For Sticky, a happy tale of the tape

She was thrown into a trash bag and tossed away like garbage.

But now, everybody wants to adopt the cat who last week was found wrapped in duct tape, except for her head and paws.

Her highly publicized trauma, which included her being sedated while a medical team removed the tape, made national headlines and resulted in more than 100 people requesting to adopt the slightly furry feline. Some even claimed to be the kitty's owner.

But a North Philadelphia man, James Davis, apparently didn't want anything to do with Sticky, so named by nurses and doctors at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Davis, 19, of 22nd Street near Edgeley, was arrested Saturday night and charged with animal cruelty and possession of an instrument of crime (the duct tape).

The misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty may also include a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, according to a statement from the PSPCA.

The agency received a phone tip and, if Davis is convicted, the anonymous caller will receive a $2,000 reward.

Davis was seen outside his home yesterday but did not talk with reporters. He got into a car and left with another young man.

When asked by police for an explanation, Davis was at a loss, said George Bengal, a Humane Society police officer.

"He couldn't come up with a reason," said Bengal, an officer for 18 years. Davis "was very remorseful for doing it, [but] he couldn't tell us why he did what he did."

Davis saw Sticky walking outside his house and "didn't want the cat in the yard and decided to do this," Bengal said. Davis then headed straight to the basement "to retrieve the tape and went outside for the cat."

It turns out that Sticky is "an extremely sweet cat," which unfortunately may have been a contributing factor in Davis' alleged deed, Bengal said.

"That's why he was able to tape the cat, because she's so docile," he said.

Once Sticky was enveloped in duct tape, Davis left her in his yard, Bengal said.

But her cries annoyed Davis, who promptly placed the cat in a trash bag and "tossed it into a neighbor's yard," he said.

At least 12 hours passed until the neighbor heard Sticky's meowing and called the PSPCA hot l ine.

She is doing "very well," Bengal said. As for her future, "I think Sticky will find a good home and live the rest of her life without duct tape."