Needy Paws

One of the most fascinating parts of caring for kittens is how different each situation can be. When I hand-raise orphaned neonatal kittens, they learn that my hands mean safety. This time, though, they have their mum. So when I do a quick check, they want straight back to her, and she wants them too. My role is simply different right now, and watching that strong little family bond is its own kind of reward.

I got bitten by a cat while pet sitting. It came as a complete shock and reminded me how quickly things can change, even with cats that seem friendly.

Cat bites are not something to ignore. Their sharp teeth can drive bacteria deep under the skin, and infections can develop very quickly—sometimes within hours.

I sought medical attention straight away, received a tetanus booster, and started strong antibiotics. I’m grateful I didn’t brush it off.

If you’re ever bitten by a cat:
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
• Seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if the bite broke the skin.
• Watch closely for redness, swelling, increasing pain, warmth, pus, or fever.

Working with animals is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a reminder to respect their boundaries and remember that even the gentlest cat can react if they’re frightened, stressed, or in pain.

Please take cat bites seriously. It could save you from a much more serious infection.

When I wrote Raising Sylvie, I wanted readers to experience her journey through words and illustrations. But music has a way of reaching people differently. Sylvie’s Song was created as a companion to the book—a way to capture the hope, resilience, and love at the heart of her true story in just a few minutes. My hope is that someone who hears the song will want to discover the full story, and someone who has read the book will hear the journey in a whole new way.

Did you know cats are crepuscular?

That means they are most active at dawn and dusk—or, as cats prefer to call it:

“The exact time humans are trying to sleep.”

So when your cat is sprinting through the hallway at 5 a.m., launching off furniture, attacking invisible enemies and singing the song of their people… they are not misbehaving.

They are simply following their natural instincts.

Unfortunately, their natural instincts are very loud. 😹

What a privilege it has been to witness the birth of two beautiful kittens while their mama has been in my care.

I have never experienced anything quite like this before. Usually, I am caring for vulnerable neonatal kittens without a mama, a role that involves an incredible amount of work.

From watching her growing tummy, to the nesting, the contractions, and finally their arrival, every stage has been amazing to witness.

Most beautiful of all has been seeing the natural bond between a devoted mama and her babies, the gentle cleaning, warmth, protection, and love she gives them so instinctively.

Welcome to the world, little ones.