What to Do With Ivy?

Rain is coming to Los Angeles. We're hearing four storms, back-to-back.



And for those of us in the foothills that were so devastatingly burned by the Station Fire last August/September, this could mean mudslides, flash flooding--and evacuation.

But as I've raced about these past couple of days, trying to make contigency plans for my family and pets, what comes to mind once again is: What to do with Ivy?

Ivy is the feral cat who lives in our yard. She showed up about two summers ago to sneak in our cat door and eat the remains of our cats' meals. She's a pretty, long-haired cat (okay, kind of mangy, but she could be pretty) and some neighbors think she was abandonded by a family whose house was repossessed. Some think she was born feral. Some think SHE is a HE. We may never know because she won't let any humans near her. Not even me...the cat whisperer who feeds her twice a day!

Here is a rare photo of Ivy, and while I realize she looks like she only has one functioning eye, I promise, her eyes are just fine. And this was as close as we could get with the camera before she took off...


I always feel so badly for her when it's cold. And especially when it rains. Her feral instincts prevent her from seeking shelter or trying anything "new." What I have finally decided is to try an open tent: a tarp over a piece of patio furniture, loosely covering an elevated box, a blanket and a lot of dry food. And hope for the best!

And then I wonder if I'm trying too hard. She's essentially a wild animal. And it's not like I'm making shelters for the squirrels and birds, too!

Anyway, as much as I normally love rain, these storms sound intense. Wish us the best and I'll give you an update on how we did--and how Ivy fared--next Monday!

Tina

Tina Ferraro
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