In late August, 2011 I visited an animal control facility in rural Minnesota. I had volunteered to photograph the animals there, and to try to find rescues to take them. In no part of my mind was I planning to bring anyone home with me.
These little girls had other ideas. They must have known I couldn’t walk by their filthy cage and not make the impulse decision to take them with me. The tinier one, white with grey markings, especially used her oversized, plaintive meow to let me know that there was no choice in the matter. They were coming home with me.
Six week old kittens waiting to be rescued, August 2011.
I borrowed a carrier, loaded the pair up and brought them home. A visit to the vet proved that they were healthy but skinny kittens who needed love and nourishment. I named the grey tabby Molly and the white one with tabby markings, Meeka. When they were adopted about three months later, they were given the charming names of Maci (Molly) and Lili (Meeka)
Molly/Maci at her first vet visit, August 29, 2011.
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A couple of days later, I went back to another stray impound and picked up Marlowe, a frightened black kitten. I had seen him before I met Molly and Meeka but hadn’t yet been informed by the girls that I was again going to be a kitten foster parent. Two weeks after that, Monty and Marshmallow were jailed in the same place that Meeka and Molly had been. They came to join the blended kitten family, and the adventure began in earnest.
Feeding frenzy. From top left, Marshmallow, Marlow, Meeka. Bottom left, Monty, Molly.
Meeka was a crafty imp who liked to be held; Molly was the more independent of the two. One night Luna had come in from the backyard but soon was whimpering and trying to get back outside. I heard a cat’s meowing not far from the door and assumed it was one of the adult cats who had slipped out under the herd of three large dogs as they went out for the umpteenth time that day. But no, it was Molly! She had boldly ventured out under cover of the dogs but decided she didn’t like being outside alone. She was hiding under a rose bush and was glad to be held that one time. Other than that, she was mostly a grey streak in the house, racing alone or with the other kittens.
I’m always sorry when the time comes for the kittens to be adopted out, but I’m delighted when they go to a great home and am especially elated when a pair gets the chance to live their lives together, forever. Gayle was looking for two young sisters, and I had the perfect pair of siblings for her. The two former impound kittens have it made now.
Meeka/Lili at about 12 weeks
On the year anniversary of their adoption, I received this from their human mom:
“It’s hard to believe they have been here a year Thanksgiving. Time certainly flew. They both are doing just wonderful. Never a dull moment around here especially when they are on the run. Lili is a dainty little girl with an iron fist. She can carry on quite the conversation. She loves to play and brings the ball back for you to keep throwing–whether it fits into your plans or not. Maci has turned out to be a big girl. Still hates to be held but more than willing to sit on your lap. She loves stealing yarn. She also talks but not nearly as much as Lili. They had their first experience with a mouse about a month ago. Poor mouse never stood a chance with those two.”
And here they are today.
Maci and Lili chilling at home and looking great! November 2012.
And more photos of their time in my home.
Atop the cat tree, with Marshmallow
The little girls loved my ‘grandmother cat’, Samantha.