The Kitty-Halfway-House (or how to collect stray animals, for dummies)

(Written on July 1st 2009)



It's the night before leaving. All is quiet. Everything is packed, and I am quite ready to leave for Vienna tomorrow (via Amsterdam). I have done just about everything I can think of to prepare for my trip. The bank utility accounts are closed. I have given away or sold everything I have bought here (even my excess store of food have been donated to the Pakistani workers at the college), cleaned everything (to a much larger degree than when I moved in). I even drew a schematic of my luggage with a detailed account of everything I have packed and where (Yes, that's the Teutonic gene coming through)! So I guess I'm ready.

Well, the last few days have been a bit tedious and empty. I have a severe case of 'empty nest syndrome', because of the absence of 'Kiebler-Khan the conqueror'. As a result of this absence I have tentatively adopted the family of cats that have taken up residence in the building I live in. They hang around here mostly due to the fish-store on the first floor. The Indian and Pakistani workers that work and live in the building have started feeding them. The family consists of a mother cat and six kittens. What is very curious, is there is a discrepancy in the cats. There are two that look similar, and are much bigger (or older) than the rest. Then there are 3 almost identical kittens. These vary in size alone. Add to this, one cat that is not from either litter, but has managed to get itself adopted by 'momma'.

I am really struck by her situation. A single mom, obviously taking care of an other's litter, and she has also adopted a straggler. What an insane maternal instinct. I think humanity could learn a thing or two from her. I am so in awe of her good-naturedness, that I have helped out too. I give them milk twice a day, as well as feed Momma. What is truly remarkable, is that she is still giving all six milk. So, I try to help with some food to keep the 'tap' open for her kittens. She's great! very loving animal that comes over and demands love and affection every time she hears my door open. Last week, she started laying down in front of my door so the air conditioning could blow over her from the crack between floor and door. It drove Nibbles crazy! I m especially fond of the three identical kittens. I took the littlest one (I call him 'Mouse' because of his small size) under my 'wing', and often take him to the side and 'power feed' him so he gets strong, Tomorrow, right before I leave, I plan to go downstairs to the fish store and buy them an entire fish to eat! A feline farewell fish-feast it will be!!! I'm sure everyone will be very happy, fed, and appreciative. Well any of you that know me, also know that I am quite fond of strays (on sooooo many levels)

I look forward to seeing you all very soon...

H