I wanted to let you all know how grateful I am for being able to adopt Smudge back in January!

She was quite defensive and protective of her space when I first got her, and for a couple of months i thought she just hated me because she bit  me and fought me and wouldn’t let me pick her up or touch her unless it was a brush touching her. (She’s declawed in front which may explain the biting)  She also had some bowel issues and the poor kitty would meow in her litter box or lay down in it when she was constipated.

I’ve been very patient with her personal space, and she’s grown to trust me but still nibbles at me when I push the limits (she used to viciously bite me at the slightest hand movement).  I’ve also tried many kinds of foods (She is a Manx with an irregular spine which causes the bowel issues) and I think her and I have finally found a combination of wet and dry foods that are gentle on her tummy and that she likes.

I don’t know what her life was like before I got her, but I know that she is very happy with me now.  I live on a first floor condo with grass access, and since she couldn’t really jump when i got her I bought a dog fence for my porch so she could still enjoy sitting outside.  Sometimes I let her off the porch (supervised) and she likes to sniff the grass and walk about a bit.  She’s like a dog sometimes when i open my garage she’ll hang out with me but never wanders off.

I guess I just wanted to say thank you!  Every animal who is unwanted by one is wanted by another.  I love Smudgies little quirks, and the vet said that if she really is 12 years old she’s very healthy, so I look forward to many years with my kitty.

(From Smudgie’s loving family)