Cats in the Garden: The Holiday Addition

Our afternoon temps were in the mid-sixties (F) this weekend, with skies bright and clear. What a perfect, late-autumn day. I planted tulips, raked leaves and swept the patio, happy to have the time outdoors One by one the cats joined me in the garden. They vie for my attention, while avoiding each others wrath.

Over the years I’ve had a few cats that got along, but mostly my feline companions merely tolerate each other. The current pecking order is as follows: Lindy is ten, and has lived here the longest. She mostly gets her way. Sadly, she’s been terrorizing Slinky, who backs down every time. I’m convinced that if Slinky “stood up to her” things would improve. Before Slinky, Lindy got along with all cats, including the visitors.

Lindy-Lu

Lindy-Lu, we love you

Lindy spies Slinky behind the trellis

Lindy spies Slinky behind the trellis

Top Cat

Top Cat

Beijing, once a stray, joined us three years ago. She’s an aging cat with arthritis and kidney troubles, but she behaves like a brute and takes no prisoners. She makes us laugh. Beige is always looking for a lap and will settle into one the moment anyone sits down. She’s in love with my husband, and I think she wonders where he goes all day.

Beijing

Beijing or ‘Beige’…cause she’s neither white nor orange

Slinky is young, semi-feral and just now spending most of her time indoors. It’s been a long process, with a few setbacks. She enjoyed the late afternoon in the garden as well, hiding from Lindy but keeping her eye on me. By evening she came indoors where she is enjoying her new digs.

Slinky takes a bath

Slinky takes a bath

Slinky Keeps Watch

Slinky Keeps Watch

I can’t begin to imagine a world without animals, nor my life without felines.  Their (mostly) serene presence soothes the soul.

 

12 thoughts on “Cats in the Garden: The Holiday Addition

  1. Great photos and descriptions of each cast. It would be very interesting to get to see the fluid social dynamics of the group as time goes on. It’s like a National Geographic show in your own backyard.

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  2. They are all such beauties! They look so happy when in the garden. It’s so nice to know slinky finally comes indoors. I know that was a long road, Cheers to you for never giving up ;0)

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    • Thank you, Sharon. She’s now completely reversed her time indoors vs out. She asks to go out back for a few hours in the evening, then comes right back to the back door. She’s all cozy under my desk, where she’s decided to make her indoor home.

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  3. Your post couldn’t have come at a better time Alys. We are both missing our little pussy cats so much. Thankfully our wonderful sitter is sending photo’s. Your kitties all have such cute faces. I like how Lindy is so perfectly two toned exactly across her nose and cheeks. I love Beijings sweet round face and pink nose, and of course Slinky because she looks just like my little Petals. I sure wouldn’t want to think of my life without a cat either. Thanks for the kitty fix, we’re off and running. Hope your day brings you joy 🙂 xoK

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    • Thank you! I’ll tell Lindy you said so. It’s funny how that heart stands out so beautifully on her snowy white chest.

      Some cats and dogs work out well and others don’t. Best to know ahead of time.

      Thanks for checking out all my recent posts (and commenting!!!) I really appreciate you.

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