The Kittens of IL Fiorello?

First there came a faint meow from under our Pavillion in the Grove.  This sweet, scared sound was recognized as a cry for help, by our staff. So, the search began!! Cat food was placed in strategic areas, and it was magically gone in the morning. Where oh where was this little meow coming from and how did it get to our Farm?

After a few days, staff heard tinier sad meow’s down around our Olive Mill. Again, we left food out and it was gone in the morning. More meow’s… We finally found a little furry guy in a hole by the chicken coop…. I crawled into the hole and pulled out a screaming fighting TINY kitten with a broken leg. No more than a few weeks old and armed with very sharp teeth and claws. I sustained a split lip and chin and wrangled a tiny fighter into a warm blanket. After a few days of warmth and comfort he was all heart and love. We all fell in love.

This was at Halloween and his name could not be anything but BOO.  Now to help with the broken leg. Lots of time, concern, and thought of what to do. My very experienced vet advised us to wait, “he is young, let us see how he heals.” Let us give the little one time to grow and heal. Keep him quiet and feed him well. HA!! Keeping a kitten quiet as many of you know is an impossibility. BUT he did fine. Inquisitive and happy and now running up our apple trees.

Then there was yet another faint meow…. And another search began. Turns out this is BOO’s sister. It was now close to Thanksgiving, so her name is Cranberry. She has cream colored mittens and is equally feisty. It took a lot of time and assistance to capture this little one as she was on her own for longer. Now she is sweet but still wary.

And now the story gets better and bigger.

Boo is now neutered but not before Cranberry got pregnant. Oh, my, how does this happen so quickly? What is a Mother to do but take care of everyone.

In late March, 5 darling kittens were born. A wonderful birthday present.

Cranberry was so young, but her instinct was strong. She is an excellent Mom to the new group.

The line up is as follows:

• Blackberry – All Black with 10 white hairs under his chin. He follows me around at night, but I cannot see him, I can just feel him weaving in and out of my slippers. He loves his tasty treats.
• Dandylion- Truly an orange dandy. He helps with wrapping presents and sits in any bowl or bag available.
• Beans – a tabby (like Mom and Dad) named so because he is so full of beans and energy and has the biggest purrrr.
• Pawroit is black and white with long fur. She is secretive and named because of her moustache like Poirot. She is also known as Fluff. She is a slinky toy in the shape of long fur coat. She makes bread and drools at night under my chin. She has learned to come to me when I call her name.
• Smoke is a Tabby lady – now adopted to a lovely lady who loves her very much. A wonderful home.

All the kittens are happy and healthy. All friends and family, no territorial fights and no more kittens for this household.

Their pictures are a reminder of how grateful I am to have such a perfect home for their entertainment and our love.

Be kind to all this holiday season.

May you and your family, fur and others be safe, warm, and happy.