Busy as a Bee

Arien is almost always doing something!  She doesn't sit still very long, especially if she would rather play.  

Sleepy, Growing Kitty

These pictures are all oldest to newest.  As you can see, I am getting lots of pictures of Arien when she's sleeping.  That's because she is basically always on the move and likes to pounce on my phone if she sees me pull it out for a picture.  She spends a lot of time playing with Beren and Kira.  She tries to do everything Kira does which sometimes seems to upset Kira and sometimes seems to make her happy.  I think Kira really does like Arien, but gets annoyed that Arien has SO much energy.

8 weeks old

This precious, fluffy girl is officially 8 weeks old!  I never knew how my life would change when my mom called me saying there was a pet emergency at their house involving a feral cat that appeared to be having trouble after giving birth.  She had been dumped there earlier this year and had already given birth to her second litter (the first litter only had one kitten too).  My parents did what they could to help the mother, but in the end, she didn't make it.  She left behind this little kitten that I estimated to be born on September 1st.  I didn't intend to keep her, but when I realized she needed help, I decided I had to do everything I could to save her.  So on September 6th, I brought her home.  I was so focused on keeping her alive that I wasn't even considering keeping her and didn't intend to think about that until she made it to 8 weeks old.  But I started to notice that my husband really really liked her and then I quickly fell in love.  Arien is now old enough to go to her forever home, but she's found it already here with us.  😊  

The past 7 weeks of hand raising this little girl have been so awesome, and I am SO glad I did it!  She has SO much to learn still, but she is happy and healthy.  She's alive.  It definitely wasn't always easy with lots of lost sleep and tears along the way.  I want to take this moment to express some frustrations that I haven't talked about yet.  I love Arien, and I love that she gets a happy ending to her story, but for so many kittens, that isn't the case.  Lots of people talk about spaying and neutering pets and yes, that is important.  But there are so many feral cats that aren't getting spayed and neutered whose babies often die or they live and increase the feral cat population.  Feral cats often deal with illnesses, wounds from heated fights, and getting pregnant starting when they are far too young.  However, this doesn't have to be their fate.  There are programs already in place to help feral cats by spaying/neutering and giving vaccinations so they can live peacefully in the community.  If you know feral cats are living around you, please take the few minutes it takes to trap them and get them the help they need so there are less unwanted kittens left to suffer.

Catit Toy

I bought this Catit play circuit as a bundle with some other stuff because I specifically wanted the food maze that came with it for Kira to help her lose some weight.  Anyways, she hasn't been too interested in this play circuit, but Arien is obsessed!  She plays with it multiple times a day!  I've decided that I would like to get more of the Catit line of toys since Arien enjoys them SO much!

Big Kid

Arien must be getting used to her picture being taken because she is much more cooperative than she used to be.  Haha!  She's definitely a "big kid" now with all the attitude that you can imagine.  But she is still oh so sweet when she's ready for her nap and is hoping she can cuddle.  😊

Gorgeous Eyes

I'd be so happy if Arien's eyes stayed this color forever!  Aren't they gorgeous??!  😍  Anyways, Arien is doing very well.  She has free roam of the entire house at all times now.  Last night was her first night not locked in a room, and I think it went well.  I made a couple beds for her with the blankets I made for her weeks ago.  I have no idea if she'll use them or not, but I hope that if she ever feels lonely while we aren't home or sleeping, that she'll cuddle up with those blankets.

Tongue Out

I woke this girl up to check on her and this was her response.  😂

Changing Eye Color

Arien is doing well and getting brave at exploring everything.  I let her roam around the basement today for the first time.  Kira didn't seem to mind that Arien was in her territory.  They are definitely becoming friends, but not at the point of grooming or cuddling with each other.  I do think they will get to that point, but only time will tell.  Right now, I can tell that Kira does like her space sometimes so she can sleep without being bothered.  But in general, Kira is much more playful and active now that Arien has joined our family and is old enough to play.  Arien's eyes are almost done changing, but there is still a ring of blue around the outside edge of the iris.  These pictures are oldest to newest.