i L i n d . n e t

By popular request–at least two people have asked–here is an update on yesterday’s early morning rat.

A photo can say a lot. So check out this photo, then scroll down for information on the important things to notice.

Notice:

1) Gray cat waiting patiently. That’s Ms. Wally. Not exactly a portrait of the hunter at high alert. But looks can be deceiving.

2) Object on far right swathed in plastic. That’s our television protected by its manufacturer’s original issue plastic packing bag, now doing duty as official cat pee protector while said television is not in use.

We have lost several televisions to the infamous “piss of death”. Now vulnerable electronics sport defensive covers.

3) On upper left, notice that the heavy sliding glass door to the deck is in an open position. Unfortunately, it was closed about an hour ago when large rat made a break from behind or under the television stand. Rats are apparently not innately aware of glass doors, as this rat made a direct run for the door and then jumped for freedom. Unfortunately, the glass door was closed, rat fell with a thud, and barely made it back under the television stand ahead of Ms. Wallly, who was startled from a light sleep and still made it across the room in near record time.

Wally vigiled there for quite a while before finally getting bored and climbing into my lap as I write. I am leaving the door open for the rest of the day, hoping that rat makes another run for it while other cats are absent or loafing.

Update: 3:05 p.m. Friday. After several hours, the rat emerged out from under the television, climbed up the plastic cover to the top, then jumped and took cover behind stacks of CDs on a shelf behind the television. I trapped it with a few additional CDs stacked on top, then tried to figure out how to get it out. I finally got a big towel and slowly removed  CDs one at a time until I could get a grip on its tail, then its body. Once I had a good hold, I pulled it out, took it down the stairs into the yard, and let it go. Last seen, it was running towards the big four acres next door that’s just wild territory.

Whew. At least it’s not going to be in an unknown location in the house for another night.

Saga over.

This is Ms. Wally with her mysterious/menacing look.

Just click on her picture for a more of our Friday cats.