They arrived on 22nd of June 2008. We had told ourselves after the mayhem last year we were NOT going to go mad again, ha ha ha. After speaking to Sara, who runs the ACS cattery, and understanding how much pressure she was under (as well as having the cattery full to breaking point she had kittens in restriction crates in several rooms of the house) we offered to take some. The eight kittens came from the same farm but two different litters, 5½ & 4½ weeks old, four kittens in each. They were being kept in a filthy, cluttered garage and only fed dry food! Kittens that age barely have teeth so how exactly were they expected to eat that? When Sara went to pick them up they were in a cardboard box in the glaring sun with no water. There was also a third litter but these guys were much older so for the time being they were left - sounds awful but space is a huge commodity in animal rescue and we simply don't have enough for everyone. The left behind litter as far as we know were being vaccinated so they are likely destined to be rehomed.

So eight tiny kittens arrived, a mass of fur and fun and affection. They were in remarkably good nick considering with a few having slight sniffles and a couple of runny eyes, but nothing major. Juno & Bryn had been residing out at Jenni's and it seemed a good idea to put the whole lot together.  Bryn was delighted. Juno took a few days to settle in - and who could blame her! So nine kittens and Juno settled in to the bedroom and commenced to beat the shit out of each other and everything that got in their way. 

Through their month's stay here the Gods & Ewoks, Juno & Bryn were joined, at various times, by Sulphur, Oska, Leto and Einstein.  In the last week Einstein came down with flu after his vaccination and was, sadly, separated from the group to avoid spreading the disease - he'll go to the UK in a later trip with new companions. All the kittens integrated with little or no problem and they all get on a like a house on fire.

Baby Loki was the fourth in the tiniest litter, and the tiniest kitten of all. Sharing the tabby markings common in the group he had a distinctivelly attractive smattering of ginger. He shared Tara & Isis's gently affectionate natures. With his wide eyes and unfailing attention he pulled everyone's heartstrings and was Jenni's favourite.

But he didn't thrive. While the other kittens were going from strength to strength, growing in size and boldness, Little Loki remained tiny, placid and insubstantial; a small bundle of beautiful, tender skin and bones and fur. No sniffles, no obvious illness, just a slow fading away. There was nothing we could do for him and Loki died on the vets examination table on Friday 11th July 2008.

It's possible that, even with a healthy start in life, Loki would have died. It's just as, if not more, likely that any or all of the animal rights abuses that are endemic here contributed: the casual cruelty, the inbreeding that results from human guardians' indifference to neutering, the lack of care, the unhealthy diet ... I could go on.

Like all kittens, Loki was special. Like all the kittens we've been unable to save, he will be sorely missed and remembered with great affection.

Feather Fun

We've had this mass of furry friendliness and fun for over a month now and they've fair grown in that time; from teeny tiny wobbly things into solid, healthy, food-guzzling, attention-seeking, fun-finding furballs. They all have distinct personalities and likes and dislikes but all are extremely well socialised, adore each other and any human that comes to visit, love snuggling and play (the feathered stick is their very favourite, though they'll play with anything) - all in all a joy to be around.

I'd urge anyone adopting any kitten (not just these guys) to keep in mind that, despite cats' reputation as independent, they are very social beings. At this age they love the company of other kittens and two or more kittens homed together will grow up into the best of friends and companions - and they'll have each other when you're not home. It doesn't mean they'll love you any the less - they have more than enough affection and curiousity to go round!

If you want your kitten companion to be as happy as he or she can be, and you don't already have a cat at home to keep them company, please consider adopting at least two.

Sometimes it's obvious which kittens get on better with each other but this lot all get on like a house on fire. If any pairings have struck me it would be: Aries with Bryn, Zeus with Leto, Tara with Oska or Isis or Juno. But I think just about any pairings would work for these guys, they're all so good natured and affectionate.

As always we'd love to know how our kittens get on so please do get in touch if you adopt any of this lot and let us know they're well and happy. Also, if you want digital copies of any of their photos contact me at muriel@booksteps.ie.