Tails from the Vet: Kitten (in)Fluxx with a TWIST

Today we got a common call: a animal had been found abandoned. What was unusual was the sheer amount: eight kittens TAPED into a box, and left in the park. Sadly, only six had survived the (estimated) three days they'd been left in the cold. My coworker advised the person who found them to bring them in and we'd find a shelter to take them: we normally don't take strays, but this wasn't a normal circumstance.

The six kittens were already eating and drinking by the time I got to see them (I was stuck in a drug rep meeting at time of arrival). It was a pile of black, gray, and tuxedo kittens about two months old. A 'Meow-ntin' my other coworker said (give her a break, she's expecting). I spent the last part of the day cuddling the foundlings, who were bright-eyed and alert. A very good sign.

Even more good news: a shelter is going to take the kittens, and one already has a home! They are all adorable, so they'll have no trouble getting adopted.

As happy as I am for their ending, I can't get over the fact that someone not only threw these cats away, they ensured they'd die in that box. What the hell is wrong with people? It's actually how I got my first cat when I was a kid: we found a tiny kitten thrown away in a paper bag near a frozen lake. She lived a long and happy life with us, but only by sheer chance.

To the sick individual who abandoned those eight kittens: Fuck you. I hope you feel pain every day. I hope you never know six of those cats are warm and happy and loved. I hope you feel guilty forever.

I know it's not as bad as murder, or abuse of humans, or any number of things, but I won't back down about how wrong and sick this is. At least these cats will have a happy ending.

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UPDATE!!!!
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Good news Bad News time:
Good news: There were never any frozen kittens, nor did these kittens spend three days in the cold in a box. Bad news: Because the woman who called us STRAIGHT UP LIED. They were HER kittens and the shelters wouldn't otherwise take them. This was found because one kitten had a mustache-like mark under it's nose, and the shelter that took them had already seen the kittens.

Some people.

Five Cat Facts

     Based on painstaking research of owning several cats (not at once), and having friends who also own cats.

This is Harley. She is the best cat ever. Yes, better than yours. 

5. Sometimes, they lick.
   
    Cats are famous for not being dogs. They don't bark, wag, or lick faces. OR DO THEY? I'm my travels, I've found several cats, including Harley, who just LOVE to lick. She likes faces and feet particularly. If you let her, she'll sandpaper your face clean off.

     The problem with this is it can dull the barbs on your cat's tongue. Wonder why older cats look so much scruffier than their younger selves? Their smooth tongues aren't as good at grooming. Those barbs are there for a reason. So if you're cat is a licker, let her have a few slurps, then stop. Cat saliva isn't good for your skin, and it can damage their tongues. Don't let your cat lick you!


4. They aren't all snobs.


     Harley was the first good example of this, but now two of my friends have cats that have confirmed it: some cats really like people. Many cats will hide when guests come over, that's true. But more and more I'm meeting cats who love visitors.

      Harley is my best example: once we took her to Grizz's house to meet my inlaws and their dog. She'd never been there, never met these people, and never been around a dog before, so we were a little worried. Harley came upstairs, took one look around, and thought 'Well, this is happening.' She then strutted around, cuddled with everyone and ignored the dog (who already lives with cats). She didn't even freak when Bahamute accidentally trapped her in the reclining couch. That is one cool cat!

     My friends new cats are much the same: people don't bother them, they love cuddles, and they'll lavish attention on anyone. So not all cats are fridge stranger-phobics.

3. They have favorite people.

     From the moment we saw her, Harley picked Bahamute as her favorite. She jumped into his arms and cuddled with him, ignoring me and winning him over. I'm not saying she doesn't love me: she just like the tomcat better. And that's fine: that's how pretty much every animal do.

     Cats will spend more time with their favorite person, even if someone else feeds them and changes their litter and I'm starting to sound like a bitter parent, aren't I? NEXT TOPIC!

2. They make weird noises.

1. They're smarter than you think.

     I don't mean 'They predict earthquakes' or 'They have the vocabulary of a small child' kind of ways either. I mean simply this: my cat knows my routine. I go to work at 9:50 Monday through Friday, with an occasional variation. Harley sleeps at the foot of our bed, and will crawl out when I do for snuggles and noms. Then she crawls back into bed while I make lunches and write. The INSTANT I think 'Time to wake Bahamute up' she crawls onto my chest and nuzzles my face. This is a DAILY event. She knows when I go to work and has devised a way to keep me around for snuggles instead. That is a smart, and very manipulative cat.

     Don't think it's because she likes me better: she does the same thing to prevent my husband from leaving the house to pick me up. She just wants SOMEONE giving her attention, and doesn't care where she gets it.

You harlot.

     Cats, like dogs, are smart enough to know when you're getting ready to leave, or when you get up and go through your pre-work routine you're about to vanish for several hours. It shouldn't be that astonishing. The difference is, the dog is happy to see you whereas the cat either doesn't care, is angry, or will cuddle non-stop. But they do know.

Five reasons you should adopt a pet from a foster home.

     I own one cat, adopted several years ago from a foster home I found on Petfinder. I recommend the site, or others like it to find their new companions. So, animal lovers, why adopt from a home/shelter instead of buy your furry friends?


5. It's cheaper.

     No small concern in these times, money spent on pets can be extravagant. So, why pay top dollar for a pooch when you can adopt for a fraction of the cost? Sometimes, it can even be free!

Quick example: a Dalmatian puppy costs at least $300 up to $1500.  Here's Shae, who will only cost you shelter fees (usually less than $100). Who needs a breeder? That girl is gorgeous!

4. You know what you're getting.

     When I wanted a cat, we still had a dog in the house. After a little research, I determined an adult short-haired cat would suit my needs, wants, and lifestyle best. So, I plugged those terms into Petfinder, and voila:

Harley. Named for a psychopath, and the sweetest, bitchiest, lick-y-ist, most talkative, wonderful cat ever. You can put in a number of parameters, such as age, housetrained, declawed, kids, other pets, breed, etc. Why take a chance on your new dog hating your kids, or your new cat wetting the rug?


3. You'll be getting a healthy pet.

     There are extremely graphic descriptions of the inhumane conditions at puppy mills. Backyard breeders are (usually) just in it to make a quick buck. Purebred animals have a lot of health issues, due to their backgrounds. So why not get a perfectly healthy pet from a shelter? They're usually spayed or neutered, and get free or discounted checkups from vets. Not to mention keeping any pets/family you already have healthy!

2. Skip to your favorite part.

     Kittens and puppies are great: if you have the time to spend with them. With adoption you can get an older animal that's ready to go. No house training, no need to spay or neuter, nada. If you want a younger animal, by all means, adopt one. But for those of us on the go, an adult is the way to go.

Not what I pictured when I typed in 'adult animal.'

1. It'll save a life.

     3-4 million pets are put down each year because they can't find a home. Most of these are from shelters, not breeders or pet stores. I'm not gonna play 'In the arms of the angels' for you. I'm just telling you the truth.

Remember that.