Hello fellow Cat lovers!

My name is Maria Appleby and I live in Champaign, Illinois (USA) with my husband and our cats. We have been married for 26 years, and we are both veterans. I grew up in Michigan on a small family-owned produce farm, the youngest (and only girl) of five kids.

I really find introductions difficult as I don’t have a lot to say about myself at all. I could go on forever about my husband and our cats.

Our kitties range in age from one year to 17 years old. One has a cauliflower ear. One has chronic pancreatitis. One has kidney disease. One has cancer. Several are siblings. About half of our cats came to us because their owners passed away. We have two former ferals that are now well adapted to indoor life. I have one ginger boy that’s been here over a year and a half and I still can’t pet him, but he comes out near me. Every time I get to see his fat orange stripes it just makes me smile. Some day shy kitty cat, some day, you’ll learn about ear scratches and chin rubs. I’m patient.

We are fairly Experienced, but by no means experts, when it comes to cats. We have much to learn. We’ve hand-raised kittens. I’ve done “hospital care” at home (Sub-Q fluids, syringe feeding, administering meds). Nail trimming, brushing and combing. The occasional bath. Just like most of you who have and love cats, their care takes a lot of time, but it’s time we’re glad to give. We have awesome veterinarians that we’ve been with for decades. We have a great group of highly experienced friends in cat rescue too, thank goodness. More than once I have picked their brains for helpful advice and guidance.

One thing I can say, the pet community in general and the cat community in particular (online), has been wonderful. We met Marc from Katzenworld. We met many awesome rescuers. We have made many friends all across the United States, and from other parts of the world. We were supported when our cats were ill. We were comforted when we experienced loss. The benefit of having animal loving friends on social media has been profound to us. A blessing.

I would like to thank Marc for allowing me to join his community and for welcoming me with genuine kindness. I would like to thank all of you ahead of time, for your patience.

Here are a few photos of some of my cats, my furry kids, who bring me so much joy. I used to think we saved them. Like many of you, I learned they saved me.

Ricci, Nonae, Brownie, Storm, Fuji, and Fury.

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