The mamas and papas of the feline world have not gotten the message that it’s autumn, and the end of so-called kitten season. Just a few days ago, we welcomed our littlest resident, 10-day-old Okra (pictured below). The mini-calico was in dreadful shape upon arrival, suffering from flea-bite anemia and a dangerously low temperature. Our team is nursing her back to health, and she’s expected to make a full recovery. We already know Okra has the spirit to fight her battles; even in her weakened state, she offered vet tech Denise a tiny “tough-girl” growl.
Our current cadre of older kittens includes Banana, Taz, Katniss, and Special Needs cuties Sapphire and Tanzy. And while they’re all adorable, I must confess, it’s Banana (pictured at right) who has stolen my heart away.
First, you must know that his name is pronounced “bah-nah-nah”. No silly fruit name here…though a dignified fruit name isn’t all that much better, I suppose. Banana carries his name with dignity, though, and this little tabby boy is learning just how sweet life can be.
Whenever I’ve encountered Banana, he’s been hiding, either in a cubby or screened by a blanket, perched on a cat tree where he can survey the Community Room. I’m sure he romps and rolls with the rest of the kittens when the mood strikes him, but there he’s been, curled on one side, trying his best to convince the world that he’s not really there.
Reach out to Banana, though, and you get to feel the eternal sunshine of a kitten’s trust. He’ll sniff your hand, and steel himself for your attention…and then he melts. Stroke his head or run your hand along his back, and little Banana does what every kitten should be able to do — he melds himself into your hand, bliss evident on his little face. Tentative kitten purrs grow bit by bit into a rapturous rumble. After a feral start in life, Banana now knows what it is to be loved, and he’s learning that he can trust us enough to return the favor.
It never gets old – that miraculous time when a scared little creature chooses to take a chance on trust and love. And isn’t it such a gift that we can give our little ones that opportunity? We love them for who they are, forever, no matter how long it might take for them to be as brave as Banana. They, and we, and you, are blessed to be a witness to such an affirmation of life and love. Thank you, dear sponsors, for all you do to love our little ones every step along the way.