Page 65 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Don’t mention it,’ said Tori. ‘We all want to help.’
‘Let’s get this show on the road then, shall we?’ said Izzy, reaching down to grab the basket containing Norris.
‘Perfect,’ said Tori, ‘we’d love to see you.’
‘I wonder what happened to his ear?’ asked Rose, pointing to Norris. ‘That’s a huge chunk missing.’
‘He was like that when he arrived. Unneutered males often fight over territory and, if he’s lived most of his life on the streets, which I suspect he has, he’ll have had to defend himself. He still loves other cats, though, despite everything he’s been through,’ explained Izzy.
‘Well, he’ll be spoilt rotten while he’s with us,’ said Tori, the thought of everything Norris might have been through tugging at her heart strings.
‘Just give them time to explore and get used to their surroundings. Daisy and Norris have been sharing a pen the last couple of weeks and they get along great. Mr Wiggles and Angel love everyone and everything, and Valentine will definitely enjoy having a bit more space to burn off his excess energy,’ said Izzy. ‘Here are Mr Wiggles’ thyroid meds – it’s just one every morning before breakfast.’
‘Brilliant, thanks,’ said Tori, closing the boot of the car. ‘Mum’s going to give them to him as a reminder to take her own.’
‘Good idea! And remember, any problems, I’m just a phone call away,’ Izzy replied.
‘It’s going to be fine, isn’t it, Tori?’ said Rose.
‘Uh-huh,’ said Tori, nodding. As she pulled out of the car park, though, she hoped she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew.
Joyce was waiting to greet them when they arrived back at the Cosy Cat. She took Daisy’s basket and peered through the bars.
‘Oh, girls, isn’t she a little love?’ said Joyce, holding her index finger up against the mesh of the carrier for Daisy to sniff.
‘That’s Daisy,’ said Tori, ‘she’s only a baby, just a year old. This is Norris and Valentine,’ she added, holding up the two baskets she was carrying.
‘And this is Angel and Mr Wiggles,’ said Rose, nodding towards the baskets she had in her hands. ‘I have got that right, haven’t I?’ Tori nodded.
‘Ah, I’ve heard all about Mr Wiggles,’ said Joyce, laughing. ‘Come on, let’s get them inside.’
Once the double doors were safely closed behind them, Tori suggested letting Daisy and Norris out first.
‘Let’s see how they get on, and then we can gradually introduce the others,’ Tori suggested.
‘I’ll go first with Daisy then,’ said Joyce. Daisy inched her head out of the basket gingerly, taking a tentative step forward. ‘It’s okay, Daisy, come out and explore,’ she said, stretching her hand out towards the little tortoiseshell cat, who sniffed it gently.
‘Wow, that didn’t take long,’ said Rose, opening the door to Norris’s basket. Norris stepped right up to Rose, turned his head as Daisy meowed and ran towards her. The two cats began purring madly.
‘Well, would you look at that,’ said Tori. ‘Izzy wasn’twrong when she said those two were friends. Let’s just give them a minute, see what they do.’
Norris started to explore the café, Daisy at his side. It didn’t take him long to find the food bowls and tuck straight into the kibble that Joyce had put out. Daisy was eager to explore the toys on offer and was quick to pounce on a mouse and throw it up into the air.
‘Shall we let you out next?’ said Tori gently as she opened Angel’s basket. The little tabby hopped straight into Tori’s lap and settled herself there while Tori stroked her behind the ears. ‘I appreciate the cuddles, but don’t you want to explore? Do you think she’s missing her kittens?’ she asked.
‘It must all seem a bit strange for her right now. I really hope she’ll be happy here,’ said Joyce.
‘Valentine, are you ready to go exploring?’ said Rose, opening the next basket. ‘You’ve still got a metal plate in your leg remember, so be careful.’ The grey boy was eager to start exploring. He seemed a little wary of approaching the other cats, but Daisy made the first move and gave him a gentle nudge, which seemed to help him relax. Although he did give Norris a wide berth when the ginger cat walked towards him, and scampered off in the other direction.
‘I don’t blame you, Valentine,’ said Tori. ‘If I were a cat and saw Norris for the first time, I’d run a mile too, he looks a right bruiser.’
‘He does look like he’s been around the block a few times, doesn’t he?’ Joyce agreed.
‘Don’t be fooled; Izzy says he’s as soft as butter,’ explained Tori.
‘Last but not least, I guess it must be Mr Wiggles’ turn,’ said Joyce, opening his carrier. The large black cat was curled up, fast asleep inside.
‘He looks pretty happy where he is,’ laughed Tori. ‘Leave him and I’m sure he’ll make his own way out once he’s ready.’
