Touched By A Cat Angel
I travel quite a bit. Up until the pandemic, I was averaging over 90 days a year and some years more than 100. In 2010 Patti began to travel as well for her job.
The Dilemma
So who would take care of our house cat, Lillie, and the two outdoor cats, Dex and Rooney? All three were dependent on us, Lillie for apparent reasons and the other two because we wanted to keep them from wandering. Cats will travel a good way from home base for a few reasons, the pursuit of food being the main one. The leading cause of early death for ferals and strays is being hit by cars.
A Possibility
Rick (our bass player) and his wife Marilyn recommended Cathy Jones, the lady who tended their indoor cat colony (six at last count). “Maybe she could fit you into her busy schedule”.
A Sure Thing
What a find she was! The cats love her. She has a wonderful tone to her voice, and I think Dex and Rooney are soothed by it. She’s always here before eight am, whereas sometimes I don’t feed them until ten. It’s clear that she loves animals and has a special affection for these two who are bucking the odds.
After she’s been here for a couple of days I’m sure the cats are hoping she’ll stay, their original sponsor (me), relegated to a distant memory of the ogre that thinks he’s a musician. In an earlier post I speculated that as kittens, during their convalescence after the probes and procedures by the Vet, they were traumatized by my piano playing.
It has happened on three occasions that I haven’t seen them for weeks. With just a few visits from Cathy, they’re back. It would be well worth it to hire her occasionally, even when I’m home, for that purpose.
I’ve Been Blessed
I’ve lived alone since Patti left in late 2013. Cathy shovels the snow from the sidewalk so that the cats can get from their houses to the food, puts the trash out if it’s needed, brings in the mail, leaves lights on randomly, and generally makes the place look lived in. The cats have enjoyed a good long life with regular nutritious food and interaction with people who care about them.
I can leave for weeks at a time with no concerns or anxiety. Cathy makes that possible.
If you’re reading this Cathy, thanks.