Operation Gatito

Operation Gatito

There are three things people know about me here in Peru:
1. I’m white
2. I like to play Volleyball
3. I love cats. Cats love me. I am the cat whisperer.

Now you’d think with a country, like Peru, where Bob Barker’s advice to “spade and neuter” ones animals has not yet reached the masses, there would be a plethora of animals running wild…especially kittens.

But no.

Annie has yet to find a kitten of her own. But it’s not without trying.

I’m sure those of you who have been in contact with me know that there have been a few close calls, but no whiskers…

Attempt #1: My Aunt down in Bambamarca has this beautiful, orange, fluffy cat, which of course, had a few kittens. I used to go down and visit them when I first got to my site, so I thought now was my chance to finally get a kitten of my own. Being a bit timid, I politely asked “So, what are you going to do with the kittens?” and they said “Give them away”. Perfect, I thought. “Well then, would you mind giving me one?” “Sure!”

So from that conversation, I thought I would be getting a kitten very soon enough…but turns out the kittens got into some rat poison and died. No kittens for Annie.

Attempt #2: The old volunteer’s family had me over for rabbit (one that I helped kill) and I saw that they had a pregnant cat. This time I thought I would be a bit more bold with my questioning. “I see your cat is pregnant.” “Yes.” “I want one of your kittens.” “Okay.”

Now I thought that meant we were in agreement. I wanted a cat and they were going to give me one.  Everyone is in agreement. Right!? Wrong.

After a few weeks of being away, I go back to the house, and what did I find?! NOTHING! They had given all the kittens away already, even after I had reminded all the children at school about my future kitten. “How’s my kitten?” “What should I name it?” etc, etc, etc.

Attempt #3: Back to my Aunt’s house I go. I heard through the family grapevine that my Aunt had more kittens. Enough with the politeness crap, give me a damn kitten already!

So I go down to Bambamarca and run into my Aunt. After saying a brief hello, I jumped into questioning about the kittens. “So I hear you have kittens.” “Yes, we do.” “You are going to give me one.” “Okay, come to the house.” Finally, I thought, about damn time.

It just so happens that I couldn’t go to her house right away because I was on my way to a wedding. But the next day, after a good long rest, I stopped by her house. We need the nice formalities and as usual she gave me a seat to rest. I made small talk for a bit and then she stepped out the door.

I was getting a bit curious because I hadn’t heard or seen the kittens, so I go snooping around. She happened to have other guests at the time, so we struck up a conversation as I snatched the momma cat and started petting it. “You sure do like cats don’t you,” said the guests. “Yes, actually I want a kitten of my own.” “Oh, there were two kittens here just the other day, but they gave them away last night”. Last night?!?! LAST NIGHT!!! GAH!

I put down my plate of food, said my curt goodbyes, and got out of there. I just couldn’t believe it. What do people not understand when I say I want a kitten?! For goodness sakes.

So as you can see, it’s been a bit difficult for me to find a kitten, and now I’ve enlisted the help of my friends. My friend in Chota is doing house visits and she is now adding “Do you have a female cat? And if so, can I have a kitten? Preferably orange?” Enserio.

She wants me to bet who will find me a kitten quicker, her or me. My bet is on her.