Kitty Litter

You know how people make lists of things to do before they die? I have a list of things to live for instead, and one of my fondest dreams is to start a real advocacy for cats.

Cats are often abused and maltreated in the Philippines; just a month ago, I faced down a group of ugly, rude schoolboys who, for no apparent reason, suddenly stoned and kicked a cat foraging on the street outside our house. I screamed and yelled at them, and they left quickly; in hindsight I should've been carrying one of the blades or knives Wynn has gifted me with, as violence is the only language these lower life forms understand. I'd report them to their school authorities, but what for? You know how parents are these days (and sadly many are my age): they will blame everyone but their children (and themselves) for any misbehavior on the part of their unruly, undisciplined, and stupid offspring. (More on that in a later entry.)

But why should I quit just because I'm alone? So my family and I have taken in cats and kittens in the hopes of saving even just a few, of giving them a better life than most. It's heart-wrenching though when you know you can't save them all, and you see a cat that deserves to be saved but whom you can't.

This morning while at the drive-through fastfood near our house, I noticed a small kitten perched on top of a trash can by the entrance of the fastfood, meowing expectantly and hopefully every time someone came through the door.

She (a tricolor kitty, hence the chances of her being female were high) was at that pint-sized stage where she rightfully should still have been with her mother, but there she was, out foraging for food. I am amazed that she found it in herself to trust humans, and it was a good thing they were ignoring her because if someone was abusive I would've stopped traffic to pick a fight. (Sure, mababaw, but I'd rather fight for a real cause than be 'in' with the trendy 'causes' today.)

Such a pretty, trusting kitten deserves a home, and if anyone can find it in themselves to give her one, I will gladly pick her up for you, clean her up, have her spayed, and supply you with food.

I want to have the money to actually do something: adopt more, hire people to help with cleaning up, feeding, and socializing, and prosecute cat abusers. But as I haven't won the lottery yet, I prefer to give love to our cats. If you want a pet who won't need too much maintenance, is quiet and clean, why not a cat? I'll help you.

And to convince you of that, have a look at our cats. Nearly every cat below has been adopted off the street, and is a wonderful bundle of love. (No you can't have THESE! ^_^)

Casey came home as a frightened cat; my mom found him at the height of a storm and managed to coax him into the car. He's a bit shy as some of the older cats bullied him, but he's sweet and friendly nonetheless.










Chinky (the mostly white tricolor) adopted Pacquiao (the orange) when he arrived as a two-day-old foundling. Kyaw, as we call him, is such a good-natured creature, he even gets along with the dog!










Here's Marietta (grayish-orange) and Kyaw as freshly adopted kittens. Marietta would later lose her eye to an infection aggravated by rough play, but you can't even tell she's one-eyed because she's active, playful, and eager for hugs. Aww, see how tiny they are? Marietta is about two weeks old here, and Kyaw is a week old. (Yes, he grew into the behemoth of a cat you see above. Score one for my mom's cat raising abilities!)





Here they are today! Can you believe how big they are? One of the best rewards of adopting animals is seeing them grow. None of my mom's cats have died on her (save for one kitten who had a violent allergic reaction to her first series of shots) and they make the house home. If you've never been greeted by a furry face when you come home (feline, canine, unshaved husband, whatever), then you're missing out on one of the nicest little pleasures in life.

Labels: cat photos, cats

This is Doc Ling, aka Annabelle (behind the name is a long story involving the non-recognition of male cat genitals) and Peepee Boy...our Siamese who has been missing for almost a month now. He was allowed out of the house to explore, and he never went beyond the gate. Which is why we suspect he was catnapped. He just disappeared.



He was a friendly, affectionate cat, easy for strangers to win over. He liked smelly feet, spraying our walls, being hugged, keeping us company, snuggling up with us in bed. He's the cat who won Wynn over after allowing himself to be used as a foot rug. Sure, he was never the brightest cat, but he was nonetheless good to have around, as most cats are. As the photos show, he liked being with us. We loved the semi-crossed eyes, raucous cries when the refrigerator was opened, hooked tail that caught on any wires in his path, and his silly, trusting, goofy personality.

My dad has actually wandered the neighborhood alternating between calling for him and asking neighbors if they'd seen him.

I hope he's okay. I hope someone who really wants him and is prepared to love him took him in.

And I hope he coats that person's house with his trademark weewee spraying. Because that would mean he feels he's home.

Labels: cat photos, cats

Oops. Since my lack of tech-savvy shows, I tried posting this again.

Hope you can see this. Sam's leaning against the tree next to the large post in the right foreground. Above his head are the blankets, and the brown lump is Ben. You can't see Jerry in the photo.

Labels: cat photos

I've always believed that a house is not a home unless there are some wonderful animals sharing the place with you.

Elwood, left, certainly agrees. He's usually found loafing somewhere in the house.

Then again, don't most cats just loaf too? I *heart* that.

The gray cat is Soxy, who looks just like the woman who used to take care of him. Really!



Marina waiting primly at the table for service. She's our "sosyal" cat because she was found near Ayala Alabang and acts like a diva...the real kind, mind you, bitchiness and all. But she's so pretty it doesn't matter.

Elwood is her "boyfriend", by the way :)





We're suckers for cats; current tally: 14 cats in Paranaque, 4 in Quezon City (unless you count Dexter and Bubbles, in which case it's six).

Labels: cat photos, cats