I mentioned in my last Currently posts that we have a “temporary cat” (aka, cat sitting at our cabin). We’re more than one month in and are in love with Ted, so I thought I’d do a proper intro since she (yes, Ted is a she) will be with us for a few months!
So first, the background as to why we have a “temporary cat.” Most of you know we are cat people!!! We haven’t owned a cat during our 10+ nomadic years, but have jumped on every cat-sitting opportunity and fostered over the years, since our beloved Mr. McKinley died in 2015. We came close to “owning” a cat when Mrs. Gibbles adopted us at Fenton Ranch in New Mexico for the 2 years we spent as caretakers from 2016-2108 (for the record, she still lives there as the queen of the ranch). Anyway, when we created a home in Alaska, we debated if we could get a cat, but ultimately decided that 300 square feet is just a little tight for 2 humans, let alone 2 humans and a cat. Maybe someday, but for now, pet-sitting and visiting our family’s cats fills the void.
Last year, a friend mentioned that 2 of her friends were planning to go for a long-distance hike and would be looking for a cat sitter for months. I was quickly sold on the idea. We’d help out fellow hikers, and test out having a cat in our cabin! Discussions ensued, we did a test run (which, admittedly had Ted hissing and growling at us) and we ultimately agreed. Owners and married couple, Sandy & Lucca, are thru hiking Te Araroa in New Zealand, and Ted will live with us until they return.
Ted’s history starts in 2013 as a stray in Rochester, NY. Sandy found this baby kitty (8ish months old?) on her porch. She was a love bug for a stray—even snuggling—so Sandy figured she belonged to someone else. Sandy always put out cat food out on the porch for the series of porch strays she had visiting. She gave them names like Eddie, Freddie, so Teddy was just next on the list. But then Teddy stuck around, so the deal was sealed that they would be best buds. That’s when Ted’s female parts were revealed … Anyway, Ted has bounced around with Sandy (and Lucca) in New York, Maryland and Alaska.
I mentioned that Ted was equal parts sassy and sweet in the beginning of her time with us. I don’t blame her. At 10.5 years (60?), who wants to upend their life and live under a new roof? She grumbles, growls and sometimes hisses/strikes when she is unhappy. We’ve learned what she likes (belly rubs, being warm and cozy, eating) and doesn’t like (invading her personal space uninvited, pulling out suitcases and packing, wet food that isn’t mixed up/chopped).
Ted really is sweet as sugar, and we’re enjoying our temporary cat!
Cats bring so much joy! So glad she fits in like family.
Ted is adorable!! I’m so glad y’all get to enjoy some cat love!