This morning I looked out the window and saw my Little Arnold padding around the backyard grass and eating some shmutz off a stone near my shed. I had just put food out for him on the front porch but Sorbet got there first; I now bring out a tray for two. I grabbed Arnold’s breakfast and rant to the back where I put it on the deck and let out my usual idiotic high pitched, “Little Arnold come!” And he did, and he ate, and then he sat in the grass and washed his face (grooming is a good sign), then disappeared.

A bit later as the sun rolled over my neighbors porch, Little Arnold reappeared on her welcome mat where a towel was lovingly placed. (Another good sign; he’s back). But a close-up reveals that his eye is still not visible and hidden under the second membrane, still running but not as much as before.

As the sun moved, so did Arnold, to a chair on the next neighbor’s porch where he curled up in the remaining sun. In the meantime my friend David arrived with a trap and showed me how to set it up for tomorrow morning. I don’t know why this all seems so daunting but trapping animals is not my thing; since watching animals suffer is not my thing either, I decided I have to allay my fears and do what I have to do. Catch Arnold and get him help.

So, I am hoping that Arnold will perchance come to the back of the house at about 7:30 am. Neither my neighbor or I have left out any food this evening and there is a good chance that I will end up with Sorbet in the trap–if so, I’ll get him neutered.

My mind is feeling a bit neutered right now; I never would imagine that I’d get so caught up with a little stray, but then again, I was the kid who walked down East 14th Street with a quart of milk and a dish looking to feed the feline homeless. I was also the little kid who never was seen without a white stuffed Persian cat under my 2 year-old arm.

As they say in Yiddish, it must be “Barchert.”
Meant to be.
Kitty Karma.
Wish me luck!

reply ladywolf11 wrote on Nov 21, ’10 you have a kind soul- good luck

reply jadedruid wrote on Nov 21, ’10 I hope his works and you get him first. Sorbet needs to have he jewels made unusable but Arnold needs eye meds. He seems he’s getting friendly and trusting you. I think he may be a little angry with you after he ends up trapped but he will figure out you mean to help him when he starts to feel better.

reply shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 21, ’10 I’ve trapped cats before. Is it possible to watch the trap, so you can shoo the other cat away? Although neutering him is a good idea. If Arnold is hungry, he is more likely to go in. He did once before when he was neutered right? I am so hoping you catch him. I know you are very worried, and I am too. You are a good soul Sue. Please keep us posted.

reply esoterika713 wrote on Nov 21, ’10 I haven’t heard that ” Barchert” Yiddish saying before. I like it hopefully it is meant to be. In other words that you catch the right cat not the wrong one. 🙂

reply sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 21, ’10 Hey, Shopping, close the screen and keep the glass open and sit there with a spritzer. BUT David called me earlier and said, “you know what? If you get the orange guy, take him. ” I guys we’ll have to see what happens, not looking forward to this but I hope some good comes out of it. It is supposed to warm up a bit so that is good.

reply sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 21, ’10 and that I don’t catch a raccoon! I hope it’s meant to be that he knows I am trying to help (again) and that he helps me by going in.

reply shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 22, ’10 sanssouciblogs said and that I don’t catch a raccoon! I hope it’s meant to be that he knows I am trying to help (again) and that he helps me by going in. I do have a friend who caught a skunk once, but it all ended fine and was a funny story. She caught the scared kitten she was trying to catch. Good luck, fingers crossed.

reply greenwytch wrote on Nov 22, ’10 crossing my fingers and wishing you very good luck!

reply jadedruid wrote on Nov 22, ’10 I hope your trapping was sucessful

reply opossumd wrote on Nov 22, ’10 I can’t give you advice because I am helpless at catching cats. I haven’t had my eldest inoculated in the last 7 years because she turns a full-fledged tiger. Fortunately she’s healthy; the other two I manage to circumvent and lock into the transporter when I take them to the vet without too much fuss (at least one of them). A little time ago Shaba came home with a closed eye and she didn’t open it for ten days. It was nothing serious and she opened it again when it was healed. I will keep my fingers crossed for little Arnold. Miaow.

reply sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 22, ’10 Thanks, Dani, update to follow!