“Love at first sight” is a common expression shared by guardians when talking about the first time they met a beloved cat. Kate, who has always loved all things cat, and is a huge cat lover, shared the same sentiment when talking about her three kitties. All three are rescue cats. Scotchy (Kate’s first cat) was adopted from Metro Animal Care and Control, Filbert (her second cat) was adopted from Williamson Animal Care Center, and Boomer (the third family addition) was rescued in the Tennessee countryside.
Since this project was for Williamson County Animal Center, I’m focusing a little bit more on Filbert’s adoption story, though all three kitties are loved equally. The day Kate met Filbert she didn’t intend on adopting a cat. At the time she was a guardian to her cat Scotchy and was living a busy life. Her visit to the shelter was October 7, 2014, and was simply to pass some time while her school application was being processed next door at Columbia State Community College. Well you know what they say about plans. Plans change! When Kate laid eyes on Filbert something in her heart shifted! Filbert, who shared the cage with his siblings, Pecan, Peanut, Almond (all named after nuts) was a terrified, little, black ball of fluff hiding in the very back of his cage. Filbert was so small, fragile, and precious. Moments later Kate found herself in the visitation room with him. In minutes Filbert stole her heart with his big yellow eyes and cuddly nature. Adoption paperwork was filled out on the spot and the deal was sealed that day for Kate and Filbert!
As with many new and exciting life transitions, bumps in the road are frequently met along the way. This proved to be the case with Filbert who ended up with a terrible upper respiratory infection. Though common with shelter and rescue cats and kittens, upper respiratory infection can be both scary and serious. It’s especially worrisome when the kitty isn’t eating. This was the case for Filbert who wasn’t eating, wasn’t acting like a normal kitten, and was sleeping non-stop. He was so sick at one point Kate was afraid he might not survive. Per the advice of her vet, Kate force fed Filbert a high-calorie food and water with a syringe every few hours. She did this for about two weeks. Feeding him around the clock was an intense experience and Kate felt like a human newborn’s mother. The day he ate the warm, wet food she set out on a plate was a day of both relief and celebration. She knew he was turning the corner and was going to make it. In no time at all Filbert was behaving like a normal kitten and playing with his big brother Scotchy. Filbert quickly became an essential part of Kate’s life and is thriving with his brothers Scotchy and Boomer. Kate is beyond grateful she met Filbert the day she visited Williamson County Animal Center. Thinking his original name fit him so perfectly, Kate decided to keep it! Filbert has many nicknames such as Filbmeister, Regis Filbin, Filby Cheesesteak, Filbatross. He is Kate’s buddy, her little “nut”, a member of the family.
Photographing someone whom I’ve met for the first time can be a little nerve wracking for both parties. When doing a Bouddoir Kitty-Cat Session I go to the home of the cat and guardian. This is the situation I believe is most comfortable for the cat, since they are in their own environment where they feel secure. I know guardians might feel a little nervous about a stranger coming into their home to photograph them as well. It is my hope all nerves quickly subside within moments of interacting with both cats and guardians. When I met Kate and her three handsome boys, I felt like I was meeting an old friend. Her boys were full of charm and seeing Kate’s face radiate with a smile whenever they did something cute was so heartwarming. Our time together evaporated so quickly. Meet Kate and her family!
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