Time for our kittens to meow their goodbyes

Here it is, our moment to say goodbye. After 16 weeks with them as a part of our daily lives, we’re passing on two of our three kittens. They’re now in a new home, being treated and loved just as well as they were with us. Knowing this makes the first few days after saying goodbye a little easier. We can also visit them whenever we like. Then there’s the last sister Wanda. This little witch is staying with us and her mother Mira.

A new home

Snowball, Fineli and Fläckli: these are the provisional names we gave our three kittens when they were still living with us. Fläckli has now become Wanda. We’re leaving the final choice of names for Snowball and Fineli to the new owners. As a family, we quickly agree on who to give them to. The mother of our five-year-old daughter’s godmother lives in a large house with an even larger garden. And she wants to adopt two of our kittens. That’s what we wanted right from the start.

On a Saturday, we bring the two of them to their new home. After the long car journey, they urgently need to use the litter tray, which we hastily set up for them. They then begin to explore their new surroundings fearlessly and trustingly. They let themselves be petted and held by the new owner and her children without any teething problems. A sign to us that we’ve done one or two things right.

A lovely day

It’s no coincidence our kittens are so well socialised. They’ve been constantly surrounded by people since they were born. My wife and I even helped ensure they were born without complications.

Through our daughter, they’re used to dealing with children, and through our other cats they know that there are other members of their species besides them and mother Mira. When a friend’s dog is on vacation with us during the summer, we also take advantage of this opportunity. After a week, our kittens are completely unimpressed by this big creature. In contrast to Mia, who’s just as excited as she was on her first day with us when she sees or hears one of the babies.

There’s also plenty for Snowball, Wanda and Fineli to discover in our garden. The vegetable patch, the neighbours’ cats, our chickens and much more.

Make your bed, now lie in it

Cats are known to sleep for up to two thirds of the day. Our kittens never miss out on sleep, even when there are so many new things to discover. Ideally, they simply combine both. For example, Snowball discovers the washing machine and immediately takes a nap in it. Of course, we make sure there are no kittens in the washing machine before every wash!

Wanda proves more than once that a cooling bag is also suitable for a cat yoga session followed by a nap. It’s our fault if we don’t put the bag away.

Anyway, the three little ones teach me that any place is a good place to sleep. Be it on an office chair or my legs. True, I can’t work properly, but whatever.

Of course, the three of them are also annoying sometimes. For example, when they knock the flower pot and lamp off the windowsill while chasing a fly. Or when they overdo it in the litter box and spread the stuff all over the floor. Still, they’re only annoying initially and it’s forgotten about in a second. Come on, they’re kids.

The farewell

On our last evening together, all three kittens snuggle up to us on the sofa, or rather on top of us. Sure, they don’t know that two of them are leaving the next day. Even Mama Mira joins us and lets her children suckle again, even though they’re actually weaned by now. Is it her way of saying goodbye to Snowball and Fineli?

When we return home the next evening without them, I fear that Mother Mira and Sister Wanda will be looking for them. But they both sleep peacefully together on the sofa. Maybe they feel through us that things are good the way they are, and that Snowball and Fineli will be fine, even if they no longer live here. A nice thought that may not even be that far-fetched. After all, cats are very sensitive creatures.

We had a wonderful 16 weeks together, Snowball and Fineli. And now take care, you rascals! Be cheeky, wild and wonderful!