I owe Sneaky a big apology. We left for San Antonio two weeks ago, and it appears the outdoor feeder jammed the same day or soon thereafter.  That means the outdoor cats, Sneaky, Boomer, and Walter, were without food for nearly two weeks. Since we can’t handle Boomer or Walter, our feeding for them is a courtesy, but Sneaky trusts us. She relies upon us to feed and comfort her. I feel as if I let her down.

We haven’t seen the outside cats since we’ve been back, but when I discovered the feeder problem upon our return yesterday, I immediately put a few handfuls of food in the dish. Sometime overnight, somebody ate some food.  We don’t know who.

I’m always concerned about the outside cats — even Boomer and Walter even though they don’t trust us for handling yet. They do rely on us for food. I know their outdoor life is filled with risks, and I consider each time we see them a gift and a blessing.

I pulled the feeder inside this morning (leaving a tray full of food outside). I’ve emptied it and cleaned it.  It’s operating as it’s supposed to. But I don’t trust it anymore. I suspect the more than two years of exposure outside (even in the protected corner of our side porch) has taken a toll and weakened a key operating component.  I will order a replacement feeder from Amazon this week. Now to reprogram the beast again and put it back outside while we hope we haven’t lost any kitties.  I’m pretty sure they are fine. At least they had plenty of fresh water while we were gone.

After we’ve been gone for a couple of weeks, we tend not to see the cats for the first day after we get back. We’ll be looking for them, and until we’ve accounted for everyone, we’ll both be a little concerned.

Inside kitties are all fine.  They made the transition back from San Antonio with no troubles.