Cat of the Week: Xena

As it turns out, she is a hurricane Katrina survivor surrendered to the Louisiana Humane Society after that disaster struck. She had been stuck in cages of one kind or another for at least six months, finally being moved to North Carolina as part of a special program of assistance offered by our shelter to the Louisiana Humane Society. "Cage rage syndrome" immediately came to mind. In other words, Xena was upset, stressed, and sick and tired of being cooped up in cages with no privacy! Discovering she is declawed added to my understanding, as declawed cats are a bit more nervous in stressful situations. Well, her cage being on the bottom tier, I quietly opened its door, calmly sat on the floor and gently extended my hand, all the while talking to Xena in a calm and reassuring voice. The poor thing radiated distrust and uncertainty. However, a few minutes later she gingerly came to my hand and ...click here to read the full story with a full-sized photo.

Cats Pictures of the Week are selected from general photo submittals. (I do not accept photos submitted specifically for "Cat Picture of the Week.") Xena's and Richard's very special story, along with the photo of this strikingly beautiful girl made her a natural for my Cat of the Week. Richard had submitted her photo for a new August Domestic Cats Picture Gallery, and it will have a place of honor there also.

You may send your own photo, using the guidelines on the Photo Submittal page. Be sure to write a paragraph or so about the cat, at least two or three sentences. Our galleries have space for 2500 characters, including spaces, so don't be afraid to tell us about your cat within those parameters.