One of my ex-roommates (college days) was in town, and so we walked
around the neighbourhood, including the old street. We were standing
there commenting on how the building hasn't changed, etc., when a big,
bushy-tailed, thick-haired tortoiseshell strolled up to me. I couldn't
resist picking her up. Fortunately, she proved to be very friendly. I
fussed over her for as long as I thought my guest would tolerate it,
then set her down. She spent the next five minutes rubbing my legs until
I picked her up again.

A few minutes after I set her down again, a noise must have spooked her
because she went flying down the sidewalk and up a tree, where I could
see she was fully clawed -- bark was flying. :) I told her to come down,
and she looked at me and did. Awww.

I want that cat. :(

(She was plump and collared and identified, so I probably couldn't have
gotten away with walking off with her, plus Hodge might have protested.
I don't suppose they'd consider a trade? . . . :)