Star |
I have decided not to get another pet after Nimbus dies...which will be the first time since I was two that I will have not pets. I wonder if another kitty has different plans, though.
A couple of weeks after we returned from England I saw a grey and white cat sitting by the bird feeder. Hmmmm....smart cat, I thought...but I really did not want to be party to luring prey for it by feeding the birds. My solution, of course, feed the kitty. I took a bowl of Nimbus's hard food (she had snubbed it and would not care) and set it by the garage. The cat disappeared as soon as I opened the back door. I kept watch to see if the cat would return...and of course, it came a couple of hours later and chowed down the food leaving an empty bowl.
Monk eating some food |
Things seemed to be going along fine. The birds would visit the feeders and bathe in the bird baths and fly into the trees when the cat appeared for her meal. I decided this kitty was a female only because it seems most feral cats are and often brings litters of kittens with them. My goal was to catch her, take her to the vet for shots and spaying, and then release her. So far I have not been able to get near this kitty and I don't want to try to trap her when the weather is so cold.
When we began having below zero days, Ray made a place for her in the shed. We also got a heated house for her and heated bird bath so there would be water for her (and the birds) during these cold days.
Heated house for Monk and the grackles |
Monk drinking water from heated birdbath |
Grackles getting into the heated house.
Of course, the kitty does not know her name...and she might even be a he...and she might even belong to a neighbor...but I don't think so...she has not trust for humans. Maybe she will begin to trust me...but if not...I will be satisfied with watching her from my kitchen window.
Instead of a bird feeder, you've set up a cat feeder! I hope Monk realizes how good he/she has it and decides to take you in!
ReplyDeleteCute cat! I hope I will get to see him/her the next time I'm in town!
ReplyDeleteStar could have been a twin for my Molly. I know that after Ben died of cancer we said we would not get another cat - we still had two. But then Ned came into our lives. Monk is one lucky cat and she/he knows it.
ReplyDeleteWe keep saying we WILL NOT get another pet, and then we do...this is a very cute kitty, though - certainly very entertaining to watch!
ReplyDeleteWhat a soft and caring heart you and Ray have. Heated homes for the stray animals, too kind! It breaks my heart to see animals out in the chilly snow. I hope you win this kitty over. Your pictures make me miss my cats.
ReplyDeleteI would say it's a safe bet that another kitty has found you. :) I did not know you could buy heated homes for pets. I have a feeling that Monk is here to stay.
ReplyDeleteJulie
www.raisingreadersandwriters.com
The minute you decided no more pets, it appears that the cat gods have different plans for you. I can't see any reason why Monk wouldn't want you to be her new Mommy, she's already nice and spoiled. It is so nice to see someone taking care of something less fortunate. I hope the weather gets better for her soon.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! As soon as I saw that you named her, I knew you were in - hook, line and sinker! You probably remember my brother Tony - he 'raised' several feral cats. Just like you, he has a big heart for those little ones. Thanks for a great post!
ReplyDeleteSuch long lived cats - as I read on I could see why. Your care for them is remarkable. I hope Monk gets to stay for the long term. Lucky girl (or guy).
ReplyDelete