By now the kittens were waiting for me, albeit at a distance. Even though it smacks of personification, I think the babies not only looked forward to the treats I brought, but were snickering at the antics of this human crawling around on her belly and making rather odd noises. Also I did wonder what the patrons of the restaurant thought, when they spied a woman lying in the underbrush near the dumpsters apparently talking to herself.
With a priestly solemnity I named them Oliver, Buffy, Francis, Mr. Grey Stripes and Priscilla. After the first morning I never saw the Mother again.
Since I was emotionally vested in this cat family, my zeal to capture, tame and find homes for them had the power of a launch rocket at Cape Canaveral.
A week of executing Plan A only produced futile fruit, so I enlisted the aid of the Humane Society and rented a tender trap. It’s a small wire cage baited with food. When the cat enters, wham the spring springs into action ( I could have chosen another verb, but I liked using spring springs—-some how my mind sprang to Springsteen and I mentally rocked for a minute) –back to the story—and the door shuts.
The first day I caught Buffy. Subsequently I snagged Oliver, Mr. Grey Stripes and Francis. Even though i returned for several days, Priscilla had vanished like her mother and I had to abandoned the effort.
Despite being only three or four months old the babies bit and scratched with fright. However Oliver, the first kitten I had spotted, was only half the size. Every breath was an effort and he was too weak to fight me. I carted them off to my vet, a darling man who happened to be named Dr. Darling——and no I did not make this up because I gravitate toward lame word play. Baby Oliver had heart worms. I cried as the poor little mite was gently put to sleep.
Upon investigation Mr. Grey Strips had his/her name changed to Cora. She had a non-infectious skin malady which left her coat thin and patchy. Buffy and Francis required treatment for eye infections. Try giving eye drops to half wild kittens or better yet make a supreme effort to avoid that experience.
Oh yes, let me share my family’s reaction, reminding you none of them had any suspicion of what I had been doing with my mornings the past week. This is where Marcie’s splendid casserole featured at the top comes into play. I deliberately prepared a meal which would mellow out all three males.
While they were eating with gusto I casually said, “Oh I think I forgot to mention the kittens from the restaurant—you remember we saw one last weekend—-are living in a large dog kennel in our daylight basement.”
Complete incredulity describes my husband reaction. You know the wide wild eyed look and the mouth moving with no words coming out. On the other hand the boys were unfazed by my announcement. They merely gave each other the look of the secret brotherhood and asked for seconds.
It took months of patience, but eventually all the kittens calmed down and became loving house cats—- in our home of course. I couldn’t just give them away, could I? Now we are back full circle as to why I am a level one certifiable sap.
Spring over to Marcie’s site at Flavor Moments for this family pleasing recipe
Debra says
I have to step away from adoption portions of Petsmart and the like or I would be bringing home lots of cats and kittens. I see myself being the crazy cat lady in my dotage!
Carol says
Oh yeah, I sing that choir too. Ha!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
I am such a sucker for kittens too! I’ll have to look for this recipe on Flavor the Moments– it looks wonderful!
Carol says
It is a wonderful recipe. I love smoked cheese. My family of males loved dishes like this!
Love CompassionateLee says
What a sweet and funny story! Glad the cats are happy and I get to enjoy this tasty recipe. Happy Tuesday Carol 🙂
Carol says
Thank you for the kind remarks. It sounds like we are kindred souls. The recipe is perfect for this time of year. Of course in my family its perfect all year round.
marcie says
Oh those kittens sound too cute, and I love the names you chose for them! Thank you for including my pasta dish, Carol! 🙂
Carol says
It was a joy to use your recipe. I am a big fan of your blog and think you are a wonderful cook.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
It’s always important to prepare an outstanding dish before you spring a trap on your family. Fun stuff — thanks.
Carol says
You made me laugh—-again. More points for you, John.
addie | culicurious says
Awwww, glad it worked out well for most of them. 🙂 Great idea to lull the guys in your house with pasta. That’s always a smart move!
Carol says
When I was defrosting hamburger for dinner and my husband would be home first to fix dinner, he would ALWAYS make spaghetti. Not because he couldn’t make anything else, but because he loved it so much. I got tired of it. So when I was defrosting the hamburger I would hide it so he couldn’t find it in case he got home first.
addie | culicurious says
Wow, he must love spaghetti! 🙂 I must say, I do too. I don’t eat much pasta these days so when I do, I make sure it’s something amazing, like a classic spaghetti dish. YUM!