Pobre gatita Kia

Kia - the regal glare  (KN)

 Five-year old Kia came to us in May 2024, and was caged in the front courtyard Hill House for her introduction to the Sanctuary. The Hill House is usually a good place to start for a cat; the two big cages are quiet and private when draped, and most of the cats who use the building as their base are not aggressive – many of them spend time in the feral area next door.

Defending her space  (BC)

Kia was not a happy camper when she arrived. All newcomer cats get their cages set up with places to hide, and she made full use of every bit of cover. Volunteers arriving to do a morning clean, or to deliver supper, were greeted by angry hissing from behind a drape, and we placed a warning sign on her door so that people would disturb her as little as possible.  She was, of course, on the Kitty Comforters’ list, but was adamant that she did not want interaction with people, so most of us could do little more than sit and talk with her, while she told us to go away!

Very spicy in her early days  (KN)

Having a cat surrendered to us because of aggression is not a new thing, of course – we have our share of cats (most of them collared) who are pretty reactive. What I think many of us had not realised was that her background probably ensured her reactivity. You see, Kia is from Mexico! As a former street cat, she was adopted by a Mexican couple, who then moved to BC. I don’t think she was a particularly nice cat with them, but it got to the point where she was aggressive to anyone arriving, and they feared that she might harm someone. So now she’s in a strange country, away from the only people she knew, and not hearing a language sound she might recognize. And we know what a difference it made to the late sweet Neko in Leukemia to hear someone speak Japanese, or for tortie Princess to hear voices in Farsi.

The look says "No closer!"  AG

Still – it is what it is, and Kia was going to have to settle.  With cage-time over – it’s usually 4-6 weeks, depending on various factors – the door was opened. Kia glowered – this cage was her space, and she did not appreciate visits from investigating felines. She remained where she was for some time, making it quite clear that nothing had changed; she didn’t want company, she hated other cats, like Greta Garbo, she “vanted to be alone”.

Do not disturb me   (BC)

Gradually she started to emerge, and initially came to claim the cat-tree or the counter-top just outside her cage. This was slightly more dangerous for volunteers – that countertop is the source of evening feeds, and we had to keep an eye on our dragon-cat, and not allow her to slash at working hands. Signs went up – obviously fueled by painful encounters – warning the unsuspecting to be very careful.

Sometimes the look is tentative rather than aggressive  (DW)

Her range began to increase; she could be found at floor level at meal-times – not competing with anyone for food, but keeping a wary eye on the activity around. The other cats have learned to give her a wide berth.  Carol Porteous, who brings special goodies for the cats she feeds, was very patient with her, and Kia became more willing to explore beyond the boundary of the window.  Her long self-imposed cage stay had meant very little exercise, and it’s hard to see the former street cat in this tubby girl with the baleful stare.

Finally venturing through the window  (CP)

When we have weekend visitors, Kia returns to her safe place, but at quieter times, she has begun to investigate the rest of the courtyard.  She has been spotted sitting beside the sink, or at the top of the steps to the Single-Wide, and occasionally even on the bench by the entry. She is still wary of contact; when I stop to speak with her she turns away and ignores me – but that’s an improvement on the hiss-and-claws encounters. She is one of the cats who just takes a long time to accept that life has changed, and that nobody is going to harm her.  

A gentler look  (KN)

If your Spanish is better than my minimal skill, go hunt her out and try talking to her – but stay out of reach of those murder mittens!

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Brigid Coult, Akira Graham, Karen Nicholson, 

Carol Porteous, Debbie Wolanski