Thought I would share a story about one of my special feline friends. I have four indoor cats (3 male, 1 female) that have shared our home for a few years now. But, after a recent move, we had a MaMa Katt to adopt us and grace us with a beautiful litter of kittens in our garage. She has been spayed and there will be no more kittens from her. We have elected to keep the two remaining kittens (the other 3 were placed in loving homes) and they are about 4 months old now. She is a marvel to watch and it amazes me how she teaches them everything they need to know in order to grow into ferocious felines.

So as not to upset my indoor cats, the new additions to the family sleep in the garage which has been outfitted with toys, beds, litter boxes and a vast array of wet and dry food bowls. There is a kitty door installed on the garage door and they are able to come and go as they like. I have been bringing the kittens inside in the evenings for a few hours before bedtime, so that I may enjoy their antics. On one occasion, I was putting the kittens in the garage for the night and right in the middle of the carpet (yes, I have put a large carpet in the garage for them) there was a mouse, but MaMa was nowhere to be seen. Charlie (female kitten) Instinctively knew that MaMa had brought her this present and joyfully jumped and grabbed the poor rodent in her mouth. She proceeded to toss him in the air and play before she devoured him. I watched for a minute and wondered why the other kitten did not try to take the morsel away. Suddenly MaMa rushed in through the kitty door with an equally tantalizing treat for Max (male kitten) who repeated the playful antics of his sister. MaMa sat back proudly and watched her offspring enjoying their gifts as if they were children opening presents on Christmas morning. These gifts arrive regularly and in more active states in order to create avid hunters.

I am amazed daily by MaMa's nurturing and teaching techniques and hope she graces me with her presence for a long time.

Copyright © Cheryl Valadez
February 2, 1998