How Can You Say No to that Face - Jasmine

I arrive at Maddie’s a couple minutes before it opens. Already a small crowd has gathered, some pointing out cats visible in their windows, others eager to be first to the adoption counter, their cat already selected. A couple is debating the merits of getting a younger or full grown cat, and whether male cats are more outgoing and if that’s a good thing. Not arguing exactly, but negotiating.

It starts out and stays busy. Initially several sets of people are looking for the same type of cat – feisty and young. I’m unfamiliar with the bulk of the cats, since they’re new, but there are a bunch that fit the bill. A pair of guys check out a couple and fall in love with Fern, a sweet little black and white girl (who’s about to get a new home and a big brother in a friendly Mastiff).

A young woman and her pals want to meet Trucker, a pretty all gray 8 month old. We quickly discover how he got his name, as he zooms out into the hall upon our opening his door. But he’s a real sweetie, purring and rubbing around all of us, and she decides he’s right for her.

During a lull, I go in to see Jasmine, a pretty 8 year old calico who’d had trouble getting along with other cats. She’s hiding but immediately trots out, meowing. She’s slender and soft, mostly orange on her face, white on her belly. She circles a couple times then steps delicately unto my lap, purring, nuzzling, and settling down with a contented purr. Soon she twists onto her back, paws flexing and pushing; I imagine she’s one of those cats who starts cuddled next to you on the bed then gradually shoves you toward the edge as she takes over the middle. She meows sweetly in protest when I stand to leave.

I also visit shy Beatrice, who just wants lap time and gentle petting. From there, we watch a steady stream of staff and volunteers going to see Van Damme, who’s absolutely adorable. A precious cream puff of a kitty, he loves one and all, and snuggles up to give kisses to everyone he meets. (Not surprisingly, there’s an adoption pending sign on his door by the end of my shift.)

A mom and two daughters from New Zealand want help selecting the right young cat for the older girl. Then another mom with twin girls come specifically looking for Cherry Blossoms or formerly feral cats. The mom’s a total cat person, who explains that they’re still getting over losing the last of several older cats and they’re just visiting, looking around. But as the girls play, one per cat, with a pair of youngsters, one of them mentions their upcoming birthday. The other takes it up, saying how getting two cats might be better than a party. Let the negotiations begin.