Illegal Aliens Could Learn From This Cat!
Bill Falzett III
March 24, 2008
I live in rural North Texas, where we frequently see wild animals. Yesterday when I went into the kitchen for coffee, I noticed a wild visitor curled up on one of our patio chairs. It was a stray cat with a long and dusty orange coat. In our area we have many such cats known locally as "barn cats". Typically they live in and around the barns in the area and keep them clear of rats and mice. Unfortunately, they don't live too long because they have a tough life, and the local coyotes consider them fair game.
When I tapped on the window, she leapt from the chair, and moved away cautiously. As she did, she looked back at me with suspicious green eyes. It was immediately clear this was a cat who had lived a difficult life; a fact with which I sympathize. When I went to give her food and water, she knew what I was doing, but moved far enough away to allow her a quick escape. When I walked back in the house to view her through the window, she returned cautiously to eat the food. She ate slowly and deliberately, wary of her surroundings, and possibly favoring bad teeth, or maybe just unaccustomed to the texture of the crunchy food.
I felt like she was fortunate to have a place like mine nearby to visit, to come and go freely and unmolested, and to enjoy sunning herself on my deck. While I was happy to share some food and water, it was also good for me to know she might clear my property of some unwanted rats and mice. I recognize that in the big picture of her life, my pity and charity will not make a big difference, but it made me feel good to do it. I was somewhat disappointed she didn't warm to me; she didn't purr or try to further seek my association at all, but I understood her discomfort and caution.
When she was finished eating, she vanished quietly back into the woods, with no sign she had ever been there. She didn't try to extend her visit or outstay her welcome. She didn't move in behind my pool equipment or the stack of bricks left over from construction; nor did she leave behind a litter of kittens. Most importantly, she did not attack me or bite me when I went to feed her. I doubt if she is rabid, but she could be; who knows? She instinctively knew she did not belong at my house and I was satisfied to watch her go, and to know that I had done a good thing.
Incidentally, we do have a cat at our house that does belong. Her name is Gracie. She has been completely vaccinated, de-clawed, and is fully documented with our veterinarian in Aubrey. She sleeps with us, purrs at our touch, and responds appropriately when we speak to her. She is like one of the family; she belongs with us.
My neighbor tells me she has seen the same stray cat on her property. She intends to capture the cat and take it to the vet for shots, de-worm and the other things necessary to make it domesticated. I think it might be a good thing if she does this, and the vet can tell whether or not it is rabid or otherwise unfit for domestication.
I'm sorry this cat has had a tough life; I hope it gets better. I also think if my neighbor gets approval from the vet, this might be a nice cat to have around. Otherwise I will be satisfied if it comes around every once in awhile to chase a few mice and to eat a little food, as long as it continues to go back where it belongs.
We have visitors to our country who some call undocumented guest workers. I call them illegal aliens, and I think they could learn something from this cat. What do you think?
When I tapped on the window, she leapt from the chair, and moved away cautiously. As she did, she looked back at me with suspicious green eyes. It was immediately clear this was a cat who had lived a difficult life; a fact with which I sympathize. When I went to give her food and water, she knew what I was doing, but moved far enough away to allow her a quick escape. When I walked back in the house to view her through the window, she returned cautiously to eat the food. She ate slowly and deliberately, wary of her surroundings, and possibly favoring bad teeth, or maybe just unaccustomed to the texture of the crunchy food.
I felt like she was fortunate to have a place like mine nearby to visit, to come and go freely and unmolested, and to enjoy sunning herself on my deck. While I was happy to share some food and water, it was also good for me to know she might clear my property of some unwanted rats and mice. I recognize that in the big picture of her life, my pity and charity will not make a big difference, but it made me feel good to do it. I was somewhat disappointed she didn't warm to me; she didn't purr or try to further seek my association at all, but I understood her discomfort and caution.
When she was finished eating, she vanished quietly back into the woods, with no sign she had ever been there. She didn't try to extend her visit or outstay her welcome. She didn't move in behind my pool equipment or the stack of bricks left over from construction; nor did she leave behind a litter of kittens. Most importantly, she did not attack me or bite me when I went to feed her. I doubt if she is rabid, but she could be; who knows? She instinctively knew she did not belong at my house and I was satisfied to watch her go, and to know that I had done a good thing.
Incidentally, we do have a cat at our house that does belong. Her name is Gracie. She has been completely vaccinated, de-clawed, and is fully documented with our veterinarian in Aubrey. She sleeps with us, purrs at our touch, and responds appropriately when we speak to her. She is like one of the family; she belongs with us.
My neighbor tells me she has seen the same stray cat on her property. She intends to capture the cat and take it to the vet for shots, de-worm and the other things necessary to make it domesticated. I think it might be a good thing if she does this, and the vet can tell whether or not it is rabid or otherwise unfit for domestication.
I'm sorry this cat has had a tough life; I hope it gets better. I also think if my neighbor gets approval from the vet, this might be a nice cat to have around. Otherwise I will be satisfied if it comes around every once in awhile to chase a few mice and to eat a little food, as long as it continues to go back where it belongs.
We have visitors to our country who some call undocumented guest workers. I call them illegal aliens, and I think they could learn something from this cat. What do you think?