plus a semi-feral cat that I feed and two other kittens that I fostered until they were adopted. I've also had four dogs.
We were down to five cats ranging in age from 16 to 6 and one dog aged 7.
In the last year, I've lost three cats. Two siblings to sudden kidney failure which apparently had a genetic factor. And one that just disappeared between evening and night That was hard.
I decided that these were the last furry family members I was taking in. I'm feeling worn out with all the care taking (which falls mostly on me), being the one who has to administer medications that the furry faced ones DON'T want to take, and being the one that holds them when that rainbow bridge has to be crossed.
I firmly told my family that after these were gone, I was done with permanent furry family members. I'd be willing to foster kitties while they were awaiting forever homes, but that was it.
Then last week while walking the dog, I noticed a blue-eyed white kitten, about four months old, sitting on the side of the road half a block from my house. She looked like she wanted attention, but wasn't having any of the dog. She took off.
I finished walking the dog, took him in the house, and went back calling the kitten... She vocalized and came running. So, of course, I took her in. I posted her particulars on the lost pets page for our area and asked neighbors if they were missing a kitten. So far there have been no bites, and to be honest, I don't expect any. I think the kitten was dumped. Sigh.
My husband and son want to keep her, despite knowing how I feel about taking on any more cats. She's really sweet they tell me (yeah, she is). My son's cat is 16 years old and has been showing signs of age and approaching infirmity and the little white cat will crawl up on his lap and purr. (It's a conspiracy!)
I've resited naming her, even though that is usually on of the first things I do because I wasn't going to keep her. But it looks like we are adding another furry family member.
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