It all started Saturday. I was in the kitchen making soup when the doorbell rang. One of my neighbors was outside. He said that Vlad, who is called Chester on Locust Street (and Butch on 46th Street, and Old Head at the hardware store on Walnut) was on his porch and bleeding badly from an injured front paw. I called around to my vet - who was closed - and several others - also closed. A friend who is a vet tech said she could visit him on Sunday if I could get him inside. So off we went to collect the cat.
Who had vanished, leaving what looked like a pool of red paint on their porch, and little sticky red paw prints down the sidewalk. I looked for that cat for hours. I got in around 4:00 p.m., chilled to the bone, and finished the soup. Mario came in around 5:00 and when I told him what had happened, he suggested one more walk around before it got too dark - it was starting to sleet, so it would be even worse for him to be out then. And of course the cat was right back on the porch where he'd been earlier. So I brought him home and stuffed him full of food to keep him happy until he could get his visit the next day.
The original plan had been to let him back out once his paws healed. He's about 12 years old and a confirmed tomcat. I'm not the only person who has tried to bring him in unsuccessfully. I think he really likes it outside - he was an indoor/outdoor cat in his kittenhood but his people left him behind when they moved away more than 10 years ago.
The least I can do for the big guy is give him a peaceful end. Until that time, there will be much love, plenty of ear scritches - and cans and cans of his favorite cat food.
12 comments:
His paws must have been painful, poor guy. He must be glad to have a roof right now.
It is amazing how cats tend to disappear when you are looking for them, and then just appear from nowhere, or even from your back, asking you what you are looking for...
Well done for tasking him in:)
We have a very decrepid 10year old yellow lab who's being amazingly patient with two long haired kittens my son saved.
Nothing like a sick kitty post to get me all emotional! He's a handsome guy and you are a saint for taking care of him.
:(
Vlad looks like a love--an old crotchety one, but a love nonetheless.
Those mouth tumors are the worst. Is it SCC? We recently went through that with one of my old guys. Ugh.
I'm really sorry for you and Vlad. :-(
Poor Vlad. My heart goes out to him and to you. Thanks for caring.
Vlad is really lucky to have you be his guardian angel.
I had a similar situation years ago when a neighbors outdoor cat adopted me.He was around 13 when I last saw him ,it will be hard to keep him in.
They give us so much it's wonderful what you're doing for him.
hugs
:O)
A curmudgeon, pure and simple. A VERY LUCKY curmudgeon to have you and Mario looking out for him. I'm sure you know that the street life for cats in the city is not very many years.
It is indeed amazing how cats disappear when they are hurting - I'm glad he was found again and is being treated.
I'd do exactly the same... He is lucky to have you
I loved Vlad's spirit when I met him. He's got such a backstory, you can't help but admire him. Kudos to you for taking care of him.
Wait, is he the tomcat you told Trena and me about at Dalloyau?
He's gorgeous. I'm glad you're taking such good care of him. I hope you can keep him for a good while, Karen.
Great pictures.
This big boy is lucky to have a special owner!
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