I recently discovered an abandoned young male cat. At first I thought it was probably a new neighbor’s cat but as the days passed it was apparent to me this poor little guy was growing thinner and more confused and frightened as each day went by. I was calling my cat to come home when I heard a terrible mournful steady cry. I finally located the cat and here he sat perched on a fence post with a look of total despair and a broken spirit.

I talked softly to the cat which couldn’t have been more than four to six months old and finally coaxed him to come to me and upon picking him up I felt every bone in this young cat’s frame. He talked and talked like he was trying to convey to me his story but I can only guess.I immediately took him inside and fed and watered him. The cat food seemed to disappear with one gulp so I filled another bowl and put him into my bedroom with a makeshift litter box so I could keep him separate from my very territorial grown male cat. I called the WAIF Thrift store to see about adopting this cat out and was told to call the WAIF shelter at twelve o’clock. I made my call only to be told they only take county animals not city animals. It is a city ordinance I’m told and it was suggested that I call the city animal shelter. I had to do something soon as my cat was home and hissing and growling and spitting.

I decided I had to call animal control. When the officer arrived and saw the cat in my cat carrier he excitedly exclaimed “That’s a Russian Blue!” I thought this cat looked familiar as I had seen his breed in books and magazines.I made it very clear verbally and on paper that I did not want this beautiful cat put down and that I would try to find him a home. The officer said keep in touch they have a period of six days to be claimed by their owner and then they go up for adoption. I don’t know how long the adoption period is but I’m guessing it is not much longer than a few weeks if that.

This is my third rescue with abandoned cats here in Oak Harbor folks and there seems to be a problem here. WAIF does a wonderful job and I know it is fun to go and see the cats in a cheery atmosphere but let us not forget there are needy animals at the city shelter and if they are not adopted they are put down eventually.

My message is directed at both military and civilian: if you are not serious about the responsibilities of having a cat such as getting it fixed and taking it with you when you move please don’t put an animal through this. When we were in the Navy and got orders our cats went with us! I am willing to pay for the neutering and shots for this cat so someone please give this affectionate and social little guy a home.You can reach the shelter after 3 p.m. Their number is 279-0829. By my estimation he has a grace period of about two weeks.The shelter has my name and number.Thank you.

Michael Gartner

Oak Harbor