The Cats of Parliament Hill Blog
by
Klaus J. Gerken
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, North America, Planet Earth,
the Sol Planetary system, the "Milky Way" Galaxy, the Virgo cluster of Galaxies,
the Universe, and whatever is beyond or ever was before.
Latest update: Wednesday 23 July 2008
Preamble
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Please under no circumstances abandon cats or kittens on the Hill or by the
Cat Sanctuary. The cats will not readily accept newcomers and for the most
part chase them away. Nor is it a given new cats will find the Sanctuary in
search of shelter and food. Most abandoned cats are very disorientated and
will just randomly wander off finding starvation and death - especially in the
winter. If you can no longer care for your cat, please take her to the Humane
Society where she can be well taken care of and put up for adoption. This is
what we do for any abandoned cat we find. And it causes us great grief when we
cannot capture one - which happens way too often. And if you give kittens as
a gift for Christmas, ensure the person or the household you give them to can
provide for them. If not, then you should reconsider your priorities. No
kitten deserves to be abandoned like an unwanted toy. Owning a pet is a
serious responsibiliy. If you don't share that feeling, you shouldn't own a
pet. It's as simple as that. Abandoning your pet is a criminal offence with
up to 2 years in jail. Perhaps you who would be so callous should think about
that. Treat your pets well, and they will reward you with unconditional love
for the rest of their lives. Should we all care so much as they care for us.
Klaus J. Gerken
Before you abandon a pet you can no longer care for, please contact these
organizations:
Previous logs are available at the Library and Archives Canada:
All photographs by Klaus J. Gerken unless otherwise stated.
Comments are always welcome:
Please send any comments to kgerken@synapse.net
(We reserve the right to publish any comments on this blog).
Invitation
I would like to invite anyone who has recollections or photographs of the
colony before the present condos were built; especially any recollections
or photographs of Irene Desormeaux before Rene Chartrand took over caring
for the cats, or even prior to that, to send them to kgerken@synapse.net .
We are trying to establish a definitive history of the cat colony for a book
to be published in the next year or so.
A Brief History of the Cats of Parliament Hill
There is a story that Colonel By brought hundreds of cats
with him when he built the Rideau Canal in 1826, to take care
of the rodent population, but unfortunately that cannot be
confirmed. What can be confirmed is that cats were employed
in the Parliament Building (as in many other building) as pest
control until 1955 when they were replaced by chemicals. Until
1970 ground keepers fed the cats in various locations, when
Irene Desormeaux began feeding the cats where the existing
colony now resides. Rene Chartrand began helping her in the
mid-nineteen eighties and began building some wooden structures
(some of which can still be seen) for the cats to keep warm in.
In 1987 when Irene passed on to take care of stray cats in a
greater colony beyond this world, Rene took over and loyally
fed the cats to this day. In 1997 Rene and a friend built the
existing structures. Brian Caines began helping about that time,
and I began helping out in 2003. That year brian and I decided
to put together a support team to ensure that Rene would be ok
(he's in his mid-eighties now) and that the cats would always
be well provided for. We now have a team of eight caregivers
who volunteer their time to this amazing cause.
*
The cast of characters:
Irene Desormeaux (Who started it all in the 1970's)
Rene Chartrand (Who took over when Irene passed on in 1987 and maintains
the colony till this day -- he built the shelters in 1997)
The Support Team:
Brian Caines (Ensures the colony's health and welfare)
Klaus Gerken (Official Photographer, and Keeper of the Blog - I do the
weekend shift)
Laura Jaremkow
Lorraine Milobar
Sally Sax
Helene Pomerleau
Kathryn Bunn
Leyla Di Cori
Heather Ferguson
Sebastien Badour
Christ Oliver - Author of "Fish Lecan, Maria Dorfinkley et les Chats de la
Colline du Parlement" and the blog below:
Ben Asselstine
The Alta Vista Animal Hospital (For medical care).
Purina for cat food.
And a host of many others.
And the cats:
*Coco (RIP 2005)
*LePune (Lost 2003 and perhaps sister to Brunette and Lulu)
*Big Mama (RIP 1985? to 2006)
The white mother and her brood:
*Thumbelina (Adopted by Sebastien Bador 2008)
Snowball (AKA Six Toes - lives with the white mother on the east side of the Hill)
*Kid Jr (lost 2006)
*Blanchette (lost in 2003)
Blackie
Fluffy
Brownie
*Lulu (lost 2004 and sister to Brunette)
Brunette
Ti-gris
Bebe (Integrated 2000)
Bruno (2003/4 - adopted by myself Feb 2004 - and flourishing)
*Smokey and her three kittens living in the West Block ( put up for adoption
fall 2004 because they could not integrate, no matter how much Smokey tried)
*Monty (lost 2004)
*The black and white we never got to name who only stayed a month (summer 2004)
Spot (Integrated 2004)
*Samantha (Lost Nov 2004)
Max (Integrated 2005)
*Shadow (Integrated 2005 - but probably there earlier and the father of
Smokey's kittens)) - Put up for adoption March 2008 because of special
medical needs
*Penelope (Abandoned Christmas 2005 - taken to the Humane Society Feb 2006)
*Lillian-Wentworth (Integrated 2007 - Believed stolen from the colony Spring 2008))
*Phoebe (The new white - taken to the HS by Brian and Laura 18 June 2007)
*Hero (15 years old - abandoned - taken to the HS for adoption)
*Mike the cabbie (Abandoned July 2007 - Named by Joanne Stanbridge) - Taken
to the Humane Society 24 July 2005.
*Great Tiger (abandoned in the heaviest snowfall of the winter - rescued
by Laura and taken to the Humane Society for adoption - March 2008)
And so many others who just walk in and out or are adopted when we can catch them.
Note for all:
As Rene Chartrand is now in his mid-eighties several years ago Brian Caines
and I decided to put together a support team so we check on the cats to
ensure that Rene has been there to care for them on the previous day
and to leave some food and water in case he would be unable to make it for
whatever reason. To date Rene has not missed a day and is still, and
always will be the primary caregiver. Besides, our help allows him to take
the occasional well deserved day off, especially when the weather is bad.
The Blog
Klaus Gerken
Sunday, 1 June 2008
No rain this morning, but still cold, damp, autumn weather. The cats are all
well. Didn't see the abandoned one, but fed the whites.
Approach to the colony - The Centre Block is on the right
The Colony in all it's Spring spendour - see Brunette
Blackie, Max and Brownie
Spot and Max
Max, Blackie and Brownie
Gatineau
The Ottawa River
Fluffy for a walk on my way back after feeding the whites
Blackie, Spot (in the bushes) and Brunette
Blackie and Brunette as I was leaving
Helene Pomerleau
Friday, 06/06/08 8:05 PM
Hey,
Just a quick note to let you know that today at lunch, the groundskeeper told
me that there was a cat near the West Block since the beginning of the week.
I took a look and I found a lovely little creature looking for food and some
company. I gave her some wet and dry food (she was really hungry) and I left
a bowl of water. I went back during my break and she came when I called her.
She was so friendly!!! After work, I went to take a carrier and take her to
the Humane society but Rene was at the colony so, I thought that I wait until
Rene leave or until tomorrow to take her because I knew that she will still
be there. She found a spot where she could be away from the rain... I met
Sebastien on my way back and asked him to come see her in order to know if it
was the same cat he saw with the whites. But no, she was a new one. I sat
with her and she slept on my lap for a little while and I was thinking that I
could not leave her alone.... fortunately, Sebastien came back to let me
know that Rene had left, so I took a carrier and we put her in. I took a cab
and bring her to the humane society.
She is so sweet!!! According to her behaviour, I pretty sure that she didn't
stay long enough with her mother... She's probably six or eight months old.
She was very skinny and probably dehydrated. Poor little thing! But now
she's safe and secure. Hope she will find a loving home and her owner will
end in hell!!!
Thanks Sebastien for your help!
Sorry for my poor writing, I hope it's understandable (can I say that???).
Helene
*
Sally Sax
Friday, 06/06/08 8:33 PM
Wow Helene and Sebastien, that's great you guys were able to catch her so quickly.
Good job!
Brian Caines
Friday, 07/06/08 8:07 AM
Bravo Helene and Sebastien and thanks.
Klaus Gerken
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Some photos from this weekend's visit.
Saturday 7 June 2008:
Sunday:
Brian Caines
Monday, 9 June 2008 10:06 AM
Hello All:
After feeding and visiting with the cats and after having chatted with John
and Rene two guys Laura and I met yesterday, during our Sunday morning get
together, I left the colony to go to the post office. While walking down the
steps by the tourist tent I noticed an orange cat going in the direction of
the West Block. I was able to pick her up and carry her to the picnic tables
where I called John and Rene who sat with her and spoiled her with treats
while I got the carrier. (Thank goodness the boys were there as I really
didn't want to take her to the colony.) She was so sweet and cooperative
with us and she was no trouble in the taxi or at the Humane Society. (Let's
hope Brownie, our orange male, is as cooperative!)
Although she is quite petite Murielle thinks she is about five years old.
And believe it or not, she has only recently had surgery. Her stomach is
completely shaved for what we assume was spaying. The vet will confirm.
Can you believe someone abandoning a post-operative animal? The mind boggles.
Brian
PS. The HS cleaned the carrier in their industrial washer and it is spotless!
Brian Caines
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 1:46 PM
Dear Vicki and all the students and staff of Hazel McCallion Senior Public
School:
Thank you for thinking of the Cats of Parliament Hill as a school fundraiser
again this year. The money raised from your Cookies for Cats project will go
towards the continued well-being of the colony. I am sure that everyone had a
great time during this activity. Your thoughtfulness is very much
appreciated by both the felines and the Cat Caregivers.
I am sorry that our visit was so short but both Laura and I were happy to be
able to meet with you again this year.
Best wishes,
Brian on behalf of the Caregivers.
cc. Cat Caregivers
Klaus Gerken
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
A beautiful weekend spend with the cats. Here are some photos:
Saturday 14 June 2008:
Morning:
Afternoon:
*
Sunday, 15 June 2008:
Morning:
Afternoon:
Klaus Gerken
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Another beautiful weekend spend with the cats. Here are some photos:
Saturday 21 June 2008:
Morning:
Afternoon:
Sunday 22 June 2008:
Canada Day weekend 28 June to 1 July 2008
Friday:
Approaching the colony from behind the barriers
Blackie
Fluffy, Brownie and Max
Sally and Fluffy
Helene and Fluffy
Saturday:
Fluffy, Blackie, Brownie and Max
The barriers and Tent
Brownie, Flufy and Max
Snowball
Fog across the Ottawa River
Max
Visitors and Brownie
Spot
Blackie, Spot and Brownie
Bebe
Sunday:
Sunday Morning Sunrise
The roccoons making a mess as always
A roccoon invading the whites' territory - I had to chase him
away to feed Snowball
Snowball
Rehearsals on the Canada Day Stage
Ben and Laura at noon
Ben and Laura with Max
Brownie
Visitors
Fluffy
Brian Caines and Max (with face in the water carrier)
Brunette
More Canada Day rehearsals
Yours truly (Photo by Ben Asselstein)
Another (Photo by Ben Asselstein)
Monday:
Helene and Ti-Gris
Snowball
Helete, Ti-Gris, Fluffy and Max
More Canada Day rehearsals
More CD r's
Visitors to the colony
Brownie, Fluffy and Max in the back hamper
Kathryn and Fluffy
Helene, Brunette,Fluffy, Ti-Gris and Visitors
Raccon pups...
Aren't they cute?
And even more rehearsals...
Ditto...
Spot
Ti-Gris and Brunette
Aw...
And the band plays on...
Tuesday - Canada Day:
Brunette, Brownie and Fluffy greeting me erly in the morning
Spot and Brownie
Max and bright-eyes Spot
Finally some breakfast!
Afternoon crowds on O'Connor
Stamp by: Donation...on Wellington
Wellington Street
Dancers on Wellington Street
The underpass to the Ottawa River
The Alexandrian Bridge across the Ottawa River to Gatineau
The Ottawa River
Fluffy and Brunette
Ti-Gris and Brunette
Brownie and Ti-Gris
Fluffy, Bebe and Blackie
Blackie, Bebe and Brownie
Brownie, Ti-Gris and Bebe
Max and Blackie as I was leaving
*
Two envelopes found in the donation box over the weekend. I would like to
thank Kyle, James and Connor for their generous donation.
Envelopes with donations from Twin Brothers James and Connor
found in the donation box
Brian Caines
05/07/08 5:47 PM
Hello All:
Laura and I were enjoying an early morning get together on the Hill this
beautiful Saturday morning when my cell phone rang (a rarity) and I took a
call from a constable in the RCMP detachment at Bank and Wellington. She had
just found a kitten that morning and was wondering what to do, so Laura and I
went to pick the little one up to take to the Humane Society. Constable
Murielle said that she had heard a cat crying so she went out and saw it on
the hillock behind their office and she was able to coax it down. The kitten
was very friendly so she was able to catch it and we were able to put it into
the cage without any problems. I went to have a look around to see if there
was evidence of any other kittens (from my experience when there's one,
there's usually more than one) but I saw nothing. My feeling is that the
kitty was abandoned at the colony and wandered to the west side of the West
Block. I asked Murielle to let the other officers to keep their eyes and
ears open and we'll do the same.
We got the little thing to the Humane Society and she's a small, smokey grey
female with a white tuft on her chest-very much like a grey Spot- and she's
about three months old. (Can you imagine anyone so cruel as to abandon such
a young animal?) She is a beautiful cat, curious and feisty as a kitten
should be, with the most striking brown eyes. I thought they were like
burnished copper and Laura thought they were a dark amber but whatever colour
they are, they are absolutely beautiful. Her shelter number is A091451
should you know anyone who may be interested in adopting her.
Cheers,
Brian
*
Brian Caines
05/07/08 5:53 PM
Hi Lorraine, et al:
The missing blanket is in the large storage container where we keep the
carriers. Laura reminded me that I had placed it there after a heavy rain
fall last week. Now that she told me I vaguely remember. Age!!
And as that container really stinks tomorrow Laura and I are going throw out
the old straw that's kept they (some of the boys like to use it as litter)
and we'll scrub it down. It shouldn't take too long and it is much needed.
B
*
Klaus Gerken
I will try and update the blog with weekend photos tomorrow. Hopefully it won't
be so hot that my sweat drips down onto my keyboard and makes it do strange
things.
Klaus Gerken
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Some photos from this weekend:
Saturday 5 July 2008:
Morning:
Saturday morning feeding
Gatineau from the observation point on the Hill near where the
whites are hanging out
The cats waiting for me to get back from feeding the whites -
Spot, Brownie, Ti-Gris and Blackie
Noon:
Memorial to a lost hobo on O'Connor Street: Andre Hamal
Helene waving to me
Helene: "Not another photograph!"
Rene and Helene
Zowee! Rene and Helene
Helene and Rene: Should we start a rumour?
Rene obviously very happy...
Helene: "Enought!"
Swiss/Austrian(?) entertainers visiting the Hill
Sunday 6 July 2008:
Brunette and Blackie
Max and the fluff
Brownie, Max, Fluffy and Spot
Fluffy and Spot usually aren't so affectionate
...and eating together too! The beginning of a beautiful
friendship?
Ti-Gris, Brunette and Bebe sharing a meal
Another
Snowball
Ti-Gris and Brunette - never far apart
930 AM:
Approaching the colony
Brian and Laura busy cleaning out the old straw in one of the
back sheds
Brian and Laura proud of their work
Laura and Fluffy
Fluffy
Afternoon:
Fluffy relaxing in the afternoon sun
Visitors and Brownie
Brunette and the roof of the old electrical shed
Max relaxing in the heat
Fluffy and Max
Klaus Gerken
Sunday 20 July 2008
Circumstances have precluded me from updating the blog in the past two weeks.
Here are some photographs.
Sunrise over the East Block
Ti-Gris, Max, Spot and Brownie
Fog over lowertown
Max exploring the pavilion
Max and Spot
Brunette and Ti-Gris
The Raccoon pups are getting way too friendly
Max and Racoon pup
I'm sure they think they're cats
Rene and Blackie
Sunday crowds
Feeding frenzie
Helene and pigeon
The new abandoned cat - Betsy
It'll take a while - but she's trusting us a bit more each day
Max
Max, Brownie and Blackie on a wet morning
Fluffy and Brownie sharing a meal
Fog over the East Block
Ti-Gris and Bebe
Brunette
Brownie and Blackie
Brownie and Blackie oblivious to the visitors
How cats can sleep comfortably in the most uncomfortable conditions
boggles my mind
But then dogs passing by are always interesting to watch
Brian Caines
Monday, 2008-07-21 10:47 AM
Hello All:
Everything was tickety-boo on the Hill this morning. All the usual suspects
were there and dear Max and I were able to spend some quality time together.
The White Mother came out to greet me when I brought the food and water and I
was surprised to see Betsy waiting to be fed. She was laying on the concrete
"catwalk" just behind where we feed them. Her paws were under her chest and
she was resting comfortably; not a care in the world. She was not distressed
to see me at all. I spoke to her and she responded by slowly blinking her
eyes. I slowly blinked mine back. Next time I'll bring treats to see if I
can coax her to come to me. A long-term project I would imagine, but she is
becoming more brave, that's for sure. WM certainly was not aggressive towards
her so I have a feeling some type of accommodation has been made.
Unfortunately, there was no sign of Sox but I "puss pussed" to let him know
that breakfast was being served. I also left an extra bowl of food by the
electrical shed, for Spot if no one else!!
Cheers,
Brian
Brian Caines
Tuesday, 2008-07-22 1106 AM
Hello All:
Visited and fed da beasties this morning. All went well, until Betsy came to
the colony and our Max chased her away. I guess he forgets how difficult
integration was for him. :-)
When I walked to the Whites I called out to her while walking along the path
and while feeding MW I could see her weaving in and out of the fence as she
made her way to their hangout. She waited until MW ate and then went to the
bowl. I stayed and spoke to her and she appeared to be quite content and not
too wary of me. But when I put my hand for her to sniff she would back off,
just out of range. As soon my hand was removed, back to the bowl she went.
After she finished eating MW returned to the bowl and Betsy settled down
comfortably for a snooze in the bushes nearby. So progress is being made and
with any luck I'll soon be able to touch her.
I was pleased to see how clean she is and I was amazed at how quickly she has
certainly learned out schedule. I would like to believe that she'll soon
stand up to both territorial puddies, Blackie and Max, and put them in their
place.
Brian
PS. I gave Max a good brush this morning. That boy is really hairing out!!
PSS. No sign of Sox.
Brian Caines
Wednesday 2008-07-23 12:49 PM
Hello All:
No sign of Betsy this morning but I did see Sox. I fed the Whites and while
walking by their hang-out by en route to the post office I noticed Sox eating
at the bowl. I stopped and softly spoke to him. He ran into the bushes and
he stared at me for a while before he disappeared. I am sure I was still in
his sites even though he was nowhere to be seen. He's a beautiful orange-red
so maybe we should call him Fox and he looks to be in good health.
Brian
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