Have you ever experienced a case of mistaken identity? Maybe you mistook someone for someone else? Last year we got Camo as a kitten from some friends of ours who told us he was a he. We never questioned it. Nor did we do a close inspection to confirm or deny their claims. But suspicion began to build when a mysterious male cat was spotted around our property paying close attention to Camo. Very close attention.
My very alert wife, who happened to have 10 babies herself, informed us that Camo had a case of mistaken identity. I would consider my wife somewhat of an expert in these things. Perhaps Camilla or Camisole or Camiffer would have been a more accurate name for our little kitten. But Camo she now was and Camo she would remain. Only now we would refer to her as her. And now she went from being a strictly outdoor cat to a rather affectionate indoor cat who could give birth at any moment.
My wife was right. Again. Just before 7am on Canada Day her lovely voice rang out. “Jay! Camo’s going to have her kittens!” And where was Camo lounging about in anticipation of the upcoming events? In our cozily-carpeted bedroom. The kids had built Camo a stunning customized cat-having-kittens bed: a cardboard box with one long side cut out and an old towel in it. The birthing bed was brought into our bedroom. But did Camo want to have her kittens in that beautiful box? Of course not! Where do you think she wanted to give birth?
Somewhere warm, cozy and secluded. Somewhere her kittens would be safe from harm and from curious prying eyes and hands. Somewhere directly in the middle of the carpet beneath our king bed where no one could possibly reach her to pull her back out to the box. Camo got real cozy under there and before you could say, “carpet cleaner,” it was kitten time. One kitten! Two kittens! Three kittens! All born on the carpet under my bed. How precious. If you’ve ever seen anything be born you will know that it isn’t the cleanest operation on the planet. But Camo did her best to get those kittens all cleaned up. After a little while one of the kids was able to get them all out from under the bed and into their cozy box. There has been much excitement around our house for the last few weeks as young and old gather ‘round to see the new kittens. Who live in a box. Beside my bed. Many a night I am awakened by tiny mews or the brush of fur against my face as Camo politely asks to be let outside.
But the children love the kittens. And I love the children. So the kittens remain in the house for the foreseeable future. Memories were made. Kittens were born. If you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids you could head down to the local animal shelter and pick up a cat or four for your kids. Doesn’t that sound great? Time flies, dad! Make every moment count! Even the messy ones.
Jason Weening has 10 kids and one wife who take care of kittens. Read more of his animal encounters in his new book, “Yes, Dear…I’m Watching Them”, on Amazon.