Cat Lives the High Life in Tree

Almond was born in a maple tree last summer and never left. Ron Venden of Belleville. Wisconsin, says he's never sen the cat leave the tree, and there are no paw prints on the ground when snow covers his yard. And Almond doesn't need to leave the tree, since his needs are catered to.

To Venden's knowledge, Almond has no other home outside his maple. The cat was born there in June, and while the mother and the other kittens left, Almond stuck around. Venden has been feeding it ever since.

So why does Almond stay?

"I think it's because I'm treating it too good," said Venden, who at least twice a day climbs a ladder about 12 feet up to check on and feed Almond. He's also made a protected straw bed for the cat in a hollow of the tree, set up a dry cat food feeder and provides daily deliveries of fresh food, which Wednesday morning included a bowl of salami, meatloaf and milk.

"I kind of enjoy it," Venden said of caring for Almond, although he admits: "The neighbors think I'm goofy."

Vendon was scratched trying to remove the cat at first, but Almond is gentle enough when left where he belongs. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/article_b9330ace-242a-11e0-94c6-001cc4c03286.html -via Fark