The Basement Parking Cats

Weeks ago, a neighbor caught me feeding a mom and kitty tandem at the basement parking. It was a few grams of dry food for cats, part of Hidey’s stash.

I was worried my neighbor would find it offensive, a resident caring for and encouraging strays. I quietly waited for a sermon.

“Wow, that’s cute. It’s a good idea,” she said.

I relaxed and smiled at her.

Days later, I saw the mom-and-kitty tandem eating off from a plastic wrapper laid out on the parking garage floor. I think my neighbor thought it would be good to follow my example. I don’t know if what I do is right, I just think cats should be fed.

This morning on my way out to have my car washed, I saw the kitten playing with her food – a dead swallow. The kitten’s mom was watching a few feet away, with what I perceived as pride.

Cats are known to be maniacs for personal hygiene. The basement dwellers are not. They can stand a few sessions of intense licking. I have seen the mom cat try to clean her offspring with a few licks, but apparently it’s not enough.

I wondered if humans are like cats. Deprived of basic needs like food and water, hygiene is not a priority.

I think that’s the case.