White Cats

I do have this innate attraction to white cats. Maybe it is because I rarely saw one growing up? White cats, like albino wildlife, do not fare well outdoors. The cats I grew up with were mostly outdoor and knew nothing of the posh lifestyle our current pets lead. I feel that may be why white cats were so rare but I find them absolutely beautiful and have always been drawn to them.

My first white cat was named Idia. I could write a book just about her so I will simply say she was the most expressive cat I have ever had. I actually pulled Idia from the Knox county shelter. That day I could get six cats and had three already in mind who had been there the longest. I began to walk up and down the rows when this VERY vocal cat began to incessantly paw through the kennel bars to get my attention. She was not on my list but I immediately said “I will take her.”  Adopted within days of being sent to one of the adoption sites, she was promptly returned for being aggressive to another cat. This trait unfortunately revealed itself throughout her life as she always had a cat she picked on, badly.  Once, I was holding Idia in an attempt to desensitize her to poor Nelly, a cat aptly named but genuinely sweet natured. Idia would see her and roll her across the floor. I thought the tactic was going well until I felt a hot, searing pain in my forearm. Idia had bitten me practically to the bone. I managed to get out of the room with her as Sara saw me go to my knees, unable to speak. “It was completely my fault” earned me the comparison of one living in an abusive relationship (meant with humor); I did always understand why she did what she did.  We held verbal conversations (to which Sara can attest), and she answered with matching facial expressions. She definitely had Siamese in the genes and she had quite the cattitude. I found her antics entertaining and humorous. I “got” her and she loved me in return. We had our moments but Idia was my girl and I was devastated the day she stopped eating. Idia loved her food and while I had hope it was something treatable, I had a sinking pit in my stomach. She had a tumor pressing on her esophagus and it could not be removed. Idia passed peacefully at home with veterinary assistance five days later and I waited over two years to look for another white kitty.

Idia

Enter Queen BB. Her initial rescuer, Sharon, has become a dear friend and again, I could write an entire book on BB. Since I already had a “Bebe” we called her BB Ivey. Ivey was a beautiful older girl, solid white with blue eyes.  She was incredibly sweet and incredibly tough. She also loved to play and loved to carry one particular toy bird around making that caterwauling noise that says “I have caught something.” She would rabbit kick toys with such force and speed it always made me giggle and marvel that the things held up. She faced many health issues in her short three years with us but she did it with the grace of a lady. She was tough as nails and tried so very hard. I became particularly attached to her and it hurt deeply to let her go when the time came. She was as kind and gentle as Idia was sassy and I doted on her like a child. My only regret is not being able to get her earlier in her life.

Ivey

This time I only made it about a week before I was perusing Petfinder every couple of days with the filter of “white cat.”  I saw an ad for white kittens at a shelter nearby.  This was during Covid so an appointment was made to “meet” the eight week old kittens with blue eyes. Of course this absolutely gorgeous kitten came home with us and I named her Willameena. She is nothing short of stunning with her snow white coat, large frame and crystal blue eyes. As a kitten she was playful, loving, slept in our laps and was the center of our world. We had her for about a month when life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Sara was diagnosed with cancer and the shock left us reeling. We both feel Willameena literally got us through it at times, bringing joy and laughter to an otherwise frightening and overwhelmingly stressful period. She grew up and now….she loathes us. Actually she loathes all other beings. She clearly wants to be alone with us. We make sure she has her quiet time but in a multi-cat household, coupled with two dogs, she has the misfortune of being perpetually disgusted by her surroundings. She likes to go upstairs to the attic or sit in seclusion in one of the many tent-like beds we have available. We go out of our way to seek her out, which often leads to further annoyance on her part. She looks at us with the air of royalty; we are mere serfs in her kingdom.

Willameena

Postscript

I had a plan in writing the entries prior to my trip to have them culminate in an explanation and understanding of why this particular rescue and this particular white cat Manisha, became special to me. I am still going to do that. However, in the early morning hours today I received a heartbreaking message from Katie at Bradford Cat Watch Rescue and Sanctuary. Manisha passed away yesterday afternoon. The details are posted on BCWR’s Facebook page. It was a shock and I am heartbroken personally but overwhelmingly so for Katie and the volunteers who knew and loved Manisha. I was so looking forward to being able to spend time with her on my trip but I am very thankful I was able to meet Manisha in October and it will forever be a memory I cherish. Manisha has quite the story and lived quite the life, and in the end there is of course shock and sadness but also peace and gratefulness for a life filled with love and lived to its fullest. It is what we all hope for. Rest in peace Manisha. I will see you again sweet girl.

Manisha, during my visit in October, 2023.