I suspect that my beloved Sian and Lady Bastet have teamed up to mend my broken heart

[Siwsan]

Monday I saw a tiny black kitten on the deck. I waited and waited for the mom to show up and take the kitten, occasionally feeding him with some of the replacement milk I keep in stock. I set up a Blink camera so I could see if mom returned but at 9pm the baby was still there so I brought him inside.

In the morning I put him back, just to see if she'd show, and I ran up to the store to get supplies, just in case she didn't. When I got home all I could hear was a frightened kitten, SCREAMING. Needless to say, he is no longer outdoors. I know bringing in a likely abandoned kitten is risky. The mom may have abandoned him for a good reason but I could NOT leave things without trying to save him.

Interestingly, this was the same place I first saw Sian, the same month of the year. A sign? Who knows. The kitten is probably 2, close to 3 weeks old and I suspect a bit undernourished. I'm taking care of that.

So meet Merlin. He is small but VERY vocal, bright eyed, ears are popping up and I think I see the tips of baby teeth showing through. He loves to sit and sleep on my shoulder. He's had his first flea bath. I'm doing feedings around the clock, so not getting much sleep, but that's fine. Next on the list is a vet visit, probably next week. He should be old enough, by then, to start the whole routine.

I'll keep you posted on his progress.

[CousinIT]

1. Awwww! He couldn't have ended up in a better place!

I hope he remains OK and grows up a healthy baby.

[Ocelot II]

2. Wonderful!

The Universe's cat distribution system works in mysterious ways, but it does come through. Welcome, Merlin!

[Moostache]

3. Precious! Good luck to him and you during the next few days and weeks.

He is a a cutie!

[rockbluff botanist]

4. Yay!! Another one saved

Hi Siwsan. I love to hear about your fur babies.

The last one we saved is a tiny black girl kitten we named Blackberry. She is 6 months old and on!y weighs 3 pounds. She's going to be a tiny girl.

Enjoy your baby. You have a wonderful heart.

[Karadeniz]

5. What a doll...and lucky, as well !!!!

[Figarosmom]

6. How cute and tiny

He'll be alright. He's safe now.

[niyad]

7. Oh my dear Siwsan, I think you are correct about Sian and Lady Bastet.

Welcome to your adoring DU family, little Merlin. May you be a true magician, bringing joy, and laughter and love. You have truly picked the very best of all possible Moms in the world.

Sending lots of loving, healing energies for both of you!

[hauckeye]

8. Do all the local strays put your address on their social media?

You are amazing!

[Lemon Lyman]

9. :-)

I've been wondering where you were! Been missing your kitten posts!!

[onecaliberal]

10. Sending love and all of the kitten good health in the world. That baby hit the mommy jackpot.

[Jean Genie]

11. adorable!

Here's hoping the youngster survives - and thrives! Siwsan, you are such a wonderful cat lady! Bless you!

[CaptainTruth]

12. Hello Merlin! Welcome to the world.

[TomSlick]

13. I'm proud to be associated with you. Even if only anonymously and remotely.

[Polly Hennessey]

14. Yes, Merlin. Welcome to DU. We will love you forever.

Just a mention that you found the perfect human. As we can all see you are in good hands.

[soldierant]

15. Merlin is adorable.

In Lillian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who Had Fourteen Tales" - a collection of short stories about cats, but not related to her novel series other than by the title) there is a cat mnamed Merlin. He is not the protagonist in that story - he is an old and very powerful cat (with a very powerful name) who is passing his mantle to the young ptotagonist. Of course this Merlin reminded me of that one.

In the book there is also a Romeo and Juliet story which just about broke me - just a hanky alert in case you, or anyone reading this, decide to look for the book.

[2naSalit]

16. Ya just...

Never know, could be a sign.

What a sweet little baby, hope it comes through okay.

[LoisB]

17. You are truly a very special person. Merlin is adorable.

[3catwoman3]

18. Aawww - what a precious little handful.

We’ll all be rooting for you, Merlin, and eagerly awaiting updates and more pictures.

[montanacowboy]

19. Hugs to little Merlin

I hope that his Mommy is ok too. I would have done the same thing.

[4catsmom]

20. so good of you to take care of this little baby

I admire people who help animals

[AverageOldGuy]

21. In six months . . .

Merlin will be ruling the place!!

[slightlv]

22. The Universe knows what we need, Siwsan...

and has properly delivered unto you a new young one to hold and raise up in Her name. I'd have done exactly as you did... no way would I have left that young one out in the dark! In fact, when my 'Puter came to me, she was about the same age and only weighed a few ounces. She had an extra long and joyful life... and she had been abandoned by the mama cat. So, I'm singing songs of joy and praise for you and Merlin. Perfect name, IMO, too!

[flashman13]

23. Nothing cures loss and heartbreak like a kitten. My new furbaby is having a positive effect on his human.

[benfranklin1776]

24. He's adorable!!! 😻

And what a perfect name! He looks appropriately mystical and the fact he fortuitously appeared in your life is magical! 😎

[MerrilyMerrily]

25. What a lucky beautiful baby boy

It really is like a miracle that he came to the right place, where love lives.

[TommieMommy]

26. That's wonderful 👍 cats bring us so much comfort 💙

[blm]

27. 😻🫶🏽😻

[PikaBlue]

28. Welcome, Merlin!

You'll be a DU star in no time flat!

[I_UndergroundPanther]

29. Cutest little void

Welcome Merlin to the world and you are in loving hands. Thank you Lady Bast.

[BlueKota]

30. Merlin is adorable

[gademocrat7]

31. Precious little Merlin

[SheltieLover]

32. Congrats! Mother Nature has blessed you with another kitty!

I'll be looking forward to his antics as he grows up. I'm so happy for you!