Domestic Long Hair-black and white, Maine Coon

Kettle is a beautiful long haired domestic cat, abandoned outdoors in the winter of 2007. The six month old kitten made her way to the feeding station of a feral colony and survived much of the winter by curling up in sheltered boxes filled with straw, placed about for the cats. We think she know where she came from. Born in a housing project, Kettle was given to a couple when just a kitten. She was not treated very well, was kicked, yelled at, and even thrown across a room when she was unerfoot. The Cat Rescue Network isited the home to remove another cat (at that time we did not know about Kettle). The people quickly returned Kettle to the housing project, rather than give her to us. When we approached the home where she was returned, we were told the kitten had run away. Shortly thereafter, Kettle appeared at a feeding station near the projects. She was very wary, especially when men were about, and was not easily trapped. Kettle's beautiful long hair became matted and coarse as a result of the cold, wet weather and the salty slush near the feeding station. The pads of her feet are calloused by the salt. Yet she is a gentle cat, and was very grateful when taken indoors. She immediately began to groom herself, although would try to hide if approached. The man in the foster home is very good to cats and eventually she began to lose her apprehension around men. A few weeks after being taken in she gave birth to six kittens, all named after teas. A kitten herself, Kettle seemed surprised at giving birth and did not know what to do. With help from the foster parents, the kittens were wiped and were soon nursing. From that time onwards Kettle was an attentive mother. Kettle will be a beautiful, quiet pet for anyone prepared to offer this unfortunate cat a loving, permanent home.