It’s 8 am.
Poor Marmalade–our big eyed ginger cat–doesn’t know it but he’s going on a journey this morning–to the dentist!.
He’s not the only one in for a shock.
Meredith goes into the garage for the cat carrier and hears a mewing.
Must be Blacky–she thinks–one of the outdoor cats, who’s been known to sleep in the garage in winter.
Instead, a little black and white bundle, adorable as only a kitten can be, scampers up to her–mewing and purring a nervous racket.
‘What on earth!? Where did YOU come from!?’
Meanwhile in the kitchen, on the other side of the house, our two other indoor cats are getting more and more agitated, waiting to be fed.
“What time do you call this–it’s nearly 8.30?!”
(They’re having to wait until Marmalade–who can’t eat before the anaesthetic–is out of the house.)
Handsome, arthritic Lucien (an abandoned kitten himself a dozen years ago) can’t stand intruders; he spots the callow newcomer and starts rehearsing his Bill Sykes routine–lowering his head menacingly, laying back his ears and arching himself for attack.
Pippa–our Head Cat (“and you better believe it!“)–is pacing up and down the kitchen, tut-tutting in cat fashion–twitching her tail.
She’s always grumpy in the morning before she eats, often giving son Marmalade an unwarrented nip and swipe.
All this and barely 8.30!
On the advice of our usual vet, Meredith has booked Marmalade into the dentist for 9 am–that’s the feline dentist–in another town about 25 minutes away.
Poor guy–Marmalade, I mean–has been off colour for months (we thought he was mourning the loss of his sister, Butterscotch–but it turns out he has bad teeth!).
We take bowls of cat food out of the kitchen to distract Pippa and Lucian while Meredith leaves with an unhappy Marmalade–who’s not responding to our assurances that he’s going to feel much better for all this soon.
Meanwhile back in the kitchen–I have a new friend.
Gradually–after eating from every bowl in the room–the adorable mewing and purring bundle calms down and decides that, as an old friend of ours once put it, it had fallen in the butter dish and that I am the bee’s knees–or the cat’s elbow!
We both settle for a quiet time waiting for the return of the two “Ms”.
It turns out that many of Marmalade’s teeth were damaged and the kindly vet had to extract not a few.
Once back home, Mar is still a bit dozy from the morphine, but it hasn’t dulled his appetite! He enjoys a late breakfast before retiring to a comfortable cushion to recuperate.
Meanwhile the kitten tries to make friends.
It feels like an early Christmas present–and unless someone calls to claim him, not just for Christmas.
Adorable and happy to read Marmalade survived the dental ordeal with flying colors. I confess to lusting for said adorable kitten, but I know my Tango will have none of it.
Robin, reminds me so much of my own cats (and kittens). I have two new ones here in the house along with mama and they are a riot. I also have adopted two outside cats. But for all the cats, the first “chore” of the morning is to get them all fed—-and quickly!!!
How lucky you are! and what a cutie. There must be the hobo sign on your house – “cat people live here”. I haven’t had one drop-in in a few years now, but am thinking it is time for a third house cat. I just finished knitting ten blankets for the cat cages at my local animal shelter (where the last two were adopted from) and plan to deliver them before Christmas, so who knows what will come home with me…………
Lucky we are but so are the shelter cats–with your cosy blankets!
We are *so* cute! Love the photo of him/her sitting in Robin’s lap! 🙂
Meredith and Robin, you are both wonderful to give a loving home to another precious life. What an adorable kitten and how fortunate that it found you two and your beautiful family of felines. Da Vinci said that “every cat is a masterpiece.” I agree and so do my own cats. What are you going to name the darling?
Cats are…….in keeping with the season……
Comfort and joy,
Joy to your world,
Kathy
Any suggestions?
Dear Robin
Thank you for the lovely updates, and a big welcome to the new little mog! I’ve been enjoying your blog for just short while, having revisited Poldark and Googling you to see what you were doing these days. (Mum and I would watch it every Saturday night after returning from grocery shopping on the High St). And so, many years later, I find myself transplanted in rural, upstate NY all the way from Margate, Kent. While I love the recipes, I’ve particularly enjoyed hearing all about yourself, Meredith and the cats’ antics. Arriving in this small village 9 years ago, I quickly found myself at the Piccadilly Circus of the Underground Feline Railroad, and so it’s with an abundance of understanding that I read about your cast of characters, Butterscotch, (oh, bless her), Marmalade, Pippa, Lucien…. At the time of writing, I have about 8 (shhh, yes, it’s at that embarrassing stage – I usually just say “a few”) furry friends, comprising Moggy, Mr. Fezzywig, Gingeypuff, Mumbles et al. (And a few more hanging around the farther reaches of the garden, carefully eyeing me and keeping their distance, while taking advantage of the backyard hotel I’ve created for them, and the offerings I put out twice a day.) A few of my regulars are devoid of a few teeth, having arrived with all sorts of ailments and dental problems often a reflection of their troubled lives in the wild prior to landing at my doorstep. (I’ve spent more on their dental care than my own!) Marmalade appears to be on the mend, a great sign – most of mine were face down in the dry food before the anaesthetic wore off.
But anyhow, just a note to say, on a beautifully gloomy and rainy (English) day in upstate NY, (my birthday no less, 46, ouch) it’s cheering to read about how you and Meredith both fill your days in France, and the love you extend to all of our animal friends. Thank you for that. Your blog helps my mind take a much needed flight of fancy. Keep us posted on new kitty, and keep the photos coming. The very best to you all for the holiday season. Time for a run in the rain. Au revoir!
Thanks Alison–what a lovely story.
And Many Happy Returns!
I’m surprised it’s only 8!
The word must be out–it’ll be double figures by Christmas.
Oh please don’t jinx it. I fear you may be right. How ’bout Mushroom (or Cremini, Shitake) as a name? TThey turn up overnight, and in the oddest places.
Who could say no to something as cute as that little kitten.
And a cat named Marmalade with bad teeth….. well, what’s in a name…. I hope he’s feeling better now!
I have two ginger cats, a girl called Dobbey and a boy who’s name is Tiny (if you translate it to English), and he is getting a bit older. His teeth are turning a bit yellow. But that doesn’t stop him from hunting mice and bringing them home…. alive. Yes, he’s still trying to make a good cat out of me and is teaching me to catch them too. He even brought one to my bed one day (while I was still asleep), and watched proudly while I had to catch that mouse who ran under the covers….
Pets are always good for a nice or funny story, and I hope you’ll write more of them…
So, have fun with your new adition to the family, and an early “merry Christmas”!
Dieneke
Looks like he/she is a keeper! I think you should name him/her “Domino”!
Robin: Aww, what a cute tuxedo kitten!! thanks for sharing the lovely story…hope Mar is on the mend soon. I’m more of a dog person but I do love cats, too, and I’ve had my share of feline friends over the years 🙂
Hi Mr. Ellis
Is the kitten a male or a female?
he’s a male, Gaetana.
You already have Marmalade, the new kitten could be Honey.
Just a suggestion,
What about Bailey, after Jimmy Stewart’s character in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Or Gideon because he looks like my cat Gideon. Or Tiramisu because what a little ‘pick me up’ he is. Or maybe Harry, for a delightfully persnickity cat I know.
Whatever you and Meredith choose will be purrfect.
Word has obviously got around that a nice spot it is at your place.
I am so glad that your lovely Marmalade is going to be alright,all your cats seem to be
characters in their own way,& this little kitten seems to have taken you to it’s heart,just as you have done with it,it looks right at home on both your knee’s, and seems to be thinking I am alright here,good and caring poeple I’m save and will be loved. Cats know,you know.
Hi Robin and Meredith,
Yes I have been reading all you recipes, and mean to add a comment, but then another day passes and another recipe or just a interesting item arrives and I don’t . But I’m a sucker for cat stories. What a little cutie – and not quite so little either. I wonder where he/she came from, but thank goodness he/she landed on your doormat so to speak as I know that you’ll look after it. Hope that Marmalade has recovered from his dentistry ordeal. Fern, our big tabby and white cat had to have a cracked canine tooth removed, but it has not made any difference to her prowess as a hunter, we still get a daily dead mouse present! Still if she wasn’t doing the killing, I think East Twickenham gardens would be overflowing with mice.
Thanks for the heart warming cat story, and the photos. Glad you are all happy.
Bless you both for taking in this beautiful kitten, I have the same problem here in Portugal but it’s dogs, there are so many strays. I have two dogs of my own and two that I feed plus two feral cats, I am trying to win there confidence. good luck with your new arrival. Thank you for sharing the photographs
Kittens are perfect bundles of fun! My newest, Poppy, was dumped at 4 a.m. at my farmhouse(of course) and screamed me awake. Once inside and warm, she cuddled up against my neck for the night. Now she is a staple in my house, with 7 others…oh no! I’m the crazy cat lady!
I knew you were great people, cat owners usually know. Congratulations and bless you for caring for unwanted animals. I had 4 (one put downdue to heart problems) and now the remaining three are living somedwhat peacefully. Personalities are quite different. However, the outdoor population continues to ebb and flow between 5-10. Thanks for taking the time to care.
I’m not one to believe in fate, but sometimes I can’t help but think that the people and animals who need us, come looking for us.
How about Nomade? Nomy for short? Or Cloch, for clochard?
You are indeed a hero in double portion! Will always love captain Poldark, but that you are such a cat lover too is Fantastic! You and Meredith are wonderful.
Thanks for helping that kitten! I have a cat too and a rabbit. Animals are such lovely personalities. You are also a great writer!! It was great fun and touching reading this story. THANKS!
Awww…what a sweetie! Love those pictures!! You might want to have a look around to see that there aren’t others hiding in the barn, though! Have been trying to find a home for a handsome tomcat, ourselves–he just had an appt. w/the vet he’d rather not discuss (if you know what I mean!), and is SO friendly! My other four do NOT want to share their house any further, however…
Before you let any new kitties mix with yours, though, I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but you prob’ly should have him tested to be sure he can’t pass on any diseases to your guys. It’s good to keep him in his own room for a few weeks until he realizes this is his new home. (And he won’t get lost!) Then you can introduce everyone gradually by “mixing scents…” that is, wiping a cloth on one cat (behind their ears, near the scent glands), then rubbing the cloth on a corner wall, some bedding, or whatever your other cats sleep & rub on. Spread the newcomer’s scent around for a few days to a week, and your own cats’ scents in his room, as well. Gradually let them play footsies under the door…see how it’s going…and play with your own kitties & give them treats nearby where they smell this new cat. Eventually, try letting your cats in the newcomer’s room while he’s allowed in their room. (So everyone switches places for awhile.) At some point, if no one’s behaving TOO badly, start letting them mix…but be ready with a fishing pole toy and treats to distract everyone. Feed them in the same room, but with their own space for awhile, gradually bringing them closer together as tolerance allows. If they get too grumpy, put everyone back in their rooms & try again at a later time. Hissing is normal–not to worry–and a little swat is OK–but a roll-out fight isn’t good! Just keep it positive between everyone–food & play time together–just like people! and they’ll sort things out. (And get the little guy neutered at 8 weeks to keep the hormones down!!)
Hope you keep us posted on everyone!! 🙂
Cheers & hugs! And purrs!
Thanks for passing on this, Dianne–invaluable experience. We are in experimental mode!
WE have booked the vet for Tuesday and check the garage daily!
Our friend Flo is sure his mother brought him and deposited him with people she somehow knew were cat people!
HE–still unnamed-is a brave fellow and not phased by the hostility shown him by Pippa and Lucien.
What a gift!
He is SOOO sweet! Meredith looks totally in love!
How about “Scamper” or “Prancer” for a name, if he lives up to it, scampering about (and the latter has a Christmasy feel to it)?
Good luck at the vets on Tuesday. He looks healthy, bright eyes, nice coat, & all. Just don’t let them scare you if he turns up FIV positive (remote, but you never know). Kittens can sometimes have false positives if they are under 6 mos. old; you just retest them in 3-6 mos. to be sure. And many true FIV positive cats live normal, long, healthy lives, so don’t let anyone talk you into putting one down! They just shouldn’t mix with other “negative” cats–they pass it on through bites.
Not sure if this is even a concern in France, but it is in our region of the States. (It’s a worry for ANY cat that goes outside.) There is a vaccine for it, however; you could ask you vet about the pros & cons of it. Good luck & keep us posted!
Cheers & hugs & purrs!
He’s a scamperer for sure! Thanks for the advice.
If your little fluffy bundle is still with you, how about Advent for a name? I remember a black kitten was found in our garage many years ago. It was extremely difficult to catch and it had no tail. We called it Jet!
Hi robin,
Cats are not stupid are they!,they know where theres good ” board and lodgings” to be had! lol.
Id call him McNeil,after our good friend Captn McNeil, because he had an awful habit of turning up uninvited! haaa
Have fun regards maurice glasgow ps lovley photos!
That’s a lovely reason to call him McNeil, Maurice–I shall pass it on to Donald!
Dear Robin,It seems a nice little pussy, I’am sure it found a good home by you and Meredith.It probebly folowed your other cats…and found a better home you!
I hope you have it a long time, black and white cats are actual the strongest sort.I had one before ” Duchess” she looked like the little one and I had here for almost 19 years.
The Pussy we have(Puske-Puske) is now about 6 years, she was abandoned too(from our bad neigbors in the back).Must be about 5 years she’s now by us.First she was in a horrible state, underfed etc…we took her in fed her with tuna, she had difficulties to eat(that time she had 2 big fangs what was a nice sight).All went well for about 3 weeks, till sudden the doorbell rang, the wicked neigbor wanted the cat back.We stood really for a dilemma…calling the police/animal protection? Or not?I know the law here in Belgium, when I had phoned the animal protection the pussycat would be in quaratine for 6 weeks and she had probably died and that was ofcourse not the way we wanted nor to give it back but with pain in the heart we did(I still regret that moment!).We told the wicked couple that if the cat would come back to us we would not give it back and it will stay for good by us.What happend? 4 days later the cat escaped from them and we found her dying in the back garden.We took her immidiate in , we saw she was very skinny her hip was in bad shape and she lost one tooth fangSo I expect she was beated up by them! We gave immidiate some fine chopped steak(what she still eats every day!) and after a few weeks her weight was 3 kg (now she’s 8kg!), her hip is much better because of all the calcium (tuna) and Iron of the steak.She’s still a fuzzy eater.We are very glad that wicked couple moved away.But also our nextdoor neigbor don’t like cats, so she stays indoors for safety reasons.
It took me a few days to answer this nice topic because I just heard in the week that a very good friend died (you might also know him Ken russell R.I.P.
Again I realice that life go’s fast and that we have to enjoy every moment we have.I only regrette that I could not go to the UK because of my health.Have a nice time with the nice fresh pussy cat!
Many regards from your friend of Belgium and Puske-Puske aka ” The Boss” (lol).
Nothing like a little lost kitten story to bring all us cat people out of our lurking mode! Smart little kitten to be a lap cat from the very beginning. Also smart of little kitten to be so handsome! Our long history of cats was declared over and done when we had to have our 18 year old Norman put to sleep a couple of years ago. No more cats ever! Then we met a little ginger and white cat whose feral mama gave birth to her and a brother under our son’s home in the country. We thought she needed us, but as it turns out, we needed her even more. Names are important. Her’s is Cara….short for Carolina. It just seemed to fit. Let us know what you decide upon.
Lovely story–hard to escape them!
Hi robin, love to read all the cat stories and the little one…..is so cute!
All the recipies are very nice but I like the cat-stories even more!
Just started to watch the dvd poldark 2, now with my own daugters.
A name….Benjamin would be nice or do you like to adopt more cats?
Love to hear more about the cats.
from caroline (the Netherlands)