Kittybaby

1996 Sybil Erden, Phoenix Arizona - June 10, 2003

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Here at the Oasis we have a few feral cats. We know that these are animals that have deliberately been dumped on the property. As a "sanctuary" we are known to be suckers for animals...and over the past three years have had cats and dogs "show up" out here, 40 minutes from the closest town. We always attempt to catch and find homes of these animals. Some of the less-human-friendly cats that seem to be doing well, are TNRed (trapped-neutered-released) and end up living in our hay barn, assisting in mousing duties. Others, youngsters who were actually tame, we have placed or taken in as companion animals to live in our homes here on site.

About a year ago a momma and two very young kittens showed up. TJ was able to capture and catch one, a lanky little tabby kitten, who he named KittyGirl. She lives with his other cat Darla at his home. We were unable to catch the momma and other female sibling. Soon the mom disappeared (this IS coyote country...) but the tri-colored sister, who we call BabyGirl, moved into our hay barn anad near-by cage shed. She became adept at avoiding capture.

A couple of days ago BabyGirl showed off four youngsters kittens the same size and age she was when we first saw her. These half-weaned, feral and hissing babies appear to be four or five weeks old. She had managed to keep these guys safe and hidden until old enough to fend for themselves...somewhat. TJ managed to corner and capture the kittens in the shed we keep our extra cages in. Once we had the babies in a carrier, using them as "bait", it was a matter of just a few hours before KittyGirl's desperation coaxed her into our trap.

Mom and young were taken to an empty room in our hospital trailer. They were fed and watered. All were doing well...until yesterday morning when the littlest one, a tiny gray runt, appeared to have been rejected. She had been the shyest and the only one not to claw, hiss and bite when caught. TJ brought her to my house.

She displayed an ability to eat food on her own by demonstrating eagerness to eat wet food and drink a bit of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer.) I supplement her own eating with warmed KMR hand-fed a few times daily...for bonding purposes as much as for nutrition. She has been in one of the bathrooms in my home, set up under a counter with a towel and large stuffed lamby-toy which she cuddles and sleeps with. Tonight she amazed me by using the tiny improvised litter box twice!

And tonight, when her cries awakened me at 1 AM, I was pleased when this newest younster now called KittyBaby, cuddled into my arms and purred.