Over the past few days, Big Tom has decided that I am a friend. A small group of folk have been helping care for this Nova colony in Columbia Heights since last August, and Tom is a mainstay of what was once a group of 45 cats. He has seen some things in his life, we guess he’s about 5 years old and for a street cat in Minnesota that means fighting for territory and food and friends and losing parts of both ears to frostbite. Tom was tough at first, keeping his distance, but after months of visits we noticed how gentle he was with kittens and the shy cats who looked up to him. Tom has a soft side, and he was letting down his guard and allowing us to see it. He began to play in front of us, rolling in the dirt and pouncing on plants and chasing a catnip toy. We have exchanged many slow blinks, and we would often put food aside for him because he lets other cats eat first. I became braver, offering my hand and putting food closer to where I was sitting, and over the weekend Tom relaxed even more and leaned in to affection. It has now been three days that he has eaten food from me directly, and approached for more and more petting. We don’t know if he could transition indoors, after so many years outside, so we will continue to observe him and the group dynamic. When the news is horror after horror, and it feels so difficult to find hope, I am grateful for all the support we have received from neighbors and rescues that led up to this breakthrough. Tom now knows that people can be good, and it makes my heart soar to finally know he feels loved.
Quinn and Huxley enjoyed some peanut butter after their visit today, they are always cute and even more so while snacking!
It’s the end of an era today, Pearl the golden doodle is moving and today was our last visit. I met her when she was 3 months old, and now she’s 6 and a half and wonderfully silly and playful. She gives great hugs, and we’ve been through rainy days and glorious sun and I will miss her dearly!
Miss Ebony Spitfire, also known as Mama Ebony, found her forever home today. She will be living as an only cat with two wonderful humans, and I got teary as we were preparing her for this new home. The first month or so in the colony she was nursing a litter of kittens and growing slowly braver, and then she decided that food on demand and copious petting were exactly what she wanted all for herself. She was injured in December and require some Vet care, and after that it was all pampering inside like the Queen she is. Enjoy some of my favorite moments with her since September, starting this week and looking back. We are so happy to see her big personality shine, and know she will be loved for it (not despite it)!
Grumpy and Happy are a pair of adorable kittens looking for their forever family, could it be you? These kitties are around one year old. They are very playful, love to cuddle with each other, and quite enjoy people and affection once they adjust to a new setting. They will climb in to your lap, eat snacks from your hand, and purr purr purr. https://www.petfinder.com/cat/grumpy-happy-74298076/mn/minneapolis/pet-haven-inc-of-minnesota-mn36/ @pethavenmn #adoptdontshop #adoptablecats #mncats #rescuecats #adoptablecats #mncats #catsofmn
Marshall was a playful boy today, he did not want me to keep his toys so I promised him he could win. Such a cute little ruby Cav!
Today was too cold for a full walk, but yesterday Chauncey had spirit and was glad to be exploring nearby parks. He has great energy!
Rhetta would love to be wrapped up and brought inside before the holidays! She has turned in to a confidant young lady who loves snacks and will climb in to my lap as I visit. She has shown the classic tortietude that those with her coloring often exhibit, nothing wrong with a kitty who knows her worth! She is used to living with other cats in the colony, and may also do well as a solo cat with an attentive human. Spayed and vaccinated thanks to @ppr_mpls , and well fed since August through many donations by the community.
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