A cat rarely comes alone
Continuation of the story of Evelyn Harms and her big heart for animals
Evelyn Harms has always had a special feeling for animals. But her story as an active animal rescuer only began recently, at the age of 94, when she rescued stray cat Bella and her four newborn kittens from hunger and cold. Full of care, she looked after the little cat family and provided them with food and warmth every day. But Evelyn’s own cat, Lilly, was jealous and wanted to claim her mistress all to herself. To keep the peace, Evelyn finally brought mum cat Bella and her kittens to Gut Aiderbichl, where they found a safe home.
A cat rarely comes alone
A week later, Evelyn could hardly believe her eyes: Once again she discovered a hungry cat in her garden, and again with a clearly bulging belly. Everything pointed to the fact that it was Bella’s sister, as she had the same coat pattern. Had she possibly seen how carefully Evelyn had looked after Bella? The animal-loving Aiderbichler couldn’t look away here either and began to feed the cat lady, whom she called Muitzie. A few days later, Muitzie turned up again – but not alone this time. She had three newborn kittens and another sister, Mietzie, who was also mum to two beautiful kittens. The two cat mums seemed to know that Evelyn’s heart was big enough to care for them and their five babies too.
With great dedication, Evelyn filled two large soup bowls with food and cat milk four times a day and made sure that the little families had everything they needed. Mrs Harms also got her fosterlings used to the litter tray. “I was amazed that the mum cats looked after all five babies together. They were incredibly affectionate with each other,” recalls Mrs Harms. On the sunny autumn days, the kittens played happily in the garden while their mums relaxed and enjoyed the warming rays. At night, they all snuggled up close together and found shelter in Evelyn’s garden. But the nights were getting colder, and Evelyn knew she had to provide the cats with a permanent home during the cold winter months.
Reunion with sister Bella
So Evelyn called Gut Aiderbichl again. She patiently familiarised the two mothers and their babies with the transport boxes and began to place the food in them. On a foggy autumn morning, the time had come: Evelyn set off for Gut Aiderbichl with two transport boxes and a total of seven cats.
The cats were a little apprehensive at first, as they had no idea that they would not only find a new home here, but would also meet their sister Bella and her kittens again. In the meantime, Muitzie and Mietzie, just like Bella, have got used to the cosy cat living room with lots of opportunities to play and climb at Gut Aiderbichl. After weaning, the three mum cats will be neutered.
Longing for a private home
Thanks to animal rescuer Evelyn Harms, all the cats at Gut Aiderbichl have found a home. They are allowed to stay here for life. However, it is often the case with cats and dogs in particular that they are looking for a very private home. Take Evelyn Harms’ cat Lilly, for example, who came from a large-scale rescue operation near Gut Aiderbichl Osnabrück. Cat Bella and her kittens are also looking for a private home “She is a clever and loving cat, whoever takes her in has made a stroke of luck,” says her rescuer, Mrs Harms. Families are also being sought for Mietzie, Muitzie and their babies who can offer the cats a private home. Preferably with outdoor access – just as they were used to. If there is enough space in the new home, mum and babies can also be placed together.
Lilly has "her" home to herself again
And Evelyn’s own cat, Lilly? She is now enjoying the peace and quiet in “her” realm and is happy to have her mistress all to herself again. Evelyn, on the other hand, can be sure that she has done the right thing. So peace has returned to the Harms home. Der Winter kann kommen.
Gut Aiderbichl cat neutering project
Tip: A cat rarely comes alone. If you also discover stray cats, please contact Gut Aiderbichl. Our free cat neutering project (link: Our commitment to stray cats – gut-aiderbichl.com) helps to alleviate animal suffering. Cats are already sexually mature at four to five months. Each unspayed female cat can have up to twelve kittens per year. This means that the number of stray cats can run into the thousands after just a few years. This is why Gut Aiderbichl launched the neutering project for cats in January 2024.If required, please send a short letter to tiernotfall@gut-aiderbichl.com with the subject line “Cat neutering project” incl. full contact details and a brief description of the project. including full contact details and a brief situation report.
