Happy May, Team Moo Moo!

A fun day took place on April 26th. We had a Volunteer Open House! Many nice people came to meet us and learn how to take care of us. I enjoyed meeting and greeting the new people. I got lots of head pets and chin scritches! But what I really enjoyed was overhearing the many comments about my beauty and calm personality. I heard one volunteer say that she was grateful for my soothing presence when things got a little too busy. I love compliments.

If only they knew about my intellectual side, too! My continuing quest to become a more cultured cat has led me to focus on world events this month. There certainly was a big one! Clergy, world leaders, and citizens of the world bid farewell to Pope Francis. Did you know that the procession to his final resting place at Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major went past Rome’s most famous cat sanctuary?

The Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, where cats live safely below street level amongst ancient ruins, is situated at the Largo di Torre Argentina. An archeological excavation revealed the remains of four temples dating back to the 4th century BC. The square has important historical significance. It’s the site where Julius Caesar met his demise. I wonder if any of the cats living there today had an ancestor who knew Julius Caesar?

While people lining the street watched the pope pass by and took photos, I bet no one noticed that the resident cats in the sanctuary silently bowed their heads in respect. I’m sure they did this. Cats are very sensitive and spiritual beings.

While I admired Pope Francis, my paws-down favorite is Pope Benedict XVI. He loved cats all his life, and enjoyed many cats around him at the Vatican. His cat Chico wrote a book about him! It’s called Joseph and Chico: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told By a Cat. Chico must have been a very erudite cat to have written a book! I’m really in awe.

I was a little confused at first that it said Joseph and Chico. Then I found out that Popes take a new name, and he chose Benedict. I think Joseph was a nice name. Maybe he should have kept it. I could see changing your name if it doesn’t work. Like if we elected Taylor Ham to be Pope here at Tabby’s Place, Pope Taylor Ham wouldn’t sound right. Even if he made it more dignified, like Taylor Hamilton, it still wouldn’t work. That sounds like a Civil War General. It would just have to be something new.

I totally approve of the name the new Pope took: Leo XIV. That’s a feline name! It means “lion” in Latin. I’m very glad he’s classified XIV and has no immunodeficiency virus. I wouldn’t want him to have to start his challenging new job with a health issue. Although if he did have FIV, I know that all the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus positive cats at Tabby’s Place would welcome him to live with them.

We have a resident named Leo here at Tabby’s Place. He’s VERY pleased and proud about the name choice. So much so that I wouldn’t be surprised if he adds “collar with a large gold cross” to his Christmas wish list.

I’m going to work harder at observing beauty in the world around me, and I intend to write things down. I started with a simple poem. Now I feel inspired to work on a book. Maybe one day I’ll write about my life and other cats I’ve known at Tabby’s Place. I already decided what my book cover will look like.

Circling back to spirituality…. I have a confession to make. I need to clear my conscience. I’ve been eating from various food bowls that are not my own. I feel guilty that I’ve especially taken advantage of newcomers who didn’t know that their unattended dinner might not be there when they returned.

To atone for this, I’m dedicating myself to a life of public service. I volunteered to assist with medication rounds. I’m always gracious about taking my medicine. My steroid gets put in a tasty pill pocket, and I take it with no fuss at all. I don’t understand why some cats here—I won’t name names—try to escape or twist their heads to and fro, trying to avoid the inevitable medication. It’s not very dignified. I feel that my cooperative nature and willingness to lend a paw will set a good example to others. That, and maybe because I’m being helpful, I’ll be rewarded with some treats! It could help me avoid the temptation to pilfer someone else’s food.

We’ve had some changes in the lobby. Murdock moved to Suite B, and Smoothie moved in. Berry has been moved to a foster home for health reasons. I hope the little guy will return in time for the Kitten Shower & Adoption Event on May 18th. There will be refreshments, activities, and most importantly, play time with the cats!

Another youngster, appropriately named Tootsie, has joined our group. She’s a high-spirited little tripod who likes to roll upside down and “play attack” the lowest stoop on the cat tree. This makes getting in and out of one of my favorite spots a little challenging. On second thought, maybe I don’t feel terrible about eating her food.

Remember when I said the lobby was too quiet after my dear friend Grecca left us? I still miss my friend, but it isn’t quiet anymore. We have Jack now. He’s an easy-going ginger guy who has a larynx inflammation. It causes his voice to be very loud. Even his purrs are loud. He purrs like a machine. Maybe he’s named Jack because his purring sounds like a jackhammer!

Even with all these changes, I continue to thrive here in the lobby, and my health is good. Thank you so very much, dear sponsors, for making such a difference in my life. For those of you who are moms and have included me in your hearts, I hope you had a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,
Moo Moo
(With help from your correspondent, Nancy)