December 9, 2009
San Nicolas Island Cats Update: Hamilton's Story
Feeding time becomes bonding time for one special cat
HSUS
Editor's note: Kimberly D'Amico is an animal technician at the Fund For Animals Wildlife Center. The following is an update on one of the cats rescued from San Nicolas Island. On Sept. 23, 15 cats were introduced to their large new habitat, built thanks to the generosity of DoGreatGood.com.
Feeding time with the San Nicolas Island cats has become a bonding experience for me and the cats—especially a cat named Hamilton. This orange tabby always manages to surprise me.
During Hamilton's early days at The Ramona Wildlife Center, I would pet him during his meals in an effort to socialize him. He'd look up to me as if to say, "Lady, as long as the food is here, you may pet me all you want." But when his meal was finished, he was done with me and he'd retreat to his carrier.
Once or twice I tried to pet Hamilton without his face buried in a dish of food and he immediately swatted at my hand and gave me a displeased look. He was setting his boundaries, and I was happy to oblige our unspoken agreement.
Feral cat paradise
Since the days of being in the kitty condo, Hamilton has been moved to a feral cat paradise outside, complete with trees, rocks, comfy cat beds, an endless supply of cat food, and, of course, his newfound feline friends. He spends his days lolling about in the California sunshine, playing with toys, and enjoying his afternoon snack amongst friends.
Donate to The HSUS' Feral Cat Program Fund to help the San Nicolas Island cats.
I usually show up in the afternoon like a free pizza-delivery service, providing food to the cats. Whenever I enter Hamilton's section of the habitat, he is always quick to greet me. As he is my best customer, I always serve Hamilton his plate of food first.
A friendly gesture
One recent day, while sitting with the cats, I watched as Hamilton finished eating and began walking circles around me while flicking his tail in my direction as he passed by. Until now, I hadn’t seen such an outwardly friendly gesture from Hamilton, so imagine my surprise when he stopped right in front of me and sat down. Looking right at me, he blinked his beautiful yellow eyes and as I reached out a hand to pet him, he crawled right into my lap.
I began petting him softly, while I quietly spoke to him and he looked up at me and meowed. As far as I could tell he was enjoying the experience, though my heart was racing because at any moment I was expecting him to turn and swat me.
Instead, he pushed his head into my hands asking me to scratch his ears. The purring that came out of this cat was unbelievable; I could feel his whole body reverberating in my lap.
After about 20 minutes of this, I wanted to end our session on a good note. I gently nudged Hamilton to move from my lap as I stood up. He obliged, but stood at my feet. I reached down to pet him and he was still purring. I asked, “Do you want me to pick you up, little man?” He didn’t answer, but maintained his position. As I reached down to pick him up, he went limp in my hands. I brought him to my shoulder and his purring continued. I felt his head push to my head as he meowed into my ear.
Thanks!
It was getting dark outside and it was time for me to go, so I carried Hamilton over to his favorite tree. As I set him down on one of the branches I said, "Thank you, Mr. Hamilton." Then he flicked his tail, hissed at me, and climbed up higher into the tree.
This session with Hamilton served as a reminder: even though the cats from San Nicolas Island have unique beginnings, they're still typical cats.
How you can help
If you would like to help us care for Hamilton and his friends, please make a secure donation online, send a check to The HSUS at 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037 (write "San Nicolas Island Cat Program" in the check's memo line), or call 202-452-1100.