Rescued - A Kitten's New Life Begins Today

Bringing a rescued pet home from the shelter produces a mixed bag of feelings. At least it did for me.  My kitten, Mittens, finally came home today. On the seemingly endless drive home, my thoughts raced. It seems that my feelings changed with each traffic light.

I already know that she is a "spirited" kitten, described as such by the shelter staff.  And the mystery of the adoption of Mittens deepened as her first homecoming was delayed after scratching the veterinarian. 

Today, the Vet Tech talked to me briefly, explaining that Mittens had also scratched her during this 10 day hold but it appeared to be a combination of playfulness, overly long nails, and being the type of cat that wants to be engaged and social but NOT be held.

I'm fine with that.

I was thrilled on the way home. Glad that she was finally mine.  I was relieved and thrilled that this kitten who bites and scratches won't be euthanized because she didn't seem adoptable.  Or adopted, misunderstood, and abused.

During this entire process, I've been more than a little scared that maybe I was biting off more than I could chew. I've had plenty of pets over my lifetime but this is my first formal rescue. I worried that rather than being a playful cat, she's a fearful cat, and won't be happy in my home. Oh the worrisome thoughts to think.

On the way home, she tried repeatedly to touch me from the carrier.  I swear she was saying, "Hey Lady, let me out!"  

I kept sticking my finger through the cage to pet her at stop lights, repeating to her, "We're almost home."  Followed by,  "Just five more minutes" (which my children learned to recognize as a little lie, but she doesn't know differently. Yet. Shh, don't tell her.)

Then I swear she said, just a little more loudly, "Hey Lady, I remember you. Let me out!  I won't scratch you, I promise." as she held out her paw, "I promise. See, they trimmed my nails."