Outskirts Press, INC.

This is the story of how a feral/community kitten that had been living on a hiking trail in Kauai — and begging for food from tourists — was rescued and found a loving, forever home. The kitten grew up and became a big brother to other community cats that his human mother adopted.

Martha Girdany is a biologist who retired and moved to Kauai in the spring of 2013. She began working with feral/community cats in the summer of 2013, and that’s when she adopted Kimo. Kimo was the first of many feral cats Martha adopted, and she even has a portrait of Kimo tattooed on her leg. Martha is a past member of the Board of Directors of Kauai Community Cat Project, and is pictured here with Freya, her kitty soulmate and muse. Freya was born in 2006, and is one of four cats that moved to Kauai with Martha.

S. Broyles is a self-taught fine artist whose creative journey began at a young age performing theater, writing poetry, playing guitar, and drawing. After majoring in Theatre and Costume Design from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, she found her passion as a portrait artist, illustrator, and jewelry maker while living on the island of Kauai. Now back on the mainland, she continues to pursue her fine art career while also managing a well-known tattoo shop in Southern California.

Martha’s favorite photo of Kimo. She loves his markings and huge eyes.

Kimo with Rose, when she was a kitten about three months old.

Li’i, two weeks after being rescued, and about 6 weeks old.

Ziggy, a handsome tuxedo, is the oldest of Martha’s rescue cats.