Cats 101

Date:2025-04-22

Cats can be shy creatures. I remember a few weeks ago the shelter had kittens who had not been well socialized with people yet. After doing the day to day, I sat on the floor in their enclosure to see what I could do. They cautiously observed this strange human sitting there with them. From the safety of their cubby-like furniture.

A part of being a volunteer is that we need to interact with our cats. Cats, although mostly solitary, need some human interaction and general stimulation. In that, they aren't so different from people. Although people tend to need more.

I didn't expect to make much progress but that isn't a reason to not try so that led me to sit there with them. I also waved a toy attached to some string in the air above them and on the floor. Not continously but occasionally. In this, my aim was to transform the toy into some animated creature that cats would pounce and chase after. A few minutes later, one of the kittens came out and started inspecting me.

I didn't try to move. I let them smell and look at me. They came out and started playing with the toy. It was wonderful. I couldn't stay for too long but with that, my aim was accomplished. This little kitten was one step closer to being adopted and having a generally better life.

By now that kitten and its brothers/sisters will have found a home. Perhaps it could have been my home but I believe my place in life right now is one that cares for animals rather than owns them.

While I know at some point I'll foster/adopt a cat, maybe one I take care of at the shelter, for now this is enough.