Other People's Little Ones - Simon & Lola

Lots of new feline faces at Maddie’s this week, with numerous new arrivals from outlying counties like Yolo and Merced. I start out with a pair who are just settling in, both young adult, pretty and sweet but scared. Random construction noises overhead don’t help. But after some gentle petting and coaxing, I convince her to eat and him to play.

Several people wander by – a couple looking for kittens, a dad and two young girls, a lone guy who carefully reads each condo card. Then a larger group comes in, excited young voices bouncing off the walls. It’s two moms and five kids. They study all the cats in hallway 3, then the oldest girl asks to see Silly, a playful 8 month old.

I check in with one of the moms, who suggests just the three girls go in with me, so as not to overwhelm the cat. Most cats would be fairly freaked out at this point, but as for Silly – bring ‘em on. She’s a goofy long hair tabby and white girl who’s friendly and fearless. She purrs, bats at our toys, and happily allows herself to be passed back and forth between the girls, nuzzling them sweetly.

Then the two boys, who are younger and a bit whinier want their chance. We shuffle out, and I crouch down to have a little talk with them about keeping their voices soft and motions gentle. They are gratifyingly attentive to me, and solemnly assure me they are capable of being quiet.

One of the families has recently adopted a cat from Maddie’s and all the kids are clearly delighted with him. They don’t seem real serious about taking on another, but I enjoy interacting with kids – decently behaved ones – even so. Though it's tempting to mention that this is a shelter and not a petting zoo, I figure any kids I meet here are future pet supervisors. I think it’s important to show them respect, listen and answer their questions. And of course to model good person to cat behavior.

The girls beg to meet another cat, and Sir Bentley, a gorgeous fluffy 4 year old all black fellow from Fix our Ferals, is deemed tolerant with children. Basically he loves being petted by anyone and everyone. He’s much less active and pretty much lolls like a rag doll between the girls, purring and wriggling his shoulders, the soft fur on his belly luxurious and long.

Finally the whole group is herded away (another benefit of other people’s children) and things quiet down. All this time Lola and Simon, an older bonded pair, have put up with the commotion outside their condo. They’re precious too, but in a more subdued, mature way. Simon is a huge orange tabby, friendly and easygoing, a "personal assistant." Lola’s half his size, a petite big eyed brown tabby, initially shy.

But she wins me over when she slinks from her hiding spot straight onto my lap, and curls there trustingly. She seems like somebody else’s baby too, and I wonder how these two ended up here. They’re older and a pair, which makes them a little harder to get adopted – but hopefully the right people for them will show up soon.