In December of 1998, while still in the process of building our house, we began feeding some of the feral cats that were hanging around. One of them, a mostly white female with patches of tan and brown on her back, was the mother of many kittens of all different ages...most of whom eventually ran off into the woods. She was a very shy cat, but she was also starving. We would set out the food and she would only come out to eat it after we left. After several months of this, she became braver and let us watch her from a distance while she ate. Over time, we were able to get closer and closer until she allowed us to stroke her back while she ate. She was afraid of our hands and would back away if she saw them coming towards her, but while she was eating, she couldn't see our hands coming to pet her, so she relaxed and began enjoying it. After we moved into our house in March of 1999, I was able to spend more time with her, showing her that she could trust me. It took a while, but eventually she realized that I would never hurt her, but rather that I wanted to take care of her. Now she trusts me fully and completely - what a reward!! She is such a sweetie-pie; still with a timid, unobtrusive personality, but she craves affection...and how I love to give it to her! :-)
Patches is a mostly-white cat, with "patches" on her back. When we first started feeding her, her coat was very unhealthy looking. After a few months of TLC, it became soft and beautiful! Patches loves belly rubs more than any of the other kitties. Whenever she is near me, she lays down and asks for one and purrs her little heart out while I oblige.
In the spring of 2000, Patches blood test came back positive for Feline Leukemia Virus. Click here to read the story of how she fought this sickness and won!!! |
