Community Cats - the story of Fluff and Orange
Fluff and Orange were inspired by real life kittens who appeared on my porch last year.
I woke one morning to find a mama cat stretched out on our sidewalk, nursing a litter of teeny tiny babies.
We’d seen Mama around and knew her to be feral—and very afraid of humans.
I immediately called the animal shelter to see if they could pick them up for adoption and this is how I first learned about community cats.
We put out some food and water, but the little family disappeared and we assumed Mama moved on.
Two months later, I came downstairs to find two of the MOST ADORABLE kittens I’d ever seen on the porch.
I watched through the window for a while—please imagine the heart-eyes emoji for reference—then went to get some food and water for them.
When I opened the door, they dashed away.
The next couple days proved they were just as feral as Mama, but that didn’t stop me.
Every morning I put out food. Every evening too.
Sometimes Mama showed up for a bite, but not always.
Slowly but surely, I gained the trust of Fluff and Orange, who I intentionally didn’t name so I wouldn’t get attached.
(Ask me if that worked.) After almost a year, I go out to feed them every morning and now, Fluff climbs into my lap for a nap and some cuddles.
The best I ever got with Orange was some quick pets on the head while he ate, but he never seems to enjoy it the way his brother does.
I do love these cats with my whole heart and dream of bringing them inside the way Angela did, but I don’t think they’d enjoy captivity. They are wild creatures, designed to roam. But…they will always have breakfast, dinner, and some love waiting for them on my porch if they need it.