Bermuda Cats: Adoption Stories

Cosie's Story

By Jewels

This is the story of how I met my best friend and a very important member of our family. I have always been a cat lover ( all animals in fact) and when I finally moved into a place where I could have a pet again, after many years, I headed for the local no-kill cat shelter.

I had already decided that I would allow a cat to choose me. Animals have better instincts than people and I knew my cat would find me. I feared if I spent too much time there and played with too many cats I would fall in love with them all.

So I decided the first cat to attach itself to me, would go home with me. I did not care whether it was male or female or it's color. I did want an older cat because I know kittens find homes easier....... But adult cats have a harder time being adopted.

This is my feelings about kittens; they are adorable and simply irresistible. Plus kittenhood only lasts about 6 to 9 months. They are adults for 90 % of their lives. If you adopt a kitten, it is going to become an adult cat before long. So why not choose a fully grown cat .

I walked into the shelter and there were about 40 cats roaming about freely. It is entirely run and supported by volunteers. And unless a cat is ill, none are euthanized. So you feel a little less guilty about not taking them all home. If they are never adopted, they will live out there lives there. It is better to have a home to call their own. But they are well cared for and have lots of feline company.

A cat did attach itself to me before too long. So I said okay ,I will take that one! Other than noticing it was black I did not take the time to look too closely. Black cats also have a harder time being adopted. A cat is a cat no matter the color of it's fur. And the beauty of glossy ebony fur in the sunshine, where you can see the highlights, is the best light for them.

I was not too concerned about much except that the cat was healthy and not too old ( for my own selfish reasons I wanted many years with my new friend). I did take her to the vet to be checked out. But all of the animals there were healthy and very well cared for and had been socialized. Any sick or injured cats were quarantined or taken home for foster care.

After the cat was in the carrier, and crying very loudly, I learned her story. And it was a sad one. She was about two years old, female and she had been found wandering and pregnant, at about 9 months of age on the grounds of a local monastery. One of the nuns of the cloistered community called the rescue group.

I very much doubt she wandered all the way to this isolated community. She was dumped off! One of the volunteers took her home to have her kittens and she was such a good mother that she ended up a foster mom to some kittens whose mother rejected them. Well all of the kittens were adopted and mom was to spend almost a year at the shelter before I claimed her for my own.

The next part I tell you not to scare you off, but to show how with a little patience and caring, the shyest most traumatized animal can become a loving pet. And for the individuals willing to take the risk, your hard work will be justly rewarded by years of unconditional love.

We brought her home and she hid under the bed for two weeks only coming out when no one was around. I would sit on the bed and talk to her, reaching my hand under the bed. She would rub her head against my hand and let me pet her but she was not ready to come out yet. I did not force the issue.

She did finally come out, but winning her trust would take time. She had obviously been abused and did not trust humans. When entering a room she would scope out the quickest escape route. She woofed down her food, looking over her shoulder the whole time. She would not enter her litter box if anyone was in the room and if you surprised her while she was in there she would come tearing out.

When you would lift your hand to pet her, she would cower like you were going to hit her. It all just broke my heart, but she was the sweetest, gentlest, most affectionate little cat and she had already stolen my heart. I was determined to do my best to make up for the abuse she had suffered at the hands of my own kind ( humans).

Slowly she came around, I taught her it was okay to get on the furniture ( her previous owners must not have allowed it). It took 6 months to a year before she would finally sleep on my bed. It was all worth it, as far as I am concerned!!!

Her name at the shelter was Amethyst. Perfect for a gem lover like me. But too long and fussy for a cat. I decided on Cosette because she reminded me of the little waif on the Les Miserables poster. It was shortened to Cosie.

Cosie has been with us for almost 9 years, so she is approximately 11 years old. She becomes more loving as she ages. She follows me from room to room when I am home. When she sees I am leaving she looks so sad! She waits in the window for me to return and greets me at the door. And she is such a pretty little thing, with a little pot belly. From going hungry as a kitten, she has a bit of an obsession with food. But don't we all like to eat!

She has matured into a true cat; bossy, demanding and spoiled rotten. She is very vocal when she is displeased or wants something. But her purring is equally loud when she is contented.

So let me say once again that if have room in your heart for a shyer, older, slightly neurotic pet, take a chance..... With time you will have a friend for life. And we will prove that most humans are good people.