Of Cats and Naps

Ah, springtime! Fresh air filling the house! Colorful bulbs bursting into bloom! Stray cats lurking on our lawn—hoping to be held, expecting to be fed, wriggling their way into our garage for the night, or just a snooze. One time last spring, I found a black cat dozing in the rafters out there. He came to be called “Midnight.” Then there were “Smoky,” “Jingle” and “Mangy Cat.” I found homes for all of them—two at nearby no-kill shelters, one with a neighbor, one with a rich guy in Rochester who dotes on the formerly feral feline like a proud papa. (Smoky’s living in the lap of luxury!)

Anyhow (sigh), word has gotten out, apparently. Our house was built in the 1920s. I’ve wondered whether there might not be one of those stray cat hobo symbols hidden somewhere strategic on our property—you know, the one that indicates: “Nice, generous, can’t-say-no lady lives here. Check it out!” The cats are drawn to the Waters residence like sharks to fresh blood, mystically, magnetically attracted to my compassionate, codependent nature. But this year, I’m drawing the line. I’ve placed the following advertisement in the local paper—and I mean it!

Missing Your Meow? Stray Feline Magnet seeks Concerned Cat Owner: Fluffy orange/white kitty found, (Our Street, A-Town). Can’t fund neighborhood feeding frenzy like last year. Claim cat by 5/1 before delivery to shelter. (our email address)

I know it’s a meager effort, but it’s all I’ve got to give this spring. I have other concerns, more-pressing projects, and less expendable income. “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population—have your pet spayed or neutered!”

P.S. A TVTOW Update: His first day back—his first day period “participating” in TV Turnoff Week—and Will turned on the tube! He claims he needed a nap after last night’s grueling Greyhound bus trip back from the Big Apple. So he sought the assistance of a trusted tranquilizer: PBS Kids—more specifically, Calliou. As penance, I am insisting he post an entry describing the collection of colorful characters he encountered in his travels. Watch for that in the next day or two.