Things had been going well. Very well. The blinking sessions had resumed. The neck scratches had resumed. The purring had resumed. Peace had returned to the corridor.
Meanwhile, my community cat activities had expanded. There are currently six community cats at a nearby block that I regularly visit. Not that I'm counting. Naturally, I carry supplies. Phone and Cat food plus treats. In that order. And the orange one knows this.
The moment he saw me coming, his tail all stood up in attention, eye wide open and ears at attention. Sometimes I think he was waiting for me. Other times, I am quite certain he was waiting for the treats. Honestly, either way, I was happy to see him.
One morning, I returned from feeding the community cats and saw something new on the window.
A sign. A large sign, big enough for everyone in the corridor to read:
"ASK US BEFORE YOU FEED OUR CAT."
I stopped. Looked at the sign. Then looked at the orange one, who looked so hopeful for treats. Then back at the sign. '
Immediately, my mind started working. Surely they don't suspect me, but deep down, I felt as if the sign was directed right at me. I know I'm guilty as charged, but surely I'm not the only one who has been feeding him. But there's a smiley face right after the message—meaning they aren't angry, are they?
I've been here since Day One. Why only now?
'But the treats are a recent development from my side. Before I only pat him and massage his paw, now i'm with treats. So it must be for me.
BUT …. I know plenty of people pass by this corridor every day. Any one of them could have seen a handsome orange cat sitting at the window and decided to offer him a snack. For all I know, I may simply be one supplier in a much larger operation.
Still... The sign got into my head. Was it mant for me? Was it not? Did they know? Did they not know?
The questions never stopped. I peep around the house. Still messy with luggage half open, these young couple never clean their house, I did not see any camera.
And the cat neck, only a tracker no camera.
Meanwhile, the orange one appeared completely unconcerned but he look confused because im not offering him any treats.
Nevertheless, the sign bothered me.
Then one afternoon, while my husband and I were heading out for lunch, he pointed towards the window, at the sign. And said: "See that notice? It's for you."
Initially I pretended that I did not see the sign. He pointed it to me. I nearly choked.
"How you know it's for me?" He looked at me. The sort of look that suggested he had been observing this entire situation for much longer than I realised. Then he said: "Now stop feeding this fella."
I protested. "But he likes the treats."
My husband shrugged, then gave what he clearly thought was a perfectly reasonable solution. "Do like what I do. When you see the cat, just wave and say hello."
Just wave and say hello to a cat?
Honestly, to me, that is one of the strangest things a person can do.
A cat person doesn't just wave and say hello. We stop. We greet properly. We ask about their day. We comment on how fluffy they look. We discuss neighbourhood affairs. We exchange views on life. When the cat meows. We reply. The conversation continues. Just wave and say hello? What kind of cold and distant relationship is that?
I looked at the orange one, the orange one looked at me with that pleading eyes Then gave one of his long dramatic: "MEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWWW!"
I know what that means. He’s asking “why no treats for me today?” I have to restrain myself and meowing back saying “I’m sorry my orange one. No treats anymore. I’m ban”
But still in this head the thoughts keep on asking if the sign was meant for me and perhaps it wasn't.
“okay.. okay tomorrow I will go and apologise”
Without hesitation, he replied "No need. Just stop feeding him. Walk past and say hello."
That was it. Problem solved. At least according to him. And honestly, he probably had a point.
The neighbour may not even know who has been feeding the orange one.
For all I know, I might not be the only supplier. This block gets plenty of visitors. Anybody could have seen a handsome orange cat sitting by the window and decided to offer him a snack.
So no apology was necessary. Just stop feeding him. Simple.
Then again... Stopping the feeding doesn't mean stopping the friendship. So now, when I walk past, I can still greet him.
"Hello there, orange boy." And act innocent, by saying "Waaaah... somebody's been feeding you ah?" Yeah... that's not good. Your madam probably spent good money buying you nice cat food. And now you're eating junk food from random people."
The orange one gave a short meow. I replied "Exactly. You're supposed to eat what she prepares for you." Another meow. A very long one.
"I know. I know. It's difficult being handsome."
And that's probably how things will continue. No more treats. No more kibbles. Just conversations. The orange one meowing. Me replying as though I understand every word. Neither of us knowing what the other is talking about.
Yet somehow both of us feeling that a meaningful discussion has taken place between neighbours.
October 2026
