The Black Cat (Reposted on April 15, 2021)

This one was probably 45 or 50 years ago, when the kids were young. We all liked

cats and had several of them. Also, it seemed that when anyone dumped a cat in

the neighborhood it ended up at our house.

One day, this young, black tomcat showed up. He had a beautiful, shiny, black

coat and a sunny disposition as well. He seemed very smart and loved to be held

and petted. We took him in and thought that since we already had too many cats

we should try to find a home for him.

Over the next few days we all enjoyed having this guy around but discovered that

when it was time for a bowel movement he would always do his job in the

fireplace rather than the litter box. We kept our eyes open and if any of us

spotted him heading for the fireplace we would grab him and deposit in the litter

box. We tried for several days to teach him, but it just wasn’t working. That

settled it, and we decided there was no way we could keep him. He had to go.

Soon after, Pat was at work and one of the men said that his wife and kids were

bugging him to get a kitten. Pat says “We’ve got a beautiful young male, only a

few months old that was dropped off in our neighborhood. He’s got a beautiful

black coat and loves kids and loves lots of attention.” Her co-worker says “he

sounds perfect and I’d like to have him.” So, the next day, Pat takes the cat to

work and gives him to the guy. A few days later, she sees the guy and asks him

how the cat is doing. “Oh”, he says, “he’s such a beautiful cat and we all just love

him!” Then, he says, “There is one thing…” Pat tries to look cool and unknowing as

she asks “What would that be?” “Well”, says the guy, “we can’t keep him from

crapping in the fireplace!”

Dave Thomas

7/13/2014