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Winston's Story

Boundless Courage and Energy, Winston Charms Himself into a Home.

We had 4 well established adult cats with no intention of bringing any more in the house when one of the neighbourhood boys brought little Winston into our life. Nestled against the neck of this strapping teen ager, tiny Winston didn't look a day over 6 weeks. He had been found lost under a car and "since you take care of cats could you help him?" And so Winston came in.

Friendly, self confident and determined, little Winston was a kitten with a huge personality. We were determined to put him up for adoption but it soon became evident that this kitten was a keeper. I have fostered dozens of kittens and not a single one has connected with me in this way. He went straight to the heartstrings and entangled himself and never got away.

He managed in a couple of days to make friends with all the adults, no mean feat with Lulu. The other cats showed the patience of Job with this kit and endured his games for hours on end.

Winston is perfectly willing to cuddle for about 2 minutes at a time then goes back to work. He never stops unless he is sleeping. Games, visits with other cats, exploring, opening treat drawers, tearing into bags, he manages to get it all done.

There is nothing like the confidence and energy of a young cat and Winston is no exception. Added to this boundless energy is a fairly wide stubborn streak. Once his mind is made up there is little to distract him. He will empty a bowl of nuts piece by piece and watch the nuts fall off the counter. He will chew into a bag just to open it. He will eat a plant leaf by leaf. His focus and determination is remarkable.

Winston has 2 speeds: On and Off.

He is not terribly respectful of authority. Oscar as experienced top cat is not particularly worried as he puts Winston back in his place gently and firmly, but there might come a day when Winston rules the roost.

Winston AKA Kitten, has changed the life of the other cats. There is now much more playing in the house. He drums up great galloping parties and huge play battles. Even Lulu gets her share of romps.

There is nothing in the world more exciting than chasing Jenny. If he can manage to rouse her he is in for great fun. She takes off yelling and screetching murder and the chase is on. She sounds just like a younger sister being teased. I would chase Jenny if I was a cat, it is simply too hard to resist. After the chase she just comes right back and settles down again.

After 2 years Winston has now reached his final size. He is a delightful animal with a playful sunny outlook. Playing is always on the program and he has developed an uncanny ability to open things. He is an expert with catfood bags and treat packets.

He enjoys sitting in a wooden box in the back yard and doing some birdwatching. He is not a very good hunter and has not figured out how to get close to the birds but enjoys watching them as they come in the back yard to get the seeds that have fallen on the ground. They keep an eye on him but are not terribly worried.