Two Cats, One Unlikely Situation

Two Cats, One Unlikely Situation

Published on August 08, 2024

A status update has been added below.

August 8, 2023

Nova Scotia has been a fixture at the Vehicle Impound Facility (VIF) for some years now. His story is a sweet one and we are lucky to be a part of it - before coming to the VIF, he had already been adopted; circumstances changed, however, and he was returned to the rescue. After arriving at the VIF, he took on the role of security feline and settled into his new life. The end? Not quite.

Almost two years ago, Nova's circumstances changed yet again. This time, however, it had nothing to do with rehoming. Nova was about to get a new roommate, which was a surprise to all involved, including staff.

Heading into work early one morning, property and evidence technician, Monique, heard commotion coming from the adjacent property that was out of the ordinary. She had already gone inside and, since she could clearly hear the dogs barking next door, she was curious about what had them worked up. She went outside to investigate when she noticed movement in the corner of the property building. As she got closer, she realized that she had discovered four tiny kittens squirming around on the ground. She was able to catch two, while the other two kittens ran off.

Left: Nova Scotia sleeps away the day. Right: the four kittens found on the VIF grounds.

Monique's coworker soon arrived at the property building and was able to help wrangle the remaining two kittens and bring them inside to safety. With Nova Scotia's help, they raised the kittens until they were old enough to find their forever homes, which they did - each kitten went home with someone on staff at the VIF.

At this point in the story, you must be wondering if they ever saw the mama cat. She was around, but she was elusive. Monique set a trap to catch the mama cat and, after catching her, took her to the Denver Animal Shelter where she would get spayed, receive her shots, and get adopted out. That was the plan, anyway.

After getting fixed and vaccinated, it was determined that she was too feral to be adopted out. At Monique's request, the shelter returned the cat to the impound lot where she was fed and cared for from afar. At first, it was a long-distance relationship, with the mama cat - now named Karen (or the preferred "Sweet Pea") - staying safely out of reach. This went on for five or six months, routinely feeding a skittish Karen, keeping to herself all the while. Until, one day, she didn't.

Left: Sweet Pea sits inside the property building at the VIF. Right: Sweet Pea lounges on a desk.

It was noticeable: Monique was earning Sweet Pea's trust as their established feeding schedule continued. As Monique routinely set out her food, Sweet Pea's curiosity began to outweigh her fear and she started to inch closer to Monique as the days went on. Finally, she was close enough to pet and realized that she was in good hands. Sweet Pea was all in, following Monique back and forth from the property building, and one day heading inside. After that, she never left.

Left: Nova Scotia and Sweet Peas enjoy their respective shark beds. Right: Nova and Sweet Peas relax on a yoga mat together.

It's funny the way life can confront you with a challenge that later becomes a gift. Sweet Pea, as Monique describes her, is the most loveable and sweet cat she has ever known. She always wants to be pet and even drools when she kneads "biscuits."

Original story published August 8, 2023.

Update - August 2024

Since Sweet Pea joined the VIF family, there haven't been any surprises - no new additions, no dramatic stories to tell.

Left to right: Nova Scotia lounging in front of a window; Nova Scotia relaxing; Sweet Pea posing with her toy; Sweet Pea taking a break in her cat bed.

Sweet pea has learned to give strangers a chance, deciding that demanding love and attention is preferable to running away from it. Nova and Sweet Pea, according to Monique, are living their best lives at the VIF as they continue to get spoiled by the people they meet and the people who love them most. Cheers to another year full of fun and fur.

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