The Miracle of Thanksgiving

by BlackJack

Mick was the leader of the feral cats that lived in a huge wooded area near an exclusive suburb. This was a great place for all the cats, as there was little traffic, and quite a few humans would put out food and water for the cats. There were also lots of other animals in the area, since it was in the city limits of the suburb and no hunting was allowed. The cats had found this to be a safe place, and lots of prey for hunting, and they helped maintain the ecological balance with their hunting.

Several of the feral cats had been involved with a catch/neuter/release program, so their colony didn't get too large. This year there were more kitties than usual though, because a smaller feral colony had joined them after their area had been built up.

The weather was cooling off and it looked like November would be a cold one. Mick hoped that all of the cats would make it through the winter. He cared deeply about his colony, and protected all the members, even other toms. The cats had a very good relationship, the usual fighting during mating season, but it seemed like there were always enough mates to go around, so everyone got along well.

Mick knew that there was a big holiday coming up, one that usually yielded lots of turkey scraps, and he began to think of having a celebration like that for his colony. He got together with his lieutenants Keithy and Woody, and they began to formulate a plan.

One of their best female members was a kitty named Gazel. She was really good at getting humans to put out food, and they immediately went to her with their plan.

Thanksgiving was less than a week away, so it was time to put their idea in motion. Gazel headed out to her favorite human's house, and began to scratch at the door. The elderly couple always put out food for her, and this time was no exception. Gazel had always been shy with them, but this time she approached and began to rub against their legs, and purred so loudly. As she purred, Woody crept up and began to meow, then Keithy strolled out, meowing his trademark loud meow. The couple was amazed to see these cats actually coming to be fed, and wondered what was going on.

Mick then peeked out from a bush and meowed in such a plaintive voice that the couple went and brought out a huge plate of goodies! There were pieces of chicken, cheese and a whole can of tuna. All the kitties ate, purring, and then making sure to rub up against their benefactors. This went on for several days, and each time, they would invite another of their colony to join them. The older couple was amazed to see these feral cats becoming so friendly, and being cat lovers, they thought it most special.

Finally Thanksgiving Day arrived. Mick was hoping his plan was going to work as they had set up. Mick called together all the feral colony, and there was an amazing variety of kitties. Tabby, yellow, black, calico, white and some sporting all these colors all ringed Mick as he mewed to them. This was to be a day of celebration for the feral colony. They were going to celebrate Thanksgiving!
This was a day for eating and relaxing, and he wanted all of them to do one thing, and that was to overcome their fear of humans. The humans they were to visit were very special, and so kind to cats. Mick was a strong leader, and his colony knew he always looked out for them, so with Gazel leading the way, the feral colony started padding over to have their Thanksgiving dinner.

Gazel, Mick, Keithy and Woody stood at the couple's back door and meowed. As the door opened, the rest of the colony crept up, looking cautiously around, but following the lead of their leader. The older woman looked at all those cats and looked at her husband, and they both smiled a huge smile. The humans went into the house, but left the door open in case any of the cats wanted to wander in. A few did, and were struck by the warm atmosphere and loving vibes that emanated from the house. There was a great deal of commotion, with cans being opened, bowls being filled, and the sound of meat being carved.

The humans then gathered up the large bowls and plates and carried them out to the patio. Two plates went on the picnic table, and the rest on the ground. What a feast! There was turkey, ham, tuna and salmon, with green beans and peas in case any kitties liked veggies. Cheese bites and chunks of hamburger meat, cans of meat soup, dry cat food and scrambled eggs made up the rest of the feast! There were bowls of fresh water, and there were cats everywhere! The humans ate their Thanksgiving Dinner with their special visitors, and everyone ate their fill.

After the meal, suddenly there were blankets on the patio, and cardboard boxes appeared too, all lined with soft towels. The loving humans watched in amazement as cats of all colors and sizes relaxed on the homemade beds. Everyone wanted to relax and let their food settle.

Mick grinned a grin like the Cheshire Cat, seeing his colony fed and so happy! The couple walked around stroking the cats, and even the shyer ones held still and realized the love that was being given. From this day on, the feral colony would be adopted by the older couple. The cats became their special project and it was all because of one cat's desire to celebrate Thanksgiving.

This was truly a miracle of Thanksgiving!