Eight is Enough…
“"The Cage"
“Eight is Enough” is the title of this post, but what I really wanted the title to be was “Damn-it, would someone please not allow me to go into Pet Supermarket any longer?” Here’s the thing, for most of us cat lovers, having to walk past “The Cage” – you know the one I’m talking about – the one that is in front of the store that is filled with cats/kittens that you have to unavoidably walk by to get to the cat food aisle is heart wrenching at the very least.
Normally I do my best to make a very polite visit to say hello, but I try to avoid any serious eye contact that would involve an overly dramatic emotional connection with the cat(s). It’s the only way I can get through it without turning into a pile of mush when I leave the store without all of them in my arms.
They say it is in a cat's eyes that the magic resides... for me, this little one instantly put a spell on me!
Maybe it is my over exhaustion from traveling two weeks in a row, maybe it’s because for the past year I have been so heavily involved in cat advocacy issues and I see things differently, but it happened and it happened so quickly that I could not stop myself. We made eye contact and the bond was so inextricably woven that I literally stopped in my tracks to catch my breath and found myself with tears running down my face, I was so overcome with maternal instinct.
Kismet. Fate. Destiny. Call it what you will, but I no longer question my life when it brings me down a path that I don’t quite understand at the moment. Irrational and crazy immediately come to mind, but I had no control of my actions as my hand reached to open the cage door to pick up this little being that had captured my heart. I held him in my arms and he instantly cradled himself against my chest and began to purr his message of complete love and devotion to me. Trust me kitty, you had me at hello.
He looked up at me and our eyes locked again, forming a bond and promise of lifelong intent. I was on break for lunch from work and was not prepared for any of this. I also have a household of very happy, well-adjusted cats at home who don’t really need to have their social dynamic disrupted. I told myself this and every other sane argument I could. Dan was out of town and was scheduled to land from the flight he was on in the next hour. I took a picture and sent it to him. Surely he would talk me out of what I was inches away from doing.
I put the kitten back in the cage and handed my business card to the store clerk. I made some ridiculous comment about knowing Jackson Galaxy, as if it mattered, and asked them to please hold the kitten for a couple hours so that I could discuss it with Dan, all the while arguing internally with myself that I was losing my mind. Naturally, Dan told me to get the cat, not even offering one iota of concern, sensibility, or negativity. Sigh… now you know why I love him so much…
One minute a caged cat, the next, a promise of a wonderful new furever home...
Kizmet as I have named him (Kismet as in fate, but with the “z” that is a predominant trait in our Zee/Zoey domain) is now residing in my office with the door closed as we ease him into the household to meet the other cats in the next week or two (which is contingent on the results of his first vet visit – I want to make sure that not only is he healthy for his own well-being, but for that of my beloved other cats as well). He is a three month old Tabby/Maine Coon mix with gorgeous almond eyes and big paws that he needs to grow into. He was apparently found on the streets and rescued and I can only imagine the story of the beginning of his life.
Just look at that precious face!! He seems to be saying, "See, I'm a good boy, aren't you glad you adopted me?!!"
His life right now – he is happy. Very happy. He has toys to play with, food in his belly, warm and snugly furniture to nap on, and room to run and stretch his beautiful body. When I open the door to spend time with him, he is overjoyed to see me and is a loud, purring machine of happiness. This is clearly only the beginning and I can’t wait to share his journey with you all!
Snugly afghan - check. Comfy couch - check. Wadded up ball of paper toy - check. Yup... sprinkle with love and you have all the necessary ingredients to make one happy kitty!
In case you missed it, we have a giveaway going on from Bergan Pet Products and you can win a pawsome Turbo Toy for your cat!! Click here to read the post/review and leave a comment for your chance to win! Comments must be made by Tuesday, November 13, midnight, PST to be eligible.
Congratulations on your new family member! He’s adorable.
Thank you Ingrid!
Congrats on the new baby!! Sometimes – no matter what we have been saying – fate decides to have her way with us. Welcome Kizmet.
That is for sure, Random Felines! I can assure you I was not looking for a kitten!
ConCatulations on your new furbaby. Welcome to the Cat Blogosphere Kizmet.
Our new furkid, Raz, was at an adoption event at Pet Supermarket too!!!
The Florida Furkids
Yah!! Another success story for Pet Supermarket! Thank you for the kind welcome, The Florida Furkids!
We are like the same person… Kizmet is such a lucky fella! Congrats on your new cutie pie!!
Thank you The Creek Cats – the more I bond with him, the luckier I feel!
Yes, some things are just meant to be. Kismet is cute and it’s great he has a home.
Yes, that is true, Jansfunnyfarm – you just can’t argue fate sometimes!
Congratulations! What a beautiful and lucky cat! I identified with every word you said. I have to avoid going to pet food stores when there are adoptions going on. My resources are maxed out in the cat area. A few months ago, a sweet affectionate Tuxedo cat with a broken leg showed up on my front porch. Needless to say, he has found his forever home!
Oh Rosemary, how wonderful that you were able to give your Tuxie a furever home!!!
Oh wow, what a sweetheart! Congratulations on #8 – and may you have a smooth transition introducing him to the brood! Welcome to a fantastic home, Kizmet!
Thanks Lisa – I can’t wait, but I have to be patient until I know he is completely healthy!
Welcome to your new life, Kizmet!
Thank you for stopping by Zee & Zoey’s blog, Loy Cerf!! We appreciate the welcome!
That is so wonderful and it sure did make us smile! Happy Gotcha Day Kizmet!
Whoo Hoo!! Glad we could make you smile, Brian!! Kizmet sure does make me smile!
Concatulations to you and the gang for finding another kindred spirit! What a lucky family you all are!
Harry, Dexter and Tipp
I like how you think, Cherry City Kitties!! Kindred spirit is a good way to put it!
He’s darling Deb! I can’t walk by the pet shops with the adoptable animals for fear I’ll adopt another kitty which would really upset the girls. Goddess bless you for giving a wonderful home to little Kizmet. Can’t wait to hear more stories about him and the other babies.
Wendy – my kitties will be upset too – for a while, then, next thing you know, all will be fine and little Kizmet will be napping, playing, and eating with the others like he was here all along!
Kizmet is going to grow into one gorgeous hunk of cat! Congratulations on the adoption! No sense fighting fate–you did the right thing :-). (BTW, LOVE the name!)
Debbie – he really is quite handsome and I agree, no sense fighting fate!! Glad you like the name, it seemed purr-fect to me!!
He is gorgeous! Concats on your new home Kizmet.
Thanks for the housewarming welcome, Eric and Flynn!
OMG, just when I thought there could be no more surprises, this made my day!!!! It’ is Kismet or destiny when cats choose us. Kizmet, can I call him Kizzie? is going to fit in seamlessly. Huge congrats on opening your heart for one more. He’s going to be a BIG, Gorgeous Mancat!
Layla – I think this cat did choose me. I honestly felt like I had zero control over the situation… You can certainly call him Kizzie and I appreciate your kind and warm vibes that he will fit in seamlessly!!
Well isn’t he a lucky fellow? And of course, better your cats than me. After all, the last time the woman brought one home, I did try to commit suicide. Really. It’s on my blog.
Oh my goodness, Cheysuli… we sure are glad you changed your mind and stayed with us on earth!!
I had to laugh because I’m reading this with one cat laying on my desk with his head on my laptop and another laying on my lap – purring and kneading my legs. We are suckers and they know it! Welcome to the family Kizmet – you certainly are a handsome young mancat! I suspect you will fit right in with the rest of the “Z” clan.
Vicki – while Kizmet is in isolation in my office, he has been on my lap almost the whole time!! It is so nice to feel his warm little body purring away as I type!
Oh that is soooooooo terrific. Good for you. That is very exciting for Kizmet and you too. And love all the pictures. He is so handsome and does really look like a Maine coon. He is so good looking. We sure do congratulate you. Can’t wait to hear more about him.
Thank you Marg! I am sure I will have plenty of great stories and photos to share – he is such a poser and seems to know what the camera is!
Oh Deb, That’s fantastic! I love his eyes, he is absolutly gorgeous!
It was fate for sure. You’ll have such a wonderful time. Your cats will take to him
easily I bet! He knows he’s home, and best of all he poses for the camera!
You and your gang of eight will have so much fun with him!
Concatulations on your new adoption!!!!!!
P.S.
On my Pinterest page I pinned something that made me think of you. It’s on my
Photos I Love page. Let me know if you like it. Connie
Connie – I saw your Pinerest page and it is so sweet of you to share Kizmet’s photo!! I hope the other kitties fall in love with him without too much furflying!! Thanks for stopping by and for all the love and support!
Oh and I forgot to say I love his name. Kizmet it fits him.
Beautiful cat, Deb. May he live the longest, happiest and healthiest of lives.
Thank you so much Michael – your kind works mean a lot to me.