For well over two years, Mooch, our little black-and-white resident stray, dines on our veranda, and in the cold weather sleeps in a padded armchair with a heating pad we provide him. He still doesn’t want us to touch or stroke him, but over the years he’s gradually become more relaxed and friendly when we feed him.

When he first came to us, we’d open the front door with his food and water and he’d run under a chair and wait until we’d gone inside before he’d venture out to eat. But now when we approach him, he circles us within inches of our ankles so that we have to do a slow shuffle to avoid stepping on him. When I set down the food and water bowls, he’s so close I sometimes feel his whiskers brushing my hand. In warm weather I sit on the veranda to protect him from raccoons and other food-stealers, mere feet from him.

And he’s vocal! In the early days he was mute, but now he’s found his voice and chats with us amiably as we feed him.

Recently Mooch began his most venturous and trusting action. Just before we give him his meal, he sprawls on the matting at our feet and rolls on his back from side to side, legs in the air! His white underbelly is exposed so he’s in a very vulnerable position, but now he knows we won’t harm him. He seems to be expressing anticipation and pleasure, and every few seconds he looks up at us as if seeking our approval of his gymnastic skills.

His rolling is endearing. It lasts for up to a half-minute, but we always wait until he’s finished, even in the cold weather. Then he stands up and meows “time to eat!”

Despite his friendliness, Mooch still insists on being an outdoor cat, a free spirit. But these days we don’t think of him as a homeless cat. He’s one of the family.

Copyright © Bobcat
December 3, 2007