The Bandit Cat

There is a large, long-hair gray cat that roams in my yard at night.  He, or so I think he is, comes up to the patio door and eats Tom's food that i put out at night.   It is food left over from his earlier second meal of the day.  I put it on the table on the patio or on the doorstep hoping he will eat it before the bandit sneaks up to eat it.  Now to get the picture, there is a wide ditch at the foot of my property which the city widened from a small natural stream to control flooding. If I see the bandit I open the door.  He runs off, but will go to the fence at the back of the yard  and crouch by the gas meter, just waiting his next chance.  If I chase him, he will duck under the cyclone fince and flee down the ditch.  Tom, during this?  Well, I find him sitting by on the patio in his "watch" mode.  He does seem to appreciate my intervention in ridding the marauder from his territory.

Lately, however, I have put the leftover food dish out on the step.  Tom staying near the house has been able to finish his meal.  I take the dish in afterward.  During the colder nights Tom is eating more, and growing in his winter coat.

Thanksgiving Cat

This is the day we gather at my daughter's house for the day and the meal.  That means I leave food for Tom, and contrary to his normal routine, leave him outside with his food out with him.  Now this will be a challenge, because he prefers to be indoors during the daytime.  If I don't take him by sur-prise, he will run for sanctuary under the bed, which it too wide to get hold and pull him out.  So wish me luck to get him outside; otherwise, he is in until I return.  I am two hours away from home and sometimes stay overnight and come hom the next morning.

Does your cat have a Thanksgiving dinner from your own menu on this day?  Turkey may be a fav-orite item for your pet, but do cut the meat off the bone.  You don't want a splinter swallowed to pierce the intestines.  You know, fish is a favorite for many felines, although I've had one who dis-dained fish and loved beef.  Some love liver and grow huge on a steady diet of it.  Tom's favorite is Tuna, so that's what he'll get.  A great day of thanks to you all and to your kitties.