Abandoned Kitty no more…

Mind boggling how far humans have stooped… Obviously dumped at the local shopping centre, this beautiful little kitten was left to her own devices in a massive car park that would have only brought a bitterly sad ending.

To my consternation, I found this gorgeous tame beauty cowering in fear as she was kicked by a security guard in an attempt, to be removed. Seems like the little one sought escape from the external elements that morning and took cover in the sari shop.  Within moments, the panic stricken, anxious kitty was retrieved by my husband and taken home to be fed and cared for by son.  The shopping needed concluding and when we arrived home later, it was to find an exhausted yet spirited, playful kitty.  The other kitties received her somewhat indifferently.  Leo my eldest (rescued from a manhole) and my shadow, was not impressed by the hissing white fluff of fur.  Jag, my youngest (rescued from certain death and raised practically in my arms) felt relegated to being a middle child after a year of being the pampered pet and baby of the household.  Such was his power, that he merely had to meow for all to be drawn to attend to him.  Snosey, the travelling lonesome kitty (rescued by Leo…yes, our cat rescued and volunteered our house and garden as a shelter), stared at the new kitty as if to say, “Not again!, what is it with these people bringing home strays!”

That night, the kitty only managed to fall asleep after being patted like a baby.  As I watched her, Kitty, obviously a light sleeper, awoke. I watched the fear register. Unknown face, unknown surroundings and Kitty hopped down and cowered yet again.  Finally, she fell asleep only to be awakened in fear. It was a mad dash to safety under the bed as she listened to Leo protect his territory from another random cat outside.    My point here?  Fear, helplessness and a desperate “Fight or Flight” existence for these poor helpless souls.

So many questions I torment myself about human behaviour.  How can pets be abandoned the way they are? What does that say about us humans?  Is this the mentality that we perpetuate? What of our children?  Children learn what they live…is this the future?

Dutifully, I pinned up the posts in search of the missing owner. There was some commiseration and a whole lot of apathy judging by the lack of responses, given the scope and reach of the Community Page.  No one wants the additional mouth to feed and their “problem” becomes someone one else’s.   As a Mom to now four rescues at home and at least three stray kitties (one “Handsome Boy”, caught, neutered and released) in the office car park,  yes, the cost factor does weigh in heavily.  The responsibilities to ensure that that they are provided for takes time and some doing.

An amazing group of people head up the Kitty Care Organisation and I sought assistance in placing this kitten in a worthy home.  No luck.  There are SO MANY pets out there, abandoned, abused, betrayed, I could go on.  Suffice to say that today’s “gift” may be tomorrow’s burden for some.  Leaving for work these past days have been arduous as Kitty wraps herself around my legs and refuses to let me leave.   My shoes are not safe but there is light, the kitty has resumed being what she is meant to be, a precious, playful soul, unguarded and free. Long story short, the family has bonded with the little one, more especially the son, who has now named her, “Elsa”.

 

As the season turns into winter soon, I cringe at the thought of our furry friends at risk and ask sincerely that every effort be made in some small way to assist, donate, adopt or have “playdates” with pets.  There is nothing more healing or true than the love of a pet.