Before moving to the Emerald Coast we had no close encounters with cats as housemates. We were "dog people". Our area has a large feral cat population and it was only a matter of time before we were fascinated by these creatures. Fascination led to feeding and feeding eventually led to five cats that get their mail at this address. One can only imagine the adventures these animals have had.
Our latest feline family member is Hazel. She was trapped, spayed and set free because she was too wild to socialize. We agreed to feed her and keep an eye on her if she allowed. At first she would appear for food each morning and evening. At night we made her a bed on the porch (with heating pad) and she would turn in fairly early and spend the night in her bed. She was very much alone and tried repeatedly to establish relationships with other cats that came into the yard. That failing, she began to eye us with more curiosity, particularily the indoor cats. She began to spend more time with her nose pressed to the glass door watching our every move. Since she was still very wild, we were not sure how to proceed. We finally decided to open the door to her and let her decide if this was a "hill" she could live on. She has quickly, with minimal encouragement, become our most sociable cat and has an insatiable appetite for petting and food of any kind.
We were not looking for a fifth cat. Had promised "no more cats". However, when Hazel applied for membership, the rules went out the window. Welcome home, Hazel.
