Happy January, Pepita Lovers!
As another new year rolls around, so does Pepita’s birthday. She is now officially 12! When we don’t know the exact birth date of a kitty who comes to Tabby’s Place, we celebrate on January 1st each year. And so another year with our sweet girl rolls by—Happy Birthday, Pepita! Of course, she doesn’t look or act at all like she is a ‘senior kitty’—at least when I’m around her.
As this article notes, cats are living much longer now than was the case 20 years ago, thanks to better nutrition and care. In recent years, feline ages and life stages have been redefined: cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years, with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years, and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards.
Pepita has been in good health and spirits this month. When I visited with her today, she was in the solarium, which I found surprising since it was such a cold day (she has been spending more time indoors when it is very cold). I think she was trying to escape from the dedicated sanctuary associate who was tracking her down to give her medication, which happened in the midst of my visit.
I had not been in to visit with our gentle fur baby in her suite lately because of the continuing ringworm protocols, where we are encouraged to refrain from cuddling or petting too much. Suite A has had a number of bouts with ringworm, but luckily Pepita has escaped it and the nasty ‘dips’ that are required to rid a cat of it. Steven and Boom are both in ringworm quarantine for a while yet, so the suite is feeling pretty empty these days.
Today I was able to get an up-close look at our black-and-white beauty in the solarium and I do believe she has gained some weight. Her fur was luscious and she was full of energy, bouncing from the tower shelves to the chair and the hammock and back again, to first get some pets and to give some head bonks, and then to get her most favorite thing… treats!
And one more delight: Pepita is featured in Angela’s (our Development Director’s) most recent blog, calling out her role in the Aged to Purrfection program. Click here to enjoy the description of Pepita’s amazing heart in words that make me smile as only Angela can.
Quinn’s Corner is slowly opening up, with the main Operations Center (dishwashing, feeding, laundry, and storage areas) in full use already! Our volunteers are loving the improvements, as we have much more capacity for laundering the soiled bedding and room to spread out to feed and do dishes without being on top of one another. There are still areas to be completed, but it is a delight to see how the dream of Quinn’s Corner has turned into something so wonderful. I will keep you posted as we approach our public Grand Opening later this year.
A few cats have moved into the offices already, including Anka from the lobby, who now resides in the new Volunteer Director’s office. It’s not likely that Pepita will move to Quinn’s Corner, but one never knows.
Thank you for your ongoing love of Pepita and devotion to her care. We could not do this without you. We hope that 2023 brings you amazing joy and success in all your adventures, big and small.
Your correspondent,
Sheila