Thanks everyone.

After I took him to the vet yesterday, he hid the rest of the afternoon. This morning when I came in, his food was gone and he had used the litter box, but he was still hiding under the draft table. I gave him some fresh food and water, talked to him for a bit and reached under the table to pet him. He started purring as soon as I touched him, but wouldn't come out. After about 1/2 hour or so, he eventually crept out, took a nice long drink and
came out by me for a bit. He is now back under the draft table, but looks much more relaxed. I'm sure he'll soon realize that he's safe and come out for good - although I don't mind that he's under the table because then I don't have to worry about him getting out when my boss comes and goes - which is something I'm going to have to figure out when he comes out for good.

I've gotten a total of 3 responses so far to my emails to rescue groups. One offered to put him on their website and Petfinder. I am also willing to transport him up to a few hundred miles if necessary, which will hopefully help in getting him adopted.

So many good suggestions for names. I've been calling him Dirty Paws because his paws are dirty (real original, I know ) but this morning I came up with Dirty Harry because he is dirty and I have to wash my hands after everytime I pet him, and he is shedding like crazy! The vet said that cats "throw their hair" when they're stressed, so I'm thinking that's why he seems to be losing so much. Isn't Dirty Harry the one that said "Go ahead, make my day" ? This kitty could really "make someone's day" because he is just such a sweety pie.

I would like to give him a bath, but he seemed upset after the vet trip - like he didn't trust me anymore - so I'm going to hold off on the bath thing - and hopefully he'll start cleaning himself up a bit now that he's inside.

I actually got to work way early this morning because I was worried about him. I had all these horrible visions in my mind of things that could have happened to him overnight, and if/when my boss came in and he got out. Thankfully he was under the drafting table - right where I left him.

I've tried Wayne's way of testing kitties by touching their paws, and he has no problem with that. In fact, when I touch his paws his pushes his head into my hand and wants more and more attention.

He is such a sweet guy that I'm sure we'll find a good home for him soon.

Oh, and another new face! Sky, welcome to your furrever home. Can't wait to hear the whole story about how you joined the "weather" home of kittyland.