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: Thursday, 4 September 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)
Betsy (2008) Hangs out with the whites.
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
Brian Caines
Monday 2008-08-04 4:37 PM
Hi Klaus:
Are you planning on feeding the cats Monday morning?? If you can't I
certainly will be available. Lemme know!!
Cheers,
Brian
*
Klaus Gerken
Monday 2008-08-04 5:00 PM
Hi Brian,
I don't mind doing Monday morning.
I was there 6-7, 10-1130, and 1430-1530 today. Rene didn't come down so I
gave the cats two large can's of wet food before the raccoons devoured all
the dry.
I didn't see Betsy, and noticed that very little of the food was eaten I left
for the whites.
There were sure a lot of visitors, mostly kids and the cats were all out, so
everyone got a good look at them.
One hilarious moment when Brownie got his tail bitten (harmless, no blood) by
one of the raccoon pups. Boy did B ever run for his life half way down the
hill! I coaxed him back up about 10 minutes later.
With all the cameras and camcorders I'm sure someone cought the moment. Hope
they either send it to me or post it.
Except for the brief thunderstorm (which actually cooled things down...) not
a bad day at all.
Unfortunately not too many photos since (even at 6am) there were lots of
visitors asking questions.
k
*
Brian Caines
Monday 2008-08-04 5:09 PM
Hi K:
I am sure Brownie lost more of his dignity than blood! I would loved to have
seen it.
Brian
*
Kathryn Bunn
Monday 04/08/08 12:19 AM
Hello all. Hope everyone is doing well.
So my parents are in town visiting me. They went on a walk this
evening and I went to a movie. When I returned home, I was greeted by
a visitor... a little kitten I imagine is three or four weeks old (my
age guesstimation skills suck). My dad heard mewing in the trees near
my highrise apartment building and found the kitten in a towel. Kitty
was apparently scared and shaking at first but now is ok. Loves human
attention. Loves cuddles and belly rubs.
He will be taken to the Humane Society tomorrow assuming they are open
(Website says they are only closed statutory holidays) and will likely
be put into a foster family assuming they are open.
I have attached pictures of the kitten.
Disgusting what people do.
Regards,
Kat
Photo
Photo
Brian Caines
Monday 04/08/08 7:40 AM
Hi K:
How could anyone abandon such a sweet creature, or any pet for that matter.
There's a special place in hell for them that's certain. I know kitty will
find a loving home.
B
Maria Scharrf
Tuesday 05/08/08 10:29 PM
Hi Everyone,
I made it up to the Hill after work today, around 4. Rene was already there
and in good spirits.
When I arrived I looked around in the bushes where the cat's hide to let some
visitors know the name of the cat they were seeing and to my surprise, it was
a new orange tabby cat. He was all orange with only the tip of his tail white.
As Rene was at the colony, I fed the cat some treats and gave it some love,
he was very affectionate and friendly, meowing and rubbing against me.
About half an hour later, Rene left and I went and got a carrying cage in the
back. I asked a regular visitor if they could help me get the cat into the
carrying cage. He happily helped out and the cat was no problem at all.
I took the cat to the Humane Society. He meowed the whole way there but was
well behaved.
The woman at the front desk said he was a fixed male about 4 years old. His
shelter number is AO92785.
Too bad his owner was so ignorant, but he is such a sweet, good boy I have no
doubt he'll find a nice home.
Lia
*
Laura Jaremkow
Tuesday 05/08/08 11:12 PM
Good save on the kitty Lia. i hope he wasn't there too long. And isn't it
nice that we do have such great visitors around that are willing to give us a
hand? Thanks to the person that helped out.
i'm glad you were able to give the little kitty some loving.
Thank you,
.:laura:.
Klaus Gerken
Thursday 7 Aug 2008
Some photos from this long weekend:
Saturday 2 Aug 08
Sunrise over Wellington Street 6am
He's here!
Why do we always have to wait?
Brunette and Ti-Gris
Max and Blackie
Spot, Fluffy and Brownie
Brownie being a pest - stealing food ment for Ti-Gris and Brunette
On my way to feed the whites
Noon-day Cannon and Victoria Island
Blackie when I returned around 11
Brownie asleep in the back hamper, but I brught him out for the
visitors
Ti-Gris and Brownie
Brownie snoring away oblivious to everything - the visitors
loved it
Brownie and Fluffy
Max and the invasion of the raccoon pups
Brunette trying to negotiate around the raccoons
She made it
Max relaxing and watching it all
A brief visit back to the hill
Sunday 3 Aug 08
Morning feeding - lots of good food. Fluffy, Bebe and Brownie
Snowball
Fluffy followed me and then made a visit to Snowball
Brownie
View from the compound
Blackie and Brownie
Crowd on the Hill around noon
Visitors to the colony as I arrived
Max exploring the shed
Max and Fluffy in the back hamper
Blackie and George the groundhog
Buskers on Elgin Street Mall on my way home
Fluffy entertaining visitors when I went back around 4
Ti-Gris and Brunette
Visitors just before I left
Monday 4 Aug 08
Brownie and Spot sharing a kiss monday morning
Waiting to be fed: Max, Spot, Fluffy, Brownie and Blackie
Betsy
Betsy still very shy
Some visitors providing the cats with treats
Bebe
Ti-Gris
Fluffy and Brownie
Klaus Gerken
Monday 11 Aug 2006
Some photos from this weekend:
The welcomming committee: Brunette, Max, Blackie and Fluffy
Max, Spot, Flufy, Blackie and Brownie waiting to be fed
Blackie, Bebe and Brownie
Fog lingering over the Ottawa River
Approaching the colony
Max
Backie
Squirrel
Max
Fluffy and Max in the back hamper
East Block and morning clouds
Blackie, Spot, Ti-Gris and Brownie
Brownie and Fluffy
Ti-Gris
Spot and Brownie
Breakfast time
Snowball
Gatineau from the Hill after feeding the whites
Max
Clouds over the Peace Tower
Bebe and Ti-Gris
Fluffy and Max sharing the back hamper
Ti-Gris
Blackie trying to crowd out Ti-Gris, who stood her place
Fluffy and Max - not a care in the world
Brownie
Fluffy, Blackie and Max
Fluffy and Blackie enjoying a snooze
Spot on to something
Rene
Brunette "Just a walking the dog"
"Here's a kiss, thanks for not barking at me"
Visitors as I was leaving the colony
Brian Caines
Friday, 15/08/08 7:06 PM
Hello All:
I dropped up to the Hill today at noon as my chores downtown finished earlier
than expected and I had time on my hands. Before Helene, Sally and Sebastien
dropped by the cats and I were entertained by a group of Italian tourists who
were very taken by the cats. Ours are much better cared for than the cats of
Rome so someone told me.
I spoke to a lovely young Milano couple with their 2 1/2 year old daughter,
who fearlessly approached the cats calling out what sounded to me like "Mao".
Fluffy was lying next to me and she climbed up and sat by me and calmly
petted his fur for the longest time. They both loved it. Later, while
Brownie was curled up beside me and I was tickling his tummy a woman walked
up, took a photo of him in his glory, tickled him and then smiled at me while
saying "Bellissimo". Great name for the boy, Bellissimo Brownie.
Have a great weekend,
Brian
Klaus Gerken
Sunday 18 August 2008
Some photos from the weekend Saturday 24/ Sunday 25:
Fog over the East Block of Parliament
Blackie, Spot and Brownie in a bonding moment
Spot and Brownie
Breakfast
A secret passage way to leave the Hill...
Max
Visitors
Snowball and the white mother - the first time I've seen them both
in over a year
Eating together
Brownie
The water bowl casting patterns on the condo wall
Our first Prime Minister Sir John A. MacDonald makes
an appearance
Brownie napping
More visitors
Raccoon
Rene, visitors and Brownie
Rene, Max and Blackie
Blackie after a long tummy rub
Ti-Gris yawning
Ti-Gris
Horse and Buggy on Metcalf Street
Fluffy
Brownie and Blackie snoozing
FLuffy - why you wake me up?
Brian Caines
Tuesday: 18/08/08 1:05 PM
Hello All:
While Ben and I were at the colony yesterday morning a young man and his
lovely one year old Golden Retriever visited the sanctuary. When I mentioned
that there a few of the cats who really did not care for dogs (thinking
particularly of Blackie) he said that the pup needed to familiarise himself
with felines. No sooner had he said it than Brownie got up from where he was
lying on the pavement, calmly strolled over to the dog and immediately gave
him a good swipe while Brunette hissed from behind the fence. The dog backed
up and yelped. Bad move on the dog's part-showed his weakness said Ben. As
the dog was being lead away and upon hearing the enemy's cry of defeat,
Blackie and Fluffy came bounding from the compound and chased after him;
Fluffy almost to the end of the walkway. VICTORY!!
Brian
*
Brian Caines
Tuesday: 18/08/08 2:48 PM
Hello All:
Betsy is still around and hanging with the Whites with whom they seem to be
getting along. She defers to both of them but she is not afraid of them.
This morning after she ate the WM passed by and hissed, but Betsy stood her
ground and did not budge.
She now knows my schedule and she is in the vicinity of the Whites when I
arrive to feed them. She looks no worse for wear-she is well-groomed and
appears in excellent health. Although still reticent, she does allow me to
scratch her head while she eats. I am really glad she is allowing human
contact; a good sign.
Brian
PS. She does love treats so if you do get to see her, make sure you lave her
a few. She will appreciate it.
Brian Caines
Wednesday: 19/08/08 11:47 AM
Hello All:
I will try to make it to the Hill tomorrow at noon if the weather is nice.
It was certainly cool on the Hill this morning but it didn't prevent me or
the usual suspects from having a nice visit. As well, I was not only able to
give Betsy a head scratch, but she also let me stroke her back. Little by
little.
B
Klaus Gerken
Sunday 25 August 2008
Some photos from Saturday 24/Sunday 25:
While waiting for the raccoons to leave so I could put down
some dry food for the evening Helene and I fed the pigeons
The visitors loved it - and Helene even helped some kids do
the same
Fluffy and Max were thr first out to welcome this morning
Max and Fluffy enjoying a special meal
Max was so thirsty he couldn't wait to get a drink - the lush!
Snowball
Bruno - you leaving again?
Fluffy, and Bebe smothered by the big guy - Brownie
Blackie
Brownie and Blackie
Fluffy
Brian Caines
Thursday, 28 Aug 2008
Hello All:
I met Lara and Abigail on the Hill this morning and Lara gave Brunette the
once-over. She is doing very well for a cat in her dotage. In fact, Lara
said that she is doing better than many indoor-cats her age. Her cyst does
not seem to be causing her any distress. Surgery is not an option,
especially due to her age but more importantly and that the location of the
cyst does not allow for easy suturing. At this stage it is better to leave
it as is. We certainly need to keep an eye on her in view of her age and the
upcoming winter.
Blackie had an exam as he too is getting on in years. And like our Brunette
he is in good shape. He is over-grooming which is causing some hair-loss.
It could be for a number of reasons; such as stress (our Blackie is certainly
not that!) or even arthritis. Lara suggested we try Glocosomine (S/P) which
may help.
And she was pleased that Brownie is looking so hale and hearty and big!!!
Brian
PS. It was great seeing the gang, humans and felines, on the Hill at noon
today and to fill them in on our girl. And our Blackie was in bliss having
Noland rub his belly for close to an hour. As I said, stressed is not part
of his vocabulary.
Klaus Gerken
Some photos from the Labour Day Weekend.
Saturday, 30 August 2008:
Visitors and Brunette
Blackie, Fluffy and Brownie
Max Fluffy and Brownie in the back hamper
Fluffy and Brownie
Another of Brownie using Fluffy as a pillow
Max and Bebe
And of course the raccoons
Max
Rene Chartrand in an ebullient mood - dancing
Another
Another
And another
How much energy has he got!
Even more!
Fluffy finds a shady spot in the bushes
The visitors just keep arriving
Brownie decided to attack Spot for seemingly no reason at all -
Spot survived and they made up later
Max and Brownie after the attack
Max realizing I was leaving decided to follow me - he got to
the path leading to Queen Victoria's statue and watched me leave from there.
Sunday, 31 August 2008:
Balloons over Parliament
Max, Spot and Brunette
Brunette, Bebe and Blackie
Blackie, Spot and Brownie
More balloons
Snowball
The white mother
More balloons
It is a balloon festival after all - the National Art Gallery
in the foreground
Betsy waiting patiently for the whites to stop eating
The whites
Ever more balloons
MAx
Brunette
Max relaxing in the back
Brownie and Blackie enjoying the hot sun
Brownie, Bebe and Max
Monday, 1 September 2008
The gang waiting to be fed
Blackie, Bebe, Brownie, Fluffy and Max
And of course...the balloons!
Snowball
The path to the colony and visitors - always a popular place
Max
Bebe
Brian Caines
Tuesday, 02/09/08 4:15 PM
Hello All:
Sad news. I just heard the news that the Ottawa composer, Eldon Rathburn,
died today at the good age of 92. He immortalised the cats in the piece
'The Cats on Parliament Hill'. It is available on the following recording:
French Link:
http://www.atmaclassique.com/fr/catalogue/disques.asp?id=ACD22371
English Link:
http://www.atmaclassique.com/en/catalogue/disques.asp?id=ACD22371
Brian
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