A neighborhood stray cat has reportedly finalized its seasonal housing arrangements by taking up full-time residence inside a crumbling six-inch depression in the middle of Elm Street. Residents confirmed Tuesday that the large orange tabby has successfully claimed the asphalt crater, aggressively defending the pothole against passing sedans and municipal street sweepers alike.
The feline, known locally as Meatball, was observed wedged tightly into the irregular concavity, appearing highly satisfied with the residual heat radiating from the surrounding municipal blacktop. Witnesses noted that the location offers excellent proximity to a discarded Wendy's bag and features natural drainage during light afternoon showers, marking a significant upgrade from the animal's spring accommodations beneath a rusted 2006 Nissan Altima.
Morning commuters have already been forced to alter their daily driving routes after the cat repeatedly refused to yield to a FedEx delivery truck, instead flattening his ears and swatting at the vehicle's front left tire. In response, the local neighborhood association has reportedly abandoned its three-year campaign to get the city public works department to fill the crater, citing the tabby's evident appreciation for the decaying infrastructure.
Most urban felines seek out shade or elevated perches, but this animal has astutely recognized the tactical advantage of a heavily trafficked structural defect.
By late Tuesday afternoon, Meatball was seen expanding his real estate portfolio, resting his chin on a loose chunk of gravel while carefully evaluating a nearby unfinished utility trench as a potential winter home.