby’s Place with the presence of, well, three toasted marshmallows.
When one person crossed the veil, our hearts skipped 3 beats because Neir (rhymes with the opposite of far), Emil, and Kainé arrived at the sanctum sanctorum that is the ark that Jonathan built. For arks, arrivals coming two by two is the commonly accepted narrative.
Let it be known: there are simply no rules regulating the acceptance of trios into Tabby’s Place. Practicality and need and extreme love are the guides for intakes. So, when the furry family of three landed bewildered upon the sanctuary’s shore, all hands reach out to greet, soothe, and scritch that spot right there above yon tail.
Hence, upon being situated for a quiet while (not a typo; it was not a long while, but it was quiet when the singing finally stopped) upon a makeshift, not-directly-on-the-floor cushion, the visits began. Actually, after Juel departed for his more preferred, elevated spot, the visits began. Leela (ADOPTED!!!) was first to arrive simply because lap. Leela did not stick around long simply because toy. But, then the tiny tiger that is Chance (not a rapper, as far as we know…yet) happened by, exulting in a frenzy of toy time. After that, that is when the toasty warmness really got started.
Ahem.
Even a presbyopic person with dry eye and astigmatism can clearly see the difference between shadows and black cats or mostly black cats or pretty equally black and white cats. Such a person can also tell when such cats are, in fact, a variation on toasted marshmallows. Warm and luscious inside and out is the best way to describe Neir, Emil, and Kainé.
Braver than his fellows, Neir was the first of the trio to inspect the visiting human. The 14-year-old black cat with a wee white locket used his one eye to make an assessment. He determined that all was well. The scritches were deemed acceptable and effectively executed. That was sufficient until naptime was promoted in importance. Neir exited the scene and entered the coziness of an available crate. And, along came young and energetic Emil. The sweet 3-year-old male tuxedo was interested in a little play and a dollop of attention. Being three, attention arrives only in spurts. Distractions abounded and Emil bounded. Yet, LO! After another short while, it was time for a nap all snuggled up with Neir.
For her part, 10-year-old Kainé, being somewhat shier and more tentative, was disinclined to come directly to the seated someone. Instead, she opted to curl up in a ball by Neir with her most marshamallowy white bits hidden by the blackest portions of her coat. Even so situated, Kainé was sweetly receptive to a slow, careful introduction. It took only moments to be on the receiving end of gentle purrs. The while was quite quiet. But, yet again, the siren lure of her warm, furry family became irresistible. It was time for Kainé to curl up more tightly with Neir and Emil for a greatly desired familial nap.
Such cuddle puddles tug at heartstrings in ways that are difficult to describe. They evoke a sense of comfort and coziness. They also reveal a certain level of need. Getting to know the cats to understand these needs is essential. Understanding and patience are key to making the cats comfortable and content for however long they may be at Tabby’s Place.
Being Tabby’s Place, there is never a shortage of cats like Neir, Emil, and Kainé. There are cats in need of every level of care. Even though she kept to herself on this particular day, the sweet trio share their suite with a generous helping of Fudge. For the record, the wide-eyed, poorly-sighted tabby is one of the biggest flirts ever spotted through the lobby window.
On her side of the window? We are still getting to know Fudge, but we are certain that, like this sugary threesome, she is a total Tabby’s Place cat through and through. We just don’t know yet if Fudge is another toasted marshmallow. We are quite (not quiet) excited to find out.