Last weekend, I was called to visit 2 new neighbourhood kitties, Stella and Luna. I LOVE meeting new cats and happily strolled over to my new client's house with visions of treat-giving, purr-receiving and general feline mushiness. Well, I meet Dad and looked around for my new charges but none were to be found. Stella, it seemed, was not in the mood for receiving visitors. She was hiding under the bed and wanted nothing to do with this newcomer, invading her personal space. Don't we all have our anti-social moments? Meeting this pretty tabby would have to wait. Dad then tells me the interesting tale of their other kitty, Luna, a cute little calico. Luna is an outdoor girl and I'll be lucky to even see her. Miss Luna has really never been a people kitty, polite but more of a wallflower than the belle of the ball, where humans are concerned. She started life on the street, had several litters of kittens and eventually got rescued (and spayed...yay!). Miss Luna then found her loving family and a comfortable home in Parkdale...she had it made! But, Luna is a free-spirit and it seemed she always longed for the outdoor life again. One day, she made a dash out the front door...."awwwwww, freedom!" she cried (I'm paraphrasing here, with Luna's permission). Mom and Dad were distressed and tried everything to get their wee gal back in the house but nothing worked. So, they reasoned that all they could do is leave food and water outside for her and hope for her return. And return she did but only for greetings, a little nosh and off she went again, travellin' on her mind, sometimes being away days at a time! She even made feline friends in the 'hood, most recently an orange tabby who caught her eye, it seems. A dapper dude, I'm sure!
So, I leave my Meet and Greet a little short on kitty love but always an optimist where cats are concerned. Cats are intelligent and perceptive creatures and always seem to come around when they are made to feel safe and loved. Luna and Stella might be a challenge but The Cat Woman of Roncesvalles would never shy away from that! Saturday morning comes...off I go to "really" meet the ladies. I turn onto their street and, lo and behold, there's pretty little Luna, sitting on her porch. I could not have gotten my camera (and treats) out faster if I tried! Snapped a pic, tossed out some kitty snacks and tried to get a little closer but the illusive Luna hi-tailed it under the porch. Still, I felt pleased with our meeting. Inside to see Stella now and I was surprised there too. Stella greets me at the door like I am her long lost best friend! Purrs, rubs and all kinds of chit chat. She's my little shadow as I make my way thru my tasks. She finally entices me to sit on the couch with her and she is THE ultimate lap cat. What a lovely visit and 2 more to go....yay!! Each day I visited, Stella got mushier and I got to see Luna more! Miss Luna even let me watch her eat breakfast on our last day together. Stella and Luna took me into their fold and I fell for them, hook, line and sinker. Thanks, ladies! Always such an honour to be accepted by a cat, isn't it?
