When Salami, a stray cat, decided it was time to deliver her kids, she headed to the one place she knew she’d be safe.
Salami began visiting Ida Floreak’s house in the early fall of last year after observing Floreak’s cat on the backyard porch.
“She came by and she really loved him,” Floreak, a New Orleans-based painter, told The Dodo. “They’d sniff each other out, and she was more interested in him than he was in her.” It was obvious that she had come to visit him, which was nice.”
Floreak began leaving food out for Salami, and soon the tiny black cat began to appear at her house every morning, meowing at the door. Salami was delighted for the free supper, but she was wary about Floreak.
The small black cat then began to develop a tummy. “My objective was to be able to take her in and get her fixed and vaccinated,” Floreak explained. “But she was clearly pregnant before she was comfortable enough for that.”
During her pregnancy, Salami began to spend more time with Floreak, letting herself to be petted and rubbed. Then, one early April morning, Salami arrived earlier than usual.
“She came by about 5 a.m. and was squeaking quite insistently in a manner that looked out of character,” Floreak explained. “So I allowed her in, and she started having her kittens about 8 or 9 a.m.”
“I was startled since I imagined I wouldn’t see her for a few of weeks once she had kids,” she continued.
Floreak had hardly finished putting out blankets and making her bedroom quiet when Salami unexpectedly gave birth to two kittens. Floreak believed Salami had completed delivering her kids since she appeared satisfied.
Later that night, when Floreak was on a Zoom chat with friends, Salami gave birth to two more little kittens. “I was quite terrified since I had never seen or done anything like this before,” Floreak added. “However, it was evident from her demeanor that she understood exactly what to do.” It was a harrowing experience.”
Salami and her babies had Floreak’s entire attention for two months while New Orleans was quarantined, and the tiny family is prospering.
Floreak described her mother as “wonderful.” “She’s really attentive and lovely.”
Floreak has found permanent homes for all four kittens except Salami, who is still with her. There was no other option after everything they’d been through together.
Floreak’s other cat appears to have adjusted to the new normal, though he can’t wait for the kittens to find new homes. “He misses having the freedom of the home and isn’t used to the kittens.” “Floreak stated this. “But he and Salami are still together.”
Link to Paws Daily