checking between the floor boards for

something hopefully only he knows about. The cropped left ear, described in an earlier post, is pretty clear in this picture- tells some of his story; I tell the rest.

The beginning of the blog is March 2007. The beginning of Prince is much earlier. The beginning of the feral cat problem began when the humans labeled it a Problem. Many are still debating the Solution; for Prince, it is "solved."

In a good mood

and why not? He finally got the joke Puma told him last week. His stomach is full. He is safe. He had time to groom himself for this photo.

But why would a feral cat have to use antique wicker as a scratching post? Who taught him that?

I am about to go out for the evening but

I allowed Prince in when I heard the distant rumble of thunder. He has eaten from both cats' plates leaving them disgusted again with him. There is some unspoken cat etiquette he just cant get- plus he has a twig stuck in his side fur. Luna has left the room and sits by me as I type. Puma goes thru his cat door into the garage. This always leaves Prince agog with wonder: how did Puma disappear through the wall? Where did Luna creep off to without a backward glance at me?

Sometimes Luna gives him "the look." Dont even try to walk past me.

Now he howls and calls. I answer where I am. I think he wants Luna or Puma to answer but they get amazingly quiet. Then he cries. On and off this goes for as long as I can bear. I say OK (he understands this) and open the glass door onto the porch to let him out. He pauses at the screen door: should I go or should I stay? (If you have heard that song on the radio, it was written by a feral cat who made a fortune on it but in typical feral behavior, squandered the money immediately and recklessly- they really dont change.)

He goes outside. Click, I lock the door. This routine is repeated night after night- with variations. Much patience is needed adopting such a cat. On his side as well, ofcourse.

Prince, waiting to be let out, again.

we pose for the camera

Puma Luna

Prince & me.

Puma looks wise beyond his years (Puma does have lovely round eyes but squinted for the flash-he isnt vain but does care abt some things); Luna looks stunning as usual, and Prince simply looks stunned. Is this what its all about? Have I arrived?)

Puma, a little more wide eyed, in his youth.

old habits die hard

Prince continues to head butt the others away from the plate- as he did in the wild. There is always enough food now but still he alienates his potential house mates by gently pushing in to whatever spot they eat in. Sometimes, Puma doesnt want to be around him for meal time.