Gatito (LIttle Cat)

As in the hot summers past, we had another feral cat living under our house.

She was super thin and had beautiful green eyes. She actually looked healthy, like she belonged to someone but just got lost, unlike the wild feral cats and kittens we found last summer and the summer before.

Benedict discovered her first with his constant barking at 2 a.m. We have spent many sleepless nights this week listening to the cat beg for us to feed, pet, or love her while Benny barked his jealous retorts.

We did give in and gave her some water. It's been over 100 degrees here and I would guess it to be even hotter under the house.

The kids were smitten. They would call for her each night and wave at her through the screen and windows. Valentina learned to meow.

But David is allergic. Like instantly. He went out to give her water and had small welts as soon as he walked back in. She nuzzled me once and everyone got bit by fleas.

But her pooping on the front porch was the final straw.

We searched the lost pets database in La Habra and found nothing to match her description. We looked for street signs or posters asking for their lost one. We asked neighbors and had no luck.

We called animal control who told us that they can not take cats unless they are injured or dead.

Averaging 2 hours of sleep a night all week, well... something had to be done.

So we all jumped in the car, knowing that she would follow, and drove up the street to a nice big park in the hills. David and Salvatore prayed the Our Father in Spanish for her as I held her in my lap. I walked her over to a big tree, gave her some more food and water, and said a quick good-bye.

Good luck little gatito. We really wish the best for you.