An Amazing Mother Cat

   A few months ago, a skinny, skittish, spotted cat darting through our yard caught our eye. Then we saw her small kittens dive under our shed. The whole family appeared skinny, starving, and feral. The next day, Mama noticed my husband outside. Instead of heading straight to her babies, she took a wide detour, clearly trying not to reveal their hiding place.

   A couple of days later, Mama sat below our window gazing up at us with striking blue eyes and meowing softly. It seemed this mama cat was so concerned about her babies that despite her fear, she bravely approached us for help. All she wanted was food for her family. While the kittens eagerly devoured the food we left out, Mama always sat back and watched, never taking a bite, even though her ribs and spine were painfully visible. That’s when we made sure to give them enough food so that Mama could eat too. One time since Mama and her daughter were too frightened to come to the food bowl, one of the braver kittens carried a piece of meat to each of them. As far as we know, Mama only caught two tiny birds, but she always carried them home to her babies. Maybe she’s not the best hunter, but she’s an impressive, devoted mama.

   Taken through a window on a gloomy day, the photo doesn’t capture the vivid blue of her eyes. That’s her blue-eyed kitten with her. Has anyone ever seen a spotted cat with blue eyes before? I can’t help but wonder what kind of cat Mama might be. Someone guessed that she’s part Ragdoll. Ragdoll cats were given that name because they go limp like a ragdoll when you pick them up. They are all still too untrusting of us to pick up. Hopefully, we can soon.