Walter was outside when we were on the way to breakfast this morning, so I detoured to pet him. He was still here when we got back, so he got to gobble down three cans of food. When he was here the day before yesterday, I noticed he’d been in an altercation. Today, the two areas I’d noticed had festered and begun the healing process. Walter was paying them no mind and didn’t appear bothered when I investigated them, so for now, I’ll let him and his immune system deal with it.

While I was talking to Walter, I noticed some entrails and a tail just under the edge of the side porch steps. Somebody, probably Zelda, has been earning their keep. The tail was too big for a mouse, so this was likely a young rat. Honestly? Would you mess with this cat?If she were a dog, Zelda would be a junkyard dog. I’ve seen her with Daisy, though, and under that tough exterior, there’s a sweet, playful kitty.

In studying game camera photos from yesterday, it’s feasible Walter may be taking my suggestion to spend more time at home to heart. Here he is on the porch with Nick yesterday afternoon. Yes, he’s slinking around, but at least he’s there.

Sneaky, our former feral who moved into the house a year ago, is doing well. Here she is after a snuggling session sitting on the back of my chair. She’d just finished checking my hair for things that should not be there (I guess that’s what she was doing), which always makes me nervous. Sometimes, when she does this, out of the blue, she’ll attack my head then run away. Thankfully, that didn’t happen today.

After Natasha and her biting ways, I’ve learned that behavior is a symptom of overstimulation and I don’t pay it much mind — except to watch for the warning signs that are always there if I’m paying attention. There’s a limited window where one can back away and still remain unscathed. I managed to do so today.