LOUISE CAZLEY

AKA - Little Cow | The Baby | Little Rascal 

The day before Mother’s Day 2024, I received a text from a friend containing a few photos of a tiny kitten who was roaming around the courtyard behind my apartment. I was still lying in bed uncaffeinated but at seeing the photos, I threw off my blankets and ran to my back window to see if he was still in the same location. He was still there, perched dangerously on the ledge above the parking lot cleaning his little face so I decided to try and see if I could trap him.

In no way am I an experienced trapper so my first attempt was an epic fail. I was successful at luring the kitten into a Target box with a tube of Delectables Squeeze Ups, but he expertly escaped the box before I could fold the flaps down. I knew that he would be suspicious of me after the failed box trapping, but with his tiny size, I was determined not to leave him out there.

I hurried back home and got my collapsible cat tent. A little girl was following him around the courtyard, which helped to pinpoint which section of bushes he was tiptoeing through. He was also very talkative so that helped a lot!

He climbed onto the low branches of a bush and perched there for a bit chattering the entire time in his teeny-tiny voice. He looked like a miniature safari lion, nestled in the branches of a tree. Now that he was still I could see that the third eye lids on both of his eyes were exposed so I suspected that he might have an eye infection.

This time around I’d brought a yummy Fancy Feast Appetizer with me and, after I cracked it open, his tiny, pink nose turned upwards and began sucking up the fragrant whiffs that traveled to him through the air.

The courtyard was mostly quiet, but there was a dad kicking a ball around with his son and the little girl who was following the kitten kept creeping closer to him and I was worried he would get spooked and hide again. It took a long while, with me crouching in front of the bush, my legs burning, the balls of my feet throbbing with the effort of trying to balance myself while keeping still. Thankfully his hunger finally won him over. He slowly, slowly creeped down from the branches and I gave him small tastes of the food while inching him closer and closer to the entrance of the tent. I held my breath and gritted my teeth each time that damn ball bounced, but he finally crossed the threshold and after a beat, I quickly folded the entrance of the tent closed.

Once he realized that I was trying to close him in again, he began frantically bouncing around and clawing at the netting in an attempt to escape. For his tiny size I was truly impressed with his survival skills! I wasn’t able to zip the flaps of the tent closed fast enough and I knew if he got out I might not be able to catch him again so I gave up on zipping up the tent. I just clasped the folds of the entrance together while I looked around for someone to help me to zip it closed. If only I had three hands…. Thankfully, the neighbor who had originally spotted him came out of her apartment and was able to help me to finally close the tent.

Another neighbor, who had been watching from their window mentioned that he would let me know if he spotted a mama cat or any other kittens. He mentioned that since kittens can't regulate their own body temperature, the best place for him would be with his mother, but there was never any sign of the kitten’s family.

I had an idea of what to do with him once I trapped him, but I hadn’t really thought it through. I planned on getting him to the cat rescue, but I’d impulsively jumped at the chance to trap him and hadn’t at all thought about what I would do with him until I could get in touch with them.

I was trembling slightly from adrenaline as I paced back and forth around the courtyard, carrying the tent uncomfortably, before I eventually plopped him on my doorstep and just stood there, staring at him.

My husband, Edward, poked his head out of the window and asked what I was doing just standing there like that.

“I don’t know what to do.”, I said.

I still hadn’t had any caffeine or eaten anything and those factors, combined with my colliding thoughts, were giving me a headache.

“You haven’t eaten anything or had your tea. It’s already lunchtime. Take him to the spare room, make your tea and eat something.”, he said through the window.

I just needed someone to help me separate my thoughts. But before I went inside for my caffeine fix, I took a few photos and videos of him to share with Advocat Rescue where I was hoping there was space so that I could turn him in. I also called my neighbor-friend who had helped with rescues before, to see if I could borrow her spare carrier.

Auntie Jana, (which is how I refer to her in my mind), quickly got back in touch with me and agreed to help. She asked me to bring him to the rescue later that day and also asked if I could foster him. I agreed. I told Jana that he might be a spicy kitten because of how much he cursed at me with hisses during the trapping ordeal, but she advised me that it might be too early to label him as spicy and that he would need some time to decompress before we would be able to determine his spice level.

Now that I had some guidance and a real plan, my brain began to slow. I took the kitten to our bathroom, filled my collapsible litter box, gave him some food and water and left him alone to rest.

A few hours later, when Edward and I went to collect him to take to the rescue, I realized he wasn’t spicy at all. When he was cursing at me with his hisses, it was just because the poor baby was absolutely terrified!

Imagine being separated from those you belong to, being lost in an unfamiliar place with strange humans and dogs. Then a large, towering stranger stalks you and encloses you into a contraption that you can’t escape. Imagine being a baby on top of that - It would be utterly frightening!

Edward and I loaded the now calm kitten into the carrier and whisked him over to the rescue. While I took the kitten in for his appointment, Edward went to hunt down some kitten food. After Auntie Jana examined the kitten, she determined that he didn’t have fleas (thank God), confirmed that he was a boy and she estimated his age to be five-six weeks old. She gave him a bath, flea meds, dewormer and she confirmed that he had an eye infection and administered his eye meds.

One of the cats at the rescue was being fostered with her son, who had a neurological issue. Jana mentioned that while he played with toys just fine, he might also be visually impaired and had an upcoming appointment with an ophthalmologist to rule it out. The mama cat came over with large, curious pupils to sniff and inspect the new kitten. During the short time that I was at the rescue I saw her hiss and swipe at her son, but she was so fascinated with this new kitten. It was clear that she wanted him because sensed that he was healthier than her son. It was equally sad and amazing to witness!

We humans often underestimate animals, but they are far more intelligent and intuitive than we realize. This is why rescue work is so important! Had she been a stray mama cat she would likely have abandoned her unhealthy kitten and he wouldn’t have had a great chance at survival. But now, with the help of the rescue he was safe, well cared for and on his way to finding his forever home.

After Auntie Jana bathed the kitten she wrapped him up in a blanket, handed him to me and told me to think of a name for him. 

She instructed me to keep him close to my body, gave me a bottle of dewormer with syringes and a tube of eye ointment. When she mentioned that I needed to repeat the dewormer in two weeks I internally balked. I assumed that I would only be fostering him for a few nights. 'I’m gonna have the kitten for two weeks?!', I thought.

FOSTERING

Once I got him home, I quickly transferred him to a fresh, dry blanket and tucked him inside my sweatshirt as Auntie Jana instructed. 

He was trembling when I first zipped him up against my body, but as he fell asleep, his body began to still as he warmed up. He slept snuggled against my chest for two hours making contented sighs and squeaks every so often. I could only imagine his relief—no longer having to struggle for food, warmth, or safety. For the first time in who knows how long, he could truly relax.

I told myself not to look at him for too long, but in that moment with him being one with my body and looking down at his little head, it was hard not to begin to feel protective of him. From this day forward, he would never have to struggle or suffer again, and that made me so happy!

He only woke up because I handed him to Edward so that I could set up a new tent for him with a bed and fresh fleece blankets. In the chaos of trapping him, Fancy Feast juice and bits had splashed all over the previous tent. He woke up in the way a baby does when they are fully aware they’ve been handed over to a stranger. He stretched his tiny arms and let out a long squeak laced yawn. He squeak-mewed a few more times. I was busy setting up his new apartment, so I had my back to him, but when I turned around, he was sitting up in Edward’s arms giving me a look that said, “I was so warm and comfy. Why did you upset my sleeping arrangements?”

As someone who has shopped for our boys, Sylvester and Tom, in overabundance, I had more than enough supplies for the new kitten. I’d recently purchased an extra cat tent, that we didn’t need, simply because it was on sale and had a nice print - which is what became the kitten’s new home.

NAME 'IM

We introduced the kitten to his new toys and as Edward and I played with him we mulled over different name options to see what might suit him best. We considered naming him after a famous cartoon cat as we did with our boys, Tom & Sly. The kitten didn’t quite look like a Felix or a Garfield. Finally, I suggested naming him Keanu, after the star kitten in the Key & Peele movie. Yes, Keanu looked good on him, we agreed!

What fascinated me most about Keanu was watching his agility develop day by day. On his first day with us, he was a bit hesitant to explore and didn’t venture outside the comfort of the bathtub. But by the next day, he had already figured out how to climb out of the bathtub. 

With each day, his confidence grew. It was so cool watching him test his limits and push his boundaries, eventually making it all the way to the window sill.

He would later perform Houdini-like acts, escaping from blockades and obstacles stacked to prevent him from getting out of the bathroom or bedroom and sneaking into areas he wasn’t meant to explore.

THE FAIL

I should have known Keanu wasn’t moving out when I took him to the vet for his first check up. We dropped him off early in the morning before going to work, knowing he’d likely spend the entire day there until they called us to pick him up. As we walked away, Keanu sat up in his carrier, curiously watching us, and I felt a tug in my heart. I couldn’t leave without reassuring him over and over that I would see him later. I knew he didn’t understand what I was saying, but still, I wanted him to know that I wasn’t leaving him there.

Keanu had been quite sneezy and snotty, so I suspected he had a cold, which the vet confirmed. He was prescribed antibiotics and medications for three different parasites. Giving him the meds wasn’t fun for either of us. The first time, I gave him a grainy mixture, and (like a human baby) he spat it out so forcefully that it splattered everywhere, some of it landing on me. Although he scrunched up his tiny face in disgust, he was such a good boy about taking all of his medicine. Most of the time, I needed Edward to hold him while I administered the meds, but he was so well-behaved that I was eventually able to do it on my own. We made sure to reward him with something tasty after each unpleasant dose.

I should have known Keanu wasn’t moving out when his introductory post went up on the rescue’s social media page and I felt something heavy sink inside of me. Edward had already decided that he wanted to keep Keanu, but I was trying to be strong and logical so I was in denial about my growing feelings for him. 

I really should have known Keanu wasn’t moving out when Auntie Jana asked if I could bring him to an upcoming adoption event and I felt a wave of sadness engulf me. I spent the entire next day at work unsuccessfully choking back tears. By the time I left the office, my throat ached from trying to hold it together, but as soon as I stepped outside, I completely broke down. My heart was breaking at the thought of having to give him up.

Tom and Sylvester were such a perfect pair of sweet goodness and we really didn’t need another cat. I didn’t want to disrupt the perfect balance that we had. And then came the work of introducing them, which was unfamiliar territory for me and there was no telling how long it would take or how well it would go. I'd read online that it could take up to a year. We already had a lot going on and throwing a new cat into the mix was not a part of the plan. It was all scary and overwhelming.

But Keanu was such a good, sweet and special baby. I really tried not to get attached, but with spending so much time with him and nursing him to optimal health, it was hard not to fall in love with him. I just felt like weeping (and I did) whenever I pictured handing him over to a new family. In the end, Edward made the executive decision and, in relief, my heart gladly followed.

Needless to say, we’re not cut out for fostering; and I wish we were because we could help so many cats in need. But my heart just can’t handle it.

Despite the anxious turmoil I put myself through, Keanu settled in quite nicely with our family. He was thrilled (so thrilled) to meet his new big brothers and to be with his own kind. 

 

Although I was initially concerned about how Tom and Sylvester would respond to the new addition, it did take some time, but the introductions went much smoother than I anticipated. I was mostly worried about Tom, who, like his mother, is very protective of his space - hence his nickname, The House Manager. 

While The House Manager did need to establish some boundaries with a few hisses and swats, he did a great job teaching Keanu how to cat (though Keanu still enjoys testing those boundaries).

Keanu has remained just as (if not more) chatty as he was when I first met him in the courtyard. It’s our favorite thing about him! His little voice is ever-present in our home whether he is engaging us in conversation, excited over meal time, narrating his adventures as he zooms through the apartment, literally bouncing off the walls, or simply saying hello.

Though an oops baby cat was in no way a part of our plans, we’re so glad that Keanu has found his forever with us! Watching him grow from a frightened, lost kitten to a confident, chatty, and playful young cat has been one of the most heartwarming and rewarding experiences of my life. I can't help but smile every time I hear his little voice, knowing he’s happy and safe now. So, while I’m not cut out for fostering, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience of helping Keanu find his forever home with us.

The work of organizations, like Advocat Rescue, is truly invaluable! These organizations step in when animals need it most, offering them a chance at a better life. Their efforts ensure that kittens and cats alike have a fighting chance at finding love and a forever home. I deeply respect their hard work, and encourage everyone to support them as their compassion and commitment are what make rescue missions a reality.

WAYS TO HELP

Adopt, Don’t Shop

• Give a kitten a forever home: Adopt a kitten from a shelter or rescue organization instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. This helps reduce the demand for kitten mills and gives a homeless kitten a second chance.

Foster

• Provide temporary care: If you’re able, fostering kittens helps them get the care, attention, and socialization they need until they are old enough or healthy enough for adoption. It can be a life-saving step for kittens who need extra care.

Spay and Neuter

• Prevent overpopulation: Spaying and neutering is essential in controlling the pet population. It helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the number of kittens in shelters, and can improve the health and behavior of cats.

Donate

• Financial or material support: Donate to animal shelters, rescue groups, and spay/neuter organizations. Your donations can help cover medical care, food, and other essential supplies for kittens in need.
• Donate supplies: Shelters often need food, litter, blankets, toys, and other pet supplies. Even small contributions can make a huge difference in their daily operations.

Rescue

• Save a life: If you come across a kitten in need, consider rescuing it and getting it to a shelter, foster home, or veterinary care. Your efforts can save a kitten's life.
• By adopting, fostering, donating, or taking other actions to help kittens, you're contributing to their well-being and supporting the reduction of the homeless pet population.