HiveComb

      The little ball of lovable fluff in the photo above wandered into a friend's garage over the weekend. We were putting up shelving and didn't notice his mewling until she went to fetch the level. He wasn't skittish, letting her pick him up and fawn over him. He looked about four weeks old. We brought him inside while she made calls to her neighbors to see if anyone was missing a kitten. The poor baby was so thirsty that a little under half of the dish of water was empty by the time he was done lapping. His fur was fairly clean, no matting or debris, and we couldn't find any scratches or injuries on him, thank goodness.

      None of my friend's neighbors had recently had any kittens and, since he looked so clean, we figured that he may have been a drop off. My friend is a coordinator and foster for the cat shelter I volunteer with and she'd had cats left at her home before . We wondered if there were more and left Miles (of course we gave him a name) with her husband and went looking. A search of the surrounding blocks of her home turned up nothing. If he was dropped off with others, we weren't able to find them. Both of us hope that Miles had been alone.

      Miles will be staying with her for the next few weeks. He needs to be a bit older to receive his vaccinations and she has knows of one couple who have been wanting a kitten. Even if they don't decide to take him into their home, we're confident that he'll find one soon. He's very affectionate and likes to burrow into your armpit for a snooze if you lie with him on a couch. (So damn cute....) Plus, kittens don't stay long in our shelter. More people are inclined to adopt the little ones over the older ones. (It's sad but true.)

      Every day the Central New York Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (CNY SNAP), and other shelters like it, take in homeless felines. Some are found, some are dropped off and all are in need of a loving home. The veterinarians, coordinators, fosters and volunteers do their best to provide immediate medical care, basic vaccinations, food, water and safety from the elements. They do everything they can to find a place that the cats will be able to live out their lives with people who will love them.

      So please, if you have a pet cat, make sure that they are spayed or neutered. If you're moving and are unable to take your beloved kitty with you, look for someone who would welcome them into their lives. Barring that, please bring your pet into a shelter and explain your situation. It may feel embarrassing but it is better for your cat than dropping it off in the middle of nowhere, or a city block, hoping that someone will take it in. And, if you're able, open your heart and your home to a cat who would love to share a life with you.

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Thank you [@Omra-sky](/@Omra-sky) for my sweet Squirrple Necklace separator!Main image by @brisbyFor the 5 Minute Freewrite Prompt - homeless by [@mariannewest](/@mariannewest).Thanks Marianne!

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