Wednesday, December 01, 2010

The New Kits in Town

This has been a year of saying goodbye to pets. We bid farewell to Tipper, waited a month and then got Ziva.

Then, in mid-November, our senior cat Cassidy finally succumbed to age and a nagging cold he couldn't shake. He had gotten the cold several years ago, and I thought he might not make it then. Knowing that time with pets is always fleeting and precious, I cherished every nuzzle with Cassidy, every purr he sent me way, every time he climbed under the bed covers and kneaded me. I needed him too. But, finally, it was time to let him go. You can see, in the photo below, how he was failing.





Whether we should wait longer between pets, or not, we simply enjoy having furry friends. So within a week or so, we headed off to the local humane society. It is always wrenching to see the poor desperate cats and dogs there. So, to steel myself, I had done my research in advance. I picked out two cats--one a more senior cat, and the other that had been abandoned at the shelter door. But, when we got to the humane society and asked to see THOSE cats, it turned out they had already been adopted.

Foiled.

So, we had to go into the cat rooms--the many many cat rooms. In a room near the back of the facility, we found two cats--in separate cages. One, a vocal male with a handsome "goatee" of orange. And the other, a six month old female kitten in that most ubiquitous cat marking of tabby.

Meet McGee. In keeping with the NCIS theme, he got the name McGee.

He is just gorgeous. His only flaw is a true snaggle tooth--a lower tooth turned sideways in his mouth, and somewhat protruding.


And here's Jennie. Friends asked why we didn't call her Abby (for another NCIS character). But, since we already had an Allie--Abby just seemed like a too confusing name. So, Jennie it is. She is all spunk and spoing. She bounces around, practically bouncing off the walls.


But she is SO cute.


McGee has discovered sitting by the window, watching the bird feeders where birds, squirrels and chipmunks gather. We have recently had the occasional hawk--but McGee seems unfazed by all the commotion.


And yet another cat in our lives thinks sitting on newspapers is a good idea.


Jennie loves (make that LOVES) food. Actually, they both do. But they are clearly very healthy and have been well-fed. Both were found as strays. They are "fixed" and micro-chipped. They have all their claws--a first for us. So, we will monitor clawing at furniture.






Allie, the now senior cat, has staked out her domain, in the study. I try to give her lots of protective space, so she doesn't feel displaced.
So, we are once again a three cat, one dog house. Fun, fun, fun...

11 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I wonder how it will go with the claws. I understand that de-clawing has fallen out of favour, but in the distant past our cats wrecked some furniture, so I am leery.

possumlady said...

Oh, what fun, fun, fun!!!

They are both adorable and personally I love a flaw or two (snaggle tooth) in a cat (or dog). Gives them a distinct look.

Yes, give Allie lots of attention. I find that giving cat treats to all at the same time (and only at the same time)makes the resident cat associate something good with the newcomers.

Petsmart has wide strips of double sided clear tape that you can put on your couch and chairs. I would recommend it even before they start scratching. That way they will never get in the habit and you can remove the tape after a while. (Please, no declawing--shudder)

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Donna, the kitties are beautiful! I am particularly fond of tabbies and your little Jennie is sooo pretty. You've got quite the houseful!

Beverly said...

Congratulations on your new kitties. They bring so much joy and comfort to a home. If I didn't go away so much, I would adopt a couple to keep me company. Enjoy.

Ruth said...

I have never lived with or befriended a cat. But yours are beautiful. Maybe someday...

Peruby said...

So sorry to hear about the beloved ones passing. I know that isn't easy. I am going to be a basket case when mine go. The two older ones (we have had at least 8 years) - not sure how old they were when they came to us. Good luck with the new ones!

possumlady said...

I keep coming back to look at McGee! He so looks like my dearly departed Sunkist...

NCmountainwoman said...

There are those of us who must have our animals. For us however, two large dogs fits that bill. But I do love your cats.

Denise said...

Ooooo...I was hoping you would blog about the new kits! They are great!! Jennie is especially striking! I hope Allie adjusts okay and becomes the matriarch of the bunch. Love the pictures!

troutbirder said...

What a good heart. We thought with retirement we be traveling too much to have another dog. Kitty visits a friend while were gone. One year and we missed having a dog. Thus Baron the GSD. He boards at the towns vet while were gone. A good arrangement all around.

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

Your cats are lovely. They are so lucky to be in your home.

I am not in favour of cutting off any animals parts" claws, tails, pat of ears etc.

Train the cats to use a scratching post your husband should build them. They do need to scratch. If they ruin a piece of furnture. . live with it. I have had children in the house who have ruined furniture and I did not send them away. We need to not be so attached to our possessions. I guess I am speaking to AC with this comment.