Day 1 My New Home

April 20, 2009

Hi everyone! My name is Stripy. A month ago I was a feral cat living with my colony in New Port Richey, Florida. I had caretakers who fed me and even took me to the vet to get neutered. (I wasn't too happy about that!) I was able to wander around, doing what cats do. And then my life changed forever. I was shot in the head by someone. My caretakers found me and took me to the vet after 3 days. I was bleeding, unable to eat, and trying to fight a bad infection. I was scared. Dr. Dave and his staff took good care of me, but I lost a few teeth and part of my tongue. I guess I was really lucky that the bullet didn't hit my brain or any major blood vessels. After 9 days in the hospital, I went back home with my caretakers. I stayed in their bathroom for a while, and they were very good to me. I healed very well and got used to people a little, even though I'm feral.

Yesterday, it was time for me to go to my new home with my new mom and dad. It was a long ride in the car, but my caretakers said this was the best place for me to go. I can't be outside anymore because of my injuries, so I had to go to a new mom and dad that had experience with "special needs" cats and ferals.

When we got there, I came out of my carrier and was surprised to be in a new place. I walked around a little and settled in behind a bookcase. I thought that was a nice safe place where I could look at the mom and dad and see what they were like. They were ok. When my caretakers left, they were sad and so was I. They took very good care of me and I will miss them. I got to meet my new sister, Gracie. She had to have her tail amputated when she was little. It doesn't seem to have slowed her down. She is very sweet. I also got to meet my new brother, Wrigley, who was also feral as a kitten. He was OK - he was more interested in my bowl of food than me.

After it got dark, it was very quiet, so I decided to check out my room. I found my food and my litterbox and even got to look out my window. Its a nice room and I'll be comfortable here.

This morning, mom and dad came in to see me. I was a little crabby and hissed at them, but then I went into my carrier that I came over in, and I felt safe. My big brother, Winston came in to visit and he told me it would be OK. He came over to me and we sniffed noses and he got into my carrier with me. I kind of drooled on him (part of my "special needs"), but he didn't seem to mind. I think he's the boss of the cats here.

So, today has been spent resting, mom and dad come in occasionally and play with me. I like them a lot, and I caught myself purring when they pet me.

More tomorrow!!