This lil 9 week old guy adopted us 4 weeks ago. Showed up on our doorstep, crying and scared. He took to us immediately, and because of an impossibly dumb rule I made years ago, he now lives with us permanently. We named him Critter, and according to the vet (and the size of his paws), he’s expected to reach the 17-18 lb range. He has become incredibly affectionate, and being my first ever pet (in my late 40s), I can’t get over just how much joy he brings us. I’m in love.
I have yet to upload it anywhere, but one of our cameras captured a rather remarkable moment when Critter made his move to join our little family of two.
Anywho, new to the world of cats, and so far it has been the most rewarding and fascinating experience of my recent life. Hope to share more of Critter’s future with the community.
You can’t just drop this and not tell us about this impossibly dumb rule you made years ago.
Also: welcome home, Critter!
We demand impossibly dumb rule!
Wildlife love our backyard. We’ve had a family of groundhogs, skunks, raccoons, oppossums, gorgeous arrays of birds, specifically geese… lots of geese.
I adore these animals for no good reason, so much so I donned the house in cameras to catch their goings-on. It’s essentially a 24/7 parade of cute.
So my dumb rule. If any of them ever want to willingly enter our home AND allow us to bathe them, they can stay.
Not only did Critter essentially invite himself in, he also allowed us to give him a Dawn dishsoap bath in our bathtub (figuring if Dawn is safe for ducks, this lil fella would be fine). Not only did he allow this, he didn’t make a sound, fight back, or anything. Just a peaceful little wet mess of fur (with gigantic paws). Wrapped him up in a towel (tossed in the dryer for maximum warmth) and sat on the deck under the afternoon sun when he dried/rested. Even with the rule, we decided on a 2 week trial. That lasted less than a day.
Nothing exciting, but the probability of it all atop the impact his limited time with us has had. Just a lovely critter.
BEST RULE
I had hoped to net a groundhog with the rule, but Critter will suffice 🙂
We have three cats and a dog. We do not need more pets. But part of me is like, “If I had to rescue a cat…” or “Maybe I could foster a cat!”
I’d save all of them if I could.
Welcome to Critter! He’s wonderful!
I’ve no doubt he will give you as much love as you’re already giving him. Thank you for taking him in when he needed it.
Thank you! As much as we took him in, he took us in just as hard. He just needed a house to build his small colony.
Thank you! He is loved, and probably spoiled. As am I now.
Isn’t 17-18ibs about 8-9kg e.g. two normal cats?
What kind of giant cat-monster is he?
Vet thinks he may have some Norwegian Forest Cat in him. Stray, so who knows.
maine coons get about 20lbs.
Critter is adorable!
My first cat was also a stray kitten that my ex rescued. He was 2 pounds and completely stretched out was barely longer my forearm. The first time my Dad saw him he said “look at the paws on him, he’s going to be massive”
The best part about having a cat that is 17 pounds of muscle and long legs is that there’s so much of him to cuddle and hug, and he loves cuddles and hugs. The worst part is that when he decides to sit on my chest at 4 am, slap me repeatedly across the face, and scream for breakfast, it takes a surprisingly large amount of effort to get him off.
Consider yourself warned, and may you have many cuddles ahead of you.
He gives the best cuddles already, so I can’t wait for weighted blanket level snugs from a monster kitty!
I will give my life for Critter. Long live Critter. Glory to Critter.
That makes three of us so far! I think this is how to start a cult. Regardless, Critter appreciates your devotion.
I don’t have anywhere or anyone else to share my ever-growing collection of Critter pics, so here’s three. Thanks in advance for tolerating my “proud parent” psychosis.
When the universe seems you need a cat, bam! You’ve got a kitty! Critter seems dope AF
Thanks! You’re not kidding. Not to sound sappy, but in my late 40s now, I’ve been hitting that midlife existential crisis button hard for several years. Thinking about success, legacy, mortality. Devil’s plaything thoughts from lack of living. Since Critter showed up, I can’t recall having those thoughts.
