Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens (Thursday - April 22, 2010)

Carolyne has been very responsible for the four little kittens that were dumped off here at the marina in January of this year. She has accompanied them to the vet, fed and cleaned up after them. She helped to adopt two of them out. The largest male, Stripes, was unfortunately found dead on the outskirts of the marina and there is speculation that he was poisoned. But no one really knows. Therefore, only one kitty remains... the one Carolyne calls ‘Blackie’... even though she is blackie and whitie. That’s when all the trouble started.

Bags of cat food began suddenly appearing on the deck of the boat. As we walked down the docks we would be greeted by friends and then asked if we were going to adopt the little cat. The pressure mounted. I was adamant that we would not get another pet. I told Jim I didn’t want a cat. I don't want to deal with a litter box, cat hair, and cat poopie smells. I don't want to deal with cat expenses. I don't want to deal with hurt black-n-white dog feelings when cute black-n-white cat has moved in. So far, I don't see an advantage to getting a cat.

Finally, it happened. Cruiser Bill stopped by and said he was really concerned. Bill has three strays aboard his boat. "The cruiser masses are dwindling as weather is turning hot," he said. "The big cats are feral... they can fend for themselves. But I’m worried about the little kitten. She has been raised by Carolyne and can’t take care of herself."

I asked Bill if he was a used car salesman in another life. I also explained my very valid reasons for NOT wanting a cat. I am not shrinking or feeling guilty in the least. I don't want a cat and no one can pressure me into it.

"Meri, I’m concerned she’ll be poisoned... seriously."

Okay, that did it.

Jim and I discussed taking the kitty on a trial basis. All of a sudden we had cruisers bringing us gifts: litter box, free litter, free food, more free food, cat shampoo (right), flea and tick spray, Advantage flea oil, toys, a cat harness...

"People, I said this was a trial," but I don’t think they heard me.

MERI's "I DON'T WANT A KITTY" LOG

DAY ONE: We explain to Carolyne that this is a trial... meaning a test. She is delirious with happiness. I still don’t want a cat. We keep Kitty confined to the aft head until she acclimates. I am pretty sure this is not going to work out. Kitty is an outdoor cat and likley can't be trained. At least we will have made an effort.

DAY TWO: Kitty sleeps in poop-box and uses her bed as litter box... she is confused. Her bed has to be thrown away. When Jim starts the engine this morning, the scared Kitty poops on Jim’s pillow. This isn’t looking promising. Carolyne is in tears. She cleans up after kitty and is told that kitty may be too wild to keep. Carolyne handles it well and she says she understands. The kitty has one more chance.

DAY THREE: Kitty uses litter box all day and sleeps in her cat-bed-basket since her first bed had to be thrown away. She’s on to me! Curses! Tim might be having allergies due to kitty. We are watching closely. We can’t keep the kitty aboard if Tim is allergic.

DAY FOUR: Kitty is playful... kitty purrs. She is so cute. Tim seems better. The litterbox isn't that bad and Carolyne is cleaning up after her well.

DAY FIVE: I think the kitty is comfortable and I’ve caught Jim cuddling her and talking baby talk. She seems completely litter box trained. Tim seems fine. Carolyne is doing a good job of cleaning up after and feeding kitty.

All I have to say is that I hope I get a free pass to Heaven for this.