Ménage à trois?

Walker & Chinook - MW

Pen 5 is best known for its two pairs of lovebirds (or should that be lovecats?) - Adam and May are usually to be found in each others company, and Salish rarely goes anywhere without her beloved Rudolph. But three other cats in that pen are hold-outs from the clowder that was brought in from the Shelter eight or nine years ago, and they are frequently found in different combinations.

Wary Capilano - KN

The centre of the group would seem to be Capilano. Cappy is a very large cat – at one stage he was really huge, but lost some weight due to dental problems, and has managed to keep it off since we dealt with his teeth. We used to call him “The Godfather”. He is not appreciative of humans on his turf; a visitor to the cabin is often greeted by ferocious hissing as he warns you away from the box or basket where he is resting.  Outside the cats’ home, he seems more relaxed, willing to lounge just out of arm’s reach, and he is almost daring enough to approach for a chicken tidbit, though he prefers not to risk being touched.

Walker - MW

He is most often found in the company of blond Walker, who is shy, but not aggressive like his friend. Walker is easily confused with Pumpkin, and he often ventures into the same areas of the back courtyard, though without his big black and white buddy – Capilano rarely explores beyond the area immediately outside the pen. 

Walker and Capilano loving it up - MW

But in the cabin or on a sunny day in the grass, the two can often be found together, either cuddled in a bed or playing together (though “play” for Capilano is pretty ponderous!)

Chinook - MW

The third member of the trio is grey and white Chinook. The most independent of the three, Chinook tolerates Capilano, but is often attached to Walker. 

Walker & Chinook - bookends - MW

The two of them are enthusiastic members of the “We Love Chicken” Club, and Chinook hauls himself up on the feeder’s knee with sharp claws that reflect the realities of his outdoor life.  He is also the most affectionate of the trio, and is quite happy to sit and be petted as long as you will allow.

 MW

None of the three are really candidates for adoption, having lived outdoors for so long – and even though you may never get to touch Capilano, all three are definitely candidates for sponsorship.  It’s very satisfying to know that they can live the lives that suit them under the loving care of RAPS.

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Karen Nicholson and Michele Wright