January 19, 2008: Invested
As I've previously mentioned, we have cats for neighbors. Or, more accurately, our neighbors have cats--though I'd argue that the cats are far cleaner and more civilized than the people who "own" them.
Every day or so, a sullen woman next door dumps a few cups of cheap food into a bowl and a dozen strays come in, scissor-legging from the street and bushes for a few chomps.
Two of these cats spend a lot of time with us. We call them Stinky Girl and Dirty Nose for the obvious reasons. They like to leap up on our low brick wall and rub against us. Both will even reach with their paws to get our attention.
Recently, I bought them each a flea collar. They seem to itch a lot, and I've spread fleas to Patti before by letting them jump into my lap. So it seemed a good preventative measure.
Of course, now I'm wondering about the implications of doing that. I mean, is that like buying clothes for your neighbor's kid? He comes home in a new suit that screams, "You can't take care of your children, asshole."
Do I now owe them food? Should I just complete the adoption process by kidnapping them to live inside? Would the current owner wonder what happened to them? What would I say if she asked?
It's all very complicated, more so because we're pretty sure Patti would try to eat them if we brought them inside.
