Remembering Midnight

Remembering Midnight 1996?? -- June 24, 2010

Midnight came from a Chester County Trap, Neuter, Return Project at the Ridge Restaurant along Route 23 near Route 100. My friend, Linda, brought this feral cat to us on April 17, 2002 with her four kittens who had been born on April 6th. When Linda told us that Midnight tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, we were uncomfortable. Like most people, we didn’t know that FIV is nothing to be alarmed about.

Midnight proved to be an excellent mom to her last litter. She was incredibly intuitive – after the kittens were weaned, Midnight was across the aisle living in another cage. One day she began making an odd vocalization. The kittens looked fine except for one little guy who was sleeping. When he didn’t perk up at feeding time, we knew he was ill. He was immediately taken to the vet, but sadly, he succumbed to a viral infection. Midnight knew her little boy was ill before anyone else did.

We decided to keep Midnight rather than return her to the TNR site. The open fields were quickly being developed with little area for the cats to hunt. Although Midnight chose not to be social with people, she loved the company of other cats. Some time after her arrival, an older FIV cat from another TNR project joined her. Butch and Midnight became an item in the FIV walk-in cage we built in the basement. They were constantly together: looking out the window at the birds, snuggling together on the shelves, sharing food.

Over the years, no less than 20 FIV positive cats lived in the walk-in. They were all adopted except Midnight and Butch. Sadly, in February of 2009, it was obvious that Butch was nearing the end of his life. When he stopped eating for several days, we made sure his passage was easy. Upon returning from the vet’s office, his body was placed on several layers of towels so Midnight would know what happened. She held a vigil for several hours next to Butch.

Since Midnight craved the friendship of other cats, we wanted to locate another kitty quickly to take the place of Butch. The cat we found for this purpose bonded almost instantly with Midnight, ending her days alone. . During Midnight’s time here, she lived a happy, healthy life. Only once did she ever need an antibiotic for an upper respiratory infection. Although she never decided to be friendly, over time she trusted certain people to apply flea meds & trim her nails. It is sad that Midnight could never bring herself to enjoy being touched by people until the end of her life. Allowing herself the pleasure of having her chin rubbed that day, she relaxed & lowered her head.

Midnight passed away June 24, 2010. She is buried next to her long- time friend, Butch.

Midnight’s life here served a very important purpose: She taught us that cats with FIV can and DO live long lives without incurring serious illnesses. Thanks to her, many friendly FIV positive cats from Trap, Neuter, Return sites have been adopted from here and are enjoying their new homes and new lease on life.