I Want my ‘Mom’
Posted at 4:50 pm February 5, 2008 by Kelly Murphy
Yesterday, February 4, was the day. I received word on Saturday that momma Pallas’ cat would be leaving us on Monday night for her new home in New York (see Kelly’s blog, Safe Journey, My Furry Friend). I only had a few more days to spend with her. Since her exam the week prior, she was wary again of the crate. Then, to add to the challenge, she started the beginning of her estrous cycle. She becomes very vocal and likes to roll and rub on things. Oh, and did I mention she doesn’t have much interest in food or shifting during this time either? As usual, she’s always providing me with the challenge.
Because she is known for her stubbornness and because it was my usual day off, I asked if I could be the one to come in to do the deed. I’m glad to say there weren’t any objections. As I approached her exhibit, she saw me and immediately came running down to the front to greet me, rubbing her face on the wire and giving me those low guttural growls. She followed me to the back where the crate was attached. One sideways glance and then she proceeded to enter the crate where she was reinforced with some of her diet. When I shut the door, the look changed and the silent treatment began.
I took her to the designated drop off to await her ride to the airport. I checked on her a few times and said my final goodbyes. She hissed at me in response. I guess I couldn’t expect anything else. I’m only sorry I won’t be around if and when she decides to forgive me.
It was sad not to see her this morning as I started my day. Already we’re busy preparing the exhibit at the Zoo’s Polar Bear Plunge habitat for a new arrival, an Arabian wild cat. Maybe I have another challenge ahead of me yet! As I went along with my morning routine I received a call that Mom had arrived home safe and sound, to which I replied, “She’s not home, but I’m glad she’s alright.” I miss her already.
Kelly Murphy is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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February 5th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Aww, Kelly, it’s so hard to say goodbye, isn’t it? Especially to such a character as Mom. You worked so hard to establish a rapport with her, and I so enjoyed your reports on dealing with this beautiful cat who gave you feedback with equal parts of love and exasperation! I know she will miss you, and you will have such funny memories of her. Please let us know how she is doing from time to time, if you can, and please continue your stories. It will be fun to hear about your introduction to the Arabian wild cat, and how the two of you deal with each other. And thank you for my first introduction to Mom, the Pallas’ cat!
February 5th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Kelly, Momma Pallas was so fortunate that you were there to prepare her for her journey. You were very brave and very unselfish to offer to assist in her crating. I hope her new family in Brooklyn appreciates her challenging personality as you did. She remained in character, didn’t she, when she hissed at you during your last moments together? I hope you receive regular updates on how your beloved feline adjusts to the NY lifestyle and that you will share them with us. She is a California gal no matter what her address says!
I wish the Arabian wild cat will give you as much pleasure as Mom did. I just hope that it is smart enough to figure out quickly that silent treatments, hissing and growls don’t intimidate you one iota!
February 5th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Hope you are OK now and hope that the cat is good too
February 6th, 2008 at 5:55 am
There’s a wildlife park in the UK called Paradise Wildlife Park and they have a Pallas’ cat - if you can ever find it! The keeper said it rarely showed itself. Isn’t it strange how we attach ourselves to animals, no matter what their temperament?
I think Momma Pallas will always have a place in your heart, Kelly and I’m sure that she will always remember you too.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Kelly, I am sorry to hear that Momma had to leave for another zoo. I know you worked so hard to gain her trust. I completely understand your response to the telephone call you received. I would be the same way. I hope they will keep you updated on her progress. I also look forward to hearing about your new adventures with the Arabian cat. Take care and thank you again for sharing with all of us.
February 6th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Trying my hardest not to cry at work after reading this last entry…….Momma cat will forgive you, miss you and look for you ….as hard a time as she had given you, that was just to keep you on your toes Kelly.
I know there’s a reason for everything, but it just breaks my heart that these animals that you, the keepers bond with after so long have to relocate. Please do keep us updated on her progress at her new location. =)
February 6th, 2008 at 10:20 am
You will always be remembered by Momma. The Arabian wild cat sounds like a challenge! I look forward to you posting a picture and letting us know of your introduction. Thank you for sharing!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:52 am
A friend (who has since died) was going to get a Pallas’ cat (he had permits to keep exotic animals, and had taken a course). I’m sorry I never got to see Mom in person, but she sounds like a feisty little animal.
Please keep us posted on the Arabian wild cat.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Kelly, you did a great job, and the trust you built with momma Pallas’s cat paid off. She had as smooth and stress-free an exit from SDZ as she could thanks to your care, concern, and training. Let’s hope your new feline friend will fill the void you currently have in your morning routine.
February 6th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I know you’ll miss the Pallas cat - we always have a special place in our hearts for the animals that we have to really work to gain their confidence. At least you made it as easy as possible for her to get into the crate and move on to another zoo, but I’m sure you really miss her as I’m sure she misses you. Good luck with the new cat - always another challenge!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’m sorry you had to say goodbye; I get attached to plenty of the animals, and I don’t even work with them. I noticed there’s a stuffed Pallas’ cat in the kids gift shop. Every time I see it I think of your Momma cat. I think I only managed to see her a couple of times for all the times I’ve been to the zoo, but she was a neat cat, and I’m sorry to see her go.
February 28th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Kelly, have you heard how Mom is doing in her new home?