It’s happening. It’s really happening — and you are making it possible each tender step of the way.
“It” would be our hospital expansion at Tabby’s Place. This very month, construction begins on our revamped medical facility. The final signatures on contracts and the first few swings of a hammer might not look like much, but from these small beginnings shall come mighty outcomes for countless free-roaming cats. Once our new hospital is fully operational, we’ll be ramping up to caring for/altering up to 20 needy ferals every week, with an eye to ultimately reaching all the un-cared-for free-roaming cats in our six surrounding townships. I cannot thank you enough for helping to make this happen.
Of course, cats wait for no construction project, and so our TNR adventures continue apace in the meantime. Last month’s new mamas, Magnolia and Patrice, have found an encore in an ocean of orphans.
As of this writing, Tabby’s Place has so far been home to twenty-eight kittens this spring.
Twenty-eight.
Those galumphing hordes are a direct result of our expanded TNR work. Until we “N” all the ferals in our colonies, there will be babies. Since we’re committed to completely reaching and altering every single cat in our target area, that means these little ones are our responsibility — and, much more than that, our joy.
It is with great joy that I report that both of last month’s new moms are doing magnificently. Although still a bit wary of us, Patrice (pictured below) continues to gradually trust our love. She’s also enjoying some much-deserved rest after caring tenderly for her sextuplets. Those mini-Patrices are now seven weeks of age and weaned, with three already on hold to be adopted.
The greater surprise pertains to Magnolia (shown above). You’ll recall that this young tortie — literally still a kitten herself — gave birth tragically pre-term, with only three of her six kittens surviving.
We initially thought that poor, terrified Magnolia was a true feral, and that we would ultimately re-release her to a safe colony. But oh, what a difference a month makes.
It is no exaggeration to state that, today, Magnolia is the very picture of a mush-mouse. She may have come to human affection late, but she’s making up for lost time with zestful purrs and boundless snuggles. Best of all, as of today, Magnolia, too, is on hold to be adopted. I confess to always pulling for the mama cats who are so often overlooked in favor of their irresistible babies, so I am happy-dancing in my heart for this little love.
Six for Patrice, three for Magnolia…that leaves nineteen more kittens. In order of appearance at Tabby’s Place, our parade of babies has included Hydrangea, Sven, Betty, Peggy,
Roger,
Joanie,
Beaker, Janice,
Gonzo,
Daenerys and Cersei (adopted together and loving their new home),
Tiki,
Pavarotti,
Figaro,
Ivy, Primrose, Poppy, Iris, and
Beamer.
Sven’s orphanhood is a bit of a mystery, though we know he’s already seen more than a lifetime’s worth of hardship. He was found keeping vigil beside a deceased sibling at only four weeks of age. Despite this trauma, the tiny tabby is fabulously healthy and bubbling over with joy — and he, too, is on hold to be adopted.
While the Mad Men litter’s mother never surfaced at the colony where we caught them, we’re fairly confident we trapped the Muppet Show‘s mom. (In addition to being in the right place and lactating, she’s a Siamese mix, just like Janice and Beaker.) Alas, when we reunited her with her kittens, she had no interest in caring for them. But, all is not lost; our amazing staff bottle-raised the trio, and Mama Muppet was spayed, vaccinated, and returned to her colony for a healthier life of no more litters.
And that’s the story! For now, that is. We know summer will bring many more munchkins who need us. Thanks to you, we’ll be there to meet all of their needs with love and delight. Thank you for being your stellar selves!