Cat Whispering

Han Solo posing happily

After I signed in at the shelter I peeked my head into the rooms in the front to see what kitties were around. One in the corner room caught my eye with his cute face and energy. Han Solo, a soft and gray tabby boy meowed out from his cage. The shift manager opened the door to his cage and he gracefully bounded out and leapt upon some shelving to scope out the room. Curious, I checked his info tag to see where he came from. "Thrown out the side of a car" is all the information given. "Oh, poor baby," I cooed. He let me sweep him up into his arms without a struggle. We cuddled for several more minutes with his head resting against my neck, and I made the decision to clean that room.

Besides Han Solo there were three other male cats in the room. Jigsaw has a fluffy face that always made me laugh. Two brothers- Grayson and Mickey- are shy and handsome young cats. I met them once- three weeks ago I think- and they had just come back from having tests to see if they were FIV or Feline Leukemia positive. (They weren't) Both were tired and timid, and didn't want to be petted.

While hesitant at first, both were very happy to have me pet them. Mickey spent the first half of me cleaning curled up in the corner, so after awhile I knelt down, whispered that he's a very wonderful cat, and petted him for awhile. After half a dozen strokes he decided he was comfortable enough with me and began to purr. Shortly after, he stretched out on his side and rolled over, revealing the ever elusive cat belly. "Can I take your picture?" I asked. I really didn't expect an answer, but before I had the chance to take one he darted under some cages.

Jigsaw is a pro at cute poses.

Grayson grabbed at my wrist so I would keep petting him.

Mickey allowed me to take this one photo of him.

Despite that, Mickey followed me around the room the rest of the time I cleaned, rubbing against my legs and demanding to be petted.

Once I completed this room I headed into the FIV+ room. Hamburger was happy to have some hands to wash. Edna was back in her box in the top corner of the room. I've been told that once she's up there it's hard to get her to come down. I decided to give it a try anyway. "Come on down," I told her when I saw her looking down at me. "I'd really like to see you." She didn't budge, so I turned to pet Olivia Benson. A creak and a pitter patter later told me Edna was listening to me after all. Once she made her way down I petted her for awhile, telling her I was very happy she came down to see me, and that I thought she was a very wonderful cat.

I accidentally disturbed Hamburger's spot as I wiped down the area around him, and he made his way over to where Edna lay curled up. He made himself comfortable and spent the next several minutes just washing her.

Hamburger washing Edna.

The shift manager was surprised that  Edna had come down. It turned out that both Hamburger and I saw her desire for attention and acted on it. Moments like these are just more reasons why coming to the shelter each week is so rewarding.