Saturday, 27th January
I never thought Id see the day when Id be so utterly rejected tossed aside like an old jumper that no longer fits. After a decade spent living with my family, I simply became surplus to requirements.
It was the doctors suggestion, apparently. The arrival of their newborn meant that my fur mightjust mighttrigger some allergy. And that vague little might was enough to seal my fate.
No-one wants to take in an old tomcat of ten years. So, he the man I once called my person simply carried me out. No remorse, no dramatic farewells. Just left me in the next road along. In the freezing cold, with my paws sinking into snowdrifts and the bitter wind biting through to my bones. I knew the way back, of course but I doubted Id survive the night. The forecast mentioned a proper frost.
Chilled logic and cold calculation, thats all.
Had fate not stepped in, I probably wouldnt be writing this now. But as I shivered, preparing myself to simply give up, I sensed something tiny and warm nearby.
It took real effort to move, but I managed to peer down, startled. There, huddled together, were two minuscule balls of fluff with wide, trusting eyes gazing right at me.
Oh, marvellous, I thought. Even dying requires an audience now. What have I done to deserve this particular sentence?
Kittens. Theyd been dumped as well. Two helpless kits, abandoned to the same icy fate. Heaven knows why. But now the reality was this: if I gave in, they wouldnt stand a chance. Theyd freeze to death beside my lifeless body.
So, I set to work, flexing my frozen paws, pulling the shivering pair close and licking their matted fur with numb determination. They pressed into me desperately, as if I were more than just a foster mum I was their ticket to survival.
Well, thats me well and truly caught, I sighed.
My stomach twisted with hunger. The poor little things must have felt far worse. Limping, I left them tucked in the snow and found my way to a set of bins behind a block of flats. Somehow, I scavenged a few bits of congealed burger and some scraps of chicken, which I ferried back to the kittens, letting them eat till they were full, finishing the remains myself. Fed, they curled up beneath me, started to purr, and drifted instantly to sleep.
I dozed off despite myself, only to wake to the sound of voices.
Mum! Dad! Look! Theres a cat here with kittens!
I nearly snorted. Of course a mummy cat, obviously
But the girl was not one to walk away. Ten minutes later, she came back, holding a bag that smelled gloriously of roast chicken and an old but wonderfully warm blanket. By then, the three of us had moved from shivering on bare ground to nestling on a comforting bed.
An hour later, she returned with her dad. He lugged over a homemade little hut, fashioned from what looked like old cabinets. A sign, written in thick red marker, was pinned to the front: DO NOT TOUCH OR MOVE WE FEED THEM FLAT 22.
That evening, neighbours arrived one after the other, dropping off tins of cat food, leftovers, even tubs of baby food. For a few hours, kindness seemed to sweep across the whole building.
The next morning, the girl and her father visited our cat mum and kittens again. This time, full to bursting, the kittens couldnt quite make it to me they collapsed midway, fast asleep.
That evening, when the family came back, the kittens dashed to the girl, chirping their welcome.
I watched from inside the makeshift house, yawning. No urge to approach. Id been betrayed before, and I couldnt let myself trust again.
Mum, the girl protested, you havent fed the kittens mum. She needs dinner too
Oh, now really, her mother waved her off, shes an adult, shell cope.
What do you mean, mum? Thats a tom, not a queen! her father chuckled.
Dont be daft, she frowned, just look at him, the way he cares, licking them like that obviously their mum
Her father grinned. Look closer hes not got the look of a mum, or, well, any signs of feeding kittens!
Her mother squatted, peered more carefully, and then, extending a cautious hand, stroked my belly. I twitched away, offering her my haughtiest glare.
Oh my goodness she breathed. Hes truly a tom.
I resisted the urge to purr at her incredulity.
So, you mean you you sat out here all night, in all this cold, caring for these babies? Warming them, feeding them?
I remained unmoved. Her words meant next to nothing. All I wanted now was to find a home for the kits, then slip away quietly when the time was right.
But life had other plans.
She didnt leave. Instead, she began to cry.
Mum, sniffled the girl, clutching the kittens close, he mustve had a real home before. Someone just abandoned him recently
Yes, I think so, her father agreed gently. Someone thought he was nothing. But instead of lying down to die, he became their mother. Hes put his own life on hold for someone elses kits.
Are you TRYING to make me cry? her mothers voice trembled.
Just stating the facts, he shrugged.
She knelt down, gently gathered me up, and wrapped me in her arms.
I tensed, fully expecting to bolt but instead, a soft meow rumbled up, and I started to purr! I had no idea why.
I suspected theyd just feed me up, clean me, and toss me out again. But
They whisked me into the bathroom. Washed me with decent shampoo. I mewled my outrage, but the girl and her mum cooed calm words until I relaxed.
Then came a fluffy towel, a plush sofa, delicious, warm food. The kittens, as always, burrowed underneath me and slept.
A proper hero, the mother whispered, stroking my back. Not even every human would do what youve done
Sycophant, I yawned. Oh well. Perhaps Ill scratch someone later.
But, instead of scratching, I just purred. The girl giggled and squeezed me gently.
Oh, alright then, I mused. Maybe I wont scratch them after all. Maybe these people are alright.
I licked my kittens as they slept, the woman dabbing her eyes again.
Funny things, humans. First they scrub you clean, then they weep over you. Must be their guilty conscience.
I fell into a deep, contented sleep with my kittens. What I didnt know then was this: the mother had once insisted that no stray families ever come into her home. Thats why the hut was built by the father and daughter instead.
Now, all three of us me, and the kittens slumbered together in our soft, makeshift nest.
And the family hovered nearby, quietly watching the old tomcat who seemed, in that moment, to have more kindness than most people.
But at least we didnt just walk on by, did we? the girl whispered.
Her parents only nodded, silently.
Perhaps this really was the best thing weve all done in a long, long time.
