Latest installment of volunteer Gilla Gidlow's tour of the kitties at The Great Kitty Rescue. This time we are going into building 9.
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To get to know the cats, I have had the help of the wonderful caregivers who volunteer and work at the Great Kitty Rescue in Pahrump. Linda pictured here with Pollylooks after buildings eight and nine where the cats have even more obstacles to overcome in finding a home. Number nine, with 14, has the FIV positive cats, while number eight houses the 22 fe-leuk positive cats in residence.

I met Linda and she introduced me to the cats in nine, where I was going to clean, feed and socialize. When I asked Linda where she was from, she told me that she lived just two miles away. While cuddling Orbit, she said that she had no idea this place was here until Best Friends stepped in and made the conditions public.

Linda’s face, so full of love and hope, was suddenly shadowed by remembrance of the terrible conditions she had seen. Gazing out into the compound where, just a few months before, all these sweet cats had been fighting for survival, she said: “This will not happen again - we will be watching!”

Kitties of Cat House Nine:

Orbit



Always circling wanting lots of attention and love, is perfectly named. While I was with Snow, a gorgeous, shy and still-a-bit-hissy, one eyed, Siamese-cross boy, Orbit came visiting. He rubbed on my face and demanded that my other hand get busy loving him. Although still reluctant to stay on your lap, Orbit is not shy in asking for attention. But in time he will surely be a lap cat and be spending lots of time being close.

Dexter



Dexter is a gorgeous tuxedo boy who craved attention; and while I worked away cleaning, talking and petting the cats, he stayed just an arm’s length away, always ready for a stroke or two. This sweet feline has an open and handsome face that shows such emotion--from joy and love to sadness. Lying down he looks a little sad but the next moment he’ll stretch his feet, and reach for me.

Pacific



Pacific is a handsome tabby, still young and too busy to do a lot of cuddling. He likes a nice pet, but will soon be off to go and play with the toys on the floor. For a while, the mice are flying and the balls are rolling all over. Then, he settles in front of a window and enjoys the warm sunshine.


Patch



Patch was named for the black patch over his left eye and I would call this big boy rugged. His face shows the signs of sorrow and suffering. He likes to lie on the top shelf and to visit with him requires a bit of stretching, but it is well worth the effort. Petting close to his head and stroking the bridge of his nose brings pleasure to those sad eyes.

Pink



Pink is a sleek black beauty with the prettiest golden eyes. She wears a pink collar so it is hard to forget her name. She was a bit coy the first day I met her. I reached for her and she would always move on, so all I ever achieved was a quick pet on her back. She likes to get to know who’s petting her. On my second day visiting, Pink really warmed up to me and we had lovely cuddles. This sweet lady will need a quiet, patient home but she will soon warm up to her new family.

River



River is such a pretty grey tabby lady with a bit of white on her chin and chest. She is the kind of cat who always has a worried look on her face and you wonder what she thinks about. Give this beauty a pet and make her forget her past sorrows. She loves to cuddle. Sitting on your lap, she’ll move with a stroking hand while her face softens.

Snow



Snow, a handsome Siamese boy, must have been through a lot. His right eye has been removed and the left blue eye glares with such suspicion, ears down and body pressed into the pillow. Approach Snow and he threatens with a hiss, but don’t be intimidated. A quick stroke and he relaxes and stops the hissing. I spent hours with this little fellow, just stroking and talking; he is making progress: getting more and more relaxed and less hostile. I hope soon I can see this handsome boy come around see him with his head up, confident and happy and ready to find a loving home.

Houdini



Houdini, a tuxedo, has a name that fits, sadly. He lies on the bare shelf and seems to want to make himself disappear. He seems healthy enough and, despite never moving during the day, he must come down during the night to eat and drink and use the litter box.

When Linda cuddles him, he seems to enjoy the attention; but she since he never socializes with the other cats, she is worried that, more than fearing humans, he is scared of other cats. Perhaps you are without a companion at the moment, but have a home and a heart full of love. This boy needs you!

Story and photos by Gilla Gidlow[i]
[i]Pacific photo by Troy Snow

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