Over the past two years, I have told you about the two "neighborhood cats" that I have been feeding, Little Stuff and Midnight. Last week, I had the sad duty to tell you that Midnight had gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

That left Little Stuff on his own. I am sure that he was lonely without Midnight to talk to and to squabble with, and to eat beside. He let us know that he was not a happy kitty, "out there." He climbed the screen and shook it violently, trying to get "in!" He cried piteously, and tried to get in around and behind "hoomin" feet.

Now I have let Little Stuff in to visit once in a while. He was always a happy visitor, but was also always glad to get back out again. This time was different. I let him in, and we had a serious talk.

I told him what he would be giving up, if he decided to stay in -- the joys of the free life, of course -- but I also told him about all the dangers there are for a single cat out there. I then told him about what he could expect in here in the way of food and other pleasures. I told him it was up to him, but I offered him my love and protection.

He thought it over and decided to stay in -- for a while, at least. Now, a week later, he looks at me in disbelief. "You didn't tell me it was going to be this GOOD!" He can't get over being able to eat any time he feels like it! He can't believe there are so many soft places to sleep in one house! And he REALLY can't believe that there are laps to sit on and huggings and lovings to get --just for the asking!

We do find him sitting at the front door once in a while, gazing out through the screen, but he doesn't seem inclined to want to go there. I think Little Stuff has become a happy, well-loved, "inside" cat!

PS: We have changed his name from "Little Stuff," which just didn't seem appropriate anymore, to "T.C." - for "Tough Cat!"

Copyright © Renee Darvin
September 24, 2001