How could I have said no to accepting MADEIRA?  I received a call on 12/2/09 from a neighbor of meth addicts, who had moved away leaving behind a young, blind, grey cat. Madeira, was outside, in the rain, forced to fend for herself.   My resolve to suspend taking in more cats completely dissolved!  The woman was concerned enough to have Madeira combo tested and vaccinated at her own expense and asked her parents to deliver the cat to me the next day.  Madeira arrived and is having little difficulty adjusting to a full food bowl.  She is not used to other cats but is slowly adapting to sharing.  Our Christmas present to her is a spay operation so she will never again be forced to bear more kittens.  Madeira was 5 pounds when she came to us, most likely due to poor diet, and the drain on her body from bearing at least one litter.  We look forward to adding love and contentment to this little girl.

Update spring 2010:  Madeira has put on about 3 pounds since coming to us in December.  She LOVES Purina One and murmurs for me to fill her bowl.  She has calmed down considerably and is not a defensive as she used to be.  Madeira and Boo Boo are great playmates and wrestle and run through the house constantly.  Although Madeira is not a lap cat, in the evening she sleeps next to Barbara's rocking chair for tv time.

Let's get ready to RUMBLE...

Madeira and Boo Boo engage in a good natured wrestling match.