A Feline Family: How 14 Cats Found Their Forever Home in the Philippines
In a heartwarming tale of compassion and care, a Filipino family has welcomed 14 cats into their humble abode, creating a bustling feline tribe that continues to grow. This unique household features eight indoor cats and six outdoor companions, each with a story that tugs at the heartstrings. The family anticipates their furry family will expand in the coming years, embracing more cats in need.
The Indoor and Outdoor Companions
About half of these cats are rescues who have confidently claimed ownership over various household spaces, including the bed, counter, dining table, study desk, and kitchen appliances. The other half are strays who have found comfort and safety atop the family's service vehicle, front yard, and garden. Their names reflect a mix of sweetness and simplicity: Cookie, Sandy, Bean, Snowbert, Nacho, Biscuit, Lemon, Caramel, Snowberta, Bulinggit, Puti, Gray, Gray-Gray, and Gray-Gray-Gray. While the origins of these names are somewhat fuzzy, most are believed to have been given by the missus of the house.
Memorable Stories of Rescue and Adoption
Each cat has a memorable backstory of how they entered the family's life, stole their hearts, and officially became part of the clan. Cookie, the matriarch of the group, was discovered by the son in a garbage dump, highlighting the harsh realities many animals face. Sandy, a shy feline, was left in their care by her original owner with a promise to return, but she never did, leaving Sandy to find a permanent home with this loving family.
Bean, a pure white British Shorthair and the largest of the bunch, shares a similar fate, having been left and never reclaimed. Snowbert, known for his kindness, was originally the sister's cat and was gifted to the family when she relocated to the Visayas, ensuring he remained in a familiar, caring environment.
Unexpected Encounters and Heartfelt Rescues
Nacho's story began on a rainy night when he dashed under the family car, prompting an abrupt stop. After being scooped up and placed safely by the roadside, he dashed back under the vehicle, leading to the decision to bring him home. Biscuit, rivaling Bean in size, clawed his way up the kitchen window one morning, desperately seeking food. After devouring fish as if he hadn't eaten in days, he now shares a pillow with the family, symbolizing his newfound security.
Lemon was spotted scavenging for food under a bao-bao, feeding on leftover barbecue scraps. After a brief chase, he was caught and placed in the car, now serving as an alarm clock and sleeping companion. Caramel's tale is particularly poignant: found hiding under a wooden log with a broken leg, he was nursed back to health only to disappear, then return with severe injuries from a cruel attack. Rushed to the vet, he underwent surgery to remove a damaged eye and recovered, now sleeping safely beside the son.
Community Cats and Harmonious Bonds
Snowberta and her daughter Bulinggit, along with Puti, Gray, Gray-Gray, and Gray-Gray-Gray, are community cats who have chosen this home as their safe haven. At dawn, they line up at the gate, eagerly awaiting meals. While not all are biologically related, they have developed strong, human-like bonds, sharing food peacefully and taking turns at the water dispenser without conflict.
The Challenges and Joys of a Multi-Cat Household
Caring for 14 cats with diverse personalities is no easy feat. The family has faced numerous anti-rabies shots over the years due to bites and scratches from breaking up tussles or overstimulating the cats. However, they embrace these challenges, preferring a chaotic, lively home filled with the pitter-patter of paws to a silent, lifeless space. Their story is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that comes from opening one's heart and home to animals in need.
