Nemo
Denise >
This is Nemo. A week or so ago we discovered her asleep in a cardboard box in the woodstore : she was frightened by our surprise and dashed off at high speed ; but she returned a few days ago. We were more cautious in introducing ourselves to our visitor, and in return we got nose-kisses, purrs-a-plenty, and non-stop meouws! And would you believe it, Tilly got the same treatment!
Little Nemo is a very sociable little cat, perhaps nine months to a year old, a girl (does that mean she should be Nema?), and very much domesticated – not a feral cat at all. We think it’s likely she’s come from a household where she received a lot of attention and care, from a household with dogs. We’ve asked about the neighbourhood : no-one has said that the cat is theirs.
We already have four cats – all of them from animal refuges, or strays we’ve adopted. (Not long ago we had seven, but the eldest died and two young cats were killed on the nearby road.) We have a dog as well, and livestock to look after. We’re looking to reduce our commitments, not increase them! Also, our own cats do not like this stranger : it is putting them all on edge.
So, reluctantly, we’ve contacted the Cat’s Protection League, and an appointment is being made with the vet for Nemo to be checked over, and if necessary spayed. They’ll take a look at her injured paw, too : she is walking about on 3 legs. She will then be offered for re-homing : she will find a new home very very quickly, because she is such a delight!
It turned out so well! I’m glad I didn’t get around to reading this until now, so I would immediately know the great outcome! We have our own Smokey cat, who turned up here limping badly and in need of a home. You’re such good people, to have been prepared to give Nemo/Smokey a lift in life.
D > Thank you, Kerry! It was a treat for us – such an adorable cat!
Oh, I love a happy ending!!!!!
J > Well this story has an unexpectedly early happy ending. After this post was published, a phone call from a near neighbour to tell us that they recalled someone calling in at houses in our neighboring crofting township, last summer, asking if a cat (described similarly to Nemo) had been seen. That person lives in Daliburgh, about 6-7 miles north. With just a name and description of the house – no phone number, we drove there this evening and … Success! They’d long ago given up on the cat, and assumed it was lost for good, so were astonished and very pleased to have Smokey back. And on closer examination, Smokey is in fact a neutered boy. (So Nemo, not Nema!) It’s astonishing that the cat has been missing for seven months, mid summer through autumn and into the depths of winter (a very mild winter, true, but windy and wet) and yet is in such relatively good condition! We’ve removed ticks and wormed Smokey, but even our own cosseted cats regularly need those treatments. The owners tell us that they think Smokey may have got into a relatives vehicle, that relative living much nearer to us – though apparently it’s never been seen at the relative’s house. A happy ending indeed!
Glad this little sweetie got back to the people who love him!
Ah, I love a blue smoke with a bit of white kitty.. I know all about those that just show up, we do our best but sometimes we do need some help.. I hope she finds a great home, do you get to “foster” her until she gets her new family. or will she go into the shelter? Best of luck little one.