I ask a lot of my crew at times, bringing in newly abandoned, dumped or homeless kitties. For the most part, they handle it well and I am allowed to merge the newcomer into the group (after vet checks and neuters) with little resistance from my clowder. It means that kitties can get socialized with others quicker, but there are times when I miscalculate the mood of the group and cause an uprising.

This morning, an uprising happened when Riley became face-to-face with Babycakes for the first time. Because she still smells strongly of medicine and stress, he reacted by striking out at her. No warning growl, hiss or swipe, just full frontal attack. I intervened quickly and gathered up defenseless Babycakes into my arms and took her back upstairs. Without claws, she cannot be what she is supposed to be, predator and protector. Some asshole decided her or his furniture was worth more than what God gave BC in the beginning, her claws.

Now BC is back with the group and all is quiet. Riley is upstairs in pop’s room where he is chilling. The only cat he will come in contact with is Madison if Madison decides to come out of the hall closet where she has been sleeping since she arrived here. The screen door will protect both from kitty warfare.

I am starting up adoptions again, only this time only through Petfinders and I have also revamped my applications. I am going to charge a higher fee for adoptions. Nothing startling, but more than I have in the beginning. I am also going to charge anyone who calls me and wants me to take their kitten/cat (if I do decide to take it). Because, this is getting bloody ridiculous. Ever since i came out from under the radar here in town, more and more cats are being “left” on our property for me to find. I have to find a way to achieve balance again or my sanity (if I had any in the first place) is going to suffer greatly.