Happy November, Team TNR!
The sun may be tucking itself under the covers a little earlier each day, but you’re still bringing boundless warmth and light to our cats ’round the clock. Have I told you lately how much we all (whiskered and otherwise) love you?
Before we gallop into “grateful season,” a glimpse back at our autumn arrivals is in order. I’m delighted to share that our October pumpkin, Gator, is getting into his groove, and getting quite used to the business of Being Adored All The Time. This isn’t always an easy education for a formerly-free-roaming fella. But, since he first took his seat at love’s table, Gator has discovered this is his kind of feast. He’s playing (mostly) nicely with his neighbors; delighting in our (endless) attention; and even had a (brief, not-meant-to-be) brush with adoption, all of which bodes brightly for his future.
Summer’s end may have closed the books on another “kitten season,” but — as you know better than most — that doesn’t mean Tabby’s Place has closed its doors to free-roaming friends. Just as the last of this year’s littles are finding their forever homes, a new little love with a big, brave heart has found her way to us.
Tricolored and tabby-terrific, Citrine is what some call a “tabico” — a patchwork quilt from an overexuberant fabric collector, resulting in a decoupage of every conceivable cat color in one spectacular individual.
Come to think of it, “one spectacular individual” is an apt description for Citrine regardless of her (glorious) appearance.
Our living work of art arrived in one of our TNR colonies, naturally nervous but instantly sweet-spirited. It’s not uncommon for outdoor cats to seek food and comfort among their own kind, so newcomers arrive at even the most tightly-managed feral colonies from time to time. This is one of the major reasons we monitor our little communities so closely: if a newbie arrives, she instantly comes under our sheltering wings, becoming “ours” upon arrival.
Citrine was no different, even if she is exquisitely unique.
We quickly realized that Citrine’s sweetness, shrouded though it is in a few veils of anxiety, means she’s meant for the indoor life. Although she’s not microchipped, we can’t imagine this little love hasn’t been handled and treated kindly by previous humans, as trust seems to come fairly naturally to her.
As I type this update, we’re merrily working to bolster that trust, and to prove to Citrine that it’s well placed. She’s returning the favor with purrs, zesty pleasure in wet food (oh wonder of wonders!)…and the tendency to trash her cage like an 80s rock star.
Like all new arrivals, Citrine is spending her first three weeks at Tabby’s Place in one of our holding rooms. This is generally the only time a cat has an extended stay in a cage, and we use this period to ensure she’s free of any transmissible diseases (and treat her for them as needed); gently settle her into her new life; and get to know her, so we can determine which cat suite will suit her best.
With gusto and more than a little glee, Citrine has taken this time to practice her advanced karate skills, sending litter, food, and toys spraying in all directions. It’s more comical than anything else, and just a glimpse of the high-energy happiness ready to burst free. Let the record show: I fully expect our little dream Citrine will be adopted in short order once she clears from quarantine.
In the meantime, and at all times, thank you for your extraordinary kindness, dear sponsors. Your steadfast friendship, tireless generosity, and jubilant love for our cats make every day a Thanksgiving feast at Tabby’s Place. I shall never cease to marvel at you.
May you and your dear ones have a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving, overflowing with grace and goodness of every flavor.
Citrine and I love you!
Your correspondent,
Angela