Kelly has been eating very well.
This was yesterday’s dinner, photo sent by the guard.
Last night, a kind neighbour decided to try caging Kelly in her house which is nearby the guardhouse. She also has other cats. Her intentions were good, to keep Kelly safe at night. But Kelly did not pee or poo all night. I shared with this neighbour that the same happened when Kelly was in my house the night after her surgery. She isn’t comfortable enough to pee or poo in a strange surrounding, especially one with other cats; she is happier being a lone cat. So this morning, I went to take Kelly back to the guardhouse.
Kelly was so, so happy to be back “home”. She struggled free from my arms as we approached and ran straight to the guardhouse, first to eat and then, quickly to the grass to do a long pee.
See? She can only pee on her grass. In her own area. She’s got a life here where she is happy.
Her scratching “post”.
So happy to be back in familiar surroundings.
Kelly has the day and night guards (there is a rotation, but at least two guards are very fond of her) looking after her. She takes shelter and siestas at the VIP’s house. He does not mind her as long as she doesn’t keep giving birth. There will be ample food for her because I’ll ensure there is a supply.
All is well.
Sometimes, in helping street animals (or any animal for that matter), it is not about doing things or forcing them to behave in a way that we want. It is trying to understand what makes them happy and doing our best to facilitate their happiness. The only “interference” we do is to get them neutered or medically treated if required. Of course they might not understand that all this is done for their own good, but in Kelly’s case, perhaps she really understands?
She wanted to follow me back home again this morning, but I told her to stay at the guardhouse. Later, as we drove past, Kelly had already gone to the VIP’s house. The guard said, “Sudah makan kenyang, dia pergi rumah Dato”.
She has a life there. She’s happy.
Animals live in the present moment.
CNRM= Care-Neuter-Return-Manage. It starts with C=Caring.
Not all adult street cats want to be rehomed or confined in a house. Some just prefer to be free. This is part of caring too – respecting the animal’s wish to be free.
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