I mentioned Keekee in my post about Kali so I though he would be the next one to be written about. He was the king of the underfooters. Sometimes I think he taught the other cats how to do it properly so they only slowed me down and didn't get stepped on.
We actually captured him as a feral cat (wild). He was living near the apartment complex that where in at the time. My neighbor and I tried tranquilizing him and catching him in humane cages to no avail. Finally, we used food to get him inside our apartment and shut the door so he couldn't get out. He was royally ticked. He went and hid in my bathroom. After awhile I went in with my cat cage and oven mits. I have never seen such an angry cat. He wanted to take me apart. I managed to get him in the to box and to the vet's office without injury to either one of us. When I picked him up his cage was marked not to touch him. He apparently tried to rip someone's hand off. They couldn't believe I was taking this cat home.
After arriving home I let him wander around for awhile and we left. He hid in our closet. When we returned my husband petted him for the first time. Keekee liked it so much he pushed hard against his hand and almost fell of the box he was sitting on. It was funny. (BTW I think it's a myth that all cats know how to use a litter box because I had to keep putting him in it so he would learn what the darn thing was for.) From that day on he trusted us completely.
Shortly after he was diagnosed with FIV and a year later diabetes. He had to have insulin shots everyday for monthes and then he just threw off the diabetes. Cats can do that. My vet never could believe he had been feral because he became so loving and docil. He would just sit there and let them draw blood without getting upset about it. He loved the other cats in our house and became pseudo daddy to Kali's kittens. Sandi was his favorite.
He passed away a year and half ago after he developed a hyperthyroid.
4 comments:
What a sweetie! He looks pretty cozy :)
It wasn't just your vet. I remember when you were hunting this feral cat to try to get him to the vet. He was so wild that he scared you. And then you kept him?!?!
I'm so glad you did. He would have died alone and miserable out there on his own. Instead he lived a long, healthy, happy life with people who loved him. In return he gave you his undying loyalty, love and companionship.
I think feral cats are just like that. Othello was so little when they found him that I think all he remembers is being afraid all the time and losing his mother when he was too little to wean. He still behaves like he's just plain grateful not to have been left out there, much less have people who love him and care for him.
yeah well he did try to rip my arm off. Something just told me he would be okay, and he was. I guess I just have a soft spot for the unwanted cats. Nobody wanted Gizmo either (her pic is on upthroughthetrees) but she loved kids. Who wouldn't want a cat that loves kids. Go figure.
Othello was such a lucky little kitten. You guys took him in and spoiled him rotten. He is so sweet.
Anybody who's dealt with kittens knows cats aren't born knowing what a litter box is for.
Beautiful picture! You both look soooooo sweet. Cheryl, you're such a neat person! I'm so glad we're together again!
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