Spare Cats

Since we've moved into this house, we've had a black and white stray cat come around sometimes. We'd see her with another cat (presumably a grown kitten) that later got hit by a car. She has a mangled-looking tail, and I've always felt bad for her. The kids took food out to her a few times when she was in the yard, but she would run from them.

This spring, she showed up with two adorable kittens. One disappeared soon after making an appearance, which made us sad. John and the kids started regularly feeding and trying to pet the mom and remaining kitten. They've been so successful, that the cats have taken up residence on our back deck. A Siamese cat with a collar started coming by as well. We think she belongs to some neighbors behind us, but they must not feed her well. (She's since lost the collar.)

We haven't named any of them: we just call them "Mama Cat," "Kitten," and "Siamese Cat." I also don't allow them to ever come into the house, although the kitten would love to. She/he spends a lot of time looking into the back glass door. (I've told my kids it reminds me of some neighbor kids when I was little.)

Kitten on the mom.

Sugar doesn't like any of them, and stands guard at the back door. All the time. She hisses at them when the back door gets opened. Spice goes outside regularly now, and he'll sometimes play with the kitten.

I am tempted to take the kitten to the shelter, so it can get adopted, but I've been outvoted. I just know that two cats are enough for any home.