Inky adopted me last summer. I was resistant, didn't really want a cat...but she wasn't taking no for an answer. I even found her a home down the street, but she still came back to my house. She was small and thin with a loud, demanding meow that would switch to a purr immediately upon a pet on the head. I finally gave her some old kitty food I had and she would wrap around and around my legs, purring with thanks and gratitude, then devour the food. In no time at all, she was in the house. Not afraid of the 3 cat-chasing dogs, she would hold her ground and swat at them.
Inky is half wild. She has doubled in size, healthy and strong. She runs like the wind, scales 6 foot fences, races up trees, and cruises the whole neighborhood, hills, and fields. An excellent hunter, she has brought me birds, snakes and mice - even though she wears a collar with a bell. I cannot keep her in the house - she eats and heads out, only spending the night. She will meow like crazy and jump and climb up to every window until she is let out.
Over the past several months, she has had many adventures. The neighbors have come by with many stories of her coming in their house, being high up their tree, stopping by for snacks and play. The other day a nice neighbor lady brought Inky's pink collar over -she had seen Inky get it caught on a tree limb, but it was a quick release collar and came off. (This neighbor lives at least two blocks away by the river.)
Yesterday the same neighbor brought Inky home. She had rescued her from some boys that were taunting her, throwing things at her in a tree. Then one boy had grabbed Inky and was holding her over his head saying, "Let's see what would happen if I throw her in the river!" This wonderful woman ran out and yelled at them that she was calling the police and they let Inky go and ran. Inky ran right to her (she being one of Inky's friends) and she brought her home to me. I made Inky stay in the rest of the day.
I have become quite fond of this Inky kitty - also known as Squishy by the other part of the neighborhood who didn't know her name. I feel she belongs not to me, but has only chosen to visit, eat and sleep here. She is free, independent, wild... and yet, trusting and loving and friendly. I cannot keep her cooped up inside, yet I worry for her safety out in the world. Maybe she learned yesterday not to trust all people and especially a gang of boys on the prowl for trouble.
