The story of how Latte joined our family
Three weeks ago, I saw this face on the Facebook page of Ellie's former Foster Mom, Linda.
Latte and her sister, Cocoa, were left in a box on the side of a road. Just the week before I saw Latte's picture, her sister was adopted. There was just something about little Latte that I couldn't reason away.
I wasn't looking for another cat - the thought hadn't occurred to me - but Latte's face was unforgettable. All of a sudden, I knew what I needed. I tried to reason my way out of meeting her - telling myself I wasn't ready. I second-guessed needing her - and if needing her was even an appropriate reason to adopt her. I told myself I only had room for one more cat on our lease - what if I met another cat later that I then couldn't adopt? I thought about my Mom - and how she developed dementia in her fifties. The next cat I adopt might be the last cat I can responsibly adopt and promise a forever home. I put more pressure on the decision, expecting myself to make the perfect decision, but I kept coming back to this face. There's just something about Latte ...
My emotions were all over the place. On the one hand, I mourn Bear. I need Bear. I need a cat to sleep on me, so I never get used to being an island again. But I can't expect to replace Bear - I can't expect her to fill that hole. Latte will be her own cat, and I need to love her as she is and not try to make her Bear. Was I in a place where I could do that? I wasn't sure. Could I be fair to her and fair to myself? Would my grief make me distant and hesitant to bond with her?
I had so many questions and no answers. Added to all this was my uncertainty about kittens. I've never adopted such a tiny kitten. What shots does she still need? What's normal? What's not? I want to get everything right!
We also found a gorgeous buff ginger kitten described as having a huge personality. He sounded so much like Bear! My heart soared. Then the reality set in: maybe that kind of personality didn't fit in with Ellie and our current living situation. Napoleon was rambunctious and into everything. I felt like I betrayed Bear by choosing not to adopt him. But I wasn't sure I was up for uber-cat proofing every single possible thing he could even imagine to destroy.
Last week, a friend said something that finally put to words what I think I realized: why would I want another relationship exactly like the one I had with Bear? Bear and my relationship were special - unique - one-of-a-kind! Why would I want the same exact relationship with another cat? Why wouldn't I want to keep that type of relationship just between Bear and me?
So two weeks ago last Saturday, we met Latte. I can't say I was sure after meeting her. Does she like me? Would she love me? Can I be the Mom I want to be to her? Uncertainty was all I knew. But again, that face: because there's just something about Latte ...
If my boyfriend hadn't been there and there hadn't been other interest in Latte, I might've waited to make the decision: like I did with Bear and Ellie. I decided to trust my instincts (this being one of the hardest things for me to do as I want to rationalize everything) because there's just something about Latte ...
Holding Latte is a humbling experience. Her tiny [almost] four-pound body is so precious and so fragile. When she looks at me with "those eyes," I'm scared by the trust and love she puts in me. I was that fragile once. I was that trusting and that innocent. I know the blissful ignorance of possessing that state of vulnerability - and the devastation and brokenness when betrayed. When the pain starts - I know I will do everything in my power so that Latte dies knowing she is loved and her love and trust were well-placed. I did the same for another homeless kitten once - and I fulfilled that promise every day for fifteen years. The recognition that I didn't take advantage of or take for granted that state is a gift that dulls some of the sharp edges of my grief over losing that kitten [Bear]. Seeing that I accept the trust placed in me and make choices so drastically different from my parents heals my brokenness and makes me stronger than before.
Does one cat replace another? No. But a kitten reminds you of the value of life and that the pain at the end is worth every moment that proceeds it.
Pictures of Latte
The first day in her new home ...
#Perfect #Welcome #Tortie #Tabby
Trying out her sisfur's hissfur's bed ...
#UhOh #DontTell
At play ...
#Killer #WatchOut #Business
Latte discovers the cat tree ...
#InBloom #TinyCat #HugeTree
Latte takes possession of Momma's desk chair (somewhere, Bear's laughing his cute little butt off) ...
#ThanksBear #Again #Sigh
Latte begging for food ...
#Starvatation #Real #GrowingKitten
Latte and Momma love ...
#Sorted #MeantToBe #Love ...
Ellie and her hissfur sisfur find a common goal ...
#Teamwork #Girlpower #CatStuff
Trying to sleep, but the pawparazzi won't leave Latte alone ...
#Kittening #HardJob #WhoCouldResist
About Latte:
Tabby/tortie mix.
Less than four pounds.
White tail tip.
Mostly white belly.
Greenish eyes.
Less than four pounds.
White tail tip.
Mostly white belly.
Greenish eyes.
Light brown paws [partial].
Favorite things: Purring (and snuggling with her Momma), wet food, biting (toes, noses and the occasional butt), climbing her scratching post and playing (prefers: wand toys, straws and sparkle balls).
© 2021 Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat - Published by K. Kern.
All text, pictures, images, and other content are original and copyright by Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat [K. Kern], 2015-2021. No content on Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat may be used without the owner's [K. Kern] written permission. If you see this post posted on a site that isn't Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat, please contact cats@mommakatandherbearcat.com.
I wasn’t sure when we took Toulouse I thought it might be a mistake. It too him months to settle in but, he’s here now and part of the family, just like Latte.
ReplyDeleteWe know how much Toulouse has added to your family - and our hearts!
DeleteI can't even find the words to tell you how glad I am that latte is there and a member of the family. If I ever saw love, I see it with you and Latte. SO happy for you. Please let us know what her Hissfur says. XXOO
ReplyDeleteI always minimize things like this. Like maybe I'm just the food lady to her. And I'm better to cuddle with than nothing. But cuddling with her is heaven :)
DeleteShe's purrfect! We're so glad you found each other.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteAwwwwwww what a great story.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. I got very lucky!
DeleteYou two both look very happy and we can see the love flowing both ways. Latte will be her own cat and that cat will be delightful!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteLatte what a wonderful name and it does fit your sweetness purrfectly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you have a furever home filled with love and a big sister too.
Hugs Cecilia
"Big sister." Are you making fun of my weight? ~Ellie Mae
DeleteAMARULA: What a beauty!!!! And a tortie to boot! (Well at least half a tortie!) I can tell that gal has style! I miss Bear too but I think she'll be a great addition to your home~
ReplyDeleteWe knew you'd approve, Amarula! If you and Bear had love kittens ... they'd look exactly like this!
DeleteThat face...gah! You're right...there IS something about Latte's face. May you share many happy moments for years and years. She's a really cutie. Looks like the 'Boy' now now has a harem. ;) #girlsrock
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Someone else mentioned that Bear would've had his harem if he were still here. I guess in a way, since he is, he kind of does - just across dimensions!
Deletelatte; ewe bee troo lee gorgeouz; welcome two yur new for everz that comez with: a total lee awesum lee equal lee gorgoeuz sisturr ellie, a total lee awesum lee soooper grate mega neato kewl mom and dad, a sooooper grate awesum place ta chillax, play and call home.....anda pantree filled with FISH....and knot bass terd chkn ore turkee ;) ♥♥
ReplyDeleteErm ... what's wrong with chicken and turkey?!? My foster mom said no fish for kittens! My Momma is slipping me some ... and I steal some of Ellie's though. I think I'm going to be like Ellie when I grow up ... fishy ... not birds! ~Latte
DeleteI’m so happy the two of you found each other! Latte appears to have made herself at home and in your heart.
ReplyDeleteShe has. I can hardly believe how good I have it!
DeleteI love those pictures. I'm glad you adopted her. She looks so sweet.
ReplyDeleteShe is sweet! She's the perfect blend of kitten and sweet. She curls up on me like a baby. But when she's had enough, it's hard to avoid those teeth.
DeleteIt looks like it's working out beautifully! I'm so happy you and little Latte found each other!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I can't believe how lucky I am!
DeleteSo glad to see you and Latte looking so happy. Hope Ellie Mae relaxes and loves, too. She is a loving girl, but may take a little time. Hope both are healthy - Latte has always seemed healthy, but those bugs are tricky. I remember you had issues with Ellie Mae for the first months or the first year? Anyway, hope Latte is healthy for you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, we had an issue with worms with Ellie for two years! Then Bear got them from her. Latte tested negative again - but it's Revolution Plus all around (starting in September since she got Revolution for August). We're up to two cans of wet food a day ... and still, Latte thinks she's starving!
DeleteWe're so happy for Latte and you ! We hope she and Ellie Mae will soon get along and pull for the same team. Purrs
ReplyDeleteI think they'll be okay. I just wish I could get Ellie to stand up for herself a little bit!
DeleteLatte is a cutie. I think Bear was pushing you to her knowing exactly what you needed. XO
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put it past him. He always knew what I needed better than I did.
DeleteWhen the cat gods make an offer, it's always best to say, YES!
ReplyDeleteHow are Latte and Ellie getting along?
That is true.
DeleteIn terms of Latte and Ellie, we're working on it. I think they're playing ... though as it goes with siblings, sometimes the line gets a little blurred. Ellie is definitely NOT the Alpha which is a bit frustrating. She weighs four times what Latte does - but won't stand up to her!
About Latte:
ReplyDeleteAdorable!
I’m so glad that you chose love.
Maggie
Who could resist that face?
DeleteYou aren't "replacing" Bear - no cat ever could. But maybe Bear helped you find Latte, knowing you had room in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put it past him. He always knew what I needed better than I did.
DeleteSo I guess you have decided not to rename this precious little torbie. When I first saw here I thought Latte was the purrfect name. Sometimes you just know it is right. That’s how it was with both Astrid and Kizmet when I saw them on-line; though I did rename them both. Astrid was originally Tabitha and Kizmet was Janet. I know you will develop a unique bond with Latte, just as you should. Miss you too. Wish CWA was having a real conference this year. I look forward to hearing more about Latte. Big hugs, Janet
ReplyDeleteI tried to rename her ... I really did! She doesn't know her name, so I thought it would be easy. But then I kept calling her Latte! Phht!
DeleteWhat a little cutie she is!
ReplyDeleteI know. Sometimes it's too much!
DeleteAw, Latte is adorable. She can’t replace Bear…but I bet Bear sent her your way to help heal your hurting heart. I can’t wait to watch her grow up. ~Island Cat mom
ReplyDeleteMe too! I think she'll be on the small side ... like Zoey!
DeleteLatte is just too cute for words, and I'm so, so happy you adopted her. It was the same way with Mudpie...I felt guilty adopting so soon after losing Truffles, but that face just stole my heart. Some things are just meant to be. (I kind of feel sorry for The Boy. He's really outnumbered now!)
ReplyDeleteHahaha. Torties just have something special ...
DeleteAww, Latte is so adorable! We're so happy you found each other. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteWe are very lucky!
DeleteLatte is adorable! You made the right choice and for the right reasons. I hope she and Ellie are soon getting on well together.
ReplyDeleteWe're working on it. I think they're playing ... though as it goes with siblings, sometimes the line gets a little blurred.
DeleteI'm glad that you took a chance on Latte. I'm sure that she'll fit right in, even though you may never be able to use your desk chair again.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I did too! She's one-of-a-kind!
DeleteI think your friend gave some sound advice, and I'm glad you took it! Sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet and not over-analyze everything! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember feeling exactly as you when I first held our beagle Cricket on my chest. I think you always feel that way, especially with a puppy or kitten, but I think it's even more so after a loss. We had lost our Lab mix Maggie to a tragic accident, so I felt even more strongly that I needed to take extra care of Cricket, and I didn't want to screw it up. ♥
I look forward to more of the antics of Latte - she is adorable!!
I feel better that you understand! Latte thinks she should be the new star of the blog :)
Delete