A Midnight Encounter: Almost Bringing Home a New Feline Friend

 I've always had a soft spot for animals. If it were up to me, every stray or lost creature would find its way to my home, where they’d be showered with love, food, and a cozy place to sleep. So, when I spotted a sleek black cat on the side of the road late one night, my heart instantly ached with the desire to bring him home.

It was 10 PM, pitch dark, as I turned onto the road leading to my rural house. There, in the dim glow of my headlights, was a well-fed, young black cat, just sitting there as if contemplating life. He seemed compliant enough, simply lounging by the roadside, but my immediate concern was the danger of him being hit by a car. The rural roads can be treacherous at night, especially for small animals.

I pulled over and got out of the car, hoping to coax him into my arms and, ultimately, into my life. He was a juvenile, maybe just a few months old, and appeared to be a male. My mind raced with the possibilities—he’d be a great mouser, a new friend for my two-year-old, and perhaps even an unexpected companion for Pewdie, my 10-year-old cat. But then reality hit. Pewdie had only recently adjusted to being the sole feline in the house after transitioning to an outdoor lifestyle. Introducing a new, unneutered cat could cause chaos. Plus, I had to consider the cost of neutering and the time it would take for everyone to adjust.

Still, I really wanted to take this cat home. My two-year-old loves animals, especially cats, and it seemed like the perfect addition to our little family. But then I thought of my husband—he would likely share Pewdie's sentiment about not being thrilled at the prospect of another pet, especially one we hadn't planned for.

I knelt down and called out to the cat, hoping he’d come to me. He sniffed at my hand but kept his distance. Twice I tried to lure him closer, but both times he darted away, though with a curious glance back each time. I couldn’t help but think that if this cat were meant to be mine, he would have rubbed against my legs or shown more interest in me or my car. But he didn’t. He seemed content with his freedom, perhaps belonging to a nearby barn or a family who fed him regularly. Someone would surely miss him if I took him.

So, with a heavy heart, I told him to go home, stay warm, and stay safe. As I drove away, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of him continuing his night-time adventures, perhaps thinking of me as just another curious human who crossed his path.