Our son Taraz has a fondness for cats - and this little guy is his 'foster cat'. Never heard of the term before? Me either, until I learned that it has made my son a 'foster parent' to this great little guy, Link.
Link has an owner, Adam, that is gone all day, so Taraz cares for this little kitten during the morning while he is home. Taraz and his neighbor live in the same apartment building.
It was Link's sad meowing that caused Taraz to knock on Adam's door and get acquainted. Adam admitted that he didn't really have much time for the kitten, with the work schedule he had.
Link and Taraz have a relationship made in Heaven. Taraz has always had cats here at home, and is sorely missing his cats Mordrid and Pandora. (I'd gladly give them to him, but they are indoor-outdoor cats, and wouldn't thrive in an apartment all day.) So, he found a perfect kitty to tend, and they've become pals.
Taraz has admitted to some compulsivity. Like fleas. Not only has he done an inspection, but he bought flea bath, and bathed Link, combing every hair to check for intruders. This little kitten dried his fur while sitting on Taraz's shoulder, in fact, he is ALWAYS sitting on Taraz's shoulder.
He seems afraid to be alone, and will greet Taraz by running up his pantleg, up his shirt, and then nuzzle down onto his shoulder. Taraz will go about his morning routine, cleaning, cooking, reading, and working on the computer - with Link on his shoulder. In time, Link's motor will start running, with loud purrrrring. I checked this out myself one day, and I believe it is that sound that most relaxes my son. His very best impulses take over, to nurture, and to hover.
I enjoy seeing this most delicate and precious side of my son. It was such a delight to visit with him in his apartment, and watch Link play. Taraz lit some incense, and showed me some of the little touches to his new apartment.
He likes earthtones, ethnicity, simple folk musical instruments, (like the African finger piano here), Baha'i prayers in Arabic script, and textures from rocks, shells, seedpods, and fibers. His friend, Megan, helped him pick out the plants and the paisley prints.
Plants on the table, hanging ferns, a teapot collection, and the utmost simplicity adorn his single room overlooking a small patio next door.
I took some photos of his 'space', to share here, then we left on an errand - we took Link to the vet, to get shots, worming, and the initial exam - just the usual stuff necessary for a new kitten.
Taraz said, since he is a 'foster parent', this is something he wanted to do for Link. Adam met us at the vet, and Link did just great. They'll work out the arrangements for 'neutering', down the road when both have saved up some money. Both these young men are off to a good start, and Link has the best of both worlds.
(And, that's Taraz's Mom taking photos, and showing up in the reflection in the doorway window.)
