A Field Study of Cats

By April Rhodes James

Cats are affectionate and loyal. They form deep relationships with humans, dogs and other cats. When given half a chance, they reveal wonderfully unique personalities.

There are people who are unaware about the depths of feline emotion and who hold the mistaken impression that domesticated kittens and cats automatically switch to a feral lifestyle when dumped on a roadside, in a parking lot or behind a building. In reality, abandonment shock can incapacitate animals; threats and danger often sends them into hiding. Discarded kittens or cats may not find kind-hearted humans willing or able to provide food, shelter and care in time to insure survival, as every cat rescuer or protector knows only too well.

A Field Study of Cats offers anecdotes about a small number of the many traumatized cats who have overcome fear and shared their best after bravely crossing an abstract "line of trust" as my family and I waited. Sometimes the process takes only days; more typically, it involves months of gentle and patient encouragement.

Hopefully, people who have not yet experienced the honesty of cats and recognized a feline's fundamental right to respect as one of God's most precious creatures will gain insight within these pages. Proceeds are earmarked for rescue groups and compassionate animal guardians (as acknowledged in the book) who selflessly do the right thing every day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493163540

April Rhodes James

Writer, poet, artist and animal protector, April Rhodes James also loves dinosaurs. April has been a magazine editor, freelance journalist and corporate marketing/communications executive. Some of her published works include “Love & Other Curious Adventures,” “The Field Study of Cats,” and “Prehistoric Journeys: Dreams, Nightmares & Survival of an American Family” in addition to several poetry chapbooks and a dino-themed cookbook. She also recorded “Dino Dreams,” a CD of her original dinosaur songs. She and her husband have devoted much of their time to sharing their expertise to encourage students and reintroduce grownups to the wonders of fossils through workshops, lectures and the establishment of a school science center, as well as other outreach activities.

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Copyright © 2014 by April Rhodes - James.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 02/11/2014

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CONTENTS

Poem: Cats as Muses

Introduction

To All of The Dedicated Protectors

Poem: Considering Squeaky

Binky the Tuxedo Cat

Poem: The Man Who Did Not Like Cats

Tailor: Surviving Diabetes

Poem: Grief of Angels: For Tailor

Magic and Winston and Mr. Sills

Cats with Dogs/Dogs with Cats

Bruiser, Blackie and Half-Ear

Thousands of Reasons to Spay or Neuter

Poem: A Simple Solution

Poem: Song for Shadow

The Brandy Legacy

Poem: Brave Heart (for Brandy Two)

Pepper: In from the Cold

Poem: Chance for Redemption (Inspired by Pepper)

Silky’s Saga

Simply Chores of Princess

Poem: Cougar Sonny Boy James

Mighty Transformation of Cougar

The Rainbow Bridge

Poem: Remembering: Our Own Rainbow Bridge

Cats: The Company They Keep

Poem: Regard for Living Things

Kitty Armageddon

Liberty Gone

The Expressive World of Squeaky

Fluffy in Progress

Poem: Never Say Never Again (for Merlin)

Poem: Snowball (Little Squirrel): Trying to Understand

Rocky Finds True Love

Cats as Survivors

Holly’s Four Little Kittens

Poem: BoBo: A Forever Kitten

Feline Psychology

Smokey, Primrose and Buddy

Poem: Without a Voice (for Pokey Iguana)

Harlequin the Flying Guinea Pig

Wrapping Things Up

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CATS AS MUSES

The shape of a cat’s head fits this stroking hand with perfection

during hazy design stages of a story.

Warm hairy leather of ears passes like butter between thumb and forefinger

as I coax one thought into stanza.

Crystalline gold-flecked globes laser to a primitive place,

reminding me of the emotional swell I seek in the work.

A plan taking form that was no plan at all now being shaped

in the trill of a purring, if I choose to interpret and turn it to song.

Belly consistency of welcoming puffy dough available for kneading;

I express gratitude for the nourishment dished up by a dozen Zen cats.

I write. Cats supervise. My pondering feeds feline curiosity.

I whisper half-thoughts. Cats note approval or indifference.

I ache to replenish. Cats dream because they can—at any time.

I watch them slumber and track fantasy light beams as I chase inspiration.

My creative well depleted for the moment, I wake the grey cat

by tracing the silhouette of his wide discerning forehead.

He rouses without anger and offers up supportive warble;

helping me find words again. Asking nothing in return.

INTRODUCTION

A Field Study of Cats includes stories and observations shared with the intent of dispelling negative attitudes about cats while celebrating their range of emotions. It could theoretically be about any of God’s creatures, however, cats are unfairly vilified more often than most others. As such, there are human beings who believe it is acceptable to abandon one cat—or more—on a country road, at the edge of a parking lot, by a freeway off-ramp or in a dumpster serving metropolitan business enterprises, to name but a few unsuitable locations.

I have actually overheard people discussing truly horrible ideas about how they plan to rid themselves of a cat because it is no longer a cute kitten, it scratched the furniture or it got sick. And even though I could not help but suggest alternative solutions, these same people carry the belief a cat will successfully fend for itself in the wild despite having lived its life as a house pet, having been declawed or being a new or soon-to-be mother. The logic? It’s a cat, after all!

There is little that anyone who respects animals can do or say to change the kind of thinking that discredits cats and makes reckless pet guardianship acceptable. This book is my attempt to offer a different, more generous perspective about cat personalities and insight about the effects on them of being abandoned.

Over the years, my husband Barry and I have cared for cats who were young, old, ill, injured, blatantly abused, within days of giving birth, nursing a recent litter, domesticated or feral, shy, terrified or alarmingly alpha. Some cats find us by their own steam thanks to the presence of the others living on our small farm. We have happened upon several in our travels.

Still others have been unceremoniously dropped off somewhere near our gate. No matter the circumstance, they all experience fear, confusion and concern about their new circumstances. In some instances, they are defensive because of suffering.

By helping them, we have been the recipients of emotions at the other end of the scale, including trust, loyalty, contentment and affection. This, then, is the first important piece of misinformation about cats that must be dismissed.

Cats are neither one-dimensionally frosty nor do they lack optimism and emotion. Every cat has its own distinctive personality.

Some are serious; some seem to have a sense of humor.There are the quiet and shy ones; others are right there in the middle of the action. One might enjoy hanging out with dogs and other cats. Still another may wish only to pal around with a specific human. You just never know until you give a cat the opportunity to shine, not unlike human potential when fully explored.

Barry and I have learned to address our role as serendipitous protectors on a case-by-case, cat-by-cat basis. We set our focus on maximum improvement, broad-based socialization when possible and general well-being of the particular feline. As a result, the rewards have been plentiful.

In preparing to write this book, the decision was made to present vignettes about actual experiences with real cats we have known. While references to treatment are included where necessary and appropriate, this is not intended to be a resource for definite answers to specific circumstances related to health, manners or grooming. For such matters, the first line of defense is always a veterinarian hospital or clinic.

Establishing a solid working relationship with a local veterinarian team—the doctors, the technicians and the staff members—can literally mean the difference between life and death for an animal in peril, as you will read in some of the stories in A Field Study of Cats.

The book is a testament to only a small number of the cats who have found their way to our door and, in doing so, allowed us to grow through learning to know them. In abbreviated form, the book tells their stories; some sad but most very happy. Although the challenges are often unfathomable, we are honored to have shared time with each and every one of these marvelous felines.

Some details and observations may seem to be duplicated (in tone, but not necessarily in the actual wording). Since not every person will read every essay in this volume, the information and ideas will not be lost. And for those who do read every story in the book, the duplications meld into the copy, according to several preliminary readers. The points reiterated do bear repeating, those readers say, and I hope you will see my words as being presented in the spirit of respect.

The writing is also meant as a celebration; paying tribute to divergent species learning to live harmoniously under one roof (for example, cats with dogs with birds and iguanas, etc., etc., etc.). As stated by my scientist husband and reliable partner in every aspect of life, "It does not naturally happen that members of feline and canine tribes coexist in the wild."

Yet they do so in homes where it is encouraged and even expected! This is another joyful observation to have emerged as the casual field study developed and it is a lovely benefit of having multiple pets of varying species.

While focusing on cats, the book could as easily be about dogs, horses, goats, chickens, iguanas, elephants, monkeys or any other voiceless creature abandoned and then given a second chance, another opportunity for dignity, a tenth life.

During the past decade, Barry and I have also become well-versed in matters specific to a growing army of adult children now caring for their parents. We have been honored by the opportunities to provide assistance and support to many people in addition to the ongoing protection of animals.

As a result of our broad-based experiences, we are of the opinion that caregiving is caregiving is caregiving in its most basic interpretation. The work is not always physically convenient or emotionally straightforward. Guidelines are not always clearly spelled out. But at the end of a long day when there are a few moments to consider the fundamentals, caregiving is always enlightening. Among the inherent gifts, caring for another living being makes us stronger, it teaches us tolerance and it gives us a way to know the depth of our own humanity.

The vignettes which follow are but a few from our decades as protectors of animals either abandoned, abused or underestimated by people who are, perhaps, genuinely unaware about feline feelings and survival skills (or lack of ruggedness, as the case may be). There are certainly enough anecdotes about other individual cats we have known to warrant a follow-up, which will be considered in the future.

All profits from this book will be directly applied to animals in need and primarily to cats. Some of them will have stories similar to the ones on these pages. Others may have been falsely accused of being aloof, inexpressive or incapable of anything other than instinctive response.

Nothing could be farther from the truth and so the book is also a salute to the many kitties who have inched into giving us their best in return for basic care and deserved attention. Learning to trust, whether for the first time or again, can be complicated, but it is always the cat’s pajamas for those involved in the endeavor!

P.S. The proceeds of A Field Study of Cats are earmarked for the Small Animal Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) program at Sunbury Animal Hospital and several rescue groups in the Central Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania. If this book was gifted to you, please consider providing a donation to a non-profit animal rescue, foster or protection group in your neighborhood. Every dollar helps and means the dedicated animal supporters are able to continue their valuable work.

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TO ALL OF THE DEDICATED PROTECTORS

In addition to being a voice for cats we have personally been privileged to know, A Field Study of Cats is dedicated to the army of selfless people who sacrifice time, energy and funds to assist, rescue, protect, defend, foster or adopt cats and other forsaken or lost animals. The book is for those unpretentious warriors who feed and nurture the frightened, hungry, hurt and ill and do so without fanfare or complaint.

Among the heroes who go out of their way providing hope to large and small lost souls are Steve & Melissa, Jan, Faye, Sondra, Scott & Jackie, Matt & Amber & Matty, Gino & Sandy, Kathy & Lee, Bonnie & Dave, Chris & Kate, Merle & Helen and just about everyone who works in the field of veterinary medicine.

A very special note of appreciation to Dr. Beverly Shaw, Dr. James Temple, Dr. Rachel Lawn and to Cindy, Lois, Stacy, Jackie, Robin, Tami plus every one of the other veterinarians, technicians and staff members we have gotten to know so well at Sunbury Animal Hospital (SAH).

They have always been compassionate and available for the many emergencies presented by us and by other appreciative members of the community. Thank you, also, to Dr. Donald Kamsler (retired) who had the excellent idea to establish SAH in 1952. (www.sunburyanimalhospital.com)

A Field Study of Cats is for Luv Pets, Mostly Mutts, Haven-to-Home, Far Point Rescue, LAPS, Beckoning Cat, St. Francis Animal Clinic of Santa Barbara, DELTA and countless other no-kill shelters. It is for protection and advocacy organizations founded and managed with the intent of giving the greatest number of animals the right to a life with dignity, respect and love. It doesn’t take much to read appreciation in the eyes of even the saddest and most terrified creature. And that’s a fact.

The book is acknowledgement of the woman in the market who, after chuckling at my shopping cart overflowing with cat and dog food, leaned in and whispered to me that she finds a way every day to feed a family of feral cats living at a nearby park. She purchases kibble on the sly because her husband would be furious.

This little bit of effort is something I have to do, she said. No matter what.

It is recognition for the cashier at another market (and another load of pet food) who explained how she found a near-death kitten in a paper bag dumped by her trash bin five years ago, revived it with CPR and bottle-fed it. She named it Angel.

The cat is a living, breathing miracle, she told me while dabbing at tears.

It is for the guy in the checkout line who shared his story about rescuing five cats and three dogs. When a potential girlfriend said she wanted him to choose between the animals and her, he picked the animals and stopped reading her emails.

A Field Study of Cats is for gentle hearts, such as my mom (so greatly missed), who unquestionably allocate a certain portion of their fixed income to pay for food that guarantees small groups of feral cats at least one solid meal per day.

Then there is my dad who finally came to understand my love of animals and was positive in his acknowledgement of the efforts Barry and I put forth. My dad lovingly supported the concept of this book, which he sadly did not see completed.

In large part, A Field Study of Cats is for our daughter Catherine, who so thoroughly shares a well-honed love of animals with her son. And, of course, it is for that wonderful boy—our grandson RJ—and every other smart kid who realizes there is a big problem called animal overpopulation. RJ asks questions while looking for ideas to implement in his own way. He and his peers are the hope for a more logical future.

The book would not be possible without the daily encouragement and unwavering inspiration of my dynamic husband, Barry James. He is an irrepressibly proud dad to Catherine. Philosophical discussions with RJ are, for Barry, only one bonus of his blue-ribbon status as Grandpa Dino (and I am officially Grandma Dino, but don’t tell anyone).

Barry is leader of the pack to our cats and dogs and any other critters finding themselves in our small earthly realm of reality here in Pennsylvania. And no matter what surprises we face, through it all and always, Barry is my hero.

This contemplation on cats is also for the magnificent dogs who have shared our life and never considered anything but friendship with the kitties launched into their generally peaceful territory. Amazing acceptance!

Watching the individual dogs navigate the tricky and undefined parameters of feline friendship has been a lesson in basic courtesy (even though we understand such friendships may not have developed as smoothly in a wilderness scenario). Thank you Sandy, Daisy, Pookie, Boots, Lady Jane and Sonny Boy for being such troopers and for the hours of funny times interacting with your favorite cats!

Finally, A Field Study of Cats has been greatly influenced by memories of our dear friend Dr. Vance Case, of Denise and of Donna; all three from the Sunbury Animal Hospital family and each of whom graciously gave so much of themselves. You are always in our thoughts.

Thanks for the inspiration.

April Rhodes-James

Sunbury, PA.

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SQUEAKY

CONSIDERING SQUEAKY

The love of a cat can not be bought,

can not be forced or faked or fueled

by flattery, achieved by auspicious design

and certainly not won by devious methodology.

Cats can see through a charade, a ruse,

a mockery, a plan with insincere intent,

a game that is anything other than true

and pleasant and safe to the cat in question.

These four-footed magicians charm