The first few times I saw Buster in the yard, I thought he would beat up Kitty, so I chased him off. Then one day, I looked out the window and saw her run up to him and give him a headbutt like they were old friends.  I begrudgingly started putting food out for Buster too. 

I named him Buster because his ear is ‘busted’ and he’s a big cat, so it fits him in two ways!  Buster wouldn’t stay in the yard if I was out there at first.  After a while, he would stay in the yard, but hide under a bush.  Over the winter, he started coming closer probably because if he didn’t get to the food quickly, it would freeze!

By Springtime, he started allowing me close enough to touch his back while he was eating.  But I did get smacked with his paw a few times, and he actually mouthed my hand once, but didn’t bite! I was much relieved!! In the middle of June, Kitty brought 4 kittens to the backyard and Buster became a fixture in my yard. 

Over the 4th of July holiday however, something happened and he went missing for two weeks.  I thought the worst, and was very happy when he showed up one day… but he was skin and bones!!  He stayed in the backyard regaining his strength and monitoring the kittens almost 24/7, until the kittens were about 5 months old. Now, 19 months later, Buster lets me pet him, but I still move carefully around him because I remember the scratches and the bite!