When my cat Hazel died in December, I resolved to downsize my cat population. I’m getting older and young ones may outlive me. Well, that didn’t last long.
A blogger friend, Debra Farrington, is active in a TNR (trap, neuter, return) group not too far from my home. She occasionally fosters cats that are trapped and need special nurturing. Either they are ill and need medications or kittens to socialize for adoption.
Last fall she fostered a cat that had been trapped as a kitten. She was working on socializing her because she was very shy around people. Potential adopters would come to see her. She wouldn’t come out so they adopted another cat. She spent almost a year at the rescue’s shelter.
The shelter has open rooms for the cats but it’s not a forever home especially for a kitten. This little kitty moved to a few locations but didn’t get adopted. It touched my heart because Hazel was a shy cat that wasn’t good at adoption events either.
I had an opening and I’m sure Hazel would have wanted it that way. We have adopted another cat. Her rescue name was Mystique but we are trying out Sasha Moo-stasha (one look at her picture and it will be clear why and I’m not naming her Groucho!)
We’ll see if that sticks. Gypsy is another thought because of her homeless state for so long. If anyone has a suggestion, I’m all ears.
Either I am the biggest cat whisperer ever or I was snookered again. (I must have that “sucker” tattoo permanently removed from my forehead.) After spending 12 hours here, she wasn’t shy with me. Another 24 hours and she’s climbing into laps for naps. She loves the resident cats who are giving me stink-eye.
There are nose bumps and butt sniffing. A few hisses when someone gets startled. Only old girl Mollie has threatened a head wamp (and it’s not clear if it’s for me or the new cat).
We are at four guitars for the beloved husband and four cats for me. Equilibrium. More about this newest invader next week. Maybe the resident cats will weigh in. Gracie is not excited about giving up the “baby” designation but she’s also interested in an active playmate.
Header photo courtesy of Debra Farrington
Thanks for the link back here today, Kate. A sweet read today♥
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I love reading the cat posts best. They always make me smile whether they are mine or someone else’s.
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I do have a special place in my heart for cats but I like all your posts. They make laugh, they make me reflect, I learn. I read them and comments and I think I am not alone 🙂
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Thanks! That warms my heart!
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Pingback: Sassy cats – Sasha Moo-stasha, the year in review | Views and Mews by Coffee Kat
Sounds like a sweet girl – no one will ever replace Hazel but the new girl will be happy with you.
My current cat is one who lost his person. It took him a while to adapt to me but he’s just as tight with me now as he ever was with his “mom.” I can tell he mourned her, but he had someone new to give him hugs and loving and I know that helped. I think there are organizations who help provide homes for pets who have lost their people, but am not sure of their names. You might want to look into that.
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That was very kind of you to adopt a cat that lost it’s person. All of my cats are “hard to place” adoptions. Two of them only have one eye and the other was an older cat that had a litter. I am at full capacity for cats right now but if something happens I will adopt one that can’t find a home. Thanks for adding a comment.
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Sorry to hear about Hazel.
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Yes it was very sudden and unexpected.
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She’s a beauty !! Your post made me smile, love that she is settling in so quickly,
MJ
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That’s always the worry when adding a new pet. Will they get along. She and Gracie are playing tag now after their long morning nap!
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OMG – she’s beautiful! Love Sasha Moo-stasha – it fits her look for sure 🙂 You are a sucker, but in a good way and for a good cause. She warmed up to you so quickly because it was meant to be!
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Young cats (they don’t have to be kittens) bring a new energy to the house. I remember Morgan and Gracie’s first year. Up to hi-jinx all the time. This morning I almost dumped her food with all her dancing around.
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Best. tattoo. ever! 🐾Congrats. Looking forward to hearing more about the new baby.
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Still having it removed!
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I share your fear about adding another cat, but she clearly needed you. Thank you for adding her to your family. She’s a lucky girl. Sasha is cute, but so is Gypsy.
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She has survived a week here with her cat buddies. All is well.
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There’s nothing wrong with having a big heart, Kate.
The world needs more of you, to say the least.
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Thanks I think as I’ve increased my poop scooping by 25%!
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She’s beautiful. 😍 And so grateful to be an forever home. That’s why she’s not as shy.
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She’s doing really well!
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Can’t wait to meet the new lady! Told my husband one of your name choices, Moo-stasha and he thought that was really cute. I do too.
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We’re working on the Sasha part now. She doesn’t answer to anything but the flip of a cat food can. She’s pure cat.
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LOVE it!
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I was hesitant to read your post because with the title I was leary it would say you lost another cat so soon. I’m glad I read it. I think it is wonderful that you are offering another kitty a loving home… whatever you name her. Any guitar names that would suit her? Our Trinity had a lopsided mustache and one young girl at her first vet said she looked like the German we’ve all heard of. No Way was that happening. We named her Trinity because if I ever had human kids that was a name I liked, plus she was our 3rd cat and had 3 colors on her. Tyler came with the name Tyler and it stuck, it just got added to it because I considered calling him just Mister and he’s got a blob on a heel and hubby is a Tarheel fan. Skeamer (schemer spelled differently) got her name after about a week. Whatever you call her, and I like what you picked, she’s lucky to have you.
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We’re lucky to have her. Today it’s a week and she’s turning out to be a great cat. Another reason people shouldn’t overlook the shy ones when adopting.
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I’ve always had that thought/fear about a cat outliving me. Whilst losing them is horrible for us, if they lost us they wouldn’t understand at all and would think we had abandoned them. (Well, Louis Catorze wouldn’t care, but most other cats would feel abandoned.) I used to wonder whether fostering would be an option, taking on a cat that was never meant to be permanent? And they would be guaranteed to have someone looking out for them if anything happened to us?
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Fostering would still make the cat wonder what happened to you. A friend of mine says that animals are more in tune with nature and take death more naturally than we do. Maybe the problem comes with aging pets who no longer feel confident and get scared although many pets get successfully rehomed. It’s good to have an exit plan though. We have so many cat lovers in the family, I’m sure someone will step up.
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How wonderful! I understand your initial reluctance, but I just as easily understand how you couldn’t resist! Great addition to your menagerie. 🙂
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We have applied for “zoo” designation with our community. Today we had a fox in the yard and yesterday there was a ginormous blue heron trying to fish in my itty bitty pond. Wildlife central here.
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Amazing, Kate. I would love to be witness! 🙂
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How sweet that she has settled in so well! She’s a cute kitty. Four cats, four guitars–sounds about right.
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Yes although my husband always says that the guitars are much cheaper in the long run.
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She is beautiful Kate – I’d be inclined toward naming her a variation of Groucho too, but I like the name you chose … Sasha has settled in nicely and has good company, human or otherwise.
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She’s really very feminine and petite so the Groucho, except for the mustache, wouldn’t fit. We’ll see. So far she doesn’t answer to anything but she’s a cat!
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This is true!
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She is beautiful! Sounds like she knew where home is. She just waited patiently for you to come and get her.😻
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And then she sang the song of her people on the over an hour drive home! Gotta love ’em.
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She is beautiful. Congrats on your new addition!
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Thanks. Although somewhat skittish, she is friendly. Even when she sees me for the first time of the day, she runs. Maybe that’s more about how I look first thing in the morning!
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Why am I not surprised? She is such a cutie and I love that little stash she is sporting. I’m glad you are getting her acclimated to having her picture taken. Lucky Sasha, lucky you.
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It’s only been a few days so we getting used to each other. Today she found a new hiding place that I don’t know. Couldn’t find her for a few hours. Fortunately she came out for dinner!
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Groucho. Ha. Congratulations. She’s so pretty, I can’t believe no one else swiped her up, which means she was meant to be with you. I like all the names suggested. Have fun with the new excitement in the house, and watch out for those head swats. 😉
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I always encourage people to look past shyness and simple disabilities when adopting because you can be overlooking some really great pets. This one is pretty and getting there socially although since she was part of a cat colony, adoption into a multi-cat home is good for her. (and more food to steal!)
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What a gorgeous kitty, and I love the name Sasha Moo-stacha! Congratulations!
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She is lovely. Right now she and Gracie are playing some sort of tag.
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You are definitely a “cat whisperer”, Kate. I lam so glad to hear that you took this little one in. I think that she was waiting for you!
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She will fit in and bring more energy. I’m already exhausted but at a minimum she will keep Gracie amused.
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I love the balance in your house. I should probably find out how many train cars John has and see if I’m up to the limit of something special for me.
Sasha has a distinctive appearance. Cute as a button! I’m looking forward to getting to know her.
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She’s feeling more at home each day. Climbing into my husband’s lap surprised me. Only Gracie will do that and only once in a blue moon.
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It’s so special when a cat settles down on your lap. I miss that.
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It is special and homey.
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What a pretty kitty! So fluffy. I like Gypsy.
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Aw thanks!
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Mazel tov! Welcome, Sasha, you hit the jackpot.
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Yes, she did! Another diva in the making!
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Oh my gosh – Sasha Moo-stasha – I love it!! Welcome to the perfect home, cutie!
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Right now she is running with Gracie and it sounds a lot like running with the bulls. I am very fortunate they all get along. More or less. 🙂 They are cats!
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She’s darling! Congratulations on your new family member!
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Thanks!
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Nature abhors a vacuum- there was vacancy and things shifted for one who had been waiting just for you ( and housemates). Snookered everyone with that shy routine – auditioning for The One she knew was coming.
Congrats and smiles and gentle ear scratches to all. Soon she’ll whisper her name ( between food grabs…a good sign she’s feeling happy with her choice. ) Maybe Hazel has been watching over her whispering “Wait. It’ll be great, I promise.”
YEA!
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I waited longer after Jake passed but this came up. You take opportunity to help when you see it. Aside from adding a ton of new energy to the house, it’s going well.
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I quite like the name Sasha Moo-stasha. Or Mystique. Or Gypsy.
Whatever her eventual moniker, I’m glad that she’s already enjoying lap time for nap time.
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Names take time to get used to. I like ones that roll off of my tongue when I’m annoyed.
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Maybe she’ll whisper her name to you.
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So far all her whispers have been about dinnertime.
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Two more and you can be the Brady Bunch! Congratulations!
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Don’t encourage her, Jill!!!
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I can’t go over the 4 guitar equalizer so we are set unless there is a vacancy and I really need to start downsizing. I’ve always wanted a ginger but maybe that’s not to be. There was a beautiful 3 legged ginger male looking for a home but he doesn’t like other cats. That is the only condition I have. They don’t need all their eyes or limbs but they need to get along with the other feline overlords.
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Ummm….maybe that’s not a good idea. Thanks!
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Clearly Sasha wasn’t going to come out until she was home. Good job, Sasha.
I was so happy to see that picture in my morning feed.
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So far she is pretty normal young cat. This shy bundle climbed in my husband’s lap for some attention and she was petrified of him at the beginning. She’s only been here since Saturday so she’s doing well.
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That’s amazing for a so-called scaredy cat!
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She came around faster than I thought. Hazel spent 2 weeks under the bed. I only had this one isolated in a bedroom for 2 days with some limited sniffing and she was ready to get out.
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She is gorgeous Kate and it is clear that you are already besotted with her! She is one lucky girl and it makes me smile that you found each other.
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Thanks. It was Debra’s posts that touched my heart.
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Well congratulations …. but somehow I am not surprised by this change of plan! As for a name, how about a compromise between her markings and her developing personality? How about “Mooshy”? 🙂
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Mooshy sounds like a sled dog but thanks for the suggestion. Right now if I named her it would be “food thief.” She has been cleaning out everyone’s bowl.
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She’s adorable Kate. Love the name too. I am sure Hazel would approve.
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We all still miss Hazel, especially Morgan. She would approve. She was always the cat who welcomed other cats and taught them bad habits.
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AWWWWW! LOVE!!
Moo-stasha sounds perfect to me. Moo for short 🙂 I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before another little fur-face stole your heart. You apparently have an abundance of love to give 💕
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I am fond of cats but I’m starting to age out. There is a chance that the two younger cats will outlive me so I have to have “plans” for their care.
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You have a golden heart.
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Only for cats! 🙂
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That’s good enough for me 😺
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She is gorgeous! Congratulations on your new addition!
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Thanks!
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Love, love, love this. She is a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks! She is pretty. It was her shyness that kept her from getting adopted.
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Sounds like your home is just what she needed! I’ll bet it’s a match made in heaven.
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I hope so. We are all working on training her. Mostly the cats are.
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How cute she is!! Soooo happy for both of you!! Apparently my dream on Tuesday about rescuing cats, was for you. 🙂
You have a wonderful heart, and perhaps an invisible tattoo as well. LOL! ❤
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You did get my dream although you can rescue cats too! It’s work but fun.
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Oh I believe it’s fun, we just have 2 problems , one my husband is allergic to cats and 2, we have 3 ferrets and I am just not sure how they would get along with cats. They do get along with our dogs fine. My youngest has always wanted a cat.
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The allergy is probably a deal breaker. If you got a cat you may need to get a very young one that wouldn’t look at ferrets as prey. They can get along with rabbits which are definitely prey in the wild.
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So glad she is so happy in your home and that she fits so well! She’s a lovely cat, and I am thrilled to see her settled happily!!
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It’s slightly chaotic as it always is at the beginning. There is food stealing and she sleeps in everyone’s favorite bed. She doesn’t have her pecking order yet but that will get established.
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They’ll get her straightened out in time! Thank you so much for giving her such a great home.
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Oh I bet your resident cats are giving you the stink eye. However, she is adorable so what could you do? You had to take in Gypsy? Sasha? Moo? 🤔
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They will get used to her. We all had to get used to Gracie who was not an easy cat and eventually she fit in.
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It would indeed be hard to say no to a fuzzy face like that! Sasha’s a good name.
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I’m not so good at saying no to any cat. That’s why I’m not allowed to go to the local animal shelter.
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I am so HAPPY I am doing a happy dance and I am surprised you can’t hear my feet tapping! Congratulations to you and Moo-stasha… she is adorable!
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She’s quite the character and not quite as shy. I think it was a ruse although I don’t know why she didn’t want to go home with the many folks who were interested in her.
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She had a dream of a kind lady, a sun porch, windows with a view, and best of all… a home forever ♥
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Well she got it!
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I love the name sasha moo-stacha, that is so purrrrfect!!!
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I can yell that name pretty good too! 🙂
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