Sunday, September 8, 2013

The Panther Trap

No, I haven't yet trapped Panther, the stray black cat
who visits our backyard almost every morning, usually at 5:45 a.m. and never later than 6:30 a.m., to tank up for the day.

I have made considerable progress trying to tame Panther during the past eight months. But trapping him eludes my grasp. He is far too feral and wily.

What concerns me even more is whether Panther has a body double. Cat Man has a theory that there are in fact two Panthers, sort of like the identical twins that Hayley Mills played in The Parent Trap. Who knows, maybe Panther, in a previous life, saw the 1961 film and was inspired. As usual, I am dating myself, although I like to think Panther purposely chose a Cat Lady of a certain age to initiate him into the ways of the domestic world.

So, why does Panther let me pet his head on some mornings, whereas he rebuffs me on other mornings? He loves me, he loves me not. And he hisses when he plays the Evil Twin. Lots of fireworks at the crack of dawn!

Still, I want to help get Panther off the streets of Houston and to find him a safe home. I came across a photo from Vogue, c. 1962, that might also inspire Panther to think seriously about committing to a future life of indoor bliss.