Some of the people at the animal shelter do the strangest thing. I’ve lived on the streets for most of my life, and I haven’t been around humans much, so maybe this is typical, but I find it kind of weird.
After five years as a stray cat, I thought I’d seen it all, but when I came into the shelter, one of the staff members leaned against my head with their mouth and made this weird smacking sound.
I think one of them called it a kiss.
Humans are so bizarre.
Most of them when I was on the street didn’t give me the time of day, which was okay. I didn’t necessarily mind because some of them could be really mean.
Keeping my distance from the people often meant staying safe, so I tried to just let the humans be.
But I made a mistake one night and got into a fight. I didn’t mean to. I just wandered into new territory, and before I could figure out what was going on, another cat was clawing me up pretty bad.
Thankfully I got away before he could do any real damage, like bite me or anything. I’ve seen some cats pretty messed up from bite wounds.
I knew there was a house nearby where the lady was always nice and would put food out for us strays, so I limped over there the next day.
Well, once she saw me and how messed up I was, she scooped me up – and I was too tired and hurt to really fight her – and she took me to the animal shelter.
I figured this was it. No one would help me here. I was done.
But surprisingly, they gave me a warm bed and yummy food and medicine to help me get better. I was so shocked, I actually purred for the first time in a long time.
That’s what got me the kiss on my head.
I just can’t figure out why they do it. Although it does feel nice.
Even once I make it to the adoption kennels, I still can’t believe they’re trying to find me a home. I mean I’m five years old and just a gray cat. There’s nothing special about me, particularly when you consider all the scars I have from living on the street.
And in the adoption kennels, the kissing and cuddling continue.
It’s so bizarre.
The only problem is, not only do the snuggles feel nice, I kind of start to expect it. And I don’t want that because expectations always lead to heartache.
At least in my experience.
But when the same people pick me up in the morning for a cuddle and I hear that kissing sound, I can’t help but rub my head against their face.
It’s just … nice.
When a man and woman actually wanted to meet me in the bonding room, I thought it had to be some kind of cosmic joke. I waited for the punchline because no one would really want me. I just can’t believe it.
But I get adopted two days later and go home with them, and they have the nicest house with the softest blankets, and they don’t even care if I sleep between them.
The first morning, just as I’m waking up, I hear it.
That kissing sound.
The woman is making it right over my eye, and I feel the connection.
It sends a warmth right to my heart.
And for the next 10 years I spend on this planet and with these two amazing people, I never will doubt the importance of a human kiss again.
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Jennifer Vanderau is the public relations coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at [email protected]. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org. CVAS also operates thrift stores in Chambersburg and Shippensburg. Help support the animals at the shelter by donating to or shopping at the stores.
