Farewell to my monster

gReNDeL was found alone, separated from his mother at just one week old. When he came to us his skin was red from flea bites, and his fur was matted.

We say, lovingly that he "ruined our lives". Caring for a one week old kitten caused me to fall about a month behind in school work, the bi-hourly feedings along with the constant panicked rushes to the vet had Andy (my lovely bf) and I at each other's throats. What's more, Arlo was definitely not getting the attention he deserved.


The first time we offered Grendel food he ate like a champ. At one week old Grendel was mighty. His eyes and ears were still closed, but he'd claw so ferociously at the bottle that he earned his fearsome name.

We made him a nest in a bucket and cared for him every two hours around the clock. Still, several times we panic rushed him the vet (once to CVES and several times to Hyde Park Animal Clinic ). The veterinarians were careful to warn us that even healthy one week olds don't always make it. Especially without their mothers.

Grendel not only pulled through - he thrived! At about 2 months old we transferred him to Minku and Emelda's home because he really needed to be with other cats. We just couldn't entertain him, so he entertained himself by nipping at us. Ouch.

Grendel has grown up to be quite the kitten. Being with other cats has taken care of his bad habits, and he has been handled by so many people that he just loves them all. He loves other cats too. He has found a wonderful forever home with another energetic cat and I know he is happy.

We miss him. Andy and I drove him home from his neuter surgery so that we could see him one more time. He came out of surgery asking for snuggles and trying to jump around. When he got back to his forever home he picked up a toy and got his cat-brother to chase him.



He is a happy monster now.