Klipkop Cats

Blue is quite the cuddly one, and more than happy to be picked up or offered a lap. Putting her down is where you might run into trouble. She has a tendency of affixing herself to the clothes, and where there aren't enough layers, the skin of those who oblige her need for affection. Her favourite spot is the suspended netting outside the house.

Muffin is the most deliciously intoxicating cat you could ever smell. She came to us as a result of a rather sad story. Her former owner's decision not to have her speyed saw her fall pregnant. Not wanting a cat and kittens, the owner gave her away. Muffin however, found her own way home again, followed by her litter of kittens - most of whom didn't make the long journey. The one that survived was the one she carried in her mouth, Tarzan. Muffin and Tarzan came to us. Tarzan wasn't a very strong kitten and passed away en route to the vet one day. Muffin doesn't have to worry about having kittens any more, but she has an unusual friendship with Leftie.

Tiger was just too cool for his stripes - and he knew it. This young man rocked up to Klipkop as a stray, and lived in one of the barns for a while. We gave him a name and a proper home. He was growing up to be a very fine feline, even if he never quite lost that wild side. He was a cute little guy, who loved to play. His best mate was Kujo. He was just too young to die. Tiger, you'll be forever missed, you cute little mite.

Streep (meaning stroke or line) was another stray who just wandered in from the cold. Aside from the endearing grey and white stripe, he had the most gorgeous white 'socks' and 'cravat'.

His favourite place was up in the den with Tony. (Streep could make it up the stairs, unlike Tony's other boy, Sir Kay). Who knows what they chatted about for hours. Streep wasn't especially fond of rubbing shoulders with the other cats, but he didn't mind the company of timid little White. He may have known how to wreak havoc in the ceiling, and leave fur in the keyboard, but we really didn't mind.

Mau is probably the loudest when it comes to complaining about food. Any attempt to make oneself a cup of coffee with milk, before serving her, will not be met with silent patience. She is the wife of Red, and her son was (the late) Mars. If she can't be found in the kitchen, try one of the draws in the volunteer office or cupboards in the kitchen.

When its your time to go, its your time to go. Mau was having mange problems again, and so it was time for a quick trip to the vet. She was happily playing with the vet staff, waiting to be picked up, and simply just dropped dead. Way to go, Mau. But we'll miss your ever present MAUS.

Red was the smoochiest, cruisiest big ball of red fur you could ever hope to snuggle. Father of the mischievous Mars, and wife to Mau, he was a very old boy by the time he decided to stretch out on the other side. He did an excellent job of teaching Tiger some manners. I'm sure Tiger still misses his calming influence. We all miss that purr.

Tyler was the old man of the house. He'd lived an enormously long and comfortable life, from a rather cold and wet start. Tyler had been pulled out of a river with his eyes still closed. Someone had tried to drown him and his siblings. He must have been around 18 years old when he finally went to the cat basket in the sky. His favourite place to relax was the electric stove-top. On occasion, he would drag a piece of volunteer's clothing up to the roof and make himself comfortable in the sunshine. Thanks Tyler for keeping the dogs in line for so many years.

Flat-face is also rather unceremoniously called Dumbo. Flat-face is just a little slow, that's all - even when food is placed under her nose. She spends most of her days on or about the refrigerator. Her breed was 'designed' to have a flat profile to prevent them from hunting. Our Flat-face virtually head-butts the window to catch small insects. We're sure her slowness is due to perpetual concussion!

Mars was the son of Mau and Red. Mars was a typical young man, always getting up to mischieve. A penchant for exploring, together with cat curiosity, was the cause of Mars' demise - an argument with a snake, we think.