Tibet

Tibet came to the cat sanctuary as part of the same group that included Asia, Sahara, Cairo and others.

The whole group started off in one of the back pens, but some started showing signs of problems such as eye infections and so were brought into the singlewide for observation and care. They ended up staying there. Tibet stayed healthy, and so he was able to continue living outside.

I met Tibet last week when I was photographing Trixie and other cats in the back yard. I noticed this tabby watching me, seemingly interested but just a bit too shy to approach. I eventually approached him and, after a moment or two of the skittish uncertainty due a stranger, he was delighted to interact.

Once he'd decided I was friend material, Tibet was fully committed to sealing the deal with an enthusiastic performance of cat dances and hand rubs.

Sahara

Sahara is the sister of Cairo and Asia, and currently the shyest of the three.

She had gotten to be a pretty friendly girl, but unfortunately a chronic eye discharge problem meant staff had to subject her to a variety of veterinary ophthalmic ointments to keep it under control. Sahara consequently concluded that going near humans meant a good chance of getting grabbed and having yucky stuff dabbed on her face. And now she doesn't trust us so much.

Like her siblings, though, Sahara has a passion for poultry  -- should a big help to Leslie in her efforts to rebuild this kitty's trust with chicken.

Even without an a food offering, Sahara does allow herself to be stroked a little bit if approached slowly and touched very gently, but she never quite loses that look of being poised to bolt at any moment.