"Blackcat" had survived in a heavily forested area of the Pacific Northwest for some years, according to local residents who had noticed him occasionally venturing out into a clearing to bask in some rare rays of sunshine. He would flee if anyone approached, and it was obvious that he had never known the touch of a human hand, or even been close enough to know human voices. Coyotes lay in wait for him, and as he grew older the time would come when he would not be able to move fast enough to escape, destined to become part of the food chain. Cat lovers everywhere likely know of feral cats in their neighborhood but sadly, most people don't know how to deal with the problem. And no, even a formerly homeless kitty does not have to be subjected to the inhumane practice of "declawing." With a little training, (using a plant misting bottle of water if they attempt to scratch furniture, etc.), together with a good scratching post such as the cardboard, "alpine" type, cats soon learn where to scratch and what places to avoid. This kitty autobiography was written partly to chronicle the life of a little homeless cat who was lucky enough to become a special member of a human family, but also to carry some important messages that need to reach pet lovers everywhere. According to HSUS, approximately four million cats and dogs are euthanized annually in the United States. About one every eight seconds. Spaying/Neutering is essential if every domestic animal is to have a home. Secondly, we should be adopting our pets from shelters rather than breeders to try to reduce overpopulation. Thirdly, there is a world-wide misconception about "feral" cats - they are not necessarily "wild", and as in the case of "Blackcat", these kitties are only a generation away from the lap kitty who has always known human contact. In many cases, with loving patience they can be "turned," only to become amazing pets. Where "Blackcat's" autobiography is donated to shelters, total costs of production will be borne by the author - in other cases, royalties will be donated to animal charities.