She gives him the name of a clinic, the doc-tor there will take care of everything necessary for half-price if he mentions the cat is a stray, but he’ll have to take care of everything at once, tests, shots, neutering. He agrees with her that strays should be neutered, otherwise they’ll just make more strays. And if he keeps him, neutering will ensure that he won’t spray indoors. She is an animal advocate, goes to demonstrations and rallies. Hates furs. Loves the vet.

“You’ll like him,” she says. “He’s different. Maybe even a little strange.”

“Well if he’s strange I’m sure to like him.”

“He’s very good. He cares about the animals and he expects you to ask questions. If you don’t ask questions he may not respect you. He’s there to educate. That’s so important. He’s not like other vets you run across, who act defensive if you ask questions.”

“That is unusual. I may call him. I’ll put up some fliers for the cat and if no one claims it I’ll call him.” Alex likes the idea of the cat. They make nice foot warmers. Maybe he won’t put up the sign. She tells him how impressed she is that he recognizes the need to have pets neutered to keep the stray population down. She praises his samaritanism. It’s as if he’s at a used cat dealership and she’s trying to sell him a lemon. He thanks her and heads back with his haul.

When Alex opens the door he sniffs, but can’t smell any urine.

“Looks like you’re in for the night, fella.”

“Meow.” The cat rubs his head against Alex and brushes his legs with his tail, marks him like a piece of furniture or a tree.

The way cats rub has meaning. A rub with the side of the head means property; the glands release a territorial scent. A rub with the top of the head is love. That’s how you can tell a neurotic cat. Too much affection means they’re too needy. A little is good. Cats are naturally cautious, so they may not rub you with the top of their heads right off, but you can rub them.

Flat out withdrawal or continued refusal by a cat for a touch between the ears means they’re either paranoid or just jerky. A jerk cat is no good to anyone but a jerk owner. Jerk cats misbehave when you turn your back, jump on the kitchen counter, shred the upholstery, piss in your plants, chew up important notes. They’re no better than gremlins.

Alex rubs the top of the cat’s head. No objec-tions. He picks him up and takes him into the bathroom and shuts the door. He fills the sink with warm water to bathe him. The cat won’t have it. Legs splay out over the sink. Claws scratch counter and legs scramble. Toothbrush lands in the tub. Deodorant, nail clippers and other assorted sundries splash into the sink. The cat wants out.

“Meow. Meow. Meowwww.”

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