JEDDAH, 22 August 2005 — Arab News’ pregnant cat, now dubbed ‘Pinky’, was treated to a kitty makeover at Tahlia International Veterinary Clinic yesterday, after her picture appeared on the back page of Arab News covered in pink ink.
“This is serious. Every time she licks herself, she swallows a little of the ink, which can make her and the unborn kittens very sick. Please bring her in for a check-up and a bath,” Dr. Sasa Milnar, told Arab News over the telephone yesterday.
Pinky, nameless until now, has graced the Arab News building and the surrounding streets with her presence over the past year. Quite tame, yet scruffy-looking, she rubs up against visitors and staff alike, as they brush past her, making their way through the lobby. Fed twice a day by Arab News’ Roger Harrison, Pinky and her extended street family linger outside the property’s sliding glass door where they are rewarded with blasts of cool air as visitors and staff enter the building throughout the day.
Remarkably aware, the cats and kittens have learned to recognize Harrison’s car, which they await every morning, knowing that there is a supply of Whiskas cat food in the trunk. The cat stampede that follows his arrival, has given rise to concern for their safety as they make their mad dash across the road, which separates the parking area from the building.
Quite savvy, streetwise and well-practiced in crossing the road, everyone’s concern is quickly overshadowed by laughter at the endearing scene, played out twice a day.
Yesterday however, a plastic crate and a car ride awaited Pinky after she had her can of Whiskas. Despite treating Harrison and this journalist to a cacophony of concerned cat cries along the way, Pinky settled in well at Tahlia International Veterinary Clinic, where she was treated to a cat shampoo, manicure, pedicure, immunizations and de-worming, courtesy of the clinic.
Dr. Sasa Milnar welcomed the pregnant cat at the clinic yesterday afternoon after contacting Arab News with concerns that the dye might be toxic. As is customary, Pinky will deliver her litter somewhere in the building where they will live for the next couple of months while they are nursing. Anyone interested in adopting them at that time is asked to contact Roger Harrison at [email protected].
