Last year, way back when we first joined Weekend Cat Blogging, we introduced everyone to Pumpkin and Muffin, two cats that were homeless. They've been the neighborhood cats for quite some time, and mom and some other people feed them. Mom worried about Pumpkin, because he has arthritis and can't run good. She tried to make him an indoor cat years ago, but he wouldn't have that. This week mom took him to the vet because his foot was injured, and he was having trouble walking. The foot was swollen and looked like someone had been hitting it with a hammer. But, mom and the vet think he climbed up in the hood of a car, to keep warm, and the fan belt injured him when the car turned on. This is a very dangerous thing for kitties, and happens a lot. Many are maimed or killed when that happens.
Once Pumpkin came back from the vet, mom put him in the Green Room (also known as the squirrel nursery). He's now an indoor cat, and he's very happy. He kneads the bed constantly, making biscuits. And he never stops purring. We're going to try and get Muffin to come live inside, but she is too scared right now.
Mom still misses Sundance A LOT. So, I think it makes her feel sad and happy, all at the same time, to have another yellow cat.
This week, WCB is being host by Samantha and Tigger at Life From A Cat's Perspective. You gotta go to their blog and check out the singing cats! And don't forget Bad Kitty Cats Festival Of Chaos, The Carnival Of Cats, The Friday Ark.
Oh, I'm so HAPPY for you and Pumpkin! Yay!!!
Posted by: Jenn | December 15, 2007 at 03:19 AM
This would be why I currently have 8 cats. I keep being told that I need to find homes for some of them, but who do you decide to let go? Once they cross the threshold, they become apart of my family. ;)
Posted by: k | December 15, 2007 at 05:40 AM
Lucky kitty! The car thing is really a big problem.
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | December 15, 2007 at 06:29 AM
Jenn,
We are happy too. He's very sweet and so happy to be out of the cold.
K,
I hear you! I once had 7 cats, all cast-offs or ones I inherited. I never got rid of any of them. How could I?
Tanna,
Yes, it's a terrible problem. They say to thump your hood before you get in the car to scare any cats out, but that doesn't always work.
Posted by: sher | December 15, 2007 at 08:40 AM
I am such a softie for Ginger cats. What a blessing for Pumpkin, and for you. How is Upsie dealing with it all??
Posted by: Kate | December 15, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Sher, Pumpkin is gorgeous--what a look on his face in that second photo!--and incredibly lucky to have someone like you take him in. If I were a stray cat, I would probably find myself drawn to your backyard by the magnet force of your compassion and generosity.
Posted by: Shannon | December 15, 2007 at 11:20 AM
You are such a kind person! I'm glad to see that you are taking care of Pumpkin... He's such a beautiful kitty!
Cheers,
Rosa
Posted by: Rosa | December 15, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I know that must have been tough on you after losing Sundance, but it's so wonderful that you have opened up your home to Pumpkin- what a beautiful cat!
((((HUGS))))
Posted by: Jennifer | December 15, 2007 at 04:00 PM
Oh I am so happy Pumpkin is inside, and he sure does look a lot like Sundance. I miss Sundance too, and it makes me happy that to see Pumpkin. I am glad Pumpkin likes his binkie and kneads it! Meow!
Posted by: kitikata-san | December 16, 2007 at 06:21 AM
This is making me so happy to hear!!!!
Pumpkin seems to be such a gorgeous cat, I am glad he can live safely now and is content being inside!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Karl
Posted by: The Cat Realm | December 16, 2007 at 08:15 AM
Such a sweet little freckle-nose. I'm glad he's safe and warm inside now.
Posted by: Zazzy | December 16, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Am so glad u are both taking good care of Pumpkin. Hope Muffin comes in soon.
Posted by: boo_licious | December 16, 2007 at 03:18 PM
dear sher,
this is an awesome story, and it proves that you not only got your good looks from your mom but her enormous heart!
love to all kitties and the humans who are blessedly conscious enough to be kind to them.
d
Posted by: whaleshaman | December 16, 2007 at 07:34 PM
Aw, bless, pumpkin looks like a really sweet cat.
Posted by: jennywenny | December 16, 2007 at 08:46 PM
What a wonderful Christmas gift to give. Bless you. : )
Posted by: John | December 17, 2007 at 06:02 AM
I'm so glad Pumpkin came inside. Hopefully Muffin will follow soon.
I hate that cats have to live outside, thanks to human irresponsibility. There's a kitty in our neighborhood who crouches at the foundation of an older woman's house (this woman feeds the feral cats in our area) trying to stay warm. It breaks my heart. I *so* want to bring her inside. I think my destiny is in some way going to have to do with animals.
Thank you for the sweet pictures!
Posted by: anne | December 17, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Pumpkin! My boyfriend's parents have an orange cat named pumpkin, only she's about 15 pounds heavier than this pumpkin, if you can believe that.
I'm so glad you guys are taking car of cute little Pumpkin.
Posted by: Katoe | December 17, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Kate,
Upsie is fine with it, because she can try and steal his food! She thinks it's great! :)
Shannon,
Aww, thank you! He really is happy now--making bisquits all the time.
Rosa,
He is very handsome. And his personality has bloomed since he came inside.
Jennifer,
Thank you. I do think of Sundance when I look at Pumpkin. I think Sundance would have liked him.
Kitikata-san,
Pumpkin LOVES his binkie...and his comforter! :):)
The Cat Realm,
Karl, Pumpkin is doing so well here. He was often aloof when he was outdoors, but he's Mr. Lovable now! Shows how much cats want a home.
Zazzy,
I also feel better now that he's inside. I'm not worried anymore.
boo-licious,
Muffin has come in!!! She's still a little nervous, but I think she likes it.
Whaleshaman,
Thank you D. I just hope I don't turn out to be one of those women who hoards cats!!!!!!!
Jennywenny,
He is, truly!!! :)
John,
Glad to hear from you! And thank you.
Anne,
I know, it's so sad to see how many animals are without homes, forced to fend for themselves, in awful circumstances.
Katoe,
I wish I could be like this Pumpkin. He's the kind of cat that never eats too much. His sister, on the other hand, would eat until she could barely walk!
Posted by: sher | December 17, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Sher -
You're the cat whisperer. People like you renew my faith in social life.
Posted by: e | December 19, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Welcome to your new home, Pumpkin
Posted by: Glenna | December 20, 2007 at 05:22 AM
i remember pumpkin, look at that marmalade face! cute. it's so dangerous out there in the world for little kitties. i know how hard it was with sundance. be sweet to the orange one upsie ;)
Posted by: aria | December 21, 2007 at 05:34 AM
Congrats on the new addition! Pumpkin is such a gorgeous kitty, and I hope Muffin follows her lead. It angers me so much when people abandon their cats because they don't want to care for them anymore. The least they can do is take them to a shelter.
Posted by: kristi | December 21, 2007 at 03:06 PM