YAWN! Who turned on the lights? Oh, it's that lady who comes to clean our cages and give us food each morning. Come to think of it, I could eat something; and my cage could definitely use some sprucing up. I know it's a mess; but, hey, it's fun to throw my toys in the water bowl and spray litter everywhere.
Well, I guess I'd better get grooming. I want to look my best for when the people start coming in. I think it's the end of the week, the weekend, so more people should stop by, and I want to look my best.
You see, I've been here for what seems a very long time. I'm still a kitten, a very cute kitten, if I do say so myself; and I don't want to live here in a cage anymore. That's why every day I try to look my best and act like a kitten that someone would be proud to take into their home to become part of their family. That's what I really, really, really want: a family.
I don't know what happened to my own family. I know I was part of a litter, and I sort of remember my mom, but not very well. I just remember being dropped off here at this store by the nice lady who found me and my brothers and sister. They've all already been adopted. I'm happy for them, but I miss them, too. Not that I could ever play with them or see them; but I could talk to them, and they could answer me across the cages. I hope they are all happy now and that someday I will see them again.
Here's the lady. She's opening the cage door. I think I'll jump up on her shoulder. Maybe she'll take me home. I guess not. Now, she's put me in the little back room, and I can run around until she finishes cleaning my cage when she'll come scoop me up and put me back in. That's if she can catch me!
Running is so much fun. I love it when I roll over. My feet go over my head, and bam! I'm splat on the floor! Hey, what's this? Oh, a blanket or something. I guess I'll hide under it. Maybe she won't see me. This is fun! Oops! She's pretty smart. Back to the cage!
I hear the sound of keys. I think the store is going to open. My heart is beating so fast! Maybe today will be the day someone takes me home with them.
Sometimes, it's so disappointing. No one comes to look at us. What's even worse is when I see one of the other cats or kittens being shown to someone and they get chosen, while I still have to stay here. Of course, I'm happy for them, but I would give anything to have them pick me. And I'm not getting any younger!
Sadie, the big Maine Coon who lives under me? She's 15, and she's given up hope that someone will come to adopt her. She doesn't even move around or talk much anymore. I feel sorry for her. I guess she thinks she's going to die here. It's like what they call prison for people. That's a place where people who are bad have to go. But none of us are bad, so I don't understand why we have to be here. Do you?
Hey, I see two ladies coming over to the cages. Oh, here they are, right in front of my cage. I think I'll rub against it for a few seconds. That's it. Ooh, one of them touched me through the wires! Now I'll give them my most intelligent but pathetic look. Uh-oh, that might not have helped. They are moving over to the other cages to the left. Darn! That's okay, it's early. We just opened.
Oh, Jackson is out! One of the ladies is holding him! Lucky cat! He's a huge black cat, about eight years old; and he's been here a long time, too. Oh, they're putting him back in the cage. Too bad, Jackson, maybe next time.
I think I'll catnap for awhile to take my mind off things. There are still a lot of hours in the day, and it won't do to make myself nervous and upset this early in the morning.
I'm hearing some movement. Is it part of my dream? Better open an eye and see what's happening. Oh, another pair of ladies. Hey, I remember them! They were here before. They've been in a few times but never adopted. Maybe today is someone's lucky day.
Well, I'll be darned. They're speaking to the lady, and she is coming to open my cage door and take me out to see them! Now, I've got to remember to be on my best behavior. Definitely no scratching or biting; well, maybe a few soft love bites.
Oh, I like this lady! She has nice long shiny hair that I can tangle my claws in. She is petting me and, ahh, a kiss on my head! I love that! Now, the little lady is holding me, and she's nice, too! She's a smaller version of the big one. Maybe she's her kitten. I don't know, but I like them both very much!
Please, please, please, please, please!
Guess what? THEY LIKE ME! I'm going home with them! I'm going to have a real family at last! And guess what else? Sadie is coming with us!