Romeow and Juliet by Kathi Daley Read Free Book Online

has both an indoor and an enclosed outdoor area where the cats can lie in the sun, climb trees, and romp to their hearts’ delight.
    I picked up one of the resident kittens and cuddled it. Maggie made sure that all of the kittens born at the facility were given large doses of human interaction. Once they turned eight weeks of age they were spayed or neutered, given shots, and adopted by new families. The mama cats who could be rehabilitated were likewise altered and then adopted into forever homes.
    “How many cats do you currently have in residence?” Tara wondered.
    “Thirty-eight. Four mama cats, eighteen kittens, seven altered feral adults who have been given sanctuary in permanent quarters, and five altered males who we’re working on finding homes for, as well as four altered females who show a lot of promise.”
    “That’s a lot. What are you going to do if you get filled to capacity?”
    “I try not to think about that. Six of the kittens are almost ready for new homes. I’ve had success with the adoption clinics in the city and I know that once the residents of Madrona Island start hanging out with the cats at Coffee Cat Books they’ll want to adopt the cats they have a chance to meet. We’ve been aggressively altering the cats who come in, which will reduce the number of kittens born in the future.”
    “What about those you aren’t able to rehabilitate?”
    I bent down and picked up a huge orange tabby. “This is Moose. When we first trapped him and brought him here you couldn’t get within ten feet of him, but now he comes over to say hi when I come in. He isn’t quite ready for a home—he tends to scratch and bite if he’s had enough people time—but I have hope that one day we’ll find the perfect forever home for even him.”
    “And what about Romeo? Do you think he’s here to stay?”
    I thought about it. He seemed perfectly at home, but my intuition told me that he was only in my life for a visit.
    “I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Akasha didn’t seem too thrilled to have another cat in the house.”
    Akasha was my aunt’s cat, her first rescue. She’s a dainty black beauty who adores my aunt but only tolerates everyone else. When Maggie had gone up to bed Akasha had gone with her.
    Tara bent down and picked up a multicolored kitten who appeared to be some sort of Maine coon mix. “This little guy sure is friendly. Do you have a home for him yet?”
    “Not yet,” I said. “He seems to like you.”
    “I have to admit I’m tempted. Living alone can get lonely at times, and a cat would provide company. Have you named him?”
    “No. I always leave that up to the forever families of the cats and kittens I feel are candidates for placement. Some of our resident feral cats have names.”
    Tara continued to hold the long-haired kitten with bright blue eyes. She turned him so they were face to face. “Aren’t you a cutie? Do you shed a lot?” The kitten began to purr as it swatted her on the nose. “I bet you do shed a lot, but you’re quite the charmer.” Tara smiled as she rubbed her cheek against his soft fur.
    I smiled too. It looked like Tara was going home with a cat. Maybe not today, but soon. I’m convinced that cats have a way of knowing who they should be with. Tara had helped me with the cats before and had stopped to pet the kittens each time but really hadn’t shown a lot of interest in taking one home. Until today. Today the little bandit trotted over, stole a heart, and charmed his way into a forever home.
    I walked over to the window and looked out as a car pulled into the drive. “Looks like Danny’s here,” I announced.
    Tara immediately set the kitten down and began to straighten her hair. I suspect she has a crush on Danny. At first I found the attraction odd, but Danny is fun and spontaneous, with a joy for life that I seldom see in anyone over the age of puberty. I can see how Tara and Danny would be good for each other. She needs to lighten up a