The problem with taking in animals off the street is that they're unexpected and they aren't sure how to react to you.

Laura was trying to take the cat to the vet today, to get it checked out and whatnot. Since we weren't expecting a cat, we didn't have a carrier. Laura attempted to fashion one out of a soft cooler. She, considerately, left an inch of the zipper open so the cat could breathe. That inch was enough room for a paw to open the flap and take off into the early evening darkness.

Ultimately it's not the worst thing in the world. One night with a cat in the house was enough for both Laura and I to realize that we're allergic to cats. Surprising for me, since I've never been allergic to anything in my life. And we were nowhere near prepared to have a new member of the family.

However, one night was enough for me to realize that I really want a cat. I never thought I'd say that, and my grandfather is rolling over in his grave (He often said, "The only good cat is a drowned cat," I just say my family is more a dog-family). But it's the perfect condo-dwelling, grad school pet. Not too much fuss, and a whole furry ball of affection. (An aside, I never had real pets as a kid, my dad was allergic to everything. He was barely able to tolerate a bird, and for a while, a hamster) So I'd be willing to cope with allergies and have a cat, they make claratin for a reason. But I definitely want to have a plan of action before we try adopting a pet again.