All New Cats! - Smiles

Wow – there has been a heart lifting turn over in shelter residents since I last logged in. We still have some longer term cats, but many formerly hard luck cases have found happy homes.

I head first to visit Smiles, a timid long hair gray tabby girl. She tends to hide and shy away from new people, but with a little patience she transforms into a drooly affectionate sweetheart, circling figure eights and head butting my hand. This girl just needs to be quietly wooed.

Across the hall, sweet senior Shelle, a lovely silver tabby who lives for lap time, is still hoping for a permanent home. She needs to be an only pet, but she’ll reward her special person with limitless love. Both these kitties await the sort of people who can value these precious kitties for who they are.

I’m recently back from vacation, exploring and hiking in canyon country in southern Utah. Lovely, dramatic scenery – especially in the ominous light of afternoon thunder storms – but it’s always nice to get back home. So peaceful to cuddle in the afternoon sun with my boy, both of us watching the slow paced, stiff legged stroll of our neighbor’s regular walk with a pair of elderly Labs. This dedicated and loving trio well illustrate the devotion and rewards that come with having a pet.

A young couple ask to visit a big sweet boy named Gene, but quickly decide he’s too shy. They want someone outgoing, and I suggest we meet Lars, a big friendly tabby. Lars hops down immediately, but then commences a full body series of hacks and coughs to vigorously bring up a hairball. Fortunately the guests are dedicated cat people, and we’re able to laugh at the situation. They know the ins and outs of cat companionship.

They decide to keep looking. And I’ll be happy for whoever they choose.

Thank You and Good Night – Marlon Brando

There are people clustered at the door right as Maddie’s opens, a good sign that we’ll be moving some animals out. School’s out and lots of families want to bring home a kitten.

First lull, I meet a big loveable boy named Marlon Brando. He’s quite striking, a tabby and white with broad lengthwise stripes down his back. He’s lounging, half hidden at first, and a bit shy, but soon hops out to be petted, circling and rubbing firmly across my back. After a bite to eat, he reclines onto his back, paws curled, head nuzzling my hand, content.

Next door, another Love Bug named Pumpkin meows for attention. She’s a sweet and chatty little tabby, still wearing a big blue collar from recent surgery. Her face is adorable, wide eyed and goofy, and she chats up anyone she sees in the hall. She’s not loving the collar though, and keeps rubbing her head on things to loosen it. It gets people’s attention at least.

I spend awhile with a young couple who want a kitten to go with their active cat at home. We check out several, spending a good amount of interaction time with each. The pair murmur their preferences to each other, in no hurry to decide and eager to find the perfect match. Another woman and friend are kitten shopping, carefully reading each kennel card before even deciding who to meet.

The kittens are feisty, fuzzy and hilarious, each cuter than the last. Still, I’m glad to take a break with a grown up gentle lap boy, 3 year old gray and white Ernest. He’s a slender big headed lover, a former outdoor tough guy who now loves a warm lap. Ernest is FIV+ and needs to be inside and away from other cats, but he’ll make his new lucky people a wonderful companion.

In hallway 3, I’m happy to see that shy little Star has emerged from hiding and is curled comfortably where people can see her. Instead of cowering, she relaxes into my hand as I pet her. And I’m thrilled there’s an adoption pending sign on senior calico Zoey’s condo.

It strikes me again what a complex system we have here. I appreciate the team effort by so many over so long that enables these eventual happy endings. These aren’t designer kitties or special breeds or perfect specimens, just everyday cats. But every one unique, every one deserving of a good home. It’s nice to be part of the process.

I’ll still be volunteering, but taking a summer sabbatical from the blog. Check here http://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/cats for your cat pix fix!

Tell Me All About It – Peaches

First thing I notice checking in at Maddie’s is Moey’s kennel card showing he’s been adopted – yay! Otherwise, it’s primarily been kittens arriving and departing the adoption floor.

I see a familiar looking woman, and she confirms she’s been by several times, seeking the right companion for her frisky young cat. She says when she comes home from work, he’s loaded with pent up energy and practically asking for someone to play with. Cheerful new kitty Henry seems to fit the bill, though I point out a couple other possibilities as well.

My attention is next absolutely arrested by magnificent Augustus, a massive, handsome, hug-able, tabby and white fellow. He’s got a commanding presence; I’m compelled to meet him. He talks a lot – he seems to be anxiously looking for his people and wants to tell me about it in detail.

A young couple ask to meet him. The woman is looking for an interactive cat, and they’re both charmed by the big guy (as are people passing in the hall). I offer my usual caution about how cats may act differently at home than they do at the shelter. But it’s clear to all of us that this is an active cat with a lot to say. We go meet a few other cats, then she wants to visit Augustus again. The woman’s not sure, but I’ll be surprised if he’s still here by next week.

Meantime, sweet older tortie girl Peaches is doing her best to flag down passers by. She’s a friendly and lap-loving tortie senior kitty, who’s lithe and active for her age. Peaches is a good physical communicator who will easily and clearly make her wishes known. Today’s agenda: cuddles and laps. I hang out with her for a little longer, hoping to make up for the upcoming holiday noises that I know all the cats find stressful. Hoping she’ll understand me telling her she’s a good good girl.

Someday – Moey

I’m having one of those weeks where it feels like I’ll never get caught up on either my work or other obligations. Nonetheless, the regimented relaxation of hanging with the cats is a welcome respite.

There’s a good volunteer to customer ratio, so I spend extra time with sweet boy Moey. He’s a solid 7 year old long hair smoke black fellow with a soft white undercoat. He greets me with a perky meow, then circles, purrs, and gazes adoringly at me with his pretty yellow eyes. I pet him up and down that luxurious coat as he leans into my side. I can’t convince him to play, although we can hear wiry tabby Penny skittering around by herself down the hall. Moey’s been here a few months, and he knows the routine, meowing his objections when I stand to leave. He’s just waiting for someone mellow, slow moving and quiet to call his own.

There’s another cat who’s got a similar Felinality rating, but is much more reticent. Star is a delicate young tabby and white girl. Her paperwork says she’s getting used to trusting people again after her dental work. She’s aware of my presence, but stays firmly hidden in her box. Still, she accepts gentle petting when I contort myself into position to reach her. She curls up – not asleep, but a little more relaxed. I’m hoping she’s one of those kitties who suddenly bloom once she’s finally found the perfect people.

A woman with a cute little girl stand at her door, unable to spot her, and I explain about her shyness. A young couple approach, the guy speaking with a slight European sounding accent, the woman mostly silent. They want to meet Bee, a new cute little tabby. She starts out shy, peeking adorably from the top of her perch, but quickly hops down and revels in the young woman’s attention. Though they’re clearly melting over this sweet cat, the guy confesses that despite filling out a survey, they can’t actually have a cat where they live. The woman nods, blinking back tears.

He apologizes for taking my time. But I point out that sweet Bee enjoyed having company. I motion to the other people walking the halls, and assure them that someone will take give this cat a good home. And that eventually, they’ll find themselves in a place where they can bring home a cat of their own.

Real Deal – Bear Bear

The hallway leading to the volunteer locker room is colorfully decorated with children’s art – posters, mostly about dogs, hand lettered and exuberantly colored in. It’s nice to see actual kid’s crafts, not digitized or Power Point stuff.

Upstairs, I’m immediately drawn to new kitty Cybil, a pretty 2 year old calico princess. She reminds me a bit of my departed girl Muppy, both in coloring and her need to be an only cat. She’s friendlier – most cats are! – but also offers a tiny warning nip when my attention wanders. It feels very comfortable and familiar sitting with her. She’s even a bit of a goof, like my girl was, dashing after toys and gawking at the birds on TV.

Across the hall, Bear Bear squeaks for attention. She’s a darling little 3 year old, mostly black with a tiny sprinkling of white across her shoulders. She likes to investigate the situation, and spends awhile sniffing around, even standing on her perch by my head for better access. Finally I pass inspection, and she curls up on my lap as I stroke her, comfortable to the point of rolling to her back and curling her little paws up. This elicits a chorus of oohs from people in the hall. And I appreciate a kitty who needs to be won over.

I’m glad to see Cybil at her door, also catching people’s attention. I chat with a woman and two kids, an aunt and nieces, who’ve been carefully studying each cat. They all love animals, but one of the parents has allergies. The younger girl squats, delighted with her interactions with outgoing Virginia.

The little girl tells me she likes to draw, especially pictures of little cats, and she intends to make a picture of Virginia later. The woman prompts the kids to tell me about the realistic looking stuffed animals they have at home, and we joke about not having to feed or clean up after them. But the older girl tells me, voice serious, that it’s not the same. Can’t argue with that, there’s nothing like real animals as pets.

Body Language – Ivory

There are people arriving as the doors open an Maddie’s, always a good thing. First up, a hefty tattooed guy and his gal pal – he wants a kitten to join older cats at home. He’s already got a couple "all stars" (adaptable, not shy) in mind.

Good thing, because he likes to kind of manhandle them as part of his affectionate interaction. Seems like a bit of a control thing. One kitten squirms in what looks to me like a pretty obviously uncomfortable way. But happily, he chooses a cutie who lounges in his arms, purring and cool with the baby doll positioning.

I move on to visit pretty, all white Ivory. He’s a sweet and friendly 9 year old who craves human interaction. He rubs, purrs, sniffs, has a bite of kibble, and circles around me as I sit cross legged. Something’s not quite right; Ivory kind nudges at me until I extend my legs into a more traditional lap. Then he hops on and curls up, contented.

I’ve enjoyed observing cat body language since I was a child, learning to exchange blinks with my boy Mystery. It’s fun to explain it to little kids, and give them tips on what to watch for – cats can communicate in pretty clear language, with no grammar necessary.

I talk to a young man who’s considering adopting his first cat in his own place. It’s a studio, and he’s wondering if a small or younger cat would do better in a small space. I suggest that energy level is a factor too, that a mellow older cat would probably be fine. There are many ways to entertain a cat in a small space – happens here every day.

He keeps looking around, and I return to the cat visits. Pretty calico Carrie is newly arrived from Yolo. She’s a dainty young thing who’s curled in a safe spot. She ventures out almost immediately, and rubs around adorably. She seems pretty relaxed. But her tail stays a little puffed out, giving away her nervousness at shelter life.

Growing up Fast - Mika

Week after week, cute little dark tabby Mika hustles to her door at the sound of footsteps, mouthing meows to anyone passing by. She longs for company, and she keeps an eye on the whole hall, monitoring her neighbors’ activities from her windows. There are a bunch of people wandering around, but I squeeze in some quiet quality time, stroking her soft fur and cooing as she flops onto her back, little feet kneading the air. She’s a little older, a little needy, but such a sweet girl, sure to make someone happy every day.

Across the hall there’s an adorable new young orange tabby, Tangier. He transitions quickly from shy to squirmy affectionate. I just about melt, and he seems both surprised and a bit indignant that I don’t immediately take him home.

But there are several people needing help, and I show kittens to a couple different sets of people, then talk to a woman who’s back in the market after having lost her adored cat several months back. She says she’s on the quiet side, but is nonetheless drawn to one of our super active youngsters. Her last cat was kind of hyper like this, and it’s what she expects.

Next a woman with a bright little boy want to check out Maximus. The kid is a proxy for two more siblings, and they’re looking for a young, social cat or cats who can handle activity and occasional road trips. Maximus does pretty well. The boy is calm, knows how to extend a hand to sniff, and that’s all Max needs to rub around with enthusiasm.

Across the hall, pretty tabby Smurfet kind of ignores the kid, more interested in the adults and her food dish. It’s funny how different cats react to small children. The woman tells me her 7 year old daughter is also good with cats, and would love to brush a long hair cat like this. The new cat is to be the girl’s pet, but the mom ruefully notes that she knows she’ll end up doing much of the caretaking.

I’m glad when people get that – that the 7 year old begging for a cat will too soon become a teenager who maybe has other things to do. Or that the cute scrabbling kittens will quickly grow up to be regular cats.

Just before leaving, I chat with a mom and cute little gap toothed girl. They’re strictly looking, but the girl adores animals. She borrows my dangle toy and waves it at the window of a pair of fascinated young kitties. Kid and cats are mesmerized, the girl laughing in delight. She declares she’s having so much fun that she wants to never leave. Exchanging a smile with the mom, I hope they both remember this moment.

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