A Cat Named Lightning

A Cat Named Lightning

Many years ago our aged cat passed away after 22 years and we couldn't find a replacement because she was really part of the family after all that time. Our house is bordered on three sides by nature reserve so we have many wild animal visitors and some domestics. One such domestic visitor was a golden yellow cat that liked to hang around in the garage why was trying to woodworking. I got the biggest kick out of it when she would jump in the air and snatch bugs in mid-flight and of course she would eat them. I realized she must be hungry so I began feeding her and she and I became close friends she was my company while I was doing woodworking. The noise of the machines didn't seem to bother her; she would find a comfortable place and go to sleep. She would stay in the garage for hours as I worked I had trouble getting her leave when I was done but I couldn't leave her locked in the garage. It took some time but she drew on my wife also. Because of her reflexes I used to say she was quick as lightning so I named her Lightning. Now I'm talking to people and I say, “Here comes Lightning” they think it's raining outside. She's an outdoor cat and she's very independent but very affectionate. We've tried on numerous occasions to bring her in the house but she feels more comfortable outside. So when I take our dog (Molly) for a walk she (Lightning) goes for a walk also. She likes to run and play and hide behind trees and tease Molly, kind of like hide and go seek, and when Molly gets close she darts out and starts again. Molly was raised with a cat as a best friend so now her and Lightening at like sisters.
Lightning's favorite hangout seems to be my garage roof where she can keep an eye on everything especially me entering and leaving the house. Each and every time I leave the door she comes by to make sure to get fed, and then she's off for a new adventure. But she'll be back in time for dinner. During the winter when it's cold she climbs on the house roof and parks herself near the steel chimney, even when it's very cold out she will not come in the house. We get concerned about her so we feet are warmed moist cat food to help her fend off the cold.
Now that the weather has warmed up she's back up her old tricks following me and Molly as we go for walks and just hanging out on the porch letting me know its dinnertime every time I open and close the door. A friend once said, “Stray cats choose their owners not the other way around.” Lightning chose us and we've enjoyed her company for many years, you just never know what she's going to do next.