Traveling Cats
Iroquois and Cherokee are my two lads. They were born in the wild and while I lived in Philadelphia I was persuaded to take them in by two wonderful women who rescue cats.
At first, I was very reticent because I had just lost my precious Umbez who had to be the friendliest and most clever cat on earth. Umbez epitomized the kind of person we should all be - full of love and kindness. She converted many a human from disliking cats to running out and adopting one or more. I knew I’d never meet another like her but these kittens needed help. I rationalized that they would keep each other company while I was at work and had images of them snuggling up together in mutual adoration. Was I ever wrong! Yes, ten years later, they manage to keep a respectful distance but please don’t ask them to love or like each other! It’s a rare sight to find them together on the bed.
I live in hope that, as they mellow, they’ll evolve to the snuggling bit!! That said, these two have done a lot of traveling together. From the wilds, they took up residence in an apartment, watching me wistfully from one window and then another when I left for work. They were lavished with love from friends and neighbors alike but something was missing. Grass! When I moved to the Bahamas and Cherokee had his first taste of the outdoors in years, he kneaded that grass like it was the Holy Grail. He took off and didn’t return for five days. Yes, I had a meltdown and watched them both like a hawk after that for signs of Kerouac fever.
Back in Florida, we moved three times in the same area and each time, cat radar set in and Cherokee made his escape – only for a few hours, thankfully. I kept telling him that he was going to LOVE his new abode – all those trees and grass. Now, somehow, I think he has found home. He shows up at the door for food breaks and at dark for treatie, love fests and a warm bed.
Iroquis has made the lanai and pool area his “room” and he, too, tells me that he’s home! Jim and I call Iroqouis our motormouth baby. He likes to travel “the land’ when I venture out with the camera or feel like weeding (rare) and checking out the progress on new plantings.
Now, here's Lucia who lives in London, England. She is the inspiration for an awesdome book called Diaries of a Cultured Cat. The subject of this wonderful and funny book (by my sister, Brigitte Downey), is also a traveling cat. To get a sneak peek click here.