National Cat Herder’s Day is Upon Us! By Elaine A. Powers, Author

image four young kittens in a soft container
Image Courtesy of David Mark from Pixabay

I ran a rescue for green iguanas when I lived in New Jersey.  I was listed on the website Petfinders.com and was on speed dial for most of the animal control facilities and rescue organizations in the Tristate area.

Thus, I had a steady stream of iguanas pass through my house.  And I sometimes got calls from people needing a rescue for other species of animals.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t take those animals in–only iguanas. I did know of many agencies who could help them, however.

On two occasions, I found myself taking in a litter of kittens. I am not a fan of cats. Sure, they’re soft and interesting, but I prefer their reptilian counterpart, the iguana. But a friend had made emergency rescues and the kittens had no place else to go. Allegedly.

Cats are not iguanas and may I point out that they are iguana predators.  I intended to keep the kittens confined in my second bathroom and away from my pets, who might be considered prey. The first few days went well, with the cats living and eating contentedly in their bathroom world.  I sat with them and let them interact with me, so it’s not like I ignored them.

Inevitably, their curiosity got the better of them. At first, one at a time would try to dash out the door when I opened it. The escapee was easily caught and returned to the group. Until the day, I opened the door and all four rushed me! They jumped, scrambled and successfully eluded me.

Defeated, I let them roam the house but kept a close eye on feline-reptile interactions. Fortunately, I was soon able to place all four kittens to great forever homes.

Good thing, because I am a lousy cat herder, which I freely admit on National Cat Herder’s Day. 

Lyric Power Publishing is proud to publish the book Silent Rocks, about the endangered Rock Iguanas on Cayman Brac, and how to save them.

cover of book "Silent Rocks." white background, rock iguana pictured in natural habitat on island Cayman Brac
The population of the endemic Sister Island Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis) on Cayman Brac is in serious decline. These vegetarian lizards are an important part of the island’s ecosystem. The reduction in population is the result of human activity on their habitat and the threats can only be eliminated by human action.
A woman holds a five-foot rock iguana in her living room
Now THIS is more like it–me with five foot rock iguana, Blue.
CURTIS CURLY-TAIL COMES ALIVE ON YOU TUBE!a curly tail lizard on a bahamian beach with blue sky and ocean, sand and green plants
Elaine A Powers Author Conservationalist Biologist
Click Image to Hear “Don’t Call Me Turtle!”image of woman reading book at tucson botanical gardens
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