"You could dislocate a tail."

via www.chicagotribune.com

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Add another yarn to Wrigley Field lore. Let it be known henceforth as the "cat-tail-grabbing incident" at the Friendly Confines.

Animal lovers are head-over-tails about a security guard’s treatment of an errant feline during Tuesday night’s Cubs-Reds game. Speculation is flying about the cat’s origin and ability to gain a front-row seat at Wrigley Field.

Cubs spokesman Peter Chase has an idea of how the cat made its way onto the field.

"The leading theory is that it came into the stadium through right field — the Sheffield entrance — then made its way up to the bleachers and on the field," he said.

After scurrying across the outfield in the fourth inning, the white, orange and black calico mix was finally captured by a Wrigley Field security guard who was stationed at the left-field bullpen. The security guard picked the cat up by the tail and handed it over to a towel-wielding security worker in the stands, inciting boos from the crowd.

The kitty left, but not before leaving considerable carnage in its wake. Multiple employees were bitten by the cat and needed treatment at Wrigley.

"We’re assuming they’re fine," said Chase. "Once we get results back about how that cat is, that’ll give us a little bit more information."

The cat was promptly transported to "a local veterinarian" where it will be examined to make sure it's disease-free, said Chase. The veterinarian asked the Cubs organization to maintain its privacy.

Grabbing a cat by its tail is "definitely not the best way to pick it up," said Dr. Eileen Murphy of West Wrigley Animal Hospital (which she assures the Sun-Times is certainly not where the cat was taken). "You could dislocate a tail."

Chase said the team does not currently have a protocol for dealing with streaking felines. But despite fans’ protests, Chase defends the guard’s actions.

"This one was certainly something you don’t come across every day," said Chase. "The security guard did his best in a unique and trying situation."