Janiss Garza - Rescued: The Stories of 12 Cats, Through Their Eyes

Tuffy: From Starving to Stardom

I d staked out the house for nearly three weeks, since the first time I saw those two humans who arrived in clouds of cat fur. They have come back twice and walked all around the house. Once they saw my buddy Lion running through the driveway and pointed him out to the realtor. They apparently thought he was handsome, which was a good sign. The potential for food was getting better.

The house has been empty for a long time. The other owners werent that great, but sometimes us community cats could pilfer some dog food when the silly dogs werent paying attention. But these ladies, well, I had a feeling about them. If they moved in, they would be the ones with whom I would execute my grand plan to get a home. On my terms, of course. That part wasnt a concern. They had that look about them the crazy cat lover look. I perched on the big rock in the backyard, partially hidden by a holly bush. The people liked the holly bush; Id heard them gushing about it. I wondered if theyd like me. I hadnt shown myself yet. Lion had been caught off guard in the driveway when they showed up and he had to scramble back to his hiding place. He was slipping lately.

I commenced my morning grooming. It wouldnt do to look like a simple street cat when I did make my appearance. I am a Maine coon with glorious fur. I just need some warmer shelter and better food to make my upkeep easier.

As I cleaned my paws under the shelter of the holly bush, I watched the humans. I had a plan.

* * *

So far, things are on schedule. The big trucks came last week and the two humans are here to stay. Since then, Ive scoped out the situation. Theyve already left bowls of food out for Lion. They remembered him from the time they came to visit. I heard one of them say she hopes to see him again. That hes so fluffy and she wants to hug him. Hug Lion! Ha. He would never have it. Shed have more luck hugging me. But still, it was a good sign. That, plus all the cats Ive seen in the windows, boded well for my future.

I have to admit to feeling a bit jealous of those cats, although Id never say it out loud. Theyre living the life. Ive seen the food they eat. Smelled it, actually. I even knocked over the trashcans one night to see if I could get any remnants. Its not the cheap stuff, thats for sure. This was high quality grub. The good news is, no Maine coons in the windows. This can be a good sign, or a bad sign. Either they just havent run across one of me before and would be thrilled to have me, or they dont like my kind. I prefer to think the former. Its highly likely they havent found a coon of my caliber yet. Im pretty darn gorgeous, even living outside with knots in my luxurious fur.

I still havent let them see me, though. Me and Lion, we hit the porch every night and eat the food. The humans are tricky they have one of those lights that switch on whenever we step somewhere. Sometimes they dont notice, but once we heard them come near the door so we took off. I dont think they got a good look at me. Which is fine. Its part of my plan.

Ive been playing hard to get. Its not wise to put all your cards on the table I learned that early on in this wild kingdom. Sometimes people you think are going to be friendly are not. So even though these two look good, I have to observe a bit more. If all goes well, Ill start making strategic appearances.

* * *

Progress! Another week and I let them see me, sitting on the rock out front. Lion was nearby, so I think theyre starting to catch on that were friends. Thats good let them think Im a little feral. If they really like cats like us, it makes them even happier when they believe theyve tamed a feral. Which, of course, is a myth. Lion is a true feral and hell never be tamed. Me, on the other hand, Im a reformed house cat. My old owners tossed me out when they moved a few years back. I was pretty bitter for a while, but Im over it. This isnt a bad life out here. I met Lion and a few other friends. Lions my wingman, though. The others, I dont completely trust them. Theyd never save me food the way Lion does. Theyre only out for themselves.

Anyway, I think living outside is pretty cool. I get to run through the fields and climb trees and play in the leaves. On the down side, there are some not-very-nice animals around too. Were smart enough to stay away from them, and it helps to have two of us on the lookout. But aside from that, we get to run and explore and see new places. It would be nice to have a house to go into when its raining or snowing or really cold, but I wouldnt want to be trapped inside again. Besides, Lion would never come in. And like I said, hes my wingman. We look out for each other.

* * *

Food has been kind of scarce around here. I wouldnt admit this out loud either, but Ive been a little lazy these days. Having to chase and capture my food is holding less and less appeal. Ive been sticking close to the houses, but really there are only two offering up food. Theres one across the street, but Ive seen the way people drive around here so I limit crossings to very special or necessary occasions. And of course the two new humans. They have, by far, the best food choices.