Our Spotlight Cats: Lorenzo, Maurice, Sparkle, & Daffodil
On a rainy spring day, we received a call from someone who noticed a cardboard box of kittens on a curb by a vacant lot in Southeast Portland. We found three kittens inside the box along with another nearby, soaking wet and flattened to the ground under some brambles. All four of the cats were drenched, smelly, and terrified. We gathered them into carriers: two long-haired buff cats and two short-haired cats; one solid gray and one tortoiseshell.
The tortie proved to be the protector of the tribe and she hissed ferociously as each cat was picked up. Eventually, she was convinced and all were safely stashed in carriers. The first stop for this little family was the Cat Hospital of Portland (CHP), where they were examined and promptly bathed. We realized we'd picked up two boys and two girls, all between six and twelve months old. None were fixed or microchipped, but all were very sweet. They started right away on vaccines, and were immediately put on the schedule for spay/neuter surgeries. 
We notified shelters and posted public notices in case the cats had been abandoned by someone other than their owner. After several weeks and no responses, we took responsibility for the future of these abandoned cats. With cats already waiting for a spot to open up in our foster homes, we arranged for the cats to stay at CHP. This put a huge strain on our budget for this quarter, but our mission is to save the cats who have no one else, and that was our only choice.
As the "swamp cats" (as we have dubbed them) began to recover from their ordeal, their personalities came out and, although all are frisky, happy, and affectionate, each has his or her own special qualities.
Sparkle is the small but mighty tortie who came to the defense of her tribe when they were alone in the swamp. Like a mom who eats only after the kids have had their fill, she will gently approach the toy and play a bit by herself while the others curl up and snooze. Sparkle's littermates look to her when confronted with something new, and they take turns cuddling with her.
Lorenzo is an adorable goofy hunk who is still growing into his body. Like a teenager, he's all arms and legs moves them all clumsily together. He has a big, rumbly purr and loves to give head butts and Eskimo kisses.
Maurice was the most terrified of the group when he first came to us and spent several days hiding in a box, quivering with fear. Once he warmed up, he got really warm! He's now the first to come greet a visitor and climb into a lap. If he can get access, Maurice will also perch happily on a shoulder and nibble on your a hair-do.
Daffodil has a little independent streak and is a bit of a bratty little sister who doesn't have much patience with quiet lap-sitting at this stage in her life. She does, however, love social interaction, and we have no doubt she will learn to enjoy laps and cuddles more and more. She's not shy about shoving the rest of the gang out of the way if she wants first shot at dinner or a new toy.
This group has become very bonded through their ordeal, and will be happy to be placed as pairs in their permanent homes. They have completed all their veterinary requirements and are ready to meet their new families. To learn more about this persevering family, check out our Available Cats page or fill out our I'm Interested form.