With winter approaching, I’ve been thinking a lot about the stray animals around our office. I disliked cats for most of my life up until about two years ago when I decided to adopt my first, Suki. I mainly got her out of loneliness but my intentions later shifted and I fell absolutely in love with her. Next thing I know, I’m adopting my second cat, Misho, and I couldn’t picture my life without them.
Suki and Misho at my home.
About a month ago, four little kittens appeared under our office building. We were very fortunate because people at our office have been extremely kind and compassionate and have been feeding them and giving them water every day. Other people are not so kind and end up doing horrible things. My friends and I at the office, decided that we’d all pitch in and buy the four little kittens a warm little house, blankets and food. We don’t want to separate them because they’re all so closely attached to one another and I think they enjoy where they are. The fourth kitten isn’t pictured below.
The kittens that live beside our office’s entrance.
Call it fate but as I was walking to a supermarket near work, I started telling a colleague that I really wanted to take one of the kittens but decided against it, as not to separate them. Next thing I know, I walk into the main entrance of our office building and hear a shrill little squeak coming from a plant pot. I found a tiny baby kitten, shivering all alone. I asked the office help where it came from and they told me it was stuck in a car motor that belonged to someone in the company. The poor baby had come all the way from New Cairo and I knew she would never be reunited with her mother again. It broke my heart and I suddenly felt responsible. I put my hand out to pet her and she let me. I put her in a cardboard box, took her upstairs and fed her. As I write this, she’s currently napping on my lap, dirt and all.
The kitten I adopted.
Not everyone has the time or space to take in animals off of the street and give them a home. There are, however, things you can do to help. If bringing an animal home is not an option, you might be able to help them survive the cold by providing shelter such as a sturdy cardboard box filled with towels/straw.
Via India.com
Providing animals with fresh, clean food and water can help them survive the cold because they will need to use less energy to be able to fend for themselves and find more food. A fed animal is also better prepared to fight illness and infection.
Via The national
If you’re driving anywhere, check under the hood of your car before you turn it on. Your car’s engine is a warm, dry place where small animals might seek shelter. To avoid hurting them, check under your hood and bang around a bit to scare them off before starting the car. Stay warm and always be kind!
