In the world of animal lovers, some stories are truly remarkable. The saga of the great white hunter, as Rick calls him, starts off like most tales of cats that show up in unexpected places. The white feline was not an unfamiliar sight in Rick’s property. After all, his outdoor cat, Mr. Klaatu, shared the same territory as the new visitor. However, this time around, Rick noticed something different about the white cat at Klaatu’s feeding station. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a new cat, and proceeded to chase him away – only to have him come back for more.
Despite their initial conflict, Rick and the cat eventually discovered a way to coexist. They set up a second feeding station on the deck, and the cat made himself right at home in a chair outside their front door. From there, Rick got to see him in all his glory – a young, confident feline who promptly climbed all over him. The new cat was clearly not afraid of humans, which made Rick wonder whether he might have come from a previous home before ending up in their property.
However, there was one problem: the cat had not been neutered. The animal lovers knew that they needed to get him fixed, but they didn’t want to traumatize him by putting him in a carrier. Instead, they set a trap with food, and watched as their own cat, Klaatu, deftly evaded the trap. When the white cat finally entered the cage, his expression was nothing short of priceless. Rick and his wife were amused by the cat’s antics, but the feline himself was not impressed. Nonetheless, he underwent the procedure and emerged none the worse for wear – except, of course, for his lack of reproductive organs.
Despite having lived outside his whole life, the great white hunter was far from your typical feral cat. He was extremely sociable, and had no qualms about spending time with Rick and his family. In fact, he seemed to revel in his relationships with other animals, including Hope and Marcus, two kittens Rick and his wife had fostered. The three cats became fast friends, earning the nickname “the three twins.”
But perhaps the most remarkable thing about the great white hunter was his utter zest for life. Rick notes that he had never seen an animal so joyful and enthusiastic about every aspect of his existence. The cat loved to play, to explore, and to hunt. He behaved as if he had never been deprived of anything, as if his life outside had been filled with nothing but good fortune.
It’s no surprise, then, that when Rick’s wife finally decided to bring the cat inside (after several vet trips to treat injuries from outdoor fights), he didn’t take it well. Despite having a new, warm home with other cats to play with, the great white hunter sometimes looked wistfully out the door. Rick worried that he had taken away the cat’s freedom, even if it meant sparing him the harsh realities of outdoor living.
Throughout it all, though, the great white hunter remained a beloved member of Rick’s family. The little brush Rick bought for him became a cherished item, and the cat always sought out Rick when he was working in the garden. He was a faithful companion, a loyal friend, and a source of endless joy.
Looking back on his time with the great white hunter, Rick reflects that he’ll never forget the incredible spirit of the little cat who captured his heart. His story serves as a reminder that animals, just like humans, have unique personalities and deserve kindness and love. It’s a lesson that Rick and his family learned through their experiences – and one that they will never forget.
