The stubbed-tail, black cat appeared in the backyard nine months ago. She never stayed long, just slept for a short time on the sun-warmed bricks under the bird feeder. She disappeared for days at a time.

In July, she appeared daily. Feathers littered the ground under the bird feeder. I do not share the idea that “Squirrels are just rats with cuter outfits”, (Sarah Jessica Parker A.K.A. Carrie – Sex in the City- that season Carrie was dating Mr. Granola). I do know they can be destructive (e.g. chewing up plastic rainbird sprinkler heads), but I don’t wish them harm. When kitty caught and killed a gray squirrel, I chased her off and buried the squirrel. I know she is a predator, but knowing is not the same as witnessing.

She disappeared again, and then re-appeared in mid-August, accompanied by three small kittens. She brought them into the backyard under a gap in the fence. They were old enough to follow her on their own.

Of course, I fed them. I rationalized it might save some squirrels and birds if the cats weren’t so desperate for food. I searched the Internet for information on feral cat programs in the area. Unless I want a flock of felines living in my backyard, I will have to trap all four cats, have them neutered and then release them in my yard. Should be fun.

I’m careful to bring the cat food in at night. We are near a creek, so there are critters in the area. One night, I was a little late bringing in the food. I took out my trusty flashlight and surveyed the perimeter of the yard. Mom-cat was stretched out on her side on the lawn with one of the kittens (stub-tailed, multicolored, white paws and chest, incredibly cute) stretched out next to her. The two other kitten twins (short-haired, black, long tailed, also incredibly cute) wrestled about ten feet away. All was serene.

I flicked my flashlight beam toward the bird feeder about six feet away from the deck stairs, took one step and froze. Looking back at me was a very large, very fluffy, black and white critter with bright beady eyes.  Definitely not a cat. I slid quietly back through the sliding glass door. Through the back window, I checked the yard with the flashlight again. The cats were in the same position. Mom-cat looked at me and slowly closed and opened her eyes, looking as serene as ever. I know she was laughing at me. She and the kittens had made their peace with the skunk. I had not.

I have pictures. Not of the skunk. I may be a lollypop for feeding the cats, the flocks of birds and one-footed turkey that frequents our front yard, but I’m not silly enough to take a flash picture of a large skunk at close range.

Which leads me to wonder:

– Have you every had an encounter of the stinky kind? is it true that tomato juice does not work?

– Are you also a lollypop when it comes to stray cats, dogs and other critters?

– Have you had any experience with trapping cats? I may need your advice!

Well, got to go. Mom-cats tells me it’s breakfast time.