Wyatt Earp Moss

Mary Ann Moss

May 8

Going through the photo rolls. Watching old cat posse videos. Drawing and painting birds. Scrolling through Petfinder.

My dear ones have gone. They are missed. I am here in the quiet space that has been left.

If my next kitty is white, they will live a life indoors. Like me, you may not be aware of the high risk of skin cancer in white cats. I didn't, until Wyatt's first cancer growth on the top of his head. Then came more on his ears and eye lids. Just like humans a lifetime of unprotected sun exposure can wreak havoc on a cat's health.

Even if my next gentleman cat is not white, they will probably live an indoor life. As I've aged, my thoughts have changed on the benefits of outdoor living. It started to change 11 years ago when Buck Moss was killed by 2 dogs on the loose, but by that time Wyatt & Corky weren't having it. They'd spent the first 6-7 years going in and out the cat door all day long. I didn't have the heart or resolve required to keep them inside.

I see coyotes frequently in the lane next to Moss Cottage.

So I'm entertaining ideas of catios, harness training for excursions in the garden, and other such thoughts.

I just know that as I age I'm reluctant to take chances with my cat companions. Especially, if I adopt rescues that have lived a life indoors. It will make it easier for me to holdfast to my commitment to keep future cat posses inside.

My future self is going to enjoy reading her old captain's logs.

And looking at the pictures.

Wyatt was a frequent wearer of cat collars! Even though he was neutered in kittenhood, he was a force to be reckoned with in the battlegrounds of the great outdoors. At least for the first 15 years of his long life.

But as he aged, Corky took over the patrolling and safeguarding of the perimeter.

I buried my face in that furry belly every day for 18 years.

Dear feline beasts. Full of love and affection to the very end.

Naturally, I'll keep you posted on all upcoming adoptions. This is the first time since 1991 I've been without a cat posse.

I don't think I'm cut out for a life without cat companions. And somewhere out there is a cat who needs a mother. I'll find him.

With all the zillions of strays and fosters you'd think it'd be easy to scoop up a new buddy. Nope. So far it's been more elusive than I thought, but I'm okay with that. I've needed the time.