Another Elusive One

I’m not blogging every week anymore for the reasons I’ve mentioned here before.  Going from a shelter with a revolving door to a sanctuary means there are no stories of cats leaving (being adopted) or coming in as new rescues.  But as I’ve said, that doesn’t mean things have slowed down here even a little bit.  The 32 Winnie’s Wishers are still here.  There’s lots of activity, but very little to write about.  And at the moment, all is well.

Today’s post is about this extremely elusive cat that I’ve been telling you about for months.  I believe my first sighting of this cat was last February.  That would mean that I’ve been periodically glimpsing this one for nine months now.  I think the last time I posted about it (him/her?) was in the Summer.  Since then, Older Daughter has seen this cat twice, her husband has seen it once, and I just saw it this past Saturday night.  I was leaving Younger Daughter’s house, and as I slowly drove up the gravel road I spotted eyes just off to the right in the field.  If you don’t live in the country, you might not realize just how dark it truly is at night.  It is pitch black and I only saw the eyes because my vehicle headlights reflected off those eyes for an instant.  I immediately turned my vehicle towards the eyes and drove a few feet into the field in the direction I’d seen the eyes.  My headlights lit up the perfect portion of the field and there went my tabby cat. 

It was quite disappointing.  Our temps dropped into the twenties at night over this past weekend.  I drove the rest of the way up the hill thinking about where this kitty goes for shelter. 

The traveling area for this cat seems to be the same as it was for another stray cat a few years back.  Do you remember the story of Theo?  In fact, he got his name (ThEO) from being The Elusive One.  My first sighting of him was in June one year.  I saw him sporadically after that over the months.  And then, that December, I was finally successful in trapping him.   He was hiding in my yard the first time I saw him.  After that, I watched him cross the field in front of my house.  I watched him hunting.  I set my trap in numerous spots but never got him.  Then just a few days before Christmas (and before a terrible winter weather event), he FINALLY walked into that trap.   He is now a very happy, healthy Winnie’s Wish cat.

Well, my tabby cat has been straying through the area for even longer than Theo did.  I’ve set my trap for long periods in various locations.  No luck.  But seeing this tabby gal or guy again the other night has me determined all over again.  We are headed into the coldest time of year.  Oh how I wish I could trap this cat right now.  Starting on Sunday, I’ve been setting the trap between the gravel road and one of the ponds.  This area is very close to Younger Daughter’s home.  So I’ve been setting the trap at dusk and having her venture over at night before she goes to bed to check and trip the trap.  I cannot imagine what it will take to get this kitty.  The reason I still have hope is because of what happened with Theo.  Maybe there is a day coming (soon) when I will have this tabby in my trap – and he or she won’t live in the fields and woods all alone anymore.

 

This is the picture I snapped in the summer when I accidentally walked up on the cat.

 

 

I’ve tried to magnify the pic enough for you to vaguely see him/her.

 

Friends – keep your fingers crossed.

 

ADDENDUM - I just heard from Andrea and she told me she is doing a holiday auction to benefit the kitties of Winnie's Wish!!!!!!  I'll be back tomorrow with more details!!!!  YIPPEE!!!!!

 

Comments

[John Bellen]

Good luck in trapping this one. His camouflage is very impressive; no wonder he's been able to avoid being caught.

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Fingers crossed and praying for this one! I hope you get him/her soon!!!

Hey everyone! we're starting the next AUCTION for Winnie's Wish this Friday!! I'll have links on my blog on Friday!

Don't forget, with all those kitty mouths to feed, donations and wish list items are always needed and appreciated!

[Ginny & the Fur Family]

I know you will catch this tabby. It is too cold for it out side when the weather drops. Bless Andrea for her good heart. She is a true animal lover as is all who rescue and read this blog. Keep setting the trap. Being a wisher is a good thing. Warm, loved and fed is a new life for a stray.

[Maria in FL]

This tabby is a tough cookie! If anyone can get him/her, you can, Chrystal! I know that you will never give up as long as you think you have a chance to give this kitty a better life!