Our Turkish Delight

by John Richard
(Portugal)

This is Amy (8 months). We're still not sure as to what breed she is, but we think she could be a Turkish Van. She certainly shows all the characteristics and the looks of one.

However, her mother on the other hand (a street cat) is a domestic European Shorthair and as for the father... that we'll never know. :)

She was found (along with 3 other kittens) at the hotel where my wife works on a room balcony, on the 5th floor - the mother must have used the fire escape stairs to get there and give birth.

My wife, along with several staff and hotel guests took turns looking after them by leaving food, water and plenty of blankets to keep them warm during the night (the mother would occasionally leave them on their own).

Every few days the mother would move them around one by one, to the 3rd, 4th and 6th floor. So every few days, it became a task for my wife and staff, to look for them by checking every balcony at the hotel.

This continued for almost 2 months until all were ready to be homed permanently by some of the staff who helped look after them. My wife, of course, took in Amy and all the other kittens are doing well in their new homes.

As for the mother, now called Joana (she's so friendly). The staff who took part, also helped with funds to have Joana neutered. She's now a member of staff and spends most of the time by the pool... the guests adore her. :)