Me...a meowmie in the making?

[popcornbird]

Now...I'm not sure if any of you remember this thread...

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=94365

...but, I just have to post a little uppiedate, along with more stories and pictures.

Okay, here goes.

It all began with me getting married to a major cat lover. I don't know WHAT the connection is, but we *never* had cats come to our garden until my marriage. Never. All of a sudden, after a cat lover joined our family, somehow, it seems the local kitties have sensed that, and they too want to join our family. :eek: Problem is, I'm falling for them fast, and wasn't quite ready to take on the responsibility of more pets yet.

About 3 months ago (immediately after my marriage), a beautiful kitty showed up at our house. This kitty, whom I introduced in the linked thread above still comes every single day. Sometimes 2 - 3 times a day. Sometimes s/he sleeps in our backyard at night. Actually...its possible that it always sleeps there. Everytime I go out at night, it is there, but I'm not usually outside late so perhaps I don't notice most of the time. It did knock several times at 11:30pm though...to ask for food. Freaked me out the first time, but now I know its just the cat. :D

Anyhow, we've had a lot of progress. This precious kitty started out as a scaredy cat. Very scared. S/he would come, and sit on our fence. The moment s/he'd see me, s/he'd run away. Slowly, s/he started coming closer, but still running away if I tried to approach him/her. I *still* can't pick him/her up without it getting upset (yes I tried...and it was so nice and soft and cuddly that I didn't want to let go, but it was upset so I had to), but you'll notice the amazing progress in the pictures.

It started out as this...

A quiet little kitty who suddenly found a liking to our backyard, and always sat there, minding its own business...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/a6e4b5db.jpg

After sometime, it declared the backyard as its own, and started taking over the nice, comfy chairs...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/mm.jpg

My mom noticed the cat and thought it might be hungry. We didn't have cat food at the time, so my mom offered it some sardines. It came running after we went back into the house, and ate...with a scared look on its face.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/9635531a.jpg

I started putting its food right in front of the sliding glass door so that I could 'make friends' with it through the window. Everytime I'd come too close, I'd get this reaction...

"AHHH...scary human!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/4f606e65.jpg
It would run away after seeing me. :(

Slowly...little by little, the kitty started gaining some confidence, and started sticking around even when it saw me. I could manage to get a few shots of him/her sitting pretty, as long as I didn't get too close.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/DSC00185.jpg

As time went by, s/he would come even closer, but if I tried to touch him/her, s/he would run off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/17d99118.jpg

[popcornbird]

Fast forward three - four months. We've had steady progress. Kitty got a name. S/he has such lovely green eyes that look like emeralds, so I call him/her Emerald, or Emmy for short. The kitty could *possibly* be a boy, but I don't know for sure, so s/he is Emmy for now. The following pictures are all from today. Its amazing how some food and love can change the heart of an animal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/0a6e4862.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/25d9ccc0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/5b165784.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/92314fde.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/31c1cbc3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/915073a8.jpg
:D

I'm pretty sure you can all tell why I'm falling for him/her so fast. Such a lovely kitty.

That isn't the end of the story.

[popcornbird]

Two weeks ago, we had another cat show up. This cat, who we're calling Brownie, also seems to be a homeless stray. I get the feeling s/he was formerly a pet and dumped. :( S/he was scared at the beginning, but I'm beginning to notice that s/he is very friendly. It just seems to be that way, because s/he was sooooooo hungry and thin when it started coming. It seems to be better and more healthy now that its eating here everyday. Its actually possible Emmy's a dumped pet too. Ugh...why are people so cruel? I just don't know, but what I do know is...these two cats do not live with someone. They're outside fulltime, and seem to fill their tummies at our place.

Emmy's reaction at first sight of Brownie...
"Wah...who the heck is that cat in MY backyard?"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/73bba935.jpg

Brownie is so sweet. S/he has scratches on his/her nose and ears, which seem to be the result of a cat fight to me. :( This is Brownie 2 weeks ago...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/fbf254e8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/d9832f00.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/c86e4d8e.jpg

And here's Brownie today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/5a538052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/583b8380.jpg

S/he has the CUTEST meow. I swear...one meow from Brownie, and the whole family's heart melts. In fact, my heart is melting just remembering his/her voice. SO cute.

I am still getting to know Brownie...s/he is so new here. I wonder if these two are going to stay. I wonder if they're going to end up becoming a part of the family. I wonder if 'gasp'...I'm going to be an unplanned meowmie. We weren't prepared for cats yet, didn't plan to have them yet, and don't exactly know what to do. All I know now is that I'm falling for them, my mom's falling for them, my brother's falling for them, and even my dad, who I thought doesn't like cats much gets soooooo happy when they come to visit and eat and rest. My husband adores them, of course, being the cat lover he is. So...what do you all think? Am I becoming a meowmie? He he he. I'm not sure how the tiels would feel about that. They LOVE watching the cats from the window, and its quite amusing, seeing their expressions while they're safe in the house, away from the kitties. The cats don't seem to have any interest in them at all (when they see them through the closed windows).

Surprisingly, this is not the end of the cat stories.

[popcornbird]

A few weeks ago, we had ANOTHER cat. This story has a happy ending. The cat was a 7 month old kitten...someone's pet with a collar. It came meowing at our door. My mom opened the door, and it walked right in. :eek: It was a very friendly, playful, hyper cat. It walked right in, ran up the stairs, walked into my room, and decided to lie on the bed. :eek: Then, it hopped on my computer desk, then onto the shelf, and then jumped down. I immediately thought, "Johanna's Monte must be just like this cat! SO naw-tee!" He he he.

I ended up holding the cat, and reading the number on its collar. When I called the number, the lady who answered was thrilled and said her indoor cat slipped out, and was missing for two days. She came immediately to pick her pet up, and was so grateful. The kitten's name was Toby. I told her Toby is always welcome to visit again.

Here are some pics of Toby.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/71769425.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v51/popcornbird/60257aa7.jpg

I guess that briefly sums up my recent kitty adventures. Just wanted to share the stories/pics with you all. I can't bring the cats inside...I have birds and they hated it when I *did* bring them in, so I'm planning on buying a covered plastic 'box' or something, with an opening, and filling it with blankets, etc. to keep the cats warm when its cold. My mom and I will be going shopping together tomorrow to look for something like that. Jeez. Does this mean they're going to end up joining the family? :o They have names, we bought tons of cat food for them, they get treats, they get love and scritches, and now some shelter to keep them warm. What's next? Popcornbird is turning into a meowmie? Wah! Can I join the cat club on PT? LOL!

[jenluckenbach]

WOW! Such adventures. :D :D And such beutiful kitties.

You have obviously been chosen by these cats. ;)

(p.s.) Toby is the spitting image of my little Kim)

[orangemm]

Such a story! These homeless babies obviously need food, loving, and a safe home...and it looks like yours is IT! ;) They have become pretty trusting of you and your family, that's a lot to accomplish in a few months! Bless all of you for looking after them.

You just have to wonder what miserable so-and-so just dumped them to fend on their own.


Too bad people who do that can't be plucked up by a giant hand, unceremoniously dumped into a jungle with no defense, no one to help, and nowhere to go..

[CalliesMom]

Smart kitties!! I think cats can sick suckers a mile away and know which house to go to for food/love. I hope that everything works out with the kitties. Being a meowmie is one of the greatest adventures! :)

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

WHAT A GREAT STORY Pops!! I have always known that you wouldn't stay a "birds-only-mom" :) !! Those cats have chosen you, what an honour!! It is trus, Emmy looks like Eddie's twin sister/brother !
Congrats are needed, here!!

[K & L]

What a wonderful thread and story! Another one hooked on cats! :D My husband was just like you and look at him now! :) I loved the pictures and reading all of this.

[catnapper]

Welcome to the Cat Side (bwahahaha) Once you are in the know with cats, you'll never turn back. Congrats to our newest cat lover! :)

Both kitties are amazingly pretty/handsome. I'm sure Emmy will come around - their progress is great in just a few months!

Em is a fine name if he turns out to be a boy - thats what I called my last male foster.

[Felix]

Amazing adventures! :)

[kb2yjx]

First, let me commend you on your efforts and making such progress with Emerald and Brownie!! They both look much better and much more trusting , and loving since you have been feeding them!!! GREAT WORK!!! And how lucky that the baby kitty had a COLLAR with ID on!!!
Cats seem to know where to go for help, despite the fact they may act like they do not need it!! We have a few of those that are now very happy inside with us!! Will you be keeping these lovely creatures??
PS: I also married a cat lover, me, the little girl that live next door to 50 unneutered cats that roamed all over the neighbourhood, who would throw pebbles at the cats to keep them out of the yard!! Nothing like the love of a good cat to change all that! Thank you Miss BooBoo Kitty!!! Now we have "only" 8!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

[anna_66]

As you know I rarely get over to the cat side, but this morning I'm so glad I did:)

It really looks like these cats are choosing you, maybe you are meant to be a cat meowmie as well as a bird mommy!
I'm so glad that you and your family has taken it upon yourselves to take care of Emmy and Brownie, I'm sure they both thank you for it.
It's always nice to hear that someone has helped out the homeless, people or furries.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for being such a kind person and helping all these beautiful (and wow they ARE beautiful!) kitties out:D

[Laura's Babies]

I LOVE it when they choose their own home. To me, that means you were hand picked by God to take care of them and become theirs.

My sister has 4 cats and birds. It is tricky but it CAN be done. After awhile, her cats don't even notice the birds are there anymore.

Em and Brownie are both beautiful babies and I would agree, you are becoming a Mommie, YOU have been choosen!

[Catty1]

I love those shots of Emmy getting head scritchies! What eyes! And Brownie is gorgeous!

I have heard on PT that a simple warm shelter can be made from a large Styrofoam cooler turned upside down with the lid on, and a door cut in it. Depending on your climate, add wool blankies or a bit of hay!

Would be interesting to hear from people that have cats AND birds and how they did it.

Bless you - they sure chose you!

Catty1

[ChrisH]

Oh, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CwmmawrJet/Bobby%20Boy/Miscellaneous/yes.gif Mrs Pops, you are now Meowmie to two beautiful furkids, no doubt about it! :D And bless you and your family for the care you have given them. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CwmmawrJet/Bobby%20Boy/Miscellaneous/kiss.gif

Chris

[babychicaleek]

I love those shots of Emmy getting head scritchies! What eyes! And Brownie is gorgeous!

I have heard on PT that a simple warm shelter can be made from a large Styrofoam cooler turned upside down with the lid on, and a door cut in it. Depending on your climate, add wool blankies or a bit of hay!

Would be interesting to hear from people that have cats AND birds and how they did it.

Bless you - they sure chose you!

Catty1

Awww!! I agree :D

[catmandu]

You Are Having Some Interesting Cat Stories.
And I Hope That You Cah Help Brownie And Kitty,and Maybe Help Them With Furr Ever Homes.
Especially Brownie Who Looks As Though He Needs Some Loving Guardians To Love Him And Keep Him Happy.
Good Luck With Your Soon To Be Kittys.

[Lizzie]

I join everyone else in thanking you for taking care of these two cats that someone else, heartlessly, threw away. I am sure you will be rewarded one day with Emmy allowing you to really cuddle her. Perhaps when you are sitting outside more often during the warmer months.

Brownie looks like an unaltered male to me - I see the larger, heavier head size and battle scars that look just the same as the unaltered tom I took in just over a year ago. I hate to push you to do more, but a trip to the vet would be very useful. If Brownie is an altered tom, he will continue to get battle wounds with the risk of some getting abcessed.

Welcome to the cat side of town!

[Felicia's Mom]

Bless you for taking care of these cats. You have made a lot of progress with them (esp. Emmy).

[momcat]

Welcome to the PT Cat Club!!! Of course you can join us!!! Em and Brownie are two beautiful kitties in desperate need of love and attention. Fortunately they found you. We can never know what these poor kitties have been through since being abandoned to fend for themselves. But now they know they have a safe and loving haven where they are always welcome. You've done a wonderful thing. Groucho says you're a real kitty hero and sends you lots of purrs, headbumpies, kitty hugs, and kitty kisses for caring enough to help these two beauties!

[Karen]

Yes, dear, you have been Chosen.

Although, after your next wedding, and move out, you may have to battle your mom for custody ...

Catty, our Popcornbird, her birdies - and "her" kitties are in sunny, warm California. Not much for climate worries there!

[Cataholic]

Popcornmeowmie! What a great story. I hope Brownie and Emma will become friends, and that Brownie puts on some weight, too. Keep us updated, and it would be great if you could get them both to the whitecoats. I like the idea of a styrofoam cooler 'house'. Cheap, light, and easy to make.

[prechrswife]

It definitely sounds like you have been chosen. Samson chose us in a similar fashion, and he's been with us for three years now. (Right now, he is cuddling in my lap with his chin resting on my left arm, making typing with my left hand very difficult.) :D

[icedtea]

i reckon brownie has the cutestlook ever. well done for lookin after those cats. it makes me jealous theres no little strays around here. heaps of big burmeses:(

[Edwina's Secretary]

I cannot believe how much your Emmy looks like my Eddie! Congrats Mrs. Meowmie Popcornbird.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Great story and pictures. :) Yes, your family has been chosen by these two strays. Congrats on being a cat meowmie!!! :)

[carole]

Welcome to the fold PCB, how awesome, yes i always believe there is a sign above my home that is only visible to cats in my neighbourhood, it reads something along the lines, SUCKER FOR KITTIES LIVES HERE, maybe you are blessed to have the same one above your home lol, yes it appears you have indeed been chosen, I have yet to chose a kitty of my own, they have all made their way here one way or another and my hubby chose my Lexie, congratulations are in order i think to a new Meowmie, keep us posted on the progress, wonderful to see how happy and content they look, must say young Emmy looks extremely healthy, are you sure kitty is a stray, maybe Emmy just likes your home better, some kitties just don't get enough human attention and affection and wander to a better home, they are pretty darn smart don't you think? :)

[AmberLee]

Aaaaawwwwww!

(And welcome to the Cat Side!) :D :cool: :D

[Killearn Kitties]

What beautiful kitties you have been mixing with! :D Well done you and your family for keeping them around and gaining their trust. Now you will keep us informed on what happens with them, won't you?

[shais_mom]

sounds to me you are already a mommy! ;)
gorgeous kitties!
Emmy has beautiful eyes!
She reminds me of Eddie!