What a difference a day makes.

After just over 24 hours in captivity, the snarling Siamese was purring, rolling on it’s back so I could scratch its tummy, butting its head against my forehead and weaving through my legs. The breakthrough came after 30 minutes of me on a 3-legged stool in front of the crate, rambling nonstop (and some may say nonsensically, had they been around to witness) about the benefits of being in my tack room rather than in a convenience store parking lot.

Maybe it was the security of a warm crate, complete with personal litter box and a unlimited supply of fresh water and food. Maybe it was the serenity of my soothing voice and kind words. Or maybe it was a burning desire to stop my incessant prattle, but in any case, we turned the corner of trust.

And “she” turned out to be “he”.

His fate remained undecided right up until two hours before his appointment for surrender at the humane society. Surely, he would find a happy home at the shelter. But he trusted me, the crazy cat woman who spent an inordinate amount of time risking road rash and reputation on the Kwik Trip sidewalk. And he was warming to George, who claimed no particular attachment, yet named the little feline foundling within days of capture.

So 10 days after that trap door closed on the stray cat strut, he is at the vet’s office, being vaccinated, de-wormed and neutered. The ultimate trust-tester.

Meet Mocha, the newest animal addition to Four Sticks Farm.