Saving Bella

        When should a pet owner begin worrying about their cat that either can not or will not climb down from a lofty perch?  In this case I believe the actions of the cat in question are quite deliberate.  I have read numerous articles stating that a stuck cat will eventually come back down.  Word must not be out in the cat community since Bella shows no interest in any kind of action other than being rescued.  Bella has taken a liking to the old unoccupied house across the lane from us.  The second floor in particular is her favorite place.  The house has been empty for over forty years.  This past spring it changed ownership.  The new owner began renovating it but after several months seems to have abandoned the project.  This house has been stripped bare and is little more than a shell.  The inside is gutted with only portions of the second floor intact.  Stairs are no longer in existence.  Previously the house had siding, windows and an interior.  We believe it to be a hazard but the City Building Inspector begs to differ.  They did require no trespassing signs to be posted.  Silly Bella has never bothered to take up the reading habit.  It is unclear to us how she climbs to the second floor but every few weeks she makes the trek. When we leave our house she will plead to us, from her perch, to come save her.  Each time it becomes a contest of wills.  We beg, plead and have tried bribing but she remains stoic.  We strongly suspect that she creeps down to fortify herself then creeps back up to proclaim a cat rescue is indeed still warranted.  Attention seeking is a distinct possibility.  Inevitably my husband will drag out the ladder and proceed with the rescue mission.  This is a big feat for him.  Cats creep him out but he wears the cape of “cat rescuer” well.  Frankly shaky aluminum ladders creep me out.  There is a higher chance of us seeing that house completely renovated then to see me don the rescue cape. Today marks day three of the newest “Save me” episode.  Bets are on to see how long before the ladder is put to service once again!