My Cat, My Rescue Friend

I'm not sure where Firestar had his beginnings, so in a way, this is a bit of fiction. Roughly two years ago, I found him napping on the back porch kitty condo. A long- haired cat, he was skin and bones under the fur. The look he gave me was confused and concerned. I reached my hand out slowly - he allowed petting. A grumbly sort of purr came from him as he realized there was hope for another home after a time in the wilder farm country of Nevada.

I set some cool water and wet kitty food out for him to try. The family cat, Jet, wasn't all too sure about sharing his space, but once he figured out his dish and water bowl weren't being used for this orange stranger who had just shown up, Jet pretty much ignored all that was happening.

We all know cats own a family. I realized that the orange cat was loved by someone, and placed fliers on poles and at the shops in town. The animal shelter reported one cat matching the description had been reported as lost, but that family had found their cat. Soon summer turned to winter. The cat showed no sign of moving on. I named him after one of the cats in the Warriors series by Erin Hunter, one of my favorite sets of books that, fortunately, keeps adding generations and new stories.

Firestar is a joy to have. His voice is deep and gravelly, and his purr still is grumbly. He enjoys climbing things, and especially likes to leap on top of things. It's not unusual to see him sunning himself on the roof or the car. Now that summer's here, he is a bit more cautious where he puts his paws. The garden spot really attracts his attention, as it is cool during the day. Naturally inquisitive, he continually checks what each member of his family is doing and to see if he can help in anyway. He especially likes to help when I am typing.

Firestar - get away from the keyboard - oh, okay, type your say.

"Hi, readers. I'm Firestar. With today's economy, more and more loved pets are being given up or left behind because there is no money and the family is without a home for them. You can help by adopting a homeless animal, or contributing to rescue groups, or volunteering at your local SPCA or animal shelter. Thanks for listening."

Well, gosh, he said what I was going to say. We look forward to more years with this good cat, who adopted not only the human members of the family, but two dogs, many goats, and a half-Siamese black cat who thinks he's the boss of everyone!