We have four cats and they all have distinct personalities. Goldie is the mean one. She is a gray tabby that has no tail (almost 10 years old). Alice is the princess. She looks like a big fluffy white, gray, black and brown puffball-- with blue eyes (almost 6 years old). Nibby is the wanderer. He is a scrawny orange tabby (2 years old), and Stan is the dumb, lovable one. He is a gray and black tabby with white on his face, a white bib and white paws (9 months old). They get into little arguments sometimes. It was kind of nice to put all of those personalities outside to eat! They have always been indoor and outdoor cats anyway.
So imagine my surprise when I walked out one night and there was a big fat orange and white cat eating the cat food. I don't have a big fat orange and white cat! He looked at me and ran off! OK. I go out there another day and there's a gray tabby with a tail looking at me! Ummmm,....why am I feeding all of the neighborhood cats? These cats did not look like strays. These are other people's pets and I AM FEEDING THEM! No way. Still, I like the ease of leaving their food out there. And as long as they are outside, these other cats don't seem to come around. There haven't been any cat fights. Another day, I see a black cat. I've seen him around before, though. I guess he is probably snacking on my cat's food too.
The final straw came when I was in my house one evening and I heard a cat meowing. I look around surprised because it sounds like it is coming from outside and my cats are snoozing inside. Plus, honestly, you know your cat's voice and this meow sounded different. Sure enough, I go outside and Mr. Fat Orange and White Cat was begging for more food. He ran from me, though. I figured it was time to quit feeding my babies outside. I didn't mention that I buy the pricier, grain-free cat food because Goldie was having digestion issues. Yeah. Premium stuff.
So feeding other cats wasn't smart. Yes, I know. Not only did it cost me money, but it got a lot of unwanted company. And truly, I was lucky that I hadn't attracted raccoons yet.
(This was written by my daughter, Karen.)
