Kitty was an alley cat for the most part. We were living in Clovis, New Mexico when she decided to become a part of my life.
I think her owners lived next door to us, but I can't be sure. She lived outside. I saw her roaming our neighborhood, beating up the other cats that were trying to invade her space.
One day, she just showed up on our porch. I was in the kitchen and she tried climbing our screen door. I was thrilled! So, Bob, Kitty and Rex all accepted one another for the most part. I allowed her to come inside and visit. Then she moved in. She didn't want to stay inside all the time though. So I had to let her out. She liked to roam. Someone had spayed her, so I was grateful for that. I did notice her going next door, too, lying in the hot New Mexico sunshine. I heard a man say, "Hi, cat".
One day she brought me the head of a bird. I was freaked out. That was all new to me. Jim said she was sharing, and all I could do was close the door so I wouldn't have to look at it. She never brought another thing to our door. Sorry Kitty!!
According to the vets guess, she had been living on the streets for eight years or so before I got her. She was very smart. She knew how to sit and look both ways at least twice before crossing the street. She even walked with Jim to the grocery store that was on the corner. I think he was embarrassed to being walked by a cat, but I thought it was cute! She sat at the intersection looking twice before she would let Jim cross the street. I was watching this as it happened. It was the sweetest thing. Then, he tried to lead the way home but no luck. Kitty had to be the leader...
The biggest mistake I made with my Kitty was that I took her with us when we moved. I didn't think she could make it without me, or I her. So we loaded everything we owned and put the two cats in cages and Rex in the backseat. Kitty meowed so loud. She hated it. She hissed and snarled, etc. She hadn't been in a car I don't think and here we took her all the way to Indiana. She complained non-stop it seemed. Jim was ready to leave her on the side of the highway...
Well, we made it back to Indiana, and she was trying to adjust. She had no clue where she was, so I made her stay in. She was miserable! I felt so bad for her. She wasn't happy anymore. She snuck out one day and never came back. I think one of the neighbor kids took her, but I can't be sure. They really liked her and wanted her they said. We checked in their house and put signs up. No sign of my Kitty anywhere.
All these years I have been clinging to the hope that she hitched a ride back to her beloved New Mexico. She was so happy, and I didn't know any better. I thought I was doing what was best for her, but I was wrong.
Someday, I will see my Kitty again and stroke that wonderful fur and tell her I'm sorry...
Rest in peace my sweet Kitty!!!