Monday, September 12, 2011

My Fifth Cat -- Sort of.

I have a feral cat that comes around.  This is the third cat who has come to dine at my house.  The first was Sweetie.  She was around for several years, before she disappeared.  Next came Mr. Sunshine.  This big, yellow Tom actually got quite friendly, but, unfortunately, he ingested some of the crap that people put on their lawns and, by the time my next door neighbor and I found him, and got him to the vet, it was too late.

For a couple of years, there was no furry face waiting for me to put some food out, though I continued to put a little out each night, just in case.  Finally, in the Summer of 2009, a half-grown black and white tuxedo cat found the food and started coming, almost every day.  I can't tell whether it's a he or a she, but, for some reason, I think of it as a him.  He scares me in the Winter, because he doesn't come around for long periods of time, but, then, I'll see his tracks in the snow, or catch a fleeting glimpse of him.  I think he can't make it, through the deep snow, and I worry that he will starve, before he can get back to the food.

He's a handsome fellow, but, for some reason, I have never named him.  Maybe it's because he's so shy, that I can't get an idea of his personality.  I've never been able to get a good picture of him, but, yesterday, I took some time, and went out to the patio, just to sit and watch.  I had my camera with me, and I was very glad that I did, because, suddenly, I saw him crossing the lawn.  I was hidden by some tall mums, and I don't think he saw me.  He sat in the lawn, watching for a while, and I was able to get some good shots of him.  Quite the handsome fellow, I think.

Edited to add that Miss Madi, whose adventures can be found at http://downhomeinnc.blogspot.com/  thinks that his name should be Tucker.  Seems like a fine name to me, so, from now on, Tucker it is.





22 comments:

WiseAcre said...

He's a good looking cat and I'm glad he found someone who cares enough to provide meals to the homeless.

Anonymous said...

He is a beauty indeed, with his jet coat and white shirt front. It's a hard life, living wild. I'm sure he appreciates your care, even if he's too shy to say thanks!

Jacqueline Donnelly said...

Bless you for caring about these wild creatures. Life is very hard for feral cats, not to mention the birds they feed on. I always hope that if I keep them well fed, they will be less predacious.

John Going Gently said...

dogs give a home a heart
catsmake it look lived in!

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh.....how handsome a mysterious mancat on Monday.
How about we name him Tucker...
Hugs Madi

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh I'm so glad you liked the name Tucker..it does suit him purrfectly. You made me a happy lady cat. Thank goodness you didn't wait for Mom to name him 'cause it took Mom and Dad over a week to name me.
Hugs Madi

Sharon said...

Such a pretty face! He is a love, I'll bet he's happy he found your place! Good name, BTW!

IsobelleGoLightly said...

Tucker looks like he knows that someone is watching him but can't quite figure out from where! hee hee

TexWisGirl said...

he is a gorgeous boy (or girl?) and tucker is a great name!

Folkways Note Book said...

Louise -- this is a very interesting story. First of all I have a confession -- I am not real fond of cats -- just dogs. But like your story, I have been having a cat hang around my house all the time since I moved in four years ago. It sleeps on top of my car during the day time. I think he or she finally broke through to me the other day. I actually finally reached out and petted him/her. It actually belongs to my neighbor's but they have so many animals they can't keep track of them. It is a very nice cat but . . . I guess we can be on friendly terms but I think that is all I can do when it comes to cats. Now dogs -- I'll do anything for. -- barbara

Folkways Note Book said...

P.S. tucker is a beautiful cat! -- barbara

Unknown said...

Hey he's a beauty!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

I've always wanted to get a Feral cat here, but was afraid it would tear up my dogs!...:)JP

Terry said...

Tucker is handsome, and what a lucky boy to find you.

Judith said...

He is a handsome chap and Tucker is a very fine name for him.

Upupaepops said...

Bib and Tucker :-D

If this is a male( and I think it is), it is neutered. Does not have the Tommy jowels.

You softie you

Stella said...

Tucker is very beautiful. I love a cat, they are so quirky and funny. A friend had a black cat who would be gone for several days at a time, and it turned out that about five families thought she was their "special" cat. She ate better than any cat should and always had a good place to sleep, In the end a coyote or dog got her and she was missed by many!

Jo and Stella

Sandra said...

He is just gorgeous! Cats have their way of finding good people. I think the difference between a dog and a cat is that the dogs put their trust in you from the moment they see you, with cats... you have to earn it. And you certainly earned his :)

Come visit soon, Tucker!

Christmas-etc... said...

Oh my... Tucker it is! He is such a handsome cat. I love his bib! It's so similar to Edwards.

Yes, Edward did have megacolon brought on by neurological problems after being hit by a car and loosing his tail... After three months of laxatives and enemas and other more intensive treatments to take out the feces that collected in his bowel (and almost killed him at Christmas time) we decided to have his colon removed. It was the best thing we could have done!!! My only wish is that we had done it after the first month of his suffering with the problem. The operation is painful for the cats for a few days but that pain is worth the full life they live afterwards! Except to give Edward special food (Royal Canine Sensitivity Control)and three soup spoons of chicken broth twice a day (because he stopped drinking water after his operation... no one knows why...)he requires no other care. I would be happy to talk with your friend. Cats, unlike dogs, respond to this operation very well. Edward is a very rambunctious happy cat now. (He does meow when he passes feces but I don't think that is from current pain, rather in remembrance of before... And... Edward likes his voice!)
Many blessings for many happy days with your new outdoors feline friend, Tucker!
Ann

Liesl said...

You are quite the papparazi Louise! Nice shots on the sly of Tucker. The name realy does suit him!

Reena said...

He's a handsome guy. I'm glad you care enough to offer food for these stray kitties. My in-laws have one they have been feeding for years. They actually captured him and had him fixed, and then released him again.

KB said...

What a handsome cat! I'm glad that you had your camera.

We don't have feral cats around here. I think that there are too many predators for them to survive.