MAD MAX BLACKFOOT
I first saw Max in 2004, sitting in the rain under an abandoned car. He was sitting with Silver, a pretty silver tabby that I had trapped, spayed, and released. She was dry, he was soaked. He was also famished. Because of his long hair, I didn't realize how very thin Max was. He only weighed 7 lbs., even after eating well for a week.
Besides his shots, Max got his name at the vet's office. When I came to pick him up, he was curled up in a lap. Unlike most of the cats that I have neutered and released, Max stayed close. He followed me around the neighborhood. One day, he almost got hit by a car while he was following me. I invited him inside, and he has taken to the security of indoor life. He goes outdoors with me, on a lease, but never wants to go far. Max adjusted quickly and happily to indoor life.
I had hoped that Shadow, my female cat, would welcome the companionship. Not quite. While she can be quite feisty, Max can hold his own. Actually, Mad Max can be truly ferocious. He was friendly and affectionate, but tended to show his affection with claws out. He reminds me of Puss-in-Boots in the Shrek movies: purring, with big soulful eyes, and slashing claws.
A few months afterwards, James, a big calm ex-library cat, came to live with us. When Max got too wild, James held him down and groomed him. Max loved him.
Max was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2011. He remained very active until his death on June 5, 2014. He was a wonderful companion and remains sorely missed.
Max and James
