January was horrid this year. Much of the East Coast was caught in a polar freeze, with temperatures far below normal. Luckily, an astute animal lover in West Virginia was on the alert. During the icy snap, she rescued one pregnant mama cat and two litters of new kittens. Although, she has told me, she thought she would do trap-neuter-return with them all, she knew it was just too cold for the little ones to survive. Instead, she kept them inside, got them to a vet, and socialized them to be confident and unafraid and loving.
But the South has too many unwanted cats, and so this past weekend, those kittens made the trek north, thanks to the help of a New England rescue group. And on Sunday, Jon and I met Thisbe, a two pound tortoiseshell ball of fluff with one pale toe (otherwise, she wears black stockings, rather like the cancan dancers painted by Toulouse Lautrec). We weren’t sure, initially, what would happen. We figured, at the very least, we’d get her to a vet and give her a better chance of adoption up here. By bedtime, of course, we were hooked.
it’s been a joy to have her in the house, although it’s also been a little sleepless and crazy as we adjust to new kitten ways (and she to us)! And that joy is touched with sadness. I keep flashing back to the horrible day before Musetta died, last September. She was in her bed and didn’t want to be pet or held (she cried if we touched her), and beyond padding the area around her bed with cushions, in case she wanted to come out, and offerings of baby food and water I couldn’t think of anything else to do. And so I went for a walk. I had some errands to do, but I basically just wanted an excuse to move, to get away, because I felt so awful. I couldn’t do anything for her at that point, but I felt like a coward. I knew she was miserable and I just couldn’t stand it. She was ready to go, and the next morning she did.
I find it hard to believe that we adopted Musetta only five months after the death of Cyrus, my first great cat (and the inspiration for “Mr. Grey” in my Dulcie Schwartz books), but I know we did. That horrible autumn day feels like yesterday, but it was more than six months ago. And now Thisbe is here. She is lively and outspoken, peeping when she wants our attention and grunting slightly when she pounces on a toy, and she has already declared ownership of the fake fur throw that Jon got me for Chanukah. Right now, she’s napping on it, after a round of ferocious play, and she’s a little sticky from her ear mite drops (she’s otherwise in good health), thanks to the caring and conscientiousness of that animal rescuer in West Virginia.
I know I should be grateful to that rescuer for saving this little cat, as well as close to a dozen others. But basically I’m grateful to Thisbe, who is already doing her part to rescue me. In return, I pledge to care for her all the days of her life, as I tried to do for Musetta and Cyrus before her. To love her and to play and to do the necessary when the time comes. For now, though, I want to focus on the joyous energy of a healthy kitten. And so I give you the loudest purr I know. Please join me in welcoming Thisbe!
Thisbe napping
Thisbe is absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations on your bravery in taking on another little beloved after your recent loss of Musetta. I’m looking forward to lots more pictures of this furry one.
Thank you, Deanna. I felt odd about admitting my ambivalence, but this is the truth. And I was ambivalent about Musetta at first too. And yes, I’ll post more photos! The site wouldn’t let me put up the video of her – it was too big a file (it’s on my Facebook page).
What a cute little ball of fur!
Thank you! We think she is, too!
Thank you, Deanna. I felt odd about admitting my ambivalence, but this is the truth. And I was ambivalent about Musetta at first too. And yes, I’ll post more photos! The site wouldn’t let me put up the video of her – it was too big a file (it’s on my Facebook page).
She’s so cute.
Thank you! We think so. I wanted to get a photo of her awake but she’s out for the count right now!
Bless you, Clea! I know Thisbe (love the name!!!) will have the BEST home a cat could imagine. You are cat people, and she got the jackpot! Thank you for rescuing her. Torties are so special! xo xo
I am going to learn all about “tortitude,” I can tell! Thank you!
Welcome Thisbe! And Clea, that fur throw, i am currently sharing my new one having given up an older one. Get usedto it. Congratulations to you both.
She knows it makes her look good! Thanks, Jennet.
She is absolutely amazing. Thank you for adopting her. A new cat can’t take another’s place, but they can heal broken hearts.
And I promise you, there is absolutely nothing like a tortie!
thanks for the encouragement!
Thisbe is beautiful. And as a tortie, she’ll definitely keep you on your toes! I know you miss Musetta but I’m sure she approves.
We lost our tortie a year ago and were heartbroken. We now have another rescue, who is 6, and she makes us smile every day.
thank you! I’m glad you have another kitty in your life!
Welcome to the internet Thisbe
A star is born!
How wonderful! And Thisbe, welcome to the PTS– the Peach-Toed Sisterhood. Tessa is a founding (and until now) only member. She’s a tabby with tortie tendencies in both color and attitude and a single peach colored toe. You have chosen your parents wisely, little one, and you will rule with with a velvet paw. Good idea to keep them sleep deprived at first– it makes them all the more submissive. Sweet dreams, little one!
The Pink-Toed Sisterhood!! Thank you, Jeanne. This made us tear up – and YES! She has our number, the dear little girl.
They steal your heart so fast. I firmly believe that when our beloved pets leave us their legacy is transferred to another furry being. Enjoy Thisbe.
I am coming to believe you are right, Arlene. Thank you!
Congratulations, Clea and Jon! Thisbe is lucky to find safe haven with you,and you are equally lucky to welcome her into
your life.
Thank you, Betsy! On Saturday we didn’t even want to talk about it – there were so many parts that could go wrong….
When my cat Ben died in 2010, following his sister Sally who had gone two years ealier, I could not bear putting all the cat accessories away in my suddenly cat-less home. It would have felt like erasing all the cat traces in the house. For nine months the cat beds remained empty and the cat toys untouched. But they were just waiting, holding their breath, anticipating the arrival of new feline magic. Like seed in the frozen earth, waiting for the warmth of spring. And all that applied to me, too, as I realized later. In August 2011 Jasper, Leah, and Daisy, grey siblings, entered my life — three little whirlwinds who replaced measured life with a senior cat with the crazy adventures of kittenhood. That was quite a leap. But so much worth it. They put warmth and happiness back into my heart, ending the barren cat-less months.
Clea, I wish you and Jon a wonderful, happy, and magic time with Thisbe. And Thisbe, welcome little sweet girl!
Thank you, Katha! I’m so glad Jasper, Leah, and Daisy found you! I trust they understand the responsibility they’ve inherited – I believe Thisbe does and is doing her best to fulfill the role!
Welcome to Thisbe! She looks beautiful and I’m sure she is a delight to live with. You, Jon and Thisbe are lucky you found each other.
We are! Thank you, Ellen.
I’m happy for you!
Thank you!
What a wonderful introduction! Such good fortune in every direction! Warmest regards to Thisbe!
Thank you, Rob! You know what our animal companions mean to us and we appreciate your sharing of our joy.
Doesn’t Mr Grey – in Shades of Grey – step in to instruct Esme ? That is what the ancient Persians believed – the old cat lingers (perhaps in the bardo) to help the new one.
Yes!! I like to think Musetta (as well as Cyrus, my own Mr Grey) will instruct Thisbe. Knowing her, she may not listen though.
Thanks for reading!