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.
OMC!!!!!!!
This is just the coolest thing! What an amazing moment…I’m so happy you listened to your heart. I’m smiling from ear to ear right now. And what a PURRFECT name. Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear more.
xo Glogirly
Thanks Glogirly and Katie!! It came as quite the surprise to me, but it really was an amazing moment!!! Glad you like the name!!
A moggie in the jungle? Yes, sounds like Kismet to us! Your little Maine Coon look-alike (it’s just ‘thing’ with me, but saying Maine Coon cross makes it sound like there are unspayed and unneutered purebred Maine Coons running amok, breeding with moggies) will ‘ground’ Zee and Zoey and bring them some ‘Street Cred’, hahameow.
We are glad this little guy’s eyes spoke to you and he has to be one of the most fortunate kitties in the world to find his forever home with you! His brown mackerel tabby markings, that break up into spots, is very striking and we can see why his eyes made you melt…
Teri said she would email you the handouts that she used to give to people who adopted Cornish Rex from her, that helps in introducing and acclimating a new kitten, or teenager, hahameow. People often rush the intro period, but remembering that you have a lifetime ahead of you, taking it slowly is only a smidgen of time in the big picture, and as you said, after his vet checkup (and negative fecal test even if he has been dewormed) will keep your kitties safe in case he is harboring any viruses that aren’t making him ill, but could make your kitties sick, especially the various respiratory viruses.
Teri – he is such a regal boy and it breaks my heart too, wondering what his story is. I certainly hate the thought of purebreed Maine Coons out on the streets, unaltered. Our Harley is also a rescue kitty and when I met her, she stole my heart!!
Thank you for the great tips and advice – it is so important for people not to rush a new cat or kitten into an already existing cat household!
Congrats on your new addition! He’s such a gorgeous boy, and oh so very lucky!
I can’t wait to see what he looks like when he grows into those paws!
Michelle – those paws make me nervous! I think we have a big mancat in the making!
What an adorable little mancat! I know what you mean about walking past the cages in the pet supply stores. So far, I’ve avoided temptation to bring another in my household.
Sweet Purrfections, you are stronger than me!!! I must never go into one of these stores again!!
Kizmet indeed! So happy for your new kitten!
Your story is similar to why we don’t go visit my sister in law at work(the shelter) very often anymore. 🙂
2 Punk Dogs – I think a lot of people can relate to my story!! That is why they keep the kitties up front – hoping that someone will walk in and fall hopelessly in love!
What a sweet story. I’m glad the store I go to now has the cats up for adoption in the back of the store. I can finally make it to the cat food aisle without having my heart tugged and jerked so hard it’s naught but a bruised lump by the time I leave. Kizmet looks like he has a bit of a ruff on both sides of his neck, making him look like a lynx to me.
A Livejournal friend has two Maine Coons and I love hearing her stories about them. They’ll get into the shower with her in the summer and one of them sits over the drain, and they’ll play in the pool of water that forms. One of them has become a consummate door-opener. And, of course, they’re loving and lovable and cute and silly. You’re in for many wonderful years with an awesome furbaby. Congrats on the latest addition!
Cheryl – Kizmet has several looks to him – sometimes it is Maine Coon, sometimes Lynx as you said, and sometimes Siberian! It is just so sad that someone found him on the streets, but I am grateful that he was rescued and brought to Pet Supermarket. Our Zee is a Maine Coon and he is one of the sweetest and most amazing cats I have ever had!
OMC!!! I would have talked you of it so you can adopt Sophie! I know she’s not a Maine Coon or exotic striped kitty but she is a live doll. Thank you for the donation!!!
Well Congratulations! Love the name. I hope everything goes smoothly with the introduction. Can’t wait to hear more.
BTW, he looks big for a kitten! I thought he was 3 years old not three months. But Maines Coon are big kitties. My foster Luciano is long haired and he’s already looking larger than his brother Figaro at 3 months. and Sophie–she’s so petite and adorable!
Sexy Black Cat Lady – There is no doubt Kizmet will be a big boy, but I think it’s just how the photo looks – he still is a little thing (relatively speaking). Luciano, Figaro, and Sophie are all so beautiful!!! As far as adopting Sophie, I can assure you I had no plans to adopt Kizmet and was definatley NOT looking for another kitty or I would have volunteered to take one of yours!! I honest to goodness lost control of all of my senses when I met Kizmet and one thing led to another…
Welcome Kizmet!
Me is furry happy wes does not lives where mommy would has to walk past kittens or we would has way more cats here than Kozmo and me! How we gots Kozmo was exactly how Kizmet has joined your pride!
Kisse
Nellie
Oh! Kozmo and Kizmet – same stories and same kind of name!! How cool is that!!
What a beautiful boy!
He sure is, Teresa!!
Oh Oh Oh!!!!! I am like Penelope, so glad that when I go to the pet store there are no cats or dogs there to tug at my heart!!! It must be kismet that you now have Kizmet and look forward to hearing how he and the others bond … or not!! Do I detect another book? 😉
Another book, CATachresis… sigh… that would be lovely!! Maybe one day!
ConCATulations Auntie Deb! Kizmet is the cutest baby kit, I don’t know how mew could not have let him adopt mew! Many happy times ahead with the new baby! PURRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!
Thank mew, Ms. Phoebe!!!! Purrs back to you!!
Congratulations on your new addition! 🙂 May introductions go more smoothly then you could possibly dream, and may he live a long healthy happy life with you and yours and your feline family.
Thanks for sharing about my newest “grandcat”! I’m sure the rest of the kits are adjusting nicely… he is very lucky to have you all to share life with.
Welcome, Kismet! You sure gotcha’d yourself a wonderful home. 🙂
You are so right. It is in the eyes. Kizmet knew exactly what was going to happen! Your post make me want to buy a house. I can only have 2 kitties. Once I got up to nine. I suspect Dan just got a lot of new fans, too!
I dont know how you do it girl. EIGHT! Your husband is truly a doll. I hope he helps with the poop scooping! I can barely keep up with my 3. And when i have fosters – forget it! The apt literally goes to the cats!
mor often than knot ….. we like ta say: if itz ment ta bee….. itz ment ta bee…. N sinz “if itz ment ta bee” is like a reeeeeeely long name…. we will say….. welcome ta yur new forever home kizmet N veree happee we iz ta meet ewe!!!!
yur new mom N dad N brothers N sisters bee way awesum sew when ya final lee get ta meet everee one N see de 2013 CATillac they getted ewe, dont be shocked !!!
welcome home kizmet =^..^=
Now there’s something to con-cat-ulate you for! A new member of your household, and so handsome. You could give him a real toy, though, not that ball of paper…I’m sure he’s meant to be in your household, and only time will tell what role he will play in the daily drama.
After having nine cats for 20 years I am so accustomed to having more than most, add a few fosters and I was stepping over them. Now I’m just as happy with my matched set of five black cats and watching the antics of other households.
And great husband too!
Congratulations on your newest fur-bundle of joy! Love his name. For some reason your blog has stopped coming via email. I just tried to sign up again and it said I am “already subscribed” which I know, but I am not receiving it
Thanks Caren… that’s odd regarding the blog, but Word Press can be annoying sometimes. I will look into it and see what is going on!