I wish I had the street smarts of Mama Cat.
She has been with us for over seven years, a thin, black and white short haired cat who lives on the streets, prowling the alleys for food and drinking out of mudpuddles. She had her latest litter of four about six weeks ago and they follow her everywhere, tumbling unsteadily on their feet, paying attention to all that she teaches, preparing to take their places in the unnoticed and unwanted world of strays. I hope they will be survivors. Out of pity for the kittens and much against our better judgment, we have begun putting out food and water for her - she is feral and depends on her instincts but the little ones are too young to survive on their own.
A cat's instincts are to be respected. Mama knows where there is shelter and high ground, she knows not to cross the street, to steer clear of dogs, to be wary of humans. She hunts alone, a picture of stealth and determination as she slinks through the high grass undetected by her prey. She sleeps in the patches of sun but always alert for danger. You can't sneak up on her no matter how softly you walk and if attacked or confronted, she will fight only in self defense or to protect her young. She birthed her babies alone and cares for them alone and when they are old enough, she will inevitably turn them out to begin their own lives, tentative and as uncertain as they may be. Just as her life is a day to day struggle, so will their's be.
She has been with us for over seven years, a thin, black and white short haired cat who lives on the streets, prowling the alleys for food and drinking out of mudpuddles. She had her latest litter of four about six weeks ago and they follow her everywhere, tumbling unsteadily on their feet, paying attention to all that she teaches, preparing to take their places in the unnoticed and unwanted world of strays. I hope they will be survivors. Out of pity for the kittens and much against our better judgment, we have begun putting out food and water for her - she is feral and depends on her instincts but the little ones are too young to survive on their own.
A cat's instincts are to be respected. Mama knows where there is shelter and high ground, she knows not to cross the street, to steer clear of dogs, to be wary of humans. She hunts alone, a picture of stealth and determination as she slinks through the high grass undetected by her prey. She sleeps in the patches of sun but always alert for danger. You can't sneak up on her no matter how softly you walk and if attacked or confronted, she will fight only in self defense or to protect her young. She birthed her babies alone and cares for them alone and when they are old enough, she will inevitably turn them out to begin their own lives, tentative and as uncertain as they may be. Just as her life is a day to day struggle, so will their's be.
The difference between her and us is that she will move on, to the next meal, the next tomcat, the next litter. She has likely never known a gentle touch and likely never will but she has her priorities in order and her kittens will no longer be on her list. Mama Cat will tend to her own needs, mind her own business, and move on down the line.
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