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Cat rescued from I-94 overpass finds a home

This is a great story about a tortoiseshell cat who was rescued and subsequently adopted from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) by a student who goes to school at EMU. I contacted him (Max) and we share some stories about our cat adventures and this is what he had to say…

“I have always had a dog growing up and still have a dog but he lives with my parents as I am not allowed to have a dog in my apartment building. I wasn’t use to not having an animal around me and felt something “missing” since I have moved to my apartment so I figured I would get a cat. I had outside cats growing up but I never had an inside cat. I went to the HSHV and they were very helpful and knowledgeable about all of their cats and they really lead me in the right direction. I had been to the HSHV several times and had an idea of a few cats that I was interested in but I had doubts. I wanted to get a cat that I had no doubts about. Once Jerry (a supervisor) introduced me to Grove (the name of his cat), I knew that this was the cat I wanted. She was a very interesting color (I had never seen a tortoiseshell before) and she was very loving. I wanted a cat that I could cuddle with when studying, something with a personality, and she was it! I had no clue about her story of being rescued off the bridge until Jerry informed me and that was even more incentive to get her. I also had no idea that there was an article about her and that she would garner so much attention.”

“They told me before I adopted her that cats usually hide for a few days until they become accustomed to their new environment and they may not eat or go to the bathroom for a few days as well. As soon as I got Grove home, I took her out of her box and she jumped up onto my futon and began to lick herself. I then sat on the floor and called her over and she immediately hopped in my lap and allowed me to pet her. I couldn’t have asked for a more friendly, loving cat and I feel very lucky to have found her. I can say that although I may always be a dog person at heart I definitely have a new found respect for cats as well as those who work and volunteer at HSHV.”

More about the rescued cat can be found at http://www.annarbor.com/news/cat-rescued-from-i-94-overpass-in-ypsilanti-township/

The elusive Miss Molly makes her debut

My friend Barb has a wonderful camera and a great eye for taking photos so I asked her to take some pictures of Molly so I could post one to the blog. I wasn’t sure whether Molly would cooperate or not but here she is – looking a little surprised and maybe thinking “what’s with the flash in my face.” More to come…

“Tortitude”

I was just doing some research about tortoiseshell cats and found some interesting information…

According to Wikipedia, it states “Among cat owners, there is considerable talk about tortoiseshell cats having a personality set apart from other colorations. This is referred to as “tortitude.” Tortoiseshell cats are said to be strong-willed, fiercely independent, hot-tempered and very possessive of their owners. They are also said to be more vocal and likely to hiss, meow loudly or purr strongly to make their needs known.” And, it said “cats of this coloration are believed to bring good luck in the folklore of many cultures.”

Well, I’m not sure about the “good luck” part (I hope it’s true because I can always use some good fortune) but I can confirm that my “Tortie” is definitely very vocal and matches the personality description to a tee. Thank goodness, there isn’t any hissing going on anymore now that she’s acclimated to her new surroundings but she is absolutely independent and strong willed – and I love it. Despite sounding aloof, she really isn’t and loves lots of “scrubs” and being brushed, rolling over and exposing her belly… all excellent progress from a cat from the street. Now, we just need to get her up and into my lap for a nap and I’ll be really, really happy. I can’t wait!

The photo above isn’t Molly but shows a beautiful example of a tortoiseshell cat. More to come later…

And along came Molly…

I wanted to start a blog for some time now and desired a place where I could share the trials and tribulations of helping feral and stray cats (and other animals too). I want to share my experiences and also hear from others who have advise to give on how to deal with feral cats,  So here goes…

Anyone who knows me will tell you I am a “dog person”. I have a 12-year-old golden retriever named Zoe, who has been the love and joy of my life. That is of course, until I met Molly. Molly is a stray cat who somehow found her way to a feral cat colony I manage. I worked with the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) and she was processed through their TNR program. During her stay there, it was discovered she was FIV positive. In addition, she was clearly not 100% feral, but likely a domestic cat either abandoned or lost. Knowing she wasn’t completely feral, coupled with the compromised immune system – I knew I couldn’t return her outside.

So, I brought her home (just temporarily of course to foster her until I could find a suitable home). I tried to find a cat sanctuary or foster home for her to go, but without success. Every place I called was over capacity or wouldn’t take a cat with FIV. Well… you can probably put two and two together and figure out the rest of the story. Miss Molly somehow wormed her way into my heart and she’s staying. Turns out, she loves my dog, following her around wherever she goes. Its like they grew up together. Yes, we have had some hick-ups along the way, and I continue to learn something new every day about cats. But, I am amazed and happy to report, we are all getting along so well and my life is truly blessed with Molly in it.  More to come…