Caring for cats in a sanctuary requires more than just feeding, no matter what the cats may say. Grooming the cats at the Place of all places, that is to say Tabby’s Place, is important for their hygiene and for nourishing connections. A very rare, very quiet Sunday provides the perfect opportunity to engage with individual cats. One such Sunday yielded a bounty of such connections…as well as considerable collections of fur.
It all began with Prescott. She was sticky all over – on her head, down her back, under her chin. What had she gotten up to? Rumor has it that there was a food fight. In all likelihood, a lactulose dosing went somewhat awry. No matter the cause, a good brushing was the answer. Prescott was very willing to receive the attention, although not quite so much brushing as she needed all at once. No problem! Spread the love, then return! Repeat!
Who was to be the next client at the Tabby’s Place Day Spa? Grecca the Great! She shouts! She hollers! She PURRS!! And, Grecca loves all kinds of attention, including a gentle brushing. With her short fur, there isn’t a lot to clean from the bristles. Yet, the evidence of grooming is clear. It comes in the form of Grecca’s lustrous shine and in the lovely way she interacts with the person wielding the brush. Eventually, Grecca will concede that it is someone else’s turn, and that’s where Cora comes in.
Now, Cora is very particular about any kinds of attentions. She particularly loves and hates being brushed. It’s all about location, location, location.
Face? Oh, yes.
Head? Chin? Definitely!
Below the belt? Back off, buster!
Cora can’t be blamed for being especially displeased with attentions to her nether regions (sensitivities abound), but she has admonished me that her reasons are secret.
[While I’m forbidden to disclose specific details about Cora’s particular delicacies, it can be noted that a diaper wipe company might make an excellent sponsor. Hmm…maybe a shaver company too.]
For his part, Anka has no such compunctions about written or verbal disclosures regarding his hind quarters. He also has no compunctions about displaying displeasure with anyone using a brush behind (pun intended) a specific point. Anka is relatively compunctionless. Even so, his feelings are less strong when he can’t see what is happening in the area where he lacks feeling. Nevertheless, it is essential to always stay alert, to allow Anka time to rub his face on the brush, and to provide all of the chicken ever. [Anka does not care if brushing can keep him from needing a bath. Staff disagree.]
Quite the opposite to Cora and Anka, Juel has expansive limits on where and for how long he will enjoy being brushed. Caveat: the person doing the brushing must be prepared for head butts, forehead leans, rollovers, and sudden sneezes (Rhinitis is real!). Another thing to be prepared for…SO MUCH FUR!!! Juel’s gifts are a bounty. Also, Juel’s friends are likely to gather for attention from him and from the attending human. Shy, young Osprey and cloud-soft Aaliyah are two current takers, at least for pets and snuggles, so it can get delightfully crowded on the ramp. In time, attendants will be able to determine Osprey’s and Aaliyah’s comfort levels with grooming. The hope is that both will acclimate to brushes before the next hairball season rolls around.
Regardless of the season, when things are quiet, a zen task is in order. There are few things in life more calming than quietly brushing a purring feline. At Tabby’s Place, there are over 100 potential takers and many more potential providers. The best part? Everyone wins. Cats are more comfortable. Humans are more relaxed. Cats and humans connect more deeply. And, best of all, the Tabby’s Place Day Spa helps achieve the mission of clipping the “less” off of “hope” and saving everyone who comes through the doors.