Days of Our Feline Lives:
Harvey Pooka
As the King of the Cat House, my duties include patrolling the premises to ensure the Herd’s safety. I also give affection to Mom by purring and hugging her from my perch on her shoulder. Mom is highly skilled at herding cats. She has a lot of experience. I assist her in making difficult decisions about the senior and foster cats. Together, we decide which cats would be a good fit for our household. Sometimes, I am rewarded with my favorite treat: smoked turkey. When I venture outside, I am either secured with a harness and leash or comfortably ride in the pet stroller. Mom is amused by my wrestling matches with some of the other cats.
Kenji
As the oldest member of the Herd, I suffer from severe arthritis and diabetes. My diabetes is managed through diet alone and do not require insulin. My glucose levels are regularly monitored. To manage my arthritis, I receive regular injections, which greatly improve my comfort. I’m grateful for Mom’s catification efforts. They have made it easy for me to move around. I can find comfortable resting spots easily. Despite the constant activity and excitement at the Cat House, I find a sense of peace and quiet here. Never a dull moment! Nevertheless, I do swipe at the other cats if they invade my personal space. I particularly enjoy basking in the sunny spots of the catio.
Roxy Love
I work out on the wheel every day to stay attractive for Mom; she’s the only person I love. My body is for her eyes only, and I keep to myself; no one else is allowed to see me. It works when I claw Mom’s legs so I can be picked up and held! Warm water is quite pleasant to soak in, and I don’t mind getting wet.
Milo Hemmingway
I may be an overweight and lazy cat. I still have the stray cat in me. I love to eat junk food, even though Mom provides nutritious meals. Kibble is addictive. I don’t mind working on treat puzzles for extra morsels. I also like to drink water from the fish tank or pond. I don’t understand why O’Ryan isn’t interested in me. I try to chase her before she climbs too high.
Miss Mocha “Mojo” Munchkin
My so-called owner abandoned me at the shelter in the middle of the night, pregnant and injured. Giving birth and getting spayed was a relief, but living with short legs was difficult. I’m grateful to live in a safe place now. Running on the wheel gives me confidence without hurting my legs. I love going for a ride on top of the stroller. I also enjoy relaxing on my private balcony on the side of the counter and resting on Mom’s lap. I feel very lucky.
HoneyBear Quinn
I had many of my teeth extracted due to genetic periodontal condition. I can still leave affectionate, drooling kisses on Mom’s cheekbones. This happens when we cuddle in bed. My sister, O’Ryan and I share similar mannerisms; for instance, we both enjoy eating by the bay window. Still, I’m more outgoing than she is, and I have my own unique dance ritual with a dead mouse. During hibernation, I gaze out the windows and play with my girlfriend, Tanna.
O’Ryan Quinn
My mom and I share a love for independence and personal space. While she can’t always stop Milo from picking on me, I can easily evade him by climbing the tree. While being up high, I’m Catzilla having a sense of power and invincibility! I am missing many teeth,like my brother, HoneyBear. My upper lip sometimes gets stuck under my bottom fang, but I’m generally happy. I find comfort and coziness curled up and purring on Mom’s chest.
Tanna
I was rescued as a badly injured kitten and brought to the Cat House by Mom’s friend. My paw was irreversibly broken, but it doesn’t affect my hunting skills. My excellent camouflage actually makes me invisible. Mom yells at me to leave the unsuspecting birds in the garden alone, but I enjoy pushing the limits. I am Harvey’s sidekick, and we often patrol our territory together. I’m always afraid of bossy Betty stalking me if I break the Rules. I love to snuggle with Mom at bedtime.
Wolfie the Wobbly
I was born with severe cerebellar hypoplasia, which makes it impossible for me to walk or stand on my own. Mom’s amazing! She’s always finding ways to carry me around so I can experience more of the world with her. I like to try to jump onto her shoulder to perch there, which is why she calls me Pops! She helps me by holding me during feedings. She gives me lots of smooches and hugs. She lets me sleep beside her every night. I feel so safe and loved with her.
Betty B.
Broken Leg and I were rescued from a hoarding situation and stayed at Feline Hotel Jess as fosters. My new mom’s voice is my favorite sound. I can’t help but tilt my head and gaze up at her when she calls me. I’m naturally submissive and love my new home. Mom is so generous. Every day brings new joys like treats, playtime, and snuggling up to Mom. It’s a world away from my old life. Old habits die hard though, and I still find myself looking for human food on the forbidden stovetop.
Broken Leg
I wasn’t so sure about my new Mom and all her smooches when I first moved to the Cat House. Now, I’m warming up to her. I hang out in the kitchen and beg for scraps. I love Mom’s homemade chick pudding. My wonky back leg makes me waddle around. I have been a foster fail. Still, I love being around other cats. I’m starting to love my new home!
Hammond
I was a rescued kitten, found in rough shape in a junkyard. Mom and her friend nursed me back to health, diligently cleaning the grease from my paws, claws, and ears. After two months at Feline Hotel Jess, I recovered and grew deeply attached to Mom. Now I live in the Cat House, where I thrive on cuddles, kisses, and pets. I love playing fetch with Mom and wrestling with Harvey. The cat doors still scare me, though.
And Guest Starring
Freddy
I wasn’t healing properly at the foster home after my rescue. My fur wasn’t growing, and I was diagnosed with FIV. I was temporarily placed in a private suite with a catio at Feline Hotel Jess. Oma adopted me after visiting and falling in love. I miraculously recovered, gaining weight and growing long, fluffy hair! I even get along with Dream, the dog, who is surprisingly gentle with me. Jess still checks on me and my ears regularly.