Cat Family - Urban Wild Life in India

The fact that we live on the ground floor and have access to small pieces of soil makes me immensely happy. Not only it gives an opportunity to plant anything you want it also attracts "urban" wild life. Last year I told about a fledgling who found a safe place in our garden and stayed there until it was strong enough to fly away. 

When we have something blossoming there are many butterflies and bees around those plants. But recently we were lucky to have welcomed a cat family who came at our backyard wall two weeks ago. First we heard cat's meowing and saw a big cat among the greenery of our plants. Later we heard a thinner meow... that was of a kitten! Later there were already two kittens. So basically the mother cat was relocating their home somewhere near by our house. We still have no idea where it is. It is said in India that a cat changes 7 homes... Other members of our family occasionally saw the cats few more times after that.

Day before yesterday night I went out at the backyard following the kitten's meow and rustling of our citrus tree: one kitten left his dwelling and jumped down the wall for some reason. He regretted his actions I am sure as he started calling his mom lamentably. We didn't really know what to do because as soon as he saw us he chose the corner of the wall behind the curry tree and was looking at us from there. We arranged some milk for him, but he was too scared to emerge from his hiding place even for food. Later he ran towards another end and sat behind the citrus tree wanting to climb it but not knowing how. When we thought we could lift him up the wall I took some old bed sheet in order to fetch the kitten it, thus protecting myself from scratches and bites... But as soon as I came closer to him he HISSED at me so loudly I sprang back scared. Obviously we decided it was better to leave him hoping that mother cat would come at the rescue. 

So yesterday morning when I went out to check on the kitten  I witnessed much more than expected to my delight: a cat mother and three kittens with her! Me and D spent time feeding them milk and the only meat we had - some salami. Kittens didn't eat it but their mom seemed to enjoy the treat. My D even got late for office because of the cats but was happy of the reason. Aren't they all cute? The kittens have big ears and cute silly eyes. I wish my baby could see these felines too :)

The mother was alert all the time while D was giving food and I was taking pictures. She won't trust anyone so easily. Many a times I thought I'd like to have a cat at home but I feel that having free urban cats who come and let us take care of them is much more interesting and rewarding. The cats were still there when I left home in the morning and I do hope we will make friends with them at last.

We have started our weekend earlier this time, the cat family is now sleeping on the wall. Wishing you to have a carefree and enjoyable weekend, dears! Meow, meow!