The Scenario: Abandoned kittens, hardly able to feed themselves let alone fend for themselves, are found in the neighborhood. The kittens are in bad shape and will not survive on their own.
The Solution: Take the kittens into your home for 24-48 hours and take them to the Safe Haven for Cats
What could go wrong? Let me make a list:
1) The kittens. They were very young and weak. Initially they would only eat from a medicine dropper. The good news is they got stronger quickly. The bad news is they got stronger and started eating on their own. Apparently, eating on your own involves standing in your bowl of kitten formula and knocking your food dish over. Oh, and taking in food also means you immediately begin peeing and pooping everywhere.
2) Fleas. I thought the cats were dirty, but then the dirt took off running across the kittens' tummy. The good news is the vet told us how to solve the problem - a bath with Dawn dish soap followed by some prescription medication. The bad news is I had to bathe four kittens. Bathing one cat is bad, bathing four? Traumatic.
3) The Beaver (aka our rabbit). We thought it was cute that the rabbit and the kittens hit it off so well. Then we found the fleas. Guess who else needs a bath and medication? Bathing a cat sucks, but it's doable. Bathing a rabbit is like giving birth, but without the good part at the end.
4) The Fear. It quickly became evident that the no-kill shelters in the area were full. FULL! What in the heck was I supposed to do with these kittens?! I'd keep them, but then the hubster would probably not keep me. I spent Sunday night crying like a school girl as I tried to concoct scenarios to save the kitties.
5) The adoption. It was never our intention to keep the cats. So today when we miraculously found someone to adopt two of the kittens we should have been happy, right? I spent the afternoon stoically reassuring the girls and keeping them from having a nervous breakdown. Now, they are in bed and I am sitting here typing and trying to cry very quietly. The hubster knows the extent of my stupidly soft heart. If he catches wind of this stupid blubbering he won't let me take in another stray if only because he wouldn't want to see me hurting like this.
Maybe he's right. 60 hours with those kittens and I'm a sobbing lump of boogery humanity. I seriously need to get a grip.
Farewell sweet kittens.
66 comments:
I understand how you feel. Buddhists believe that you need 3 animals to speak for your soul to move on in the afterlife. Just think now you will have 1 to spare because these little ones will surely speak for you Kathy B :0)
I would say wrap one up and ship him (or her) north. But, Hubby has forbidden the entry of additional living creatures into our home until further notice. He's a meanie of the highest caliber that one. Hope no more animals baths are in your near future:)!
FLEAS!!! I am impressed that you did not complain about the vet bill. I would be shocked if the vet did not charge you. Plus, you bought the medicine and kitty food. Hopefully, a litter box too???
... the kitties are cute!!
I almost stopped reading after the 1st paragraph. I always manage to get sucked in by helpless animals. Now I am definitely NOT coming over to paint, you'll send me home with kittens. Good to know you're a softy :)
Oh, when I was a little girl my mom always allowed all sorts of stray, needy animals into our home. Many a baby was fed with an eye dropper. You're a good mom.
You are a truly kind person. I shuddered when I read that the dirt took off running across the kittens' tummy...fleas are such nasty little creatures. Bath time with 4 kittens and a rabbit must have been quite the sight! ;)
Princess Nagger is still nagging for a kitten... ;)
Oh Kathy...
When you first mentioned the kitties, Tom said (in a bit of a panic) "Where does she live?" He was glad it was not a feasible drive, because I have been wanting a kitty to replace the ones I lost almost 2 decades ago... but we have agreed upon a 'no more animals' rule...
but kitties...
This is really sweet. As much as I detest cats (1. just because and 2. i'm allergic) - I find this post extremely heartwarming.
And you taught your girls a good lesson too!
Well done, KathyB!!
You are so sweet. That's why I love you so!
Awwwww, what a sweet post! Good for you for dealing with everything so well and congrats on the new half-sized burden!
I'd be the same way. They're adorable, and they definitely work on your heart immediately. If we could, I'd take one in a heartbeat. Thank you, your family, and your compassionate heart for taking care of them for the time you could.
Awww... you're such a softie at heart. Must be all the bathing, fleas, pooping and peeing that endeared them to you!
All the fleas and poop are totally worth it. You saved lives!
I'd be a mess too, I always am with animals. People? Meh. But give me an animal and I turn to porridge.
Awwww, how sad! I remember when my cat had kitties and I had to give them up. It was awful!!!
I'm sorry!
It's better this way, Kathy. Now you don't have spawns of Satan in your house.
I'm so glad you took them in and thrilled that they now have a home.
I've done the bathing kittens before but the rabbit that's a new one ...
(I took in a stray cat who had five kittens. That was six that got baths and flea meds .. )
And, why can't you over rule your H ... just asking ?
Awe, come here and let me give you a hug. You just have a huge heart!
I am not surprised about the no-kill shelters. They do a good service but they always seem to be full. Too bad you can't keep at least one but you will find good homes for them. In the meantime kudos to you for your gold heart. Not everybody would have made the effort.
You rawk...
seriously.
you really really rawk!!
wait...you're keeping one, right!?
I was once appearing in Niagara Falls and found a stray. The hotel let me keep him, I bathed him then I got him on TV to be adopted. I've done things like this so many times I had to stop. As in walk away.
It was too hard on me. I'm still getting over my dog dying in 1991. That's right. 1991.
You are such a good mom, KB!, to both children and animals. Could your heart get any bigger?
Oh, hon. You're a good woman. That's amazing.
You wouldn't feel so bad if you weren't such a good person. I'm sure that is one of the things your husband loves about you.
You did an awesome thing - don't forget that.
What a huge heart you have! So happy that you found a home for two of them. Are you planning on keeping the other 2?
Oh, kittens. They are hard to resist, even with fleas.
Your still the best mommy ever.
You did a good deed here.
Good luck finding homes for the other two.
And this is why I have a neurotic 120 pound German Shepherd named Beau; a psychotic 15 pound terrier named Chico that loves to chew up ONLY my high heels ($400 worth so far); and a loving but-don't-try to-pick-me-up-because-I-hate-to-be-touched-and-I-only-love-you-when that-fucking-terrier-isn't-around six-toed cat. All rescues...
With fleas? Yikes. You are mom of the year for that one!
I understand your pain. I'd be a mess if I had to get rid of them too. (And an equal mess if I wound up keeping them.) It's a lose-lose situation.
Hopefully all the kittens will blossom.
I'm not a cat person but those kittens are very cute. I think I would have been sad to see them go.
I would have the same problem. You just can't help it. I am glad that someone was able to adopt two of them.
That was a great thing you did for those kittens, Kathy. Hopefully I never have to go through that because of my kids.
Those kitties needed you.
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Thanks for your comments
What a pickle!
Oh you are just so sweet. I would totally take one of those kittens if I could.
I know a lot of people just take them to somewhere like Wal-Mart and give them away. The problem is, you want to find GOOD homes for them and you don't want to just give them to anyone who walks up.
I'm telling you...try to find PUPPIES next time...
Oh but they are just so cute. How could you NOT fall in love with them? Hope your soft heart recovers soon. :)
Your soft heart warms mine. :)
You done good Miss Lady!
I know you better now, and you have my love and respect.. you don't know it, but you just got a free pass to Heaven.. use my name at the Gate..you are in!
Waahhhhhh...from one stupid blubbering soft heart to another.
You did a good thing and now they will go to a home that will give them great love!
Kudos Kathy B!!
You know what. You're awesome!
I can't get the scenario of bathing a rabbit out of my head. That must have been drama at it's finest. How many stitches did you need afterwards?
p.s You have a good heart Mama!!
KathyB they are super cute! I would be sobbing also. I am a sucker as well. It is so nice that you were able to find them a home where they can be loved for the rest of their lives. If you are sad as they leave just remember that cats can live up to 20 years... That would mean past the point when your kids have all moved out!
Becca
Ohhhh you and I could share cat stories, for realz. You have no idea the extent of my compassion and subsequent stupidity when it comes to stray kitties...
OMG, sad but you're hysterical. Running dirt, giving birth but without the baby. hah. So sorry though! That rabbit is a cutie pie. Always wanted one.
I got a kitty thing on my post today....go and see his belly, you'll be ok...
awwww..poor kitties..but a tub full of kitties and a rabbit sounds like a book I would read my little man! :)
That rabbit is adorable by the way.
You are a good hearted woman. As a teenager, my cat gave birth to her kittens and then left. We tried for weeks, but one by one they died in my arms. I think that is why I no longer want anything to do with cats.
Your bunny however, looks so stinking cute! And fleas? OY VAY!!!
That's so awesome you were able to save them. I've tried that before and it didn't go so well. But I have to ask, are rabbits really that bad about baths? I've never had a rabbit, would love a rabbit but the dogs would prolly try to eat it.
Oh man, the title of your post was so sadly right. Its so true.
I feel for you, gal
They are so darling! My kitty has been missing for 2 days. :0(
You are an angel and a terrific blogger. Glad I stopped in.
Awwww, they are so cute!!! I can imagine how hard it is to let go.
We used to have rabbits and they cat loved to screw with them...she'd run up to them and try to swat them and they'd run away. They finally got sick of her and they started chasing her back. Totally put her in her place!
And yeah...bathing a rabbit. Not something I ever wanna do again!
OH dear, I totally TOTALLY get you! I do. I won't even blog about the teeny tiny wild baby rabbit we tried to save. We failed. I still cry about it. Sheesh, I am hopeless.
I am hoping to take in some foster kittens soon, in fact. I don't know why I do these things to my poor heart. :)
It's funny how you can forget all reality when it comes to animals. I took in a cat I found trapped in a garage. I am alergic (highly alergic) to cats. What was I thinking?
We did find a good home, but I understand the boogery!
Oh, how cute! And the rabbit? Too cute!
Awww! Years ago, I adopted a brand new kitten who looked just like the kittens you gave away. That photo is so sweet!
Only such a huge heart could hurt so much!! I am right, you are a wonderful woman! I feel so bad for you, and I am in a similar situation, I am debating about adopting TWO more Yorkies... We were considering getting a playmate for our Nano, but the woman doesn't want to separate the two she has... Oh, what to do???
So wonderful that you did that for the kitties.
We recently were adopted by a stray, most likely dropped off, kitten. Now we have three cat's. Good luck.
No posts for 5 days? Hope everything's okay on your end!
Hey, are you doing OK?
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