It's been raining all day, yet she looked very clean so I suspect she's someone's cat who snuck out. Or maybe they got bored with her and abandoned her. She must be frightened and uncomfortable, and I scared her away from a dry, safe spot.
If I had a bigger place, I'd go downstairs and search for her in the neighbor's bushes, maybe coax her out. But as it is, what could I do with her? She's too big to keep in a cat carrier until I could get her to the local shelter, like I did with little Jeri, the kitten I rescued five years ago.
I couldn't let this cat interact with mine. She may not have had her shots, or she might not get along with other cats. Reynaldo is a senior citizen and Connie has a compromised immune system, and their safety has to be my first priority.
According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats enter shelters every year. I can't save them all. I have to remember that.
But I keep seeing her. In my head, I keep seeing her.
