Afternoon Nap

Really, are any words needed?

Birman Cats

 

 

 

 

 

 

We share our home with two Birman cats.  The female has chocolate colouring and the male, lavender.  They are affectionate but each has a distinct personality, like people.  Our cats don't go outdoors ever.  The long hair requires brushing daily but these cats are worth the work.

What's in The Sink?

What’s in The Sink?

We love our cats, two Birman Cats and one Maine Coon Cat.  And they love us…so much so that they want to be wherever we are.  That’s not always convenient. 

They can’t come outside with us, because Birmans are scaredy cats and don’t run when they are frightened; they hunker down and make themselves small…not good, if something is chasing them.  The Maine Coon would chase something, even if...it was after him, but that’s not the point.  We don’t want them outside being exposed to ickiness that would require a visit to the Vet.  We don’t want them eating birds and bugs and other critters that are not good for them.  And, we love the birds too.  So the cats can’t go outside.

They can’t go to the basement, a dark and dusty place where all things off-season are stored, where cans of paint and oil lurk waiting to be spilled on furry coats, where harmful tools hang, lean and sit. 

Our cats are house cats.  They live within the confines of the main and the second floors.  They roam freely in those areas, their limited castle.

We find them in odd places.  They curl up and sleep by the back door, just inside the door so we can’t get in or out without moving them.  They climb the top of the cupboards and sleep in baskets that used to be market baskets, but are now cat baskets.  We find them on top of the dressers, under the comforters on the bed, inside any box or bag that’s been left unattended.  They’ll sleep in footwear belonging to guests or make themselves cozy in an open purse or suitcase.  They love to be near books, nestled in the bookcases or sleeping on top.  They're fond of trying to sleep on whatever I am reading, reaching paws around the edges to pull the book or paper down, to create a flat surface on which to rest.

They plant themselves on the chairs and couches in the living room, if we are there, or on either side of Gary on the sofa, if we are upstairs.  When I write or sit at the computer for long periods of time, they curl up on top of my feet on the floor, in order to be ready to go with me if I move.

It’s hard to be anywhere in the house without them piling on or coming near.  Yesterday when I had a shower, I forgot to shut the bathroom door tight.  When I finished my shower, Ollie was sitting on the edge of the sink watching.  As you can see, he hardly fits on the sink ledge.  And, the other two?  They were in the bathroom doorway, waiting to see what was happening next.

We love our cats.  And they love us.  That means togetherness, even in the bathroom.

And yes, I cleaned the sink, just like I’m constantly cleaning every place they can reach.  It’s a small price to pay for love and affection; though it would be great if there was less fur with all that love.

But then love isn’t always tidy and neat, is it?  It’s just love; love messy and wonderful…and often furry.


If you click on the words in red, you'll go to another site with additional information.  The photo is mine.

Winter Again

I opened the curtains this morning and it's winter again, or still.  Looks pretty but...

I think I'll stay inside and be cozy

with my cats.

Robins in the Mountain Ash

It is finally cold enough for the seed berries of the Mountain Ash to become sweetly full of fermented juice, ice wine for the birds.  The Robins are enjoying these, eating, singing and doing acrobatics on the branches.  Perhaps a little inebriated or just extremely happy?

A hearty Ring Neck Pheasant desiring to eat cracked corn, comes into our yard and chases the younger males and several small females away before he begins snacking.  He, who is largest, lunches first.

The cats are fascinated with this live show of robins, pheasants and ducks during their daily meal times.

Our cats are always kept indoors, so there is no danger to any birds from them.  Birdy TV is their favourite pastime; they love to watch, chattering away though the windows and to each other.

We are all lucky to have such an entertaining view!

All photos are mine.

Cats and Writing

Cats and Writing

It’s hard to work with a cat lying on top of my page wanting attention: chewing on the pen, grabbing at the moving pen-tip and wanting to play.

I move my page, he moves his head and paws and we start again.

He wants attention, so with my other hand I pat him, stroke his head and hear him purr contentedly.  Not contented enough to fall asleep, sleep that would allow me to write, at least…not yet.

At sixteen pounds, he is a large kitty, though still a kitten.  Maine Coon cats don’t reach their full mature size until they are three years old; he has two to go.  He is a delightful companion, as are our two Birmans, though all three are demanding and persistent.  They would be on top of me as well, except that they are currently napping elsewhere in the house.

I’ve put him down on the floor a dozen times.  There seems to be no way to keep him off my papers unless I lock him in another room.

He doesn’t get that I am “potentially” a famous writer at work.  He just wants to be loved and patted and cuddled.

Perhaps, he wants to teach me patience and calls me to wisdom and play.  He wants to have fun, coaxing me for attention, grabbing the pen away from me. 

When I give up and decide to photograph him atop my writing, he jumps down off the desk, seeming to know that, finally, I am ready to accept him sitting there.  He doesn’t co-operate with photos either. 

Another lesson for me?  About control, this time.

I’ll start writing again.  When I hit the next “creative roll,” he’ll sense it and be back.

All photos are mine of Oliver the Maine Coon Cat, who frequently assists with my writing.