A little grumble...*Pics added Post 9*

[snakemama]

There is a HANDSOME Tom...big, grey and white, lean and muscular...out on my balcony. He has been serenading Sherpa (a neutered tom, go figure) from my balcony since 4:30am!! I've been out to chase him off with a squirt bottle several times, and he will. not. be. deterred. Love conquers all, I suppose.

The problem is, I haven't slept more than 20 minutes in one go since 4:30 this morning. I could sleep through the strange tom's singing if Sherpa weren't sitting in the window screaming every bad word he can think of at our visitor. I'm seriously getting worried that Sherpa is going to spray something to try and define his territory.

I tried to snap a picture of our new friend, but he slips out under the balcony whenever he sees me.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for a call back from Animal Control about renting a cat trap.

[Catty1]

Renting a humane trap is a good idea.

Is there a blind or curtain, or something you can rig up temporarily, so Sherpa can't see his admirer?

Does the tom look like a stray? I hope he at least winds up in a no-kill shelter.

Poor guy - and poor you and Sherpa! All will work out.

[snakemama]

Renting a humane trap is a good idea.

Is there a blind or curtain, or something you can rig up temporarily, so Sherpa can't see his admirer?

Does the tom look like a stray? I hope he at least winds up in a no-kill shelter.

Poor guy - and poor you and Sherpa! All will work out.

Sherpa actually damaged the blinds this morning trying to get to his new friend, so I'm trying to rig up something with cardboard. LoL.

I talked to my apartment manager and found out that this tom was left behind and they've been trying to trap him for weeks. Apparently one of the other residents is willing to adopt him, if only we can get him indoors.

Since he won't go near their traps, I don't know if I should bother putting a trap out by my place....maybe if I brush Sherpa and put the brushed out hair in the trap it will lure him in!!

[Catty1]

That Sherpa Fur bait idea sounds great!

Either that, or do the throw-big-thick-towel-over-kitty and bundle him up and into a (big) carrier!

How great that he has a home lined up!

And want to smack his previous owners for not neutering him and leaving him behind! I think the new owner should send the vet bill to them...I am sure the manager has a forwarding address??

[catmandu]

Thats odd that Sherpa gives off these vibes to an unaltered Tom Cat!!
I hope that they can catch this misguided Romeo, and get him to his new Furr Ever Home before he drives you both crazy!!

[snakemama]

Well, Romeo has wandered off for the time being (There's a waiting list for traps, so I left the manager a message asking if she would move one of her traps near my balcony) so I'm off to take a nap! Sherpa passed out after our visitor left too, all that shouting must be exhausting!

[snakemama]

As it turns out, I may not need a trap at all. Romeo let me pick him up this evening, though he panicked when I tried to stand and I haven't been able to get close enough to touch him since then. Maybe if I get a big towel and I'm really patient...

I put out some water for the big guy, it was 109 out today and he was panting from the heat!

[Taz_Zoee]

Progress!! That's awesome! I know you have the patience to do it too.

[snakemama]

Argh, I had him and I didn't get the towel burrito-ed around him fast enough and he got away! Then some guy came over and started yelling at me for trying to catch "everyone's cat". So I've given up for tonight, but left out food and water on the balcony.

Here he is: In the first picture his mouth is open because he's panting from the heat. The second pic was about 30 seconds before I picked him up the first time. As you can see, he's filthy and he has some bloody spots.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Hopefully you'll be able to catch him soon. Poor guy. All he wants is someone to love him and give him a good home. Good luck.

[snakemama]

He's outside again tonight, but unlike last night he and Sherpa are simply gazing into each other's eyes through the window. Who am I to argue with love?

At least I'll be able to get some sleep.

Since I don't think Romeo is going to let me close enough to pick him up again, I'm back to my original plan of getting a trap tomorrow. I may just go buy one since there have been enough times in the past when I have desperately wanted one...

[Freedom]

Oooh, looks like under all that grime and dirt there is a very handsome boy! Paws crossed you can get him and get him in.

He does look well fed! "everyone's cat" indeed.

[columbine]

Even when dealing with a wary, well-fed cat, never underestimate the power of tuna... I bet the prospect of "kitty krack" will coax him into the trap!

And anyone who scolds you for wanting to take care of a cat that nobody else will take responsibility for is utterly without a clue.

Love, Columbine

[dehlers43]

How about using Sherpa for "bait"? Put Sherpa in a cat carrier and just open the door or a window to your apartment......

[Catty1]

Gosh...I know he has an owner waiting already, but he and Sherpa are already getting along better....

What a handsome boy he is!