Preventing Violence

 Richard looks like someone tried to rip his face off, but the wound is healing well. He was torn from the top of his head down his nose, maybe from claws or teeth. 

 He allows me to approach a little closer every day.

Today, Thomas was out when Richard came to eat. As Rich arrived at the center of the cul de sac, Tom cut him off from the food. I watched to see if it would escalate, then poked a stick between them when it did.

 It worked for the moment. Richard is not looking for a fight and retreated to shelter of some bushes. I ushered Tom away, back to the area of the food. It was not over. Tom headed to the bushes and was deep enough in that the stick couldn't reach. I re-positioned to get Richard to move away and Tom attacked. He was silent and fast. No howl and no hesitation. I was there and poked the stick in as Tom got two swipes at Richard's face. Tom retreated. Richard moved away with no counter attack. I have never seen a cat cry, but Richard looked as sad as I've seen an expression; big eyes, hunched, and slowly opening and closing his mouth like sobs. I grabbed a bowl of food and brought it near him. As I walked away he approached then ate his fill. Thomas, Bobbie and Jeremy came towards him and watched. They observed from unobtrusive distance except for Jeremy who approached and laid down a few feet away. Richard ate his fill and left in peace. 

 Other news: 

Thomas went to the vet yesterday and was treated for his periodontal disease (3 shots and $85). He was easy to bring in the pet carrier with only slight resistance.

 

Little Kim looks like she needs to be brushed. I'll start working on allowing me to get closer to her. She will rub on my ankle as I put food out, but will startle and run if I touch her. 

 Callie and Sasha did not show for breakfast. It's two days with no sighting and that is unusual. They always arrive from the southwest and often at the same time. I'm watching for them now.