April greetings to you, and to all our kind and caring Kitten Fund sponsors!

The population of Suite C, also known as the kittens’ room, dwindled from seven to two as of the end of March. Near the end of the month, Lebanese littermates Agave and Caramel were adopted together, and Leia and Shania went to their forever homes as well. Sweet little Berry, who became a star at the Feline Valentine event, is now living in the Lobby and charming all his visitors.

One of the remaining residents is shy Petra, who is still getting accustomed to her new address and is keeping to herself, as is her perfect right as a cat. She will be given all the time and loving care she needs.

At the other end of the spectrum for outgoingness is Pepper, a tortoiseshell who shares her name with one of the legendary cats in the history of Tabby’s Place.  Pepper the 1st, also a tortie, shared the office of the Executive Director and is remembered fondly by all.

When I dropped by late in the month, Pepper seemed to realize she didn’t have to share a visitor with any other cat, and so she claimed me all to herself. Beginning at the far end of the room, where she had been resting on top of a soft-sided enclosure (like the one shown here in an image by volunteer Rob S.), Pepper made a beeline toward me, ending with a graceful feline leap onto the bench beside me. (Rob also took that cute photo above of Pepper in the sink.)

I usually carry a DSLR camera around my neck, but since it’s of limited use when the intended subject is on or near my lap, I took it off and set it down next to me. Naturally, Pepper’s curiosity led her to turn her attention to it. Then I pulled out my phone, which does work well for close-up pictures, and Pepper switched her focus to it and briefly tried to gnaw on it, as if to test it for nutritional value.

By this time, she was on my lap, but her kitten energy continued to pour out. As she lay on one side, she used her claws for a few moments to pull herself around and around, as though she were chasing her tail lying down.

Shortly, though, she grew still, and as she purred loudly, Pepper rested her head in the crook of my elbow. If she displays that behavior when a guide leads a visitor to her Suite, she will soon have a forever home, too.

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Before I go, some quick dot-dot-dot items… Random Thought: I wonder how many black cats have recently been given the name Flo, or perhaps Flow? I plan to see that award-winning film soon… Did you see that video with the French violin player and her kittens? (Opens in a new tab)  You know what they say, music hath charms… And finally, thank you as always for your generosity in supporting the Kitten Fund. Everyone at Tabby’s Place appreciates that you Cherish the Kittens all year long.

Until next month, I wish you all good things…

Your correspondent,
John